108 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



peiided, particularly the milk in cows. The animal has a haggard 

 appearance, and the pulse becomes small and wiry at this period. The 

 extremities are hot and cold alternately; the crepitation which was 

 present in the first stage is now absent, and no sound on auscultation 

 will be heard, except it be a slight wheezing or whistling noise. On 

 percussion dullness over the diseased lung is manifested, indicating 

 consolidation. The lung has now assumed a characteristic liver-like 

 appearance. 



In the third stage, if the disease is going to terminate favorably, the 

 cough becomes loose; the animal improves; the appetite returns, and 

 the symptoms above detailed rapidly subside. But if, on the other 

 hand, resolution is not progressing, the lung substance is broken down, 

 is heavy, and will sink in water. In fatal cases the breath has a pecu- 

 liar fetid, cadaverous odor, and is taken in short gasps; the horns, 

 ears, and extremities become cold and clammy, and the pulse is imper- 

 ceptible. On auscultation, when suppuration is taking place and the 

 lung structure is breaking down, a bubbling or gurgling crepitation, 

 caused by the passage of air through pus, will be heard. 



Treatment. Good hygienic surroundings and good nursing are essen- 

 tial in connection with the medical treatment. The probability of cure 

 depends largely on the extent of the lung tissue involved, as well as on 

 the intensity of the inflammatory process. In the early stage, when 

 the fever is high, give febrifuges. If the pulse be strong and full, 

 aconite (Fleming's tincture, 2 to 5 minims every four or five hours) 

 may be given for a short time, but should be discontinued as soon as 

 the fever begins to abate. Aconite is a valuable drug in the hands of 

 the intelligent practitioner, but my experience leads me to believe that 

 not infrequently animals are lost by its injudicious use. For in many 

 febrile conditions it is positively contraindicated, owing to its action 

 upon the heart. In a plethoric animal, with a strong bounding pulse, 

 bleeding may be resorted to instead of administering aconite. If the 

 bowels are constipated give calomel, one to three drams, which acts as 

 a cathartic and a febrifuge. In the second stage diffusible stimulants 

 are required, viz: Spirits of ether nit., 2 ounces; spirits ammonia 

 aromatic, 1 ounce. Mix and give in gruel three times daily. If the 

 above is not at hand give an alcoholic stimulant. Half a pint of brandy 

 or whisky may be given in a quart of gruel three times daily. In some 

 cases carbonate of ammonia, 2 to 5 drams, has been found beneficial. 

 Moat practitioners apply counterimtants externally, such as mustard 

 plasters, turpentine, and ammonia liniment, or cantharides. 



EMPHYSEMA HEAVES. . 



Emphysema consists of a rupture of the minute air vesicles of the 

 lung substance, and maybe either inter-lobular or vesicular. There 

 is an extreme interference with respiration, inspiration being short and 

 expiration prolonged. It is a nonfebrile condition, in which the appe- 



