292 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



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

 When milk fever is anticipated, give, a few hours aftei 

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

 which may be repeated every six hours, till four doses 

 have been given. Nothing that I am acquainted with is 

 as capable of equalizing the circulation of the blood by 

 controlling the heart's action, and thereby the circulation, 

 as aconite; and for this purpose I highly recommend it 

 to farmers and breeders of stock throughout the country. 

 The foregoing 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, in a bottle of thin 

 gruel. The aconite must be repeated every four hours 

 without the opium, until four or five doses are given. 

 Place chopped ice in a bag on the forehead, and attach it 

 to the horns, renewing it when wanted. This being done 

 quickly, at more leisure get epsom salts, one 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, which will save labor and 

 unnecessary excitement to her. She should be left as quiet 

 as possible, and her legs and body be kept warm, thereby 

 relieving the womb to 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 

 perfect recovery in most diseases, and as much so if not 

 more in a disease of this kind. 



