96 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



of recovery depends largely on the extent of the lung tissue involved, 

 as well as on the intensity of the infiammator}^ process. In the early 

 stage, when the fever is high, febrifuges should be given. If the 

 l^ulse be strong and full, aconite (Fleming's tincture, 1 to 2 drams, 

 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 infrequentl}' animals are lost 

 by its injudicious use, for in manj' 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, 

 calomel, 1 to 3 drams, Avhich acts as a cathartic and a febrifuge, is 

 advisable. In the second stage diffusible stimulants are required, 

 viz: Spirits of nitrous ether, 2 ounces; aromatic spirits of ammonia, 

 1 ounce; mix, and give in gruel three times daily. If the above is 

 not at hand, an alcoholic stimulant should be used. 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. Most practitioners apply counterirritants, such as 

 mustard plasters, turpentine, and ammonia liniment, or cantharides. 



EMPHYSEMA (HEAVES). 



Emphysema is a rupture of the minute air vescicles of the lung 

 substance, and may be either interlobular or vesicular. There is 

 an extreme interference w^ith respiration, inspiration being short 

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

 appetite is not decreased and the milk secretion is kept up. It may 

 be caused by an attack of asthma or may result from chronic bron- 

 chitis. The disease can be diagnosed by the marked interference 

 -with respiration. The animal, as a rule, is emaciated, has a staring 

 coat, and is hidebound. If percussion is resorted to, the animal's 

 chest will give a tympanic, drumlike sound. The normal resonant 

 sound is exaggerated. 



Treatuient. — The disease is incurable, and onl}^ a palliative form of 

 treatment can be carried out. The destruction of the animal is often 

 advisable, from a humane as well as from a financial point of view. 



PULMONARY CONGESTION. 



Cattle that are overdriven or overworked are liable to pulmonary 

 congestion in an acute form, and sometimes to pulmonary apoplexy. 

 In such cases they should be allowed to rest, and if the weather 

 is hot, they should be put in a shady place. Give stimulants inter- 

 nally, unlor.d the venous side of the heart by bleeding, and apply 

 stimulating applications to the legs, and bandage. 



