Milk Fever in Cows. 331 



Treatment. — If the symptoms do not indicate very decided 

 exhaustion, and the case is seen early, from three to five 

 quarts of blood should be taken from a free opening in the 

 jugular vein. If as the blood flows, the pulse is felt to grow 

 fuller and stronger, and there are signs of relief to the head, 

 it is certain that the loss of the blood is a benefit. 



AYhere, however, the pulse is weak and thready, and the 

 exhaustion is already great, bleeding is not called for. On 

 the contrary, a stimulant is what is required. This may be 

 whisky, or — 



As there is so often paralysis of the muscles of the gullet, 

 so that the animal cannot swallow, it is by no means easy to 

 give a drench. Sometimes a ball does better, as it can be 

 well oiled and pushed far back in the gullet, and will dis~ 

 solve and descend by its own weight. 



In all cases, if an active purge can be administered, it 

 will be an advantage, as — 



No. 375. Sulphate of magnesia, ^ to 1 lb. 



Croton oil, 20 to 30 drops. 



Give in a quart of water. 



If the difficulty of giving by the mouth is very great, in- 

 jections of soap and warm water should be repeatedly thrown 

 into the rectum. 



The swelling of the bowels, which is apt to be very pain- 

 ful, can be lessened by carbonate of ammonia given as a 

 ball ; or that failing, the rumen should be punctured by a 

 trocar, and the gas allowed to escape. 



When the horns and head are hot, or when the stupor is 

 marked, pouring cold water on the head from a height of 

 five or six feet, and continuing several minutes (ten or fif- 



