The American Reformed Cattle Doctor Part 11

_Cure._--In the early stages of the disease, all forms of medication that are in any way calculated to arouse the peristaltic motion of the intestines should be avoided; hence purges are certain destruction.

Relax the muscular structure by the application of a blanket or horse-cloth wrung out in hot water. In this disease, it is generally sufficient to apply warmth and moisture as near the parts affected as possible; yet if the ears and legs are cold, the general application of warmth and moisture will more speedily accomplish the relaxation of the whole animal. After the application of the above, injections of a mild, soothing character (slippery elm, or flaxseed tea) should be used very liberally. A drink of any mucilaginous, lubricating, and innocent substance may be given, such as mallows, linseed, Iceland moss, slippery elm. During convalescence, the diet must be light and of an unirritating character, such as boiled carrots, scalded meal, &c.

INFLAMMATION OF TILE PERITONEAL COAT OF THE INTESTINES, (PERITONITIS.)

This disease requires the same treatment as the latter malady.

INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS, (NEPHRITIS.)

The usual symptoms are a quick pulse; loss of appet.i.te; high-colored urine, pa.s.sed in small quant.i.ties, with difficulty and pain. Pressure on the loins gives pain, and the animal will shrink on placing the hand over the region of the kidneys.

_Causes._--Cold, external injury, or injury from irritating substances, that are often sent full tilt through the kidneys, as spirits of turpentine, gin and mola.s.ses, saleratus. It is unnecessary to detail all the causes of the disease: suffice it to say, that they exist in any thing that can for a time obstruct the free and full play of the different functions.

_Treatment._--This, too, will consist in the invitation of the blood to the surface and extremities, and by removing all irritating matter from the system, _in the same manner as for inflammation of the bowels_. The application of a poultice of ground hemlock, or a charge of gum hemlock, will generally be found useful. The best drinks--and these should only be allowed in small quant.i.ties--are gum arabic and marshmallow decoctions.

INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER, (CYSt.i.tIS.)

During the latter months of pregnancy, the bladder is often in an irritable state, and a frequent desire to void the urine is observed, which frequently results from constipation. A peculiar sympathy exists between the bladder and r.e.c.t.u.m; and when constipation is present, there is a constant effort on the part of the animal to void the excrement.

This expulsive action also affects the bladder: hence the frequent efforts to urinate. The irritable state of the bladder is caused by the pressure of the loaded r.e.c.t.u.m on the neck of the former.

The common soap-suds make a good injection, and will quickly soften the hardened excrement; after which the following clyster may be used:--

Linseed tea, 3 quarts.

Cream of tartar, 1 ounce.

After throwing into the r.e.c.t.u.m about one third of the above, press the tail on the a.n.u.s. The object is, to make it act as a fomentation in the immediate vicinity of the parts. After the inflammation shall have subsided, administer the following in a bottle, or horn:--

Powdered blackroot, (_leptandra virginica_,) half an ounce.

Warm water, 1 pint.

Repeat the dose, if the symptoms are not relieved.

INFLAMMATION OF THE WOMB.

This may be treated in the same manner as the last-named disease. The malady may be recognized by la.s.situde, loss of appet.i.te, diminution in the quant.i.ty, and deterioration in the quality, of the milk. As the disease advances, there is often a fetid discharge from the parts; a constant straining, which is attended with a frequent flow of urine.

INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN, (PHRENITIS.)

In this disease, the pia mater, arachnoid membrane, or the brain itself, may be inflamed. It matters very little which of the above are deranged, for the means of cure are the same. We have no method of making direct application to either of the above, as they all lie within the cranium.

Neither can we act upon them medicinally except through the organs of secretion, absorption, and circulation. Post mortem examinations reveal to us evident marks of high inflammatory action, both in the substance of the brain and in its membranes; and an effusion of blood, serum, or of purulent matter, has been found in the ventricles of the brain.

_Treatment._--The indications are, to equalize the circulation by warmth and moisture externally, and maintain the action to the surface by rubbing the legs with the following counter-irritant:--

Vinegar, 1 quart.

Common salt, 2 ounces.

Set the mixture on the fire, (_in an earthen vessel_,) and allow it to simmer for a few moments; then apply it to the legs. After the circulation is somewhat equalized, give the following drench:--

Extract of b.u.t.ternut, half an ounce.

Tea of hyssop, 1 pint.

A stimulating clyster may then be given, composed of warm water, into which a few grains of powdered capsic.u.m may be sprinkled.

If due attention be paid to counter-irritation, and the head kept cool by wet cloths, the chances of recovery are pretty certain.

INFLAMMATION OF THE EYE.

This disease is too well known to require any description; we shall therefore, at once, proceed to point out the ways and means for its cure.

_Treatment._--First wash the eyes with a weak decoction of camomile flowers until they are well cleansed; then give a cooling drink, composed of

Cream of tartar, 1 ounce.

Decoction of lemon balm, 1 quart.

Repeat this drink every six hours, until the bowels am moved. Should the disease occur where these articles cannot be procured, give two ounces of common salt in a pint of water. Should the eye still continue red and swollen, give a dose of physic. (See _Physic for Cattle_.)

If a film can be observed, wash with a decoction of powdered bloodroot; and if a weeping remain, use the following astringent:--

Powdered bayberry bark, 1 ounce.

Boiling water, 1 pint.

When cool, pour off the clear liquor. It is then fit for use.

Inflammation of the eye may a.s.sume different forms, but the above treatment, combined with attention to rest, ventilation, a dark location, and a light diet, will cover the whole ground.

INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER, (HEPAt.i.tIS.)

Cattle very frequently show signs of diseased liver. Stall-fed oxen and cows kept in cities are most liable to derangement of the liver; in such animals, (after death,) there is an unusual yellowness of the fat. A disease of the liver may exist for a long time without interfering much with the general health. Mr. Youatt informs us that "a chronic form of diseased liver may exist for some months, or years, not characterized by any decided symptom, and but little interfering with health."

_Symptoms._--Permanent yellowness of the eyes; quick pulse; dry muzzle; hot mouth; considerable pain when pressure is made on the right side.

Occasionally the animal looks round and licks the spot over the region of the liver.

_Treatment._--First give half pint doses of thoroughwort tea, at intervals of one hour, (_to the amount of two quarts_.) This will relax the system, and equalize vital action. The following drench is then to be given:--

Extract of b.u.t.ternut, half an ounce.

Warm water, 1 quart.

If the b.u.t.ternut cannot be obtained, subst.i.tute a dose of physic. (See APPENDIX.) Stimulate the bowels to action by injections of soap-suds. If the extremities are cold, proceed to warm them in the manner alluded to in article _Inflammation of the Bowels_. On the other hand, if the surface of the body is hot and dry, and there is much fever present, indicated by a quick pulse and dry muzzle, then bathe the whole surface with weak saleratus water, sufficiently warm to relax the external surface. The following fever drink may be given daily until rumination again commences:--

Lemon balm, 2 ounces.

Cream of tartar, 1 ounce.

Honey, 1 gill.