TETANUS IN A HEIFER. 
501 
was drawn within ihe orbit so as to produce a protrusion of 
the membrana nictitans , although not to such a marked extent 
as is seen in the horse when the subject of tetanus. A most 
peculiar appearance was also imparted to the mouth by the 
lips being drawn backwards by the muscular contractions. 
The jaws were partially closed, the ears stiffened, and the 
muscles of the neck rigid. The legs were extended, and the 
tail partially raised. The pulse was not much accelerated, 
nor was the breathing but little disturbed. The faeces were 
rather hard, but a fair quantity of them had been passed. 
The urine was frequently voided in small quantities, and of 
high colour. The temperature of the body w r as natural. 
All endeavours to detect the cause of the disease by a 
careful examination of the body failed, nor could I obtain 
any satisfactory account by questioning those in attendance 
upon her. With much difficulty a purgative draught was 
administered, for the attempt brought on violent spasms 
of the throat, and 1 was obliged to exercise the greatest care 
to prevent suffocation taking place. I had my patient re¬ 
moved from the yard into a quiet box, and gave instruc¬ 
tions for water and sloppy mashes to be placed within 
her reach. I saw her again in the evening, and when per¬ 
fectly undisturbed, the tetanic spasms were not particularly 
marked; but the slightest excitement brought them on, and 
as it was utterly useless to attempt to give more medicine by 
the mouth, I applied a blister along the course of the spine. 
She was still noticed to be frequently voiding her urine, 
which was somewhat darker in colour than before. There 
was likewise some tympany of the abdomen present, wffiich 
gradually increased as the disease went on. 
8th.—I found her much worse this morning; the bowels, 
however, had been relieved, and the faeces were soft. The 
tetanic spasms pervaded the whole body, and were very se¬ 
vere. The urine was not voided so frequently, nor was the 
pulse but little increased in frequency. She lies down occa¬ 
sionally, and has not much difficulty in rising, although she 
moves as if she were all one piece. The gaseous distension 
of the rumen is augmented, but she has managed to suck 
down some sloppy mash during the night. All the symp¬ 
toms are much aggravated. 
9th.—The spasmodic contractions of the muscles are con¬ 
tinuous, and most painful to behold. Under these circum¬ 
stances it was deemed prudent to have her destroyed forth¬ 
with, which was accordingly done. 
Post-mortem examination .—The lungs and all the thoracic 
viscera were in a normal condition. The rumen was dis- 
xxxii. 66 
