DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 447 



If tlie animal is very thirsty, an infusion of linseeJ, or a decoc- 

 tion of raarshmallows, is the most proper drinlc. 



INFLAMMATION OP THE LIVER. 



Causes. — Fat beasts, or such as are in good condition, are 

 most liable to this disease, especially in hot weather, when over- 

 heated by driving, or being exposed to sudden cold after the 

 body has been overheated. It may also be brought on by blows 

 or braises on the short ribs, by which the liver may have received 

 some injury: or by sudden changes of the weather. 



Symptoms. — Cattle are more subject to diseases of the liver 

 than horses, because the latter have no gall bladder; but in the 

 former is one of a considerable size. The symptoms of a dis- 

 eased liver are complicated ; and hence we shall treat of these 

 subjects under the heads of Diarrhoea, Jaundice, and Hepatic 

 Consumption. When an acute inflammation of the liver occurs, 

 it should be treated in the same manner as an inflammation of 

 the lungs, and is probably produced by the same causes. How- 

 ever, this disease is commonly of a slow kind, causing a defect- 

 ive action in the organ ; and consequently, an unhealthy kind of 

 bile is formed, which plugs up the ducts of the liver, and causes 

 a derangement in the organs connected with it. 



Cure. — It must be correctly ascertained whether tliis disease be 

 acute or chronic, before its cure be attempted. The proper mode 

 of treatment will be found under the heads before alluded to. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER. 



Some cows, during the latter part of the time they are in calf, 

 have a frequent desire to void their urine, owing to the very irri- 

 table state of the bladder. When this is observed, it will gener- 

 ally be found to depend upon costiveness ; in which case a laxa- 

 tive drink and clyster are the most suitable remedies. This state 

 of the bladder has been often, but very improperly, termed inflam- 

 mation. Skillful practitioners are incHned to believe that this 

 disease very rarely occurs. Should the neck of the bladder 

 appear to be obstructed, or if there be any reason to suppose that 

 there is a retention of urine, the female catheter, or even the 

 finger, may be easily introduced, in order to allow the water to 

 pass off freely. 



