DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS, eTC.
General [General]
This is a very frequent disease amongst cows, and generally appears about a fortnight or three weeks after calving; it is caused by there not being sufficient care taken of the animal, from her being exposed to cold too soon after calving. I have always seen more cases when north-easterly winds have prevailed during the months of February and March.
The symptoms are varied, in some cases the urine is not darker coloured than sherry, little or no alternation in the pulse, appetite good, bowels in their natural state; in other case the urine becomes as high coloured as brandy, or even quick black, thick, and muddy; total loss of appetite, pulse quick, full and bounding; at first the evacuations are loose and watery, followed in two or three days by the most obstinate constipation; the animal stands drawn up with the back arched. I have seldom observed any diminution in the quantity of urine, or that it is voided more frequently than when in the natural state.
With regard to the treatment, I have sometimes succeeded in effecting a cure with a dose or two each of Aconite and Ipecacuanha. The following medicines will also be found useful, Cantharis, Camphor, Nux vomica, Belladonna and Pulsatilla.
Cantharis [Canth]
Cantharis may be given if there is straining and the emissions are accompanied with pain.
Dose. Ten drops twice a day until relieved.
Camphor [Camph]
Camphor is indicated when the disease comes on suddenly, that is when the symptoms all show themselves, within a few hours, red, turbid urine, painful emissions.
Dose. Six drops every two or three hours until better.
Nux vomica [Nux-v]
Nux vomica may be given when there is constipation.
Dose. Ten drops night and morning.
Belladonna [Bell]
Belladonna, if the urine is a yellowish red colour, and the animal stamps with the hinder feet as if in pain after urinating.
Dose. Ten drops every three or four hours.
Pulsatilla [Puls]
Pulsatilla when the urine is voided in jets and continues for several minutes, clear dark urine, with a thick sediment.
Dose. The same as directed for Nux vomica.
