Milk Sickness.

Definition.—An infectious disease occurring in man and animals, in the latter known as "trembles."

The disease is more frequently met with in Western States, where it sometimes occurs with fatal effect.

The pathology of this disease has not been carefully studied.

Etiology.—It is presumed to be due to some poison derived from the earth. The disease attacks cattle, horses, and sheep, and occasionally undomesticated animals. Where this so-called "trembles" is met with in cattle, men suffer from milk sickness.

The poison may be communicated through milk, cheese, or butter.

It occurs in the summer and fall and more usually in adults.

Symptoms.—The prodromal symptoms are anorexia, headache, and fatigue.

Fever is present in a slight degree, accompanied by severe thirst and constipation.

Convulsions may arise and typhoid symptoms may later develop.

The Diagnosis is made generally through the coincident prevalence of "trembles" in the cattle.

The Prognosis is generally favorable.

Treatment.—The treatment is almost entirely prophylactic. The symptoms may call for echinacea or baptisia or other indicated remedy.

The Eclectic Practice of Medicine, 1907, was written by Rolla L. Thomas, M. S., M. D.