ON PLEURO- PNEUMONIA. 
187 
its centre to the circumference, rendering it unable to perform its 
natural functions, that the disease is not the product of an hour ; 
yet there has been neglected this premonitory symptom, which 
should have given you warning, and ought to have reminded you 
that then was the time to employ curative remedies ; and you now 
only begin to remove a disease which has too often nearly run its 
course. 
It is perfectly true, that all cows cough; but if you could hear, 
side by side, the cough of a healthy cow with one that has the 
seeds of infection within her, you would not forget the sound. 
The one is merely an effort something like a man clearing his 
voice to get rid of some obstruction — the other an effort to relieve 
irritation : the first is a free sound — the second suppressed. It 
does not appear at first painful, but as the disease progresses it 
becomes harsh and discordant, accompanied sometimes with a low 
moan. 
It not unfrequently happens that this cough will be in existence 
for months before you will have a single case ; in other instances 
it will appear only for a few weeks or even days. But in this 
there is nothing unusual : it is well known that the germs of con- 
sumption will exist in the human species for years before they 
come to maturity ; and with regard to the absorption of poison, 
we have still much to learn as to how long it takes thoroughly to 
affect the system. Take the case of the virus of hydrophobia, 
which has been known in some cases to be two years in taking 
effect, and as many weeks or days in others. 
Whether the cough symptomatic of pleuro-pneumonia has been 
in existence for a longer or shorter period, it is certain that it 
affords you a warning which you must not neglect, for this is the 
time to adopt curative remedies. Most strongly would I urge 
upon you frequent inspection of your stock ; — listen for the cough, 
and, when it makes its appearance, at once seek for assistance. 
Do not neglect precautionary means — fumigate your sheds — strew 
chloride of lime frequently in your cow-houses — have your stock 
setoned. Should the cough not abate by the use of the means 
after mentioned, consult your professional adviser. If your cows 
are in milk, do not be afraid (if the weather is favourable) of 
bleeding them ; you will find that it will more speedily remove 
the cough, and will tend rather to increase than diminish your 
milk. 
If you commence and persevere in the use of remedial measures, 
you will find them generally to remove the cough ; and if they do 
not, the disease will take a much milder form, and yield mostly to 
that treatment which is now generally adopted by the scientific 
veterinary surgeon. 
