108 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



Symptoms.— The symptoms usually appear suddenly, and consist 

 in inability to stand. Sometimes this is preceded by a period of 

 excitement. The animal usually lies quietly, but sometimes it groans 

 and tosses its head about in a way that indicates pain. Cows heavy 

 with calf are sometimes affected with a form of paraplegia, which 

 usually attacks them from about a month to a few days before calv- 

 ing. Apparently they are in good health in every respect except the 

 inability to stand up, on account of the paralysis of the hind quar- 

 ters. This form is generally attributed to feeding on foods containing 

 insufficient protein and ash. It is most likely to occur in eows that are 

 weak and thin. With good care and food recovery usually occurs. 



Treatment. — The animal must be given a soft, dry bed under shelter 

 and in a quiet, airy place. It is well to apply mustard along the 

 spine. The action of the mustard may be intensified by rubbing the 

 skin with ammonia or turpentine. Internally give a purge of Glauber's 

 salts. Nux vomica or strychnia (1 to 2 grain doses) may be given. 

 Turn the cow two to four times daily and rub the legs well each time. 



There are instances when cows will persist in lying down (in spite 

 of all efforts that are made to compel them to stand up), when it can 

 not really be said that they are paralyzed. They have sensation- in 

 all parts ; they can move ail their feet ; they can change their position ; 

 and in fact every function seems to be normally performed, but they 

 obstinately refuse to rise, or even make an effort to do so. Cases of 

 this kind have been killed, as it was an utter impossibility to get 

 the animal on its feet. However, there are instances when a cow, 

 after refusing to rise when all other means had been tried, quickly 

 jumped to her feet and showed fright upon the appearance of a dog 

 or other terrifying object. 



RABIES (HYDROPHOBIA). 



[See discussion of this disease in chapter on " Infectious diseases, p. 394."] 

 LIGHTNING STROKE (ASPHYXIA ELECTRICA). 



When an animal is struck by lightning the shock is instantaneously 

 expended on the nervous system, and as a rule death occurs immedi- 

 ately, but when the shock is not fatal animation is suspended to a 

 greater or less extent, as evidenced by prostration, unconsciousness, 

 and paralysis. 



Symptoms. — When not fatal, the symptoms vary much, according to 

 the severity of the shock. The animal usually falls, as from an apo- 

 plectic attack, and, as a matter of course, the symptoms are such as are 

 generally manifested in connection with concussion of the brain. The 

 muscular system may be completely relaxed; the legs limber; the 

 muscles flabby and soft to the touch, or there may be convulsions, 

 spasms, and twitching of the muscles. The breathing is generally 

 labored, irregular, or interrupted, and slower than normal. 



