888 SCOTTISH METROPOLITAN VETERINARY ASSOCIATION. 
vomica. If, as is almost sure to be the case, the animal cannot 
swallow, no time should be lost in the introduction of the trocar 
and canula into the rumen (if it has not been already done) to 
relieve flatulence, and here I would remark that in all cases where 
there is the slightest evidence of the formation of gas, the canula 
should be always introduced; the slightest tympanitis produces 
pressure on the diaphragm, and adds to the congested state of 
the lungs ; and eructations are also more likely to occur, with 
the risk of food or fluid being brought up the oesophagus with 
the eructated gases, and finding its way into the trachea; and 
even a greater result than this is attained by the introduction of 
the canula into the rumen, viz. that by the aid of a double-action 
syphon we can pass as much medicine as we like into the stomach 
at any stage without risk of choking. It is a common practice 
to pour large quantities of gruel into animals suffering from 
parturient apoplexy. This is a most hurtful and absurd system, 
as it only adds to the load already in the rumen, but, as all the 
organic functions are in abeyance, it cannot be absorbed. Cold 
water to the front of the head, in a constant jet, by means of a 
tube, or poured from a considerable altitude through a watering 
can, may be of service by causing involuntary deep respirations, 
thus relieving the lungs somewhat; but I question very much if 
it can have any effect on the cephalic circulation, for the reasons 
I have already stated, and from the thickness of the bones; and 
the water flowing on to the animal* s straw makes her miserable 
and cold. Ice, if it can be obtained, is more preferable, but I 
have given this treatment a fair trial on several occasions without 
its producing any material good. In addition to the application 
of external stimulants to the loins, and attending to the general 
comforts of the patient, we may cause her to inhale the fumes of 
strong ammonia or burnt cayenne pepper with good effect, and 
the blister to the poll and larynx may be repeated. 
In the fourth stage perseverance with stimulants, &c., and 
hoping even against hope is all that we can do. 
In speaking of these methods of treatment, it must be under¬ 
stood that in all cases where the animal is fat and the attack 
violent, it is far better to slaughter than to attempt to treat, and 
run the risk of losing both patient and reputation; unless the 
owner is more desirous of saving the animal's life, than of avoid¬ 
ing loss. 
In the convalescent stage .—Particularly if much debility exists, 
Peruvian bark in two ounce doses, with gentian and ale, may be 
given with much advantage (and more so, as its physiological 
action is to a great extent exerted, according to Dr. Angelo 
Montererdi, (see Lancet , 8th June, 1872), and others, on the 
sympathetic and tenth nerves) alternated with nux vomica. 
