4S THE YELLOWS, OR JAUNDICE. 



CHAPTER IX. 



THE YELLOWS, OR JAUNDICE. 



Tins is a far more common disease than the last, and almost as 

 .angerous, because, although it is not marked by any acute symp- 

 toms, or accompanied by much fever, it creeps on insidiously, and 

 fastens itself on the constitution, beyond the power of medicine to 

 eradicate it; or it is the consequence and the proof of some disease 

 of the liver, which is equally dilTicult to cure. It may be produced 

 by inflammation of the liver, or too great secretion of the bile, or 

 stoppage of tlie vessels through which the bile should flow into the 

 bowels. If its passage is obstructed, it is thrown back agrXn upon 

 the liver, and there taken up by the absorbents, and carried into the 

 circulation, and communicates a yellow colour to the blood ; and as 

 the blood, by means of the capillary vessels, is carried to every point 

 and part of the body, so the yellow hue of the disease spreads over 

 the whole of the frame. 



This obstruction is sometimes eifected by the undue thickness 

 of the bile ; som'rtimes by hardened bile or jrall-stones : and in not 

 a few cases it is caused by a greater secretion of bile than can find 

 its way into the intestines, and which, consequently, accunnilatea 

 in the liver, until it is taken up by the absorbents, and carried into 

 the frame in the manner that has just been described. 



At the beginnins; of the disease there is considerable dulness 

 and languor, and loss of appetite. The cow wanders about by 

 herself, or is seen standing by the side of the hedge or the fence 

 in a most dejected manner. The quantity of milk is generally 

 lessened : the bowels are costive : and the fore-teoth are sometimes 

 loose: milch cows are more subject to it than oxen, and particu- 

 larly in the latter end of the year. Sudden change of weather 

 frequently gives rise to it. and especially if the animal has pre- 

 viously exhibited symptoms of ill health. 



The treatment and the hope of cure depend upon the causes and 

 degree of the disease, and which should be most carefully ascertained. 

 If it has followed symptoms of fever, probably indicative of inflam- 

 mation of the liver, it may be difficult to remove, because it is an 

 indication of the ravages which disease has made in the organ. 

 Should the pulse be strong as well as quick, moderate bleeding will 

 be judicious, but not otherwise. The bowels should then be freely 

 opened by means of the purging drink (No. 2, p. 47), and kept open 

 by half-dbscs of it administered as occasion may require. In this 

 disease, oftener than in any other to which cattle are subject, sto- 

 machics are useful to rouse the digestive organs to their proper tone 

 and power. Mingled with them, or at other periods of the day, medi- 

 cines may be given which are supposed to have a direct effect on the 



