Cattle 1853 - Lewis Family Farm

COW-POX. 419
have found that part of. the 'skin generally cool. Perhaps their observations
were made in different stages of the disease. While lying
unable to walk, the animal will still eat freely, and also take drink,
but does not seem to have excessive thirst. Its costiveness continues
to the last when the malady goes on to a fatal termination. Of the
symptoms which precede dissolution we could not obtain a satisfactory
account. Our witnesses generally declared, however, that the abdomen
does not swell in any stage of the disease. When it assumes a
chronic form, the animal is liable, for weeks and even months, to
muscular infirmity under exercise, look's gaunt and thin, its hair assumes
a dead" appearance, and sometimes falls off in considerable
quantities, especially from the neck."
" We met with no medical gentleman who had subjected animals
laboring under this disease to a systematic, or even varied empirical
treatment. All the people of the district have one and the same indica-
tion to fulfill, that of" opening the bowels. When this can be effected,
the animal, they say, scarcely ever dies—when it cannot, death
occurs. For the fulfillment of this indication, Epsom salts has been
administered in very large quantities, even to pounds, but without
effect. Drenches of lard and various mixtures have also been given,
with no satisfactory result. Judge Harold, near South Charleston,
has exhibited calomel followed •by lard—no essential benefit. Dr.
Toland has administered the oil of turpentine, in doses of eight,
twelve, and sixteen ounces, without advantage. An opinion is pre-
valent, that drenching animals injures them by causing them to struggle.
On the whole, we found among the people of the district a
total want of confidence in all kinds of cathartic medicines ; and an
exclusive reliance on Indian corn. Some preferred oldr corn, some
new, and others that which had been frost-bitten. This is fed to all these
species of animals that are accustomed to eat it, and is said never to
be refused. The more the animal will eat, the greater is the hope
of the owner. It is said to produce purging, when every other
means have failed, and then, it is affirmed, recovery is almost certain.
On these points we found but one opinion in the district. Several
of its physicians, after trying other things, had, with the people, set-
tled down on this."
" We found blood-letting not in favor. Dr. Toland supposes it has,
generally, been employed at too late a period. Many non-professional
persons spoke of having resorted to it without advantage, and some
thought it had done harm."
[A friend assures the editor that early bleeding, purgation, and
injections, have proved effectual to remove the disease in most cases.]
COW-POX.
Cows are subject to two distinct species of pustular eruption on
the teats. Little vesicles or bladders appear; they often differ coiv-