Cattle 1853 - Lewis Family Farm

DIARRHOEA AND DYSENTERY 345
and discharge, and also the general fever ; but no very material degree
of benefit c^.n be expected from them; and there certainly
cannot be that importance which is sometimes attached to the substance
or the root that is inserted. The common cord, or hair-rope,
the black hellebore root, however, pro-
will answer every purpose :
duces the speediest inflammation and the most copious discharge.
Fomentation of the right flank and the right side of the belly with
hot water, pr, in acute cases, the blistering of those parts, will be far
more serviceable than any seton in the dewlap can possibly be.
That admirable disinfectant, the chloride of lime, promises to be
of essential service in the treatment of dysentery ; not only in changing
the nature of the intestinal discharge, and depriving it of all
its putridity, but in disposing the surface of the intestine, with wWh
it may be brought into contact, to assume a more healthy character.
When applied externally to wounds and ulcers of every kind, it
effects wonders in both of these respects ; and, being properly
diluted, it has not been found to give any great pain, or dangerously
to increase inflammation in the most irritable ulcer. It may be administered
either by the mouth, or in the form of clyster. The
practitioner will probably avail himself of its aid in both forms. It
should not be mingled with any other drug ; but half an ounce of
the solution, or a drachm of the powder, may be mixed with a
quart, of water, and given between the regular periods for the ad-
ministration of the other remedies. -
The reader will mind the caution as to the mode of administering
liquid medicine to cattle ; for in a disease so serious and so fatal as
dysentery, it cannot be too deeply impressed on the mind of the
practitioner. Whether the medicine be given .by means of the horn
or the pump, it should flow as gently as possible down the gullet,
that it may not break through the floor of the oesophagean canal,
but have a better chance of passing on to the fourth stomach and
the intestines.
In this, as well as in the chronic stage of dysentery, a great deal
more depends upon attending to the comfort of the animal than too
many seem to believe. The patient should be housed, and well littered
down, and, in some cases, moderately clothed. Of his food,
little portions at a time should be culled for him and offered to him ;
and warm gruel and warm mashes should be frequently put within
his reach. There can be no doubt that more benefit is connected
with that one word comfort, than can be procured from half the
drugs which the veterinary pharmacopoeia contains.
In many cases, and in every case that can be brought to a successful
termination, it will be observed, after the perseverance of ten
days or a fortnight- in this mode of treatment, that the pain preceding
and accompanying the evacuations is materially lessened, and that
the nature of the matter evacuated is changed. The stools willjiro.-
15*