70 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 



PARAPLEGIA (Bovine Azoturia) 



Under this head we will consider that form of 

 paralysis of the posterior limbs which occurs in cattle 

 with considerable frequency, and always precipitately. 



It is this condition that has been designated ''azotu- 

 ria of cattle." In our estimation the condition does 

 not resemble azoturia in any other respect than the 

 inability to arise; the other symptoms and phenomena 

 of azoturia are not present. Neither is paraplegia 

 ever seen in cattle in a mild or partial form, as is the 

 case quite often in horses attacked with azoturia. Par- 

 aplegia always occurs in the cow in the form of a 

 complete paralysis of the posterior extremities, total 

 loss of power and absolute decubitus. 



It affects cattle of all ages, in every state or condi- 

 tion, in pregnancy and in barenness. It affects cattle 

 housed under the most sanitary and hygienic condi- 

 tions, as well as cattle kept in filthy environment. It 

 occurs in the winter months when cattle are stabled 

 and in the summer months when they are at pasture. 

 There are no premonitory symptoms indicating the ap- 

 proach of the trouble. In every other form of paral- 

 ysis, with which we are familiar, there are certain 

 unfailing premonitory manifestations. Not so in this 

 disease. The cow is found in the recumbent position, 

 usually flat on its side. The veterinarian is called in ; 

 he can get no other history in regard to the case. All 

 the owner can tall him is that he found the cow down, 

 either in the yard, barn, pasture, or wherever it hap- 

 pened to be. He has observed absolutely no sign of 

 ailing or sickness before the animal ivas found down. 

 Usually the farmer thinks the cow has been, what he 

 calls, "split." 



