266 BOVINE PATHOLOGY. 



tion of blood to the brain, but by most observers tbe 

 nervous complications are considered analogous to those 

 seen in " Stomach Staggers '' of the horse. Sometimes 

 the disease of the omasum assumes an inflammatory 

 character, and the general signs of fever are marked. 

 Omasitis does not seem to take place under any other 

 circumstances. 



On post-mortem examination a congested condition of 

 the lining membrane of the abomasum and duodenum is 

 generally found, which may seem to support Professor 

 Williams^ view, but, on the other hand, it is urged that 

 this depends on the large cathartic doses generally resorted 

 to in the treatment of these cases. Ecchymoses some- 

 times may be noted in these congested parts as well as 

 in the omasum, where the vascular structure of the laminae 

 is exposed by separation of the epithelium in layers on the 

 impacted cakes of food, which may be either hard and dry, 

 or moist and soft. There is sometimes congestion of the 

 brain and its membranes, and of some parts of the spinal 

 cord. Cases of this disorder may last a few days, or for 

 two or three weeks. 



Treatment. — Bleeding has been recommended, and seems 

 advisable when the brain is markedly involved. The 

 majority of practitioners rely upon strong cathartic doses, 

 especially hydragogue agents. Thus, gamboge is suggested 

 as a valuable remedy in this disorder. Croton oil is pre- 

 ferred by some. Generally, however, a mixture of sul- 

 phate of magnesia with aloes solution is used, the latter 

 being supposed to involve the stomachs in the catharsis, 

 whereas Epsom salts act almost solely in the bowels. We 

 are recommended to repeat the dose in twelve hours, 

 if no appreciable effect has resulted, and to give oil as an 

 adjunct in the interval. We must consider that we have 

 either a relaxed organ to restore to tone, or, less frequently, 

 an organ in a state of spasm, to deal with. Thus, we can 

 easily understand how Professor Strangeway^s treatment 

 of oil with sedatives, followed by sulphate of magnesia, 

 quinine, and sulphuric acid, proved beneficial in restoring 

 the tone of the omasum, after lubricating it and the other 



