THE PRESENT EPIDEMIC AMONG CATTLE. 
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1th . — I never could ascertain that the disease was communicated 
from one animal to another by the men who waited upon them. 
8 Ih . — I am decidedly of opinion that this disease is caused by 
atmospheric agency, and propagated by contagion. Calves suck- 
ing cows that had sore nipples when under the influence of this 
malady frequently had the disease, whereas others sucking healthy 
teats escaped. 
9 th . — The disease generally makes its first appearance in the 
mouth. The feet are secondarily affected ; now and then, however, 
primarily so. There is a continual drivelling from the mouth — a 
champing of the teeth — vesicles on the tongue, and abrasions fol- 
lowing on the whole of the lining membrane of the mouth. In some, 
half of the covering membrane of the tongue peeled off. The pulse 
and respiration were, in some, accelerated, and occasionally great 
constitutional disturbance took place. At the outset they lay down 
a great deal — refused food and water — vesicles did not form on 
the feet of many, and where they did their seat was superior to the 
claws, generally in front, sometimes extending all around. When 
they broke they caused great lameness, and emitted a disagreeable 
stench. In two or three of my patients vesication took place under 
the abdomen, soon followed by ulcers. In two cases an ichorous 
discharge was observed from the dew claws down to the other 
claws, very much like grease from a horse’s heel. Those suffered 
acutely from lameness. 
10/A. — In three or four days the champing and slavering some- 
what diminishes, and they begin then to eat and drink a little. 
The lameness generally exists for a fortnight. In one case the 
hoofs came gradually off while new ones were growing, the same 
as in laminitis in the horse. In about a week, marked improve- 
ment was frequently seen, and in the majority of cases a fortnight’s 
time left little or nothing the matter. The skin of the tongue, &c. 
was all formed afresh. 
11/A. — At the outbreak of the disease, fat cows were all bled, 
with no beneficial effect. Bleeding was resorted to as a preventive. 
I had occasion to bleed two or three milkers, where the respiration 
was quickened, and likewise the pulse. One I bled three times, 
each operation giving great relief, and, previous to which, she lay 
down, turned her head back against her chest, and groaned very 
much. This one had obstinate constipation of the intestines for 
two or three days, which was at length overcome by the exhibition 
of repeated doses of physic and enemas. I have reason to believe 
that this cow’s stomach and bowels were affected in a manner si- 
milar to the mouth and tongue, viz. with vesicles, abrasions, &c. 
■ In a general way, I think blood-letting does no good — rather 
harm, by debilitating the system too much, especially where the 
