General [General]
Oxen that are worked are more subject to this disease than others, the causes are numerous, drinking cold water when heated, impure water, unwholesome food, exposure to wet for a length of time, too hard work in hot weather; it sometimes occurs that a number of beasts are attacked with this disease in the same locality, within a few days of each other, which gives it the appearance of an Epidemic. The symptoms that are first noticed are a staring coat, loss of appetite, dullness, and disinclination to move; these are soon succeeded by dryness of the muzzle, quick feeble pulse, swelling of the belly, which is very tender, the animal shrinks from the least pressure, scanty evacuations of dark liquid matter, sometimes streaked with blood, the animal moans, lies down, grinds the teeth, quickly gets up, walks about half unconscious, the breathing hurried, eyes staring, there is generally rapid loss of strength, especially of the hind quarters, the animal staggers and totters about, at last is unable to raise itself, but plunges from side to side, and dies.
REMEDIES: Aconite, Arsenicum, Bryonia, Nux vomica and Carbo vegetabilis.
Aconite [Acon]
Aconite must be given first, after which Arsenicum is generally indicated either alone or alternately with the Aconite.
Dose. Ten drops every two, three or four hours according to circumstances.
Bryonia [Bry]
Bryonia may be given when improvement ceases from Arsenicum, and the animal continually turns its head to the flanks; when lying, the head is turned towards the flanks.
Dose. The same as above directed.
Nux vomica [Nux-v]
Nux vomica is useful if the abdomen appears distended and very tender.
Dose. Ten drops or globules twice a day or oftener if requisite.
Carbo vegetabilis [Carb-v]
Carbo vegetabilis if there is rapid loss of strength, loose fetid evacuation and spasmodic twitching of the abdominal muscles.
Dose. Ten drops every two or three hours.
