Cattle 1853 - Lewis Family Farm

164 CATTLE.
APOPLEXY -
.
Cattle are very subject to sudden determination of blood to the
head. They are naturally plethoric ; are continually under the in-
fluence of a stimulating and forcing system ; and that without exer-
— ;
cise by means of which the injurious effects of that system might in
a great measure be counteracted. The very object in our management
of the ox, is to clothe him with as much flesh and fat as possible
; therefore he is subject to all the diseases connected with a
redundancy of blood, and to apoplexy among the rest.
There are few premonitory symptons in these cases. Had the
beast been closely observed, it might have been perceived that he
was indisposed to move—that the breathing was a little laborious,
and the eye somewhat protruded. The animal seems to be struck all
at once—he falls—breathes heavily and stertorously—struggles with
greater or less violence, and then dies—sometimes in five minutes
oftener after a few hours.
If there is time to do any thing, the beast should be bled, and as
much blood taken as can be got. A pound and a half of Epsom
salts should be given, and this followed up with doses of half a
pound until it operates ; its action should afterwards be maintained
by six-ounce doses of sulphur every morning.
The congestion of the brain being removed, and also the congestion
which, to a certain degree, prevails evsrywhere, the beast should
be slaughtered ; for he is liable to a return from causes which would
not, previous to his first attack, have in the slightest degree affected
him.
Homoeopathic treatment.—As soon as the precursory symptoms are
perceived, a few doses of aconitum are given, which has been found
a sure means of preventing a fatal termination, especially if the beast
be fed moderately, employed properly, and not worked too severely
during hot weather. Arnica, belladonna, nux vomica, and laurocerasus
may also be used in the premonitory symptoms witb^good effect ; also
mercurius and opium.
PHBBNITIS.
Phrensy or sough in cattle is 'veil known to the farmer and practitioner.
There is generally, at first, much oppression and heaviness
the animal can scarcely be induced to move ; the eyes are protruded
and red ; the respiration hurried ; and delirium, more or less intense,
rapidly succeeds. The beast rushes at everything in its way ; it is
in incessant action, galloping about with its tail arched, staggering,
falling, bellowing ; its skin sticking to its ribs, and the sensibility of
the spine strangely increased.
As, however, the previous oppression and stupidity were much
less, so is the succeeding violence increased ; not even a rabid ox is