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PALESADE WORM
(Strongulus Armatus)
This parasite thrives on marshy ground and is commonly found in the United States and Canada. The body of the worm is gray in color, more or less stiff and straight and thicker in the front than in the hind part; it varies in length, the male measuring from three-fourths of an inch to one inch and the female from one to two inches. It may occur in an adult or an immature state. In the former it implants itself on the mucous membrane of the large intestines by means of its armed mouth, while in the latter it lives in cysts underneath the mucous membrane of the intestines and is sometimes found in the brain, testicles and liver. The immature worms which do not issue directly from the cysts get into the arteries and are carried by the force of the blood to all parts of the body.
SYMPTOMS: Same as in Red Worm with the exception of colicky pains caused by the worms blocking the arteries which carry blood to the intestines, thus interfering with the process of digestion. Where the worms enter the arteries of the limbs it results in lameness. It is a good plan to examine your animals once or twice a year to insure them against this pest.
TREATMENT: Same as for Red Worm.
PLEURISY
CAUSE: Exposed to a sudden change of temperature, confinement in ill-ventilated, damp stables, wounds penetrating the chest, fractured ribs, heart diseases. It also occurs in conjunction with Bronchitis, Influenza, etc.
SYMPTOMS: Generally only one side of the lungs is affected and that being the right, although it may affect both sides at the same time. First you will notice the animal distressed, uneasy, shivering, the affected side is painful to pressure of the hand. The breathing is short and quick, and the flanks heave—which shows that the animal tries to breathe as much as possible, by the action of the muscles of the abdomen and not by the movement of the ribs. The nostrils are dilated. There is usually a short, dry, painful cough present, which is repressed by the animal as much as possible, so as not to shake the inflamed parts. Often when expelling air from the lungs the horse gives a painful grunt especially when made to move. The pulse is generally hard and faster than usual. The temperature in early stages may rise from 104 to 106 degrees F. If the ear is applied to the affected side a dry crackling or friction sound can be heard; a groove along the lower portion of the ribs will extend back to the flank. Within two or three days the pulse will be softer and weaker, temperature will fall to 101 or 102 degrees F. and there will be fluids form and the painful short breathing will disappear. The liquids may now undergo absorption if properly treated, and the case terminate favorably in a week or ten days.
Frequently large quantities of fluid accumulate in the chest cavity that cannot be absorbed, the breathing becomes more difficult, short and quick, pulse becomes weak and rapid and the animal dies from exhaustion.
TREATMENT: Place the animal in a comfortable, roomy stall; blanket if the weather is chilly, permit fresh air, but no drafts, as this is very important. Apply a paste made from Mustard and cold water over the chest cavity. Internally, administer Ammonium Iodide, Chlorate of Potash, Nitrate of Potash, each four ounces. Make into thirty-two powders and give one powder every two or three hours in gelatin capsule and administer with capsule gun. The diet is a proper means of keeping up the animal and is very important. Coax the animal to eat grass or vegetables, hot bran mashes or steam rolled oats. If there is a cough present, give the same treatment as recommended for Acute and Chronic Coughs.
PIN WORM, THREAD OR MAW WORM
(Oxyuris Curvilis)
This worm when full grown is about one and three-quarter inches in length; its tail is thin and whip-like and head thick and terminating in a curve somewhat resembling the crook of a stick. The presence of these parasites may be detected by a light-yellow substance (the eggs of the worms) which adheres to the skin below the anus. Pin Worms like Round Worms frequently come away with the feces.
TREATMENT: Dissolve four tablespoonfuls Common Salt in one gallon of warm water and inject it into the rectum. When this has been expelled, follow with an injection per rectum of Turpentine, four ounces, to one-half gallon Linseed Oil. Elevate the horse's hind quarters so as to retain the injection longer. This will expel the worms and their eggs that cling to the walls of the rectum. The worms sometimes make their way so far forward that it is impossible to reach them with an injection. In this case treat same as for Round worms.
Where there is irritation produced about the tail the horse continually rubs and it is well to apply Mercurial Ointment to both tail and the anus.
POLL EVIL
Poll Evil is so-called because it occurs in the region of the poll. It is not a constitutional disease, but comes, no doubt, from well marked causes, as from inflammation set up and involving the bones and muscles in the region of the poll, and perhaps of the larger ligament. Owing to the low vitality of the parts and the action of the head in taking food, etc., the pus is apt to burrow deep into the muscles.
CAUSE: Direct or indirect injury. A common cause is striking the head against a low doorway or an ill-fitting halter or bridle.
SYMPTOMS: Swelling just back of the ears on one or both sides of the head. The animal stands with the nose out; slight heat in the parts, pain on pressure. In the first stages, it is merely inflammatory action. The second stage is suppuration, or there may be great swelling in some cases when there is but little pus formed.
In other cases there is profuse suppuration and the pus makes its way out and discharges to the surface and sinuses are formed, which extend in various directions. Any abscess in this region is called Poll Evil.
TREATMENT: When the enlargement is first noticed in the region of the poll, I would advise the following: Red Iodide of Mercury, four drams; Lard, four ounces, rub in well over the enlargement and perhaps this will prevent sinuses from forming, but when the cases are long standing and so-called pipes are formed, I would advise that you secure the services of an accomplished Veterinarian.
PETECHIAL FEVER
(Purpura Haemorrhagica)
CAUSE: Constitutional weakness following some debilitating disease such as Distemper, Pink Eye, Catarrh and even following operations, when an animal becomes weak and from want of exercise, in which case it generally appears during his recovery. It is not infectious and cannot be transmitted by inoculations.
SYMPTOMS: There is a slight swelling of the limbs, more likely to be about the hocks. The swelling may disappear by exercising, but will soon return. The swellings present a very abrupt appearance, nearly the same as if a string were tied around the limbs and swell very quickly, and symptomatic of Purpura. Exudations take place in which, if on white limbs, you will see little red spots, from which a liquid is oozing. The swelling is very painful and the entire limb may be swollen. Small vesicles appear on the limbs and also in the mucous membranes, and it is well to look at the mucous membranes before giving your opinion, as you will, no doubt, detect these spots, which may extend into the lungs. These spots increase and may run into each other. The mucous membranes of the nose may become a mass of corrupt matter. The upper lip may hang pendulous, which is due to the want of nervous stimulus. If the nostrils are swollen very badly, there is difficulty in breathing and if the animal is not able to take food, the symptoms are considered very bad. The pulse varies much in some cases; although the swelling is very great, the pulse may not be more than forty or fifty per minute. The temperature is elevated one to three degrees above normal, there may be a coughing and a brownish colored discharge from the nostrils. The mouth and eyes become affected and, together with the discharge from the nose, the horse is a loathsome looking object. In milder cases the appetite is retained, or the animal may take food one day and the next refuse it. The bowels are constipated as a general thing in the first stages of the disease and the urine may be of a dark color, may even contain blood. There may be a peculiar dropsical swelling of these petechial spots or it may show itself in connection with the eyes and there may be blood extravasation without outer symptoms. This disease may affect the bowels, liver, lungs, etc. The animal usually stands, perhaps from the difficulty in moving the limbs. It is necessary to watch the case closely for flies will attack him and he will be filled with maggots. Sloughing may take place; the entire sheath or patches upon the body may slough off and there may be paralysis of the penis.
TREATMENT: Place the animal in a clean, light, comfortable stall. If the weather is cold, blanket. The following medicine is recommended because of its particular effect on the blood in this disease: Chlorate of Potash, eight ounces; Iodide of Potash, eight ounces; Quinine Sulphate, eight ounces. Make into thirty-two capsules and give one capsule every six hours. Also administer one ounce capsules filled with Spirits of Turpentine three or four times a day. Moisten the capsules with Sweet Oil and give with capsule gun. Feed hot bran mashes containing two or three ounces of pure Flaxseed meal. Also, feed vegetables, green grass, if possible.
QUITTOR
(Fistula of the Foot)
CAUSE: Injuries. Horses working on rough stony roads are subject to punctures, pricks, bruises, corns, treads, etc., which end in pus formation which does not get a pendant opening and destroys the tissues with which it comes in contact. Finally it bursts, forms sinuses and pipes, as commonly called, at the top of the hoof.
SYMPTOMS: Extreme lameness, heat, pain and swelling will show themselves about the top of the hoof. As a rule a Quittor develops slowly and is more or less painful during the first stages. After the sinus is formed and the pus discharges, the inflammation generally subsides. Its healing process is often delayed due to the diseased portion of the cartilages inside the horny hoof.
TREATMENT: Apply Flaxseed or hot Bran poultices to relieve the inflammation and hasten the formation of sinuses or pipes. Then with an ordinary syringe inject the following: Silver Nitrate, ten grains; Water, one ounce. Inject fifteen to twenty drops twice daily. Keep the food clean and the animal as quiet as possible. It is very disagreeable, as stated before, and the healing is very slow, but this must be naturally expected, as we are unable to provide the sinuses with good drainage.
RED WORM
(Strongylus Tetracanthus)
The Red Worm varies in length from one-third to three and one-quarter inches, and is sometimes white though it usually appears to be red because of the blood it contains. This parasite is found in all parts of the world. Its favorite haunt is marshy land.
SYMPTOMS: Paleness of all visible membranes, eyes watery and inflamed, swelling of the sheath, legs, and lower surface of the belly; fetid diarrhoea, dullness, debility, emaciation, rough coat, and the presence of worms in the feces. The worms when first passed are bright red in color but after being exposed to the air they turn dark and may easily escape the notice of the casual observer.
TREATMENT: Withhold all food for twenty-four hours, then place the following drugs in a gelatin capsule: Calomel, two drams, Barbadoes Aloes, three drams; Ferri Sulphate, two drams. Give with capsule gun. Also place the following tonic in their feed: Pulv. Quassia, one ounce; Ferri Sulphate, two ounces; Pulv. Anise Seed, two ounces. Mix and make sixteen powders. Give one powder two or three times a day in the feed.
RHEUMATISM
CAUSE: Exposure to cold rains, drafts, lying on damp ground when the blood is in poor condition. Also due to over-stimulating food.
SYMPTOMS: Lameness, swelling or soreness which may shift from one place to another, then finally locate in or near one of the joints of the limbs.
TREATMENT: Take away all grains and feed laxative foods such as potatoes, carrots, apples, kale and good hay. If the weather is warm turn out to pasture, but confine in warm stable at night. It is advisable to give a physic, as Aloin, two drams; Gentian, one dram; Ginger, one dram. Place in gelatin capsule and give at one dose with capsule gun, as its action on the blood has a very good effect. When the swellings are painful, apply Camphorated Liniment once or twice daily. Also, administer the following tonic: Potassi Iodide, one ounce; Nitrate of Potash, two ounces; Chlorate of Potash, two ounces; Pulv. Gentian Root, one ounce; Ferri Sulphate, one ounce; Pulv. Anise Seed, four ounces. Mix well and make into twenty powders. Give one powder three times a day in bran or place in capsule and give with capsule gun.
RING BONE
CAUSE: Faulty conformation—as a narrow or straight pastern joint is considered faulty. Be very careful in selecting a sire when breeding, as faulty conformation is hereditary. Ringbone may also result when young animals are put to work on hard roads or running in stony pastures sometimes produces Ringbone before the bones have become properly hardened. Other causes are injury to tendons or ligaments, bruised joints, blows, calking, or picking up a nail.
SYMPTOMS: Lameness will manifest itself when the horse first starts out in the morning; this may become less noticeable or even disappear temporarily as the animal works. They gradually grow lamer and examination will disclose an enlargement at or around the top of the hoof. This may appear in one or more feet, but the front feet are more often affected.
TREATMENT: If the Ringbone is very much inflamed, reduce the heat by applying cold water or ice packs to the part. Clip off all hair from around the top of the hoof and rub in well for twenty minutes the following: Red Iodide of Mercury, two drams; Pulv. Cantharides, two drams; Turpentine, one dram; Pine Tar, two drams, and mix in two ounces of Lard. This applied every two days for a week and repeat same treatment in two weeks. Keep the animal as quiet as possible as it assists in producing a recovery. If the animal is comparatively young, recovery is certain, although the enlargement may never disappear.
ROUND WORM
(Ascaris Megalcephala)
Resembles the Earth Worm somewhat in shape, yellowish-white in color, stiff and elastic. When full grown, it varies in length from six to sixteen inches. These worms are usually found in the small intestines, although they sometimes invade the stomach, and when numerous seriously disturb the animal's health.
SYMPTOMS: The animal's general health is affected as is evident from the morbid state of his appetite, rough coat, pot-belly, liability to colic and slight diarrhoea. Some of these worms are often expelled with the feces. As they increase in number, they block up the small intestines, giving rise to colic, and may in time kill the horse. They sometimes cause perforation of the bowels.
TREATMENT: Withhold all food from eighteen to twenty-four hours, then administer the following: Ferri Sulphate, two drams; Antimony Tartrate, two drams; Pulv. Quassia, two drams. Place in gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun. Follow this from six to eight hours with Aloin, two drams; Ginger, two drams, and give as above directed. It is a good plan to repeat the above treatment in ten days to insure the removal of any worms which may have survived the first treatment.
SCROTAL RUPTURE
(Inguinal Hernia)
CAUSE: Abnormal size of the upper ring through which a part of the intestines or its connecting membrane descends into and through the canal leading from the abdomen to the scrotal cavity. There is little danger of strangulation from this form of rupture which may occur at birth and disappear with age. A careful examination should therefore be made of the scrotum before castration.
SYMPTOMS: In most cases, this condition is easily detected. The scrotum will be somewhat enlarged. Sometimes the intestines will become strangulated and colicky symptoms appear. When a young male colt shows signs of colic, examine him for Scrotal Rupture.
TREATMENT: The trouble usually disappears with age although in some cases it is well to operate. Where colicky symptoms are present, roll the colt on its back, manipulating the scrotum. Diet carefully.
SHOE BOIL
(Capped Elbow)
CAUSE: Injuries, bruises or pressure when lying on a rough floor. Sharp heeled shoes and kicks also have a tendency to produce it.
SYMPTOMS: A hot painful swelling of the Elbow joint when first noticed. When neglected, it takes on a white fibrous or callous growth.
TREATMENT: First remove the cause. Do not lance the enlargement; let it come to a head of its own accord, by applying Red Iodide of Mercury, two drams; Pulv. Cantharides, three drams; Lard, two ounces. Mix well together and apply twice a week. When the swelling is hot and painful it is well to apply cold water or ice packs before applying the above mentioned prescription.
SPLINTS
CAUSE: This disease is chiefly produced by trotting or running on hard ground, etc. It is evident that horses with high knee action and heavy bodies are more liable to this disease. Jumping is also a common cause of splints, but the more accustomed a horse is to jumping the less liable he is to throw splints, because practice teaches the animal to regulate his movements so as to more or less diminish the disagreeable if not actually painful effect of concussion.
SYMPTOMS: A splint is detected by grasping the horse's leg with the fingers upon one side and the thumb upon the other, and tracing the inner and outer splint bones from their heads downward to their tapering extremities. Any actual enlargement will at once arrest the hand; any rising or irregularity will create suspicion and lead to close examination. Horses, especially young ones which have lately been put to work, not infrequently develop splints before any swelling appears. For this reason, in examining a case of obscure lameness, particularly if the animal is young, do not fail to look for the sign of splint lameness, namely: that the lameness is abnormally greater at a trot than at a walk and that the animal usually fails to bend the knees freely and grows worse with exercise. The last mentioned condition is also present with corns, but an examination of the foot will determine the question of their existence. In young horses splints are sometimes mistaken for coffin-joint lameness or navicular disease. To avoid this error, it should be remembered that, when brought on by navicular disease, the action of the limb improves with exercise; also that horses of five years of age or less very rarely suffer from coffin-joint disease. Some horses, owing to unusual development of the inner splint bones of the fore legs may appear to have splints, although careful examination may prove both limbs to be free from any bony deposit. When deciding such a point, note if the two inner splint bones are of the same size. Any swelling perceptible in a limb recently affected with splint-lameness is usually attended by heat and pain.
TREATMENT: If there is heat present, foment with hot or cold water; when heat has subsided, apply the following ointment: Red Iodide of Mercury, two drams; Turpentine, twenty drops, and mix. Apply every forty-eight hours until three applications have been applied. Rub in for twenty minutes each time.
During this treatment use the horse for slow work on soft roads, etc. As a rule the splints will not disappear at once, but will gradually. I may add that common splints are not considered an unsoundness.
PRIZE WINNING PERCHERON STALLIONS LYCEE 105934 (102746); KAPON 97589 (90705); MICMAC 106083 (105208), AND MARTELET 106199 (106199). Owned by Oaklawn Farm, Wayne, Ill. (Dunhams)
SPASMODIC COLIC
CAUSE: Horses seem to be predisposed to this form of colic on account of the great length of their intestines which are apt to be telescoped, twisted or their circular muscular fibers spasmodically contracted. Perhaps the principal cause is a change of food, sudden change of temperature, constipation, drinking cold or too large a quantity of water, especially if the animal is warm; overloading the stomach with frozen or mouldy food. Worms frequently produce colic.
SYMPTOMS: If the animal is tied it will become uneasy, paw, point its nose to the flank, twitch the tail, lie down and get up frequently. If the animal is loose it will walk around, paw, kick at its belly with the hind feet, make attempts to lie down, roll on its back and remain in that position for a while. The pulse increases with the pain, temperature rises from one-half to one degree, breathing labored and fast, the animal sweats in spots, there may be diarrhoea present, but this does not frequently occur.
Unfavorable symptoms of spasmodic colic are cold legs to the feet, point of the ears cold, trembling of the muscles, cold sweats, mucous membranes of the nose, mouth and eyes have a dark color due to the congestion.
TREATMENT: In all cases of spasmodic colic, except where there is diarrhoea present or mares heavily in foal, give Aloin, two drams; Ginger, two drams. Place in gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun. It is advisable to give rectal injection of Warm Water and Glycerine. They are soothing and cooling to the intestinal canal. Also give the following prescription: Pulv. Nux Vomica, four ounces; Carbonate of Ammonia, four ounces; Asafoetida, four ounces. Make into six powders; place one powder in gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun every two hours until relieved. The former prescription removes the cause as it is a physic. The latter contains medicines blended so as to counteract the spasmodic contractions of the bowels. It is also a heart stimulant, just what is needed in colic to keep up the animal's vitality. Beware of colic remedies that are given in drop doses. They contain drugs to only relieve the pain and not remove the cause. When their effects are worn off, the disease has progressed; the animal's heart action has been weakened and chances are that the animal will die. If drenching is resorted to, it must be done with great precaution. Remember a horse cannot breathe through his mouth.
SIDE BONES
CAUSE: The chief causes of Side Bones are: Deprivation of frog pressure, injuries, high heeled shoes, the use of which is almost entirely confined to draft horses. A high-heeled shoe prevents the frog from resting on the ground which is its natural support.
SYMPTOMS: Enlargement just above the hoof, usually affecting the front feet, or may affect only one side of one of the feet. The pain which produces the lameness is due to pressure on the soft tissues between the newly formed side bone and the hoof. Sometimes the enlargement has a tendency to spread the hoof. In such a case the lameness is not so severe.
TREATMENT: Clip the hair from over the Side Bone and rasp the foot below the enlargement, so that the hoof will be flexible on pressure from the fingers. Then apply the following to both the enlargement and the rasped surface on the hoof: Red Iodide of Mercury, two drams; Pulv. Cantharides, four drams. Mix well in two ounces of Lard and apply every forty-eight hours until three applications have been applied.
If you must work the animal, put it to some easy work where it has soft ground to walk upon.
STAGGERS
(Forage Poisoning—Inflammation of the Brain)
(Cerebral Meningitis)
CAUSE: Certain plants or stagnant water are most commonly instrumental in producing staggers; frequently seen in the early autumn months when the grass in the pastures becomes dry and certain forage remains green which contains toxic principles. These plants are ravenously eaten by horses on account of being green and tender. This is one of the common causes of the disease, although mouldy, indigestible or highly nitrogenous foods are frequently producers of staggers. This form of staggers is not contagious, although what produces staggers in one horse will also produce it in another. In this way several horses may become affected with staggers at the same time. Inflammation of the brain may occur as a complication of some infectious or digestive disease. Other causes are blows to the head, tumors in or on the brain, which cause the animal to naturally stagger, as the brain controls the horse's organs of locomotion.
SYMPTOMS: Vary to a certain extent, but a careful observer will detect some trouble connected with the nervous system, as the animal walking unsteadily, stepping high and keeping the legs spread apart, bracing itself to keep from falling. There is also great depression, as dullness and sleepiness with little or no inclination to move about. The head may be placed against a wall or fence and the legs kept moving as if the horse were trying to walk. As the disease progresses and no attempts are made to relieve it, they will become fractious, nervous, easily excited, pawing and eventually fall, keeping the feet moving as if walking, throwing their heads about in a delirious manner and eventually death follows. The horse as a rule eats and drinks ravenously when the first signs of staggers are noticed, but in its latter stages the tongue and gullet become paralyzed and although the animal attempts to eat and drink he cannot swallow. The pulse varies. It is strong, but subnormal when the first symptoms of staggers are noticed, that is to say, it is as slow as twenty to twenty-five beats per minute. As the disease progresses, however, it becomes weaker and faster. Constipation frequently accompanies this disease, also paleness tinged with yellow about the mucous membranes of the mouth and eyes. In many instances I believe that the poisonous forage eaten by horses depresses the heart action to such an extent that it results in the brain not receiving the proper blood supply, causing dizziness or staggers.
TREATMENT: Place the animal in a clean, dark stall, keeping the surroundings as quiet as possible. In its first stages it is easily treated, but as the horse becomes easily excited and his swallowing becomes difficult, treatment becomes more difficult. When the first signs are noticed, administer a physic as: Aloin, two or three drams; Ginger, two or three drams, according to the size of the animal. Place in gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun. This physic removes the irritant from the intestines and prevents its absorption into the blood. Also administer the following: Bromide of Potassium, twelve ounces; Nitrate of Potash, four ounces; Iodide of Potash, three ounces. Make into twenty-four capsules and give one capsule every four hours.
My method of administering medicine to animals places me in a position to treat them and compel them to take the medicine even though paralysis may exist. When animals will eat, feed food that is easily digested, as hot wheat bran mashes, steamed rolled oats and vegetables and give small quantities, but often, of clean fresh water. It is necessary to give stimulants and tonics as soon as they are on the road to recovery, as Pulv. Nux Vomica, four ounces; Pulv. Gentian Root, four ounces; Sulphate of Iron, two ounces. Make into sixteen capsules and give one capsule three times daily.
STIFLE JOINT LAMENESS
(Dislocation of the Patella)
Although dislocations are infrequent, this is the most common form which occurs in the horse.
CAUSE: Young loose jointed horses are predisposed to dislocation of the stifle on account of the comparative want of strength of their ligaments. They are much more liable to this accident than older horses, especially if they are in poor health or in rough hilly pastures; the nature of which would naturally make them susceptible to this injury, which, however, may take place as a result of accident at any age. Young horses that suffer, off and on from dislocation, often lose their liability with increasing strength and age. This dislocation may be partial or complete. In the former instance and the most common is where the patella, or the little stifle bone that glides in the groove composed of the lower hip and upper thigh bones, has become partially dislocated or removed from its natural position.
SYMPTOMS: When the dislocation is complete the affected limb is drawn forward, while the foot from the pastern down is drawn backward, and the animal may throw weight on it when made to move, which is accomplished with great difficulty. When the dislocation is partial, the symptoms are about the same as mentioned, only the limb is less rigid. If the horse is moved, the stifle makes a klick sound. In this form, you may have both limbs affected.
TREATMENT: In partial dislocation, the stifle bone may be replaced by drawing the leg forward, and with the hand pressing in on the stifle. In complete dislocation, tie a rope around the pastern of the affected leg, then draw the rope through a collar placed around the horse's neck and draw forward as far as possible and tie. Then press with both hands inward. After the stifle is placed back into position use the following liniment: Aqua Ammonia Fort., four ounces; Oil of Turpentine, four ounces; Raw Linseed Oil, four ounces. Mix and apply well over the stifle joint once or twice a day for two or three days. Feed nourishing food and put the animal to slow, easy work or turn out to good pasture.
In old chronic cases of Stifle Joint Lameness, treatment is of no value, therefore, care for the animal as soon as the catch in the walk or lameness appears.
STRING-HALT
CAUSE: Several theories have been put forth as to the cause of String-Halt which is generally supposed to be a nervous disease; a condition opposite to paralysis. The exact cause of this disease is hard to determine, but it is likely to occur in highly nervous horses. It sometimes follows an injury which may have irritated the nerves in some way. I believe that castration causes it in many instances, due to the severe struggle when being thrown, or pulling down severely on the spermatic cord when removing the testicle.
SYMPTOMS: Spasmodic contraction of one or both limbs. This sign varies, as sometimes it is very violent, while in others it may be so slight that it is hard to detect when stepping the horse forward, but on backing or turning the horse around the signs are easily noticed. All symptoms are better marked in the winter than in the summer, as some show it in the winter that do not show it in the summer at all.
TREATMENT: Very unsuccessful, although an operation proves beneficial in some cases, but if this is attempted, the services of a competent Veterinarian should be secured.
The feeding of laxative foods that are easily digested relieves String-Halt in many instances.
SORE THROAT
(Pharyngitis—Laryngitis)
CAUSE: Exposure to cold weather or rain when the animal is not accustomed to it; drenching with irritating medicines or inhaling irritating smoke or gases.
SYMPTOMS: At first the animal generally chills, the legs and ears are cold, but eventually they become very warm as the temperature increases, coughing, grinding of the teeth, saliva oozing from the mouth; the animal will hold its head in a stiff straight position, moving it as little as possible. There will be great difficulty in masticating and swallowing, as the food will come from the mouth in the form of wads, and as this soreness of the throat progresses food will also come from the nostrils. This is a bad sign, as extensive inflammation is no doubt present. Water, also, runs through the nostrils freely when the animal attempts to drink, due to the swollen condition of the throat. The animal forces the water back into the mouth, but is unable to swallow and hence the water gushes out through the nostrils. The animal evinces great pain when pressure is applied from the outside and he breathes with great difficulty. Although the pulse is not much affected at this stage, the temperature is elevated from one to two degrees above normal. The urine becomes scanty and highly colored, the eyes bloodshot and discharging. Eventually the throat becomes greatly swollen and abscesses may form and discharge. As a rule constipation is associated with this disease.
TREATMENT: Mild attacks of sore throat are easily treated, but when serious cases develop, it is unsuccessful. Place the animal in a clean, comfortable stall; permit as much fresh air as possible, but avoid all drafts. If the weather is chilly, blanket the animal, hand rub the legs and bandage with woolen cloths or bandage. Administer a mixture made from Chlorate of Potash, three ounces; Nitrate of Potash, three ounces; Tannic Acid, one-half ounce; Molasses, one-half pint; Pine Tar, one-half pint. Mix well and place about one tablespoonful on the tongue every two hours in severe cases; in mild attacks, give less frequently. When they will eat, feed food that is easily digested, as hot wheat bran mashes and steamed rolled oats containing two or three ounces of pure ground flaxseed. It is always necessary to apply strong liniments to the throat, as they relieve inflammation and stimulate the formation of an abscess. The following liniment will be found very beneficial: Aqua Ammonia Fort., four ounces; Oil of Turpentine, four ounces; Sweet Oil, six ounces; shake well and apply two or three times daily. If the swelling is extreme between the jaws, so as to interfere with the animal's breathing, it is well to lance the abscess if a soft spot can be found. Just cut through the skin with a knife; then use a clean blunt instrument to locate the pus cavity. Otherwise, severe hemorrhage may be produced.
SURFEIT
(Nettle-Rash—Urtecaria)
CAUSE: The usual cause of Surfeit is supposed to be due to a character of food consumed which upsets the animal's digestive organs, the skin being continuous with the mucous membranes lining the intestinal canal. A disturbance of the one structure is readily communicated to the other. Apparently, owing to the extreme dry nature of the forage during the greater part of the year, horses in the United States frequently suffer from Surfeit.
SYMPTOMS: Surfeit is a term applied to an eruption of small irregular lumps or boils which are more or less painful to the touch and which break out suddenly as a rule on the horse's body and neck, and in rare cases on the legs. A favorite seat of Surfeit is the parts covered with the harness or saddle and along the neck and withers. Surfeit is very troublesome and annoys both the horse and driver, especially when the horse perspires, as he will rub violently when coming in contact with any object.
TREATMENT: Give two to four ounces of Epsom Salts in hot wheat bran mashes every morning. Feed as much sloppy food as possible, vegetables, etc. Avoid feeding dry woody hay, as it irritates the intestines and aggravates the disease.
SWEENEY
(Atrophy)
CAUSE: An ill fitting collar, one tug longer than the other, striking an object when pulling, like a stone or a corner of a building, slipping, kicks, or the animal may have a splint, sprain, ringbone, side bone, coffin-joint lameness, curb, corns, stifle lameness, in fact anything that tends to make an animal favor the use of certain muscles. It is not a disease, just a lack in the development of the muscles, which waste away or shrink when not used as nature provided. For instance, perhaps you have had or have seen persons that had a fractured leg or arm and on account of not being able to use the leg or arm the muscles wasted away (Atrophy), until they were used normally for sometime, when the muscles again came back to their normal size.
SYMPTOMS: First locate the cause. The animal may be very lame although I have seen Sweeneys where lameness was very hard to detect, being those which were usually due to ill fitting collars. Remember you can have a Sweeney of the hip as well as the shoulder, and keep in mind the above mentioned causes.
TREATMENT: When you have an animal affected with Sweeney, find the true cause and remove it if possible. Unless the Sweeney is an old chronic one, it is successfully treated with Aqua Ammonia Fort., four ounces; Turpentine, four ounces; Sweet Oil, four ounces. Mix and apply well over wasted muscles once a day. If the application is too irritating, as some horses have thinner skins than others, it is advisable to add more Sweet Oil than above mentioned.
TAPEWORM
(Taenia)
These worms have been found in the horse, but so rarely that they need not be considered.
THOROUGHPIN
CAUSE: Generally due to some irritation of the hock joint such as severe sprains from animal jumping, slipping, kick or falling through a culvert or bridge or it is frequently hereditary; so be very careful in choosing a sire when breeding.
SYMPTOMS: Sometimes there is lameness when the Thoroughpin is first noticed, but it will gradually disappear as soon as the inflammation ceases. There will be a puffy, soft enlargement which occurs at the upper and back part of the hock, beneath the great tendons. Generally both sides are enlarged and puffy, but occasionally it happens that one side is only involved. Thoroughpin is also a forerunner of Bog Spavin as they generally are connected, as you are aware that the hock contains joint oil as all other joints do, retained in place by a thin, white fibrous membrane. Irritation of the hock joint tends to develop an extra large quantity of joint oil, and the hock is less protected by tendons where a Thoroughpin or Bog Spavin occurs—hence those puffy swellings are filled with joint oil and are connected. If you press on one side of a Thoroughpin, you will see the other side bulge out. If you press on a Bog Spavin and there is a Thoroughpin present, you will see it bulge on either side of the Thoroughpin—or vice versa.
TREATMENT: If on an old horse and the Thoroughpin is of long standing, treatment is unsatisfactory, but on the other hand if the animal is young it can be successfully treated with Tincture of Iodine, one ounce; Gum Camphor, two ounces; Gasolene, one pint. Mix well and rub in with nail or tooth brush twice a week. Keep the animal as quiet as possible as the results will be accomplished much sooner. Never attempt to open or lance a puffy swelling about a joint as it contains joint oil. The result would be an open joint.
THRUSH
CAUSE: The two main causes of Thrush are lack of pressure on the frog and the decomposing effect of filth and fermentation of organic matter which accumulates in the cleft of the frog.
SYMPTOMS: The animal in some cases is lame; there will be a swelling accompanied by a very fetid discharge; in some cases the frog has practically rotted away; there will be more or less inflammation in the foot. The legs may even swell. Thrush is more frequently found in the hind feet because of the manure and filth with which they must come in contact.
TREATMENT: Cut away all loose pieces of horn from over the frog and apply a Flaxseed meal poultice and leave it on for twenty-four hours, after which wash well with Soap and warm water. Then apply Calomel to the groove in the frog. Keep the foot clean. Do not allow the animal to stand in filth.
WIND COLIC
(Flatulent Colic)
CAUSE: This dangerous form of Colic is a distension of the bowels with gas, resulting generally from the decomposition of undigested food in the bowels. It sometimes follows Spasmodic Colic, in which there is first spasms due to the irritations set up by the presence of undigested matter, and subsequently this food decomposes and forms gas. I may conclude that Flatulent or Wind Colic is usually caused by errors in feeding and watering horses. Perhaps the animal has been given large quantities of rank grass, watery roots, which on account of its moist nature is quickly swallowed without being properly masticated.
SYMPTOMS: The signs resemble those of Spasmodic Colic, except that they are less violent. In most cases there is general accumulation of gas, the abdomen distended to a considerable size before the animal shows signs of uneasiness. In cases where the animal swells on the right side, it is the large intestines filled with gas. In other cases where both sides are equally swollen, the stomach and small intestines contain gas. The horse's back will have an arched appearance, passing of gas from the anus frequently, the horse will make attempts to vomit. In some cases actual vomiting takes place. This is a bad sign, as rupture of the stomach usually occurs at this stage.
TREATMENT: Give Aloin, two drams; Ginger, two drams, in gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun. However, this is a physic and should not be given to mares heavily in foal. Also apply to the abdominal cavity, liniment consisting of Aqua Ammonia Fort., four ounces; Oil of Turpentine, four ounces; Sweet Oil, four ounces. Mix and rub in well over the abdomen.
To mares heavy with foal, apply the above liniment and give rectal injections of Glycerine and warm water frequently.
The following remedy should be administered to all cases of Colic, including mares heavy with foal: Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia, six ounces; Turpentine, six ounces. Mix well together and place one ounce in gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun every hour. Puncturing the intestines is advisable in some cases to relieve them of gas. This requires a special instrument for the purpose and no one should attempt to perform the operation unless they know the anatomy of the part, as the arteries of the intestines may be penetrated and produce internal hemorrhage or infection of the intestines, or abscesses may follow.
WIND GALLS
CAUSE: By concussions from fast work on hard roads and from sprains from slipping.
SYMPTOMS: When concussions alone are responsible, the suspensory ligament and the back tendons will at first be in a normal condition, and the swelling will probably be confined to both the inside and outside of the leg, and may be felt in the form of a puffy swelling on each side of the fetlock by placing the fore finger and the thumb on the joint. In more serious cases resulting from sprains, the vacant space between the back tendons and the suspensory ligament may also become filled with fluids. In other words, a Wind Gall has formed. In some cases the animal may be lame.
TREATMENT: When there is heat present apply cold, wet packs until the heat disappears. Then apply Tincture of Iodine, one ounce; Gum Camphor, two ounces; to one pint of Gasolene. Apply every three days with nail or tooth brush. Shake contents of the bottle well each time before applying.
I may add that this is a very difficult blemish to treat and is not always successful, so do not be discouraged if the enlargements do not disappear, but the above prescription has proven the most successful of any treatment I have personally used in my private practice.
WOLF OR SUPERNUMERARY TEETH
Wolf Teeth are comparatively small in size and have only one root and are found just in front of the upper molar teeth. Sometimes they do harm, but that is an exception and not the rule. They can be easily removed with a pair of small forceps or they may be punched out in some instances.
I think they interfere with the eyes, causing them to become watery and inflamed due to the tooth exerting some influence upon the ophthalmic division of the fifth nerve.
Supernumerary Teeth: Tooth substance may develop in almost any part of the body. These are called Supernumerary Teeth and are most commonly found in the testicles, ovaries and sinuses of the head, etc.
WOUNDS
Wounds caused by external injuries have a general resemblance, and whether clean-cut, punctured, lacerated, poisonous, gunshot, etc., require practically the same treatment.
TREATMENT: Wash with a Carbolic solution, one tablespoonful to one pint of distilled water.
SEWING OF WOUNDS: I cannot say that I am in favor of sewing wounds unless they are gaping or wide open.
After the wound is washed, dust with Iodoform, Boracic Acid and Tannic Acid, each one ounce. Powder finely and place in a sifter top can and apply twice daily. Cord or heavy thread may be used for sewing the wound after being saturated in a Carbolic Acid solution, using a large darning needle. If the animal is vicious, place a twitch on his nose or it may be necessary to throw him.
DISEASES OF CATTLE
Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
1. Mouth 2. Nostrils 3. Muzzle 4. Face 5. Eyes 6. Forehead 7. Ears 6. Poll 9. Horns 10. Jaws 11. Dewlap 12. Brisket 13. Neck 14. Withers 15. Crops 16. Shoulders 17. Heart Girth 18. Fore flank 19. Legs 20. Feet 21. Dew claws 22. Belly 23. Milk wells 24. Milk veins 25. Fore udder 26. Teats 27. Barrel or ribs 28. Back 29. Coupling 30. Rear Flanks 31. Hook points 32. Tail-head 33. Pin bones or thurls 34. Rump 35. Esoutcheon 36. Tail 37. Thighs 38. Rear Udder 39. Switch
CHAPTER II
ABSCESSES
CAUSE: Bruises and injuries. They are also seen in complication with various other diseases, as Laryngitis, Pharyngitis, Tuberculosis, Lump Jaw, Blood Poison or Pyemia and Septicemia.
SYMPTOMS: Symptoms will vary according to the nature of the disease or injury. It may not be noticed at first, but upon careful examination swollen lines will be observed running from the point of swelling. In many cases a swelling is noticed which is hot, painful and throbbing, which enlarges rapidly in two or three days. The swelling and heat gradually disappear but the Abscess continues to grow. The hair falls from the point of swelling and in a short time breaks and discharges pus. The cavity gradually fills up and heals by granulation.
TREATMENT: In all cases, hasten the ripening process as much as possible by applying hot water packs or hot bran, flaxseed or vegetable poultices. It is common with Veterinarians to lance an Abscess as soon as possible, but this requires considerable skill and practice and I would advise stock owners to be very cautious when performing this operation, as there is great danger of cutting arteries which would cause excessive bleeding. A very good plan is to encourage the full ripening of an Abscess, as above stated. When opened, do not squeeze the Abscess to any extent, but press gently with clean hands or cloth to remove the core or clot. After this, just simply keep the Abscess open by washing with a three per cent Carbolic Acid solution, or Bichloride of Mercury, one in one thousand solution. Hyposulphite of Soda in ounce doses should be given two or three times a day in their drinking water. This will prevent the absorption of impurities from the abscess into the blood circulation.
ABORTION
(Non-Contagious)
CAUSE: Injuries from slipping or falling on icy roads, in box cars, and deep gutters; receiving blows on the body, keeping the animal in insanitary stables, eating poor food that may be irritating or poisonous, etc. In such cases, the cow's vitality is low so that the foetus dies and is expelled as a result. Losing large quantities of blood also produces Abortion, or a cow heavy with calf, on being placed in the same quarters with the cows that retain their afterbirth, is liable to abort. Intestinal worms, lung worms, liver flukes, causing an excessive drain upon the system or producing irritation of the digestive organs, in consequence of which cow gets very poor and emaciated. The above mentioned are perhaps the most common causes of "Non-Contagious Abortion."
SYMPTOMS: The cow is uneasy, becomes separated from the herd, the bag and vagina may be slightly inflamed and perhaps the latter discharging. If a cow heavy with calf craves the chewing and eating of dirt, rags, nails, etc., this is a sign of a lack of iron or phosphorus in her system and food containing these elements should be provided.
PREVENTIVE TREATMENT: Provide clean, warm, comfortable quarters, good food, pure water to drink, do not subject her to any injuries, do not permit her coming in contact with cows retaining their afterbirth.
The above mentioned is very important, especially if the cows are valuable and a large yield of milk is expected. If they have worms, treat the same as under their special heading. If they have a loss of blood or a lack of mineral matter in their system, the following is very efficient: Pulv. Ferri Sulphate, four ounces; Pulv. Nux Vomica, two ounces; Pulv. Fenugreek Seed, four ounces. Mix and make into sixteen powders. Give one powder two or three times a day in feed or place in a gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun.
AMAUROSIS OF THE EYE
CAUSE: Paralysis of the optic nerve.
SYMPTOMS: Pupil fully dilated and of a glassy appearance. This condition is sometimes called "Glass Eye." The cow carries the head high and steps high. This condition is very uncommon in cattle.
TREATMENT: Nothing can be done for a cow if she is blind, but this condition may be prevented if detected in its early stages of development by the proper feeding of nourishing food, good clean surroundings and the administration of nerve tonics, as Pulv. Nux Vomica, four ounces; Pulv. Gentian Root, four ounces; Potassium Iodide, three ounces. Make into twenty-four powders and place one powder in feed two or three times daily; or make into twenty-four capsules and give one capsule two or three times a day with capsule gun.
ANTHRAX
Anthrax is a very contagious disease and is communicable to all warm blooded animals and man.
CAUSE: Due to the presence of a germ called the Bacillus of Anthrax and is one of the oldest diseases attributed to germs. These Bacilli thrive in warm climates, although found in cold countries. The infection is carried to various parts of the world by box-cars, ships, hides, hoofs, horns, wool and hair taken from sick or dead animals affected with Anthrax. This, perhaps, is the most common method of spreading the disease.
SYMPTOMS: Loss of appetite, grinding of the teeth indicating great pain, trembling of the muscles, temperature elevated to 104 or 106 degrees F., breathing very rapid, pulse fast and weak, hair rough. There are some cases where the animals are seized quickly with the disease and die very suddenly. This form resembles apoplexy. Carbuncles or Abscesses are seen on the surface of the body in nearly all cases, also a bloody discharge from the mouth and nose. The animal may stamp the ground, rear in the air, run and finally go into convulsions and die. This is termed "the furious form of Anthrax."
TREATMENT: Prevention is the most important. Fields or pastures that are infected with this disease should be burned every summer if possible, to destroy the germs. The animals that succumb to the disease should be buried deeply and quicklime thrown upon them, also any blood stains upon the ground should have a strong disinfectant thrown upon them. The hide of such an animal should not be used as the person removing it is likely to contract the same disease, especially if an abrasion is present on the hand, or such a hide or any portion thereof is likely to spread the infection after reaching the tannery, etc.
MEDICAL TREATMENT OR SERUM TREATMENT: This is the only thorough method of eradicating the disease, and when this disease once becomes prevalent in a locality the services of a competent Veterinarian should be secured and all the animals inoculated.
BARRENNESS
(Failure to Breed)
CAUSE: Wasting or Atrophy, chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the organs of generation, Whites, absence or excessive secretions of the organs of generation, contraction or displacement of the womb, horns being telescoped or twisted, cysts or growths of the ovaries, in-breeding or being a twin, are the predisposing causes of Barrenness.
TREATMENT: Unsuccessful as a rule. Unless the cow is very valuable, treatment is not advisable. A careful examination, however, is recommended. If due to contraction of the neck of the womb it can be readily dilated by the use of the hand, after being greased with Carbolated Sweet Oil before attempting to perform the operation.
BLACK LEG
(Symptomatic Anthrax—Black Quarter)
CAUSE: Due to germs. The Bacillus of Black Leg perhaps gains entrance to the blood by wounds of the skin or the mucous membranes lining the mouth and the intestines. This disease principally affects cattle, although sheep and goats may become affected with the same disease.
SYMPTOMS: This disease affects cattle that are in good condition between the ages of six months and two years. In most cases death is very sudden, and perhaps the animal is found dead. The first symptoms are high temperatures from 104 to 108 degrees F., loss of appetite, the animal stops chewing the cud, breathing considerably hurried, the joints of the limbs become swollen, also the chest and shoulders. All the swellings are painful on pressure and spread very rapidly over the body. The affected animals move with great difficulty and lie down frequently. If the hand is passed over the body, there is a peculiar crackling sound due to the gas developing under the skin. At the most distended portions of the swellings, the skin becomes dry and the animal apparently has no sense of feeling. If the skin is punctured at this place, there will be a dark-red, frothy discharge which has a very disagreeable odor. There will be a shivering of the muscles and the animal dies from convulsions.
TREATMENT: Remove non-affected animals to non-infected pastures, and confine affected animals to as small a territory as possible. The carcasses of the dead animals should be buried deep and covered with lime or burned, being very careful that all blood stains on the ground where the animals have been skinned are thoroughly disinfected. Inoculation is necessary, and is the best form of treatment in localities where Black Leg exists. Inoculate or vaccinate the calves when six months old or over, although after the animal reaches the age of two years or over they generally become immune from this disease.
BLEEDING
(Hemorrhage)
CAUSE: Sometimes bleeding follows dehorning, castration, and wounds due to various other causes.
TREATMENT: When bleeding from a large artery, it should be tied with a clean silk or linen thread or twisted with a pair of forceps or cauterized with a hot iron. Sometimes compression by the use of tightly bound bandages proves effective, although the former appliances are more practical. Tincture Chloride of Iron applied to small arteries or veins causes the blood to clot in the arteries or veins and hence stops the Hemorrhage. It is very essential that all wounds should be treated antiseptically and I cannot say that I favor washing a wound with water only in cases where the wound is very filthy, and I prefer powder applications in preference to any other antiseptics. The following will be found very effective in the treatment of the majority of wounds: Boracic Acid, two ounces; Iodoform, two drams; Tannic Acid, one-half ounce; Calomel, one dram. Powder finely and mix well. Place in sifter top can and apply two or three times daily.
BLOATING
A very common disorder in cattle and characterized by a puffed up appearance of the left flank. The cow has four stomachs of which the rumen is the largest, its capacity being about fifty gallons in the average cow, and it is this stomach which fills with gas when a cow bloats.
CAUSE: Eating green clover or alfalfa; even when a cow is accustomed to this diet, it may cause bloating if wet with dew or rain; cured alfalfa, moldy or frozen mangles will also produce bloating; the above mentioned foods undergo a process of fermentation which causes excessive formation of gas, and death may result very quickly and may be due to rupture of the stomach or the diaphragm (muscle separating the abdominal and lung cavities), but is more often due to suffocation caused by the distension of the stomach which becomes so large that it presses the diaphragm forward against the lungs in such a manner as to stop their movement and the animal smothers. When the cow falls, it indicates that one of these possibilities has occurred and death follows quickly.
SYMPTOMS: Cattle usually bloat suddenly and without warning; the left flank becomes abnormally swollen; back is arched, breathing labored; sometimes the tongue hangs out and the animal bellows. When rupture or suffocation occurs the animal reels, staggers, and falls, after which nothing more can be done.
TREATMENT: No time should be lost. Where the stomach is enormously distended with gas so as to cause the animals to stagger and breathe very rapidly, they should be gagged. This can be easily accomplished by taking a piece of wood about two inches in diameter, and eight inches to one foot long, placing it in their mouth and retaining it in that position by tying a string on each end and placing it back of the ears. If this does not give relief immediately, puncture the left flank about five inches downward and forward from the angle of hip bone. However, puncturing should not be resorted to only in cases where death threatens the animal, as abscesses, infection and severe hemorrhage may follow. A very reliable medical treatment for this condition should be in the medicine chest of every stockman, such as Pulv. Asafetida, Oil of Turpentine, each one ounce. Place in gelatin capsules. This is a very efficient remedy for the eradication of excessive fermentation of gases in the stomach or bloating.
BLOOD POISON
(Pyemia-Septicaemia)
CAUSE: Due to a septic infection taken into the blood, frequently found in cows with retained afterbirths, following inflammation of the womb or intestines, wounds and bruises of the skin and frequently found in calves affected with Joint Ill.
SYMPTOMS: High temperature 103 to 107 degrees F., pulse rapid and feeble, breathing increased, grinding of the teeth, the animal refuses to eat in most cases and ceases to chew the cud, although there may be great thirst present. Abscesses may form in various parts of the body, the membranes of the eyes and mouth will be injected with blood, giving them a dark-red appearance, although in the latter stages of Blood Poison this may change to a yellowish tinge. Constipation or Diarrhoea may be connected with the disease. The animal dies by general emaciation from four to six days after the first symptoms are noticed.
TREATMENT: Unsuccessful, as when the infection once becomes absorbed in the blood it is always certain that death will follow. If due to injuries or wounds, wash them with Bichloride solution, one part to one thousand parts of water, but if due to retained afterbirth or inflammation of the womb, inject one gallon of distilled water containing five per cent Carbolic Acid. If in young calves, treat the same as under the heading of Joint Ill. If due to inflammation of the intestines, give Hyposulphite of Soda, two ounces; Potassi Iodide, one dram, two or three times a day in their drinking water. When abscesses form, lance them with a clean, sharp knife. If the animal is constipated place two drams of Aloin, two drams of Pulv. Gentian Root in a capsule and give with capsule gun. If Diarrhoea is present give Gum Catechu, two drams; Protan, three drams; Zinc Sulphocarbolates, one grain. Place in gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun. Feed warm wheat bran mashes, steamed rolled oats, vegetables and green grass, if possible.
BLOODY FLUX
(Dysentery)
CAUSE: Chilling of the outer surface of the body. Improper feeding, as contaminated food or water, sometimes connected with parasitic diseases of the intestines.
SYMPTOMS: Dysentery is a sign of some irritation of the intestines terminating into increased contractions of muscular fibers of the bowels. The fecal matter, if frequently expelled, at first consists of a thick feces, but as the disease progresses the fecal matter becomes very thin and watery and tinged with blood and very offensive. When the first signs are noticed the animals show no constitutional disturbances, but later they exhibit abdominal pain by looking around to the flank. At this stage they are very weak, throwing the feet well together, giving the back an arched appearance, and are very uneasy although they may lie down frequently. Temperature elevated from one to three degrees. The animal becomes emaciated and eventually dies.
TREATMENT: Determine the cause and remove it if possible. Keep the animal quiet. Give pure water to drink in small quantities but often. If the animal will eat, feed steamed rolled oats, etc. Flaxseed tea is very beneficial, as it is soothing to the intestines and assists in removing the irritations. Pour one quart of boiling water on one-half pint of pure Flaxseed, allowing it to cool, then compel the animal to drink it. The following prescription will be found very effective in all forms of Diarrhoea: Tannic Acid, one ounce; Protan, two ounces; Gum Catechu, two ounces; Beechwood Creosote, four scruples; Zinc Sulphocarbolates, eight grains. Make into eight capsules and give one capsule every three or four hours with capsule gun.
DAIRY HERD AT OAKLAWN FARM, WAYNE, ILLS. (DUNHAMS.)
BLOODY MILK
CAUSE: Bloody Milk may be the result of injury, congestion, inflammation of the udder. Feeding on rich milk-producing food suddenly may produce it. Bloody Milk is also produced in a cow by excitement when in heat or from eating resinous plants or shrubs.
TREATMENT: It is advisable in most cases to give a physic consisting of two drams of Aloin and Ginger two drams. Also administer Potassium Nitrate, four ounces; Potassium Chlorate, two ounces, made into eight capsules and give one capsule twice daily with capsule gun. If due to rich food, reduce it. If due to eating resinous plants, remove them from the pasture containing such shrubbery. Where congestion or inflammation of the bag is thought to produce it, apply Hot Water Packs, then dry and apply Blue Ointment and Camphorated Ointment, equal parts, two ounces. Mix well and rub on thoroughly two or three times a day.
BLUE MILK
CAUSE: This condition is due to a germ (the Bacillus Cyanogenes) which may occur in rich milk or cream immediately after being drawn or the germ may find its way into the opening of the teat.
TREATMENT: Injections into the teat of a solution composed of the following: Hyposulphite of Soda, two drams; Boracic Acid, one dram, dissolved in one pint of boiling water. Permit to cool and inject a small quantity in each teat once or twice a day for three or four days. This will destroy the Blue Milk producing germ without any injuries to the cow, udder or teats.
BRONCHITIS
CAUSE: Inhaling irritating gases or foreign bodies. It is commonly seen after drenching from liquid escaping into the windpipe instead of going down the gullet. Animals exposed to cold, wet weather when not accustomed to it frequently develop Bronchitis.
SYMPTOMS: Loss of appetite, chilling, temperature elevated two or three degrees above normal; ears and legs cold, nose hot and dry, breathing short and labored, painful coughing, slight discharge from the nostrils and saliva oozing from the mouth. If the ear is placed over the lower portion of the neck, a crepitating sound can be heard.
TREATMENT: Place the animal in a clean, comfortable stall where there is pure air and light but no drafts. Clothe the body if the weather is cold. Hand rub the legs and bandage with woolen cloths. Give inhalations of steam from Hot Water and Pine Tar for twenty minutes two or three times a day. Also administer Nux Vomica, four ounces; Ginger, four ounces; Nitrate of Potash, four ounces. Make into sixteen capsules and give one capsule every four hours. Applications of the following liniment are of some value: Aqua Ammonia Fort., three ounces; Oil of Turpentine, three ounces; Sweet Oil, six ounces. Apply over the region of the windpipe the full length of the neck.
CALF SCOURS
(Cholera—White Scours—Bloody Flux)
CAUSE: It is produced by a specific germ and is communicated by direct or indirect contact with the germ which may gain entrance into the blood by the umbilical cord at or shortly after birth or through the digestive canal by drinking milk or eating food contaminated with the disease-producing germ. The more common means of spreading the disease is through pails, drinking troughs, etc.
SYMPTOMS: One of the most deadly forms of Diarrhoea. This usually appears a few days after birth, although in some cases it takes several days for it to develop. Every sign of Diarrhoea is present, as frequent passages of feces of a yellowish-white color, frothy and very offensive in odor. The calf is very dull, weak, back arched, hair rough, eyes glassy and sunken back in their sockets, belly retracted, breathing short and fast. The calf finally lies flat on the side, head resting on the floor or ground with a temperature generally below normal. The calf finally becomes unconscious and death follows.
TREATMENT: Give Protan, three ounces; Zinc Sulphocarbolates, eight grains; Gum Catechu, powdered, two ounces; Ginger, one ounce; Beechwood Creosote, one dram. Make into eight capsules and give one capsule every two hours until relieved. When the calf will take its feed, if not nursing its mother, see that the milk is pure and the utensil containing it thoroughly scalded with hot water. Keep the animal in clean, sanitary quarters, as quiet as possible for a few days, and if the disease is not too far advanced a good recovery will follow.
CALVING
Signs of Normal Calving are firmness and enlargement of the udder, extending well forward following the milk veins. The teats as a rule discharge a thin milky fluid, relaxation of the muscles on each side of the croup or the base of the tail. The outer surface of the womb becomes swollen and inflamed, discharging sticky, stringy, transparent mucus. The cow becomes uneasy, stops eating, and if in a pasture becomes separated from the rest of the herd; will lie down and get up alternately as if in great agony. When birth pains start, the back is arched, and a severe straining follows the contraction of the abdominal muscles. The membranes covering the foetus will be the first to make their appearance, engorged with a fluid from the womb. This is commonly known as the water bag, which eventually bursts and the two fore feet can be seen, and, as the animal continues to strain, the nose and head will be next to be seen. When the calf's shoulders are exposed, the cow as a rule rises suddenly to her feet and the entire calf is expelled, also the membranes surrounding it, but the membranes next to the womb, as a general rule, remain longer and sometimes require artificial assistance to remove them. (See Retention of the Afterbirth.) Destroy the foetal membranes by burning or burying them deeply. Do not permit the cow to eat them. Wash the calf's navel with Bichloride of Mercury, one part to one thousand parts water, once or twice a day until the navel is thoroughly dry, as an infection may follow, producing Joint Ill or Scours, from which death may result.
ABNORMAL CALVING: This is a condition where the foetus is not normally presented, as that just described. Their feet may be presented in a normal manner, but the head and neck twisted back or to one side, or the head and one fore foot may be presented normally, while the other fore foot is doubled back, or there may be a breech presentation as the rump of a foetus with both hind feet thrown close to its body. This is a very difficult presentation, especially if in a young animal. A foetus abnormally presented requires good judgment and cleanliness, also lubrication of the walls of the womb with unsalted Lard, Cotton or Sweet Oil. Endeavor to place the foetus in as near a normal position as possible before any force is used in its delivery, although where both hind feet are presented, it is advisable to remove it in this position. The hands and ropes should be clean and washed with a five per cent solution of Carbolic Acid. It is not only dangerous to the animal, but to the operator as well, if proper antiseptic precautions are not practiced.
Space does not permit me going into details on various foetal presentations nor does it permit me to explain the exact methods or operations I would use in each particular case. Nevertheless, good judgment and cleanliness are important. Do not hurry. Take your time, and you will be successful in most cases.
When the foetus is removed, and the afterbirth does not come away within twelve or eighteen hours, remove it. (See Retention of Afterbirth, which will describe its means of attachment and its removal.)
CASTING THE WITHERS
(Eversion of the Womb)
CAUSE: Failure of the womb to contract after Calving. If the womb contracts naturally and the afterbirth expelled, the cavity of the womb is nearly closed and the neck of the womb becomes so narrow that the hand cannot be inserted. When the womb fails to contract, one or both horns of the womb become so relaxed that they fall into the cavity causing straining and contraction of the abdominal muscles, forcing the womb out gradually until the organ is turned inside out. The womb can be easily distinguished from the other membranes on account of the presence of sixty to eighty mushroom-like bodies (cotyledons) two to four inches in diameter attached to the walls of the womb by a narrow neck. The womb when hanging out becomes engorged with blood and inflamed until it is as large as a grain sack, very dark in color, tears and bleeds with the slightest touch. Later it becomes lacerated and gangrenous.
SYMPTOMS: At first, the general health is not very much interfered with, but the inflammation which is marked by an elevation in temperature becomes very noticeable, accompanied by severe straining and exhaustion. The animal lies down, but continues to strain until death, unless relief is afforded the animal at once.
TREATMENT: Great care must be exercised. The parts of the womb coming in contact with the cow's hips, tail or floors must be thoroughly washed with a five per cent solution of Carbolic Acid, using a soft cloth or sponge to remove dirt, clots, etc. Place the cow in a position so as to have her hind quarters much higher than the head, and then endeavor to replace the womb. After washing as stated above, bandage the tail with a clean cloth; have an assistant hold up the womb and the operator use gentle manipulation and pressure with clean hands; this perhaps is the best method of replacing the womb. Then follow by flushing out the womb with a weak Carbolic Acid solution and luke warm water. This has a tendency to straighten out the horns of the uterus and prevent infection. If the cow continues to strain, give Potassium Bromide in ounce doses every two or three hours in her drinking water, or place in capsule and give with capsule gun.
Sometimes stimulants and tonics are necessary and the following will be found very effective: Pulv. Nux Vomica, four ounces; Pulv. Gentian Root, four ounces; Pulv. Ferri Sulphate, four ounces. Make into sixteen capsules and give one capsule every six hours with capsule gun.
It is well to compel the animal to stand or lie with the hind parts elevated, until the signs of straining have ceased.
CATARACT OF THE EYE
CAUSE: Is due to deep seated inflammation of the eye produced by an injury or weakened condition of the optic nerve.
SYMPTOMS: If the pupil of one of the eyes appears larger than the other it is well to make a careful examination, as this is the first sign of Cataract. If such a condition is neglected, partial or complete blindness will follow and a white, pearly deposit can be seen on the lens of the eye.
TREATMENT: Very unsatisfactory unless treated carefully when the first signs are noticed. Place the animal in a darkened stable. Feed clean, sloppy food and it may be necessary to give a physic consisting of two drams of Aloin, two drams of Pulv. Ginger, placed in a capsule and given with capsule gun. The following ointment, Yellow Oxide of Mercury, four grains; Lanolin, one ounce, should be mixed well and applied to the eye two or three times a day.
CATARRH
CAUSE: Ill ventilated stables, inhalations of irritating gases or sudden exposure to cold, wet weather, after being accustomed to warm stables. Most commonly seen in the Spring or Fall.
SYMPTOMS: Chilling and temperature elevated one or two degrees, pulse not much affected, breathing hurried to some extent, sneezing, coughing, dullness and the appetite is slightly impaired. In the first stages the nostrils are very dry and considerably inflamed, but in the course of a few days the fever subsides and a profuse discharge from the nose is observed.
TREATMENT: Place the animal in dry, well ventilated stall, blanket well and supply a good quality and quantity of bedding. Give inhalations from steam and hot water and Pine Tar. If the animal is constipated, give rectal injections of Soap and Warm Water two or three times a day. Also administer Potassium Nitrate, Pulv. Nux Vomica, each four ounces; Capsicum, two ounces, and Pulv. Ginger two ounces. Make into twenty-four capsules and give one capsule three or four times a day. This should not be neglected, as neglected Catarrh is liable to be followed by Laryngitis, Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Pleurisy or other diseases of the organs of breathing, which are very serious and sometimes cause the death of the animal.
CHAPPED TEATS
CAUSE: Anything that tends to irritate them. A sudden chilling of the teat in cold weather after the calf has just let it go, or after the operation of milking with wet hands or from an animal wading through deep water or tall wet grass. Also filth or irritants coming in contact with teats when lying down.
TREATMENT: Remove the cause if possible and dry the teats well after each milking and apply Zinc Oxide ointment. Feed laxative food that is easily digested, as it has a very good effect on the blood, consequently it promotes the healing of wounds.
CHOKING
(Obstruction of the Esophagus)
CAUSE: An obstruction of the Esophagus (gullet) produced by an animal attempting to swallow apples, potatoes, roots, dry grain, etc.
SYMPTOMS: A stringy discharge of saliva from the mouth, violent coughing, wrenching of the head and neck. The animal will bloat very quickly if the Esophagus or gullet is completely obstructed.
TREATMENT: The obstruction as a rule is easily located, and as quickly as possible withdraw the obstruction by inserting the hand and extracting the object. Do not attempt to push the object down into the stomach, except as a last resort, as there is a great deal of danger of rupturing the Esophagus or gullet. Push the object upward by gentle manipulation from the outside. If this fails, a smooth piece of hose about eight or nine feet long, well greased with Lard, Butter or Oil, should be passed down the Esophagus or gullet. A block of wood about two inches in diameter with a hole bored through the center just a little larger than the hose, placed in the mouth, will prevent the animal from biting the hose, and make the operation easier.
When the animal is bloated severely, puncture with a knife about four or five inches from the point of the hip downward and forward.
CHRONIC DYSENTERY
(Bacterial Dysentery—Jones Disease)
CAUSE: Acid-fast Bacillus resembling the Tubercular Bacillus that invade the intestines by the way of the animal drinking water or eating food containing the Acid-fast Bacteria.
SYMPTOMS: Diarrhoea, loss of flesh, although the appetite is good, hair becomes dry and harsh, temperature remains about normal. The Diarrhoea becomes persistent and tinged with blood. The animal becomes emaciated and anemic, exhausted, and death follows. This disease may continue for a month or even a year before death takes place. However this is very uncommon. They generally die very shortly.
TREATMENT: Separate the affected cattle from the healthy ones. All fecal matter should be deeply buried or burned, the stalls, barnyards, also thoroughly disinfected. Administration of medicine thus far has been unsatisfactory, although a treatment should be directed toward the intestines with internal antiseptics such as Zinc Sulphocarbolates, one and one-half grains; Protan, three drams; Pulv. Nux Vomica, one dram; Bismuth Subnitrate, one dram. Place in gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun. This dose should be repeated three or four times a day. Feed a good quality of food, such as wheat bran mashes or steamed rolled oats and see that the water supply is fresh and non-contaminated.
COLIC
CAUSE: Drinking large quantities of cold water when overheated. However, this disorder is very uncommon in cattle owing to the fact that they are not worked, seldom overheated and drink water very slowly.
SYMPTOMS: Kicking or raising of the feet to the belly. Lying down and getting up alternately. Distention of the stomach or paunch with gas. The animal chills or shivers, etc.
TREATMENT: Strong stimulants or tonics as the following will give immediate results if administered in its first stages: Pulv. Nux Vomica, two ounces; Pulv. Ginger, two ounces; Pulv. Capsicum, two ounces. Make into eight capsules and give one capsule every two hours until relieved. Give the capsules with capsule gun. If severe bloating accompanies a case of Colic in cattle place one ounce dose of Oil of Turpentine in ounce capsules and give with capsule gun.
CHAMPION GALLOWAY BULL, STANDARD FAVORITE, INTERNATIONAL 1913. Owned by C. S. Hetehncr, Chariton, Iowa.
CONGESTION OF THE LUNGS
CAUSE: Cattle permitted to stand in drafts when warm after being driven, etc., irritating drugs escaping into the lungs when drenching, as it is very difficult for cattle to swallow when their heads are elevated.
SYMPTOMS: Dullness. The animal loses its spirits, so to speak, usually shivers or trembles. When this ceases, the temperature rises to perhaps 105 or 106 degrees F. The ears and legs grow cold, the nose hot and dry, pulse rapid but firm, breathing short and labored, a short hacking cough will be present. Such animals generally remain standing.
Other symptoms are constipation, the feces covered with mucus or a slime, great thirst. The eyes are inflamed and look glassy. The secretions of milk are suppressed, if these symptoms develop in milking cows.
TREATMENT: Place the animal in clean, warm, comfortable quarters permitting light and as much pure air as possible, but avoid drafts and blanket the animal if chilly. Hand rub the legs and bandage with woolen cloths. Administer Pulv. Carbonate of Ammonia, four ounces; Pulv. Nux Vomica, three ounces; Quinine, two ounces; Nitrate of Potash, two ounces; Potassium Iodide, one ounce. Make into twenty-four capsules and give one capsule every four hours with capsule gun. Also apply a paste made from Mustard and cold water over the lung cavities just back of the fore legs. Apply once a day and perhaps one or two applications will be sufficient.
If this disease is treated when the first symptoms develop, a good recovery will follow. Feed easily digested food as hot wheat bran mashes or steamed rolled oats, vegetables and green grass if possible.
CONTAGIOUS ABORTION
(Infectious Abortion)
CAUSE: Due to a germ (Bacillus Abortus) coming in direct contact with the genital organs of a bull or cow and can be indefinitely transmitted from one herd to another by infected bulls serving healthy cows, or infected cows when served transmit the infection to healthy bulls. Healthy cows become infected by their genital organs coming in contact with litter on floors when lying down or rubbing against fences, walls or posts previously soiled by aborting cows. Cattle licking one another is also a prolific cause.
SYMPTOMS: The signs of calving are not so well marked as in normal calving, especially where the aborting animal is a heifer and the gestation period has not exceeded three or four weeks. In cows, especially where the gestation period has advanced to five or seven months, the symptoms are easily detected as a rule by a swelling of the udder, or what is commonly termed "making bag," the outer portions of the womb swollen and inflamed as in normal calving. As the period of abortion approaches, there will be a discharge of mucus and blood from the womb. Labor pains are not as severe as in normal calving, owing to the absence of hair on the foetus and being smaller; although the afterbirth (foetal membranes), may be retained the same as in normal calving.
PREVENTIVE TREATMENT: This perhaps is the cheapest and best method of treating Contagious Abortion. When purchasing bulls or cows, ascertain whether the farm you purchased from has Contagious Abortion. An investigation of this kind often saves labor, time and money.
MEDICAL TREATMENT: When once Contagious Abortion makes its appearance, separate infected from non-infected animals, remove all litter, manure, etc., from barns, corrals, and burn or bury deeply. The conveyances used should be tight so as to prevent scattering. Scrub and disinfect floors, fences, walls of barns and rubbing posts with a solution made from three pounds of Copper Sulphate to ten gallons of water, permitting it to thoroughly dissolve before using. Use an ordinary barrel and cover so as to prevent any cattle drinking same, as it is very poisonous. When a cow aborts, remove the calf and afterbirth in a tight receptacle that will prevent any portion from being scattered, and burn or bury deeply; disinfect the floor and walls of stall where the abortion took place as long as the cow is discharging any fluids from the womb. A gallon of distilled or boiled water containing about one per cent Carbolic Acid should be injected into the womb with an ordinary hose and funnel. This should be repeated once a day for a week. Use a solution of the same strength for washing the tail and parts around the outer part of the womb, or in fact any part that the discharge of an aborting cow may come in contact with.
Internally, give Methylen Blue in thirty grain doses, every other day for two weeks. This is an exceptionally disagreeable drug to administer as it stains everything it comes in contact with. Place it in a gelatin capsule or have your druggist prepare six or seven capsules containing thirty grains each. Then administer with capsule gun. Insist on pure Methylen Blue, accept no substitute. This treatment has proven very effective in many localities where strict aseptic precautions were carried out, as washing out the womb or any parts that the discharge of an aborting cow may come in contact with and proper cleanliness and disinfection of stables, etc. Cows should not be bred for several weeks following abortion or as long as there is a discharge present. Bulls should be treated in much the same way, as administering Methylen Blue in same size doses for the same length of time as that of the cow. But in addition to this, use a one per cent solution of Carbolic Acid for injecting into the bull's sheath, holding the end of the sheath while the solution is being injected, until it is well distended; holding the opening of the sheath allowing the solution to remain as long as convenient. Also, wash belly, muzzle, etc., with a solution of the same strength.
COUGH
(Acute and Chronic)
As a cough is a symptom of various diseases, these in addition to the cough should be treated.
KINDS OF COUGH: Many writers give several different varieties, but for the sake of convenience I will divide them into two forms, namely: Acute and Chronic.
CAUSE: Acute coughs are generally due to sudden exposure to cold, drafts and are the forerunning symptom of a disease of the organs of breathing.
Chronic Coughs are associated with, and are a result of sore throat, lung fever, pleurisy, bronchitis, catarrh and tuberculosis.
TREATMENT: Under each disease, of which a cough is a symptom, I have also prescribed to include its suppression. The following prescription is reasonable in price, yet very effective in all forms of cough: Tannic Acid, one ounce; Potassi Chlorate, four ounces; Potassi Nitrate, four ounces. Powder well and mix with Black Strap Molasses, one pint, placing container retaining the above in hot water, which assists in dissolving. When this is thoroughly mixed, add Pine Tar, one pint, and place one tablespoonful well back on the tongue with a wooden paddle every three or four hours, according to the severity of the cough.
Sometimes a liniment applied to the throat and windpipe has a good effect, and I would recommend the following on account of its penetrating qualities: Aqua Ammonia Fort., two ounces; Turpentine, two ounces; Raw Linseed Oil, four ounces. Mix and apply twice daily, shaking the contents of the bottle well before using.
COWPOX
(Variola)
CAUSE: Investigations lead us to believe that it is due to a protozoa. So far, the true micro-organism has not been discovered. This disease is very contagious and is transmitted by direct communication but not through the air. Perhaps the most common way of transmitting the disease is by the hands of the milker.
SYMPTOMS: A slight raise in the temperature, especially that of the udder and teats. They are red, swollen and tender and after three or four days small pimples or pustules will appear on the teats about the size of a pea. The pimples or pustules become larger and within a few days may attain the size of one-half inch in diameter. At the end of the second week the pimples or pustules burst and discharge an amber colored fluid leaving raw sores, which cause the animal to suffer intensely when being milked. The supply of milk is also markedly decreased in this condition.
PREVENTION: A person should not milk both healthy and diseased cows unless the hands are thoroughly washed in a Carbolated Solution; the clothes that are likely to come in contact with the udder, coat sleeves, etc., changed.
TREATMENT: It is advisable to give a physic as it has a very good effect on the blood, such as Aloin, two drams, and Ginger, two drams, which is easily prepared and administered by placing in capsule and giving with capsule gun.
Also, the application of Zinc Ointment two or three times a day affords immediate relief and causes the sores to heal rapidly. Good results are also obtained by feeding food that is easily digested, as bran mashes, steamed rolled oats and vegetables.
CUD CHEWING
(Physiology of Rumination)
The cow when eating grass or hay merely moistens it with saliva and swallows, then it passes into the rumen or paunch which acts as a storehouse or reservoir for food. After the paunch or rumen is filled, the cow finds a comfortable place to stand or lie down and she regurgitates it into the mouth by a contraction of the muscles of the walls of the esophagus in small quantities or pellets from the rumen or paunch back into the mouth and is there masticated. When it is chewed finely she swallows and it passes into the second stomach and is there digested for assimilation. |
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