_Symptoms._--Rapid decomposition, known by the pain which the slightest
pressure gives the animal. Carbonic acid gas is evolved from the
semi-putrid state of the system, which finds its way into the cellular
tissue, beneath the skin. A crackling noise can then be heard and felt
by pressing the finger on the hide.
_Causes._--Among the chief causes are the blood-letting and scouring
systems recommended by writers on cattle doctoring. In the inflammatory
stage, we are told, "The first and most important step is copious
bleeding. As much blood must be taken as the animal will bear to lose;
and the stream must flow on until the beast staggers or threatens to
fall. Here, more than in any other disease, there must be no foolish
directions about quantities. [_The heroic practice!_] As much blood must
be taken away as can be got; for it is only by the bold and persevering
use of the lancet that a malady can be subdued that runs its course so
rapidly." (See Youatt, p. 359.) From these directions we are led to
suppose that there are some hopes of bleeding the animal to life; for
the author above quoted seems to entertain no apprehension of bleeding
the animal to death. Mr. Percival and other veterinary writers inform
us, that "an animal will lose about one fifteenth part of its weight of
blood before it dies; though a less quantity may so far debilitate the
vital powers, as to be, though less suddenly, equally fatal." The latter
portion of the sentence means simply this; that if the bleeding does
not give the animal its quietus on the spot, it will produce black
quarter, gangrene, &c., which will be "equally fatal." In the latter
stages of the disease now under consideration, and, indeed, in dry
gangrene, there is a tendency to the complete destruction of life to the
parts involved: hence our remedies should be in harmony with the vital
operations. We should relax, stimulate, and cleanse the whole system,
and arouse every part to healthy action, by the aid of vapor,
injections, stimulating applications, poultices of charcoal and
capsicum, to parts where there is danger of rapid mortification; lastly,
stimulating drinks to vitalize the blood, which only requires
distribution, instead of abstraction.
In reference to the scouring system, (purging,) as a cause of
mortification, we leave the reader to form his own views, after reading
the following: "After abstracting as much blood as can be got away,
purging must immediately follow. A pound and a half of Epsom salts
dissolved in water or gruel, and poured down the throat as gently as
possible, should be our first dose. If this does not operate in the
course of six hours, another pound should be given; and after that, half
pound doses every six hours until the effect is produced"!!--_Youatt_,
p. 359.
_Treatment._--As the natural tendency of these different maladies is the
complete destruction of life to all parts of the organization, efforts
must be made to depurate the whole animal, and arouse every part to
healthy action in the manner recommended under article _Joint Murrain_.
Antiseptics may be freely used in the following form:--
Powdered bayberry bark, 2 ounces.
" charcoal, 6 ounces.
" cayenne, 1 tea-spoonful.
" slippery elm, 1 ounce.
Add boiling water sufficient to make it of the consistence of thin
gruel.