ON CRAMP IN THE TONGUE IN CATTLE. 
157 
the floating portion of the organ — sometimes the fixed portion, and 
occasionally the whole. It is principally when the floating por- 
tion is alone affected that, dragged by its own weight, it projects 
from the mouth. If we then explore the interior of this cavity, we 
soon recognize that a little higher the organ is in nearly its natural 
state. In order to avoid any mistake, we should inquire whether 
the natural feeling still remains, or has ceased, — whether the cir- 
culation of the blood has ceased, or continues to be still carried on. 
For this purpose we may pinch the end of the tongue, or ascer- 
tain whether there are any spots. If the animal expresses pain, 
or the blood issues from any of the orifices, it is simply glossitis ; 
but, on the contrary, if the sensibility is absent, and a serous fluid 
exudes from the punctures, there is no doubt that the tongue is af- 
fected by gangrene. 
The first variety of glossitis is a comparatively slight affection, 
and readily yields to the use of some antiphlogistic measures, or 
disappears with the affection of which it is only a sympathetic 
phenomenon. The other variety is more serious, nevertheless it 
is ordinarily got rid of in a few days, if it is properly treated. 
The causes are often unknown, and we cannot discover to what 
to attribute it. The presumed causes, or those which produce a 
direct irritant effect on the tongue, are the sting of an insect or 
venemous animal — the impression or action of venemous or caustic 
substances — the contact of acrid plants or grain, whose edges are 
sharp and cutting — the pressure of the bridle or bit — the wounds 
caused in the act of mastication — the annoyance of various of the 
molar teeth, whose edges are more or less pointed, &c. &c. 
The antiphlogistic treatment alone will be of any service. The 
quantity of food should be lessened as much as is practicable. It 
should be of a soft and yiflding and cooling nature. Its liquid 
food should consist of white water acidulated or nitrated. To the 
dog nothing should be given but broth or soup, or milk, according 
to the liking of the animal. Gargarisms should be administered, 
composed of barley-water, with honey, or acidulated with vinegar. 
Such are the light measures which may be adopted, and which are 
ordinarily efficacious, when the affection of the tongue is super- 
ficial and slight. 
When the glossitis is more profound or general, it will be proper 
to produce immediate disgorgement from the affected part, and 
several times in every day to practise bleeding from the ranine 
veins, taking care to avoid the arteries of the same name. If too 
great enlargement of the volume of the tongue renders these local 
bleedings impracticable, they must be effected by scarifications of 
some depth, more or less numerous, and repeated on the fleshy 
