UTERINE ABSCESS IN A HEIFER. 
129 
important. To such I would reply — It is busy men who do 
find time. But I fear the majority of us, like some of the 
steeds we ride, require an occasional touch with the per- 
suaders to keep us going ! Such an instrument, Messrs. 
Editors, is placed in your hands, and you, like skilful jockeys 
know well, when and how to apply it judiciously. 
As far back as 1852, there appeared a very amusing letter, 
to which was appended a most interesting and instructive 
case, from Mr. Litt, V.S., of Shrewsbury, under the title of 
“Opinions and Experiences of a Country Veterinarian.’ 5 I 
have yet reason to hope that that gentlemen will fulfil his 
promise “that others should follow;” and if so, I know they 
will be productive of much good. In the meantime, I, 
being one of that humble class to whom Mr. Litt more 
particularly alludes, namely, a Country Practitioner , venture 
to send you a case or two. I fear they are of that nature 
which will excite a smile from some of our rising aristocrats, 
but but not in derision I hope. They are such as occa- 
sionally cross the path of the country Veterinarian, whose 
duty is, “ To cast round the world an equal eye, and feel 
for all that live. 55 Still I fear you will call them a rough 
sample; yet if these are worthy your acceptation, I am in 
possession of a considerable bulk, from wffiich you are occa- 
sionally quite welcome to have many more. And now, 
hoping I may be your very worst contributor, 
Believe me, dear sirs. 
Yours faithfully. 
CASE OF UTERINE ABSCESS IN A HEIFER. 
By the Same. 
Dec. 25th, 1853. My immediate attention was requested 
by a cattle-dealer, living five miles hence, to give an opinion 
upon a very handsome short-horned heifer which he had 
recently purchased, and which he said had been dull for some 
days. Present symptoms : — The animal is down, and with diffi- 
culty made to rise. Surface of the body cold ; also the legs, 
ears, and nose. Pulse almost imperceptible. Is continually 
straining, accompanied with a most piteous moan. Abdomen 
much distended. It was supposed that she was trying to rid 
herself of a dead foetus. My first determination was to rouse 
her flagging powers, as she seemed to be fast sinking. Therefore 
I administered a quart of warm ale with some ginger. Upon 
xxviii. 17 
