LETTERS ON PLEURO-PNEUMONIA. 
205 
sloughing the stench was so great, that it became necessary to 
sprinkle powdered charcoal over the surface, which corrected it. 
In about five weeks from the date of injury nearly the whole of 
the skin of the belly, with the prepuce, fell off : it rapidly granu- 
lated, and the animal perfectly recovered, with the exception of an 
artificial urethral orifice. In tracing out the cause of the injury, 
it was acknowledged by the plough-boy that the ox had several 
times on the day previous been gored by his companion, by 
drawing his horn across his belly, in turning the corner of the field 
in his work. This is the third case of torn urethra I have seen. 
The others were produced in jumping hurdles or wood fences: not 
being able to clear the fence, the animals got across, and remained 
for hours before seen, and thus lacerated their urethra. 
During the convalescence of the ox the animal evinced but little 
pain, ate heartily, lay down, and ruminated, more especially after 
an outlet was made for the urine. He is now thriving fast, and 
bids fair to make sixty score weight. 
LETTERS ON THE SUBJECT OF PLEURO-PNEUMONIA 
IN CATTLE. 
By H. DRAPER, M.R.C. V.S., Chelsea, Leighton Buzzard, Beds. 
To the Editor of “ The Veterinarian .” 
Letter I. 
Dear Sir, — I f you will let this short letter appear in your forth- 
coming Number of The Veterinarian, I shall feel obliged, being 
desirous of ascertaining the opinions of my brother practitioners 
generally, as to the real cause of the “ pleuro-pneumonia” in cattle. 
I regret we have not seen more papers on this disease from gen- 
tlemen who are in the habit of almost daily witnessing the disease 
in its varied form, and who, doubtless, have accumulated much va- 
luable information on this very important subject. I will enter 
more fully into this matter ere long, and for the present content 
myself by very briefly stating the opinion I have formed respect- 
ing the cause of the malady, with the view of submitting my opi- 
nion to the test of the profession generally. I am of opinion that 
the disease termed pleuro-pneumonia is the result of suppressed 
scarlatina, or vesicular disease; the history of cases, and post- 
mortem examinations, particularly in the very early stage of the 
disease, each go to shew such is the case. Trusting this may 
be the means of eliciting the opinions for which I am anxiously 
waiting, believe me to Temain, dear Sir, 
Truly your’s. 
