608 Some Observations on Parturition Fever in Ruminants. 
half a drachm to two drachms in solution of acetate of ammonia, 
according to the size or variety of the animal, every four or six 
hours. Should the bowels seem disposed to be confined, as 
they sometimes are in the cow, it will be needful to administer 
some laxative. The soda salts will have this tendency, and, 
with this end in view, their quantity may be increased, par- 
ticularly if the animal continues to survive for some days, and 
does not utterly refuse to take food. Should strength give 
indications of failing, support ought to be afforded through 
means of nutritious liquid food, as good gruel, beef-tea, or milk 
combined with stimulants. 
The application of cold water to the surface of the body, with 
the view of reducing the elevated temperature, I have tried 
rather extensively with sheep, but have not satisfied myself 
that its employment is deserving of general adoption. Cer- 
tainly in some individual cases good appeared to result from its 
use, but not to a greater extent than with some other modes 
of treatment. When the general temperature continues high, 
and other features of pyrexia are marked, full doses of sali- 
cylic acid in solution, of acetate of ammonia, or ordinary saline 
febrifuges, with a moderate amount of some alcoholic stimulant, 
are well deserving of a fair trial. In such cases, during the very 
early stages of the fever, the careful use of aconite will often 
prove of advantage ; its employment is, however, chiefly to be 
advocated in the first stage, while its continuance is never un- 
attended with danger from its influence in depressing the action 
of the heart beyond the power of establishing reaction. In the 
ewe, when diarrhoea is associated with exhaustion and straining, 
I have obtained good results by combining the alcoholic stimu- 
lants with tincture of opium. The quantity of stimulants with 
opium which may be given to ewes in this condition is won- 
derful, from ten to twenty ounces of whisky or brandy, with 
one-third of the amount of laudanum, may be received, not 
only with impunity, but with obvious benefit, when distributed 
over a period of twenty-four hours. The latter medicine is also 
valuable for dropping into the vagina and uterus after these 
have been syringed with disinfectants, or even along with them. 
In the cow, when abdominal pain is a prominent feature, 
advantage may be taken of the soothing influence of hot water, 
employed by means of woollen rugs wrapped around the body, 
followed by the use of such stimulating and revulsive agents as 
mustard and turpentine. In both animals, should the fever not 
destroy during its early stages, and diarrhoea not exist as a 
troublesome symptom, the cautious employment of saline 
laxatives, with a liberal use of treacle, is to be recommended as 
likely to benefit by the removal of waste and dangerous materials 
