134 
THE PRESENT EPIDEMIC AMONG CATTLE. 
easiness in the feet; and frequently constipation of the bowels, 
though in some this last stated was reversed, and diarrhoea super- 
vened. 
I invariably commenced my treatment by abstracting blood to a 
greater or less amount, regulated by the severity of the symptoms 
and the age and condition of my patient; and here I would remark, 
that no man can determine any prescribed amount to be taken away : 
it must be left to the observant practitioner to let his practical 
knowledge decide him. After this operation, I have administered 
magn. sulph. giv, sulph. subl. §j, p. potass, nitr. gss, in gruel, 
using a solution of the chloride of lime, in which was mixed a 
little honey, as a lotion to the ulcerated mouth. The feet, where 
occasion required, were dressed with a solution of chloride of lime, 
and, afterwards, linseed meal poultices applied. My patients have 
all certainly been in good condition, well pastured ; in fact, well 
fed, and have all of them recovered. In a few days the milk has 
returned, and the appetite been restored. Where the udder has been 
much swollen, tender, and hard, it is advisable to use a fomentation 
of the poppy heads and chamomile flowers ; but, unless it is painful 
to the touch, and much heat in it, we shall do well not to regard a 
little increased size. It will go down gradually as the other symp- 
toms disappear. 
In the horse I have had very many cases under my care, although 
the symptoms are not exactly those corresponding with the cow; 
and here I must observe, that in but comparatively few have I 
witnessed precisely the same symptoms, although in all there has 
been a prominent character identifying the disease. It is usually 
ushered in by slight chills, depressed appearance, sudden and 
great prostration of strength; the pulse quickened; the mouth and 
tongue dry and hot ; eyelids much swollen and closed ; great weep- 
ing from the eyes ; sometimes a discharge from one or both nostrils, 
and tinged occasionally with blood ; frequent enlargement of the 
parotid and submaxillary glands; inflammation and soreness on 
the top of the pharynx and larynx, and along the course of the 
oesophagus ; frequent cough, and difficult deglutition ; disturbed 
respiration; the food ancl drink returned through the nostrils; 
great stiffness and tenderness of the extremities, and, sometimes, 
oedema ; great aversion to motion. 
These symptoms appeared in various degrees and combinations 
as the violence of the disease fell more particularly upon the mu- 
cous membrane, in the head, in the throat and chest, or in the 
bowels. 
I am fully assured that the utmost benefit is derived from blood- 
letting, particularly if we have the opportunity of seeing our patient 
in the early stage of the attack; but I dread the use of physic, and 
