498 History of Animal Plagues. 



'The first stage was announced by the cough and grinding of 

 the teethj by the diminution or suppression of the secretion of 

 milk, or by a hard and full pulse. It was only then that we 

 might hope for success from proper treatment. The beginning 

 of the second stage was characterized by the total loss of appetite 

 and by dlarrhcEa, without great depression or dulness. Towards 

 the close of this stage, and during the third period, these two 

 symptoms were very marked, and everything betokened a state 

 of putridity, which, towards the termination of the disease, be- 

 came extreme. 



'The indications which it was proposed to follow in treatment 

 were these: — i. To diminish the general inflammation, and, 

 above all, that of the visqera contained in the chest and abdomen, 

 and to dilute the alimentary matters which gorged the stomach. 

 2. To attempt to arrest the progress of the putridity which always 

 existed in the last stage of this malady. 



' The first indication was met in the following manner : — No 

 food whatever was given to the animal from the moment it was 

 suspected to be ill. It was often rubbed and wlsped, and a 

 blanket was put over its back. When the ventilation of the 

 stable was imperfect, new openings were made. The diarrhoea, 

 which was always present, and was very fetid, demanded this 

 measure, and also that the stables should be often cleaned. 

 When called in at the commencement of the attack, it was 

 necessary to take advantage of this and to abstract blood from 

 the jugular vein. Several pounds of blood were withdrawn if 

 the animal was an adult ; if the disease was little advanced, and 

 the beast was robust and vigorous, this was repeated ; but if one 

 of these conditions was absent there was only the single bleeding. 

 When the malady had reached the second stage, venesection 

 was altogether abstained from, especially if there was an eruption 

 about the neck, and if the suppurative process set up by setons 

 was well established ; this, however, did not applv to those 

 animals yet in health, and in which setons had been used as a 

 preservative measure. Five or six hours after blood-letting, if 

 setons had not yet been applied, they were to be Inserted under- 

 neath the skin of the dewlap by means of a needle; the tape 

 was to be well smeared with some vesicatory ointment, and its 



