623 
ON DROPPING AFTER CALVING. 
By Mr. J. Beeson, V.S., Amersham. 
As the disorder of the cow designated puerperal fever, or drop- 
ping after calving, is still an unsettled subject as to its true nature, 
I trust any facts that may be gathered relative to the matter, 
although barren in themselves in point of elucidation, will not do 
any mischief by farther unsettling the affair. I do not presume 
any attempt at exposition ; I only present to you a few simple 
observations. 
First, the total absence of the ordinary characteristics of fever 
in most cases, through every stage of the disorder. 
Secondly, the very sudden development of the disease in almost 
every case that occurs. 
Third, the equally sudden recovery of the greater number of 
those who where diseased. 
The earliest symptoms that I have noticed are a tremor of the 
extremities, especially the hinder ones, which rapidly increases 
to staggering, and ends in total paralysis — the secretions, espe- 
cially that of milk, diminished in proportion as the disease pro- 
gresses — the patient, when first down, perhaps supporting herself 
on her brisket, with her head turned to her flank and making a 
piteous moan at almost every expiration. If this latter stage of 
the complaint is not quickly remedied, she soon becomes unable 
to maintain this position, and lies prostrate on her side : the eyes 
become amaurotic — she is quite insensible to any and every object 
— in fact, she is universally palsied. The breathing becomes un- 
naturally slow, and in some instances stertorous, and in this con- 
dition death usually winds up the affair. 
Now, Sir, with regard to treatment. Viewing it as an inflam- 
matory or febrile disorder, I have had recourse to the ordinary 
antiphlogistic remedies, but where I have relied on these remedies 
I have invariably been disappointed. The depletive plan, with 
me, has proved a total failure. 
This being the case, I have for many years abandoned it, and 
have adopted the opposite, or stimulant plan. I do, however, 
occasionally bleed if I am called in the early stage, but never at 
an advanced period. 
I also take care to administer some purgative early in my attend- 
ance, but place no reliance on it without a stimulant being added. 
I think, as a purgative, croton and aloes have the preference in 
this case with me, and, as a stimulant, large doses of spt. nit. 
eth., with about two ounces of tinct. opii. A variety of other 
stimulants may, however, be used either separately or combined, 
