164 CATTLE. 



APOPLEXY. 



Cattle are very subject to sudden determination of blood to the 

 head. Tliey are naturally pletlioric ; are continually under the in- 

 fluence of a stimulating and forcing system ; and that without exer- 

 cise by means of which the injurious effects of that system might in 

 a great measure be counteracted. The very object in our manage- 

 ment of the ox, is to clothe him with as much flesh and fat as possi- 

 ble ; therefore he is subject to all the diseases connected with a 

 redundancy of blood, and to apoplexy among the rest. 



There are few premonitory symptons in these cases. Had the 

 beast been closely observed, it might have been perceived that he 

 was indisposed to move — that the breathing was a little laborious, 

 and the eye somewhat protruded. The arihnal seems to be struck nil 

 at once — he falls — breathes heavily and stertorously — strugules Avith 

 greater or less violence, and then dies — sometimes in five minutes — 

 oftener after a few hours. 



If there is time to do any thing, the beast should be bled, and as 

 much blood taken as can be got. A pound and a half of Epsom 

 salts should be given, and this followed up with doses of half a 

 pound until it operates ; its action should afterwards be maintained 

 by six-ounce doses of sulphur every morning. 



The conorestion of the brain beino- removed, and also the consfes- 

 tion which, to a certain degree, prevails everywhere, the beast should 

 be slaughtered ; for he is liable to a return from causes which would 

 not, previous to his first attack, have in the slightest degree aflected 

 him. 



Homoeopathic treatment. — As soon as the precursory symptoms are 

 perceived, a few doses of aconitum are given, which has been found 

 a sure means of preventing a fatal termination, especially if the beast 

 be fed moderately, employed properly, and not worked too severely 

 during hot weather. Arnica, belladonna, nux vomica, and laurocerasus 

 may also be used in the premonitory symptoms with good effect ; also 

 mercurius and opium. 



PHRENITIS. 



Phrensy or sough in cattle is ^-ell known to the farmer and prac- 

 titioner. There is generally, at first, much oppression and heaviness ; 

 the animal can scarcely be induced ^o move ; the eyes are protruded 

 and red ; the respiration hurried ; and delirium, more or less intense, 

 rapidly succeeds. The beast rushes at everything in its way ; it is 

 in incessant action, galloping about with its tail arched, staggering, 

 faUing, bellowing ; its skin sticking to its ribs, and the sensibility of 

 the spine strangely increased. 



As, however, the pievious oppression and stupidity were much 

 less, so is the succeeding violence increased ; not even a rabid ox is 



