Cattle 1853 - Lewis Family Farm

346 CAT.TLE.
bably be as frequent ; they will be more copious ; but less mucus
will be found in them, and they, will have become more decidedly
faecal and not so offensive. The belly will be less' tender; the countenance
less anxious ; the general appearance improved. The inflammation
of the inner surface of the large intestines will have materi-
ally subsided, but the habit of purgation will continue for a while,
and will be increased by the state of relaxation and debility in
which the vessels are left. Then, but not until then, .astringents
will be admissible and highly beneficial.
Catechu stands at the head of this class of medicines in such a
case ; and its power may be increased by the addition of oak bark,
or it may be given in a decoction of oak bark. The opium must not,
however, be omitted ; for although direct inflammation may have
been subdued, and relaxation and debility have followed, much irrita-
bility may remain, to control which the soothing -power of opium will
be required.
To catechu and opium it has been usual to add chalk ; for in all
these diseases there is a tendency in the stomach, and probably in the
intestinal canal, to generate a considerable quantity of acid. A
greater source of irritation can scarcely tie imagined when the state
of the lining membrance of the large intestine is taken into consideration.
The chalk, or the carbonic acid of the chalk, will unite with
and neutralize this acid, and render it harmless. Theoretic chemistry
would lead to the substitution of magnesia for the chalk, for the
carbonic acid being withdrawn, it might be feared that the caustic
lime would be injurious ; but experience has proved that magnesia is
not so efficacious in cattle ; that, in fact, it seems to be almost inert,
while chalk has usually answered the purpose intended, and no
inconvenience has resulted from it.
Some practitioners strangely mingle vegetable and mineral tonics
together, forgetful of the decomposition which frequently, or almost
constantly, ensues, and the impairment or total loss of medicinal power.
Vegetable astringents agree best with the constitution of cattle, and
they will not often deceive.
The nature of the disease, however, being considered, will the
practioner confine himself to the astringents ? He has now to struggle
with the consequences of inflammation—the weakness and want
of tone which inflammation has produced, not only in the part itself
but in the whole system. He will also take into consideration the
natural temperament and constitution of cattle ; and that they will
not bear disease, nor the treatment of disease, like some other animals.
Diseases speedily run their course in cattle, and the patients often
sink under the prompt and vigorous and scientific treatment of the
malady. An ox may bear one copious bleeding well ; but he cannot
be bled again and again. He will derive the usual advantage from
purgation to a certain extent, but care must be taken lest it degen-