13f> 
THE VESICULAR EPIZOOTIC AMONG CATTLE. 
By J. Tombs, M.R.C.V.S., Stratford-on-Avon. 
The Vesicular Epizootic broke out amongst some cows 
in this neighbourhood the beginning of May, and continued 
until October; it then gradually disappeared, and since that 
time I have not heard of a solitary case. It was at its full 
height in June and July. Herefordshire cattle were more 
violently attacked than short-horns. A herd of the former 
were seized in the early part of June, and placed under my care. 
A description of the symptoms, treatment, and termination of 
the same, will render it unnecessary to record other cases that 
came under my observation. 
The milch cows were more severely affected than others. 
The SYMPTOMS were, increased pulsation—copious dis¬ 
charge of saliva from the mouth—respiration disturbed. These 
symptoms continued for two or three days, when a tremendous 
inflammation of the integuments and cellular tissues set in, 
around the coronets, at the heels, and between the hoofs, 
causing exceeding lameness and excruciating pain. The 
swelling quickly extended to the fetlocks. The poor beasts lay 
down the greater portion of their time,—panted, and perspired 
profusely, with occasional deep groaning. At this stage of the 
disease the mouth improved. When made to get up, they could 
hardly walk, and soon lay down again. The beating of the 
heart could be distinctly heard several yards off*. In some all 
four feet were affected; in others the fore feet, others the 
hind feet, and in some one fore foot. Suppuration took place 
in the integumentary and cellular membranes five or six days 
subsequently to the original attack, which process afforded great 
relief. In the interim they became emaciated, and lost their 
milk. In a day or two after, extensive sloughing supervened of 
the integuments of the coronets and heels, and between the hoofs, 
leaving the pedal and coronary bones bare, with deep sinuses. 
The putrid parts while sloughing emitted an unbearable stench. 
Granulations of new flesh soon formed, which became prominent 
and luxuriant, forcing the hoofs wide apart. At this period of 
the complaint the urgent and painful symptoms considerably 
lessened ; the animals could then hobble out of the yard into- 
a grass-field close by, where they were prior to the attack. 
The milk, flesh, and strength, began to return, and the lameness 
slowly diminished, as the thickening of the integuments and 
cellular membrane became absorbed. New hoofs formed, which 
