PHRENITIS. 165 



more fearful, and it is somewhat difficult to distinguish between 

 these two diseases. In the early stage of phrenitis, although there 

 may be lowness or oppression, there is nothing like apoplexy, or want 

 of consciousness. There is more method in the madness of the rabid 

 than the phrenitic ox. The latter will run at everything which 

 presents itself, but it is a sudden impulse ; the former will plot mis- 

 3hief, and lure his victim.s within his reach. Much more foam will be 

 discharged from the mouth of the rabid than the phrenitic ox. 



The causes are much the same as those of apoplexy, too stimulat- 

 ing food, and too much blood ; to which may generally be added 

 some immediately exciting cause, as hard and rapid work in sultry 

 weather, over-driving, (fee. 



As to the treatment of phrenitis there is some difficulty. If the 

 beast can be approached during a momentary remission of the symp- 

 toms, bleeding should be attempted, and if a vein be opened, it should 

 bleed on as long as it will. Physic, if it can, should be given. 

 Sometimes the beast has insatiable thirst, and may be cheated with 

 water in which Epsom salts have been dissolved. A scruple or half 

 a drachm of farina of the Croton nut may be administered, mixed 

 with gruel. All other medicines are out of the question. If bleeding 

 and physic will not save, nothing will. Use should be made of any 

 temporary respite to confine the animal, or to get him into some 

 place where he cannot do harm to himself or to any one. 



The phrensy being subdued, the next consideration is, w^hat is to 

 be done with the beast. No more dependence can be placed on him 

 than on one recovered from apoplexy. Purging should be continued 

 to a moderate degree, and fever medicine given to abate circulation ; 

 and when the congested blood is Avell out of the system, and the flesh 

 has become healthy, the sooner the animal is disposed of the better. 



The neck vein should be opened, on each side, if possible, and the 

 blood should be suffered to flow until the animal drops. It is absurd 

 to talk of quantities here ; as much should be taken as can be got, — 

 at least, the blood should flow until the violence of the symptoms is 

 quite abated. 



To this a dose of physic should follow. The following may be 

 administered : — 



A Strong Physic Drink. — Take Epsom or Glauber's salts, half a 

 pound ; the kernel of the Croton nut, ter grains ; take off the shell of 

 the Croton nut, and weigh the proper quantity of the kernel. Rub it 

 down to a fine powder; gradually mix it with half a pint of thick 

 gruel, and give it, and immediately afterward give the salts, dissolved 

 in a pint and a half of thinner gruel. 



If the violence or even the wandering should remain, another 

 bleeding should take place six hours afterwards, and this also until 

 the pulse falters ; and tlie purging should be kept up. 



Although it is very difficult to produce a blister on the thick skin 



