84 TIIEBLOOD,&C. 



ence of the atmosphere may have materially modified the character 

 of the disease after it had been produced. 



In examining cattle that die of this complaint the affected part or 

 parts are found mortified, and emit a peculiar cadaverous smell; and 

 there is a glutinous or blood}' ichorous fluid of a very offensive smell 

 between the skin and flesh. In two instances I found the membranes 

 of the brain mortified, being here and there of a livid colour, and 

 easil}'^ torn. 



This disease rarely admits of cure, but fortunately it may in general 

 be prevented. If the malady is discovered as soon as it makes its 

 appearance, the beast should be immediatel}^ housed, and then from 

 four to eight quarts of blood taken away, according to the age and 

 size. Two hours after ^bleeding give the following purging drink 

 (No. 2, p. 47), which will be found of a proper strength for young 

 cattle from the age of one to two years. 



The bleeding should be repeated in three or four hours, if the 

 animal is not materially relieved ; and a third bleeding must follow 

 the second, if the fever is unabated. There must be no child's play 

 here ; the disease m»ust be knocked down at once, or it will inevitably 

 destroy the beast. The piiysic likewise must be repeated until it has 

 its full effect. 



As soon as the bowels are well opened, the fever drink (No. 1, p. 

 46) should be administered, and repeated morning, noon, and night, 

 all food except a little mash being removed. 



At the first appearance of the disease, the part principally affected 

 should be fomented several times in the course of the day with hot 

 water, and for at least an hour each time. For this purpose there 

 should be two or three large pieces of flannel in the water, that after 

 one of them has been applied thoroughly hot and dripping to the part 

 affected, another equally hot may be ready when this gets cold. 



As soon as the fever begins evidently to subside, and the beast is 

 more himself, and eats a little, the fever medicine m.ust not be pushed 

 too far. It should be remembered that this is a case of highly in- 

 flammatory disease, which soon passes over, and is often succeeded 

 by debility almost as dangerous as the fever. The ox, therefore, must 

 not be too much h)wered ; but, the fever abating, the following min- 

 gled tonic and fever medicine should be given : — 



RECIPE (No. 33). 



Mildest Tonic Driiik.— Take gentian, two drachms; emetic tartar, half a drachm 

 nitre, half an ounce; s{)irit of nitrous ether, half an ounce. Give in gruel. 



If this does not bring back the fever, it may be safely continued 

 once every day until tlie ox is well; or the quantities of tlie gentian 

 may be increased, and the emetic tartar lessened, and at length alto- 

 gether omitted, the nitre being still retained. 



A seton (of black hellebore root if it can be procured) should be 

 inserted into the dewlap; and, if the beast can be moved, it should 

 be driven to much scantier pasture. 



Should not the disease be discovered until there is considerable 



