f6a THE FARM DOCTOR. 



second attack. In acute or obstinate cases dry rubbing or a 

 blister to the belly may be useful, and perfect rest must be 

 enjoined. 



DYSENTERY, BLOODY-FLUX. 



This is a morbid process approaching inflammation of the 

 mucous membranes of the large intestines, and leading to the 

 formation of ulcers. It occurs in cattle, horses, swine, and 

 dogs, may be enzootic on certain rich impervious soils, or even 

 epizootic. 



Causes. — Those of diarrhoea acting with greater energy ; the 

 emanations from marshy inundated soils, or from carcasses; 

 putrid, stagnant, or iced water; musty, putrid, or otherwise 

 altered food ; over-exertion in excessive heats ; or even a 

 contagium. 



Syfnptoms. — The acute form comes on suddenly with symptoms 

 of acute intestinal catarrh. The dung is passed frequently with 

 straining and is semi-liquid and foetid. Later, it is quite liquid, 

 with mucus, blood and shreds of false membranes or sloughs, 

 mtolerably offensive, and passed with still more pain and 

 straining. Later still, the same painful straining fails to bring 

 away anything, though the red, infiltrated and excoriated 

 rectum may protrude. At length the discharge again reappears 

 more repulsive than ever and passes involuntarily. Appetite is 

 gradually lost, but thirst increases. Fever exists at first with 

 staring coat and even shivering, hot fevered mouth and acceler^ 

 ated pulse, but this is less marked as the disease becomes 

 chronic. Then there is extreme emaciation, cold limbs, dry, 

 cracked muzzle, hide-bound, scurfy, unhealthy, lousy skin, often 

 covered with flies, deeply-sunken, pallid eyes, and involuntary 

 liquid putrid discharges. Death may occur in three or four 

 days, or the disease may be protracted for months. 



Treatment.— ^vd:> the belly actively and apply mustard, or m 

 small animals give a warm bath. Give a mild laxative (olive- 



