_Causes._--Errors in feeding, over-exertion, exposure in wet pastures,
or suffering the animal, when in a state of perspiration, to partake
too bountifully of cold water, are among the direct causes of a
derangement of vital equilibrium. Want of pure air for the purpose of
vitalizing the blood, the inhalation of noxious gases, and filth and
uncleanliness, may produce this disease in its worst form; yet it must
be borne in mind that the same exciting causes will not develop the same
form of disease in all animals. It altogether depends on the amount of
vital resistance, or what is termed the peculiar idiosyncrasy of the
animal. On the other hand, several animals often suffer from the same
form of disease, from causes varying in their general character. Hence
the reader will see that it would be needless, in fact impossible, to
point to the direct cause in each grade of disease. The least
obstruction to universal vital action will produce pneumonia in some
animals, while in others it may result in disease of the bowels.
_Cure._--No special treatment can be successfully pursued in pneumonia;
for the lungs are not the only organs involved: no change of condition
can occur in the animal functions without the nervous system being more
or less deranged; for the latter is essential to all vital motions.
Hence disease, in every form, should be treated according to its
indications. A few general directions may, however, be found useful. The
first indication to be fulfilled is to equalize the blood. Flannels
saturated with warm vinegar should be applied to the extremities; they
may be folded round the legs, and renewed as often as they grow cold.
Poultices of slippery elm, applied to the feet, as hot as the animal can
bear them, have sometimes produced a better result than vinegar. If the
animal has shivering fits, and the whole surface is chilled, apply
warmth and moisture as recommended in article "_Locked-Jaw_." At the
same time, endeavor to promote the insensible perspiration by the
internal use of diaphoretics--_lobelia or thoroughwort tea_. A very good
diaphoretic and anti-spasmodic drink may be made thus:--
Lobelia, (herb) 2 ounces.
Spearmint, 1 ounce.
Boiling water, 2 quarts.
Let the above stand for a few minutes; strain, then add two
table-spoonfuls of honey. Give half a pint every hour, taking care to
pour it down the oesophagus very gently, so as to insure its reaching
the fourth or true digestive stomach. The following clyster must be
given:--
Powdered lobelia, 2 ounces.
Boiling water, 3 quarts.
When sufficiently cool, inject with a common metal syringe.
These processes should be repeated as the symptoms require, until the
animal gives evidence of relief; when a light diet of thin gruel will
perfect the cure. It must ever be borne in mind that in the treatment of
all forms of disease--those of the _lungs more especially_--the animal
must have pure, uncontaminated atmospheric air, and that any departure
from purity in the air which the animal respires, will counteract all
our efforts to cure.
INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS, (ENTERITIS,--INFLAMMATION OF THE
FIBRO-MUSCULAR COAT OF THE INTESTINES.)
_Character._--Acute pain; the animal appears restless, and frequently
turns his head towards the belly; moans, and appears dull; frequent
small, hard pulse; cold feet and ears.
_Causes._--Plethora, costiveness, or the sudden application of cold
either internally or externally, overworking, &c.
_Cure._--In the early stages of the disease, all forms of medication
that are in any way calculated to arouse the peristaltic motion of the
intestines should be avoided; hence purges are certain destruction.
Relax the muscular structure by the application of a blanket or
horse-cloth wrung out in hot water. In this disease, it is generally
sufficient to apply warmth and moisture as near the parts affected as
possible; yet if the ears and legs are cold, the general application of
warmth and moisture will more speedily accomplish the relaxation of the
whole animal. After the application of the above, injections of a mild,
soothing character (slippery elm, or flaxseed tea) should be used very
liberally. A drink of any mucilaginous, lubricating, and innocent
substance may be given, such as mallows, linseed, Iceland moss, slippery
elm. During convalescence, the diet must be light and of an unirritating
character, such as boiled carrots, scalded meal, &c.
INFLAMMATION OF TILE PERITONEAL COAT OF THE INTESTINES,
(PERITONITIS.)
This disease requires the same treatment as the latter malady.