THE DISEASES OF CATTLE. 209 



things has existed for some time past, we may safely infer that 

 a stone exists in the bladder. 



BLACK WATER. 



A discharge from the urethral outlet, of fluid quite black in 

 color, very frequently indicates a grave form of disease existing 

 in the liver ; should black colored matter be detected in the urine, 

 the probabilities are that the animal will die ; for the disease 

 which gives rise to the abnormal discharge is probably organic. 



In some cases black water is occasioned by engorgement of 

 the liver, spleen, or kidneys, and when an animal dies of these 

 engorgments, we find the capillary veins much distended ; and 

 these engorgments frequently occur also in many of the dis- 

 eases of an epizootic or malignant character. Such condition 

 or congestion, is owing to a loss of equilibrium in the circula- 

 tion ; the arteries are very impressible to excitation, and hold 

 out their physiological actions the longest; the veins being 

 more distensible than arteries, the blood is forced into the ve- 

 nous radicles faster than they can absorb it ; hence the free 

 egress of blood is retarded ; the result is, an accumulation of 

 blood distending the organs or veins, producing engorgements 

 and a darkened color of the blood and tissues. The blood 

 assumes a darkened color partly from delay, and partly from 

 deficient pulmonary absorption and aeration. The causes of 

 these local congestions are not always to be determined, yet they 

 almost always receive their chief force from a morbid habit 

 pervading the general system, at least this is the case when no 

 local disease exists to account for them. 



Treatment of Black Water. — The principal object in the 

 treatment of black water, is to equalize the circulation and 

 decarbonize the blood; diffusible stimulants and nauseants, 

 fulfil the first indication, and ammonia the latter ; therefore I 

 use the following : — 



Fluid Extract of Ginger, 1 ounce. , 



" " Bloodroot, 4 drachms. 



Water, 1 quart. 



Spirits of Ammonia, 1 ounc«. 



18* 



