DIARRHOEA AMONG CATTLE. 
377 
nor were they scarcely in any place distended with flatus. In some 
parts of the canal there was slight inflammation of the lining 
membrane, especially where it was invaginated. The large in- 
testines were natural — bladder highly distended — liver of an 
enormous size, though perhaps natural. The abdomen, prior to 
opening it, was not the least swelled; indeed, its sides were 
collapsed. 
It appears to me that it had been nothing more than spasm of 
the intestines from some unknown cause. 
DIARRHCEA AMONG CATTLE. 
By W. Cox, M.R.C.V.S . , Ashbourn . 
DIARRHCEA has assumed an epizootic character among the 
cattle of this district during the last few months. It first came 
under my notice in the early part of February last : since then 
there have been large numbers of cattle attacked all round here 
before going out to grass and since. If an average were taken, it 
is my opinion that upwards of one-fourth of the cattle of this dis- 
trict would be found to have been affected within the last five 
months ; and every day now brings fresh cases. 
Symptoms. — Dulness, loss of appetite, cessation of cudding, 
milk, &c. ; cold extremities, ears, horns, &c. ; shivering pa- 
roxysm ; staring coat. At first the fseces are very pultaceous ; 
but they soon become slimy from mucus being mixed with 
them. 
TREATMENT. — In the majority of cases antacids combined with 
carminatives have soon effected a cure. In a few instances I have 
administered oleaginous purges with anodyne medicine ; and in 
a few others I have found it necessary to give active astringents. 
Good hay should be allowed the cattle to eat, and their beverage 
must be wheaten flour gruel, or they must be horned with it. Out 
of great numbers of cases I have had but one death. 
It was my intention, when I began to write, to have sent you a 
description of a disease which destroyed so many cattle a few 
years ago in the north of Staffordshire, resembling the murrain of 
old ; and likewise a case of scarlatina, terminating in purpura 
hsemorrhagica and death of a mare : but my time is gone. 
Your’s most respectfully. 
June 15. 
*** We hope to hear soon again from Mr. Cox. 
