Chapter II: Abscesses (2)

SYMPTOMS: The disease usually makes its first appearance in three to six days after being exposed, by chilling, rise of temperature, and in a day or so pustules varying in size from that of a pin head to that of a pea appear. They appear upon the inner surface of the lips, gums and upper surface of the tongue. The feet also become affected between the digits. The udder usually becomes affected, especially in milking cows. As soon as this disease becomes well established the affected animal evinces great pain when attempting to eat. The animal generally refuses food. In many instances they shut and open the mouth with a smacking sound owing to the stringy saliva flowing from the mouth. The ulcers in the mouth continue to enlarge until they attain the size of one-half to two inches in diameter. The mucous membrane covering these ulcers breaks and a watery discharge escapes. In a few days the surface of the ulcers takes on a whitish appearance. The same changes take place in the feet and the animal becomes very lame and the udder very much swollen, the ulcers discharge, etc.

PREVENTION: When any of the above mentioned symptoms are noticed, non-affected animals should immediately be removed to non-affected quarters. This disease is not communicated through the atmosphere but by the animal coming into direct contact with the infection or virus; hence it is not necessary to move unaffected animals any great distance but merely to clean, sanitary quarters which have not been subjected to any possible infection from the diseased animals. It must be borne in mind that the attendant or helper cannot be too careful in the matter of his own actions and dress as the infection is easily carried through clothes, fecal matter, etc., adhering to shoes or any matter or articles, such as buckets, brushes, rubrags, blankets, etc.

The existence of this disease should at once be reported to your nearest Veterinarian. He will report to the State Veterinarian of your State or to the United States Bureau of Animal Industry at Washington, D. C.

TREATMENT: I cannot recommend any treatment as being satisfactory or a cure, for although under some treatments the animal appears to make a good recovery, in the majority of cases the feet are disfigured and crippled, the udder permanently injured with growths, animal unfit for milking purposes, and the mouth, tongue and teeth left impaired; the mouth and tongue strictured from wounds and the teeth loosened from the gums. Furthermore, should an animal make apparent recovery, it is not immune from a recurrence of the disease. In treating the disease, there is not only danger of spreading the disease to other animals, but to man. The flesh or milk from animals apparently cured should never be used unless first examined by a qualified Veterinarian.

Without question, all animals showing severe symptoms as above described should be at once slaughtered and buried six feet or deeper, covering carcass with Quicklime and then promptly filling grave, according to the Government regulations, which should be followed explicitly. Be careful to disinfect scene of slaughter, as bloodstains, etc. The United States Bureau of Animal Industry regulates the disinfectants to be used and the strength thereof, and as these are subject to change from time to time, I must refer you in this matter to the proper Government authorities.

MEDICAL TREATMENT: If permitted by Government authorities, I would suggest the following treatment as being beneficial: In mild attacks of Foot and Mouth Disease benefits may be derived by cleanliness and the applications of antiseptics as placing Boracic Acid, one dram; Potassium Chlorate, two drams, in a bucket of water, compelling the animal to drink it. Repeat this dose two or three times a day. Also compel the animals to stand in tubs or troughs containing a one in one thousandth solution of Bichloride of Mercury for at least five minutes, twice daily. When other parts of the body become affected, as the cow's udder, apply Carbolated Vaseline twice daily. This treatment should be continued until all ulcers have ceased to discharge. Always keep in mind that this disease is contagious and is transmitted to other animals, as well as to man. For disinfecting corrals, barns, clothing, hands and anything which the diseased animal might come in contact with, I would recommend Coal Tar products, diluted one part to fifty parts warm water. Spray, sprinkle or scrub.

HEREFORD BULL. Owned by C. A. Tow, Norway, Iowa.

FOOT ROT

(Foul in Foot)

CAUSE: Due to filth or from hard substances accumulating between the two digits, producing irritation and inflammation and suppuration.

SYMPTOMS: Lameness. On examination the foot is swollen, hot and painful to the touch. When the case is of long standing, suppuration occurs and pus will ooze from between the digits, and is very offensive in smell. This condition causes the digits to slough off, if no attempt is made to relieve it.

TREATMENT: Cleanliness. Where there is considerable inflammation present, apply Hot Bran or Flaxseed poultices. Keep clean and treat as an ordinary wound. The following prescription will be found very effective in Foot Rot: Oil of Origanum, four ounces; Oil of Pisis, four ounces; Oil of Turpentine, four ounces. Saturate oakum or cotton with the above liniment placing between the digits and bandage. Feed laxative food, as hot wheat bran mashes and vegetables.

FOUNDER

(Laminitis)

Inflammation of the internal, sensitive structure of the foot.

CAUSE: Overfeeding, overheating, driving on rough, stony soil. Cattle confined to stand on hard floors without exercise frequently suffer from Founder.

SYMPTOMS: The animals lie down a great part of the time. Feet hot and tender and if made to walk they do so with great difficulty. One or all four feet may become affected, although it is more frequently found in the front feet. The temperature is somewhat elevated, varying from 104 to 106 degrees F., breathing very rapid, appetite fairly good and there will be great thirst. Founder in cows reduces the milk secretion, owing to the great fever that is present.

TREATMENT: Apply cold packs to the feet, ice packs preferred. If the animal can be made to stand in a stream of water having a soft bottom, it, perhaps, is the best method of cooling out the feet. Give a physic of Aloin, three drams; Pulv. Gentian Root, two drams. Place in a gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun. To their drinking water add two or three drams of Potassi Nitrate three or four times daily. Animals suffering with Founder should be provided with soft ground to stand on, as their feet will be tender and subject to the chronic form of the disease.

GARGET

(Congestion of the Udder)

CAUSE: Very common in heavy milkers before or just after calving when the bag is very much enlarged and very sensitive; exposure to chilling or standing in drafts or even neglected for too long a time in milking. Injuries may also cause Garget.

SYMPTOMS: The bag is very much enlarged, showing signs of inflammation. The swelling extends well forward following the milk veins. The cow has great difficulty in walking due to sensitiveness of the bag. When milked for two or three days the swelling disappears after the secretion is fully established, but as a rule is tinged with blood. Sometimes small clots of milk or cheese-like particles are ejected with the milk.

TREATMENT: Give a physic consisting of Aloin, two drams; Pulv. Ginger, three drams. Place in gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun: Hyposulphite of Soda, sixteen ounces; Nitrate of Potassi, four ounces. Mix and make into sixteen powders. Give one powder three times a day in drinking water or place in gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun. Also dissolve Bichloride of Mercury, two grains; Boracic Acid, two drams, in one quart of boiling hot water. When this solution cools to about blood temperature, after stripping all milk fluid or pus from the affected teat or teats, inject with an ordinary bulb injection syringe after placing a teat tube into the end from which the air escapes when the bulb is pressed. Now, place the end of the syringe retaining the teat tube in the affected teat, the other end place in a bottle or vessel containing the solution and gently press the bulb and inject about a pint of the solution in each affected quarter. Leave the solution in the teat for only fifteen to twenty minutes and milk out thoroughly. Repeat this treatment two or three times a day.

For an external application the following ointment has given remarkably good results: Blue Ointment and Zinc Ointment, equal parts. Mix well and apply two or three times daily.

HARD MILKERS

CAUSE: A thickness or contraction of the mucous membranes lining the teat or growths inside the teat.

TREATMENT: All antiseptic precautions should be carried out in this operation, as boiling the instruments and then covering them with Carbolated Vaseline. Then with a hidden bistoury or a knife concealed in a tube, force upward into the teat, then press out the little blade and draw the instrument down the teat, making about four incisions equal distance apart around the inner surface of the teat. The use of self-retaining teat dilators prevents the contraction of the cut surface, permitting them to remain in the teat for two weeks, removing them only when the milk is being stripped from the teat. Always place them in boiling water and cover with Carbolated Vaseline before inserting.

HOLLOW HORN

Horns of the cattle tribe are normally hollow, although a core extends well into the horn. This, however, is merely a prolongation of a porous bone of the head which affords a point for the horns' attachment, consequently when a cow is sick and the temperature is elevated, the horns are naturally hot, it being the symptom of a disease and not a disease of itself, and which should be treated under its special heading.

The supposed disease "Hollow Horn" once upon a time was treated by boring a hole into the horn with a small gimlet and pouring Turpentine into the opening. This treatment is useless and harmful. It produces inflammation of the frontal sinuses of the head and chances are death of the animal will follow as a result of the treatment and not of the disease.

INDIGESTION

CAUSE: Animals with a voracious appetite will overload their stomachs with food that is hard to digest or is decomposed, causing the organs of assimilation to become weakened, sluggish and incapable of doing their proper work.

SYMPTOMS: The animal ceases to ruminate (chew its cud); stands quietly, hair rough, nose dry, temperature elevated one to two degrees, breathing usually faster than normal with slight grunts at each expiration of air from the lungs. The secretions of milk are suddenly diminished. If the hand is placed against the left side and quickly removed, a marked depression or pit will remain, which shows that the paunch is full of undigested food. Bloating is also frequently accompanied by indigestion.

TREATMENT: Administer Aloin, three drams; Ginger, three drams. Place in capsule and give with capsule gun. Permit the animal to drink all the water possible. If bloating is present give two-ounce capsules filled with Turpentine with capsule gun. A tonic is quite necessary in this condition, and the following I am sure will be followed by good results if the case is not of too long a standing: Sodium Bicarbonate, eight ounces; Pulv. Nux Vomica, four ounces; Pulv. Gentian Root, four ounces; Pulv. Ginger, four ounces. Place two tablespoonfuls in gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun every six hours. Very good results are also obtained from rectal injections of soap and warm water. Feed good nourishing food sparingly, compelling the animal to exercise, etc.

GUERNSEY COW MURNE COWAN 19597 A. R. 1906. SIRE FANTASIA'S JEWELLER 7259; DAM: JANET BROWN 12403. (Years record 24008.0 lbs. Milk; 1098.18 lbs. Butter Fat.) Owned by O. C. Barber, Akron, Ohio.

INFLAMMATION OF THE BAG

(Simple Mammitis)

CAUSE: Injuries, as blows, kicks, etc.; lying on cold, rough ground or floor, standing in drafts, sudden change of weather. Derangement of the system is likely to affect the udder; poorly milked or stripped cows are often victims of Mammitis. Infections in the teat from inserting dirty instruments, as using a bicycle pump for the treatment of Milk Fever. Cows with a retained afterbirth are likely to infect the udder by switching their tail. This condition is very common in heavy milkers following calving.

SYMPTOMS: The animal chills, hair stands, temperature elevated from one to three degrees above normal; ears, horns and legs cold, which may suddenly become very hot; pulse rapid, breathing hurried, bag hard and swollen and very tender on pressure. When attempts are made to milk, a watery substance comes away, almost colorless at first, but later becomes tinged with blood and pus and has a fetid odor. The cow's muzzle is dry, appetite poor, but great thirst exists. This condition may affect one or more quarters of the udder. Abscesses may form and the udder break and a thick yellowish pus oozes out or the milk glands may solidify and cause hard, lumpy growths in the udder.

TREATMENT: Prevention. If an animal is once slightly affected with inflammation of the bag, it is likely to develop a bad case of Mammitis from the slightest injury or exposure as stated above, which depreciates a cow considerably as a milk producer, especially on the market. Great care should be exercised when purchasing a cow for milking purposes. See that the teats and udder are sound, free from lumps, etc.

MEDICAL TREATMENT: Hyposulphite of Soda, sixteen ounces; Nitrate of Potassi, four ounces. Mix and make into sixteen powders. Give one powder three times a day in drinking water or place in a gelatin capsule and give with a capsule gun. Also, dissolve Bichloride of Mercury, two grains; Boracic Acid, two drams, in one quart of boiling hot water. When this solution cools to about blood temperature, after stripping all milk fluid or pus from the affected teat or teats, inject with an ordinary bulb injection syringe after placing a teat tube into the end from which the air escapes when the bulb is pressed. Now, place this end of the syringe retaining the teat tube in the affected teat; the other end place in a bottle or vessel containing the solution and gently press the bulb and inject about a pint of the solution into each affected quarter. Leave the solution in the teat for only fifteen to twenty minutes and milk out thoroughly. Repeat this treatment two or three times a day.

For an external application, the following ointment has given remarkably good results: Blue Ointment, two ounces; Lard, two ounces. Mix well and apply twice daily.

INFLAMMATION OF THE EYE

(Conjunctivitis)

CAUSE: Injuries; irritating gases, from an animal standing in dark and poorly ventilated stables or foreign bodies in the eye, as chaff, etc.

SYMPTOMS: A constant flow of tears from the eye running down the animal's face, which are due to the inflammation of the lining membranes of the eye. The eye is partially or completely closed.

TREATMENT: If due to a foreign body, remove it. In order to accomplish this, the animal must be placed in a stanchion, the head twisted and the eyelid turned back. Do not use burned alum as this will only make the condition worse. Use Boracic Acid, thirty grains; distilled water, one ounce. Apply to the eye three or four times daily, using an ordinary eye-dropper.

INFLAMMATION OF THE HEART SACK

(Pericarditis)

CAUSE: Cattle being ruminants, therefore, not masticating their food finely before swallowing, consequently foreign bodies, such as nails, wire, etc., are picked up with the food and taken into the rumen or paunch. These sharp objects penetrate the walls of the paunch, rumen or first stomach and pierce the membrane or sack surrounding the heart, which produces an inflammation of the heart sack, or Pericarditis.

SYMPTOMS: Symptoms develop very slowly or indications of indigestion will be present as the appetite is variable, temperature elevated, breathing labored, the animal avoids walking down hill as it causes pain from the stomach and intestines pressing the lungs against the heart. The symptoms, however, are so slight that they may easily escape the notice of a casual observer. The animal eventually becomes poor, emaciated and dies. If you open the heart sack, it will be found full of watery pus.

TREATMENT: Unsuccessful, as this disease is seldom diagnosed correctly, and if it is an operation is necessary and this does not prove successful in the majority of cases.

INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS

CAUSE: Injuries in the region of the kidneys, exposure to cold weather, especially in cows soon after calving. Eating poisonous plants, decomposed food or drinking stagnant water, irritating medicines given ignorantly of their bad effects are frequently followed by inflammation of the kidneys.

SYMPTOMS: The attack will first be noticed by slight shivering or chilling followed by an increased temperature, breathing increased. The animal attempts to urinate frequently and the amount passed is small and of a dark amber color and may be flaked with blood. There will be stiffness and straddling of the hind legs which is always present during urinary disorders. There may be slight swelling and tenderness over the kidneys. As the disease progresses the animal grows weak and finally dies if prompt relief is not afforded. Fortunately this disease is not common among cattle.

TREATMENT: Clothe the animal if the weather is cold. Mild physics are beneficial, as Aloin, one and one-half drams; Ginger, two drams; Nux Vomica, two drams, placed in a gelatin capsule and given with capsule gun. Also, the following, which is very soothing to the urinary tract: Potassium Acetate, Potassium Bromide, each four ounces, made into sixteen powders. Give one powder every four hours in their drinking water. Feed nitrogenous food as hot wheat bran mashes, steamed rolled oats, and see that the animal has pure water to drink.

INFLAMMATION OF THE PENIS

CAUSE: Injuries received from snags, walking through the underbrush, jumping fences, etc.

SYMPTOMS: Arched back, swelling of the sheath and in some cases a discharge. It may be serious enough to affect the appetite and cause fever.

TREATMENT: Wash out the sheath two or three times daily with a three per cent solution of Boracic Acid. If the inflammation extends pretty well back in the sheath, it is advisable to inject this solution with a syringe, carefully, as far back as possible. Withdraw the syringe, holding the opening of the sheath so as to retain the solution for a few minutes before allowing it to escape.

Feed laxative food and supply the animal with fresh water to drink. If there is considerable fever, administer Potassium Nitrate, Pulv. Nux Vomica, each two ounces. Make into eight capsules and give one capsule two or three times a day.

INFLAMMATION OF THE WOMB

CAUSE: Injuries, as bruises, laceration, sustained during calving, especially where the cow is assisted with instruments or hands that are not thoroughly aseptic, an animal retaining the afterbirth which undergoes putrefaction, and consequently sets up an inflammation of the womb, or perhaps the animal may become infected during the act of removing the afterbirth if the operator is neglectful about washing his hands or washing the womb out thoroughly.

SYMPTOMS: The animal will chill, the temperature elevated two or three degrees, the back will be arched, stiffness of the hind parts, legs, ears and horns cold, nose hot and dry, grinding of the teeth, the cow usually remains standing, ceases to chew her cud, the secretions of milk will be markedly reduced and a day or so after the symptoms appear, there will be a discharge from the womb of a reddish lumpy nature. This becomes thick and yellow containing small particles of flesh, showing that the inner lining of the womb is sloughing. This discharge is very offensive in odor. A cow in this condition requires the best of care or she will die as the decomposed substance in the womb may be absorbed into the circulation and produce Pyemia or Septicemia (Blood Poison).

TREATMENT: Give Aloin, two drams; Pulv. Ginger, three drams, place in a gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun. Flush out the womb thoroughly with a tablespoonful of Carbolic Acid to one gallon of water two or three times a day. A convenient instrument for flushing out the womb can be made from an ordinary funnel and a clean hose about four feet long. This answers the purpose of an injection syringe very well. In their drinking water add the following: Hyposulphite of Soda, sixteen ounces; Potassium Iodide, two ounces. Make into sixteen powders and give one powder two or three times a day.

In addition to the above treatment it is necessary to give alteratives and bitter tonics to build up the condition of the animal as soon as possible. The following will be found very effective: Pulv. Gentian Root, four ounces; Pulv. Ferri Sulphate, four ounces; Nitrate of Potash, four ounces. Mix and make into sixteen powders and give one powder three times a day. Place in a gelatin capsule and administer with a capsule gun.

My reasons for giving animals medicine in capsules are:

1. There is no danger of liquids, as in drenching, escaping into the lungs.

2. Any drug having any beneficial effects as a tonic is very bitter, consequently the only way the animal will take it is by placing in capsule.

JOINT ILL, NAVEL ILL

(Umbilical Pyemia and Septicemia)

CAUSE: This disease is produced by various germs entering the navel cord of newly born calves when dropped, the navel being freshly severed and its coming in contact with filth and manure where germs are numerous, consequently germs adhere and enter the blood stream. Calf Scours as a rule is associated with this disease.

SYMPTOMS: Swelling of the joints which are very hot and painful on pressure, and when the calf is made to move it walks stiffly and slowly, does not care to nurse its mother or take any food, temperature elevated from 105 to 108 degrees F., breathing hurried, pulse very weak and quick. There will be an offensive discharge from the navel cord of a yellowish color and swollen joints finally break and also discharge a thick yellow pus. The calf becomes emaciated and finally dies from exhaustion.

TREATMENT: Prevention. Provide clean surroundings for cows when calving, and in addition to this have a one in one-thousandth solution of Bichloride of Mercury on hand. Wash the navel well in the solution once a day until the cord is thoroughly dried.

MEDICAL TREATMENT: Unsuccessful. Sometimes the calf recovers, but at best the calf is badly stunted and is very seldom worth keeping. However, the following method of treatment has been followed with fairly good results: Wash the navel cord well in a one-thousandth solution of Bichloride of Mercury two or three times a day and give Zinc Sulphocarbolates, one-fourth grain; Potassi Iodide, five grains, in a little water or milk three or four times a day. Feed them three or four eggs a day, molasses, fresh milk. This will keep up the strength and vitality and a good recovery may follow, although it is an exception and not a rule.

LACERATION OF THE EYELID

CAUSE: An eyelid may be torn on the manger, rubbing post or barb wire fence, etc.

TREATMENT: Wash the lacerated portions of the eye thoroughly with a five per cent solution of Carbolic Acid. It may be necessary to take a few stitches in the wound or the torn edges may be cut off with a pair of sharp scissors. If stitches have been taken, they should be removed after the parts have united and the eye kept clean. A very convenient application for the eye in this condition is Boracic Acid, one dram; Distilled Water, four ounces. Apply liberally to the eye.

LEECHES

(Blood Suckers)

Leeches which suck blood of cattle are sometimes taken up by the animals when drinking water from ponds, etc. The leeches attach themselves to the inner surface of the mouth or nose, and sometimes reach the upper part of windpipe or the gullet. Bleeding at the mouth or nose may be noticed, the membranes where the leeches attach themselves become congested and swollen, and as a result of the loss of blood anemic condition follows.

TREATMENT: If the leeches can be reached, they are easily destroyed by cutting them in two with a pair of scissors or they may be removed with a pair of forceps or with the fingers after wrapping a piece of cloth around them so as to prevent slipping.

Steam from boiling hot water containing Pine Tar or Oil of Turpentine may cause leeches to release their hold if they cannot be removed by other means. In ponds where leeches are numerous, eels should be introduced as they feed upon blood suckers of this species.

SHORT-HORN BULL CUMBERLAND'S TYPE 388132. Winner of many Grand Championships. Owned by C. A. Saunders, Manilla, Iowa.

LUMPY JAW

(Wooden Tongue, Big Head, Actinomycosis)

CAUSE: The Ray Fungus. This organism which occurs in the tissues in the form of russets is directly transmitted from one animal to another. It seems apparent that the fungus is conveyed into the tissues of the mouth by various food stuff through slight wounds of the mucous membranes of the mouth or an animal that has decayed teeth or during the shedding of milk teeth. The Ray Fungus is found naturally vegetated or clinging on the awns of barley, the spears of oats and on other grains. Quantities of fungi have been found between the vegetable fibers of barley which had penetrated the gums of cattle and on the awns of grain imbedded in their tongues.

Lumpy Jaw can also be transmitted by coming in contact with or eating food over which lumpy jawed cattle have slobbered. A healthy animal eating such food with very slight bruises or abrasions of the mouth will contract the disease very readily. This disease is misleading as other organs are affected with the Ray Fungi or the Bacillus of Actinomycosis, as the lungs and even the digestive organs have been found to be affected with this disease.

SYMPTOMS: External symptoms or signs are the only means by which to ascertain the disease. Its exact location is on the lower jaw bone near its angle. It may also affect the upper jaw, but this is an exception and not a rule. Internally it may affect the tongue, mouth, throat or lungs, but rarely the intestines. This enlargement continues to grow until it reaches the size of that of a man's head, breaks and discharges pus. The animal becomes poor and emaciated, the hair takes on a dull, roughened appearance and in many cases it is very difficult for it to eat, especially where the disease separates the gums and bone from the teeth and causes them to become very loose or to drop out. The animal in the latter stages of this disease generally dies from starvation.

TREATMENT: Successful in its first stages. Soft, nitrogenous food should be fed, such as wheat bran mashes, steamed rolled oats or barley, hay dampened with clean water, so as to make it pliable. Hay containing woody matter as stems, etc., should not be fed to an animal affected with Lumpy Jaw as it tends to aggravate the disease. Internally in their drinking water give two drams of Potassium Iodide morning and night. This treatment, however, should be omitted when the animal's skin becomes scaly or when an excessive watery discharge flows from the eyes. On the outer surface over the enlargement apply the following ointment: Red Iodide of Mercury, four drams; Lard, two ounces. Mix well and rub in briskly for twenty minutes every five or six days for three weeks. The cure can generally be ascertained by the animal gaining in flesh, although the lump may remain. Where Lumpy Jaw is of long standing so as to impair the use of the animal's tongue or teeth, it is best to destroy the animal, as this lessens the possibilities of infecting healthy animals.

LUNG FEVER

(Pneumonia)

CAUSE: Generally follows congestion of the lungs. It may be due to parasitic organisms or exposure to cold, drafts when warm after being driven, etc. Drenching perhaps is the most common cause as it is very difficult for a cow to swallow when the head is elevated; inhaling smoke, gases, etc., also tend to produce pneumonia.

SYMPTOMS: Chilling or shivering, temperature elevated to 105 or 106 degrees F., nose hot and dry, horns and legs cold. Pulse rapid though strong, breathing fast and the appetite very good in some cases. The animal urinates small quantities of urine but often, of a dark amber color. A discharge from the nose follows, also a cough. If the ear is placed back of the fore leg, a dry crackling sound can be heard something on the order of rubbing hair between the fingers.

TREATMENT: Place the animal in a dry, well lighted and ventilated stable, but avoid drafts. Give Pulv. Iodide of Ammonia, one ounce; Pulv. Potassium Nitrate, four ounces; Pulv. Nux Vomica, four ounces; Pulv. Capsicum, one ounce; Quinine, one ounce. Mix well and make into thirty-two powders. Place one powder in gelatin capsule and administer every three or four hours with capsule gun. Supply the animal with fresh water at all times. Feed laxative food as hot wheat bran mashes or steamed rolled oats. Also feed vegetables, such as potatoes, apples, carrots and kale. It is also advisable to apply the following over the region of the lungs just back of the fore legs: Aqua Ammonia Fort., four ounces; Oil of Turpentine, four ounces; Raw Linseed Oil, six ounces. Mix and shake well and apply two or three times daily. It is also advisable to hand rub the legs and bandage them with woolen cloths. If the above treatment is properly carried out, the animal will make a complete recovery in a week or ten days.

LOSS OF CUD

CAUSE: This condition cannot always be traced to a definite cause, as it is a symptom of all diseases where the process of rumination is interfered with. The only method by which a cow will again chew her cud is to restore her back to health by the proper medical treatment. Artificial cuds are of no value and frequently are a detriment to the animal. Other symptoms aside from those of the animal not chewing cud will always make their appearance, as constipation, diarrhoea, elevation of the temperature, etc. The animal should be thoroughly examined and the disease treated under its special heading.

MANGE

(Scabies)

CAUSE: There are four different parasites which produce Mange or Scabies in cattle. However, three of these parasites are rarely seen. The Symbotis Communis is the parasite commonly seen in American cattle. These parasites multiply very rapidly and are conveyed from diseased animals to healthy ones by their bodies coming in contact with one another and by healthy animals rubbing against fences, walls, posts, etc., where mangy cattle have previously rubbed.

SYMPTOMS: Scabs, loss of hair, intense itching, the animals are constantly rubbing or licking themselves. The parts showing the first signs of Mange are those about the croup, or the root of the tail, the neck and withers, but as the disease progresses and no attempts are offered for its eradication, it finally spreads and covers the entire body. The scabs become ulcerated, the animal becomes weakened, emaciated and eventually dies.

TREATMENT: Dipping in wood or concrete vats is the most satisfactory method of treating Mange. The regular lime and sulphur dip as recommended by the United States Bureau of Animal Industry is inexpensive and effective.

MEASLY BEEF

Is produced by a larva of common tapeworm of man. These small tapeworm cysts (taenia saginata) are about the size of a pea and found in the flesh of cattle, which become infected by eating food or drinking water which has been contaminated by the feces of persons harboring adult tapeworms. Then again, the person becomes infected by eating raw or rare flesh of cattle infected with the larva stage of Measly Beef. Great care should be exercised to prevent cattle from becoming infected with this parasite. Persons' feces should not be placed where it will infect food or drinking water that is consumed by cattle.

MILK FEVER

(Parturient Apoplexy)

CAUSE: Certain conditions predispose cows to Milk Fever, as being heavy milk producers, cows having enormous digestive power and being heavily fed on nitrogenous food naturally are in a good condition, consequently at the time of calving, or shortly after, they are likely to develop a case of Milk Fever, It is more common during summer months, although this condition may develop at any time of the year in the type of cow described above.

SYMPTOMS: At or a few days after calving, the cow is noticed hanging back in the stall, dull, languid, with an unsteady movement of the hind legs. If the cow is made to walk, she steps unsteadily or staggers, pays no attention to her calf; she finally becomes so paralyzed that she falls and is unable to rise. The pupils of the eyes are dilated and the membranes reddened or congested with blood. The cow may lie on her breast or flat on her side, but most likely upon her breast and her head turned in the region of the flank. She apparently is sound asleep. If the eyeball is touched with the fingers she does not close the eye, nor will she evince any pain when being pricked with a pin on any part of the body. The nose is dry, the temperature is below normal in most cases. Just how the name of this disease started by the name of "Milk Fever" I cannot understand.

TREATMENT: When the above signs are noticed, whether the cow is standing or lying down in a paralyzed condition, obtain an ordinary bulb injection syringe; insert a tube in the end from which the air escapes. After washing both syringe and teat tube in a five per cent solution of Carbolic Acid, milk or strip out all the milk possible from the bag, then insert the teat tube that is connected to the syringe in each teat, filling them well with air, and repeat this treatment every hour until the cow stops staggering, or if lying down, stands on her feet. It is necessary to strip the milk from the bag before giving an injection of air. If the cow is lying flat on her side, prop her up by placing bags of hay or straw against her side, also make her as comfortable as possible. If lying in the hot sun, provide shade by placing a canopy over her made from burlap; if the weather is chilly, blanket; if flies annoy her, use some fly repellant.

This disease is satisfactorily treated. Where ninety per cent of the cows died at one time, ninety per cent can be saved by the above treatment. It is a custom with some people to use an ordinary bicycle pump for treatment of Milk Fever. This should not be practiced, as there is great danger of infecting the bag and producing serious complications.

MEDICAL OR AFTER TREATMENT: Never drench a cow. Give a physic consisting of Aloin, two drams; Ginger, three drams. Place in a gelatin capsule and give with a capsule gun. Also, give tonics as Pulv. Gentian Root, two ounces; Pulv. Capsicum, one ounce; Pulv. Nux Vomica, two ounces. Mix and place into eight gelatin capsules. Give one capsule every eight hours. This tonic is quite necessary, as it stimulates their appetite, braces up their nervous system and prevents any complications that might otherwise follow.

PARALYSIS

(Congestion of the Brain or Spinal Cord)

CAUSE: May be due to a morbid condition of the brain or spinal cord, concussion of the spinal cord, fractures of the bones of the spinal column, or violent shocks or jars of the brain, or pressure due to fractures of the skull, or dilated or ruptured blood vessels. Paralysis also occurs in poorly fed, weak cows when exposed to cold or wet weather during the latter stages of pregnancy. Sometimes the back portion of the bowels (the rectum) becomes paralyzed so as to interfere with the expulsion of the feces which becomes dry and more or less impacted. This condition may also occur in connection with Ergot, Forage or Lead Poisoning, Milk Fever or Parturient Apoplexy.

SYMPTOMS: Appear very suddenly. The animal is unable to stand, lies quietly and groans occasionally. Constipation generally accompanies this condition. Sometimes great pain is present, especially if due to fracture or pressure, as above mentioned.

TREATMENT: If just due to weakness; exposure to cold, wet weather; cows prior to calving; slight injuries or mild effect of poisons, it is successfully treated by placing the animal in a comfortable, well lighted stall, omitting drafts, feeding nourishing food, as warm wheat bran mashes, steamed rolled oats or barley and linseed meal; tea to drink prepared as follows: Pour one quart of boiling water on one-half pint of Pure Flaxseed, allowing it to cool, and compel the animal to drink it. Repeat this once or twice daily, especially if the animal is pregnant. A physic consisting of Aloin, two drams; Ginger, two drams; prepared in capsule and given with a capsule gun is very effective, but this, however, should not be administered to heavily pregnant cows. Endeavor to move their bowels by careful feeding of laxative food and rectal injections of soap and water. Nerve stimulants are necessary and I have derived good results from the following: Pulv. Nux Vomica, four ounces; Pulv. Ginger, four ounces; Pulv. Gentian Root, four ounces. Make into sixteen capsules and give one capsule every four or six hours. Also apply powdered mustard, moistened with a sufficient quantity of water to make a paste, and rub over the full length of the spine about eight inches in width. This should be covered with paper which will adhere readily to the mustard and water. This application can be repeated every twenty-four hours until satisfactory results have been obtained.

RED WATER

(Hematuria)

CAUSE: Marshy pastures, water from rich decomposed soil. Vegetation also has a tendency to produce it as cattle eating green shoots from oak, ash, hellebore, hazel and other resinous plants, etc.

SYMPTOMS: Bloody urine containing no blood clots. This condition is not noticed as a general rule until the cow loses flesh and the production of milk is considerably decreased. One particular symptom of this disease is the milk being exceptionally foamy and perhaps tinged with blood. If the disease is left to run its course, the cow will become emaciated and eventually dies.

TREATMENT: Find out the cause and remove it if possible. See that the water supply is clean, feed nitrogenous food, as wheat bran mashes or steamed rolled oats. Do not permit the animal to eat resinous plants as stated above.

Administer Pulv. Gentian Root, four ounces; Pulv. Nux Vomica, four ounces; Pulv. Ferri Sulphate, four ounces. Mix and make into sixteen capsules and give one capsule two or three times a day with capsule gun. If the animal is constipated, give two drams of Aloin, three drams of Ginger. Place in capsule and give with capsule gun.

RETAINED AFTERBIRTH

CAUSE: Retained afterbirth may follow normal or abnormal calving where there has been more or less inflammation of the womb prior to giving birth, which causes the afterbirth to adhere firmly to its attachments. Cows in poor condition fed on poor food during cold weather are very susceptible to this accident; also very common in aged cows.

SYMPTOMS: Very easily detected by portions of the membranes (afterbirth) protruding from the Womb or Vulva, which becomes decomposed very shortly and offensive in odor. This accident is very serious when absorption is produced, ill health, drying up of the milk in addition to producing inflammation of the womb, Whites, etc. It may produce blood-poisoning and chances are you will lose your animal.

PREVENTION: Very important. Feed the cow on food that is easily digested and supply her with fresh water to drink that is not too cold. Flaxseed Tea is very beneficial if given a day or so prior to calving and is prepared by pouring a quart of boiling hot water on one-half pint of Flaxseed, permitting it to cool of its own accord. Then compel the animal to drink it. This appears to have a very good effect on separating the afterbirth from the mushroom-like bodies of the womb to which it is attached.

MEDICAL TREATMENT: The afterbirth should not be pulled away by force, as it may tear, leaving small portions unremoved that perhaps would result in Inflammation of the Womb or Whites. To remove the afterbirth insert the hand and carefully detach it from its attachments, being very careful that the cotyledons are not torn off. After this has been carefully removed, wash out the womb with Carbolic Acid solution about two and one-half per cent. An instrument can be made for this purpose very easily from a clean piece of hose about four feet long and an ordinary funnel. Sometimes it is necessary to give physics, as Aloin, two drams; Ginger, two drams. Place in a gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun.

In addition to the above, stimulants are also advisable such as powdered Nux Vomica, powdered Capsicum, powdered Ginger, powdered Nitrate of Potash, equal parts four ounces. Make twenty-four capsules and give one capsule three times a day.

RHEUMATISM

CAUSE: Exposure, especially when the animal is permitted to lie on cold damp soils or floors. Another common cause is an animal exposed to cold drafts after perspiring or weakened after severe physical exercise.

SYMPTOMS: Stiffness when walking, variable appetite, constipation, hair unthrifty looking. Passage of urine is scant and of an amber color, usually slight elevation in temperature and the animal lies down a great part of the time. There are two forms of rheumatism--muscular and articular. The former affects the muscles of the body, while the latter affects the joints. There will be swellings that are tender on pressure, which may shift to different parts of the body.

TREATMENT: Place the animal in warm dry quarters with a sufficient quantity of clean bedding. Feed foods that are easily digested, as wheat bran mashes and steamed rolled oats and vegetables. Keep pure, cold water within the animal's reach at all times. The following prescription has been found very effective in the treatment of this disease: Sodium Salicylate, six ounces; Nux Vomica, two ounces; Pulv. Gentian Root, two ounces; Nitrate of Potash, two ounces. Mix and make into sixteen capsules and give one capsule three times daily with capsule gun. If the bowels are constipated give Aloin, two drams; Ginger, three drams. Place in capsule and give with capsule gun. When the joints or muscles become swollen and inflamed, the following liniment will be found very effective in reducing the swellings: Aqua Ammonia Fort., two ounces; Oil of Turpentine, three ounces; Sweet Oil, six ounces. Mix and apply by rubbing in well two or three times a day.

AYRSHIRE Cows LILY OF WILLOWMOOR. 22,106 lbs, Milk; 888.70 lbs. Fat; 1046 lbs. Butter, 4.02% Fat. GERRANTON DORA II. 21,023 lbs. Milk; 804.79 lbs. Fat; 947 lbs. Butter, 3.83% Fat. Owned by J. W. Clise, Redmond, Wash.

RINGWORM

CAUSE: Due to a vegetable parasite. It affects the hair and the outer layer of skin and is highly contagious, being transmitted from one animal to another.

SYMPTOMS: The disease usually appears in the form of circular patches of the skin, which soon become denude of hair. Sometimes a white sticky discharge and the formation of scaly, brittle crusts on the patches appear, silvery gray in color. They are generally confined to the head and neck. It is a common disease among young cattle in the Winter and Spring. This disease is attended with more or less itching and is communicable to man.

TREATMENT: Remove the scabs or crusts with soap and warm water. However, the surface of the body should be well dried after washing each time. Apply Tincture of Iodine with a camel-hair brush to the spots denuded of hair. It is quite necessary that the barn and rubbing posts be disinfected by spraying or washing them with a twenty-five per cent solution of Carbolic Acid.

ROUND WORM

CAUSE: An animal swallowing the eggs of the parasite in food or water which has been contaminated with the feces of infected cattle. There are two species, the large Roundworm measuring from five to fourteen inches in length, the other small Roundworm varying in size from one-quarter of an inch to two inches in length. Both the small and large Roundworms infest the intestines of cattle and calves. These worms, especially small Roundworms, irritate the mucous lining of the intestines, which may cause severe inflammation.

SYMPTOMS: Anemia, appetite variable, diarrhoea, general weakness, dullness and excessive thirst; also a paleness of the visible membranes of the mouth, nose and eye. Worms frequently pass with the feces and can be readily seen by a close observer.

PREVENTIVE TREATMENT: See prevention of Twisted Stomach Worm.

MEDICAL TREATMENT: Withhold all food from eighteen to twenty-four hours. To calves, two to eight months old, give two teaspoonfuls of Turpentine in a pint of milk; to yearlings, give one tablespoonful. Place in gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun. To cattle one year old and over place one ounce in a gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun. This treatment is to be repeated twice during the intervals of ten days or two weeks, which insures the expulsion of the eggs of worms that escaped the first treatment. Also keep salt where cattle can lick it frequently.

RUPTURE

(Abdominal Hernia)

CAUSE: This disease occasionally occurs in calves by receiving blows from the cow's horns on the right flank. After such an accident a swelling forms near the last ribs. This swelling may be either hot and painful or soft to the touch. It can be made to disappear by careful pressure when the sides of the rupture through which it has passed can be felt. On removing the pressure the rupture soon regains its swollen appearance. Similar conditions may also occur in aged cattle, usually due to injuries, such as being kicked by a horse, etc., or due to a weakness of the muscles that are ruptured sometimes during difficult birth.

TREATMENT: Feed the animal on laxative food and feed sparingly on bulky food such as hay, straw and grass. Round the edges of a block of wood a little smaller, but the same shape as the rupture. After wrapping with cloth nicely, place it over the rupture, then place around the body. This permits the ruptured muscles to grow together, providing the animal is properly dieted as stated above.

Sometimes a rupture of long standing or a newly produced rupture may be treated by injecting strong solutions of Common Salt around the torn edges of the muscles. This causes swelling and inflammation, which respectively forces the protruded intestines back and closes the opening. There is some danger attached to this method of treatment, and if attempted I would advise the services of a competent Veterinarian.

SCUM OVER THE EYE

CAUSE: See Inflammation of the Eye.

SYMPTOMS: The eye has a smoke-colored appearance.

TREATMENT: Silver Nitrate, two grains, thoroughly dissolved in one ounce of Distilled Water, Apply with dropper two or three times a day. Feed the animal on food that is easily digested and confine the animal to a cool, clean, dark stall.

SORE THROAT

(Laryngitis and Pharyngitis)

CAUSE: Sudden cooling of the surface of the body, as when cattle are exposed to cold weather or cold rain or the inhaling of irritating gases.

SYMPTOMS: The muzzle is dry, temperature slightly elevated and saliva dribbles from the corners of the mouth. The animal either does not swallow, or swallows with great difficulty, and holds its head in a stiff, straight position, moving it as little as possible. The eyelids are half-closed and bloodshot, and the animal occasionally grinds the teeth. After masticating the food the animal drops it out of its mouth as if to avoid the pain of swallowing, and also evinces great pain when pressure is applied from the outside. In acute attacks of sore throat, the animal coughs with great difficulty and breathes very noisily. The nostrils are dilated and nose extended.

TREATMENT: Place the animal in as comfortable a place as possible, permitting as much fresh air as possible, but avoiding drafts. Blanket the animal if the weather is chilly, also hand rub the legs and bandage with woolen cloths.

Administer Chlorate of Potash, two ounces; Nitrate of Potash, two ounces; Tannic Acid, one-half ounce; Molasses, eight ounces. Mix well and place one tablespoonful on the tongue every three or four hours. Feed soft food, as wheat bran mashes and steamed rolled oats, or boiled vegetables. Give drinking water with the chill taken off.

It is always necessary to apply liniments to the throat, and I would advise the application of Aqua Ammonia Fort., four ounces; Oil of Turpentine, four ounces, and Sweet Oil, four ounces. Apply and rub in well two or three times a day.

STRINGY MILK

CAUSE: Cows wading or standing in stagnant pools of water. Frequently stringy milk results from fungi entering the udder. This takes on an infectious form, and several cows may become affected at one time.

SYMPTOMS: Although the milk appears perfectly normal when first milked, it becomes stringy after being let stand for a few hours. If a needle is inserted in the milk and slowly withdrawn, the milk will adhere to the point and have a stringy appearance. If the cow is examined carefully, the temperature will be found to be elevated a degree or two, the appetite poor and the nose dry.

TREATMENT: Feed laxative food and see that they have fresh water to drink. Also, place two drams of Soda Bisulphite once or twice a day in gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun. Do not permit the cow to come in contact with stagnant pools of water that carry this infection. Perhaps the best plan is to fence out all such stagnant pools of water.

SUPPRESSION OF MILK

(Absence of Milk)

CAUSE: Unusually due to poor health, debility, emaciated, chronic diseases of the bag, or wasting of its glands from various diseases or impure food. Sometimes this condition is produced without any apparent cause.

TREATMENT: Determine the cause, if possible, and remove it. Feed warm wheat bran mashes, steamed rolled oats or barley. Administer Pulv. Anise Seed, one-half ounce, two or three times a day. This has a very good effect in this particular condition. Also rub the bag and strip the teats often, and apply Oil of Lavender. The majority of cases respond to this treatment if not due to chronic disease of the bag.

TAPEWORM

CAUSE: Small portions of tapeworms, consisting of one or more segments, are occasionally seen in the droppings of infected cattle. The infection is undoubtedly taken in with the food or water, infection being spread by the eggs of the parasite, and being expelled with the feces of an infected animal. The eggs being swallowed by insects, worms or snails, which act as an intermediate host, and which when swallowed accidentally by cattle while grazing or drinking carry with them into the animal's stomach the infectious stage of the tapeworm. Aged cattle do not seem to suffer much from tapeworms, but in calves these parasites cause scours and rapid emaciation.

SYMPTOMS: Emaciation, diarrhoea, loss of flesh, ravenous appetite, paleness of the mucous membranes of the mouth and eyes, and the segments of the tapeworms can occasionally be seen in the droppings.

TREATMENT: Withhold all food from eighteen to twenty-four hours, and to calves from two to eight months old give two teaspoonfuls of gasoline in a pint of milk. To yearlings, place one tablespoonful in a gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun. To cattle one year and over, place one ounce in capsule and give with capsule gun. Repeat this treatment two or three times during intervals of a week or two.

TEXAS FEVER

CAUSE: Due to a micro organism (Piropalasna Bigenium) which imbeds itself in the red blood corpuscles. This disease is transmitted or scattered by means of a tick which drops from the affected animal. The disease has various names, according to the locality in which it appears. Among them are: Spanish Fever, Red Water, Black Water, Red Murrian, Australian Cattle Tick Fever, etc.

SYMPTOMS: Loss of appetite. The animal ceases to ruminate, or does not chew the cud, and every sign of unthriftiness is displayed; a high temperature, and when the animal is standing the back is arched, but the animal, however, prefers to lie down most of the time and shows desire for solitude. The urine is very dark in color, hence the name "Red or Black Water." The disease is usually fatal, the animal dies within a few weeks.

TREATMENT: My advice is, when this disease once develops, or an animal shows any of the particular signs that I have mentioned, secure the services of a competent veterinarian, who will immunize by the use of serums, disinfectants, etc.

TICKS

Ticks are very difficult to kill, on account of their protected location, as ear ticks are not affected by dipping, and remedies strong enough for this purpose are liable to injure the animal, but these parasites may be expelled by pouring into the ear Carbolated Sweet or Cottonseed Oil with favorable results.

TUBERCULOSIS