Part 17 (1/2)

Whenever an animal is in a state of plethora, and the usual amount of morbific matter cannot find egress, some portion of it is reabsorbed, producing a deleterious effect: the urine will then be high colored, plainly demonstrating that nature is making an effort to rid the system of useless material, and will do so unless interfered with by the use of means opposed to the cure, such as blood-letting, physicking, and diuretics.

The urine will appear high colored, and approach a red hue, in many cows after calving, in inflammation of the womb, gastric fever, puerperal fever, fevers generally, inflammation of the kidneys, indigestion; in short, many forms of acute disease are accompanied by high-colored urine.

The treatment, like that of any other form of derangement, must be general. Excite all parts of the system to healthy action. If the bowels are constipated, give the following:--

Golden seal, 1 table-spoonful.

Thoroughwort tea, 2 quarts.

To be given at a dose. Scalded shorts will be the most suitable food, if any is required; but, generally, abstinence is necessary, especially if the animal be fat. If the surface and extremities are cold, give an infusion of pennyroyal, catnip, sage, or hyssop; and rub the belly and legs with

Hot vinegar, 1 quart.

Powdered lobelia or cayenne, 1 ounce.

If the kidneys are inflamed,--which may be known by tenderness in the region of the loins, and by the animal standing with the legs widely separated,--the urine being of a dark red color, then, in addition to the application of stimulating liniment to the belly and legs, a poultice may be placed over the kidneys.

_Poultice for inflamed Kidneys._

Slippery elm, 8 ounces.

Lobelia, 4 ounces.

Boiling water sufficient.

_Another._

Linseed, } equal parts Marshmallows, } Boiling water sufficient.

Lay the poultice on the loins, pa.s.s a cloth over it, and secure under the belly.

A drink of marshmallows is the only fluid that can with safety be allowed.

If the horns, ears, and surface are hot, sponge the whole surface with weak lie or saleratus water, and give the following antifebrile drink:--

Lemon balm, 2 ounces.

Cream of tartar, 1 ounce.

Boiling water, 2 quarts.

Honey, 1 gill.

When cold, strain, and give a pint every fifteen minutes.

If the bowels are constipated, use injections of soap-suds.

Suppose the animal to be in poor condition, hide bound, liver inactive, the excrement of a dark color and fetid odor. Then use

Powdered golden seal, 2 ounces.

” caraways, 1 ounce.