THE DISEASES OF CATTLE. 41 



same circumstances, cattle do so as readily as in health. They 

 do not however, lie upon their side, but couch upon the 

 sternum, which is broad and flat, and covered by a quantity of 

 fibro-cellular substance, which serves as a cushion ; while the 

 articulation between the lower extremities of the ribs admits 

 of lateral expansion of the chest. In this position cattle 

 generally lie towards thft side principally affected, thus reliev- 

 ing the sounder side, and enabling it to act more freely. There 

 is sometimes a shivering and general tremor, which may exist 

 throughout the whole course of the disease. (This is owing io 

 a loss of equilibrum between the nerves of nutrition and the 

 circulation.) ... As the case advances in severity, 

 and runs on to an unfavorable termination, the pulse loses its 

 strength and becomes quicker. Respiration is in most cases 

 attended by a grunt at the commencement of expiration — a 

 symptom, however, not observable in the horse. The expired 

 air is cold, and of a noisome odor. The animal crouches. 

 There is sometimes an apparent knuckling over at the fetlocks, 

 caused by pain in the joints. This symptom is mostly observ- 

 able in cases when the pleura and pericardium are affected. 

 The animal grinds its teeth. The appetite has now entirely 

 failed, and the emaciation becomes extreme. The muscles, 

 especially those employed in respiration, become wasted ; the 

 belly is tucked, and the flanks heave ; the oppressive uneasiness 

 is excessive; the strength fails, under the convulsive efforts 

 attendant upon respiration, and the poor animal dies. 



" In using means to prevent the occurrence of the disease, 

 we should endeavor to maintain in a sound and healthy tone 

 the physical powers of the stock, and to avoid whatever tends 

 to depress the vital force. Exposure to the influence of con- 

 tagion (and infection) must be guarded against, and, on the 

 appearance of the disease, every precaution must be used to 

 prevent the healthy having communication with the sick. By 

 a steady pursuance, on the part of the stock proprietor, of these 

 precautionary measures, and by the exercise of care, prudence, 

 and attention, the virulence of the disease will, we are sure, be 

 much abated, and its progress checked." 

 4* 



