DISEASES OP THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 125 



tacks them from about a month to a few days before calving. Appar- 

 ently they are in good health in every respect except the inability to . 

 stand up, on account of the paralysis of the hind quarters. This form 

 is generally attributed to compression of the nerves (and probably the 

 vessels to some extent) of the hind parts by the enlarged condition of 

 the womb. As a rule the animal recovers after calving, and requires 

 only general care, such as good bedding and regular diet, and if the 

 bowels become constipated at any time two quarts of warm soapsuds 

 should be injected into the rectum occasionally. If the enemas are not 

 sufficient to keep the bowels in proper condition, a half pound of Epsom 

 salts dissolved in a quart of warm water may be given as a drench. 

 If the cow desires to shift her position from one side to the other nec- 

 essary assistance should be given. If the paralysis continues for 

 several days after the calf is born the cow should have a purgative 

 1 pound of Epsom salts dissolved in a quart of warm water ; also 1 

 drams of pulverized nux vomica, every night and morning, on the food 3 

 if she will eat it, or with some water as a drench. The blistering com- 

 pound recommended in the treatment of encephalitis may be rubbed 

 well over the loins. 



The cow is occasionally attacked with a form of paralysis after calv- 

 ing not connected with parturient apoplexy. It may be associated 

 with inflammation of the womb, and some authorities say that it is 

 caused by injuries to nerves while calving. One or both hind legs may 

 be affected, or more or less of the body may be involved. The treat- 

 ment is similar to that for the variety occuring before parturition, viz., 

 purgatives, nux vomica, enemas, blistering the loins, and the general 

 care recommended for the former affection. It is sometimes necessary 

 to apply a red hot iron in lines over the loins, but it is best to have a 

 veterinarian perform the operation. 



The treatment for the form of paralysis associated with indigestion 

 or impaction of the rumen (paunch) is much the same as in the forego- 

 ing cases; but when the paunch is overloaded the purgative should 

 be more drastic. The following compound is perhaps as good as any: 

 1 pound of Epsom salts; pound common salt; one ounce of pulverized 

 gamboge; 1 ounce of pulverized ginger. These ingredients must be 

 well stirred or shaken with about pints of warm water. The enema of 

 warm soapsuds should be thrown into the rectum at least every half 

 hour. If the bowels do not respond to the purgative within twenty-four 

 hours another pound of Epsom salts may be administered, dissolved in 

 a quart of warm watT. After the bowels respond to the purgative, and 

 especially in those cases when the gait remains unsteady for a few days, 

 give the following: pulverized nux vomica, 4 ounces; bicarbonate of 

 soda, 20 ounces; mix and make 10 powders. Give one every night and 

 morning. It is often necessary to unload an engorged paunch by an 

 operation called rumenotony, for the description of which, ami for fuller 

 particulars of the treatment of indigestion and impaction of the rumen, 



