440 GEORGE BRIDGES. 
the subject have so many varied opinions that we are left entirely 
helpless as to a solution of the enigma, consequently we are 
forced to rely entirely on our own observations, after which we 
can carefully compare so that all errors we may have fallen into 
from, perhaps, to great an imaginative mind, may be rectified. 
It is with this purpose I come before you to-night with this 
paper, more to compare my own observations with yours than to 
advance any new theory or treatment. 
In this era of the great advancement of veterinary science it 
is left with this generation to solve the causes of parturient apo¬ 
plexy, so as to be able to treat the disease intelligently. I trust 
the day is not far distant when this will be accomplished by some 
one among our number. We will take the symptoms as I have 
observed them from the commencement of the attack. 
/ 
An animal after having apparently gone through with partu¬ 
rition all right from that on till, perhaps, the three days or longer, 
will suddenly develop the following symptoms: 
She may be eating contentedly, then all at once stop, have a 
sleepy, dejected look, may have a starring coat, perhaps shiver ; 
after a short time there will be quivering of the muscles of the 
flank, soon extending to the whole of the gluteral region ; then, as 
suddenly as it came, all symptoms may pass’off, cow going to eat¬ 
ing, appear bright, which may last for a short time; all at once 
then will be a hurried evacuation of faeces as though the intesti¬ 
nal tract was undergoing a nervous shock ; cow again by this 
time looks alternately sleepy and startled, pupils of the eyes will 
be somewhat dilated, shortly the back will drop slightly, anus 
and vulva will be much constricted, a slight moan at this time 
will escape from the animal, as though in pain ; shortly will lift 
one hind leg, then the other, switch the tail, seem very uneasy; 
muscles will quiver over gluteal region more marked than ever; 
soon the animal reels and staggers, partially falls, rises and falls 
again, going down generally never to rise. The pulse may not 
be altered much all through the above symptoms, but will grow 
weaker until it soon becomes imperceptible. About this time the 
animal becomes comatose ; stertorous breathing will be a marked 
characteristic at this stage ; power of deglutition may be nearly or 
