THE BRAXY, OR SICKNESS 545 



and the breathing rapid and difficult. Inflammation 

 is going on, and considerable pain must be felt, termin- 

 ating in mortification, after which, as is usual under 

 such circumstances, the pain subsides, and the animal 

 will frequently commence feeding with his usual 

 avidity ; and thus persons who have not attentively 

 watched the progress and symptoms are deceived, and 

 the animal dies when they little expect it. 



Cause. — Cold, wet weather will have the effect of 

 producing inflammation of the bowels, and thus lay 

 the foundation of the disease. Costiveness is also 

 supposed to occasion it ; or it may arise from drinking 

 cold water, when the animal is much overheated ; 

 from being washed in cold water when very warm, or 

 any other sudden change of temperature. 



Remedies. — Bleeding is the first thing which must 

 be had recourse to after it is suspected this disease 

 is coming on, which of itself will frequently have the 

 effect of checking it. From half-a-pint to a pint may 

 be taken. This should be followed by an ounce of 

 Epsom salts, dissolved in a pint and a half or a quart 

 of cold water, and given in two doses. The lower 

 intestines being generally constipated on the approach 

 of this disease, it will be found beneficial to assist the 

 purgative by a clyster of warm broth or gruel, with an 

 ounce of butter or lard melted in it. Give the follow- 

 ing three times a day, until symptoms of recovery are 

 apparent : — 



Nitre, ground into a fine powder, i drachm ; 

 made into a ball with treacle and linseed meal. It will 

 be found of much importance to sprinkle the animals 

 food with salt. The food should consist of cut grass 

 or turnips ; and if the complaint attacks the animal in 

 the winter, green food should be occasionally given, if 

 possible. 



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