504 
ON PUERPERAL FEVER IN THE COW. 
nervous substance, as elsewhere. This may, as advised by some, 
be continued along the spine. 
The beast should lie upon her belly, slightly turned on one side, 
raised before, and the head supported with straw. Her position 
must be frequently changed, the teats frequently drawn, and 
fomentations applied to the udder. The body should be kept 
moderately warm. If possible, the veterinary surgeon should 
remain with his patient some time, watching carefully the symp- 
toms, pulse, &c. If reaction after blood-letting occurs to any extent, 
he will then be able to decide, timely, the propriety of its repetition. 
In despite of all exertions, should the symptoms progressively 
appear more unfavourable, we must consider whether an admini- 
stration of stimulants may not be justifiable to rouse or sustain 
the sinking nervous powers while our other curative means take 
effect. When, however, as is too often the case, we are called in 
after congestion has passed and is supervened by effusion, denoted 
by the latter train of symptoms previously mentioned, our chance 
of success is, indeed, small ; this effusion almost invariably causing, 
by pressure or laceration of nervous tissue, a cessation, sooner or 
later, of the functions dependent thereupon. 
If the power of deglutition is entirely destroyed, from a con- 
sequent liability of fluids to enter the trachea, we are not, without 
the stomach syringe, j ustified in administering any thing what- 
soever ; and even with this excellent auxiliary, the unfavourable 
aspect of collateral symptoms will forbid the attempt if left to our 
own discretion. Blood-letting, if resorted to now, would only 
hasten death. Indeed, the utmost caution is essential with respect 
to the propriety of blood-letting in every case where the cow has 
been some hours down. The system is here suffering and failing 
under the effects rather than the disease itself, and its sinking 
energies require all the support which the circulating fluid can 
impart. Bleeding has no effect in causing absorption of the effusion, 
which, being placed beyond constitutional influences, is not amenable 
to impressions made upon the circulation. The only remote prospect 
of benefit here is to inject, by means of the stomach syringe, some 
alcoholic stimulant to induce a condition which may justify a 
trial of other remedies ; and cases of this kind have occurred, 
wherein ultimate success has resulted from such mode of practice. 
Half a pint of brandy or whisky and gruel may be given, at two- 
hour intervals, until three doses have been taken, when, should no 
reaction supervene, all other means are useless. After the first 
stage has passed and sensation is departed, the bladder, insensible 
to its accumulating contents, fails to act upon and expel them, until 
relaxation of its neck, in common with that of other sphincters, 
takes place, either from death or extension of disease to the true 
