890 SCOTTISH METROPOLITAN VETERINARY ASSOCIATION. 
natural state of the excretory functions, particularly the urinary 
and intestinal, which may be done by a judicious use of diuretic 
and laxative agents; this is the more necessary when we con¬ 
sider that the debris of the foetus, as I have before pointed out, is 
added to that of the mother. It must not be thought that the 
free use of laxatives will always prevent parturient apoplexy, I 
have on several oecasions seen animals attacked though they were 
purging to as great an extent as could be desired. Bleeding is 
a great preventative with some stock-owners, but I must confess 
that I am no advocate of the operation, unless, indeed, a great 
degree of excitement is present, prior to, or immediately following 
parturition; enforced exercise and the avoidance of fat-producing 
foods are of great consequence. Placing animals in loose boxes, or 
if the weather is favourable, in small paddocks with their offspring 
must of necessity be beneficial. All other animals, the sheep, 
the mare, the pig, are so treated, why should not the cow ? In 
heavy milkers the withdrawal of the milk at two or three 
intervals, both before and after parturition, must not be lost 
sight of; and where much excitement is present after the birth of 
the foetus an opiate should be administered; on the contrary, if 
there is much depression stimulants should be given. 
I need scarcely remark that it is not advisable to breed from 
a cow which has been the subject of parturient apoplexy, as not 
only will the liability (from similarity of conformation) to the 
disease be transmitted to the offspring, but a second attack is 
almost sure to follow, and in the majority of instances is rapidly 
fatal. 
I must not conclude this subject without a brief reference to 
the question as to whether the flesh of animals which have suffered 
from apoplexy, and have been slaughtered, is fit for human food. 
In the early stage no objection can possibly be raised to the flesh 
being put to such a purpose, or even in the second stage; but 
when much medicine has been administered, and the compounds 
of carbon have accumulated in the blood and muscular tissues to 
any extent, or a diseased condition of the blood exists, I am of 
opinion that, though the flesh may be safely given when boiled 
to pigs or dogs, and has been given in the raw state to these 
animals, it is not advisable to use it for human food. Notwith¬ 
standing I hold this opinion, I think it would be difficult to 
establish its hurtful character if properly cooked. 
