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 COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT 
 
VETERINARY MEDICINE SERIES 
 
 No. 7 
 
 Edited by D. M. CAMPBELL, D. V. S. 
 
 SPECIAL 
 CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 BY 
 
 ..vJ 
 
 MART R; STEFFEN, M. D. C, V. S. 
 
 Author of "SPECIAL VETERINARY THERAPY"; Editor 
 
 "Therapeutic Digest Department," American 
 Journal of Veterinary Medicine 
 
 Chicago 
 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE 
 
 1915 
 
Copyright, 1915, 
 
 P.Y 
 1) M. CAMPIiELL 
 
 C. 
 
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 ki 
 
 SEP i7i^l5 
 
 CU410498 
 
PREFACE 
 
 Special Cattle Therapy was written to fill the de- 
 mand for a concise, practical treatise on the treatment 
 of the commoner diseases of cattle. 
 
 As in "Special Veterinary Therapy" no particular 
 system of medicine is advocated, practical procedures 
 only being given attention ; especially, such treatments 
 and methods of handling as the author's experience 
 has suggested as being successful. 
 
 While every effort has been made to harmonize all 
 procedures with the teachings of veterinary science as 
 far as is consistent, scientific teachings have been sac- 
 rificed where the ultimate result has demanded methods 
 of treatment bordering on the empirical. Where such 
 sacrifice has been made, however, an attempt is made 
 in every instance to explain the action and effect of 
 empirical methods on a scientific basis. 
 
 MART R. STEFFEN. 
 Brillion, Wis. 
 
 August, 1915. 
 
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INTRODUCTION 
 
 The Action of Drugs 
 
 Of all the domestic animals cattle, more particularly 
 dairy cattle, respond most satisfactorily to the action 
 of drugs. A system of specific medication is possible 
 in cattle if it is possible in any animal. Granted that 
 the drug has been intelligently selected for the disease, 
 and that it has been judiciously administered, a defi- 
 nite action is always forthcoming. This is true whether 
 the drug be given orally or hypodermically, but espe- 
 cially so when given orally. 
 
 The Administration of Drug's 
 
 For all practical purposes the administration of 
 drugs can be limited to oral and hypodermic adminis- 
 tration. 
 
 Oral administration in the cow is a very simple pro- 
 cedure, especially so when the cow is not confined in a 
 stanchion. The thumb and forefinger of the left hand 
 grasp the nasal septum firmly from above and just 
 inside the nostrils. The head is then raised straight 
 up, under the veterinarian's left arm, and the medi- 
 cine emptied into the mouth. Most cows will swallow 
 liquids in this manner just as fast as they are poured 
 in. Usually the veterinarian can do this single-handed ; 
 now and then a head-strong cow will require that a 
 helper give the veterinarian sonm assistance in keep- 
 ing the animal's head raised. There is an impression 
 among farmers that the tongue must be held out of 
 
6 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 one corner of the cow's mouth when the animal is 
 being drenched. This is erroneous. The tongue should 
 not be touched by the person giving the drench. The 
 free use of the tongue is necessary to properly per- 
 form the act of deglutition. The mouth of the bottle 
 used for drenching should rest against the roof of the 
 cow's mouth, just back of the dental pad, and should 
 then follow the movements of the tongue, up and down. 
 In other words, each time the cow swallows the mouth 
 opens wider and the tongue is drawn back towards 
 the pharynx; the bottle should follow in, keeping it 
 against the roof of the mouth and until the shoulder 
 of the bottle strikes th*e first molar. When the act of 
 deglutition is completed the tongue comes forward 
 again and the mouth closes; the bottle is then allowed 
 to come forward again towards the region just back 
 of the dental pad. This is repeated at each deglutitory 
 act until the medicine has been entirely poured in. 
 When cattle are drenched in this manner the danger 
 of inhalation pneumonia from portions of the medica- 
 ment entering the larynx are nil. 
 
 To jam the bottle into the corner of the cow's mouth 
 when drenching and hold it there until it is empty is 
 not the correct method and usually induces a fit of 
 coughing immediately after the drench. 
 
 The hypodermatic administration of drugs does not 
 differ materially in cows from the same procedure in 
 horses. It is only necessary to use a heavier needle 
 and to select a place in the skin where it can be in- 
 serted easily. ' The top of the shoulder presents a good 
 area for the entrance of the hypodermic needle in 
 cows. The skin is loose enough here so that a fold 
 can be picked Up, and it is not so tough here as in 
 other parts. Another point in selecting this region 
 lies in the fact that the veterinarian can get into such 
 
INTRODUCTION 7 
 
 a position here that he can avoid being kicked by the 
 cow when the needle is thrust in. 
 
 The needle should be thrust from above downwards, 
 and a slip needle should be used if possible. If a 
 needle with a screw thread is used it is frequently 
 broken if it is thrust in while attached to the syringe. 
 If it is not attached to the syringe, too much time is 
 lost in attaching the syringe after the needle is in situ. 
 
 When the cow is recumbent the injection can be 
 given in the side of the neck, or in the region of the 
 
 flank. 
 
 Abscess formations following on hypodermatic injec- 
 tions in cattle are almost never seen, even when no 
 antiseptic precautions are taken. 
 
 Things that Make for Success in Cattle Practice 
 
 In beginning the discussion of diseases of cattle it 
 might be in place to call the reader's attention to the 
 fact that it would be a difficult matter to cite author- 
 itative and, at the same time, practical writings on a 
 system of therapeutics for cattle. Bovine therapy is 
 a specialty of veterinary medicine which offers a con- 
 siderable field for the development of improved and 
 enlightened methods of treatment. The same is true 
 of the diagnosis of diseases of cattle. 
 
 Another point worthy of consideration in cattle prac- 
 tice is the veterinarian's personality, or his demeanor 
 towards the patient. This can almost be summed up 
 in two words: "Be gentle." We are speaking, of 
 course, of dairy cattle. No consideration is given to 
 range cattle in this treatise. 
 
 The diseases with which we shall concern ourselves 
 in the following chapters include the pathologic con- 
 ditions and accidents in cattle with which the prac- 
 
8 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 titioner most frequently meets, and especially those 
 conditions upon the proper and efficient handling of 
 which depend the veterinarian's popularity and his 
 financial success in a country practice. 
 
 RANULA 
 
 There does not ' seem to be much conformity of 
 opinion among" veterinarians as to just what a ranula 
 is. For the present purpose we shall call a ranula a 
 cyst which makes its appearance under the tongue, 
 extending from the fraenum linguae forward, towards 
 the incisors. It is quite generally presumed, that this 
 condition is the result of foreign particles entering 
 into the substance of the submaxillary gland through 
 Wharton's duct. 
 
 The symptoms in this condition usually begin with 
 the appearance of fullness or swelling which can be 
 seen best by viewing the cow's head from the side. 
 It begins two or three inches behind the chin in the 
 inter-maxillary space, is pouch-like and extends back- 
 ward towards the larynx. This swelling is movable 
 and caii be pushed upwards between the rami of the 
 lower jaw, free from the skin. (The swelling of acti- 
 nomycosis affecting this region is adherent.) 
 
 After a period of time the cow does not eat nor- 
 mally and saliva constantly drips from the mouth. 
 
 Usually it is at about this time that the veterinarian 
 is called. When, after having noted the external 
 swelling, he examines the interior of the mouth he 
 discovers a swelling below the free portion of the 
 tongue. This swelling usually is circumscribed, stand- 
 ing out from the parts to the height of an inch or 
 two and, in the early stages, is quite firm. The fact 
 
RANULA 9 
 
 that the swelling is circumscribed sharply, differen- 
 tiates ranula from all other abnormalities in this part 
 of the anatomy, and it can not be mistaken for any 
 other disease. 
 
 The treatment is chiefly surgical and consists of 
 lancing- the swelling in the mouth at the point proximal 
 to the incisors. A straight abscess knife is merely 
 thrust into the front of the swelling and withdrawn ; 
 no extensive incision need be made. If the disease is 
 of recent occurrence the discharge which is emitted 
 following the lance is quite thick and of a dark gray 
 color ; in fact, more of the appearance and consistency 
 of necrotic tissue shreds than of pus. If the disease 
 has existed for a considerable length of time the swell- 
 ing, which is then not so firm, contains a rather thin, 
 syrupy fluid. Nothing further is done to the lesion in 
 the mouth, but the external swelling is to be treated 
 with a mild counter-irritant or an absorbent. 
 
 Relief is immediate when the cyst has been lanced 
 and the cow begins to eat normally. The essential 
 feature in the handling of this condition lies in lancing 
 the swelling in the mouth. The external swelling 
 should never be incised. Further, no time should be 
 wasted in waiting for the internal swelling to "point"; 
 it should be lanced even if it is apparently "not ready" 
 to be lanced. Whenever ranula has reached the stage 
 in which it produces trouble in eating it is ready for 
 opening, no matter how firm it may feel. The knife 
 should penetrate to the center with one thrust ; upon 
 its withdrawal the contents of the cyst makes its exit. 
 
10 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 DENTAL IRREGULARITIES AND OTHER SPO- 
 RADIC DISEASED CONDITIONS IN 
 THE MOUTH 
 
 Dental Irregularities 
 
 Irregularities of the teeth do not come to the atten- 
 tion of the veterinarian frequently in a cattle practice. 
 When such irregularities do occur they are usually so 
 evident by their symptoms that the diagnosis is not 
 difficult. 
 
 Probably the most common dental irregularity that 
 occurs in the cow is the split and deflected molar ; such 
 molars are, in fact more common than is generally sup- 
 posed. Systematic examination of the mouth and the 
 dental arches will disclose this abnormality quite fre- 
 quently. 
 
 It is, however, astonishing to what length a split 
 and deflected molar can grow in cattle without inter- 
 fering to any great degree with mastication or the well- 
 being of the animal. We have seen only a very few 
 cases of ulceration of teeth accompanied by bony en- 
 largements and subsequent abscess formation on the 
 maxilla. 
 
 Now and then a case is presented in which deciduous 
 molars are capping the permanent teeth, producing a 
 certain degree of difficulty in mastication. This con- 
 dition is very rare also. 
 
 The treatment of dental abnormalities in the cow 
 does not differ materially from the treatment of simi- 
 lar conditions in equine subjects. Split and elongated 
 molars are either extracted or cut down with the molar 
 cutter. Ulcerated fangs are repulsed if they can not 
 be grasped with the extracting forceps. 
 
DENTAL IRREGULARITIES 11 
 
 No manipulations of any extent should ever be at- 
 tempted in the mouth of the cow without the use of a 
 strong mouth speculum. Those not acquainted with 
 the contractile power of the masseters of the cow 
 should not chance experience to make this acquaint- 
 ance. The power of the masseters in the cow is tre- 
 mendous; aided by the scissor-like movements, of 
 which the mandible is capable in this animal, it makes 
 manipulations in the cavity without the use of a good 
 mouth speculum far from a safe procedure. A per- 
 fectly trustworthy speculum can be made from an or- 
 dinary plow clevis, when no other speculum is at 
 hand. We have used a plow clevis for this purpose 
 a number of times and with satisfaction. Care must 
 be observed to keep it in an upright position, in case 
 the cow moves the head suddenly. 
 
 Stomatitis From Mis-Cut Ensilage 
 
 Ensilage improperly cut in length is frequently the 
 cause of a considerable degree of stomatitis and ulcer- 
 ations of the buccal mucosa. 
 
 The condition makes itself known by profuse sali- 
 vation, smacking of the lips, and refusal of feed. All 
 the symptoms point to a purely local trouble in the 
 mouth. Several cattle are usually affected simultane- 
 ously. Examination will show the mucous membrane 
 of the mouth quite generally inflamed, with numbers 
 of spots in various stages of ulceration. 
 
 We recall an instance during the recent epizootic of 
 foot-and-mouth disease in which a city veterinarian 
 diagnosed this condition, caused by mis-cut ensilage, 
 foot-and-mouth disease. A small-town country prac- 
 titioner promptly set him right and handled the cases 
 to the satisfaction of all concerned by withdrawing 
 the ensilage from the daily ration. 
 
12 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 This, in fact, practically constitutes the entire treat- 
 ment of this condition. Should a particular case pre- 
 sent especially severe lesions a mouth wash can be 
 used for a few days, or the ulcerating spots can be 
 touched up with equal parts tincture iodin and com- 
 pound tincture of benzoin a few times. 
 
 Foreign Bodies in the Tongue 
 
 Hard, sharp objects such as pins, nails, pieces of wire 
 and the like, are quite frequently found lodged in the 
 tongue of the cow. We dare say, that in probably 
 ninety-five per cent of the cases absolutely no symp- 
 toms are produced that can be observed ordinarily. 
 
 When symptoms of an objective nature are produced 
 they point very distinctly to the region involved. 
 Objects which are not wholly embedded in the lingual 
 tissues may be discovered without difficulty. They are 
 to be removed and the wound given whatever atten- 
 tion is required. Very small wounds here are best 
 left alone. 
 
 Objects which are wholly embedded are detected by 
 very careful and painstaking examination, disclosing 
 their location always as a distinctly circumscribed area 
 of hardened tissue. When this area has been located 
 it is still necessary to locate the object itself by in- 
 cision, carrying the incision inward by repeated cuts 
 until the object is disclosed. It is then to be appro- 
 priately removed and the wound is treated along ordi- 
 nary lines. 
 
ACUTE PAROTITIS 13 
 
 ACUTE PAROTITIS 
 
 Acute inflammation of the parotid glands, commonly 
 termed "mumps," is a very common disease of cattle 
 It is seen under all conditions of housing and at va- 
 riable seasons. The prognosis of parotitis in cattle, 
 (not due to actinomycosis), is very favorable and the 
 course of the disease is usually typical. 
 
 Parotitis begins with a rigor in most cases. The 
 temperature may run as high as 106° F. in the be- 
 ginning. At the same time there is noticed a slight 
 fullness in the region of the parotid gland, from the 
 ear to the angle of the jaw. This fullness increases 
 rapidly until at the end of twenty-four hours or there- 
 about, there is a distinct, rounded swelling in the re- 
 gion. This swelling is very tender on pressure, and 
 the cow stands with the head extended in a line with 
 the neck. If the trouble is unilateral the head is held 
 to one side and partly twisted on its own axis. The 
 cow attempts to eat but finds deglutition very pain- 
 ful, and usually all feed is refused. In drinking water 
 much time is consumed in the act and, after a number 
 of swallows have been taken, the animal gives up the 
 attempt, If the swelling in the parotid region is very 
 extensive and reaches below the larynx # and between 
 the rami of the lower jaw r there may be a degree of 
 dyspnea. 
 
 Ordinary cases yield to treatment in a week or ten 
 days. In other cases abscess formation delays the 
 recovery, so that in certain instances three or four 
 weeks may elapse before the case is completely cured. 
 
 The best results in the treatment of this disease are 
 obtained from repeated injections of polyvalent bac- 
 terins. We give a full dose hypodermically every three 
 <!;iys until the case is under control. 
 
14 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 For local applications over the swollen parotids we 
 have found nothing better than iodin tincture. The 
 first two or three days we paint the entire swelling 
 several times during the day with pure tincture of 
 iodin. Later we make the applications only once daily. 
 
 Since we have been using the foregoing treatment 
 we have had no case with abscess formation, and re- 
 covery is more prompt than with old line treatments. 
 In addition to the above treatment we make it a rule 
 to see to it that a tub or large pail of water is kept 
 constantly before the animal where it can be reached 
 without much effort. A few tablespoonfuls of dilute 
 sulphuric acid are added to each tub of water, for its 
 refrigerant and astringent effect. 
 
 The feed should consist of thin slops and other moist 
 feeds. 
 
 If abscess formation should occur we recommend 
 early incision. We do not pay much attention to the 
 invasion of the parotid gland with the lance ; even 
 when the abscess is lanced directly through the gland 
 substance. Permanent salivary fistula is rare. 
 
 ACTINOMYCOSIS ("Lumpy Jaw") 
 
 Actinomycosis comes to the veterinarian's attention 
 only when it is localized on some exterior portion of 
 the body. Actinomycotic processes of the internal or- 
 gans, such as the lungs for instance, are probably 
 never diagnosed ante-mortem. 
 
 The actinomycotic lesion most frequently seen in 
 practice is in the region of the angle of the lower jaw 
 or in the parotid region. Next in frequency as regards 
 location is that form which involves the tissues lying 
 in the space between the rami of the lower jaw. 
 
ACTINOMYCOSIS 15 
 
 Not quite so frequent, but yet common enough, is 
 actinomycosis of the tongue. In all forms this disease 
 shows a decided preference for young or middle-aged 
 cattle; old cattle are only occasionally affected. 
 
 While it is presumed to be infectious it is generally 
 found in isolated instances. One cow in a herd of 
 dairy cattle may have the disease in a well-marked 
 form and not another animal in the herd become 
 affected; but often more than one become affected, the 
 number sometimes including twenty-five per cent of 
 large herds. 
 
 When the disease makes its appearance at the angle 
 of the jaw it is in the form of a smooth tumefaction 
 or lump, or "bunch." In the early stages this tume- 
 faction increases in size, becomes more firm, and 
 usually tends to become anchored or fixed to the bone. 
 Still later the center becomes necrotic, and the typical 
 stringy, marrow-colored pus is discharged. 
 
 If the case is not checked at this time it may pro- 
 gress until the bone itself is involved in the disease 
 process, and the treatment then becomes difficult. 
 
 When actinomycosis involves the tissues lying be- 
 tween the rami of the inferior maxilla we find this 
 space completely filled with a mass of dense, appar- 
 ently fibrous, tissue. If the disease has existed here 
 for some time the enlargement can be seen plainly 
 with the animal in the standing position; the under 
 side of the jaws between the chin and throat appears 
 curved from before backwards with a considerable belly 
 towards the bottom. 
 
 After variable periods of time this swelling breaks 
 down in one or more places. Usually there are three 
 or four openings, and from these escapes actinomycotic 
 pus. The pus in this location is not so characteristic, 
 being thin and lighter in consistency. 
 
16 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 Actinomycosis involving the tongue usually does not 
 produce noticeable symptoms until it is quite exten- 
 sive. When the condition docs attract attention it is 
 usually seen that the cow has difficulty in masticating 
 her food. The mouth is constantly held partly open 
 and saliva is continually dripping from the opening. 
 The tongue seems too large for the mouth and when 
 the veterinarian examines it he finds that it feels mo \ 
 or less solid or " woody. " When the disease has p: 
 gressed to this stage it is only a matter of a sin t 
 time until the cow finds eating an impossibility and if 
 the condition is not properly treated the animal dies 
 of inanition. 
 
 The treatment of actinomycosis is very satisfactory 
 when the disease has confined itself to soft tissue. 
 When it has invaded the dense tissues, bone or car- 
 tilage, the treatment -is not so satisfactory. 
 
 In that form which asserts itself in the form of a 
 tumor or bunch at or near the angle of the jaw t ie 
 treatment begins with incision of the tumor. That 
 this may be safely and thoroughly done it is necessary 
 to cast the patient. It is almost impossible to so con- 
 fine a cow in the standing position that the necessa y 
 steps in the treatment can be satisfactorily and safely 
 performed. Having cast the patient, the veterinarian 
 incises the tumor near the most dependent part, using 
 an abscess knife and making the incision not more 
 than one inch in length. The incision is carried well 
 into the center of the tumor and the interior is then 
 thoroughly curetted. This is a painful operation a id 
 is best performed under anesthetics. When this has 
 been done a gauze or cotton wad, which has been sat- 
 urated in a ten per cent solution of chromium triox d, 
 is packed firmly into the cavity and the animal is 
 allowed to get up. 
 
ACTINOMYCOSIS 17 
 
 In most cases this completes the local treatment in 
 this form of the disease. After a week or ten days the 
 entire mass of diseased tissue drops out and leaves but 
 little scar. 
 
 The internal treatment in this, as in all other forms 
 
 of actinomycosis, consists of the administration of 
 
 potassium iodid. The result obtained from the use of 
 
 •tassium iodid in this disease is frequently nothing 
 
 •tort of marvelous. The dose is from one to two 
 
 rams three times daily for matured cows, and it is 
 
 to be persisted in until all symptoms of the disease 
 
 have disappeared. If iodism supervenes the drug can 
 
 be discontinued for a few days and then be given 
 
 again. Unless the disease has already involved the 
 
 inferior maxilla a complete recovery may be expected 
 
 in from two to three weeks. 
 
 The treatment of that form which attacks the tissue 
 ] ring between the rami of the inferior maxilla varies 
 from the foregoing only in the local treatment. The 
 openings which are present, if any, are merely en- 
 iirged slightly with a sharp curette. If there are no 
 openings present no attempt is made to produce any 
 ly surgical means. The swelling is subjected to no 
 further local handling than a daily painting with pure 
 tincture of iodin. 
 
 In actinomycosis of the tongue the treatment is eon- 
 ijned to the internal administration of the potassium 
 iodid. The results in this form are most prompt and 
 highly pleasing to both the client and the veterinarian, 
 however, unless the treatment is persisted in for a 
 sufficient length of time relapses of this form fre- 
 quently occur. The treatment should be kept up until 
 iodism has been produced at least three or four times; 
 only then can a cure be assured. Half dram doses of 
 
18 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 fluid extract of Phytolacca improve the action of potas- 
 sium iodid when given with it in these cases. 
 
 In summing' up the treatment of actinomycosis it 
 can be said that even very extensive lesions can be 
 controlled and ultimately entirely cured with judicious 
 use of potassium iodid. In our own practice we do 
 not pay very much attention to the local handling 
 even when the actinomycotic growth has assumed 
 great proportions. The following case report is an 
 example of the effect of potassium iodid in this disease. 
 
 A Jersey cow had an actinomycotic tumor at the angle of the 
 jaw extending to and involving the parotid region. It was of 
 long standing when it came into our hands, having gone through 
 various courses of treatment with home remedies. At the time 
 we were called in the cow was barely able to breathe, the tumor 
 having involved the trachea and larynx, probably producing 
 the dyspnea by pressure. The dyspnea was so distressing that 
 a tracheotomy had to be performed. Under treatment improve- 
 ment progressed so rapidly that the tube was taken out at the 
 end of a week, all signs of dyspnea having disappeared. The 
 tumor itself had been reduced to the size of a lemon. 
 
 Another case, illustrating the effect of potassium 
 
 iodid in actinomycosis involving the tissues in the 
 space between the rami of the lower jaw may be cited. 
 
 This case occurred in a Holstein calf, six or eight months old. 
 The entire space was filled up with the growth and a number 
 of openings were discharging typical pus. Examination of the 
 interior of the mouth showed the lingual canal pushed up and 
 nearly filled in, making the tongue appear as though it were 
 crowded against the roof of the mouth. The calf was emaciated 
 and stunted in growth. 
 
 The openings were curetted slightly and the calf allowed to 
 get up. He was put on a dram of potassium iodid morning and 
 evening, and the enlargement painted once or twice daily with 
 tincture iodin. In two weeks there was no sign of swelling 
 and the calf had improved remarkably in condition. 
 
 To assure a permanent result the potassium iodid was con- 
 tinued a week longer and paintings were made occasionally 
 with iodin. The calf has developed into a fine bull, is now 
 eighteen months old and is entirely free from any sign of the 
 trouble. The entire treatment covered about three or four 
 weeks ' time. 
 
 It should be mentioned that actinomycosis involving 
 the parotid gland is for some reason more difficult to 
 
EPIZOOTIC KERATITIS 19 
 
 cure than when it involves other soft structures, even 
 more stubborn to treat than some of the cases where 
 osseous tissue is extensively involved. The treatment 
 is the same as that for involvement of other organs 
 and tissues. 
 
 EPIZOOTIC KERATITIS 
 
 This is a disease affecting the eyes of cattle which 
 occurs from time to time in certain localities. It is 
 seen usually during the summer months when the cat- 
 tle are on grass. Almost without exception it attacks 
 every animal in a herd of cattle which it invades. ^ In 
 rare instances a few animals may escape the infection. 
 The first attacked in an outbreak usually develop 
 the disease in its most severe form ; towards the latter 
 part of the epizootic the cases become milder and may 
 recover spontaneously. 
 
 The disease affects cattle only. Horses in the same 
 pastures with the affected cattle do not develop the 
 disease, nor are other animals on the farm affected. 
 We recall an instance where a man, who had a herd 
 of cows under his care during an outbreak of keratitis 
 and who treated the eyes of those affected, contracted 
 a mild conjunctivitis. 
 
 In the mild or sub-acute form the symptoms are con- 
 fined wholly to the eyes. In the severe form the ani- 
 mal shows systemic derangement such as loss of appe- 
 tite and a considerable interference with the lacteal 
 
 secretion. 
 
 The first symptom, that the farmer sees, when the 
 disease appears in his herd is lachrymation. When the 
 cows are brought in from pasture at night he notices 
 a few cows with "a running from the eyes." The 
 
20 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 eyes are only partly open and the lids appear slightly 
 swollen. Within twenty-four to forty-eight hours 
 nearly every animal in the herd is affected. In those 
 that develop the disease in its severe form the lachry- 
 mal flow becomes purulent on about the second day. 
 The cornea becomes the seat of an ulcer, or several 
 of them. In not a few cases the ulceration continues 
 until perforation of the cornea results, staphylomata 
 appear and the eye is permanently injured. A deposit 
 of pus may also be seen along the inferior margin of 
 the cornea in the anterior chamber. Permanent cor- 
 neal and even lenticular opacities frequently destroy 
 the sight. 
 
 In the mild cases the symptoms consist of profuse 
 lachrymation, and a considerable degree of photo- 
 phobia. This disappears in three or four days under 
 treatment, or even without treatment. In the severe 
 form from two to three weeks may elapse before the 
 disease runs its course, leaving one or both eyes partly 
 or wholly blind. 
 
 The treatment of this disease is entirely local, con- 
 sisting of antiseptic and astringent solutions and oint- 
 ments. 
 
 In the mild form we use one per cent yellow oxid 
 of mercury ointment. A small lump of this ointment 
 of about the size of a pea, is placed within the lower 
 eyelid near the external canthus and the lids pressed 
 together a few moments, until the ointment becomes 
 warm. It is then distributed over the interior surface 
 of the orbit by gentle massaging of the lids and the 
 movements of the eye-ball. 
 
 The animals should be kept indoors and the stable 
 darkened for a few days. In three to five days re- 
 covery is complete. In the severe form, in which the 
 discharges from the eyes are purulent in character a 
 
EPIZOOTIC KERATITIS 21 
 
 solution of zinc sulphate of from two to four per cent 
 strength is to be used. It is best applied with a small 
 glass syringe having a soft rubber tip. 
 
 With the owner or an attendant holding the cow's 
 head, the person giving the treatment draws the lower 
 eye-lid away from the globe, by pulling on the lashes ; 
 about a teaspoonful of the zinc sulphate solution is 
 then squirted into the cup thus formed and the lid 
 allowed to return to position. This is repeated three 
 times daily until the most acute symptoms have dis- 
 appeared. The treatment is then terminated, with 
 daily applications of the yellow oxid of mercury oint- 
 ment. In complicated cases that develop ulcers on the 
 cornea the ulcers should be touched up every other 
 day with ten per cent silver nitrate solution, by means 
 of a cotton swab on an applicator. Staphylomata that 
 occur in the form of sacculated protrusions of the 
 iris following perforation of the cornea from ulcer- 
 ation, should be snipped off with scissors and then 
 cauterized. Before either the cauterization of an ulcer 
 or the ablation of the staphyloma is attempted the eye 
 should be anesthetized. The simplest and most con- 
 venient method of anesthetizing the eye is by placing 
 a one grain quinin-urea hydrochlorid tablet between 
 the lids, and waiting about twenty minutes for anes- 
 thesia to become established. 
 
 Collections of pus in the lower part of the anterior 
 chamber of the eye are best ignored. They usually 
 become absorbed without producing particular damage. 
 Opacities of either the cornea or the lens that remain 
 after the inflammation are best treated with iodides 
 internally. 
 
 Synechia (adhesions between the iris and cornea 
 anteriorly, or the iris and lens posteriorly) can usually 
 be prevented by the addition of a few drops of fluid 
 
22 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 extract of belladonna (or a solution of atropin) to the 
 zinc sulphate solution. This will produce mydriasis 
 sufficiently to withdraw the iris from the active field 
 of the disease. 
 
 Darkened quarters are essential in all cases, because 
 of the marked photophobia. The affected cattle should 
 be kept out of bright light until recovery is assured. 
 Light should be excluded from the stable by means 
 of blankets or canvas hung before windows and doors. 
 Bandages should not be used with the object of shield- 
 ing or protecting the eye. Their use favors ulceration. 
 
 CANCER OF THE EYE 
 
 This condition, sometimes termed fungus hema- 
 toids, is decidedly common in cattle. Only one eye 
 is affected as a rule, and the condition comes to the 
 attention of the veterinarian in various stages, from 
 the benign appearing granular growth on the edge of 
 the cornea to the immense cauliflower-like growth in- 
 volving the entire orbit. 
 
 Most of these cases begin as a small, flat mass of 
 granular tissue near the corneo-scleratic margin. The 
 mass stands off from the globe quite prominently and 
 has the appearance of what is commonly termed 
 "proud flesh." This slowly spreads over the surface 
 of the eye-ball; in most cases, at first, in a thin, flat 
 layer. Later, there is a purulent flow of mucus from 
 the affected eye, and the growth begins to assume the 
 form of a "bunch," layer after layer of new cells be- 
 ing formed. This continues until the growth projects 
 outward an inch or more. The tissue is very vascular; 
 slight handling or touching in any manner induces 
 bleeding. Still later the external surface of the mass 
 
CANCER OF THE EYE 23 
 
 becomes necrotic, assumes a blackish-gray color and 
 constantly exudes serum, pus and shreds of tissue. 
 
 If the disease is not checked the growth continues 
 to increase in size, crowding the eye-ball deep into the 
 orbit. Nothing of the eye itself can be seen ; the entire 
 orbital cavity is filled with the new growth, the lids 
 and orbital conjunctiva developing additional new 
 growths. 
 
 Finally the lymphatics in the region break down, 
 forming enlargements on the side of the head and 
 parotid region that open and discharge purulent mat- 
 ter. The animal becomes cachectic and finally dies. 
 
 Treatment of cancer of the eye is not very satis- 
 factory. If the eye is to be saved the case must be 
 submitted to treatment as soon as possible after the 
 first layer of granular tissue forms. If the veterinarian 
 is able to begin the treatment in this stage he can 
 promise his client fairly good results. 
 
 To handle the condition satisfactorily, even at this 
 stage, it is usually necessary to cast the cow and pro- 
 duce profound anesthesia, without which all attempts 
 at worthy treatment are usually converted into bungle- 
 some interference. "We make this statement with due 
 consideration, following personal experience. 
 
 When the cow has been chloroformed the orbital 
 cavity is to be copiously irrigated with a very mild 
 bichlorid or chinosol solution. With an eye speculum 
 holding the lids apart the layer of cells is very care- 
 fully shaved off, care being taken not to injure the 
 healthy face of the cornea. 
 
 In this early stage it will be seen that the layer of 
 granulation tissue is underlaid with a thin band of 
 white connective tissue. This band is apparently the 
 foundation of the growth ; it is very intimately con- 
 nected to the surface of the cornea. When the soft 
 
24 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 layer of granular cells has been thoroughly shaved off, 
 no attempt should be made to remove the band of 
 white tissue just named. We do not disturb this with 
 the knife, but submit it to a thorough cauterization 
 with a solution of bichlorid of mercury, five grains to 
 announce of distilled water. This cauterization is per- 
 formed with a very small, firmly rolled cotton swab ; 
 it is dipped into the solution until saturated, after 
 which most of the solution is squeezed out so that the 
 swab is just nicely moist. This is done to prevent any 
 superfluous solution from running over the healthy 
 cornea. The swab so prepared is held and drawn over 
 the entire band of white tissue, using moderate pres- 
 sure and repeating the process seven or eight times, 
 using a fresh swab each time. When the. swabbing has 
 been completed the parts should have a dry, woolly 
 appearance. 
 
 The cow is allowed to revive from the chloroform 
 and nothing further done for twenty-four hours, at 
 the end of which time daily applications of a four per 
 cent yellow oxid of mercury ointment are begun, plac- 
 ing a small piece of the ointment between the lids only. 
 After a week these applications are made every other 
 day, until another week has elapsed. They may then 
 be discontinued and the case usually con side red cured. 
 
 An opaque area will remain in the vicinity of the 
 original lesion. 
 
 When the disease has been allowed to progress until 
 Hi ere are several thicknesses of granulation tissue and 
 the eye is discharging a muco-pnrulent fluid the above 
 treatment is of no avail. If it is demanded that some- 
 thing be done the surgeon should advise a complete 
 enucleation of the eye and its adnexa. The sooner 
 this operation is undertaken the better. We do not 
 advise enucleation unless the animal is especially valu- 
 
AMAUROSIS 25 
 
 able for some reason or other. The operation is not 
 always followed by satisfactory results and unless 
 I here is an exceptionally good reason for resorting to 
 this measure we recommend slaughter in the severe 
 forms of this disease. 
 
 AMAUROSIS 
 
 This is nearly always a disease of pregnancy when 
 it occurs in cows. In one instance a case occurred in 
 our practice as a sequel to parturient paresis. 
 
 The whole symptom complex of amaurosis is blind- 
 ness. 
 
 There are no lesions in the eye or in its appendages 
 which the examiner can detect ; the organs have a per- 
 fectly normal appearance. 
 
 When the disease occurs during the pregnant state 
 it begins usually during the last weeks of the period. 
 The veterinarian is informed that the cow suddenly 
 went blind. Aside from her inability to see, she is 
 in good health. 
 
 Amaurosis occurring under these conditions is a 
 transient disease, which disappears at parturition or 
 very soon thereafter. 
 
 The case occurring in our practice as a sequel to 
 parturient paresis persisted for some weeks. Ulti- 
 mately a course of potassium iodid terminated the 
 case satisfactorily. 
 
 It is very doubtful whether any treatment should 
 be at tempted in cases occurring in the latter weeks 
 of gestation. Knowing that the condition is entirely 
 the result of the pregnancy and that it will correct 
 itself spontaneously with the arrival of the calf, we 
 can usually serve the patient and our client best by 
 
26 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 advising against direct interference with the trouble 
 by medical means. If the condition should persist 
 after the parturition we would advise a course of po- 
 tassium iodid internally. 
 
 EPISTAXSIS 
 
 Nasal hemorrhage can occur in cattle as the result 
 of injuries and contusions under the same circum- 
 stances that it occurs in other animals. 
 
 The particular form of epistaxsis which we will 
 discuss here is that form which occurs now and then 
 in cows during the period of gestation, and not as the 
 result of trauma. 
 
 The cows which are the subjects of a hemorrhage 
 of this nature are generally aged cows in somewhat 
 unthrifty condition. 
 
 They are most frequently affected during the lat- 
 ter period of pregnancy, usually when about four to 
 six weeks before calving. The symptoms are pre- 
 cipitated by a somewhat profuse flow of blood from 
 one or both nostrils, amounting on occasions to sev- 
 eral pints. 
 
 The flow stops of its own accord in most cases, after 
 a few hours. The cow is off feed for a day or two and 
 nothing further of note follows. After five or six 
 days, sometimes a week or ten days, the hemorrhage 
 recurs, leaving the cow usually in a dejected, weak 
 condition. Three or four such hemorrhages may 
 occur before the close of gestation, after which they 
 do not occur again. Evidently the pregnant state is 
 responsible for the condition in some manner, it be- 
 ing distinctly a. disease of pregnancy. 
 
 If the hemorrhages are severe enough and recur at 
 short intervals, the cow is in poor condition to sur- 
 
EPISTAXSIS 27 
 
 vive the ordeal of parturition and its probable com- 
 plications. The milk output is decidedly curtailed and 
 sometimes entirely lacking-. If there should happen 
 to be a considerable degree of dystocia, or an infec- 
 tion following* on complete or partial retention of the 
 secundines, the cow will probably succumb. 
 
 It has been our experience that, where the case 
 comes into our hands at the time of the first hemor- 
 rhage or soon thereafter, we can carry the cow through 
 the period of gestation to an uneventful parturition, 
 and prevent recurrence of the hemorrhage. 
 
 Our remedy is iron, and we give it in the form of 
 the tincture of ferric chlorid once or twice a day in 
 one ounce doses, diluted with water. No further 
 bleeding occurs and the cow improves in condition 
 promptly. 
 
 HEMORRHAGE FOLLOWING DEHORNING 
 
 Dehorning is now and then followed by persistent 
 bleeding, the subjects as a rule being unthrifty young- 
 sters. Fatal hemorrhage after dehorning is very rare, 
 but we have seen alarming symptoms, a good many 
 times, result from prolonged dripping in weakly stock. 
 
 While it is not a very difficult matter to control 
 the hemorrhage, the means employed should do as 
 little damage as possible. We have frequently seen 
 severe catarrhal involvement of the sinuses and nares 
 from injudicious treatment of a hemorrhage of this 
 kind. 
 
 If the patient is quite young and tractable, the best, 
 means for checking the bleeding consists of a wad of 
 absorbent cotton and a bandage. The cotton can first 
 be saturated with an ordinary antiseptic solution; it 
 
28 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 is then applied on the horn stump and tightly ban- 
 daged in place. If the animal is confined in a stan- 
 chion, a rope securely tied across the stanchion up- 
 rights can serve the purpose of keeping the head 
 raised for an hour or two. The bandage may be left 
 in place for ten or fifteen hours,, after which it is cut 
 across and allowed to come off of its own accord. 
 
 In other animals, or those which will not submit to 
 bandaging, the best effect is obtained from prolonged 
 irrigation of the bleeding stump with a very warm 
 solution of potassium permanganate not more than 
 one per cent strength. Fifteen minutes* of continued 
 irrigation with this agent by means of a fountain 
 syringe gives good results. The syringe should be 
 hung high enough to give considerable force to the 
 stream. In all cases the head should be held high by 
 means of halters and ropes. 
 
 A hypodermic injection of atropin sulphate, from 
 one-fourth to one-half grain, assists materially in 
 checking the flow. 
 
 We condemn the use of Monsell's solution and Mon- 
 sell's powder in hemorrhages of this nature. When 
 the solution is used, sinus and nasal catarrh result 
 almost every time; when the powder is used, suppura- 
 tion always occurs under the scab around the base 
 of the stump. 
 
WIRE CUTS 29 
 
 WIRE CUTS AND OTHER LACERATED INJURIES 
 
 Space is devoted in this treatise to the above con- 
 ditions chiefly with the object of impressing on the 
 practitioner the fact that even the most extensive cuts 
 and tears unite beautifully with proper suturing. 
 
 This is especially noteworthy when the cuts or lacera- 
 tions are in a location where no tendons or articula- 
 tions are involved in the trauma. 
 
 Sutures should be set well back from the edges of 
 the wound and a heavy, braided silk suture material 
 should be used. If care is taken to provide ordinary 
 drainage for the wound, the sutures will not tear or 
 slough out, but remain in place until healing is com- 
 plete. It is well to select a strong needle for the 
 purpose and a needle holder is almost indispensable 
 because of the extreme toughness of the skin. 
 
 A daily irrigation of the wound with an antiseptic 
 solution is all that is necessary as after-treatment. 
 Exuberant granulations do not occur. 
 
 Wounds of this nature treated during the warm 
 months must be protected from the activities of flies. 
 For this purpose we find an excellent and cheap 
 preparation in one part oil of cajuput shaken up with 
 two parts of olive oil. This is painted around the 
 edges of the wound with a small brush or feather 
 several times daily. The oil of cajuput alone acts 
 very well as a "fly-chaser," but used alone repeat- 
 edly it is slightly irritating and evaporates too quickly. 
 The olive oil overcomes both of these objections. 
 
 Another satisfactory fly repellent is composed of 
 phenol one part; turpentine one part, and olive oil or 
 cottonseed oil sixteen parts. 
 
30 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 ACUTE ARTHRITIS 
 
 Acute arthritis is seen quite frequently in cows. 
 The most common seat is the hock. A causative factor 
 in its localization in the hock joint is an excessively 
 deep gutter, especially of cement construction, in 
 dairy barns. 
 
 The symptoms of acute arthritis here are great 
 lameness in the affected leg and swelling of the region 
 of the hock. This swelling is sharply circumscribed, 
 is hot to the touch and very painful on pressure. The 
 affected leg is held up in extreme flexion and usually 
 spasmodic jerky movements are gone through, very 
 much as in the horse. 
 
 The temperature is raised considerably and the cow 
 refuses her feed. If the condition is not treated at 
 this time, the acute symptoms gradually disappear. 
 A hard, firm swelling, osseous in consistency, remains 
 in the hock and the muscles on the affected side from 
 the hip down, slowly atrophy. Apparently this form 
 of arthritis in cows takes the form of what was for- 
 merly spoken of as arthritis deformans. Pus forma- 
 tion is unknown. 
 
 In my experience the best results in treatment have 
 come from blistering. No matter whether the acute 
 or sub-acute stage, a good, sharp blister, repeated as 
 necessary, gives fairly satisfactory results. While the 
 hock usually remains enlarged to some extent, it does 
 not seem to cause any trouble later. Some of these 
 cases recur at intervals. A tonic should always be 
 given in these cases and a box stall provided until 
 lameness disappears. When the blister is applied to 
 the hock, care must be taken to properly protect the 
 udder from the blister. Also when recovery has taken 
 
FRACTURES 31 
 
 place, defects in the stable at the place where the cow 
 stands must be improved so as to prevent a recur- 
 rence from the same cause. 
 
 FRACTURES 
 
 While fractures of the bones of the limbs are not 
 as common in cattle as in equine subjects, they do 
 occur occasionally. 
 
 On general principles it can be said that fractures 
 of the legs in cattle condemn the animal to death 
 at once. Unless the accident occurs in a very young 
 animal or an animal of great value for breeding pur- 
 poses, the veterinarian usually serves his client best 
 by recommending the destruction of the animal at 
 once. There is one possible exception to this: simple 
 fracture of the canon bone in an anterior limb. If 
 the animal is in good condition in other respects we 
 occasionally recommend the treatment of these cases. 
 The treatment does not differ from that in other ani- 
 mals similarly affected. 
 
 Fractures of the pelvis occur with some frequency 
 in cattle and frequently heal without treatment. They 
 are of importance chiefly as contributing to subse- 
 quent maternal dystokia. 
 
 Fractures of the ribs are also quite frequent in cat- 
 tle. Comminuted fractures of ribs in cows usually 
 terminuate in necrosis and extensive sloughing and 
 abscess formation. The abscesses are to be drained 
 and the sequestrse removed. Rarely empyema results. 
 
 Fractures of the phalanges are quite amenable to 
 treatment in cattle ; however, they always terminate 
 in a permanent lameness and deformity, resembling 
 ringbone formations. 
 
32 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 HYGROMA 
 
 Practically the only seat of a hygroma in cows is the 
 anterior face of the carpus, resulting probably from 
 bruises contracted in the act of getting up. Again 
 some stanchions and mangers are so arranged that 
 the cows kneel a great deal of the time while feeding 
 and this results in bruising the anterior surface of the 
 knees and the formation of hygromas. 
 
 Hygromas in this location have been seen in cattle 
 frequently, some of them of immense size. Even small 
 hygromas in the region named seriously interfere with 
 the movements of the limb and in many cases the cow 
 finds it almost impossible to arise when lying down, 
 or to assume recumbency when standing. A case 
 came to our attention in which the tumor had attained 
 the dimensions of a small cocoanut, making it very 
 difficult for the animal to get up or to lie down. The 
 owner informed us that the cow had to be given 
 assistance in getting up ; she would then remain in the 
 standing position for several days at a time. 
 
 The treatment of this condition is almost wholly 
 surgical. 
 
 With the cow in the recumbent position and the 
 affected limb fully extended, a free incision is made 
 along the antero-inferior surface of the tumor, carry- 
 ing the incision well into the center. When the knife 
 penetrates to the center of the tumor, a quantity of 
 more or less organized synovia, or even pus, makes 
 its escape. 
 
 The cavity in the center of the tumor is then in- 
 jected with several ounces of pure tincture of iodin, 
 allowing it to remain for a minute or two. It is then 
 flushed out with sterile water until the water returns 
 clear. 
 
HYGROMA 33 
 
 A wad of cotton or strip of gauze saturated with 
 equal parts of oleum lini and turpentine is then packed 
 snugly into the cavity, allowing a small portion of 
 the packing to protrude from the wound. This pack- 
 ing is to he renewed every twenty-four hours, and 
 the external surface of the tumor is to he painted 
 daily with tincture of iodin. 
 
 At the end of ten days or two weeks the tumor will 
 have decreased to such an extent that interference 
 with the movements of the limb will be abolished. It 
 it is desired that the entire growth disappear, the 
 incision can be renewed and the treatment persisted 
 in for another week or two. The iodin applications 
 externally can be kept up alone somewhat longer. 
 
 If for any reason, it is desired that the size ot 
 the hygroma be reduced more quickly, the injection 
 of fibrolysin, as recommended in "Special Veterinary 
 Therapy" (page 12), will accomplish the object very 
 
 satisfactorily. . 
 
 As the daily removal and insertion of the packing 
 in the foregoing treatment must usually be left to the 
 owners or the attendants, they should he thoroughly 
 instructed in observing the most regular antiseptic pre- 
 cautions. If this is ignored, grave infections may 
 occur and result in the death of the cow. 
 
34 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 INGESTED FOREIGN BODIES 
 
 Under this head we will discuss those conditions 
 which occasionally develop in cattle from swallowing 
 hard substances, such as pieces of iron, wire, nails, 
 hairpins, and similar objects. 
 
 The habit of ingesting foreign material such as that 
 described above seems to be a normal one in cattle. 
 Nearly all cattle examined postmortem are found to 
 contain in the rumen and other parts of the alimen- 
 tary tract numbers of such objects. Apparently they 
 rarely do harm; at least they ordinarily give no sign 
 of their presence during the life of the animal. 
 
 Under certain conditions, however, the ingestion of 
 hard foreign objects produces results which are quite 
 serious and frequently fatal. 
 
 In such cases the offending object is usually of iron, 
 steel or wire in the form of elongated pieces with a 
 pointed extremity. It may be that the sharp end of 
 the object becomes lodged between folds of mucous 
 membrane, or that it enters the v mouth of the ducts of 
 some gland. The peristaltic movements and contrac- 
 tions assist in implanting or embedding the object to 
 such a degree that it remains lodged. Necrosis at the 
 point of lodgement occurs and the object penetrates 
 into the peritoneal cavity or into contiguous organs 
 such as the liver, spleen, through the diaphragm and 
 the heart or lungs. 
 
 Nails, pieces of baling wire, and similar objects, 
 have been found on postmortem examination in almost 
 all organs, not excepting the heart, and in many in- 
 stances the animal suffered no ill effects apparent to 
 the eye during . its lifetime ; although in some cases 
 the object had traversed the length of the abdominal 
 
INGESTED FOREIGN BODIES 35 
 
 and thoracic cavities before it became permanently 
 located. 
 
 In other cases which have been reported by veteri- 
 narians similar objects have sloughed through the 
 abdominal wall and made their appearance and es- 
 cape from the body, the cow suffering no particular 
 ill effects. 
 
 In many cases, however, serious damage is done and 
 grave consequences, or even death, may result from 
 the passage of foreign bodies through, or into, the 
 abdominal cavity and other organs. 
 
 Death may be caused in such cases by the direct 
 presence of* the object interfering with the proper 
 performance of function in an organ; by inflamma- 
 tory or necrotic processes developing in the region of 
 the object; and by secondary pathological conditions 
 occurring as the result of damage done by the object. 
 
 The diagnosis of abnormal conditions produced by 
 the emigration of foreign bodies is not easy. With 
 very few exceptions, the diagnosis can be made cer- 
 tain only on postmortem examination. If laparotomy 
 w T ere more practical in cattle it might on certain occa- 
 sions be resorted to in the diagnoses of conditions in 
 which foreign bodies are suspected. Dr. John K. Boss- 
 hardt, of Camden, N. Y., has performed a consider- 
 able number of successful laparotomies in cattle for 
 intestinal invagination. For him it is from all appear- 
 ances an ordinary proceeding. The average veteri- 
 narian, however, as a rule does not transgress to any 
 great extent on the abdominal viscera in a surgical 
 manner. We rely for diagnostic purposes chiefly on 
 our powers of observation, on our sense of touch, and 
 other ordinary means. 
 
 The symptoms produced by foreign bodies which 
 leave the intestinal or alimentary tract vary, of course. 
 
36 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 with the extent of the lesions produced, and the or- 
 gans involved. 
 
 The usual history iri cases due to the action of for- 
 eign bodies is that the cow has been suffering from 
 inappetence for a long time. For weeks she has not 
 been a hearty eater and she looks unthrifty. At 
 times she has had the appearance of a cow suffering 
 dull pains; she stands almost immovable for hours. 
 The expression of the countenance is that described 
 as "haggard" or "anxious"; she frequently grinds 
 her teeth. At other times she has had slightly colicky 
 pains. This covers the general initial symptoms in 
 all cases. Now come special symptoms, varying from 
 now on with the course pursued by the object in its 
 movement within the body. 
 
 When the object penetrates and severely injures 
 the peritoneum, the special symptoms are those of 
 peritonitis, with possibly perforation of the abdominal 
 wall and the liberation of the object. 
 
 When the liver has been injured seriously by the 
 object the symptoms do not vary from those occur- 
 ring when the object injures the heart. We find in 
 either instance a set of symptoms which duplicate 
 almost entirely those symptoms seen in infection with 
 Distoma hepaticum. The symptoms due to foreign 
 bodies, however, develop more gradually and persist 
 for a greater length of time. Another point of dif- 
 ferentiation lies in the color of the fluid in the drop- 
 sical swellings; that found in cases of infection with 
 the liver fluke is clear as water. The fluid contained 
 in the dropsical swellings caused by injuries to the 
 liver and heart from foreign bodies is either yellowish 
 or tinged with blood. Also, in the latter cases, the 
 hide does not peel off as in liver rot. 
 
INGESTED FOREIGN BODIES 37 
 
 When a foreign body damages the lung tissue or 
 becomes lodged therein, the symptoms are either those 
 of pulmonary gangrene or of pulmonary tuberculosis; 
 the former when the object is en route through the 
 lung tissue, the latter when it has lodged there per- 
 manently. 
 
 An exact diagnosis can hardly ever be made with 
 assurance. The diagnosis can be made with reason- 
 able certainty when either the liver or the heart is 
 involved. 
 
 The treatment of conditions produced by foreign 
 bodies which have been swallowed and then go through 
 a period of wandering about in the body cavities can 
 only be symptomatic and expectant. If the veteri- 
 narian can be reasonably certain that the object is in 
 a portion of the peritoneal cavity where it can be 
 reached and safely removed through laparotomy, he 
 would be justified in undertaking the operation. 
 
 In all other locations the symptoms can only be 
 treated as they arise. 
 
38 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 THUROW'S DISEASE 
 
 Thurow's disease is a condition which is seen now 
 and then in cattle and presents itself in the form of 
 a distention of the subcutaneous tissues with gas. It 
 is always a hyper-acute condition and at times accom- 
 panied by most alarming manifestations. 
 
 Thurow's disease most frequently affects cows at the 
 height of the milking period, and apparently the na- 
 ture of the feed has no bearing on the disease. It has 
 been seen in cows on pasture as well as in cows sta- 
 bled and fed only dry feed. 
 
 The symptoms of this disease are always the same 
 and, in our experience, the disease never appears in 
 an atypical form. The history, course and termina- 
 tion are the same in practically every case. 
 
 The cow stops eating suddenly, sometimes abruptly, 
 so that the last mouthful of feed is held between the 
 lips. The animal seems terribly distressed almost in- 
 stantly and stands immovable. Breathing becomes 
 rapid and labored; salivation and lachrymation be- 
 come marked. Defecation and micturition seem to be 
 performed involuntarily or spontaneously. The ani- 
 mal trembles markedly and soon begins to shift her 
 weight from one leg to the other repeatedly. While 
 the observer is looking on he sees the cow growing in 
 size ; the distention is not confined to any particular 
 region but seems to be general. The sides of the neck, 
 shoulders, thorax, flanks, hips, thighs, udder — in fact, 
 the entire integument — seems to undergo inflation. 
 
 This distention takes place so rapidly that in the 
 course of a half hour the animal bears but Hi tie 
 resemblance to a cow. 
 
 If death does not supervene in the course of an 
 hour or two, the swelling begins to recede; in the 
 
THUROW'S DISEASE 39 
 
 course of another hour, every trace of it will have 
 disappeared, and the cow, aside from appearing some- 
 what "dopey," will be apparently none the worse 
 for the experience. In most cases the attack will have 
 run its course by the time the veterinarian arrives. 
 
 Our experience records no deaths from Thurow's dis- 
 ease ; two cases which occurred in our practice re- 
 cently, within a few weeks of each other, recovered 
 within an hour or two. Where we arrive early enough 
 to attend the cow in the attack we refrain from ad- 
 ministering any medicinal treament if we observe 
 that the condition is beginning to correct itself. 
 
 Should the condition be in the ascendency when we 
 arrive, we administer intestinal antiseptics, such as 
 salol, sulpho-carbolates, or permanganate of potas- 
 sium. Stimulants, such as aromatic spirits of ammo- 
 nia, also seem to benefit. 
 
 There appear to be no sequelae to this disease ; the 
 cow resumes feeding the same day, and aside from a 
 moderate diminution in the milk output for a day or 
 two, no bad results follow. 
 
40 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 TYMPANITES 
 
 By the term tympanites in cattle is understood, as 
 a general rule, the distention of the rumen with gas 
 as an acute condition or clinical entity. 
 
 Tympanites frequently becomes fully established 
 within a few minutes to an hour after the ingestion 
 of certain feeds, such as clover or alfalfa. When it 
 results from the ingestion of dry feed it develops 
 more slowly and usually does not assume such serious 
 proportions. 
 
 Tympanites resulting from the ingestion of green 
 food may progress so rapidly as to cause death from 
 suffocation within ten to twenty minutes. 
 
 The symptoms of tympanites are always the same 
 and leave no room for doubt in diagnosis. 
 
 "When the veterinarian arrives he usually finds the 
 cow gasping for breath, the mouth wide open, and 
 the tongue protruding. The left flank is immensely 
 distended and the cow constantly shifts her weight 
 from one hind leg to the other. Some cases are ac- 
 companied by vomition. Apparently the sensation 
 endured by the cow is more one of distress than of 
 acute pain. Only occasionally does a cow show signs 
 of acute pain with tympanites. 
 
 The treatment of tympanites is both surgical and 
 medicinal. 
 
 The surgical end of the treatment consists of tap- 
 ping the rumen with a large trocar and canula, 
 thereby permitting the escape of the gas. The rule 
 in our practice calling for tapping is the opening of 
 the mouth. 
 
 Although the cow may be immensely bloated, we 
 do not resort to the trocar unless the cow is so dis- 
 
TYMPANITES 41 
 
 tressed that she opens her mouth in the attempt to 
 breathe. As long as she keeps her mouth closed, 
 breathing through the nose, we find that we are able 
 to give relief by medicinal means alone. 
 
 In those cases in which the cow breathes only spar- 
 ingly, with mouth agape and tongue protruding, no 
 time should be lost in performing the tapping opera- 
 tion. A large cattle trocar should always be used, 
 forcing it into the distended rumen slightly below the 
 middle of the most prominent point in the triangle 
 formed by the last rib, lumbar vertebrae and external 
 angle of the ilium, causing the instrument to take 
 the direction of "inward, downward, and slightly for- 
 ward." 
 
 Ordinarily no time is wasted in cleaning up the 
 seat of operation. 
 
 The veterinarian's trocar should be in a surgically 
 clean condition always, so that he may not be required 
 to choose between two alternatives : one, that of en- 
 dangering the life of the cow by postponing the 
 operation until he can sterilize his trocar; the other, 
 that of jeopardizing the ultimate smooth result of the 
 operation by taking a chance on infection resulting 
 from tapping the animal with a dirty trocar. 
 
 In passing or entering the trocar the veterinarian 
 should assume such a position that he may avoid being 
 kicked by the cow. Many cows will make a fairly 
 good attempt at reaching the doctor with a hind foot 
 when the trocar is forced in, although they are to 
 all appearances near collapse from suffocation. This 
 point is one of the reasons that we say the cow 
 evidently does not suffer greatly from pain in this con- 
 dition. Were the animal's distressed condition the re- 
 sult of extreme pain, the entrance of the trocar would 
 probably not be noticed. 
 
42 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 When the instrument has been entered the trocar 
 is pulled out of the canula at once, allowing gas and 
 food particles to spurt out. It is well to stand to 
 one side when this is done, because frequently fluids 
 are forced out far enough to soil the surgeon's clothes. 
 When portions of ingesta block the lumen of the can- 
 ula, the trocar is passed in and out a few times to 
 dislodge them. 
 
 If proper medicinal treatment is at hand so that 
 it can be at once administered, the canula may be 
 withdrawn as soon as the distention has gone down. 
 If it is not convenient to administer correct medicinal 
 treatment at once, the canula should be left in place 
 until all danger of a renewal of the gas distention 
 is past, if necessary for several hours. During this 
 time some one should remain in attendance for the 
 purpose of keeping the canula free from blocking with 
 food. 
 
 When the canula is to be removed, the trocar should 
 first be passed into it, removing the trocar and canula 
 together with one or two quick jerks. The point of 
 entrance should be given a thorough application of 
 tincture of iodin. 
 
 Administration of medicaments through the canula 
 for the abatement of the fermentive process in the 
 rumen we have found wholly unsatisfactory. In the 
 medicinal treatment of this condition we have ob- 
 tained the best, most prompt, and most satisfactorily 
 uniform results from four ounces each of aromatic 
 spirits of ammonia and oil of turpentine, administered 
 m a pint or two of water in the form of a drench. 
 Credit for this treatment belongs to Dr. J. M. Wright, 
 formerly of Chicago but now retired. Even severely 
 grave attacks of tympanites yield almost instantly to 
 one such dose. In a period of practice covering more 
 
TYMPANITES 43 
 
 than ten years we can not recall more than two or 
 three cases requiring the second dose. 
 
 Potassium permanganate takes second place in the 
 medical treatment of tympanites. One dram dissolved 
 in a quart of water and given as a drench will ter- 
 minate ordinary cases favorably in a few minutes. 
 
 Complete abstinence from all food for at least twelve 
 hours should be the rule after an attack of tympa- 
 nites of moderate severity, and for twenty-four hours 
 after an attack requiring tapping. 
 
 Abscess formation is an occasional sequel to tap- 
 ping for tympanites. Proper drainage by surgical in- 
 cision effects prompt recovery if treatment is com- 
 menced promptly. 
 
 SURFEIT IN FAMILY COWS 
 
 One of the pathological phenomena which attacks 
 the family cow is a condition which merits some 
 space in any treatise on cattle diseases, although it is 
 a very benign and transient trouble if properly han- 
 dled. This condition is over-feeding. 
 
 Most veterinarians have a few clients in town who 
 keep a cow; also, most veterinarians have no love for 
 the family cow. Some of the most obscure, atypical 
 diseased conditions can be seen in the family cow, 
 and, as a patient, the family-town-cow is in a class 
 by herself. 
 
 Surfeit is of frequent occurrence in these patients, 
 and presents such variable clinical aspects that the 
 symptoms are difficult to tabulate. In our practice 
 we have formed the habit of diagnosing as surfeit all 
 irregular or atypical conditions in town cows and treat- 
 ing them as such; at least, until something definite 
 
44 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 can be made out. And in most instances we are not 
 deceived. 
 
 A list of the variable quantities and varieties of 
 feeds which are thrown to the family cow would 
 be a very long one. We have known of family cows 
 that received regularly the meat scraps from the table 
 and apparently relished them; this, of course, in addi- 
 tion to the usual grain and hay ration. 
 
 Only a few days ago we had under our care a fam- 
 ily cow that is now sixteen years old and has never 
 been given a drink of clear water; bran slops are as 
 near a drink of water as she ever gets. Nearly every 
 veterinarian knows of equally odd instances. It i?» 
 chiefly for this reason that we say the veterinarian, 
 in most cases, will not be greatly in error when he 
 attributes most of the obscure, irregular attacks of in- 
 disposition in the family cow to errors in feeding : first, 
 excessive feeding, and second, injudicious foods. 
 
 Complete abstinence from all feed for from twelve 
 to twenty-four hours, with a moderate dose of saline 
 physic, or a few doses of intestinal antiseptics, are 
 usually sufficient to straighten the case out. 
 
 In regard to the matter of complete abstinence from 
 all feed, the veterinarian must be firm and emphatic. 
 Many family cows are the idol of the family they 
 supply with milk, and often it is no easy task to carry 
 out the starvation treatment. 
 
PERSISTENT ANOREXIA 45 
 
 PERSISTENT ANOREXIA 
 
 This seems perhaps an odd name. Anorexia or lack 
 of appetite usually is only one of the symptoms of a 
 disease. In the condition I am about to speak of, 
 anorexia is the whole disease and the whole symptom- 
 atology. 
 
 These are aggravating cases for the veterinarian. 
 To the owner the case appears very simple ; the cow 
 "just won't eat anything." Nothing else of an ab- 
 normal nature can be seen. Cases have been reported 
 in which the inappetence or anorexia persisted for two 
 weeks without any evidence of other disease or a sign 
 upon which to base a diagnosis. 
 
 In my own experience I have never been able to 
 make a definite diagnosis in these cases, and other 
 experienced practitioners with whom I have discussed 
 this subject make the same confession. The cow 
 simply (and merely, and only, and every other which 
 way) won't eat. That is all. Examine her as care- 
 fully and as thoroughly as you can and you disclose 
 absolutely nothing else which will help you in diag- 
 nosis. For this reason I know of no better name for 
 the condition than that of "persistent anorexia." 
 
 Because the loss of appetite is the only symptom, 
 the owner usually does not call the veterinarian in 
 until the case lias been running along two or three 
 days. In any other disease than a case of persistent 
 anorexia the cow would have developed more or less 
 positive signs pointing to the nature of the trouble 
 in such a period of time. In persistent anorexia, how- 
 ever, nothing has developed. The owner tells you she 
 has not eaten for so and so long and she won't eat 
 now. "When you get through with your examination, 
 
46 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 you know no more; first, last, and all the time, "she 
 simply won't eat." 
 
 The prognosis must be very guarded. The cow may 
 begin to eat again very shortly after you have pre- 
 scribed for her, and then again she may not come 
 back to feeding for a week or more. 
 
 In my practice I have tried many different rem- 
 edies for this condition. Until we discover the cause 
 or the nature of this ailment, our treatment will be 
 more or less empirical, and to my knowledge the 
 pathology in persistent anorexia has never been ex- 
 plained. My best results have come from agents acid 
 in reaction; lately, I use dilute acetic acid, giving two 
 ounces morning and evening for two or three days, 
 with an equal amount of water. 
 
 PICA 
 
 This name has been given to a diseased condition 
 affecting cattle that is characterized chiefly by a de- 
 praved appetite. 
 
 It is doubtful whether pica is in itself a disease. 
 It is highly probable that it is only a symptom of 
 certain pathological changes which are the result of 
 disturbance in certain metabolic processes. 
 
 The habit of ingesting indigestible objects can al- 
 most be said to be normal in cattle. Therefore, it 
 would appear that an exaggeration of this habit could 
 be easily induced under conditions which would have 
 a tendency to disturb the anabolic equilibrium; such 
 conditions, for instance, as might be induced by an 
 unbalanced ration. 
 
 Pica is a condition which affects the family cow most 
 frequently; it is only rarely seen in herd animals. 
 
PICA 47 
 
 There are practically no other symptoms beside the 
 depraved appetite. 
 
 The cow seems to have a craving for roughness, 
 such as pieces of leather, rags, crockery, mortar, pieces 
 of wood, metal, dirt, and so forth. She picks these 
 objects up and apparently has a relish for them, 
 frequently ignoring good feed for the sake of chewing 
 up and swallowing an old shoe. She does this not 
 only occasionally and casually, as all cows do nor- 
 mally, but ravenously and persistently and contin- 
 ually. In very aggravated cases the animal's coat 
 lacks gloss, and constipation may be present. If not 
 properly treated, some cases of pica persist indefi- 
 nitely, the cow gets poor in condition and may de- 
 velop a variety of conditions. In other instances, pica 
 is a very transient condition, which disappears in a 
 few days after it begins to attract attention. 
 
 The treatment of this affection begins with an in- 
 vestigation of the ration fed. The condition can usually 
 be promptly terminated with the inauguration of 
 measures assuring a properly balanced ration. 
 
 In other instances, free access to an unlimited sup- 
 ply of salt is all that is necessary. 
 
 In cases which occur under good feeding conditions 
 and in which salt treatment fails to correct the trou- 
 ble, the cow is given a saline purgative. When the 
 purgative has acted, two or three drams of resublimod 
 iodin is given in a capsule. Nothing further is re- 
 quired as a rule. After a prolonged siege of pica it is 
 always a good plan to examine the cow's mouth for 
 injuries, lacerations or ulcerations, and varying de- 
 grees of stomatitis. The prehension, mastication and 
 deglutition of the various objects which the cow 
 chooses to select not infrequently produce injuries in 
 the mouth which later prevent the eating of regular feeds. 
 
48 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 IMPACTION OF THE RUMEN IN COWS 
 
 In this article we will consider (1) some of the 
 more prominent or diagnostic symptoms, and (2) the 
 medical treatment of impaction of the rumen. 
 
 We will ignore the surgical treatment in this 
 treatise. 
 
 Unless the young graduate has served his appren- 
 ticeship in a locality where this condition occurs fre- 
 quently, and unless his preceptor has given him the 
 opportunity to become familiar with its symptoms and 
 handling, he will find it a more or less troublesome 
 condition in more ways than one. In diagnosis it 
 offers difficulties because the symptoms are by no 
 means true to type in every case. They vary accord- 
 ing to the completeness or severity of the stasis. 
 
 In treatment this condition presents difficulties also. 
 Usually the beginner resorts to measures which are too 
 heroic ; he attempts to do too much. Instead of aiming 
 to give just the correct degree of assistance, he usually 
 overdoes his part. 
 
 In beginning the consideration of the more impor- 
 tant symptoms I would mention the "grunt." When- 
 ever impaction of the rumen is severe enough to at- 
 tract attention, the cow grunts. I can not find a better 
 word for this than grunt, although in the very grave 
 cnses this grunt becomes almost a moan. The grunt 
 is synchronous with the respirations and is not quite 
 constant in the milder cases. I mean by this that it 
 appears intermittently; you hear it once or twice and 
 then a few respiratory acts are gone through without 
 the accompanying grunt. In the grave cases the grunt 
 comes with every breath and is loud enough to be 
 heard quite a distance. I repeat, if the case before 
 
IMPACTION OF THE RUMEN 49 
 
 you is one of rumen impaction, you will hear this 
 grunt, either intermittently or regularly. 
 
 A second symptom which, if present with the grunt, 
 clinches the diagnosis is the deviation to the left of 
 the spinal column. Possibly it would be better to say 
 the apparent deviation to the left. Standing squarely 
 behind the cow, it appears to the eye as though the 
 spinal column forms a curve to the left and upwards 
 in the lumbar region. This is so marked that the 
 farmer sometimes calls attention to it before you no- 
 tice it, saying, "She stands humped up to one side." 
 The more complete and extensive the impaction, the 
 more marked is this symptom. You may be called to 
 cases in which the grunt is heard from other causes, 
 and you may be called to cases which show this lateral 
 deviation of the spine from other causes. But, when- 
 ever you get a case of impaction of the rumen, you 
 will hear this "grunt"; and whenever you hear this 
 grunt and also see this deviation of the spinal column 
 to the left and upwards in the same cow, you can stake 
 your professional reputation on the diagnosis of impac- 
 tion of the rumen. 
 
 The absence or the presence of peristaltic sounds are 
 not diagnostic. Even in some quite grave cases of 
 impaction, you will hear some such sounds if you have 
 a good ear and apply it over the rumen for a suffi- 
 cient length of time. The* cardinal symptoms are the 
 grunt and the curve in the spine. When you have 
 made these out, you can satisfy your desire for fur- 
 ther confirmation of the correctness of your diagnosis 
 by noting the tension of the mass in the rumen, the 
 evidence of ileus, absence of eructations and regurgita- 
 tions, and so on. If the case is mild, the tempera- 
 ture is not far from normal; in a well marked case 
 it usually stands around 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Good 
 
50 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 appetite or the other extreme, anorexia, are of no 
 value in diagnosis here. Some cows in this condition 
 will eat well until the case assumes a really grave 
 character. Defecation, while usually scant, is not al- 
 ways entirely absent. 
 
 Now for the treatment. The first thing, and always 
 the first thing, is to strictly forbid feeding. Not a 
 sprig or a grain must be allowed until rumination is 
 again fully established. This may mean a day or two, 
 or it may mean four or five days without food of any 
 kind. Water may be given freely. In these cases I 
 see to it that before I leave the place every bit of 
 feed has been taken out of the manger and matters 
 so arranged that the patient cannot reach food thrown 
 to cows standing near her. For us, this complete ab- 
 stinence from food constitutes seventy-five per cent of 
 the treatment. The balance consists of plenty of water 
 and repeated small doses of fluid extract of mix vomica 
 with either salol or sulpho-carbolates compound. I 
 prefer salol. The mix is given in half-dram doses every 
 three hours; the salol is given with it in dram doses. 
 This is kept up until peristalsis is growing marked and 
 there are occasional eructations and signs of rumina- 
 tion. In a well marked case it may take three or 
 four days to get this far. Then I give a large dose 
 of oil, such as castor, linseed or cottonseed, containing 
 an ounce or two of a volatile, carminative oil, such as 
 cajuput. 
 
 The usual "salts" have no place in the treatment 
 of this impaction. When the bowel movements are 
 again fully established and rumination is resumed, 
 small quantities of feed may be permitted, gradually 
 returning to the accustomed ration. 
 
 I can recommend the foregoing treatment as the 
 safest treatment for this impaction ; it is slow but 
 
COLIC 51 
 
 sure. There are forms of treatment aimed at quicker 
 results, but they are not always safe. Even in veter- 
 inary practice the motto is "Safety First." 
 
 i COLIC 
 
 For various reasons colics do not occur so frequently 
 in cows as in horses. Colic in the cow is probably 
 always a true colic. In horses, "colic" covers a mul- 
 titude of pathological conditions, at least, in the com- 
 mon sense of the term. 
 
 The symptoms of colic in the cow are quite acute 
 and sometimes they may assume even a violent char- 
 acter. The condition usually begins with the animal 
 striking at the abdomen with the hind legs and with 
 kicking and stamping with the hind legs. If in the 
 stanchion, the cow moves backward and forward, 
 crowds to one side and then to the other, and occa- 
 sionally throws herself down, groaning w r hen down. 
 At times a slight bloat is present, but usually none. 
 
 If no flatulence is present, a hypodermic injection 
 of morphin, from four to six grains, with a quarter 
 or a half grain of atropin, will end the trouble 
 promptly. If there are some signs of flatulence, a 
 drench of some internal antiseptic solution is given in 
 conjunction w T ith the morphin and atropin. 
 
52 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 OBSCURE ABDOMINAL AILMENTS 
 
 There occur in cattle a number of indefinite, obscure 
 disease conditions which affect the alimentary tract 
 and which invariably defy diagnosis of an exact char- 
 acter. In many of these cases the most sincere, thor- 
 ough and skilled practitioner is unable to make a diag- 
 nosis which he could uphold by the symptoms and 
 clinical findings. 
 
 The general clinical picture points to some derange- 
 ment of the alimentary tract ; yet, there ar^ not suffi- 
 ciently clear signs to warrant a reasonably specific 
 diagnosis. 
 
 Cases of this kind are at times the cause of con- 
 siderable embarrassment to the young practitioner. If 
 he will remember that old and experienced practi- 
 tioners are as much "at sea" with these cases as he, 
 it may make the battle a bit more pleasant for him. 
 
 The cases under discussion appear somewhat in the 
 following form : 
 
 The cow has been "off feed" for a few days; she 
 has not quit eating entirely, but she "don't eat like 
 she ought to." She has a somewhat "glum" expres- 
 sion of the face, and once in a while she grinds her 
 teeth, hardly often enough to attract attention, how- 
 ever. 
 
 She is neither "full" nor bloated, nor is she drawn; 
 occasionally, if she is observed for a long time, she 
 seems to tense the abdominal muscles just a trifle. 
 The evacuations are good enough to be termed nor- 
 mal. The temperature is also normal. Auscultation 
 brings out nothing of an abnormal character in either 
 body cavity. In some cases there is just a trace of 
 tenderness shown by pressure on the lower abdominal 
 
OBSCURE ABDOMINAL CONDITIONS 53 
 
 wall. These are all the symptoms that can be dug 
 out of the case; and even these are not always very 
 plain at first. 
 
 Our treatment for these cases begins with a good 
 mustard plaster over the entire abdominal wall. 
 
 The balance of the treatment consists of a few doses 
 of some intestinal cleanser such as triple sulpho-carbo- 
 lates or salol, in conjunction with ounce doses of fluid 
 extract of cascara sagrada. Three or four doses two 
 hours apart are usually sufficient. 
 
 Absolutely no feed of any kind is allowed while the 
 treatment is being given. Water is permitted freely. 
 When the course of treatment has been fully admin- 
 istered, feeding may be resumed. This should be 
 done gradually, however, giving not more than half 
 a feed the first few times. 
 
 Most of these cases occur during the winter months 
 when the cattle are housed. Only in one or two in- 
 stances have we seen this condition during the sum- 
 mer time. 
 
 INFECTION WITH DISTOMA HEPATICUM 
 
 Infection with Distoma or Fasciola hepaticum pro- 
 duces a disease commonly termed "liver rot." It is 
 seen only in cattle that have had access to lowlands, 
 river bottoms, sloughs and marshes, and then chiefly 
 in the South. 
 
 The disease runs a very slow course and usually is 
 not recognized until it has reached what is known 
 as the third stage, when its manifestations are quite 
 evident. 
 
 Almost the first symptom to attract attention is an 
 edematous swelling below and between the inferior 
 
54 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 maxilla. This swelling- runs from the chin to the 
 throat and may hang downward three or four inches. 
 It has the feeling of being full of w T ater, is loose and 
 squashy, and can be compressed and moved about in 
 all directions. If it is incised the contents are found 
 to be a thin fluid, colorless and clear as crystal, with 
 a sweetish acid odor. This odor is very faint, but is 
 easily detected if some of the fluid is permitted to dry 
 and evaporate in the hand. 
 
 At this time the cow refuses to eat heartily, and con- 
 stipation is present. Within two to four days, some- 
 times a week, the dropsical swelling extends down the 
 front of the trachea and an immense swelling locates 
 itself between the forelegs. This slowly moves back- 
 ward along the under side of the abdomen, and later 
 the hind extremities are also swollen. Ascites usually 
 develops and a severe form of dysentery is now raging. 
 There is a severe dyspnea and the cow maintains 
 the standing position for days. If death does not 
 occur at this point the dropsical swellings slowly de- 
 crease in size, the cow begins to eat a little, the dys- 
 entery is checked and recovery comes at the end of 
 three weeks or so. As the dropsical swellings leave, 
 the skin over them assumes a dry, tanned appearance 
 and peels off in rolls, somewhat of the nature of the 
 shedding of skin which follows some cases of purpura 
 hemorrhagica in horses. 
 
 The cow emerges from an attack of this condition 
 greatly emaciated and rarely regains her former con- 
 dition of health and strength. 
 
 When proper treatment is instituted early in the 
 attack, however, the course of the disease can be 
 considerably shortened and the cow returned to rea- 
 sonably good condition. 
 
INFECTION WITH DISTOMA HEPATICUM 55 
 
 If the veterinarian is called in when the dropsical 
 swelling is confined to the region of the jaw and has 
 had enough experience with the disease so that he rec- 
 ognizes the condition, he can give reasonable assur- 
 ance that the cow will survive in good condition at 
 the end of two or three weeks. 
 
 In localities in which this disease occurs quite regu- 
 larly a dropsical swelling under the jaw should al- 
 ways excite suspicion of this disease. If there is in- 
 appetence and constipation at the same time with a 
 slight elevation of temperature, we incise the swell- 
 ing. If the contents are clear and watery and have 
 the characteristic sweet-acid odor, it is safe to diag- 
 nose infection with Fasciola hepaticum. 
 
 In occasional cases it may be possible to determine 
 distinct tenderness in the right flank and right an- 
 terior quadrant of the abdomen. Another early symp- 
 tom is frequent shifting or changing of the front 
 limbs: the cow flexes one knee and then the other, 
 
 off and on. 
 
 The treatment which we have used with very good 
 results in this disease is somewhat troublesome, but 
 this should not deter one from adopting it, especially 
 if the cow affected is a valuable animal. 
 
 We begin with incision of the dropsical swellings, 
 making the openings where the fluid will drain out 
 freely and where the wound will not do other dam- 
 age. The incisions should be quite extensive, so as to 
 assure constant leakage from them. One or two in- 
 cisions properly located in the swellings will exude 
 several gallons of fluid in the course of twenty-four 
 
 hours. 
 
 The medicinal treatment consists of Fowler's solu- 
 tion of arsenic and iodid of potassium given at the 
 same time. We give an ounce of Fowler's solution 
 
56 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 in the morning; an hour later we give two drams of 
 potassium iodid in aqueous solution. At noon an- 
 other ounce of Fowler's solution and an hour later 
 another two-dram dose of the iodid. The same is 
 done at night. This performance is kept up for a 
 week or ten days; the swellings are usually disap- 
 pearing by this time and the general aspect of the 
 case is favorable in appearance. For a few days 
 from now on the Fowler's solution and potassium 
 iodid are given only at noon, and the morning and 
 evening medication now consists of tonics; nux vom- 
 ica, gentian ; iron and quinin with strychnin ; or 
 other tonics with w r hich the attending veterinarian is 
 familiar. When four or five days have passed in this 
 manner the Fowler's solution and potassium iodid are 
 discontinued altogether, and the tonics alone are kept 
 up for a few days more. 
 
 The cow should be stabled for such time until she 
 is again in good condition, when she may be turned 
 on grass. Most cases occur in spring; good grazing 
 after an attack aids materially in building the cow up. 
 
 ENZOOTIC DYSENTERY 
 
 This is an infectious form of dysentery which af- 
 fects cattle in the northern half of the United States, 
 being most common in the north central states. 
 
 The disease makes its appearance in the winter 
 months and in early spring. It seldom covers large 
 areas; usually only a township or two is invaded. 
 
 Animals of all ages are attacked; sex, condition, and 
 breed exert no influence on the disease. It affects 
 sucking calves and aged cows, as well. A character- 
 istic trait of this disease is the fact that in nearly 
 
ENZOOTIC DYSENTERY 57 
 
 every instance it attacks every cow, calf and bull on 
 the premises; only in rare instances do any mem- 
 bers of the herd escape the infection. To the veter- 
 inarian who has had no experience with this disease 
 this peculiarity usually leads him to assume that the 
 cause of the outbreak can be attributed to food con- 
 tamination. That he is mistaken in this assumption 
 he discovers later when he finds the disease on other 
 farms, sometimes miles away, where entirely different 
 feeds and water, and entirely different methods of 
 feeding and watering are used. 
 
 In many instances it is no difficult matter to trace 
 the infection carrier, from one farm to another, in 
 the person of visitors, stock-buyers or others. 
 
 In other respects, also, the disease has the ear- 
 marks of an infectious disease; the symptoms are al- 
 ways the same, the color of the feces is always the 
 same, and the course of the attack varies but slightly 
 in any instance. Another point indicating an infec- 
 tious character in this disease is the fact that towards 
 the latter part of an outbreak the cases are milder; 
 this is characteristic of many epidemic and epizootic 
 diseases. 
 
 Enzootic dysentery is serious because it runs a rath- 
 er slow course, during which the secretion of milk is 
 almost entirely stopped. We recall an instance in 
 which a herd of fifteen cows altogether gave less than 
 an ordinary milk pail full of milk at one milking. 
 Deaths occur but rarely; in two outbreaks we remem- 
 ber but a single death in each, although hundreds of 
 cows were affected. 
 
 The symptoms of enzootic dysentery can not be 
 mistaken easily for those of other forms of dysentery. 
 The attack begins on a farm, usually, with one or two 
 cases. A cow refuses her feed and it is seen that she 
 
58 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 is suffering from a form of scours. Even on the same 
 day another cow or two quit eating and begin to 
 scour; the next day a few more, and so on, until the 
 entire herd is affected. We know of no instance in 
 which the animals were all attacked on one day ; a 
 herd of twenty head may consume a week's time in 
 contracting the disease. The feces have a character- 
 istic appearance and color. They are not watery, 
 but have a mushy or granular appearance ; the color 
 is a rich chocolate shade, sometimes (just barely) 
 more towards a red shade. There is no abnormal 
 odor. 
 
 In most cases the cows refuse to eat while the 
 diarrhea persists, which may be from three days to 
 a week or ten days; they drink water freely, even to 
 excess, if permitted to do so. 
 
 The temperature is raised from one to three de- 
 grees. 
 
 After two or three days from the b^ginning of the 
 attack the animals develop a cough. In some of the 
 later cases the cough may be present from the start ; 
 mucous rales can then be heard in the trachea and 
 lungs. Also, about at this time, there appear spasms 
 of certain muscle groups; these spasms are tonic in 
 character and most frequently affect the posterior 
 limbs. 
 
 The milk flow is almost entirely absent ; the animals 
 lose flesh rapidly. A herd of dairy cows just emerg- 
 ing from an attack of enzootic dysentery is a sorry 
 spectacle to behold. 
 
 The animals recover irregularly in a given herd, by 
 ones and twos, but not generally in the same order 
 in which they were attacked; frequently the cows 
 first affected are the last to recover. In a large herd 
 a month may elapse before the entire herd is free 
 from the disease. 
 
ENZOOTIC DYSENTERY 59 
 
 As far as our observations go, one attack confers 
 immunity; the disease has not appeared on the same 
 farm twice in our experience. 
 
 A poorly nourished cow, should she happen to be 
 attacked by this disease in a severe form, may not 
 survive. Otherwise recovery is the rule. The disease 
 is therefore important chiefly because of the resulting 
 shrinkage in the milk output. 
 
 The treatment of enzootic dysentery should begin 
 as soon after the disease is recognized as possible, and 
 every bovine on the farm should be treated from the 
 first. Almost invariably all cows are affected, once 
 the disease enters a herd, and the veterinarian who has 
 had experience with this disease knows that although 
 he may not be able to check the outbreak abruptly, 
 he can lessen the severity of the attack by early treat- 
 ment. Cows treated before they develop symptoms of 
 the disease are affected in a very mild form, and re- 
 cover in a few days. If the animals are treated only 
 as they develop the disease, one after another, the 
 attack in a herd is prolonged unnecessarily. 
 
 We have had the best results in the treatment of 
 this disease from an oily preparation consisting of 
 beechwood creosote, twenty drops; oil of cajuput, half 
 an ounce; cottonseed oil, two ounces; this size dose is 
 given four times daily until the diarrhea stops. If the 
 case is an exceptionally severe one we may give one 
 or two doses of opium to control the scours at first ; 
 this is rarely necessary with the above treatment. 
 
 We pay little attention to the feed; in most cases 
 the animals will not eat anything. Water should be 
 given in very small quanl it ies, but at frequent inter- 
 vals. If the cattle are watered at a tank they usually 
 drink to excess. 
 
60 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 In our early experiences with this disease we used 
 various medicinal agents which can be relied on in 
 other forms of diarrhea. None of them accomplished 
 much good. In the combination given above we con 
 sider the beechwood creosote the active principle. The 
 value of the combination might be enhanced by the 
 addition of tincture of capsicum. 
 
 COCCIDIAL DYSENTERY 
 
 Coccidial dysentery in cattle is an acute disease oc 
 curring in epizootic and enzootic form. 
 
 It is seen most frequently during those months of 
 the year in which cattle are grazing, and young cattle 
 are most commonly affected. Mild cases of the dis- 
 ease terminate favorably in three or four days. Se- 
 vere attacks terminate in death frequently in the same 
 number of days. Several animals are affected at the 
 same time. On occasions an entire herd was attacked 
 on the same day. The diarrhea becomes suddenly 
 and fully established in almost all cases. The evac- 
 uations are copious and thin and are soon accom- 
 panied by very serious tenesmus. Within the course 
 of eight or ten hours bloody streaks, and sometimes 
 large blood clots, can be found in the evacuations. In 
 grave cases the tenesmus may attain such severity 
 that varying degrees of eversion of the rectum are 
 seen in some of the cows. There is great depression 
 and loss of appetite and the animals are soon in a 
 very weakened state, trembling and staggering about. 
 Before death there may be coma, or delirium border- 
 ing on convulsions. The feces invariably are foul 
 smelling and are usually intermixed with gas bubbles. 
 
 If the attack is a mild one improvement is evident 
 
COCCIDIAL DYSENTERY 61 
 
 at the end of eighteen or twenty-four hours; if the 
 symptoms do not decrease in severity at this time 
 the attack is usually fatal. 
 
 The treatment of coccidial dysentery does not prove 
 successful in very severe attacks, which run on to a 
 fatal termination in spite of all treatment. In mild 
 or only moderately severe attacks the results from 
 treatment attained are quite satisfactory. 
 
 The first important step is to have the animals sta- 
 bled at once and provide for watering them from a 
 supply different from the one they had access to while 
 on pasture. The water should be allowed in very 
 small quantities, but ' frequently. 
 
 The medical treatment begins with an ounce dose 
 of dilute acetic acid in a small quantity of water. 
 Every half hour thereafter until relief is evident we 
 give tincture of opium two drams, oil of eucalyptus 
 half an ounce, dilute acetic acid half an ounce, shak- 
 ing these three drugs up together with a little water 
 for a^drench. As soon as the evacuations are less fre- 
 quent and the tenesmus less severe two or more hours 
 are allowed to pass between doses. Cases exhibiting 
 protrusions of the rectal mucosa as a result of severe 
 tenesmus may be given a large dose of morphin sul- 
 phate hypodermically. Animals recovering from an 
 attack of coccidial dysentery have a long convalescent 
 period. They do not resume normal feeding nor gain 
 their former condition for a long time after recovery. 
 
62 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 JOHNES DISEASE 
 
 This disease, also known as para-tuberculosis in- 
 testinalis, is a form of diarrhea which affects cattle 
 with some frequency in certain localities. The disease 
 is an infectious one and the feces from cattle suffering 
 from it are to be considered as the most common car- 
 rier of the infection. The course of Johnes disease 
 is chronic in character, extending over several months 
 as a rule, and generally terminating' in death. 
 
 While the disease occurs mainly in isolated in- 
 stances, affecting only one or two cows in the herd 
 at the same time, the infection may remain in the 
 stable indefinitely, so that cases of the disease appear 
 at intervals for years. 
 
 The symptoms of Johnes disease are not accom- 
 panied by any very remarkable diagnostic climax. 
 Until the veterinarian has seen a few cases of the 
 disease he does not get a very clear conception of the 
 clinical index to the condition. 
 
 A cow, in the beginning, has somewhat more fre- 
 quent bowel evacuations than normal; a little later 
 these evacuations become somewhat thin in consis- 
 tency, and finally, at the end of a week or two, a real 
 diarrhea has developed. This diarrhea is very per- 
 sistent; it may improve slightly on certain days, but 
 always returns. There is no particular character of 
 evacuations; towards the end of the disease there may 
 be some mucus mixed w T ith the feces. 
 
 The appetite of the cow is but slightly affected, but 
 emaciation rapidly becomes evident. At the end of 
 six weeks or two months there is a veritable cachexia, 
 terminating in marasmus, decubitus, and death. Re- 
 coveries are rare once the disease becomes well estab- 
 
JOHNES DISEASE 63 
 
 lished. In some cases constipation sets in before death 
 occurs, so that there may be several days with no evac- 
 uations, preceding the end. 
 
 The treatment of Johnes disease up to the present 
 time has been unsuccessful. Until a satisfactory treat- 
 ment has been elaborated the handling of this disease 
 lies solely in prevention. Feces from infected animals 
 should be cremated and premises disinfected. Imme- 
 diate isolation of the patient should be the rule, and 
 when death comes the entire carcass should be buried 
 in quicklime. 
 
 DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSTIC MARKS OF— 
 
 Enzootic Dysentery 
 
 1. Affects cattle of all ages; calves, young stock, 
 old stock. 
 
 2. Occurs during winter and spring. 
 
 3. Affects animals stabled or on range. 
 
 4. Onset is sudden. 
 
 5. Course of disease is from one to two weeks. 
 
 6. No appetite. 
 
 7. Feces have no abnormal odor. 
 
 8. Feces are granular. 
 
 9. Feces are chocolate colored. 
 
 10. Milk secretion totally absent. 
 
 11. Pertussis is a common complication. 
 
 12. Practically never fatal. 
 
 Coccidial Dysentery 
 
 1. Affects chiefly young stock. 
 
 2. Occurs during grass season. 
 
 3. Affects animals being pastured almost wholly. 
 
64 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 4. Onset is very acute. 
 
 5. Course of disease is from two to five days. 
 
 6. No appetite. 
 
 7. Feces have distinct odor ; foul. 
 
 8. Feces are liquid. 
 
 9. Feces are hemorrhagic. 
 
 10. Milk secretion diminished. 
 
 11. No pertussis. 
 
 12. Commonly fatal ; probably 20 per cent. 
 
 Johnes Disease 
 
 1. Affects all ages. 
 
 2. Occurs in all seasons. 
 
 3. Affects animals under all conditions of feeding. 
 
 4. Onset is gradual. 
 
 5. Course of disease is from one to three months. 
 
 6. Appetite remains good. 
 
 7. Feces have no marked odor. 
 
 8. Feces are copious and thin. 
 
 9. Feces have no characteristic color. 
 
 10. Milk secretion not greatly affected. 
 
 11. No pertussis. 
 
 12. Always fatal, eventually. 
 
SIMPLE DIARRHEA IN CALVES 65 
 
 SIMPLE DIARRHEA IN CALVES 
 
 Diarrhea in a simple or sporadic form occurs in 
 calves during the first few weeks of life. It may 
 appear as early as two or three days after birth; 
 most commonly at the end of the first week or ten 
 days. 
 
 The bowel evacuations are performed at short in- 
 tervals, the feces having a very light yellow color 
 and considerable odor. When the disease has been 
 active for twenty-four or forty-eight hours the calf 
 has a dejected appearance, is listless, and does not 
 move about much. In some cases there are slight 
 colicky pains. 
 
 If the disease is not checked the calf rapidly loses 
 strength, lies down almost constantly and dies, having 
 lingered for several days in an exhausted cachectic 
 condition. 
 
 The treatment of this condition is followed by 
 prompt and satisfactory results if the case is taken in 
 hand while the patient is yet vigorous. Neglected cases 
 frequently die in spite of the most careful nursing 
 and judicious treatment. 
 
 Calves which have just been attacked with diarrhea 
 are given a few large doses of intestinal antiseptics. 
 We have had most excellent results from the triple 
 sulpho-carbolates : zinc, sodium and calcium. Calves 
 up to two weeks old we give two thirty-grain tablets 
 at one dose, and repeat the same in about four hours. 
 This is usually all that is required. 
 
 When a case has been neglected until the calf has 
 abdominal pains and has become listless and weak, 
 the treatment requires more care. The calf must be 
 provided with warm quarters, and if the abdomen is 
 
66 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 quite tense and the colicky pains frequently recur, a 
 weak mustard plaster is applied on the belly. 
 
 We then order a dose every hour or two of tincture 
 of capsicum ten minims, triple sulpho-carbolates fif- 
 teen grains (5 grs. each of sulpho-carbolates : zinc, 
 sodium and calcium), and compound tincture of gam- 
 bir half ounce. This is kept up hourly until four or 
 five doses are given, thereafter every two to four hours 
 according to the case. If more stimulation is neces- 
 sary a small dose of warm brandy may be given now 
 and then. 
 
 In exceptional cases tincture of opium may be used 
 to advantage but it should not be used if it can be 
 avoided. Frequently, when opium is used in conjunc- 
 tion to check the scours the case is transformed into 
 a stubborn attack of constipation which proves as dif- 
 ficult to relieve as the disease which preceded it. In 
 the treatment which we have outlined are contained 
 no agents to cause the prolonged effect of opiates. 
 
 When a troublesome constipation does supervene on 
 a case of diarrhea in calves we recommend large doses 
 of castor oil, with a few doses of cascara sagrada. If 
 the treatment which we have outlined is used the oc- 
 currence of constipation as a sequel will be practically 
 unheard of. 
 
INFECTIOUS DYSENTERY OF CALVES 67 
 
 INFECTIOUS DYSENTERY OF CALVES 
 
 This form of diarrhea in calves is very prevalent in 
 some localities. It differs from sporadic or simple 
 dysentery to that extent that it is very rapidly fatal. 
 It can probably be best described as a hyperacute 
 diarrhea. 
 
 This disease attacks calves very soon after their 
 birth; in some cases it is present at the time of birth. 
 Usually the symptoms set in on the first or second 
 day and the course of the disease is very rapid and 
 the termination fatal in a high percentage of cases. 
 
 Infectious dysentery of calves begins as an ordinary 
 diarrhea, developing in the course of a few hours into 
 a very grave condition. 
 
 The evacuations are at first normal in color; later 
 they become of a pale-grey, or almost white, shade. 
 The odor is intense, and the evacuations are accom- 
 panied by much straining. In spite of the severe 
 tenesmus, the evacuations, which are very thin now, 
 do not spurt outward, but merely run down the but- 
 tocks. This region and the tail are soon very filthy 
 and foul-smelling. At the end of from ten to fifteen 
 hours, convulsions, and, finally, decubitus and death, 
 occur. 
 
 The treatment of this disease has not been very 
 satisfactory in the past. Most cases terminated in 
 death in spite of prompt remedial measures. 
 
 Recently fair results have been reported from ser- 
 ums prepared from horses subjected to the effects of 
 the colon bacillus, and this serum deserves further 
 trial at the hands of practitioners. However, for all 
 purposes in general practice, we must yet consider 
 the handling of this disease almost wholly from a 
 
68 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 prophylactic standpoint. Pregnant cows should not 
 be permitted to give birth in infected stables and 
 all calves born on premises where the disease has been 
 known to occur should at once be submitted for nre- 
 ventive inoculation. For all purposes of prevention 
 the serums now in use appear to be reliable. 
 
 We are not acquainted with any form of curative 
 treatment which we can recommend. 
 
 MUSCULAR RHEUMATISM 
 
 This is by no means a rare affection in dairy cows. 
 It is seen quite frequently in cows housed in cemented 
 stables, not so frequently in cows stabled on ground or 
 wood floors, and almost never during the months when 
 ibe cattle are on grass. 
 
 Most attacks are of a sub-acute character. Both 
 young and old cows are affected, and in rare instances 
 even calves have been seen thus afflicted. An attack 
 of muscular rheumatism appears in cattle in a grad- 
 ual manner. Usually a single animal is affected, bat it 
 is nothing unusual for several cows to develop symp- 
 toms at the same time. 
 
 There is at first a general stiffness, shown by very 
 limited flexion of the extremities, especially the hind 
 extremities, and a disinclination to move about. If 
 the animal is confined in a stanchion she has some 
 difficulty in getting up after she has been lying down 
 for a time ; there is no struggling or flopping about 
 ris in cases due to weakness or paresis, but the at- 
 tempt to arise partakes more of the nature of hesi- 
 tancy. The animal seems afraid to undergo the ex- 
 ertion required to assume the standing position. When 
 the standing position is finally acquired the cow 
 " stands in a bunch," swaying backward and forward 
 
MUSCULAR RHEUMATISM 69 
 
 a few times, and then shifts from one leg to the other 
 for several minutes. When she is released from the 
 stanchion she does not seem to appreciate her free- 
 dom and* may not follow the herd out into the yard. 
 If she is urged she moves cautiously, becoming some- 
 what more supple in her movements after she walks 
 a short distance. 
 
 The foregoing is about the extent of the symptoms 
 in usual cases. In more marked attacks there appears 
 excessive lameness in one limb or another after this. 
 Soreness cannot be located in any particular spot; the 
 animal exhibits signs of pain equally on any part of 
 the member when examined or gives no reaction what- 
 ever to manipulations. There is some falling off in 
 appetite and but one or two degress of fever. 
 
 The response to treatment is very prompt. If pos- 
 sible the animal should be turned loose in a box-stall, 
 the floor of which should be dry and well bedded. A 
 saline purge is administered. Following this the cow 
 is to be drenched three times daily with a preparation 
 containing fluid extract colchicum half a dram, sodium 
 salicylate one dram and hexamethylenamine one dram 
 in each dose, using water to dissolve the last two in- 
 gredients. A few doses produce considerable improve- 
 ment, and four or five days of this treatment effects 
 the disappearance of all the symptoms. 
 
 In severe cases in which there is a very 'marked 
 lameness in one leg a liniment may be applied in con- 
 junction with the above treatment. A good combina- 
 tion for use as a liniment in these cases is oil of 
 cajuput one ounce, camphorated soap liniment two 
 ounces, alcohol two ounces, water to make twelve 
 ounces. This should be briskly rubbed over the mus- 
 cular and tendinous regions of the affected limb sev- 
 eral times during the day. 
 
70 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 PARAPLEGIA (Bovine Azoturia) 
 
 Under this head we will consider that form of 
 paralysis of the posterior limbs which occnrs in cattle 
 with considerable frequency, and always precipitately. 
 
 It is this condition that has been designated " azotu- 
 ria of cattle." In our estimation the condition does 
 not resemble azoturia in any other respect than the 
 inability to arise; the other symptoms and phenomena 
 of azoturia are not present. Neither is paraplegia 
 ever seen in cattle in a mild or partial form, as is the 
 case quite often in horses attacked with azoturia. Par- 
 aplegia always occurs in the cow in the form of a 
 complete paralysis of the posterior extremities, total 
 loss of power and absolute decubitus. 
 
 It affects cattle of all ages, in every state or condi- 
 tion, in pregnancy and in barenness. It affects cattle 
 housed under the most sanitary and hygienic condi- 
 tions, as well as cattle kept in filthy environment. It 
 occurs in the winter months when cattle are stabled 
 and in the summer ^months when they are at pasture. 
 There are no premonitory symptoms indicating the ap- 
 proach of the trouble. In every other form of paral- 
 ysis, with which we are familiar, there are certain 
 unfailing premonitory manifestations. Not so in this 
 disease. The cow is found in the recumbent position, 
 usually flat on its side. The veterinarian is called in ; 
 he can get no other history in regard to the case. All 
 the owner can tell him is that he found the cow down, 
 either in the yard, barn, pasture, or wherever it hap- 
 pened to be. He has observed absolutely no sign of 
 ailing or sickness before the animal was found down. 
 Usually the farmer thinks the cow has been, what he 
 calls, "split." 
 
PARAPLEGIA 71 
 
 The veterinarian begins his examination, and finds a 
 case about as follows : 
 
 The temperature is either normal or not far from 
 it. If the cow has been down only an hour or two, 
 the temperature may be at 104 degrees Fahrenheit or 
 thereabouts. After she has been down a number of 
 hours the temperature is about normal. When the 
 animal is rolled up on her chest (providing she has not 
 already assumed that attitude voluntarily) she appears 
 entirely normal. She is bright and apparently suffer- 
 ing no pain; if there is some feed within reach she 
 begins to eat. 
 
 The pulse is somewhat faster than normal, but not 
 much altered. 
 
 AVhen the cow is urged to get up she willingly makes 
 the attempt; she is- able to stand on her front legs 
 but the hind ones lie inert and the rump does not leave 
 the ground. If the animal is given assistance by lift- 
 ing at the tail she makes a few feeble outward strokes 
 with each hind leg and then usually falls in a heap. 
 There seems to be a total lack of power for adduction 
 and flexion; all motion is towards a Eduction and ex- 
 tension, as in an obturator paralysis. Sensation is 
 diminished in the parts from the lumbar region back- 
 ward, and in some instances almost absent. In near- 
 ly every case the tail is flabby and immobile. The 
 latter is diagnostic of this condition and differentiates 
 the case from obturator paralysis, obstetrical paralysis 
 and other diseases of similar symptomatology. The 
 course of paraplegia is irregular and indefinite. Usu- 
 ally the cow retains a good appetite and apparently 
 suffers no pains. At intervals she makes strenuous 
 efforts to arise, creeping or falling over a considerable 
 area in the course of a day. 
 
72 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 At first there is coprostasis; after a day or two 
 defecation is re-established. Improvement may be seen 
 sometimes within a few days; the tail regains its mo- 
 tility, the hind legs come nearer to the body. After 
 a few more days the standing position is attained for 
 a moment or two, bnt the cow almost immediately 
 collapses again. Several more days, rarely before two 
 whole weeks after the onset of the attack, see the cow 
 get up and stand fairly steady. Complete recovery, 
 with good co-ordination, requires another week or ten 
 days. 
 
 In other instances the cow shows not a particle of 
 improvement, and may remain in the recumbent posi- 
 tion until she is either killed or dies from other causes. 
 This may not occur for three or four weeks. 
 
 The treatment of this condition is not highly satis- 
 factory. In our practice we treat the cow for two or 
 three days and if she shows no improvement at the 
 end of that time we advise destruction. If she shows 
 improvement sufficient to arouse reasonable hope of 
 recovery, we continue the treatment a few days 
 longer, or, if the cow continues to improve, until recov- 
 ery is complete. 
 
 The best results in the first few days of the sick- 
 ness come from atropin in half-grain doses, every four 
 hours. On the second or third day we begin with 
 strychnin, a quarter grain of the sulphate four times 
 daily. Massage of the affected parts sometimes 
 hastens recovery. Counter-irritants applied along the 
 spinal column in the lumbar region are also used. 
 
 The treatment is mostly empirical, because the path- 
 ology of the condition is not known. It is therefore 
 doubtful whether any improvement obtained is the 
 result of the treatment or of vis medicatrix naturae. 
 
ACUTE BULBAR PARALYSIS 73 
 
 ACUTE BULBAR PARALYSIS 
 
 Under this head we undertake to discuss a patho- 
 logical condition in cattle which occurs quite fre- 
 quently and usually in a typical form. 
 
 The exact nature of this condition from an etiolog- 
 ical standpoint is not known. In some instances it 
 assumes an enzootic character, having been described 
 by some authors in this form as an enzootic pharyn- 
 geal paralysis. As the symptoms are not by any means 
 confined to the pharynx, nor to the effects of a pharyn- 
 geal paralysis, this name is misleading. 
 
 A disease which is prevalent in Europe in an en- 
 zootic and epizootic form and which has been named 
 the disease of Aujesky, somewhat resembles what we 
 term acute bulbar paralysis in this country. Au- 
 jesky 's disease may be the same disease in a more 
 active form ; the cases which he has described as 
 occurring in Europe have to be differentiated from 
 furious rabies. Acute bulbar paralysis as seen in the 
 United States may on occasions be taken for dumb 
 rabies. Under certain conditions, such as exist when 
 the disease occurs shortly before or after parturition, 
 it is also confused with parturient paresis. 
 
 Acute bulbar paralysis seems to affect cattle of all 
 ages, although there is a slight preference on the part 
 of the disease for animals which are not aged. As 
 a general rule it may be said to be sporadic in na- 
 ture; in exceptional instances it is mildly enzootic. 
 
 The inaugural symptom is a dullness, or an appear- 
 ance indicating general indisposition. The animal will 
 neither eat nor drink; rumination is suspended and 
 constipation exists. These symptoms the veterinarian 
 usually hears in the history given by the owner. The 
 
74 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 veterinarian as a rule does not see the case until more 
 definite symptoms have developed, which is usually 
 on the second or third day. The cow now lies down 
 most of the time. If she is sufficiently urged by prod- 
 ding or whipping she can usually be made to get up on 
 her feet. This is a good point to have in mind in case 
 the attack has occurred soon after calving, when it 
 would be necessary to exclude parturient paresis. 
 
 When the cow has assumed the standing position 
 she constantly shifts her weight from limb to limb ; 
 she is restless and in a few minutes lies down again. 
 While she is standing she sometimes kicks backward 
 repeatedly with one hind leg. 
 
 There are no bowel evacuations, but usually the 
 urine dribbles away, apparently involuntarily. 
 
 There is a steady dripping of clear saliva from the 
 mouth; not a ropy, stringy saliva hanging from the 
 mouth but a steady dripping, and clear. Tears flow 
 down over the sides of the face steadily. When the 
 cow has been lying down for a few minutes she ap- 
 parently goes to sleep if she is not molested ; she be- 
 gins to moan and will remain in a semi-comatose con- 
 dition indefinitely if undisturbed. If she is slapped or 
 shaken she wakes, looks about a moment or two, and 
 goes to sleep again. During the moments of wakeful- 
 ness the mouth hangs partly open. 
 
 In this stage the temperature is raised from two to 
 four degrees. In the end it becomes subnormal. Swal- 
 lowing, if not entirely impossible, is performed with 
 great reluctance and difficulty. 
 
 At the end of another twenty-four to forty-eight 
 hours the cow is no longer able to gain the standing 
 position ; she lies flat on her side part of the time, 
 making ineffectual struggles to arise at intervals. 
 There are now symptoms pointing towards pulmonary 
 
ACUTE BULBAR PARALYSIS 75 
 
 edema or congestion; severe dyspnea accompanied by 
 rustling sounds. The tongue protrudes from the 
 mouth; diarrhea is present. The temperature now 
 keeps going down until it may be several degrees 
 subnormal; the periods of coma are prolonged, and 
 the cow dies on the fifth or sixth day after the begin- 
 ning of the attack. 
 
 Some cases run a somewhat slower course, dying on 
 the eighth to tenth day. Now and then a case sur- 
 vives the acute attack, gradually assuming a subacute 
 form and lingering along for several weeks. In the 
 latter form inspiration pneumonia develops at last and 
 pulmonary gangrene supervenes. 
 
 The treatment of this disease is far from satisfac- 
 tory. In fact, all that we can do is to treat the symp- 
 toms as they arise. Until the exact nature of the con- 
 dition is discovered the treatment will be empirical. 
 
 We can point to no particular remedial agent or 
 method of treatment which has given good results in 
 our practice. We have used every form of treatment 
 which the symptoms, and pathology so far as it is 
 understood, would indicate as helpful, but without 
 success. For this reason we refrain from suggesting 
 any method of handling this disease, leaving the 
 treatment to the judgment of the individual veteri- 
 narian. 
 
 Because of the apparent semi-infectious nature that 
 the disease sometimes assumes, when it occurs in the 
 enzootic form, we would suggest as a precautionary 
 matter the thorough disinfection of the premises on 
 which a case develops. If it can conveniently be ar- 
 ranged* the patient should be taken out of the herd 
 and isolated. It is impossible to differentiate the spo- 
 radic from the enzootic form clinically; because of 
 this all cases of this disease should be regarded as 
 being communicable. 
 
76 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 SENILE PARALYSIS 
 
 This is a condition which occurs with considerable 
 regularity in old cows. In most cases it takes what 
 may be termed a progressive form, starting with a 
 stiffness in one hind leg. After weeks, sometimes 
 months, a lameness develops in one hind leg, with- 
 out any evidence of swelling or any localized area of 
 soreness. About at this time it is noticed that the 
 cow "can not get up as well as she used to"; she 
 seems to be weak in the posterior parts. Also about 
 at this time she begins to look bad; does not thrive 
 or keep in her usual good condition, although her 
 appetite is apparently as good as ever. 
 
 Very soon after the trouble has reached this stage 
 the cow becomes entirely unable to get up without 
 assistance. This condition is confined to aged cows 
 and is never seen in cows under nine or ten years old. 
 
 Usually it is best in these cases to advise the de- 
 struction of the cow. While now and then one of 
 these cases improves sufficiently under treatment to 
 enable the owner to dispose of the cow in some other 
 manner, it is usually a loss from a financial standpoint 
 to attempt their cure. 
 
 The condition is seen both in cows which are in 
 various stages of pregnancy and in cows which are 
 barren. It seems, however, to run a more rapid course 
 in pregnant cows. 
 
PUERPERAL MANIA 77 
 
 PUERPERAL MANIA 
 
 This is a somewhat rare pathological condition, but 
 occurs frequently enough in cows so that a knowledge 
 of its manifestations is essential. 
 
 Puerperal mania is important in the main because 
 of the possibility of its clinical phenomena being mis- 
 taken for rabies. In itself, in so far as prognosis is 
 concerned, puerperal mania is a benign and very tran- 
 sient disease. 
 
 It is seen in cows nearly always during the last 
 months of pregnancy, or during the first week after 
 calving. An otherwise kind and docile cow becomes 
 suddenly nervous and highly excitable. Within a few 
 hours she becomes violent, well nigh unmanageable. 
 If she is not confined she races about the yard or 
 pasture wildly, bellowing and pawing up the earth. 
 Feces and urine are passed in small quantities every 
 few minutes and there are clonic spasms, or "rip- 
 plings," of various groups of muscles. The animal 
 will assume a wild, menacing attitude; she makes 
 plunges at her own shadows, and will pursue dogs or 
 other animals that intrude on her domain. She is less 
 intent on rushing at human beings; she may threaten 
 to attack but is easily driven off. Her apparent vicious- 
 ness is confined to rushing at objects and other ani- 
 mals ; she does not lay hold of anything with her teeth. 
 When she rests, the conjunctiva is seen to be injected, 
 the eyes are very wide open and prominent; on the 
 whole, the beast has a " crazy " appearance. 
 
 The treatment is confined to placing the animal in 
 a spacious yard or other enclosure where she can not 
 easily come to injury while plunging about. The 
 prognosis has to do chiefly with the duration of the 
 
78 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 attack; this is so variable that attempts at forecast- 
 ing it can be only problematical. All signs of the 
 disease may disappear in a few hours; on the other 
 hand, the attack may last several days or even until 
 the termination of the pregnancy. 
 
 With the symptoms of puerperal mania in mind, 
 the veterinarian can not easily confuse the condition 
 with rabies. While at first sight the cow with an 
 attack of puerperal mania may cause some concern 
 through the fear of rabies, a calm consideration of 
 the situation will usually decide the diagnosis. We 
 would make a comparison of the two diseases from 
 the standpoint of diagnosis in the following manner: 
 
 Rabies Puerperal Mania 
 
 Possible history of attack by 
 
 dog or other animal. No history of such occurrence. 
 
 Premonitory symptoms, such 
 
 as itching, indisposition, etc. No premonitory signs. 
 
 Dysphagia. Swallows normally. 
 
 Attacks viciously, using teeth Attacks excitedly only; will 
 on objects poked at her. not grasp objects with teeth. 
 
 r 
 
 Is not easily prevented from 
 
 pursuing her attacks. Is easily driven off. 
 
 Tends towards paralysis and Is unchanged, or soon im- 
 prostration rapidly. proved. 
 
 Death is practically a fore- 
 gone conclusion. Always recover. 
 
 Affects both sexes. Affects pregnant females only, 
 
 or those in the puerperium. 
 
 If, even then, it should be difficult to make a satis- 
 factory differentiation the animal should be isolated 
 for twenty-four hours. A case of rabies will have 
 developed unmistakable symptoms at the end of that 
 period; whereas, a case of puerperal mania is usually 
 well on the road to recovery in that time. 
 
OBSTETRICAL PARALYSIS 79 
 
 While ' recoveries have been reported in cases of 
 rabies it is very doubtful whether they were correctly 
 diagnosed. We can readily understand how one hav- 
 ing had no experience with puerperal mania could 
 mistake the condition for rabies. For us, however, 
 the very fact that the animal survives is ample evi- 
 dence that the disease with which the animal was af- 
 flicted was not rabies. 
 
 OBSTETRICAL PARALYSIS 
 
 This is a condition which follows only those cases 
 of parturition in which the calf is exceedingly large, 
 or cases of dystocia, during the correction of which 
 the cow is subjected to prolonged handling and bruis- 
 ing. It is rarely, if ever, seen after normal delivery 
 or after cases of minor dystocia. 
 
 The ideal circumstances for the development of this 
 condition consist in prolonged labor due to an abnor- 
 mally large fetus. The usual history is that the cow 
 was down during the birth and has not been able to 
 get up since, or that she went down very soon after 
 the calf was delivered and is unable to arise. 
 
 These cases can not very easily be confused with 
 parturient paresis because the entire symptomatology 
 in obstetrical paralysis is confined to the inability of 
 the cow to get up. In every other way the animal 
 is normal; no sign of coma or indisposition in the 
 least. The animal eats and drinks and looks well in 
 every way. The most careful examination will bring 
 out nothing of value in diagnosis, except that usually 
 the tumefied condition of the vulva gives evidence of 
 the difficult labor. 
 
80 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 The history in these cases determines the diagnosis. 
 A very large calf; mneh pulling; long time in effect- 
 ing delivery. Sometimes these cases supervene on 
 cases of dystocia which the veterinarian himself has 
 been called to relieve and it is on this point that I 
 want to call especial attention in this chapter. 
 
 It has been my experience that obstetrical paralysis 
 will not develop in these cases where the cow, if 
 lying when delivery is effected, is immediately made 
 to rise. Every mans must be used to get the animal 
 upon her feet at once and when this has been done 
 some one should remain present to see to it that she 
 remains up for at least two hours, during which time 
 a little walk should be given every twenty minutes. 
 
 If the cow is on her feet when the calf is delivered 
 every effort should be made to keep her up for at 
 least two hours, walking her a short distance every 
 ten or twenty minutes during this time. 
 
 I can sincerely recommend this as a certain preven- 
 tive of this condition, a condition which is very un- 
 satisfactory to treat. Once obstetrical paralysis is 
 fully developed, a guarded prognosis must always be 
 given. 
 
 Some of these cases lie around in this condition for 
 three or four weeks and then die. Others lie around 
 just as long and recover. Sometimes the condition 
 terminates in complete recovery within three or four 
 days, and I have known them to terminate fatally 
 also, in an equally short period. Recovery is the 
 rule, but the duration of the period of recumbency 
 is so varied and so indefinite that statements on the 
 part of the veterinarian forecasting the termination 
 must be given guardedly. 
 
 Probably the best and most prompt effect in treat- 
 ing cases which have been allowed to develop this con- 
 
PARTURIENT SYNCOPE 81 
 
 dition (I say allowed to develop it because it can cer- 
 tainly be prevented) is obtained by frequent vaginal 
 douching with hot water containing just a trace of 
 fluid extract of belladonna. This in conjunction with 
 strychnin or nux vomica administered internally is 
 rational and quite satisfactory. 
 
 PARTURIENT SYNCOPE 
 
 This term, parturient syncope, I would give to a 
 condition occurring with considerable regularity in 
 cows after calving and for which there has hereto- 
 fore been no generally recognized name. 
 
 It is most commonly seen in cows which have given 
 birth to three or four calves, rarely in younger cows, 
 and hardly ever in heifers. It follows both normal 
 and difficult parturition and is apparently not gov- 
 erned by any degree of dystocia or absence thereof. 
 The usual history in these cases is that the cow has 
 been off her feed since she had her calf, a day or two 
 before. In some cases the condition does not become 
 marked until four or five days or even a week after 
 calving. The veterinarian finds the symptoms as fol- 
 lows: 
 
 The patient appears fairly bright; usually the ab- 
 domen is just a trifle "drawn." The temperature, 
 if not normal, is raised but half a degree or so. This 
 is all, if the doctor has been called in the early 
 stages of the condition, and aside from the fact that 
 the cow refuses to eat, nothing more is brought out 
 in the examination. Of course, as a consequence of 
 the anorexia, milk secretion is almost absent. If the 
 owner has not called the veterinarian in the early 
 stages, the latter sees a greater variety of symptoms 
 
82 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 when he is called to a case of this kind later; he finds 
 now what could have been avoided by prompt and 
 appropriate treatment. Dropsical swellings of vary- 
 ing proportions are now present, located first along 
 the front of the trachea and later gravitating down 
 between the forelegs. Constipation and later a diar- 
 rhea appears, and the cow now has a haggard, 
 "anxious" countenance. She appears somewhat stiff 
 and does not care to move about much. The tem- 
 perature is normal or very close to normal. 
 
 The treatment in the early stages of this disease is 
 simple and promptly satisfactory. It begins with a 
 prolonged flushing of the genital tract with very warm 
 antiseptic solution. Every veterinarian has his own 
 favorite antiseptic for such purposes and any one 
 which is non-irritating will do. One such douche, if 
 thoroughly carried out, is all that is necessary in the 
 early stages of this condition. To complete the han- 
 dling of the case, we usually leave a few doses of 
 nux vomica. 
 
 When the cow has been allowed to develop the more 
 severe form of this condition, either through the own- 
 er's procrastination or the veterinarian's treatment,- 
 we have on our hands a very grave case, and one very 
 unsatisfactory to treat. 
 
 The heart muscle has suffered from the effects of 
 the toxin which has been elaborated and slowly ab- 
 sorbed. We are assuming that we have to deal in 
 this condition with a slow, saprophitic infection. We 
 are led to this assumption chiefly because of the pe- 
 culiar progress of the symptoms — namely: the drop- 
 sical swellings in the absence of pyrexia and the 
 almost rheumatic stiffness. 
 
 We begin the treatment in this form as in the 
 milder stages, with very warm antiseptic douches. 
 
PARTURIENT PARESIS 83 
 
 Although the os is usually firmly closed in this stage, 
 the irrigations of the vaginal canal seem to do much 
 good. These douches are to be given several times 
 daily by the owner or attendant. Medical treatment 
 internally consists of spartein sulphate, from twenty 
 to thirty grains three or four times daily for a w^eek, 
 or usually until the dropsical swellings leave. Warm 
 quarters and good nursing help much, and in some 
 cases a dose of mixed bacterins seems to do good. 
 The mortality is very high where the ailment is al- 
 lowed to progress to this stage. 
 
 PARTURIENT PARESIS 
 
 This disease, commonly termed milk fever, is of 
 very frequent occurrence in dairy cows. 
 
 Not so many years ago milk fever was considered 
 a very serious disease; it was usually fatal. Today 
 this disease causes but few deaths. Although the 
 present day treatment of this disease is wholly em- 
 pirical, it is the one disease that the veterinarian can 
 almost invariably handle with success. This is the 
 more astounding when we take into consideration the 
 rapidity with which the disease attacks and the hyper- 
 acute character of its manifestations once it becomes 
 established. In but few other pathological condi- 
 tions do we see such a profound symptomatology occur 
 so precipitately. In a way, the prompt and regular 
 recovery removes the stain of empirics from this treat- 
 ment to a certain degree. There can be not a shadow 
 of doubt but what the present day treatment of par- 
 turient paresis is correct. Even though we understood 
 the pathology of the disease fully, it is not probable 
 that we could make any improvement in the treat- 
 
84 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 ment; at least no improvement that would improve 
 the ultimate effect. 
 
 Parturient paresis, when it occurs in its typical 
 form, is diagnosed ordinarily from the history and 
 circumstances appertaining. Typically the disease 
 makes its appearance from one to a few days after 
 parturition; atypically it appears after the lapse' of 
 a greater number of days, sometime even weeks or 
 months, after parturition, and in a few instances be- 
 fore the close of the period of gestation. When the 
 symptoms of parturient paresis occur before partu- 
 rition, or remotely after it, the term parturient pare- 
 sis can not be used consistently; we would suggest 
 that in this form the disease be given the name of 
 pre-parturient paresis. Whether the pre-parturient 
 form of this disease is the same as the parturient form, 
 pathologically, is a question. It is an established clin- 
 ical fact, however, that the pre-parturient form re- 
 sponds to the same treatment as the parturient. 
 
 To take up in detail the circumstances, periods, va- 
 riations, and clinical phenomena of this disease when 
 it occurs in an atypical form would make a small 
 volume in itself. In the diagnosis of this disease in 
 an atypical form the veterinarian has to rely chiefly 
 on his powers of intuition. In this sense we can find 
 no better word than intuition; that form of diagnostic 
 intuition which comes to the practitioner only after 
 close contact with a number of cases of a given kind 
 in actual practice. To positively diagnose most of the 
 cases of atypical paresis of this form merely from the 
 symptoms and clinical manifestations is an impossi- 
 bility. What is usually termed a snap diagnosis is 
 what is called for here ; the form of diagnosis which 
 old and experienced practitioners become adepts in. 
 A rapid and collective mental assimilation of the evi- 
 
PARTURIENT PARESIS 85 
 
 dent clinical picture, history, circumstances and pre- 
 sumptions; all of which is instantaneously and almost 
 subconsciously tabulated, with previous experience as 
 a guide, and the diagnosis is made. 
 
 Parturient paresis in typical form presents no diffi- 
 culties in diagnosis. It follows an easy parturition 
 with the greatest frequency. This is one of the points 
 to be elicited in the history obtained from the owner 
 or attendant — namely: whether the parturition has 
 been complicated by any degree of dystocia. The dis- 
 ease is rarely, almost never, seen after difficult par- 
 turition. 
 
 The cows affected are almost without exception in 
 good condition and heavy milkers. "While young 
 cows are more frequently affected, the disease also at- 
 tacks aged cows. From twenty-four to seventy-two 
 hours after the birth of the calf is usually the time 
 of attack in the typical form. 
 
 The cow refuses her feed and shows a stiffness or 
 stiltiness in her movements of the hind legs. Within 
 not more than a few hours there are rigors or trem- 
 bling of the posterior muscle groups and the cow is 
 losing the co-ordination of movements in the rear ex- 
 tremities;* she goes "wabbly" behind, and while 
 standing still constantly shifts her weight from leg to 
 leg. From this stage it is only a matter of minutes, 
 or at most an hour, until the animal goes down. Very 
 soon after assuming the recumbent attitude there ap- 
 pear signs of drowsiness, and within another hour or 
 two the cow is in a comatose condition. She fre- 
 quently snores ; the neck is sharply bent on itself with 
 the head resting against the thorax and the animal is 
 not aroused by blows or chastisement. In well marked 
 cases this attitude is maintained in death, which may 
 occur in a few hours if the animal is not properly 
 
86 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 treated; in other cases death is preceded by convul- 
 sions, terminating in opisthotonic position. In most 
 of the cases to which the veterinarian is called the 
 animal is down. 
 
 The early signs of the disease frequently are not 
 observed by the attendant or owner; in other in- 
 stances the disease progresses so rapidly that even if 
 the onset of the disease is observed and recognized 
 the cow goes down before the doctor arrives. He 
 finds the patient in the position which we have just 
 described. There is salivation of varying degree ; the 
 reflexes are abolished almost without exception. In 
 most cases the temperature is decidedly subnormal 
 taken per rectum, running as low as 96 degrees Fahr- 
 enheit in some cases. The history which accompa- 
 nies — namely: calf born a day or two before without 
 trouble, etc. — decides the diagnosis. 
 
 By far the greater number of cases of parturient 
 paresis constitute in themselves the sole complication 
 of the parturition. We mean by this that this dis- 
 ease is only very rarely accompanied by other dis- 
 eases or accidents of pregnancy, such as retention of 
 the after-birth, eversion of the uterus, and other trou- 
 bles. Now t and then a case occurs in company with 
 such conditions, but in rare instances only. 
 
 The prognosis in parturient paresis is favorable as 
 long as there is a spark of life in the cow. We have 
 seen quick recoveries in cases which had every ap- 
 pearance of being moribund. In parturient paresis 
 the veterinarian arrives "too late" only if he arrives 
 when the cow is dead. While it is highly desirable 
 and advantageous that the case be taken in hand as 
 soon as possible after the onset of the attack, hopes 
 for saving the animal's life and usefulness in cases in 
 which treatment has been delayed, should never be 
 
PARTURIENT PARESIS 87 
 
 given up as long as the cow shows signs of life. In 
 this disease the old saying "as long as there is life 
 there is hope" is most fitting. 
 
 We urge haste in beginning the treatment of any 
 attack of parturient paresis; all cases should be 
 treated at once, because of the rapidity with which 
 death approaches at times. But at the same time we 
 desire to caution against a grave or unfavorable prog- 
 nosis in cases in which treatment has not been given 
 promptly. 
 
 We wish to emphasize this point because we have 
 known veterinarians to refuse to treat cases of this 
 disease when treatment had been delayed and the 
 animal appeared to be in a dying condition. 
 
 The treatment of parturient paresis has been a suc- 
 cess since the introduction, by Schmidt, of the potas- 
 sium iodid treatment. Schmidt's treatment has grad- 
 ually been converted into the present day air treat- 
 ment, having taken various steps, from iodid of potash 
 solution to saline solution, to sterile water, to oxygen, 
 and lastly to atmospheric air pressure. As far as it has 
 been possible to ascertain, the effects which are ob- 
 tained are due to pressure exerted on the parts within 
 the udder with which the various agents come in con- 
 tact. But even this is not fully understood ; as we said 
 in beginning the discussion of this disease, the treat- 
 ment is empirical. It has been held that the effect of 
 the treatment was due to the oxygen content of the 
 various agents. This is not in accord with practical 
 evidence, because not much difference is seen in the 
 result whether atmospheric air or pure oxygen gas is 
 injected. 
 
 Today, in this country at least, the treatment of 
 parturient paresis is commonly called the "air treat- 
 ment," and consists in the main of tensely inflating the 
 
88 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 udder with air. Various methods are in vogue for this 
 purpose and one is probably as good as another. Most 
 of the apparatus used for this purpose consists of a rub- 
 ber bulb, rubber tubing, and a milk tube. 
 
 No matter in what stage of the attack the veteri- 
 narian gets the case the treatment is the same. While 
 the veterinarian is preparing an antiseptic solution 
 and assembling his air machine the owner or attendant 
 should milk the udder out thoroughly. Usually there 
 is not much milk present in the udder, but what is 
 there should be milked out thoroughly. The cow is 
 now to be shoved into such a position that the four 
 teats can be handled easily; usually it is sufficient to 
 pull the upper hind leg straight backward. 
 
 The two teats on the under side are to be inflated 
 first. The entire teat is washed with antiseptic solu- 
 tion, paying special attention to the teat orifice, and 
 the milk tube attached to the air apparatus is then 
 inserted. Air is pumped in until the quarter supplying 
 the teat is tensely distended. The tube is then care- 
 fully removed and the same process repeated with each 
 of the remaining teats. 
 
 If the end of the teat is repeatedly pushed into itself 
 until the distention of the teat proper has decreased 
 to a certain extent no more air will escape. To ac- 
 complish this satisfactorily requires some practice but 
 when it is once mastered it proves a good " stunt. " 
 We most emphatically condemn the application of 
 tapes or rubber bands to the teat with the object of 
 preventing the escape of the air. If they are applied 
 sufficiently tight to accomplish the purpose for which 
 they are used they frequently cause trouble. In an 
 experience in practice over a period of more than ten 
 years we have never had an unfavorable sequel di- 
 rectly due to the inflation of the udder, such for in- 
 
PARTURIENT PARESIS 89 
 
 stance as mastitis or teat strictures; and we confess 
 that in many instances we have not taken the anti- 
 septic precautions demanded. We attribute our 
 "luck" to the aversion we have towards tapes and 
 rubber bands for holding the air in the udder. Some 
 of our friends in practice who were using tapes or 
 rubber bands had cases of stricture and mastitis as 
 sequelae at times. 
 
 When all four quarters have been properly inflated 
 it has been the custom to give from a quarter to a 
 grain of strychnin sulphate hypodermically. For some 
 time we have been using atropin sulphate, in doses 
 from a quarter to a half grain, in place of the strych- 
 nin. The result has been a quicker response to the 
 treatment and a more prompt complete recovery. 
 
 When we have given the atropin injection we see 
 to it that the cow is thickly covered with blankets, 
 the object being to hasten the rise of the body tempera- 
 ture to normal, toward which desirable end the atropin 
 injection plays no small part. 
 
 In our experience we have found that when the tem- 
 perature rises to normal the animal is able to get on 
 her feet. In atypical cases the temperature is no guide 
 to the animal's condition. In typical cases the tem- 
 perature is a very reliable guide, so much so with us 
 that, when the temperature approaches normal we con- 
 sider the fight won. After giving the atropin and 
 applying several layers of blankets we take the tem- 
 perature every fifteen minutes. In most cases it be- 
 gins to rise promptly and usually reaches normal be- 
 fore three hours elapse. As the temperature rises the 
 coma lessens, the cow becomes brighter and indulges 
 in frequent acts of normally performed deglutition. 
 
 We do not wait for the cow to arise voluntarily; 
 as soon as she is fairly bright, with a normal or near- 
 
90 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 normal temperature, we urge her at intervals. As 
 soon as she makes a good attempt to arise she is as- 
 sisted by lifting by the tail. When she gains the stand- 
 ing position she is supported until she becomes steady 
 and stands firmly; until she is standing quite firmly 
 she must not be permitted to move about for fear that 
 she may fall. "When she does stand firmly she is left 
 to herself; water may be allowed but no feed for from 
 eight to twelve hours; at the end of that time she may 
 be milked. This concludes the handling of this disease 
 in its usual typical form. 
 
 We will now consider some of the variations, those 
 especially which are of the most frequent occurrence. 
 
 Relapse 
 
 In some cases of parturient paresis, which in the 
 start are apparently typical cases, the cow gives only 
 a very moderate response to the treatment. She be- 
 gins to brighten up some but after an hour or two 
 no further progress has been made. In such cases 
 the best method is to "leave well enough 'alone" for 
 a few hours. If at the end of four or five hours no fur- 
 ther improvement has set in the entire course of treat- 
 ment is to be repeated. In other cases the cow re- 
 sponds to the treatment promptly, gets up on her feet 
 within a few hours and is apparently entirely relieved. 
 After about eight or ten hours she suddenly develops 
 another attack, goes down, and soon falls into a coma- 
 tose state. In cases of this sort the entire treatment 
 is to be repeated, just as though it were an initial at- 
 tack. The response to treatment in relapses of this 
 disease is not so prompt as in primary attacks. 
 
PARTURIENT PARESIS 91 
 
 Pre-parturient Attacks 
 
 The treatment of cases occurring before parturition 
 is exactly the same as that for cases after parturition. 
 
 Eclamptic Symptoms 
 
 In occasional cases of parturient paresis the cow may 
 show symptoms of eclampsia. There is not a very well 
 marked degree of coma ; but instead more or less nerv- 
 ousness, with muscular twitchings. In this form there 
 is a true dysphagia, usually accompanied by spasmodic 
 contractions in the region of the larynx. In typical 
 parturient paresis a certain degree of dysphagia is 
 also present, probably due to the general coma or 
 lifelessness. In the cases presenting eclamptic signs 
 the dysphagia is a true one, apparently due to neurotic 
 hyper-tension. These cases are to be given the air 
 treatment as in typical cases. By no means administer 
 strychnin in this form of the disease. We have seen 
 grave symptoms of strychnin poisoning from a half- 
 grain hypodermic dose in such cases. The atropin 
 injection is ideal for these, and is usually followed 
 by prompt cessation of the nervousness. 
 
 It has been our experience that the cases showing 
 symptoms of eclampsia make the quickest recoveries ; 
 it is only necessary to omit the administration of 
 strychnin. Otherwise the treatment is the same as 
 for the typical cases. 
 
 Complications 
 
 "When parturient paresis occurs in company with 
 such conditions as a retained placenta or an everted 
 uterus no attempt should be made to correct these 
 abnormalities until the treatment for parturient pa- 
 
92 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 resis has been administered. The inflation of the 
 udder and the hypodermatic injection of atropin sul- 
 phate consumes only a few minutes time, after which 
 the correction of the other abnormalities can be under- 
 taken with safety. 
 
 Prevention 
 
 For the prevention of the occurrence of parturient 
 paresis in dairy cows we can offer no remedy. In dif- 
 ferent localities different theories exist in this regard, 
 most of them being particular ideas about feeding be- 
 fore calving, or certain notions about milking the 
 cow before calving. Others consist of laxative treat- 
 ment ante-partum. We have seen the disease occur 
 in spite of all precautions and supposedly preventive 
 measures, and have no great faith in any one or the 
 other. If we had any choice in this regard we would 
 side with the theory which recommends the adminis- 
 tration of a cathartic just before calving. 
 
PATHOGNOMONIC SYMPTOM 93 
 
 A PATHOGNOMONIC SYMPTOM OF FETAL 
 
 DEATH 
 
 It is a common occurrence for the practitioner to be 
 called in attendance on cows heavy in calf and pre- 
 senting symptoms of a somewhat doubtful character. 
 These cases, in cows nearly due to calve, are always 
 important from the standpoint of their effect on the 
 reputation of the attending surgeon. An error in 
 diagnosis and wrong treatment in these cases usually 
 results disastrously for the doctor, even if not for the 
 cow. 
 
 A variety of pathological conditions within the uter- 
 us present very complex symptoms and it requires con- 
 siderable experience to recognize and classify them 
 correctly. There is, however, one symptom in this 
 class of cases which is almost absolutely reliable and 
 can always be depended upon. This is the rapid, some- 
 times chorea-like twitching of the vulva in those cases 
 in which the fetus is dead and undergoing degenerative 
 changes. This twitching of the vulva is also seen in 
 other diseases, but, in cows nearing the end of the 
 period of gestation it is a sure diagnostic sign of fetal 
 death when accompanied by fever, anorexia and other 
 usual symptoms. 
 
 For many years I have not hesitated to base my 
 diagnosis of fetal death on this sign and I have never 
 yet been deceived by it. Remember I say this sign 
 is reliable when the fetus is dead and undergoing de- 
 generative changes. 
 
 I have not been able to test its reliability in other 
 animals than cows, in fact, am not sure whether it is 
 a symptom in other animals. However, in the cow I 
 have so much confidence in this sign that I never hesi- 
 
94 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 late to begin preparations for delivering the calf at 
 once when this symptom is present, and in every case 
 I find a pntrid fetus. This sign is donbly valuable as 
 an aid to diagnosis of these cases because, usually, a 
 putrid fetus is retained; only rarely is a putrid fetus 
 expelled spontaneously at the end of the period of 
 gestation. All practitioners recognize the gravity of 
 this condition. 
 
 It must, of course, be understood that this diagnostic 
 sign is in reference to those cases in which the fetus 
 dies and begins to degenerate while the os is still 
 closed. It would be of no value and has no bearing 
 on cases of fetal death resulting at the close of the 
 gestation period from dystocia. 
 
 RABIES 
 
 Rabies is not a common disease of dairy cattle. 
 When it does occur the diagnosis is made with little 
 difficulty ordinarily; because a good history of the 
 manner of infection, almost without exception a dog 
 bite, can usually be obtained. 
 
 The period of incubation in this disease is quite 
 variable, depending upon the amount of virus that has 
 been deposited, the virulency of the virus, the resist- 
 ance of the patient, and the location of the wound. 
 The period of incubation is shortest, other things be- 
 ing equal, when the bite is inflicted on the head ; ani- 
 mals bitten on the extremities take a longer time to 
 develop the symptoms of the disease. Probably in no 
 case, however, does the period of incubation exceed 
 three months; belief is no longer held in excessively 
 long periods of incubation in this disease. Now that 
 the infective organism has been recognized we may 
 expect positive data on this point in the near future. 
 
RABIES 95 
 
 The diagnosis of rabies clinically can be made with 
 reasonable certainty by many experienced practition- 
 ers. A positive diagnosis is possible only by laboratory 
 methods. In cattle rabies occurs almost wholly in the 
 furious form; cases of paralytic rabies have been re- 
 ported in cattle only a few times. 
 
 Nearly always the first symptom in cows is general 
 restlessness; the animal moves forward and backward, 
 or stamps; shakes the head, gets up and lies down at 
 short intervals. Every few minutes small quantities 
 of urine and feces are passed, and the cow acts much 
 as when in heat. Now she begins to bellow furiously, 
 persisting sometimes for a quarter to half an hour 
 without a stop. 
 
 The eyes are excessively dilated, with the conjunc- 
 tiva markedly injected and the vessels on the sclera 
 prominent. The expression of the face is that of a 
 combination of fear and anger, an expression that is 
 characteristic of the disease, and which experienced 
 practitioners recognize as readily as the expression 
 of the face in equine tetanus. (In some cases there 
 is some pruritus before other symptoms develop, but 
 we have seen only occasionally itching and rubbing 
 of the location of the wound through which the infec- 
 tion entered. While this may be a regular symptom 
 in other animals we have almost never seen it in our 
 experience with this disease in cattle.) 
 
 The cow, if confined, soon begins to make attempts 
 to free herself; she plunges backward and forward, 
 rears up, and performs other acts of violence. If 
 other animals or persons approach her she makes furi- 
 ous attempts to attack them. If an object, such as 
 a broom or stick of wood is held in front of her she 
 fiercely bunts it with her head and grasps it v T ith the 
 teeth if permitted to do so. 
 
96 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 If the animal is in pasture or yard she races about, 
 pawing up the earth, and rushing wildly at all who 
 approach. Evidently there is no true hydrophobia 
 (or fear of water) for cows affected with rabies will 
 plunge into creeks, tanks, or other receptacles for 
 water. They are unable to drink, however, because of 
 well-marked dysphagia. 
 
 Later, these spells of ferocity, which in the begin- 
 ning are of short duration become more prolonged 
 and recur at shorter intervals. In all from six to 
 twelve hours are spent in this actively furious stage. 
 The symptoms then become somewhat milder ; the cow 
 shows some lack of co-ordination in movement ; there 
 is now ptosis of one or both lids, and general evidences 
 of both nerve and muscular exhaustion. After a few 
 hours of staggering about she goes down, lying in odd 
 positions and struggling in convulsions, sometimes for 
 hours, before death comes. 
 
 In our cases the whole course of the disease, from 
 initial signs to termination in death, rarely required 
 more than thirty-six or forty-eight hours. 
 
 The treatment of rabies is considered hopeless once 
 it develops; the only hope lies in prophylaxsis. Sev- 
 eral of the manufacturers of biologicals now have fa- 
 cilities for supplying veterinarians with the preventive 
 treatment of Pasteur ; the inoculation for each day is 
 sent by mail in the order in which it is to be used. 
 While the treatment is too expensive for common cows 
 we recommend it in valuable animals that have been 
 attacked by rabid dogs. Animals showing symptoms 
 of rabies should either be permitted to develop the 
 disease fully so that the diagnosis may be made reason- 
 ably certain by clinical means, or they should be im- 
 mediately destroyed and the head submitted to the 
 laboratory for diagnosis. Either of these procedures 
 
PARTIAL RETENTION OF SECUNDINES 97 
 
 makes it possible for persons who have exposed them- 
 selves to infection by handling the animal or who have 
 been bitten, to act according to, the findings. Either 
 they should submit themselves to the Pasteur treat- 
 ment at once or, if the diagnosis is negative, "forget 
 it." "Where there are no laboratory facilities, to de- 
 stroy the animal before the disease has developed 
 fully, so that it can be diagnosed clinically, is a display 
 of poor judgment. 
 
 EFFECTS OF PARTIAL RETENTION OF 
 SECUNDINES 
 
 When a considerable portion of the fetal envelopes 
 is permanently retained in the uterus of the cow patho- 
 logical conditions of various forms develop. 
 
 A portion of the after-birth may be retained in the 
 uterus when the cow apparently "cleans" in a normal 
 manner. In other instances portions of the membranes 
 are left in the uterus when the after-birth is extracted 
 manually by inexperienced persons, or even by veteri- 
 narians. 
 
 The custom of attaching weights to the protruding 
 portion of the after-birth with the object of hastening 
 its expulsion usually results in only, partial removal 
 of the membranes and the retention of a greater or 
 less amount thereof. 
 
 The most frequent results of a partial retention of 
 the secundines are the following: 
 
 1. Uterine Catarrh. 
 
 2. Cachexia. 
 
 3. Pyo-metra. 
 
 4. Sterility. 
 
98 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 Catarrh — When the portion retained is relatively 
 small there follows usually a catarrhal uterine dis- 
 charge which persists indefinitely. The character of 
 this discharge varies from a mucous or slimy fluid re- 
 sembling the lochial discharge to a discharge of pure 
 pus streaked with blood. 
 
 This discharge usually makes its escape when the 
 cow is in the recumbent position, several ounces being 
 emitted daily in some cases. The cow's tail and es- 
 cutcheon are soiled with the fluid, which later dries 
 and forms a mat of filth. The discharge has a putrid 
 odor and usually cows suffering from this condition 
 can be detected in a herd by this odor alone. 
 
 In other instances the discharge escapes only at in- 
 tervals of two or three weeks, usually about at the 
 normal periods of estrum. While the general condition 
 and well-being of the cow is not affected to any ex- 
 tent as long as the condition confines itself to a 
 catarrhal affection, cows so affected should be consid- 
 ered as giving impure milk. The milk from cows so 
 affected is unfit for human consumption if from no 
 other standpoint than an esthetic one. 
 
 Cows suffering from catarrhal conditions of the 
 uterus as the result of partial retention of the secun- 
 dines frequently become sterile. 
 
 The treatment of the condition in this form is no 
 more rewarded with satisfactory results than are the 
 more severe forms, such as when the condition results 
 in cachexia and pus collections, for instance. If the 
 veterinarian is called in while the os is yet sufficiently 
 dilated to admit the insertion of an irrigating tube and 
 the proper drawing off of the fluid, he may be able 
 to obtain fairly good and prompt results from irri- 
 gations with warm chinosol solutions of about 1 to 
 2,000 strength. 
 
PARTIAL RETENTION OF SECUNDINES 99 
 
 These irrigations must be copious, and should be 
 repeated two or three times daily as long as it is pos- 
 sible to enter the tube and properly drain out the solu- 
 tion. If doubt exists about being able to thoroughly 
 siphon off the fluid which it is intended to inject the 
 injections had better not be given. The retention of 
 quantities of antiseptic solutions, or even sterile water, 
 may evoke sufficient irritation and straining to pro- 
 duce severe complications; such, for instance, as vag- 
 inal prolapse. Usually the veterinarian does not get 
 the case until the os has contracted so that the opening 
 will barely admit a small finger. In that case we do 
 not advise the use of the antiseptic irrigations, and it 
 is extremely doubtful whether any form of treatment 
 is of actual benefit. The effect of remedial agents ad- 
 ministered orally is very uncertain and hardly worth 
 the trouble. 
 
 Cachexia. — In some cases resulting from a partial re- 
 tention of the after-birth we see very well-marked 
 systemic effects. The cow slowly loses weight and 
 gradually wastes away. At the end of several months 
 she is a weak, wabbly critter with a staring coat and 
 general unthrifty appearance. She has become a 
 "boarder/' giving little or no milk; as a rule she is 
 barren. If she is carefully fed she may eventually re- 
 gain some semblance of her former condition. In most 
 instances, however, if she does not develop an acute 
 attack of pyo-metra and die, she is sold to the butcher. 
 
 Treatment is far from satisfactory. If antiseptic 
 irrigations of the uterus are possible they can be used 
 with some benefit. Tonics and good feed help some. 
 In occasional cases mixed bacterins seem to do much 
 good. 
 
 Many of these cases apparently respond nicely to 
 treatment at first, then suddenly relapse. Soon they 
 
100 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 reach such a weakened condition that they remain 
 recnmbent, dying from decubitus before many days. 
 
 Pyo-metra. — In another class of cases resulting from 
 the same cause we see violent, acute symptoms of pus 
 absorption after varied intervals. In these cases the 
 contents of the uterus have no doubt been transformed 
 into a sea of pus. We have repeatedly seen this dem- 
 onstrated post-mortem. 
 
 For several weeks the cow has been exhibiting signs 
 of a partial retention of the after-birth ; there has been 
 some discharge from the uterus of a muco-purulent 
 character and the cow has not been thriving. Now she 
 shows unmistakable signs of serious illness; a rigor, 
 with a temperature of perhaps 105 to 106 degrees Fah- 
 renheit. The respirations are shallow and quite irregu- 
 lar; probably ten or twelve rapid respiratory move- 
 ments are seen, and then a few are performed more 
 slowly, and so on. The appetite is lacking and the cow 
 moans at intervals. She stands somewhat "humped 
 up," and does not care to move about much. The 
 lower commissure of the vulva and the tail over the 
 vulva are soiled with discharges and matted filth. A 
 quite characteristic odor prevails, and when the ani- 
 mal lies down, purulent fluid escapes from the vulva. 
 Death may occur in from one to three or four days, 
 or the cow may survive the attack, becoming a "liv- 
 ing skeleton" at the end of several weeks. 
 
 Aside from irrigating the uterus when it can be 
 done, the treatment is wholly symptomatic. 
 
 Sterility. — Pathological conditions caused by a par- 
 tial retention of the after-birth very frequently ter- 
 minate in barenness. Even in very mild catarrhal 
 forms of such conditions it is frequently a very difficult 
 matter to get the cow in calf again; usually several 
 services are required and the animal does not con- 
 
ALOPECIA AREATA 101 
 
 ceive until the catarrhal condition has been terminated. 
 In some instances the sterility is temporary in char- 
 acter, depending probably upon the relative activity 
 of the diseased condition within the uterus; after one 
 or two seasons of barrenness the cow will again be- 
 come pregnant. Many cases, however, terminate in 
 permanent worthlessness of the cow for breeding or 
 dairy purposes. 
 
 ALOPECIA AREATA 
 
 This is a condition characterized by the falling out 
 of the hair in irregular spots on various parts of the 
 body. 
 
 The condition deserves mention in this treatise only 
 for the reason that valuable breeding or show animals 
 are apt to be disfigured by the affection to such an 
 extent that their market or showing qualities are in- 
 jured. 
 
 Alopecia areata appears as a purely local disease ; no 
 systemic derangement is noticed. It begins with 
 the appearance of small, rounded bald areas, which 
 first appear on the neck and shoulders as a rule. 
 Gradually these bald areas enlarge in size, and fresh 
 spots appear in other regions also. The skin is ap- 
 parently normal, at least nothing in the form of a 
 skin lesion per se can be detected. In aggravated 
 cases the bald areas may reach great dimensions ; bare 
 patches of the size of two hands are not unusual. 
 
 The treatment of this disease is wholly empirical. 
 In some cases we have obtained fine results from mas- 
 saging the bald areas with pure cajuput oil, while at 
 the same time a course of alterative treatment was 
 given internally. We can recommend no treatment 
 
102 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 which gives constantly uniform results. Many cases 
 resist all forms of treatment and the condition goes 
 on in spite of anything which may be done. Until the 
 pathology of this disease is more fully understood we 
 can hope to make but little progress along the lines 
 of curative treatment. 
 
 HERPES TONSURANS 
 
 This is an affection of the skin. It is commonly 
 known as "ring-worm." 
 
 The form of ring-worm disease which is the most 
 common in cattle is slightly different from that in 
 other animals as regards clinical manifestations. It 
 is characterized by the appearance of layers of bark- 
 like, or almost wart-like, formations on various parts 
 of the body. 
 
 The parts of the body most frequently involved are 
 the head, croup, anal and vulvar region, and withers. 
 
 The disease commonly is infectious and trans- 
 missible in nature, usually affecting a number of ani- 
 mals in the herd. It is transmissible to man also, and 
 the caretaker of infected animals not infrequently 
 develops the disease. It is presumed that the infection 
 is spread by currycombs and brushes and similar 
 agencies. The disease is slightly more prevalent in 
 young cattle than in old ones, and occurs under all 
 conditions of housing as well as at pasture. 
 
 The first recognizable manifestation of this malady 
 consists of the appearance of very small, hard and 
 rounded, wart-like nodules. They may make their ap- 
 pearance on various parts of the body simultaneously ; 
 usually, however, the different locations become in- 
 volved successively. In this stage there is some pru- 
 
HERPES TONSURANS 103 
 
 ritus, which the animal demonstrates by rubbing the 
 part on posts and other objects. 
 
 In the course of three or four weeks the nodules in- 
 crease to a considerable size. They are no longer 
 rounded, but now appear irregularly flattened and 
 raised on the normal skin surface. Their color is of a 
 greyish, ashlike tint, and their thickness sometimes 
 exceeds half an inch. In the anal and vulvar region 
 they usually assume a very irregular outline and fre- 
 quently occur in clusters in these locations. 
 
 The immediate outer edge of the formation is usual- 
 ly free, and a considerable portion can be jerked loose 
 without disclosing any vascular basic attachments. We 
 frequently have seen these bark-like formations assume 
 the size of the hand. 
 
 The disease evidently interferes in some manner 
 with the nutrition, because the animals affected lose 
 some weight, almost invariably. This impairment of 
 the usual well-being can hardly be attributed to the 
 irritation which exists because, as a rule, after the 
 nodular stage has been passed there is apparently lit- 
 tle or no pruritus. 
 
 The treatment of this form of ring-worm disease 
 is quite satisfactory. Those of the formations that are 
 quite loose are forcibly removed and the underlying 
 active base is then painted twice daily with pure iodin 
 tincture. A week of these paintings terminates the 
 trouble here. 
 
 The formations which can not be safely extracted 
 because of extensive contact with the dermal tissues 
 are to be soaked several times daily with olive oil to 
 which a small proportion of volatile oil has been added. 
 After five to seven days of these oil soakin^s most of 
 the formation can be removed without trouble. The 
 exposed active area is then submitted to the iodin treat- 
 ment twice daily until cured. 
 
104 SPECIAL CATTLE. THERAPY 
 
 In all cases under treatment careful examination of 
 the entire skin should be made frequently with the 
 object of locating* fresh foci in the nodular form. 
 
 When some of the formations occur on the upper 
 eyelid, where the iodin applications can not be made, 
 powdered iodoform is pressed into the active area 
 after the growths have been removed. 
 
 In all cases it is well to apply the iodin over an area 
 considerably larger than the seat of the trouble. 
 
 Ring-worm disease should be considered by the vet- 
 erinarian as a transmissible affection. Animals which 
 have the disease should not be permitted to mingle 
 with the herd in yard or pasture, and separate curry- 
 combs and brushes should be used for them. 
 
 If the disease is well established in the herd when 
 the veterinarian assumes charge he should order the 
 disinfection of the stable and then have all posts or 
 other rubbing places either white-washed or painted. 
 If prophylactic measures are ignored it may prove a 
 difficult matter to stamp out the infection. As one 
 case heals up another breaks out, and almost all of the 
 herd may develop some degree of the trouble. 
 
ANTE PARTUM VAGINAL PROLAPSE 105 
 
 ANTEPARTUM VAGINAL PROLAPSE 
 
 This affection is not rare in dairy practice. 
 
 It occurs only in cows which have given birth to 
 several calves; never (or exceedingly rarely) in heif- 
 ers. 
 
 The condition occurs usually in a very typical man- 
 ner, the only variation in a given number of cases be- 
 ing the extent to which the vagina protrudes outside 
 the vulva. This varies from a mass the size of an 
 orange, consisting of the vaginal floor, to complete 
 eversion of the vagina as far as the cervix or os uteri. 
 
 The trouble first makes its appearance as a rounded, 
 pinkish mass which can be seen forcing itself between 
 the lips of the vulva when the cow is lying down. 
 When the cow is standing the mass falls back into nor- 
 mal position and can no longer be seen ; nor is it pos- 
 sible, with the cow in the standing position, to detect 
 the abnormality at this stage by vaginal examination. 
 
 In some cases the condition does not change much, 
 remaining as a small protrusion of the vaginal floor, 
 that is visible only when the cow lies down. It is 
 terminated with parturition. In other instances, how- 
 ever, the case gradually increases in severity, the 
 mass which protrudes slowly assumes greater dimen- 
 sions; until towards the approach of parturition it 
 causes some concern. From contact with the floor or 
 edge of the gutter the mass becomes eroded in places. 
 This causes the entire vaginal mucosa to become the 
 seat of a low-grade inflammation. The eroded surfaces 
 have been converted into foul-smelling ulcers, with 
 the result that the cow strains frequently so that the 
 mass now makes its appearance outside the vulva even 
 when the cow is standing. If the cow does not give 
 
106 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 birth to her calf prematurely in these aggravated cases 
 there is at least danger of an eversion of the uterus 
 after parturition. 
 
 In a small proportion of these cases the parturition 
 proceeds normally without any accompanying mishaps, 
 but the vaginal prolapse persists. In such cases the 
 prolapse sometimes becomes more extensive than be- 
 fore parturition and the constant straining finally is 
 the cause of adding a degree of rectal eversion to the 
 trouble. Only recently we saw a case of this kind. 
 
 This cow had had a moderate vaginal prolapse be- 
 fore calving. This persisted after calving and within 
 ten days increased to complete eversion of the vagina 
 to the os uteri, and an accompanying eversion of the 
 rectum, protruding four or five inches outside the 
 anus. 
 
 In very mild forms of this condition no treatment 
 is required. The cow does not seem to be inconven- 
 ienced in any other respect and usually the trouble 
 ends with parturition. If it is seen, however, that the 
 mass is increasing in size treatment should not be de- 
 layed. 
 
 Before an intelligent treatment can be applied it is 
 absolutely essential that the veterinarian make a care- 
 ful vaginal and rectal examination. In this examina- 
 tion we attempt to locate an abnormality in the region 
 which might be responsible for the condition. 
 
 First among these abnormalities stand concretions 
 or a catarrhal condition in the sub-urethral diverticu- 
 lum. Removal of exciting concretions or catarrhal dis- 
 charges from the diverticulum, with following irriga- 
 tions of mild astringent and antiseptic solutions satis- 
 factorily terminate some cases. 
 
 In other instances an ulcerative condition in the 
 rectum is the direct cause. This must be found ; usual- 
 
ANTE PARTUM VAGINAL PROLAPSE 107 
 
 ly it is not far from the anus. (In one case we saw a 
 necro-ulcerative area affecting the rectal mucosa the 
 size of a small hand.) This must be thoroughly cleaned 
 and cauterized; laxatives and tonics prescribed and 
 rectal irrigations persisted in until the area is healed. 
 The vaginal prolapse disappears with the healing of 
 the rectal lesion. 
 
 Where neither the rectal trouble nor abnormalities 
 in the sub-urethral fossa are found, good results fre- 
 quently come from aiming treatment at vesical tenes- 
 mus. Stramonium gives the best results in half-dram 
 doses three times daily. A few doses of salol, about 
 a dram each, in the beginning help to hasten results. 
 
 In still other cases the most careful and thorough 
 examination fails to disclose the cause of the pro- 
 lapse and the condition resists all treatment; but in 
 these and in fact in all cases acetanilid, in rather small 
 doses (one to three drams) every three hours is some- 
 times markedly palliative and will hold the straining 
 in abeyance until the normal time for parturition ar- 
 rives; when help must be given the animal to enable 
 her to deliver the fetus. Usually the acetanilid will 
 need to be given only every fourth to seventh day to 
 prevent straining. 
 
 In all cases, no matter what the abnormality pro- 
 ducing the condition, the veterinarian must not neg- 
 lect to treat the lesions in the vagina, such as ulcers 
 or other injuries resulting from contact of the mass 
 with the floor while the cow has been recumbent. 
 
 When eversion of the vagina occurs in a marked de- 
 gree in an aged cow in unthrifty condition it is, as a 
 rule, a good plan to consign the animal to the can- 
 nery. In the event that the owner requests that some- 
 thing be done in such instances the treatment must in- 
 clude measures aimed at the restoration of the general 
 
108 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 well-being, such as suitable tonic treatment, highly nu- 
 tritious feeds and sanitary quarters. In most cases 
 of this disease in old cows, however, the trouble and 
 expense of treatment render inadvisable the attempt 
 at a cure, that, even in exceptional cases, is usually 
 only temporary or partial. The treatment of ante- 
 partum vaginal prolapse requires the exercise of good 
 judgment, from an economic standpoint, in many in- 
 stances. 
 
 EVERSION OF THE UTERUS 
 
 Eversion of the uterus is always a very serious con- 
 dition in cows. A complete eversion of the uterus pre- 
 sents a most discouraging spectacle and in all veter- 
 inary practice there is no condition presenting an ana- 
 tomical displacement of more formidable proportions. 
 
 There seems to be no fixed rule or combination of cir- 
 cumstances for the occurrence of this accident in cows. 
 The condition has been seen in range cattle as well as 
 in dairy cattle. One possible explanation of an excit- 
 ing cause might be an exceptionally heavy, and at the 
 same time, completely attached placenta which induces 
 excessive post-partum, expulsive acts. 
 
 Aside from this I can point to no particular direct 
 cause for this condition. In my experience most of 
 these cases show eversion with the placenta firmly at- 
 tached ; now and then an eversion occurs in which the 
 after-birth has come off. I can recall several cases to 
 which I was called wherein the cow was straining ab- 
 normally, apparently in an effort to expel the secun- 
 dines, which I am positive would have ultimately ter- 
 minated in complete eversion of the uterus if their re- 
 moval had not been promptly accomplished by manual 
 
EVERSION OF THE UTERUS 109 
 
 extraction. In these cases eversion had already start- 
 ed ; removal of the after-birth with proper flushing and 
 swabbing immediately put an end to the trouble. 
 
 The mortality in eversion of the uterus is governed 
 by two chief causes. One is shock ; the other infection. 
 But here again no fixed rule can be considered. Those 
 of us who have seen many of these cases can recall 
 deaths with the best of care and recoveries with the 
 most outrageous handling. I recall one instance which 
 was somewhat of a knocker to me when I first began 
 practice. A farmer had a case of eversion of the 
 uterus in a cow shortly before I located for practice. 
 He "merely put it back in," hair, chaff, manure and 
 everything else with it. The cow recovered without 
 missing a feed. Some time after I located in his vicim 
 ity he had another similar case and, like a good fellow, 
 called me. I spent ten or fifteen minutes cleaning up 
 the mass with every antiseptic precaution and delicacy 
 before replacing it and gave the cow every care. She 
 died in two or three days. I remember a number of 
 similar incidents. 
 
 However, this is no reason why we should allow our- 
 selves to ignore scrupulous cleanliness in treating 
 these cases. I merely mention it to show that recovery 
 or death is not controlled by set rules. All we can 
 reasonably say is that undoubtedly death was due to 
 shock if the death occurred a relatively short time 
 after the eversion took place, say, not more than ten 
 or twelve hours. ' If the death occurred after a num- 
 ber of days the cows no doubt succumbed to infection. 
 To attempt to prognosticate this cause of probable 
 death is evidence of a lack of experience with these 
 cases. 
 
 The treatment or handling of a case of this kind in 
 a tactful, and at the same time, successful manner, re- 
 
110 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 quires the exercise of much good judgment on the 
 veterinarian's part. In addition to this good judg- 
 ment the veterinarian must "keep cool." Veterina- 
 rians who never use a cuss-word at other times usually 
 "cuss" just a little when they are engaged in correct- 
 ing an eversion of the uterus. 
 
 My plan of handling these cases is about as follows : 
 
 I start with a hypodermic injection of morphin sul- 
 phate, from four to six grains. I have a twofold pur- 
 pose in this morphin injection. The first is to overcome 
 sensibility to a certain extent ; the second is to counter- 
 act shock. Morphin is now considered the most scien- 
 tific remedy for combating existing shock. 
 
 Having given the morphin injection I proceed to 
 remove the after-birth if it is still attached. When this 
 has been accomplished an attempt is made to cleanse 
 the organ itself. When I say "an attempt is made" 
 I mean that I do not go to extremes in this part of 
 the performance. I have a pail full of antiseptic solu- 
 tion into which I repeatedly dip the hands, slushing 
 the contents wherever any foreign matter is seen on 
 the parts. With a pail full of solution the cleaning can 
 be accomplished thoroughly enough for all practical 
 purposes. A clean sheet or rubber apron is placed 
 under the uterus to keep it clean after the washing is 
 completed. 
 
 Up to this point in the proceedings no difficulties 
 of moment are encountered. Now they begin. 
 
 I make strenuous efforts to get the cow on her feet 
 in every case after I get through cleaning up the uter- 
 us, in those cases in which she is lying down. If she 
 is standing up, of course, one is that much ahead. It 
 is not always, possible to get the cow up, but it pays to 
 make considerable effort to get her to arise because, 
 if one succeeds in bringing her to her feet the reposi- 
 
EVERSION OF THE UTERUS 111 
 
 lion of the mass is rendered fully fifty per cent easier. 
 
 During the time that the cow is being urged to get 
 up, and when she is in the act of getting up, the uterus 
 must be protected from again becoming soiled. This 
 is best done by wrapping it entirely in the sheet or 
 rubber apron. When the standing position has been 
 attained have the cow moved in such a way that the 
 fore-quarters will be considerably lower than the hind. 
 This is not absolutely essential, but it helps to make 
 the replacement easier. 
 
 With an attendant holding the tail out of the way 
 and another man supporting the mass in the sheet or 
 apron, the veterinarian begins the inversion by firmly 
 grasping around the portion closest to the vulva with 
 both hands and forcing it firmly, yet not roughly, into 
 the vulva. At the same time the attendant holding 
 the pendant portion of the mass should "follow up" 
 with it. When the veterinarian has the portion in his 
 grasp forced into the vulva opening, he must not re- 
 lease his grip at once, but slowly, with a sort of "feed- 
 ing in" motion, and all the time holding in place by 
 forward pressure what he has already replaced, he 
 grasps again with both hands. Sometimes, if the cow 
 strains severely, only one hand at a time is changed for 
 a new grasp. This is repeatedly gone through until 
 enough of the mass has been pushed in so that the 
 attendant finds he has nothing left to hold. The veter- 
 inarian now places the doubled fist of one hand in the 
 center of the mass still outside of the canal and by ap- 
 propriate pressure completes the inversion, following 
 in the full length of his arm and straightening out the 
 "kinks" as much as possible. The pushing, during the 
 entire process, must be done during the straining in- 
 tervals ; that is, while the cow is in the act of straining 
 the veterinarian holds his ground. Then, just at the 
 
112 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 moment when the cow relaxes from each strain, is the 
 time to accomplish something. 
 
 This I have found the best and safest method for in- 
 verting an everted uterus. I have tried other meth- 
 ods, such as have been recommended from time to 
 time by various writers, but find this the best. 
 
 If one fails to get the cow on her feet he is com- 
 pelled to accomplish his object in a very awkward and 
 tiresome position, and usually to complete the reposi- 
 tion, must lie flat. Besides, the resistance to inversion 
 is greater in the recumbent position. In the stand- 
 ing position the last portion of the mass literally falls 
 into place. 
 
 In some cases matters are expedited considerably 
 by smearing the vulva and its surroundings thickly 
 with vaseline. 
 
 When inversion has been accomplished nothing in 
 the line of a retaining appliance is necessary if the cow 
 is standing up at the time. Straining after reposition 
 is usually due to "kinks," and will not occur if the 
 cow is standing at the time of the replacement. If 
 the cow is down at the time of replacement it is a 
 difficult matter to properly straighten these "kinks" 
 and straining usually occurs. 
 
 Even in the latter cases I use no retaining appli- 
 ances. I make ever effort to get the cow on her feet 
 as soon as the organ is in place and then have her 
 placed with the hindquarters raised. 
 
 Sutures through the vulva, rope trusses and other 
 appliances have little value. I never use them. When 
 a cow strains after I have replaced the mass I know 
 that there is still a portion of it being pinched by a 
 partial inversion. If it cannot be reached with the 
 hand and forced into normal position the best plan 
 is to pump the cavity full of warm antiseptic solution. 
 
STRANGUARY FROM CONCRETIONS 113 
 
 The straining will stop as soon as the "kinks" 
 straighten out. 
 
 Tonics are to be given as after-treatment, and al- 
 ways a prophylactic dose of mixed bacterius to fore- 
 stall infection. The treatment of various complica- 
 tions or sequelae is left to the professional judgment 
 of the attending veterinarian. 
 
 STRANGUARY FROM CONCRETIONS IN THE 
 SUBURETHRAL DIVERTICULUM 
 
 This is a condition which occurs in cows of mod- 
 erate and old age and may become evident in some 
 cases within a month or two after a difficult parturi- 
 tion. The latter form is probably the result of uterine 
 discharges or debris, such as hair, being forced into 
 the diverticulum during the difficult labor and acting 
 as an excitant to its lining membrane. The resulting 
 catarrhal excretions collect around the debris as a 
 nucleus, forming sometimes in the course of two 
 months, a concrete mass of the size of a hen egg. 
 
 In other instances the concretion may be due to 
 ihe collection and inspissation of catarrhal discharges 
 from no particular cause. 
 
 These concretions have the appearance of and are of 
 nearly the consistency of coffee grounds. Here and 
 there in the mass can be seen white flakes which are 
 somewhat firmer than the other portions. 
 
 The elaboration and retention of concretions in the 
 suburethral diverticulum produces no objective symp- 
 toms until the mass has attained sufficient dimension 
 to interfere with the exit of urine from the urethra. 
 When this stage has been reached the cow does not 
 urinate quite as freely as she should; she requires a 
 
114 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 little more time than usual to complete the act, and 
 instead of the normal gushing flow it is seen that the 
 urine comes in spurts, an ounce or two at a time. This 
 may go on for several weeks without attracting much 
 attention from the owner, and without increasing in 
 severity to any great extent. 
 
 This condition persists for a variable period depend- 
 ing upon the rapidity with which the mass is growing 
 in size, and then it suddenly assumes an alarming char- 
 acter. The veterinarian is called and he finds a case 
 about as follows: 
 
 The cow appears in acute pain, constantly getting 
 up and lying down. When up, she paws and kicks 
 at the abdomen. She ignores her feed. So far it 
 looks like a case of colic. It is now noticed that a 
 very thin stream of urine is almost constantly escap- 
 ing from the vulva. Every few moments the cow as- 
 sumes the position for micturition but the stream of 
 urine which she succeeds in ejecting is very small. 
 The vulva is agape and appears congested. 
 
 As the symptoms now point to a local trouble in 
 the vagina the veterinarian makes an examination 
 here. The hand is passed in, and when it has entered 
 as far as the knuckles the finger tips come in contact 
 with what at first is taken for some sort of a cauli- 
 flower growth. It seems to stick straight upwards 
 and backwards and is movable. While the fingers are 
 feeling for anatomical land-marks a jet of urine shoots 
 up from behind the enlargement and the diagnosis is 
 readily made. If the hand is passed into the vaginal 
 canal somewhat deeper the veterinarian discovers that 
 the bladder is filled to the limit of its capacity. 
 
 The treatment consists of mechanical removal of 
 the concretions. Usually it is necessary to begin the 
 removal with a blunt curette. After a good start has 
 
DOUGLASS' POUCH CYST 115 
 
 been made with the curette the removal can be com- 
 pleted with the finger. 
 
 Immediately the mass has been removed the cow 
 urinates normally and begins to eat. All signs of 
 acute pain disappear instantly, although the cow may 
 strain slightly for some time. A few small doses of 
 fluid extract of stramonium suffice to overcome the lat- 
 ter. Stramonium seems to have a selective action on 
 the parts responsible for symptoms referable to ves- 
 ical irritation. 
 
 DOUGLASS' POUCH CYST 
 
 Cyst formation in the loose tissues between the 
 rectum and vagina is a pathological condition which 
 occurs chiefly in young cows and heifers. Unless the 
 veterinarian is a close observer and makes it a rule to 
 include a rectal examination in his diagnostic efforts, 
 especially in cases pointing towards bowel trouble, he 
 frequently fails to recognize the exact manifestations 
 of this condition. A superficial system of diagnosis 
 usually confuses the symptoms of a cyst in the pouch 
 of Douglass with colic. 
 
 A cyst in this region may attain enormous dimen- 
 sions, containing on occasions a gallon of fluid. No 
 symptoms are produced, however, until the cyst has 
 assumed such size that it mechanically interferes with 
 defecation or micturition. 
 
 When this stage has been reached the veterinarian 
 is usually called in,* and he finds the animal present- 
 ing some symptoms of an ordinary colic. There are 
 some points of differentiation, hoivever. The chief 
 one is that the cow keeps her tail raised almost con- 
 stantly, and repeatedly strains, apparently in attempts 
 at defecation. No feces are passed, however, and if 
 
116 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 the case is of long standing or has been neglected, 
 there may be the beginning of an eversion of the rec- 
 tum. 
 
 The cow is considerably distressed, breathing rapid- 
 ly, and sometimes moaning while in the act of strain- 
 ing. She stands up and lies down at intervals, and 
 when lying down she usually stretches out, flat on her 
 side, moaning and straining. In nearly all cases there 
 is a marked degree of tympanites. 
 
 The diagnosis can be made only from examination 
 per rectum. When the hand is passed into the rec- 
 tum it will not enter more than the length of the fin- 
 gers, or, at most, to the wrist. The floor of the rectum 
 is pushed up in the form of a smoothly rounded swell- 
 ing so that it is in contact with the sacral region. The 
 first thought which this arouses in the surgeon's mind 
 is of a fully distended urinary bladder. However, 
 when he passes the catheter and withdraws the urine 
 from the bladder, he discovers that the swelling in 
 the rectum has not diminished a particle. The diag- 
 nosis of a cyst is therefore certain and the treatment 
 comes up for consideration. 
 
 The treatment of these cases is entirely surgical and 
 is confined to tapping the cyst, allowing the contents 
 to escape. In most cases the cyst content is a watery, 
 yellowish, odorless fluid ; if it were not free from odor 
 it might pass for urine as far as appearance goes. 
 
 The best results are obtained by tapping the cyst 
 through the floor of the rectum. A trocar and canula 
 and a piece of rubber tubing is all that is required. 
 The best trocar for this purpose is an ordinary horse 
 trocar, such as is used in tapping the cecum. The 
 rubber tubing should be of such calibre that it passes 
 over the head of the canula easily. 
 
 The operation is best performed with the cow in 
 
DOUGLASS' POUCH CYST 117 
 
 the standing position, with a rope adjusted above both 
 hocks to prevent the veterinarian from being kicked 
 when the trocar is thrust into the cyst. 
 
 After having copiously anointed the anus and rec- 
 tum with a lubricant, such as vaseline or lard, the 
 trocar and canula guarded in the hand is passed into 
 the rectum. The point of the trocar is set at a place 
 about one inch higher than the normal floor of the 
 rectum, directing it towards the cow's sternum, and 
 plunging it into the cyst with one thrust to the depth 
 of two or three inches. 
 
 The trocar is drawn out of the canula as soon as 
 the cow has ceased struggling. The cyst contents 
 spurt through the canula immediately and into the 
 rectum as long as the veterinarian protects the mouth 
 of the canula with his hand. When he withdraws his 
 hand the rectal folds either envelop the mouth of the 
 canula and shut off the flow, or under the influence 
 of the rectal tenesmus the canula is pushed too far 
 into the cyst. To obviate this we slip the rubber tub- 
 ing over the end of the canula after withdrawing the 
 trocar, leaving one end hanging out of the rectum. 
 
 When the fluid begins to run out more slowly pres- 
 sure exerted on the cyst, with one hand in the rectum 
 and the other in the vagina, is applied with success 
 in entirely emptying the cyst. The canula is then with- 
 drawn with a quick jerk. 
 
 No further attention need be given the case. Relief 
 is instantaneous and lasting. The animal begins to 
 eat and is entirely normal at once, unless the case 
 had been neglected; when it may be necessary to ad- 
 minister a laxative to overcome constipation which 
 has developed. 
 
 In our experience one thorough draining is all that 
 is necessary; the cyst does not become distended with 
 fluid a second time. 
 
118 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 PHYMOSIS 
 
 Phymosis, or imprisonment of the penis in the 
 sheath, occurs in bulls as a distinct clinical phenom- 
 enon. Aside from direct injuries there are probably 
 two chief reasons for the frequency of its occurrence. 
 One is the fact that micturition is commonly performed 
 in the sheath without protruding the penis; the other 
 is the superabundance of long, heavy hair at the pre- 
 putial orifice. The anatomical proportionment of 
 loose, flabby tissue around the prepuce is not ample, 
 allowing but little space for infiltration with inflam- 
 matory exudates and fluids. Even moderate swelling 
 in the prepuce of the bull markedly diminishes the 
 size of the opening which is normally not very large 
 in a relative sense. The presence of the hairy tuft 
 which surrounds and depends from the orifice favors 
 the retention of filth and the development of infec- 
 tions. 
 
 Phymosis makes its appearance, usually, in a rather 
 rapid manner. A firm, rounded swelling is seen along 
 the sheath, from the orifice to ten or twelve inches 
 posteriorly. When fully developed the swelling may 
 involve the subcutaneous tissues in front of the sheath 
 so that the orifice appears to lie flat against the ab- 
 domen. 
 
 There is a discharge of muco-purulent matter or 
 even of thick pus, which sticks to the hair around the 
 parts, making, before long, a matted, filthy barrier to 
 drainage. 
 
 If the swelling is of sufficient intensity to seriously 
 interfere with micturition the bull shows mild colicky 
 pains as a result of distention of the urinary bladder. 
 If the condition has been neglected for several days 
 
PHYMOSIS 119 
 
 the pains increase in severity, the respirations are hur- 
 ried and shallow, the temperature rises several degrees 
 and the animal refuses its feed. A bull suffering from 
 a well developed phymosis is a sorry brute to look 
 upon. 
 
 The treatment of phymosis is quite satisfacory and a 
 favorable termination is the rule. 
 
 While it may considerably facilitate the handling 
 of the parts we do not advise that the animal be cast. 
 Jt is not possible to determine the extent of the dis- 
 tention of the urinary bladder and there may be danger 
 of rupturing the bladder by casting the animal. At 
 least, the first treatment should be given in the stand- 
 ing position. When the condition has been sufficiently 
 relieved to permit of micturition the animal can be 
 cast for subsequent handling if conditions exist which 
 require it. Usually, however, it is unnecessary to cast 
 the patient if the manipulations called for are per- 
 formed in a gentle and painstaking manner. 
 
 The treatment begins with cutting away the hair 
 in the region of the preputial orifice, for which pur- 
 pose an ordinary curved scissors answers very well. 
 All filth and adhering discharges are then to be thor- 
 oughly removed by means of warm antiseptic washes. 
 The latter must not be too active; the parts are nor- 
 mally very sensitive and this state of sensitiveness is 
 all the more marked under the influence of the patho- 
 logical condition. If mercury bichlorid is used, a 1 to 
 4000 solution is ample. When the mouth of the orifice 
 and its immediate surroundings have been thus 
 cleansed the interior of the sheath must be copiously 
 irrigated with warm antiseptic solutions. In our hands 
 we have had fine results from solutions of potassium 
 permanganate here. Half a dram of the crystals dis- 
 solved in a quart of warm water makes about the prop- 
 
120 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 er strength solution to begin with. As the acute stage 
 disappears the strength can be gradually increased, 
 until towards the end of the treatment a dram of the 
 crystals can be used to a quart of water. 
 
 To make these irrigations effective it is almost 
 absolutely necessary to use a fountain syringe. 
 
 It may be difficult in some cases to use any style 
 of syringe successfully unless a very small nozzle is 
 used. The opening in the sheath has closed to such 
 an extent that a thick nozzle will not permit the re- 
 turn now of the fluid. Several quarts of antiseptic 
 solution should be used at each irrigation and the 
 irrigations are to be repeated at least three times 
 daily. If the proper strength antiseptic is used and 
 the irrigations are thoroughly carried out, marked im- 
 provement is evident after two or three applications. 
 If the treatment is persisted in conscientiously, with 
 appropriate internal treatment, for three or four days, 
 the irrigations are only necessary once or twice daily 
 for another two or three days thereafter, when the 
 case can usually be considered cured. Even very 
 severe cases of phymosis can be carried to a suc- 
 cessful termination in from a week to ten days. 
 
 We have never found it necessary to make sur- 
 gical incisions for drainage, nor to enlarge the orifice 
 so as to permit the use of larger syringe nozzles. 
 Gentle, patient manipulations usually suffice to ac- 
 complish the desired end. 
 
 For the internal treatment we can highly recom- 
 mend doses of phenyl salicylate half a dram to a dram, 
 with fluid extract of belladonna half a dram and fluid 
 extract saw palmetto half an ounce. Three such doses 
 are given daily for two or three days and once or 
 twice daily thereafter, until the case is discharged. 
 
 If the case should come into the veterinarian's hands 
 
ACUTE, SIMPLE AGALACTIA 121 
 
 in a precarious condition from retention of the urine, 
 so that danger of losing the animal's life were immi- 
 nent, we would recommend tapping the bladder 
 through the rectum as the first procedure. 
 
 ACUTE, SIMPLE AGALACTIA 
 
 In dairy cows a condition frequently occurs which 
 can only be described as an acute, simple agalactia. 
 
 This trouble is usually sporadic in nature, affecting 
 a single cow now and then without any apparent 
 cause. 
 
 The history in these caess is nearly always the same. 
 A cow that is otherwise a good milker suddenly gives 
 only about half the usual quantity and at the very 
 next milking is almost completely dry. In every other 
 respect the animal appears normal; eats well, drinks, 
 appears bright and well. Quite careful examination 
 on the part of the. attending veterinarian fails to de- 
 tect any abnormality of value from a diagnostic stand- 
 point. 
 
 It is usual to suspect something wrong with the feed, 
 but this suspicion is discarded because all the other 
 cows in the herd are getting the same feed and are 
 not affected. 
 
 Apparently this is a condition induced by trophic 
 nerve disturbance of an obscure character. It is al- 
 ways a purely functional disease; no inflammatory or 
 congestive signs occur in the udder which can be de- 
 termined clinically. The one and only symptom is 
 the absence of lacteal fluid. 
 
 The treatment of this condition is based wholly on 
 this aspect of the pathology of the disease — namely: 
 that it is a purely functional abnormality, and the 
 
122 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 treatment is very successful. It is quite important 
 that the case be taken in hand promptly because, to a 
 great extent, the degree of functionating which again 
 develops as a result of the treatment depends upon 
 the length of time that the glands have been idle. A 
 case of this kind properly treated within a day or 
 two after the milk secretion stops will usually come 
 up to the normal output of milk again. 
 
 The treatment consists wholly of the administration 
 of two well known alkaloids, pilocarpin and strychnin. 
 
 Pour grains of pilocarpin hydro-chlorid and two and 
 a half grains of strychnin sulphate are dissolved in 
 a pint of water. This is divided into three doses, 
 one to be given orally every three hours. 
 
 Nothing further is required and usually the glands 
 resume their function promptly. Changed feed or 
 special feed does not seem to hasten recovery in these 
 cases. The fact that such feeds which are in. ordinary 
 cases more or less of a galactogogue have no effect in 
 this disease is further evidence that we are dealing 
 here with a trophic nerve disturbance more than any- 
 thing else. 
 
MASTITIS— MAMMIT1S 123 
 
 MASTITIS— MAMMITIS 
 
 These terms are applied indiscriminately to acnte 
 inflammatory conditions attacking the mammary 
 gland. 
 
 Mastitis or mammitis is serious because of its eco- 
 nomic import in dairy cattle and the veterinarian's 
 efforts in treating this disease are concerned chiefly 
 with conserving the function of the gland. Almost 
 without exception, even with approved treatment and 
 most careful handling, severe attacks of mastitis ulti- 
 mately impair the function of the gland involved. 
 
 For the purpose of this discussion we shall ignore 
 the various forms of mastitis which are looked upon 
 as specific in character, such as infectious mastitis, 
 tubercular mastitis, and so on. We shall concern our- 
 selves solely with what we would term sporadic mas- 
 titis, that form which is always seen in isolated in- 
 stances in cows which are being heavily fed for milk 
 production. Sporadic mastitis makes its appearance 
 most frequently in heavy milkers and is probably most 
 common in the first two months after calving. 
 
 Most cases begin with a chill which, after variable 
 periods of time, terminates in rigors confined to the 
 posterior part of the body. The cow refuses all feed 
 and appears generally indisposed. There is usually 
 constipation and the temperature is but one or two 
 degrees above normal. (This is a good clinical point 
 of differentiation between sporadic and infectious 
 forms of mastitis — namely: that in sporadic mastitis 
 the temperature is raised only a trifle; in infectious 
 forms fever runs high.) In nearly all cases there is 
 some stiffness in one hind leg which could almost be 
 called a lameness. In the early stages the local signs 
 
124 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 of inflammation are usually confined to one quarter 
 of the udder ; later both quarters on one side, or both 
 front or rear quarters, may be involved. In rare 
 cases the entire udder is involved. 
 
 In sporadic mastitis the part involved is the seat of 
 a uniform, firm swelling which is very painful under 
 manipulation. There is considerable local heat and 
 the skin over the quarters involved appears much red- 
 dened and tense. The lacteal secretion is diminished; 
 in some cases it is almost completely suspended. "When 
 the veterinarian strips the teat on the affected quar- 
 ter to ascertain the character of the secretion, he finds 
 that the first spurt or two has the appearance of 
 water into which a drop or two of fluid extract of 
 nux vomica has been dissolved. Following this the fluid 
 that is stripped out has more the appearance of milk, 
 but it contains clots and flakes. Cows that are other- 
 wise gentle and kind milkers will resist handling of 
 the parts affected. 
 
 If the condition is not promptly and judiciously 
 treated, pus formation and abscesses may supervene. 
 
 Before taking up the treatment of mastitis we would 
 like to impress upon the reader our understanding of 
 the term "infectious mastitis." By infectious mas- 
 titis we understand that form of this disease which is 
 more or less readily communicated to other cows. We 
 make this point clear so that the reader may not get 
 the impression that we consider sporadic mastitis idio- 
 pathic. Sporadic mastitis is usually due to infection 
 with micro-organisms of the pus-producing group, but 
 it is not infectious in the sense of transmissibility or 
 contagion. 
 
 The treatment of sporadic mastitis at the present 
 time includes a great variety of remedial procedures. 
 It can safely be said that there is at the present time 
 
MASTITIS— MAMMITIS 125 
 
 no generally practiced or accepted method of treat- 
 ment. Nearly every veterinarian has his own ideas 
 and method of treating this condition. In our own 
 practice we have had recourse to a considerable num- 
 ber of therapeutic measures such as have been recom- 
 mended from time to time, and we confess that we 
 have not been very successful in treating mastitis with 
 any of them. Neither have we been able to work 
 out a uniformly successful treatment of our own. 
 While we are able to obtain moderately satisfactory 
 results in most cases, we can not say that we have a 
 treatment for this disease which is equal to the de- 
 mands made upon it by the condition. "We mean by 
 this that we are not quite sure of our success in pre- 
 venting interference with the function of the gland. 
 It is by this success— namely : that the cow may be as 
 good a milk producer after the attack as before— that 
 the real value of treatment is measured. 
 
 As we said in beginning, mastitis is important from 
 an economic standpoint chiefly because.it has a tend- 
 ency to permanently interfere with the output of milk. 
 It is not an exceptionally difficult matter to subdue 
 the acute manifestations of the disease; but it is a 
 very difficult matter to so conduct the treatment that 
 the gland may escape permanent impairment of func- 
 tion. 
 
 The method of treatment which has given us the 
 best results begins with a cathartic dose of arecolin 
 or eserin. The earlier in the attack this cathartic is 
 given the more gratifying the results. 
 
 Following on this, hot fomentations are ordered ap- 
 plied to the affected gland, at least fifteen minutes 
 out of every hour, for twelve or fifteen hours. The 
 affected quarter is to be gently milked out each time 
 before applying the hot water. Also, during the same 
 
126 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 period, we order that a dose be given every two hours 
 consisting of a half ounce of sodium bicarbonate and 
 of fluid extract taraxacum and of rhubarb, each an 
 ounce. 
 
 At the end of this twelve or fifteen hour period 
 the cow is usually quite comfortable and the acute 
 manifestations of the disease are well under control. 
 
 With this, as with all other treatments which we 
 have used, the case has now assumed a sort of mediocre 
 or sub-acute status. While the animal is free from 
 pain, eats well and is apparently on the road to a 
 rapid recovery, we find that from now on progress is 
 slow. In this stage we use an ointment of Phytolacca 
 locally and potassium iodid internally, continuing both 
 for a week at least. It is not rare to meet with 
 cases of this disease which are exceptionally stubborn 
 towards recovery and the veterinarian's skill as a 
 physician is taxed to the limit before he succeeds in 
 conquering them. In such cases polyvalent bacterins 
 frequently do much good. 
 
 The cow should be on half rations during the en- 
 tire treatment. 
 
ATRESIA OF THE LACTEAL DUCT 127 
 
 ATRESIA OF THE LACTEAL DUCT 
 
 Atresia of the lacteal duct is commonly termed teat 
 stricture. The occlusion is usually a partial one, 
 rarely complete. The seat of stricture or closure may 
 be at the teat orifice, along the course of the duct, or 
 at the proximal end of the duct where it emerges from 
 the sinus lactiferus. 
 
 When the stricture is located at the apex, or near 
 the distal end, the milk enters the teat quite readily 
 but difficulty is experienced in squeezing it out; the 
 stream is very thin, or it squirts in several directions. 
 
 When the stricture is farther up, or at the proximal 
 end, difficulty is experienced in getting the milk to fill 
 up the teat; after- the teat is filled it is ejected easily. 
 
 In rare cases, which may occur in heifers, there is 
 a true atresia or closure of the duct orifice in the end 
 of the teat. There is only a slight pit or depression 
 in the epithelium, at the point where the duct nor- 
 mally emerges, but the epithelium is not perforated. 
 
 With two exceptions, strictures of the teat have an 
 unfavorable prognosis. One exception is that form 
 occurring at the very extremity or external orifice of 
 the duct; the other exception is that form appearing 
 as a true atresia in heifers. 
 
 In the various forms involving the duct higher up 
 and at its proximal end the treatment is not very 
 well understood nor accompanied by satisfactory re- 
 sults. Of course, there are cases of the latter variety 
 occasionally which have a satisfactory termination, 
 but they are rare. The treatment which is in vogue 
 for these conditions (and to all appearances as good 
 as we can do) is fraught with danger from the stand- 
 
128 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 point of sequelae, of which mastitis is the most im- 
 portant. 
 
 The various operations which have been recom- 
 mended and quite thoroughly tried out, as well as the 
 different types of bistuories and dilators, have not 
 proven of much value in general practice. It is al- 
 most an absolute necessity to have hospital facilities 
 for the proper and conscientious performance of the 
 measures required to correct a high stricture in the 
 lacteal duct. It is decidedly humiliating for the vet- 
 erinarian in general practice to see a severe mastitis 
 succeeding manipulations for the correction of a con- 
 dition which, to the farmer, seems a trivial matter. 
 
 In our practice we refuse to treat a high stricture 
 of the teat until w T e have clearly explained to the owner 
 what the chances are. We make it clear to him that 
 rarely is any form of interference attended with re- 
 sults which are so satisfactory as to warrant the at- 
 tempt; that in many instances a severe mastitis, which 
 will probably destroy the quarter, will supervene. If, 
 after this warning, he is still willing to submit the cow 
 to treatment, we attempt dilatation, and in some cases 
 incision of the stricture. We have not enough faith in 
 any procedure for the correction of this condition, 
 with which we are familiar, to give it space here. 
 
 In those cases which involve the apex or distal end 
 of the duct we can obtain good results with fair regu- 
 larity. We- have met with two forms of the condition 
 in this part of the duct. One form is a true stricture 
 or narrowing of the lumen of the duct, probably as the 
 result of infectious or other inflammatory processes. 
 In this form we are able to obtain good results from 
 dilatation. It is not very important how this dilata- 
 tion is accomplished, so that it is done aseptically and 
 bloodlessly. We use an ordinary teat dilator, repeat- 
 
ATRESIA OF THE LACTEAL DUCT 129 
 
 ing the stretching every few days. The best method is 
 to dilate and allow the duct to collapse repeatedly, 
 from six to ten times at each treatment. Insert the 
 dilator, expand it as far as indicated, and then hold 
 it there for one or Iwo minutes; take it out, wait a 
 couple of minutes, and repeat. Do this from six to 
 eight times at each sitting, and in a few days again. 
 Three to five of these courses of stretching accomplish 
 the desired result. 
 
 The other form which we can also treat successfully 
 is a narrowing of the orifice of the duct from collec- 
 tions of evaporated mucus or similar concretions. 
 These collect just inside the edge of the orifice and are 
 of the consistency of dry putty. When an instrument 
 is passed over them, a faint, scraping sound can be 
 
 detected. 
 
 They are to be very gently removed with a small 
 eye curette or an ear spoon, and the parts are then to 
 be given an application of glycerin by means of a 
 
 cotton swab. 
 
 Cases of true atresia of the distal end of the lacteal 
 duct which occur occasionally in heifers can also be 
 treated with very satisfactory results. The duct is per- 
 fect except for the appearance of the orifice through 
 
 the skin. . 
 
 When the teat has been thoroughly cleansed, the 
 pointed stilet of an exploring trocar is used to punc- 
 ture the skin. This puncture is made exactly in the 
 center of the pit, which is always present, and just 
 deep enough so that the point penetrates the skin. 
 With slight pressure, but not enough to cause the stilet 
 to enter deeper, it is turned from right to left, and 
 from left to right a few times. It is then withdrawn 
 and laid aside. A small sharp curette is now used 
 to enlarge the opening until it is of such size that a 
 
130 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 milk tube will readily pass through it into the duet. 
 A little pressure may at first be necessary to enter 
 the point of the tube in the duct. 
 
 A small strip of gauze saturated with glycerin is 
 then forced a short distance into the duct and allowed 
 to remain, with an inch or so protruding. This strip 
 of gauze is removed after twenty-four hours and the 
 heifer milked regularly. 
 
 The restraint for this operation is always to be in 
 the recumbent position. If the operation is deftly per- 
 formed it is practically bloodless. 
 
 In heifers this operation should be performed just 
 before or immediately after calving. 
 
 We would call the veterinarian's attention again, 
 before closing the discussion, to what has been said, 
 about high strictures of the teat. Our experience is 
 that the veterinarian can serve his client best in most 
 of those cases by advising that the condition be left 
 alone, letting that particular quarter go dry. 
 
LACTEAL FISTULA 131 
 
 LACTEAL FISTULA 
 
 Lacteal fistula appears in various locations on teats 
 and udder. The most common seat of a lacteal fistula 
 is on the teat over the course of the lacteal duct. 
 
 Most lacteal fistulas are of traumatic origin; occa- 
 sionally abscess formation in mastitis may leave a per- 
 manent opening in the udder through which milk es- 
 capes. 
 
 In rare cases rudimentary teats near the base of a 
 teat may develop a permanent opening, allowing a 
 constant dripping of milk. Some cases have occurred 
 in our practice which resulted from cutting off rudi- 
 mentary teats. The animals were pure-bred cows and 
 the owner feared that the rudimentary teats would 
 detract from their showing qualities. He snipped off 
 the rudimentary teats with scissors. Evidently the 
 teats contained a lacteal duct, which continued to drip 
 milk constantly, after being cut through. 
 
 A lacteal fistula is difficult to heal when chronic, es- 
 pecially while the gland is active. The proper time to 
 undertake the cure of a lacteal fistula which has been 
 in existence for a month or longer is when the cow 
 "goes dry." While it is possible to obtain good re- 
 sults while the cow is being milked, no certain prom- 
 ises of a favorable outcome should be made. 
 
 In cases which are of less than one month's standing, 
 good results can be obtained at any time. The treat- 
 ment which we recommend is the same for recent 
 and for chronic cases— the only point differentiating 
 one from the other being the time when the treatment 
 i s use a— namely : in chronic cases only during the in- 
 terval between lactation periods; in recent cases, at 
 any time. To apply the treatment properly the cow 
 
132 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 should be cast, unless she happens to be a very gentle 
 one. 
 
 The affected teat is to be washed thoroughly with 
 soap and warm water and then dried and a local anes- 
 thetic used. A milk tube, of the self-retaining variety, 
 and of sufficient length to reach the whole length of 
 the teat, is then inserted. With a small, sharp curette 
 the walls and edges of the fistulous opening are now 
 thoroughly scarified, and any indurated tissues on the 
 surface edges are removed. When this has been thor- 
 oughly accomplished all hemorrhage, which is some- 
 times considerable, must be controlled by pressure and 
 wiping, before the next step is taken. 
 
 When the hemorrhage has ceased, at least so far 
 that it amounts to only a slight oozing, the wound is 
 given a light application of tincture of iodin with a 
 cotton swab and applicator. 
 
 The last step consists of snugly wrapping the entire 
 teat with layer after layer of gauze strip, interposing 
 between each a coating of pine tar. A two-inch gauze 
 bandage is about right. 
 
 We first apply a coat of pine tar directly on the 
 teat around its entire surface from top to bottom. We 
 then begin bandaging on top of this, and, as the band- 
 age is applied, we apply a coat of the tar after each 
 lap, until about seven or eight layers of both tar and 
 bandage have been applied. The bandage must be 
 drawn just "good and snug," not too tight nor too 
 loose. The milk tube is yet in the duct and allow- 
 ance must be made for it — namely: that the bandage 
 will be "just snug" when the tube is pulled out of the 
 teat. When seven or eight turns of the gauze bandage 
 have been applied, it is tied, or sewed, to the last turn. 
 Another layer of tar is then applied over all. 
 
LACTEAL FISTULA 133 
 
 The milk tube is now removed and the cow allowed 
 to get up. 
 
 In recent cases this bandage may be removed at the 
 end of ten days or two weeks, when the fistula is 
 usually entirely healed. In chronic cases three to four 
 weeks should elapse before removing the bandage. 
 The removal of the bandage is facilitated by first satu- 
 rating with alcohol, after which it may be unwound 
 gently. If the layer in contact with the teat sticks 
 tenaciously it should merely be saturated with alcohol 
 and then allowed to drop off of its own accord, a thing 
 it will do after a few days. . 
 
 The above is not an ideal or very scientific perform- 
 ance, but "it works" every time if the bandaging is 
 correctly done. 
 
 In our hands, classical surgical procedures have been 
 failures in this condition. 
 
 Lacteal fistulas resulting from meddling with a rudi- 
 mentary teat or from a rudimentary teat which has 
 begun to leak can only be cured by direct surgical 
 interference. 
 
 In such cases the cow is cast, and the region of the 
 fistula is thoroughly cleansed with soap and warm 
 water, and rinsed with antiseptic solutions. The 
 mouth of the opening or fistula is then swabbed thor- 
 oughly dry with cotton and a local anesthetic injected. 
 The rudimentary duct is now grasped on one side of 
 its edge with rat-tooth forceps and dissected loose from 
 the wall of the teat or udder. A new hold is repeat- 
 edly taken with the forceps, around the entire circum- 
 ference of the duct, and the duct dissected inward to 
 a distance of at least half an inch. Great care must be 
 taken not to prick through the duct with the point or 
 edge of the knife. 
 
134 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 When the duct is dissected free from its surround- 
 ings to the depth of half an inch, a catgut ligature is 
 applied around it, close to the proximal end. Just be- 
 fore the ligature is tied, the duct is swabbed with tur- 
 pentine, the latter for the purpose of setting up an irri- 
 tation to hasten the formation of adhesions. The ex- 
 ternal wound is treated as an injury and heals 
 promptly. 
 
 Unless the operator has been unclean in this opera- 
 tion the results will be all that can be expected. 
 
 The ligature requires no attention, and all trace of 
 the fistulous opening gradually disappears. The tur- 
 pentine swab must not be forced into the duct too far, 
 as in that event it may do harm in the glandular por- 
 tion. Some rudimentary teats appear to obtain their 
 duet directly from the acini instead of from the sinus 
 lactiferus. 
 
VARIOLA 135 
 
 VARIOLA (Cow Pox) 
 
 This disease, in cattle, runs a mild course in nearly 
 every instance and, in this country, may be looked 
 upon as being confined almost wholly to the udder. 
 Now and then a case occurs in which the animal shows 
 slight systemic derangement. 
 
 The disease affects sometimes only a few animals in 
 a herd ; at other times none escape the infection. This 
 feature is probably influenced to a great extent by the 
 sanitary or insanitary methods of milking in vogue on 
 different farms. 
 
 The first symptom is soreness, or tenderness, evinced 
 when the cow is milked. The teat or teats feel hot 
 and slightly swollen. Soon after this, nodules develop 
 on the teats and on the udder of about the size of peas, 
 usually. In a day or two these become vesicles of a 
 bluish or purplish color. The vesicles break down, 
 leaving under them the characteristic pox "pit," show- 
 ing granulations. The tissues immediately around the 
 pit are injected and tender. Soon the pit becomes 
 covered with a scab, which drops off in four or five 
 days, and the disease has run its course. 
 
 If the milking is not done in a cleanly and gentle 
 manner while the pit is yet uncovered, extensive ulcers 
 sometimes form. 
 
 The vesicles do not all appear at the same time and 
 several weeks may elapse before any one cow is en- 
 tirely free from lesions. The infection frequently is 
 contracted by the persons doing the milking. Pim- 
 ples, which break down and end in scab formation, 
 appear on the hands and wrists. They heal kindly and 
 usually cause no other trouble. 
 
136 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 The most important point as regards the treatment 
 of variola in cows is the observation of cleanliness and 
 gentle manipulation of the teat in milking. If the 
 teat contains a great number of vesicles a milking 
 tube should be used. 
 
 Scab formation can be hastened by touching the pits 
 with a saturated solution of potassium permanganate. 
 If extensive ulceration occurs, the parts are to be 
 painted after each milking with a mixture of one part 
 tincture iodin and three parts tincture benzoin com- 
 pound. The number of cases in an outbreak can often 
 be limited if cows affected are milked last, thus avoid- 
 ing direct transmission of the disease. 
 
CHAPPED OR CRACKED TEATS 137 
 
 CHAPPED OR CRACKED TEATS 
 
 This condition varies from slight degrees of ery- 
 thema to extensive involvement of the sub-dermal 
 tissues. 
 
 When the condition has been allowed to become 
 chronic so that the teat is the seat- of deep cracks or 
 fissures it may prove quite resistant to treatment. The 
 repeated stretching and other manipulations to which 
 the teat is subjected during the process of milking 
 greatly hinders the healing process. 
 
 When the condition is confined to the superficial skin 
 good results can be obtained from compound tincture 
 of benzoin applied with a camel's-hair brush after milk- 
 ing. Three or four days of such treatment effects a 
 cure. In those cases which are of long standing and 
 in which cracks and fissures of considerable depth are 
 present, we have obtained the best results from solu- 
 tions of chinosol in 1 to 1000 strength. After each 
 milking a cup or a tumbler is filled with the solution 
 into which the affected teat is plunged, holding the cup 
 or the tumbler so that its rim rests against the udder. 
 At least five minutes should be consumed in the bath 
 in this manner, after each milking. 
 
 In many quite severe chronic cases three or four of 
 these baths or soakings produce a marked improve- 
 ment and a week of such treatment usually suffices 
 to bring complete healing. In exceptionally severe 
 cases it may help to hasten matters if the cracks are 
 first lightly cauterized with a mild solution of silver 
 nitrate. 
 
 In occasional cases, those usually termed "sore" 
 teats, the lesions are arranged in patches, some of 
 
138 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 them running almost entirely around the teat. In 
 these cases there is a tendency toward scab forma- 
 tion and, occasionally, ulceration. In this form we 
 begin the treatment with an application of one part 
 tincture benzoin compound in three parts glycerin, 
 applying it frequently during the day with a soft 
 brush. The glycerin softens and dissolves the scabs, 
 and leaves a healthy looking sore. The treatment is 
 then terminated with the chinosol baths. 
 
 In very obstinate or severe cases of chapped, cracked 
 or sore teats, it may be impossible to effect a cure 
 unless a milk tube is used in place of milking by 
 hand. 
 
PNEUMONIA 139 
 
 PNEUMONIA 
 
 For this disease in cattle we would prefer the word 
 pneumonitis, because from the standpoint of treatment 
 the word pneumonitis is specific. The veterinarian in 
 daily practice who comes actually in contact with this 
 disease in cattle does not pay much attention to the 
 particular form of pneumonia a given patient may be 
 afflicted with. To the practicing veterinarian pneu- 
 monia is an inflammation of the lungs, pneumonitis, 
 and that is sufficient for practical purposes. 
 
 Probably a minority of the actively practicing vet- 
 erinarians, although they treat, successfully, several 
 dozen cases of pneumonia each season, can differentiate 
 the various forms of pneumonia either in words or in 
 clinical application. 
 
 The secret of success in treating pneumonia in any 
 form lies in early recognition or diagnosis. The best 
 that any treatment can do in pneumonia is to lessen 
 the severity of the attack, and it can do this best when 
 the disease is just developing. It is now quite gen- 
 erally accepted that pneumonia, once it asserts itself, 
 can not be aborted. On the other hand, correct and 
 judicious treatment instituted early in the attack can 
 make of this disease a reasonably moderate attack of 
 sickness. 
 
 In our own practice pneumonitis in cattle does not 
 cause us much worry if we have been called reason- 
 ably early. We usually have little trouble in giving 
 quite an exact prognosis and as a rule see it verified 
 almost in detail. When we are not called in earty in 
 the attack, we have learned from experience to guard 
 our prognosis decidedly. 
 
140 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 The diagnosis of pneumonitis in cattle does not offer 
 much difficulty. In most instances the attack begins 
 with a chill or rigor which may remain in evidence 
 only a few minutes. In other cases it may remain 
 for several hours; usually, however, it does not per- 
 sist for any great length of time, and has passed by 
 the time the veterinarian sees the patient. 
 
 The animal stands slightly "humped up" and al- 
 most from the very beginning the elbows are turned 
 outward. The body temperature is elevated several 
 degrees, standing when the chill has passed around 
 104 degrees Fahrenheit, or even a little higher. 
 
 Auscultation over the thorax reveals distinct rales, 
 and pressure exerted over the intercostal spaces always 
 proves painful to the patient. In the early stages 
 the cow will maintain the standing position, but later 
 in the attack she assumes the recumbent attitude for 
 long periods at a time. When in the latter position 
 she usually emits a characteristic grunt. 
 
 The appetite is impaired as a rule and in the lat- 
 ter stages there may be a discharge from the nose. 
 In most cases there is a certain degree of constipa- 
 tion at first ; later there is apt to be some diarrhea. 
 
 The treatment of pneumonitis consists of remedial 
 agents which have a tendency to support the system, 
 especially the heart, and appropriate sero-therapy to 
 control secondary infections, such as result from the 
 invasion of pus-producing organisms. Measures used 
 to exert a direct action on the pathological condition 
 are, as a rule, failures. 
 
 The treatment which we have adopted and used 
 with much satisfaction for a period of years is about 
 as follows: 
 
 We start the treatment, no matter in what stage 
 the case comes into our hands, with an old fashioned 
 
PNEUMONIA 141 
 
 mustard plaster. We make this mustard plaster by 
 stirring a pound of powdered mustard into a thin 
 paste with hot water, which is then rubbed briskly 
 into the hair over both sides of the thorax and along 
 the course of the trachea from the larynx to the breast. 
 This application causes only slight irritation in cattle 
 and lasts for about a half hour, during which the ani- 
 mal usually trembles a little and paws some with one 
 foot or the other. 
 
 We make no attempt to remove the mustard after 
 it has served its purpose, allowing it to dry and come 
 off of its own accord in time. Medical treatment we 
 limit to one dram each of fluid extracts of nux vom- 
 ica and gentian root every few hours during the day. 
 If a cough is present we add to this a quarter dram 
 of fluid extract of belladonna. On the first day of 
 treatment, and again on the fourth day, we inject a 
 dose of polyvalent bacterins hypodermically. 
 
 If the appetite is very much below par we double 
 the dose of the nux vomica until the cow eats; then 
 reduce it to one dram again. We see to it that the 
 patient is stabled under hygienic conditions and sup- 
 plied with tempting feeds. Keally, the best index to 
 the condition of a bovine patient suffering from pneu- 
 monitis is the appetite. If the veterinarian can con- 
 trive to keep the patient eating regularly and quite 
 heartily he is doing well. 
 
 The foregoing comprises the sum total of our treat- 
 ment in pneumonitis in cattle. We pay no attention 
 to reducing the temperature with coal-tar prepara- 
 tions or other febrifuges. If the temperature persists 
 at a dangerous height, we find the administration of 
 intestinal antiseptics most serviceable. When con- 
 fronted with this state of affairs we give a few large 
 doses of sulpho-earbolates compound, usually about 
 
142 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 forty or fifty grains each of calcium, sodium, and zinc 
 sulpho carbolates at one dose. This dose we repeat 
 at intervals of three or four hours until four doses 
 have been given. 
 
 With this treatment most of our cases terminate 
 satisfactorily in from seven to ten days. We rarely 
 have complications — in fact, practically none — and 
 while the past year or two has shown us some fine 
 results with sparteine sulphate in this disease, we 
 have more faith in this old system. 
 
 Spartein sulphate is used in twenty-grain doses 
 every three or four hours in pneumonitis, and its ef- 
 fect is very gratifying. I have extolled its merits and 
 given details of its effect in "Special Veterinary 
 Therapy." 
 
TUBERCULOSIS 143 
 
 TUBERCULOSIS 
 
 We hesitate to undertake the discussion of this dis- 
 ease in a treatise on special therapy. We feel that in 
 the space available justice can hardly be done to a 
 disease which presents such a variety of clinical phe- 
 nomena as this one. Yet, any treatise on the most 
 common diseases of dairy cattle would be most glar- 
 ingly incomplete did it not include a discussion 
 thereon, for tuberculosis is most assuredly one of the 
 most common diseases of dairy cattle. 
 
 The longer one is engaged in the practice of vet- 
 erinary medicine the more does he become impressed 
 with the great variability and the constant modifica- 
 tion or aggravation of the clinical signs of this dis- 
 ease. Also, the more extensive one's experience with 
 this variability of clinical evidences of the disease the 
 more impressed he becomes with the idea that tuber- 
 culosis is practically universal. One finds it where it 
 is least expected, and one finds more than he expected 
 to find wherever he finds it. 
 
 The diagnosis of tuberculosis is limited only, in our 
 opinion, by the diagnostic acuteness of the diagnos- 
 tician. We vividly recall an experience we went 
 through in the great Southwest, where tuberculosis is 
 not common in native cattle. A dairy near the city 
 of El Paso, Texas, milking around five hundred cows, 
 was forced by city ordinance to submit the herd to the 
 tuberculin test. The dairy was a model from a sani- 
 tary standpoint, was hygienically conducted in all de- 
 partments and the cows themselves were almost daily 
 under the eye of a veterinarian. The cows, mostly 
 Holsteins, were almost all bought in Northern states. 
 While we knew that the herd had a number of tuber- 
 
144 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 culous members, we were not prepared for the most 
 shocking disclosures made by the tuberculin — namely: 
 that out of four hundred and fifty cows tested one 
 hundred and seventy-two gave a decidedly positive 
 reaction. 
 
 Veterinarians long engaged in practice are never 
 surprised by results obtained with the use of tuber- 
 culin ; they have seen cows react under such a great 
 variety of circumstances and conditions of environ- 
 ment that they always expect to find it. 
 
 In this place we must confine our remarks, however, 
 to those clinical manifestations of tuberculosis which 
 the practicing veterinarian may encounter in the indi- 
 vidual cow in the daily rounds of practice ; those mani- 
 festations which must attract his attention to the tuber- 
 cular character, or nature, of more or less usual patho- 
 logical states. 
 
 We are but little concerned with the tuberculin- 
 testing of cows in herds, because, when we once arrive 
 at the tuberculin application, we are expecting to find 
 tuberculosis. Our task, in this treatise, is to attempt 
 a discussion of those marks which should demonstrate 
 the necessity of the tuberculin test in cases where we 
 do not expect to find it. And it is indeed a task to 
 make the discussion both intelligent and brief. 
 
 To begin with, the veterinarian whose practice 
 brings him in daily contact with herds of dairy cattle 
 or, to express it more specifically, with the individuals 
 of those herds, must be constantly on the lookout for 
 manifestations of tuberculosis. If he relaxes his guard 
 in this respect in any case, no matter what the path- 
 ology of the case under his care at the time, he is in 
 serious danger of jeopardizing the financial interests of 
 his client and the social welfare of humanity at large. 
 
 The veterinarian's examination, especially in sub- 
 
TUBERCULOSIS 145 
 
 acute or chronic diseases, should invariably include 
 careful palpation of the superficial lymph glands, such 
 as the prescapular, precrural, iliac, and mammary 
 groups. Enlargement of any of these glands to a 
 marked degree is sufficient cause for the application of 
 tuberculin, especially when the enlargement is bilateral 
 in any group. 
 
 Localized tuberculous abscesses are very common in 
 the submaxillary, cervical and pharyngeal lymph 
 glands, assuming immense proportions on occasions. 
 If the veterinarian merely lances these and fails to 
 recognize their true significance, he is in grave error. 
 Another very frequent location of a localized tuber- 
 cular abscess is on the side of the face, just a trifle 
 below the eye and near the facial tuberosity. Ab- 
 scesses of this nature are always slow in forming ; some 
 of them rupture spontaneously, discharge their con- 
 tents and heal over, only to enlarge again very soon 
 thereafter. There is here a fairly accurate diagnostic 
 point, to wit: these abscesses may rupture and dis- 
 charge their contents spontaneously. In the cow, ab- 
 scess formations, not tuberculous, hardly ever rupture 
 spontaneously. Immense collections of non-specific pus 
 are retained sub-dermally in the cow for indefinte pe- 
 riods if they are not molested surgically. 
 
 In a dairy practice, abscess formation in any group 
 of lymphatics, not accompanied by definite pathological 
 conditions to which such abscess formation might be 
 attributed, should always be suspected as being tuber- 
 culous. While the experienced practitioner can make 
 a reasonably sure identification by macroscopic pus ex- 
 amination, we do not counsel the lancing of abscesses 
 in the region of any lymphatic groups until a negative 
 tuberculin reaction has been seen. If the reaction is 
 positive they most assuredly should not be opened. To 
 
146 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 open these abscesses before a positive diagnosis of their 
 non-tuberculous character is made, by means of tuber- 
 culin, is not acting upon good judgment. The surgical 
 invasion can have no ultimate value if the case is 
 tuberculous and only endangers other members of the 
 herd with the possibility of their becoming infected 
 from the discharges. 
 
 Localized tuberculous abscesses are never a contra- 
 indication with regard to the tuberculin test, nor are 
 other localized pus collections of sufficient import to 
 seriously interfere with the intelligent interpretation 
 of the tuberculin reaction. The ophthalmic method 
 has been shown to be just as reliable in the disease 
 in bovines as the ophthalmic mallein application for 
 diagnosing glanders in equines, and it would be the 
 method of choice here. It is more prompt than the 
 subcutaneous method and, besides, provides for a 
 distinct control of each subject tested in the eye which 
 has not been subjected to the tuberculin. 
 
 Extensive enlargement of the bronchial and medias- 
 tinal lymphatic glands has been known to produce 
 various acute clinical manifestations. One of the al- 
 leged conditions resulting from an extensive enlarge- 
 ment of these glands is a thoracic choke, presumably 
 due to encroachment of the swollen glands on the 
 esophagus. No doubt cases of thoracic choke from this 
 cause are very uncommon, because the glandular tume- 
 faction must always assume immense proportions be- 
 fore it can interfere seriously with the limits of flex- 
 ibility of the esophagus. 
 
 In the liver even very extensive tubercular changes 
 rarely produce clinical signs which can be diagnosed 
 as being produced by this disease. Why this should be 
 true we can not explain, unless it be due to the fact 
 
TUBERCULOSIS 147 
 
 that we are somewhat limited in our diagnostic ability 
 in diseases that affect the liver. 
 
 We have seen postmortem demonstrations on cattle 
 which were apparently in the "pink of condition" dur- 
 ing life, showing a liver fairly rotten with tubercular 
 invasion. 
 
 Tubercular involvement of the intestinal mucosa, es- 
 pecially of the terminal portion, is frequently the 
 cause of a persistent, or recurring, diarrhea. 
 
 This diarrhoea is marked by the fact that it pro- 
 duces none of the common by-effects of benign or 
 non-specific diarrhoeas. Although it may persist for 
 days, there is no apparent abdominal pain nor any 
 distinct sign of derangement in the alimentary tract. 
 The evacuations are evidently the result of the irri- 
 tation accompanying certain stages of the pathological 
 processes taking place in the hindermost gut. 
 
 If a rectal examination is made in these cases it is 
 usually no difficult matter to detect great numbers of 
 pea-sized nodules, many of them undergoing degen- 
 erative changes. It is probably as a result of these 
 changes of a degenerative character that the diarrhoea 
 occurs. Mucus, streaked with blood and occasionally 
 blood-clots, can nearly always be detected in the feces 
 in diarrhoea of this form. 
 
 Cases of slowly developing ascites in cattle, not re- 
 ferable to any demonstrable causative factor, may al- 
 ways be suspected as being of tuberculous origin. It is 
 barely possible that some of these can be attributed 
 to interference with the portal circulation from ex- 
 tensive tuberculous involvement of the liver. Usually, 
 however, there is a distinct tubercular involvement 
 of the peritoneum which can often be detected by 
 careful rectal examination in the form of numerous 
 nodules or pearls. 
 
148 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 Tubercular pericarditis is a form of tuberculosis 
 which we have seen on several occasions when no other 
 clinical signs of tuberculosis were evident. The ex- 
 tensiveness of the invasion of the disease in some of 
 these cases is most astounding when on postmortem 
 examination we attempt to establish a connection be- 
 tween the lesion and the symptoms presented by the 
 animal during life. 
 
 Symptoms of tuberculous pericarditis are indefinite 
 until the heart muscle and the valvular apparatus are 
 seriously hampered by excessive effusions or, possibly, 
 adhesions. Cows so affected have exacerbations of 
 dyspnea without provocation ; recurring, transient edem- 
 atous swellings in the anterior portions of the body. 
 Auscultation detects the faulty heart action, and fre- 
 quently pressure over the heart occasions pain and 
 temporary dyspnea. The left elbow is habitually in 
 an abducted state, and a cough is invariably present. 
 In some cases there is a slight limp on the left pectoral 
 limb. 
 
 Tuberculous involvement of an articulation in an 
 extremity is not a rare condition in cows. Most fre- 
 quently a pelvic limb is affected, and the hip joint is 
 the usual seat of the lesion. There is continued lame- 
 ness and, later, enlargement of the tissues surround- 
 ing the articulation. In this affection there is nearly 
 always a marked enlargement of the superficial lym- 
 phatics on the affected side. 
 
 Tuberculous mastitis can frequently be diagnosed in 
 the absence of any other symptoms of tuberculosis. 
 
 Acute mastitis tuberculous in character is not ac- 
 companied by manifestations whose severity coincides 
 with the gravity of the disease ; the clinical findings 
 are rather sub-acute. The affected quarter is filled 
 with a floccular, cheesy, milk-like matter. The supra- 
 mammary lymphatics are tender to the touch, even be- 
 
TUBERCULOSIS 149 
 
 fore they are much enlarged. The great swelling, 
 tenseness and soreness which we find in the udder in 
 other forms of mastitis is lacking here; the udder is 
 the seat of some swelling, but not much. This swell- 
 ing is somewhat "doughy" in consistency and not 
 very painful. The. body temperature is elevated but 
 little or not at all. We have met with cases of acute 
 tuberculous mastitis of this type in unbred heifers. 
 
 Chronic tuberculous lesions in the mammary glands 
 appear in various forms. Very commonly seen is the 
 form consisting of a solid mass of tissue in the glandu- 
 lar substance. To the touch this mass has the feeling 
 of smooth, fibrous tissue firmly compact and sharply 
 outlined. 
 
 In other forms numerous small masses, of hazel- 
 nut size, can be felt in various parts of the gland. In 
 all cases there is enlargement of the regional lym- 
 phatic glands. Abscess formation of tuberculous origin 
 is not uncommon in the substance of the mammary 
 glands. When such abscesses rupture into the lacteal 
 cistern, which is not an unusual occurrence by any 
 means, there can be no question of the infectiousness 
 of the milk. 
 
 Tuberculous meningitis occurs in cows but is prac- 
 tically never seen until the patient is in extremis as 
 the result of generalized tuberculosis. 
 
 Habitual or recurrent tympanites is subject to the 
 suspicion of being tuberculosis. A herd cow who par- 
 takes of the same rations as the other members of the 
 herd and has repeated attacks of tympanites with no 
 particular cause, is a good subject for tuberculiniza- 
 tion. 
 
 Bovine nymphomaniacs always deserve the tuber- 
 culin test, before any other form of treatment is in- 
 stituted. 
 
150 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 Neoformations in the testicular substance of males 
 are always to be looked upon as tuberculous until a 
 negative test proves the contrary. 
 
 This concludes the consideration of the varieties of 
 tuberculous lesions which are commonly encountered, 
 unexpectedly and yet frequently. Even from a brief 
 outline, such as this one, it can be seen how constant 
 must be the practitioner's vigil, and in what strange 
 clinical disguises localized tuberculous processes will 
 make their appearance. 
 
 The control of tuberculosis in dairy herds depends 
 to a very great extent upon this vigilance on the 
 part of the attending veterinarian, which in itself is 
 one of the best arguments against the licensure of 
 empirical practitioners. The treatment of unrecog- 
 nized local or regional manifestations of tuberculosis 
 is one of the important factors bearing on the spread 
 of this disease. 
 
INCIPIENT TUBERCULOSIS 151 
 
 INCIPIENT TUBERCULOSIS IN FAMILY COWS 
 
 Those practitioners who are located in villages and 
 cities of moderate size where ordinances have not yet 
 been passed prohibiting the housing of cows within 
 the corporate limits, have usually a number of clients 
 who keep a cow to furnish milk for the family. If 
 there are circumstances where the attending veteri- 
 narian should promptly recognize diseases and con- 
 ditions which affect the wholesomeness of the milk and 
 the ultimate well-being of the consumer, those cir- 
 cumstances are certainly found here. Those veteri- 
 narians who have been close observers and who keep 
 more or less closely in touch with their clientele can 
 name many instances in which sickness in the family 
 and the family cow are closely allied. Sometimes it 
 requires the most exact scientific discrimination and 
 well trained powers of observation to detect the 
 connection; the veterinarian who has the training and 
 is conscientious can, however, make the proper deduc- 
 tions and sift the case down. 
 
 To take under consideration the entire field for 
 study on this point would entail almost endless writ- 
 ings. We will take up the one condition which is more 
 common in family cows than is generally presumed, 
 and will confine our remarks to the early stages of 
 this condition. 
 
 Incipient tuberculosis in family cows deserves a 
 separate chapter in our text books. Despite the teach- 
 ings and theories of Koch and other equally eminent 
 investigators, there is a close connection between tu- 
 berculosis in the cow and tuberculosis in the family. 
 I say family, not humanity in general. 
 
152 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 
 
 Milk from the family cow and cream from the fam- 
 ily cow go to the members of the family as milk and 
 cream, undiluted with milk or cream from other cows 
 or with water. Therefore, the one tuberculous cow, 
 or several tuberculous cows, in a herd of dairy cows 
 are not nearly so dangerous to the ultimate consumer 
 as is the tuberculous family cow to the family using 
 its milk and cream directly and undiluted. 
 
 My experience has been that, in every instance of 
 a family using the milk from a family cow with a 
 fairly well marked case of tuberculosis, which has 
 come to my attention, I have been able to satisfy myself 
 that one or more members of that family are already 
 tuberculous or are "getting consumption." (And in 
 many cases it does not take very long before some 
 member of the family begins to show signs of the 
 disease. Sometimes a few months is enough time to 
 infect some members virulently.) 
 
 For this reason I say incipient tuberculosis deserves 
 a separate chapter in our text books; it is in the in- 
 cipient stage it must be recognized to prevent the 
 harm it might do once it becomes fully developed. 
 Here I would say that the family cow which is more 
 or less regularly attacked by spells of "off feed," by 
 mild, repeated attack of indigestion, especially, if at 
 the same time there are symptoms referable to the 
 mammary glands, is a good subject for the tuberculin 
 test. Usually, in the family cow, the reaction is either 
 clearly negative or typically positive. This is prob- 
 ably due to the fact that the surroundings and gen- 
 eral treatment accorded the family cow are more fa- 
 vorable to the ideal application of the test than is the 
 case with cows in herds. 
 
 Histories of the infection of families with tuber- 
 culosis through the medium of the milk from the fam- 
 
INCIPIENT TUBERCULOSIS 153 
 
 ily cow will continue to be written until all communi- 
 ties provide rigid rules and regulations to govern the 
 production and sale, and even the use, of milk. Every 
 person who keeps a cow for milk should be com- 
 pelled by law to submit the animal to the tuberculin 
 test at least once every year. Once every six months 
 would be even better. Under present conditions the 
 veterinarian's attention is called to these cases only 
 when the cow is actually sick, and more likely than 
 not has been feeding the family with virulent milk 
 for months past. 
 
INDEX 
 
 Abdominal ailments, 
 
 obscure 52 
 
 Actinomycosis 14 
 
 Actinomycosis, case reports 18 
 
 Afterbirth, retained 97 
 
 Agalactia, acute, simple.. 121 
 Ailments, obscure 
 
 abdominal 52 
 
 Alopecia areata 101 
 
 Amaurosis 25 
 
 Ammonia, aromatic spir- 
 its of, for tympanites. . 42 
 Anorexia from obscure 
 
 causes 52 
 
 Anorexia, persistent 45 
 
 Ante-partum vaginal 
 
 prolapse 105 
 
 Appetite, aberration of . . . 46 
 
 Appetite, depraved 47 
 
 Arsenic for liver flukes. . 55 
 
 Arthritis, acute 30 
 
 Arthritis deformans 30 
 
 Atresia of the lacteal duct. 127 
 Atropin for eye affections. 22 
 Atropin for hemorrhage... 28 
 Azoturia 70 
 
 Bleeding from the nose. . 26 
 
 Blindness 25 
 
 Bloat 40 
 
 Cajuput for repelling flies. 29 
 Cancer of the eye 22 
 
 Chapped teats 137 
 
 Coccidial dysentery 60 
 
 Colic 51 
 
 Concretions in sub-urethral 
 
 diverticulum 113 
 
 Corneal ulcers 21 
 
 Cow pox 135 
 
 Cracked teats 137 
 
 Cyst, Douglass' pouch 115 
 
 Cysts, sublingual 8 
 
 Dental irregularities 10 
 
 Diarrhea in calves, simple 65 
 
 Distoma hepaticum 53 
 
 Douglass ' pouch cyst 115 
 
 Drenching, the proper 
 
 method of 5 
 
 Dropsical swellings 55 
 
 Drugs, action of 5 
 
 Drugs, administration of.. 5 
 Dysenteries, differentiation 
 
 of 63 
 
 Dysentery of calves, 
 
 infectious 67 
 
 Dysentery, coccidial 60 
 
 Dysentery, enzootic 3(5 
 
 Dysentery — Johnes disease 62 
 
 Eclamptic parturient 
 
 paresis 91 
 
 Enzootic dysentery 56 
 
 Epistnxis 26 
 
 Epizootic keratitis 19 
 
 E version of the uterus. . . .108 
 
 155 
 
156 
 
 INDEX 
 
 Eye, anesthesia of 21 
 
 Eye, cancer of 22 
 
 Fasciola hepaticum 53 
 
 Fetal death, symptoms of. 93 
 
 Fibrolysin for hygromas . . 33 
 
 Fistula, lacteal 131 
 
 Fluke, liver 53 
 
 Fly repellent 29 
 
 Foot-and-mouth disease. ... 11 
 
 Foreign bodies, ingested. . 31 
 
 Foreign bodies in tongue. 12 
 
 Fractures 31 
 
 Hemorrhage following 
 
 dehorning 27 
 
 Hemorrhage from the nose 26 
 
 Herpes tonsurans 102 
 
 Hoven 40 
 
 Hygroma 32 
 
 Hypodermic medication... 6 
 
 Impaction of the rumen. . 48 
 Ingested foreign bodies. . . 34 
 Intestinal antiseptic for 
 
 impaction 50 
 
 Intestinal antiseptics for 
 
 Thurow 's disease 39 
 
 Johnes disease 62 
 
 Keratitis, epizootic 19 
 
 Knee, hygroma of 32 
 
 Lacerated injuries 29 
 
 Lacteal duct, atresia of.. 127 
 
 Lacteal fistula 131 
 
 Laparotomy 35 
 
 Liver fluke 53 
 
 Liver, foreign bodies in. . 36 
 
 Lumpy jaw 14 
 
 Lungs, foreign bodies in.. 37 
 
 Mammitis 123 
 
 Mania, puerperal 77 
 
 Mastitis 123 
 
 Medication of cattle, 
 
 successful 7 
 
 Medication, hypodermic... 6 
 
 Medication, oral 5 
 
 Mercuric chlorid for can- 
 cer of the eye 24 
 
 Mercuric oxid for keratitis 20 
 
 Milk fever 83 
 
 Molars, deciduous 10 
 
 Molars, defective 10 
 
 Monsel's solution for 
 
 hemorrhage 28 
 
 Mumps 13 
 
 Muscular rheumatism 68 
 
 Nux vomica for impaction. 50 
 
 Obstetrical paralysis 79 
 
 "Off feed" 52 
 
 Opacities of lens or cornea. 21 
 
 Paralysis, acute bulbar. ... 73 
 
 Paralysis, obstetrical 79 
 
 Paralysis, senile 76 
 
 Paraplegia 70 
 
 Paresis, parturient 83 
 
 Parotitis, acute 13 
 
 Parturient paresis 83 
 
 Parturient paresis, 
 
 eclamptic 91 
 
 Parturient paresis, 
 
 . recurrent 90 
 
 Parturient syncope 81 
 
 Phymosis 118 
 
 Phytolacca for actinomy- 
 cosis 18 
 
 Pica 46 
 
 Pneumonia 139 
 
 Potassium iodid for 
 
 actinomycosis . 17 
 
 Potassium iodid for liver 
 
 flukes 53 
 
INDEX 
 
 157 
 
 Pouch, intermaxillary 8 
 
 Prolapse of the uterus. . . .108 
 
 Prolapse, vaginal 105 
 
 Puerperal mania 77 
 
 Puerperal mania — Rabies, 
 differentiation 78 
 
 Rabies 94 
 
 Rabies — Puerperal mania, 
 
 differentiation 78 
 
 Ranula 8 
 
 Retained secundines 97 
 
 Rheumatism, muscular. ... 68 
 
 Ring worm 102 
 
 Senile paralysis 76 
 
 Silver nitrate for corneal 
 
 ulcers 21 
 
 Sore teats 137 
 
 Spartein sulphate for 
 
 pneumonia 142 
 
 Staphyloma 21 
 
 Sterility 100 
 
 Stomatitis 11 
 
 Stranguary 113 
 
 Surfeit p 43 
 
 Syncope, parturient 81 
 
 Synechia 21 
 
 Tapping 41 
 
 Teats, chapped 137 
 
 Teats, cracked 137 
 
 Teats, sore 137 
 
 Thurow's disease 38 
 
 Tongue, actinomycosis of. 16 
 Tongue, foreign bodies in 12 
 
 Tongue, woody 16 
 
 Trocar, use of 41 
 
 Tuberculosis 143 
 
 Tuberculosis in family 
 
 cows 151 
 
 Tuberculosis, incipient. . . .151 
 Tympanites 40 
 
 Ulcers, corneal 21 
 
 Uterus, eversion of 108 
 
 Vaginal prolapse 105 
 
 Variola 135 
 
 Wire cuts. 29 
 
 Woody tongue 16 
 
 Wright 's treatment for 
 
 bloat 42 
 
 Zinc sulphate for keratitis £1 
 
11