846 OaTTLE. 



bably be as frequent ; they will be more copious ; but less mucua 

 will be found in them, and they will have become more decidedly 

 faecal and not so offensive. Tiie belly will be less tender; the coun- 

 tenance less anxious ; the general appearance improved. The inllam- 

 mation of the inner surface of the large intestines will have materi- 

 ally subsided, but the habit of purgation will continue for a while, 

 and will be increased by the state of relaxation and debility in 

 which the vessels are left. 'J hen, but not until then, astringents 

 •will be admissible and highly beneficial. 



Catechu stands at the head of this class of medicines in such a 

 case ; and its power may be increased by the addition of oak bark, 

 or it may be given in a decoction of oak bark. The opium must not, 

 however, be omitted ; for although direct inflammation may have 

 been subdued, and relaxation and debility have followed, much irrita- 

 bility may remain, to control which the soothing power of opium will 

 be required. 



To catechu and opium it has been usual to add chalk ; for in all 

 these diseases there is a tendency in the stomach, and probably in the 

 intestinal canal, to generate a considerable quantity of acid. A 

 greater source of irritation can scarcely be imagined when the state 

 of the lining merabrance of the large intestine is taken into considera- 

 tion. The chalk, or the carbonic acid of the chalk, will unite with 

 and neutralize this acid, and render it harmless. Theoretic chemistry- 

 would lead to the substitution of magnesia for the chalk, for the 

 carbonic acid being withdrawn, it might be feared that the caustic 

 lime would be injurious ; but experience has proved that magnesia is 

 not so efficacious in cattle ; that, in fact, it seems to be almost inert, 

 while chalk has usually answered the purpose intended, and no 

 inconvenience has resulted from it. 



Some practitioners strangely mingle vegetable and mineral tonics 

 together, forgetful of the decomposition which frequently, or almost 

 constantly, ensues, anc' the impairment or total loss of medicinal power. 

 Vegetable astringents agree best with the constitution of cattle, and 

 they will not often deceive. 



'i'he nature of the disease, however, being considered, will the 

 practioner confine himself to the astringents ? He has now to strug- 

 gle with the consequences of inflammation — the weakness and want 

 of tone which inflammation has produced, not only in the part itself 

 but in the whole system. He will also take into consideration the 

 natural temperament and constitution of cattle ; and that they will 

 not bear disease, nor the treatment of disease, like some other animals. 

 Diseases speedily run their course in cattle, and the patients often 

 sink under the prompt and vigorous and scientific treatment of the 

 maladv. An ox may bear one copious bleeding well ; but he cannot 

 be bled again and again. He will derive the usual advantage from 

 purgation to a certain extent, but cai'e n^nst be taken lest it degen- 



