418 CATTLE. 



satisfied that there is inflammation down to the upper part of the 

 bowels, but, generally, in a slight degree. I do not believe that there 

 is any general inflammatory condition of any of the chylopoetic vis- 

 cera, but that the entire force of the disease is spent upon the sto- 

 mach, and, perhaps, duodenum. 



" From Avhat observation I have been able to make upon the sub- 

 ject, I am inclined to the opinion that the lower portions of the 

 bowels remain, measurably, if not entirely, exempt from inflamma- 

 tion ; that it is entirely a disease of the stomach ; that in proportion 

 to the severity with which that organ is atir^^ked, in that proportion 

 will the chylopoetic viscera become deranged. 



" Another proof that the disease is inflammatory, is the constipated 

 condition of the bowels. There could not be such a dry and hardened 

 condition of the fecal matter produced by any other derangement, 

 excepting that of inflammatory action. 



" I have been led to make these remarks, in consequence of an 

 opinion that is prevalent with some of our practitioners, that the 

 disease is nervous ; that the great gastric irritability is, or might be, 

 attributed to nervous excitement. This, to me, appears impossible ; 

 for, if the nerves of the stomach were in such a morbid condition, 

 acting under such a powerful excitement as to produce such distress- 

 ing symptoms, would not the brain become sympathetically affected ? 

 Would we not have an apparent case of phrenitis ? Whereas, the 

 mind, generally, remains quiet. We sometimes see mental depression, 

 but rarely ever mental aberration." 



Professor Drake, of Kentucky, says : " In the earliest stages of 

 this malady, in the cow, it may not display its existence, if the attack 

 be not violent and the animal left to itself ; for in the beginning, as 

 in all stages of the disorder, the appetite seems to be unimpaired, 

 and the thirst not increased. Even this early stage, not less than 

 the more advanced, appears, however, to be attended with constipa- 

 tion of the bowels. The animal at length begins to mope and droop, 

 to walk slower than its fellows, and to falter in its gait. If, under 

 these circumstances, it should be driven, and attempt to run, the 

 debility and stiffness of its muscles are immediately apparent. It 

 fails rapidly, trembles, pants, and sometimes seems blind, as it runs 

 against obstacles, but this may arise from vertigo ; at length it falls 

 down, lies on its side quivering, and is not, perhaps, able to rise for 

 several hours, sometimes never. Now and then, the quivering 

 amounts to a slight convulsion. When the disease is not violent, the 

 animal, after a longer or shorter period, is again on its feet ; but its 

 capacity for muscular eff"ort is greatly impaired, and, if hurried in 

 the slightest degree, it is seized with trembling and stiff'ness, and 

 may even fall again. Of the state of the circulation, when it lies 

 seriously ill, but little is known, as the pulse has not been inspected. 

 One observer perceived that the nose of a heifer was hot, but others 



