THE DISEASES OF CATTLE. 355 



give three drachms of tincture of matico, every four hours, 

 until the patient showed some signs of improvement. 



SPRAINS, OR STRAINS. 



Sprains, or strains, are generally occasioned by unnatural 

 distention of parts, or rupture of cellular structure, which con- 

 nects muscles or tendons. They are generally accompanied by 

 heat, tenderness, and lameness. Working oxen are more liable 

 to sprain than cows, because, when used in the yoke for draught, 

 they are as liable to strain or rupture parts as horses, by sud- 

 den exertions, or violent efforts of the muscles to guard against 

 a sudden slip and fall. The slightest strain will sometimes 

 occasion lameness, because the parts concerned are composed 

 of minute fibres and cells, delicately organized ; and a portion 

 or the whole of such minute tissues are easily injured. In 

 bad cases of strain, considerable tumefaction or swelling is 

 observed. This is occasioned by the presence of serum, or 

 water, in the cellular tissue beneath the skin. If proper 

 means are adopted, this fluid can be taken up by the absorbent 

 vessels, so as to leave no enlargement ; but if the case be badly 

 treated, the enlargement becomes organized into a permanent, 

 hard mass, which is known to medical men as induration. 



Treatment of Strain. — The very best and cheapest remedies 

 in the early stages of strain are rest and cold water. This 

 very soon lessens the vascular excitement ; and, if there is no 

 laceration, the animal will soon get well. It will be necessary 

 to shower the sprained spot two or three times per day, until 

 the acute symptoms hate subsided. Then a common bandage 

 may be applied. This should be wet with vinegar occasionally. 

 Should the strained part be very painful, I would foment with 

 infusion of- hops, — a handful of hops to a quart of boiling 

 water, — to be applied when cool. If this does not relieve the 

 pain, let the part be occasionally sponged with a small quantity 

 of sulphuric ether, or chloroform. 



