PARTURIENT APOPLEXY. 
647 
two conditions to overcome, namely, the indigestion and ab¬ 
normal condition of the blood ; and to accomplish this we are 
dependent upon a free action of all the excretory organs. 
Sulphate of magnesia, the most commonly prescribed bo¬ 
vine purgative, probably meets the requirements in this dis¬ 
ease better than any other medicinal agent we have, for it not 
only unloads the bowels and overcomes the indigestion 
but also, while in the blood, retards* coagulation and re- 
I y mov ^ s fibrine. The mode of medicinal administration to 
obtain the best results becomes a matter of consideration, 
owing to the irritable condition ol the stomach in many in¬ 
stances, as has already been referred to, and the nauseating 
effect of the medicine. I would disapprove of giving a suf- 
j ficient dose at one time to produce purgation, such doses 
being calculated to aggravate rather than subdue the urgent 
symptoms, while doses of six or eight ounces, with full doses 
of sodii hyposulphite—which also serves a two-fold purpose of 
counteracting acidity of the stomach or arresting fermenta¬ 
tion, and exerting alterative action in the blood—may be 
| given and repeated every one or two hours until four or five 
doses have been taken. If tympanitis be present I should 
endeavor to overcome the condition by the use of ammonia, 
I ether, tr. of ginger, or other antacids and stomachics, and if 
I unable to control it in this way the trochar and canula must 
I be used. . As there is gradual sinking of all the vital powers 
I think stimulants are indicated ; perhaps moderate doses of 
f belladonna to stimulate the heart’s action is as good as we 
could do. 
Great caie must be exercised in administering the medi¬ 
cine, lest the animal, whose power of deglutition is likely to 
be impaired, be not strangled, and when such condition is 
present all medicines should be given with an injection pump, 
a short piece of rubber hose, or even a male catheter, if 
nothing better be at hand, introduced down the throat after 
the patient is propped up on the sternum. The medicines 
poured through will pass readily into the stomach. Every 
precaution must be taken to keep the patient propped up on 
the sternum, for if allowed to lie out flat the fluids are apt to 
