Cattle 1853 - Lewis Family Farm

TYPHUS FEVER. 233
much shorter, according as the disease is more severe ; for instance,
from every eight to fifteen minutes in very acute cases, and which
must be continued until a perceptible calm be restored. In external
inflammatory diseases, especially those which arise from a traumatic
lesion, aconitum is applicable not only to prevent the fever, but also to
cure it when it is already developed, and has as yet made no progress.
Notwithstanding the great efficacy of aconitum, it does nojt suffice in
many cases to effect a complete cure, so that, according to the individual
nature of the inflammation, other diseases being connected, it
becomes necessary to assist its action by that of other different means
helludonna in encephalitis ; spongia marina in angina ; bryonia in
pneumonia and peri-pneumonia ; arsenicum and thus toxicodendron in
enteritis ;
cantharides in cystitis and nephritis, &c.
TYPHUS FEVER.
This is a species of fever with which every farmer is too well acquainted.
It is of a low chronic, typhoid form. It sometimes follows
intense inflammatory action, and then it may be deemed the
second stage of that which has just been considered; but often,
there have been no previous symptoms of peculiar intensity, at least
none that have been observed, but a little increased heat of the ears,
horns, and mouth ; a pulse of sixty or seventy ; a certain degree of
dullness ; a deficiency of appetite ; an occasional suspension of rumi-
nation ; a disinclination to move; a gait approaching to staggering ;
and a gradual wasting. These are plain indications that there is a
fire burning, and rapidly consuming the strength of the animal. The
vital energies are evidently undermining ; but the fire is smothered.
It is not phthisis (consumption), it is not inflammatory fever, for the
intense inflammation
typhus fever.
characterizing that is seldom seen it is true
As soon as it becomes established, diarrhoea succeeds ; and this is
either produced by small doses of medicine from which no danger
could be suspected, or comes on spontaneously. It is not, however,
violent, but continues day after day. It bids defiance to the skill of
the most experienced practitioner, or, if arrested for a while, is sure
to return. The discharge is peculiarly fetid ; occasionally mixed
with blood, and generally containing a considerable quantity of
mucus.
Three or four weeks have probably now elapsed, and then succeed
the peculiar symptoms of low fever in cattle. Tumors form round
the joints, or appear on the back or udder ; ulcerate, spread, and become
fetid. The sweet breath of the ox is gone—it is as offensive
as the ulcers, and, in fact, we have that which can scarcely be distinguished
from the second stage of inflammatory fever.
It is most prevalent in the spring and fall of the year, and when
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