MILK FEVER. 



337 



improve the health and tone of the whole system. And 

 to avoid as much as possible, the effects of sudden changes 

 of the weather, have the cow brought into the house. 

 And when milk fever is anticipated, give a few hours 

 after calving, twenty-five drops of the tincture of aconite 

 root, and may be repeated every six hours till four doses 

 have been given. Nothing that I am acquainted with is 

 capable of equalizing the circulation of the blood by 

 controlling the heart's action, and thereby the circula* 

 tion like aconite, and for this purpose I highly recom- 

 mend it to farmers and breeders of stock throughout the 

 country. These measures, together with light slop feeding 

 for a few days after calving, I am sure will prevent much 

 suffering to the cow, and inconvenience and loss to the 

 owner. 



Treatment — When the disease is present, give at once 

 thirty drops of the tincture of aconite root, and half an 

 ounce of the pure opium in powder, and give it in a bottle 

 of thin gruel. The aconite to be repeated every four hours 

 without the opium ; place chopped ice in a bag on the fore 

 head, and attach it to the horns, and renew the ice when 

 it is wanted. This being done quickly, at more leisure 

 get and give epsom salts, on^e pound ; table salt, one 

 pound; ginger, half an ounce; mix and dissolve in four 

 bottles of cold water with a little molasses to sweeten it, 

 and give at one dose. After this medicine has been given, 

 turn the cow from side to side every four hours, or when 

 the aconite is given, this will save labor and unnecessary 

 excitement to the cow, which should be left as quiet as 

 possible, keep the legs and body warm, thereby relieving 

 the womb tov that extent. Do not deny pure air, nor 

 plenty of cold water to the afflicted animal, for she not 

 only needs them, but they are indispensible to a sure and 



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