In the early stages of this disease, it is not always to be checked. It
is often a salutary operation of nature to rid the system of morbific
materials, and all that we can do with safety is, to sheathe and
lubricate the mucous surfaces, in order to protect them from the acrid
and stimulating properties of the agents to be removed from the
alimentary canal.
When the disease, of which diarrhoea is only a symptom, proceeds from
exposure, apply warmth, moisture, friction, and stimulants to the
external surface, aided by the following lubricant:--
Powdered slippery elm, 1 ounce.
" charcoal, 1 table-spoonful.
Boiling water, 2 quarts.
Common starch, or flour, may be substituted for slippery elm. The
mixture should be given in pint doses, at intervals of two hours. When
the fecal discharges appear more natural and less frequent, a tea of
raspberry leaves or bayberry bark will complete the cure.
When the disease assumes a chronic form, and the animal loses flesh,
the following tonic, stimulating, astringent drink is recommended:--
Infusion of camomile, 1 quart.
Powdered caraway seeds, 1 ounce.
Bayberry, powdered, half an ounce.
Mix for one dose.
_Remarks._--In the treatment of this disease, it is necessary for the
farmer to know, that through the instrumentality of the nervous
structure, there is constantly a sympathy kept up between the different
parts of the animal; whenever any part is affected, the corresponding
part feels the influence. Thus the external surface is opposed to the
internal, so that, if the function of the former be diminished, or
excessive, or suspended, that of the latter will soon become deranged;
and the restoration of the lost function is the only true way to effect
a cure. For example, if an animal be suffered to feed in wet lands, the
feet and external surface become cold; and hence diarrhoea, catarrh,
garget, dysentery, &c. If the circulation of the blood is obstructed by
exposure, we should restore the lost function by rubbing the surface,
and by the application of warmth and moisture. If the animal is in poor
condition, and there is not enough vitality to equalize the circulation,
give warm anti-spasmodics. (See APPENDIX.) In cases where
diarrhoea results from a want of power in the digestive organs to
assimilate the food, the latter acts on the mucous surfaces as a
mechanical irritant, producing inflammation, &c. Inflammation is the
concentration of the available vital force too much upon a small region
of the body, and it is invited there by irritation. Now, instead of the
popular error,--bleeding and purging,--the most rational way to proceed
is, to remove the cause of irritation, (no matter whether the stomach or
bowels are involved,) and invite the blood to the surface by means
already alluded to, and distribute it over the general system, so that
it will not be in excess any where. There is generally but little
difficulty in producing an equilibrium of action; the great point is to
sustain it. When the blood accumulates in a part, as in inflammation of
the bowels, the sensibility of the part is so highly exalted that the
least irritation causes a relapse; therefore the general treatment must
not be abandoned too early.