LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. SliGif._-_n'2.7 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. THE DISEASES OF LIVE STOCK AND THEIR MOST EFFICIENT REMEDIES ; HORSES, CATTLE, SHEEP AND SWIM. A POPULAR TREATISE, GIVIXG IX BRIEF AND PLAIN LANGUAGE A DESCRIP- TION OF ALL THE USUAL DISEASES TO WHICH THESE ANIMALS ARE LIABLE, AND THE MOST SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT OF AMERICAN, ENGLISH AND EUROPEAN VETERINARIANS. BY LLOYD V. TELLOR, M.D. PHILADELPHIA: D. G. BRINTON, 115 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET. 1879. V- r Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1879, by D. G. BRINTON, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C, ALL EIGHTS RESERVED. ■ic:<\ \ V Wm. F. Fkll & Co., Printers and Klcctrotvi crs, 733 Rnnwix Rl , PhiladclMhia, Pa, PREFACE. The author of this work, though not a veterinary surgeon, believes he can claim some special qualifications for its pre- paration. Brought up on a farm, j^racticing medicine in a rural locality.. and, as is the wont with country doctors, often consulted about the diseases of domestic animals, he has bought and read the best books on the subject, and here jjre- sents the combined result of his study and observation. While the work has been written in language free from technicalities, and directly for the use of the farmer and stock owner, the endeavor has been made to render it scientifically^ exact, and a true exponent of the latest and most accurate re- search. Comparatively little space has been given to path- ology, as this branch can only be studied by experts ; but on treatment the work is very full, because this is so much neglected in most books, and yet is precisely what the general reader desires. As will be seen, free use has been made of the works of Professor William AVilliams, Finlay Dun, John Gamgee, George Arraltage, Dr. Klein, and other British authors ; and of the writings of Law, Townshend, Chawnci", Detmcrs, Moks, Harris, etc., cf our own country. CONTENTS. PART T. GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. CHAPTER I. i-AGK. REMARKS OX THE ANATOMY AXD THYSIOLOGV OF DOMESTIC AXIMAI.S. The Brain and Nervous System ; The Organs of Breathing ; The Organs of Digestion ; The Heart, Blood Vessels and Absorb- ents ; The Kidneys and Sex Organs; The Keproductive Acts, 17 CHAPTER IT. XURSIXG, CARE AXD DIET OF SICK AXIMALS. Separation and Stabling ; Disinfection ; Rest and Sleep ; Cleans- ing and Dressing ; Position, Slings and Cradle;;; Food and Drink ; Special Diet Preparations, ... -17 CHAPTER III. FORMS OF MEDICIXES, AXD METHODS OF THEIR ADMIXISTl'.ATIOX. List of Forms and Methods ; Medication Ijy the Mouth ; Injec- tions into the Nose ; Medication by the Rectum and Vagina ; Medication by the Blood Vessels ; External Methods of Medi- cation ; Weights anl Measures, and their Domestic Equiva- lents . . . 38 6 Contents. PAGE. CHAPTER IV. VETEllIXAKY SURGICAI, lN.STra'MEXTS AND MIXOIl SURGICAL OPERATIONS The Yeterinary Pocket Case and its Contents ; Preparations for Operating ; Bleeding ; Seton.s ; Firing ; Sutures ; O^Jerutiojis on tlie Teeth ; Blisterin>T, . . - , . 58 CHAPTER Y. GENERAL RULES FOR KECOGXIZIXG AXD DISTIXGUISHIXG DISEASES. The Pulse ; The Breathing ; The Animal Heat ; The Skin and Hair ; The Posture ; Indications of Pain ; Special Signs in Cattle; Signs of Diseases of Particular Organs, . . 71 PART II THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. General Remarks on the Diseases of the Horse, . . 81 CHAPTER I. KISEASES OK TlIK ]!!!A1X AXD XERVOUS SYSTEM. Congestion and Inflammation of the Brain ; Phrenitis ; Mad, Blind or Sleepy Staggers, ..... 87 Cerebro-spinal Meningitis, ..... 89 Convulsive Diseases or Fits ; Apoplexy ; Epilepsy ; Falling Sick- ness ; St. Yitus' Dance or Stringhalt, . . . 90 Megrims; Yertigo ; Giddiness, .... I'l Sunstroke, ....... ^3 Contents. Pai-alysis or Palsy, Tetanus or Lockjaw, Hydrophobia, or; 98 CHAPTER TI. DISEASES OF THE BREATHING OKGAN'S. Or Cautions in Treating Diseases of the Breathinj Cold in the Head ; Catarrh, .... Nasal Gleet ; Running from the Nose, Cold in the Chest ; Bronchitis; Chronic Cough, Influenza; The Epizootic; Contagious Catarrhal Fuvlt Eye, ... ... Sore Throat ; Laryngitis ; Pharyngitis, Inflammation of the Lungs ; Lung Fever; Pneumonia. Pleuris}', ....... Heaves ; Broken Wind ; Emphysematous Asthiiui, Roaring ; High Blowing ; Thick Wind ; AYhistling, TOO 102 1 ();! 10-3 lOD 11-2 113 in; 110 120 CHAPTER HI. DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF DIGESTION General Remarks on Diseases of the Digestive Orgai Local Inflammation in and around the Mouth ; Lampas Barbs and Paps ; Tender and Bleeding Gums Teeth ; Tooth Cough, Indigestion and Dyspej^sia, . . , . Cribbing ; Crib-biting ; Wind-sucking, Colic ; The Gripes, .... Tympany; Flatulent Colic ; TymjDanites ; Swollen B( Constipation ; Costiveness, Diarrhea ; Scouring, .... Inflammation of the Bowels ; Enteritis, Dysentery ; Bloody Flux ; Colitis, Congestion and Inflammation of the Liver : Hepatitis The Yellows, . . . . Intestinal Worms, The Bots, ..... s ; Yives : Decayed Jaundice : 124 128 l:l() 1:51 l;]4 l:!(i l:;7 IK) 143 140 14S loU 8 Contents. PAGE. CHAPTER IV. DISEASES OF THE HEART, BLOOD VESSELS AXD ABSORBEXTS. Palpitation; Violent Heart Beat ; Thumps, . . , 152 Enlargement or Hypertrophy of the Heart, . . . 153 Fatty Degeneration of the Heart, .... 154 Aneurism; Enlargement of the Arteries, . . . 155 Inflammation of the Jugular Vein ; Phlebitis, . . 156 Inflammation of the Absorbent Vessels ; Lymphangitis ; Weed ; Shot of Grease, ...... 156 CHAPTER V. DLSEASES OP THE KIDNEYS, BLADDER AXD SEX OROAXS. Inflamm;ition of the Kidneys, .... 159 Inflammation of th.e Bladder, .... IGO Stone in the Bladder ; Gravel, .... IGl Retention or Suppression of Urine ; Strangury ; Difficult or Painful Staleing, . . . . . . 162 Diabetes; Profuse Staleing, ..... 164 Black Water in Horses ; Hajmaturia ; Azoturia, . . 165 Diseases of the Sex Organs ; Contraction of the Sheath ; Ex- ternal Inflammation of the Yard ; Internal Inflammation of the Yard ; Inflammation of the Vagina, . . 166 CHAPTER VI. OEXERAL DISEASES, AXD DISEASES OF THE BLOOD. Glanders, . . . . . . . 170 Farcy; Bud Farcy ; Button Farcy, .... 173 Charbon in the Horse ; Purpura Hemorrhagica ; Spotted Fever, . . . . . . . 175 Rheumatism, . . . . . . . 178 Strangles; Colt Distemper, . . . . . 181 Erysipelas; St. Anthony's Fire, .... 185 Dropsy ; Ascites, ...... 186 Contents. CHAPTER TIL DISEASES OK TIIK FOOT OK THK HORSE. Structure of the Foot of the Horse, Lameness in the Horse ; How to Detect Lameness ; How to certain the Cause of the Lameness, Inflammation of the Feet ; Laminitis ; Founder ; Fever in Feet, ...... Corns, ....... Thrush or Frush of the Frog, . . . " Canker, ...... Punctured Wounds of tlie Feet ; Prickings ; Gathered Nails Sand Crack, ...... False Quarter, ...... Quittor; Fistula of the Coronet; Fibro-Chondriti ? of Foot, ...... Navicular Disease ; Grogginess ; Contraction of the Foot, Scratches ; Mud Fever ; Cracked Heels ; Erythema of Heels, ...... Grease ; Eczema of the Heels, As- the the is;) 107 201 202 202 20-1 2on- 20(> 207 200 211 212 CHAPTER Vni. DISEASES OF THE LKd. Inflammation of the Bones, Sore Shins; Inflammation of the Metacarpal Bones, Splints or Splents, .... Ring Bones, ..... Bog Spavin ; Blood Spavin ; Inflammation of the Hoc Bone Spavin, ..... Thorough -pin, ..... Capped Hock, r . . . . Side Bones, ..... k Joint 215 215 21 C, 217 218 210 221 222 222 CHAPTER IX. WOUNDS AND IXJUKIE.S, AXD TUEIU nESFLTS. The General Treatment of Wounds; To Check Bleeding; Clean- ing the Wound ; Restoring the Position of the Parts ; To Pr. - vent Inflammation, ...... 224 10 Contents. PAGE. Sprains or Strains, . . . . . . 228 Strains of the Shoulder and Leg ; Rheumatic Joint : Sprain of the Flexor Muscles ; Slioulder Slip ; Sprain of the Back Sinews. or Flexor Tendons, ...... 230 Injuries of the Foot and Lower Leg; Interfering; Overreach; Tread, or Calking ; Speedy Cut ; Brushing, , . 232 Wounds of the Knees ; Broken Knees, . . . 233 Elbow Si)rain ; Elbow Lameness, .... 234 Breaking Down : Strain or RujDture of the Suspensory Ligaments, 235 Wind-galls, ....... 235 Curb; Sjn-ain of the Caloaneo-cuboid Ligaments, . . 23fi Poll Evil, 237 Fistulous AVIthers, ...... 238 Rotten Bone ; Necrosis and Caries of Bones, . , . 239 Frostbite, ....... 241 Barns and Scalds, ...... 242 Stings and Bites, ...... 243 Heniia ; Rupture : Burst, ..... 244 Chokinsr. . ...... 245 CHAPTER X. DISEASES OF THE EYES. Inflammation of the Eyes ; Conjunctivitis, Periodic Ophthalmia ; Moon Blindness, White Spot : Eye Spot : Albugo, 248 249 251 CHAPTER XT. DISEASES OF THE .SKIX. Ringworm, . . 252 Nettle Rash; Surfeit; Urticaria. 254 Moist Tetter; Humid Tetter; Eczema, 254 Mallenders and Sallenders; Psoriasis of the Carpu , and the Tarsus, 250 Warbles; Grubs; Sitfasts. 257 Mange ; Itch. 258 Lice, .... 200 Consents. 11 PAET III. DISEASES OF CATTLE, SHEEP AND SWINE. INTRODUCTORY. rAGE. General Remarks on the Diseases of Cattle, and their Treat- ment, ....... '2()-j Peculiarities of the Action of Medicines on Cattle. . - 206 CHAPTER I. THE COXTAGIOUS OR EPIDEMIC DISEASES OF CATTLE. The Cattle Plague; Rinderjiest; Contagious Enteric Fever of Cattle, ....... -Am Pleuro-Pneumonia ; Contagious Lung Fever, . . 270 Foot and Mouth Disease ; Epizootic Aphtha.' ; Conta;Tiou.; 1m- zema, ....... 274 Charbon ; Black Quarter ; Quarter 111 ; Contagious Anthrax ; Bloody Murrain, ...... 27ti Splenic Fever ; Texas Cattle Disease ; Sjianish Fever, . 281 Cow-pox ; Smallpox of Cattle ; Variola Vaccina, . . 284 CHAPTER II. XOX-COXTAGIOUS AXD EOCAT, DISEASES OF CATTLE. Catarrh ; Colds ; Coughs ; Snores ; Snivels, . . 285 Consumption ; Wasting ; Pining, . . . . 287 Hollow Horn ; Horn-ail ; Ana?mia of Cattle, . . . 289 Hoven ; Blown; Impaction of the Rumen or First Stomach, . 291 Fardel-bound; Maw-bound; Stomach Staggers; Impaction of the Omasum or Third Stoniach ; Gastritis of Ruminants; Lakeburu, ....... 293 12 Contents. Obstruction of the Bowels, .... Congestion and Inflammation of the Liver ; The Yellow Red Water ; Black Water ; Bloody Urine, Dysentery ; Bloody Flux ; Scouring Rot, Milk Sickness ; The Trembles, Rheumatism ; Felon, Foul in the Foot ; Foul Claw, . Lice, Ticks and other Vermin, . PAfiK. 2U7 2!)8 300 302 304 306 308 310 CHAPTER in. DISEASES OF THE COW IX niEGXAXCY AXD CAI.VING Barrenness or Sterility, .... Abortion; Slinking; Slipping; l))-o]iping the Calf, . Calving or Parturition ; Rigid Neck of the Womb ; Bendin the Neck of the. Womb, Unnatural Positions of the Calf, Flooding, .... Retained After-birth, Inversion of the Womb, Medical Treatment of Calving, Management of the Milk ; To Dry the Milk ; To Bring on Increase the Milk ; To Correct Bloody and Blue Milk, Milk Fever ; Puerperal Fever ; Parturient Fever ; Parturi Apoplexy ; Inflammation of the Woml), Garget ; Caked Bag ; Mammitis, of nt 313 315 318 320 322 323 323 325 327 320 333 CHAPTER IV. DISEASES OF CALVES. First Attentions, .... Diarrhea or Scouring, .... Epidemic Colic; The Shoote or Shewte of Blood, Croup, ...... The Husk or Hoose ; Parasitic Bronchitis, 336 336 3.38 338 339 Confenh 13 CHAPTER A' DISEASES OF SHEEP. General Remarks on Diseases of Sheep, and tlieir Treatment, Braxy ; Striking of the Blood ; Charbon in Sheeji. Sheep Smallpox ; Variola Ovina, Louping 111 ; Thorter 111 ; The Gnaw Disease, Malignant Epizootic Catarrh ; The Sheep Distemper. Colic ; Blown ; Blast ; Wind Dropsy, . Red Water; Hgematnria, Hoof Rot ; Foot Rot, .... Foul in the Foot, .... Stone in the Bladder, .... Lambing in the Ewe ; Heaving Pains ; Milk Fever Rheumatism of Lambs, .... Constipation in Lambs, .... Diarrhea in Lambs, .... Turnsick ; Sturdy; Gid ; Hydatid of the Brain, Sheep Bots ; Grubs in the Head ; Head Maggots, Lung Worms ; The Hoose in Lambs ; White Skin ; ] Pelt Rot ; The Pale Disease, The Rot ; The Liver Fluke, Intestinal Worms, .... The Scab ; The Mange or Itch in Sheep, Garget Sk :!41 ;i4:! ol7 34'.t 3.j1 <]")o 354 3.5-") 3G0 361 362 365 368 368 371 374 38i CHAPTER Yl. DISEASES OF SWI\E. General Remarks on Diseases of Swine, . . . 388 Hog Cholera, so-called, and its Varieties, . . . 389 Charbon in Swine ; Malignant Anthrax ; Carl)uncular Disease: White Bristle, ...... 3',t0 Contagious Pneumo-enteritis ; Red Soldier ; The Blue Disease : Purples, ....... 393 Malignant Epizootic Catarrli, ..... 400 Apoplexy and Staggers, ..... 403 Coughs, Colds, Quinsy, and Inflammation of tlie Lungs, . 404 Diarrheal Diseases ; Scours, ..... 406 u Contents. Ague Cako; ^filt Swelling; Splenitis, Leprosy, ....... Trichinosis, ...... Hydatids of the Kidney.^: Kidney Worms; Lard Worms, Measles, ....... The Mange, Itch, or Scah. .... Lice. ....... I'AGE. 407 408 409 410 411 412 413 PART IV. HYGIENE AND MEDICINE. CHAPTER L HYGIENE OK 'I'llE HORSi:, AND OF FATTENING. Hygiene of the Horse, Condition Powders, Disinfection, .... Hygienic Rules for Fattening Animals, Cattle Powders and Condiment:d Food, Diets for FatteniuLC, 417 418 ■i-21 4-22 424 425 CHAPTER IT. POISOXS AND THE TREATMENT OF POISOXING. Ceneral Rules for the Treatment of Poisoning, . . 427 Vegetable Poisons ; Aloes ; Castor and Croton Seeds ; Diseased and Spoiled Foods ; Eupatoriura ; Hellebore ; Laurel : Poi- sonous Mushrooms ; Opium ; Ranunculus ; Savin ; St. John's Wort; Tobacco; Turpentine; Stramonium, . 428 Mineral and Chemical Poisons; Acids; Alkalies; Alcohol; Arsenic ; Brine ; Corrosive Siddimate ; Creasote ; Lead ; Mercury; Stryehinne ; Tartar Emetic, . . . 431 Content'^. 15 CHAPTER in. THK MOKK nirOKTANT DRUGS AXD MEDICINES USED FOK ANIMALS. Alphabetical List of the Most Useful Drugs, with their Doses, Forms of Administration and Formul.is, . . 430 Classified List of Drugs, according to their Action on the System, with Explanations, .... 4"i8 Index, ........ 459 PART I. General Principles of Veterinary Medicine. CHAPTER I. EEMAEKS ON THE AXAT03IY AXD PHYSIOLOGY OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS. The Brain and Nervous System — Tlie Organs of Breathing — • The Organs of Digestion — The Heart, Blood-vessels and Absorbents — The Kidneys and Sex Organs — The Repro- ductive Acts. When one undertakes to repair a machine he should know something about its construction ; and in like manner an acquaintance with anatomy and physiology is justly deemed necessary to the proper treatment of diseases. It is not, however, our purpose to enter into those abstruse sciences to any great extent; but it will be profitable to con- sider in broad outlines, and in language free from technicali- ties, the structure and functions of the four species of ani- mals, the horse, cattle, the sheep and the hog, whose diseases it is our main purpose to describe in the pages of this book. In doing so we shall proceed in tlie same order in which the diseases themselves Mill be classified when we come in turn to study them. (17) 2 18 General Principles of Veterinary Medicine. THE BRAIN AXD XEItVOUS SYSTEM. The cavity of the skull is filled with the brain, which is the organ of intelligence, of voluntary motion, and of the senses. The impressions on the senses are conveyed to the brain by the nerves, delicate branches of which are found in every part of the body. These branches unite and increase in size as we follow them up, until they reach what may be called the parent stem, which is the spinal cord, occupying the cavity in the backbone. This is attached to the brain at its base, so that every nerve fibre connects directly with the brain itself. The nerves of sight, of hearing, of taste and smell are adapted to convey the impressions of these senses only. In addition to this chief system of nerves, called the " cerebro-spinal " system, there is a lesser one, known as the " sympathetic " nerve system, which is distributed chiefly to the deep lying organs in the chest and abdomen, and to the blood-vessels. It is supposed to control the involuntary motions of those organs. The brain of the horse is small for his weight and the size of his head, weighing about thirty ounces, which is less than the smallest sized adult brain in man ; while the brain of the ox is still less, weighing about one-half that of the horse. As it is so much less active an organ in the lower ani- mals, it is much less apt to become diseased than in the human race. When its surfaces become inflamed, it leads to "mad staggers," a sort of delirium ; and when with this the spinal cord is attacked, tlie disease is that fatal and epidemic one known as " cerebro-spinal meningitis." Pressure of blood on the brain either by overfilling of the blood-vessels or by their bursting produces a stupid dull condition, passing at times into comj^lete unconsciousness, as we witness in " sleepy staggers," sunstroke and apoplexy. The Breathing Organs. 19 The nerves respond to the diseased condition of the brain either by excessive and violent action, as displayed in the spasms of megrims, epilepsy, lockjaw and hydrophobia ; or else by a more or less complete loss of their power of convey- ing sensation and motion, as in the varieties of palsy. AYhat physicians call "diseases of the 'mind," as insanity and idiocy, do not seem to occur in the lower animals; although instances are recorded where horses have apparently deliberately committed suicide, which would appear to be an evidence of hypochondria. THE ORGANS OF BREATHING. These consist of the lungs, and the tubes through which air is conducted into them. Tlie lungs are composed of millions of little sacs or vesicles, each vesicle opening into a minute tube, which tubes unite to form others of larger calibre, called bronchi; and finally all the bronclii join the lower end of the Mandpipe or trachea, which continues up the throat to the mouth. The lungs do not lie immediately against the walls of the chest, but against a close msmbra- nous sac called the pleura, which lies between the lungs and the ribs. The act of breathing differs in frequency in different ani- mals. In the horse it averages in health ten or twelve times a minute, in the ox twelve or fourteen times, in man sixteen or eighteen times. It should also be quiet and regular, and any deviation from these natural conditions is justly regarded with suspicion. A warranted horse is held to be especially guaranteed " in wind and limb," any defect of the breathing organs being mentioned first as of first importance. When the minute vesicles of the lungs are inflamed we have the disease called inflammation of the lumrs, lunor fever or pneumonia; when the inflannnation is in the tubes or 20 CrDieral Principles of Veterinary Medicine. bronchi, it is called bronchitis ; when in the up])er windpipe, sore throat. Pleurisy is an inflanunation of the membranous sac we have described as the pleura. Asthma, roaring, thick wind, broken wind, heaves and other disorders of the breath- ing arise from alterations in the nerves and tissues of these organs ; while consumption, although a general disease of the system, most frequently, both in men and horses, leads early to a softening and breaking down of the substance of the lungs. THE OEGAKS OF DIGESTIOX. These include much more thaii the stomach and bowels. The digestion of food really begins in the mouth, where it is ground by the teeth and altered by the chemical action of the saliva. Therefore we include under this heading, the mouth, teeth, throat, gullet, stomach and bowels. It is in this part of the system that the herbivorous ani- mals differ most from those which eat flesh only, and those which eat both flesh and vegetable food. The chemical j)rocesses which can convert dry hay to rich blood and firm flesh are -SAondrously complicated and require an extensive laboratory. This is furnished by a remarkable length of in- testine and generally by several stomachs. In man the intestines are six or seven times longer than his body ; in the pig they are thirteen times longer ; in the sheep they are twenty-eight times ; in the ox twenty-two times ; in the horse but ten times the length of the body. Yet this gives the horse an intestinal tube ninety feet long, and capable of containing more than a barrel of fluid. The teeth, in both the horse and the ox, as in the child, appear at first in a temporary set called ''milk teeth," which are followed by permanent ones, the change being completed in both animals about the fifth year of life. The horse has forty teeth, the ox and man thirty-two. As in the human Or(/ans of Digestion. 21 mouth, there are in tlie horse three kinds of teeth, tlie front teeth or incisors, called the " nippers; the canine teeth, called "tushes;" and the molar teeth, called ''grinders." The appearance of the teeth and the amount of wear they dis- close, enable those acquainted with their development to de- cide positively of the age of a horse within one year up to nine years of age. But a discussion of this subject does not come Avithin our province. The horse has but one stomach, while the ox and the sheep have each four. They are in both animals known by the same names. The first is the paunch or rumen ; the second is the honevcomb or kingshood ; the third is the manyplies or omasum ; the fourth is the red, the rennet or the aboma- sum. The first three communicate with the gullet by a common opening. The " cud " is contained in the first and second stomachs, and after it has been masticated a second time it passes to the third and fourth, and to the bowels, to undergo the further process of digestion. This is accomplished by the peculiar action upon it of the secretion of the fourth stomach or rennet, an action fami- liarly known by the use of rennet in the kitchen, and of " pepsin " in medicine, which is obtained directly from this stomach ; and after it passes into the bowels by the secre- tions of the liver and pancras or sweet bread. Thus prepared, it comes into contact in the long course of the bowels — two hundred feet nearly in the ox — with count- less little absorbing points called " villi," which take np the food now changed to a large extent to a thick fluid, leaving the insoluble and undigested portions to continue down the tube to the rectum or anus, whence they are periodically dis- charged as feces or dung. As may readily be conceived, this intricate and delicate process is easily disturbed, and hence loss of aiipetite, im- paired digestion, and irregularity of the bowels accompany 22 General Principles of Veterinary 3Te(^icine. nearly evciy disease on the catalogue. Improper food, and too little or too much exercise bring on indigestion or dys- pepsia, in which complaint there maybe one or another form of disturbance. Colic, gripes or hoven is an accumulation of air or gas in the stomach or bowels, painfully stretching their walls. Scouring is a too free and watery action of the intes- tines ; dysentery and enteritis are when the intestines are in- flamed ; and obstruction occurs when through hair-balls, rupture or twistings their j)assage is choked up. THE HEAET, BLOOD-VESSELS AND ABSORBENTS. The digested food, we have seen above, is taken uj) in the intestines in the shape of a milky fluid by innnmerablc absor- bent points or villi. What do they do with it? They pour it into the absorbent vessels or lymphatics, which empty into larger and larger ones, and so on until the whole of the nu- tritive fluid is collected into one great duct or tube, which extends forward and pours its life-giving contents into the large veins at the base of the neck, whence it is conveyed to the heart and enters the general circulation of the blood. And this circulation, what is meant by it? It means that the blood is drawn in and driven out of the heart by its powerful throbs, with such force and rapidity that the whole of it in the body makes the circuit of the system in less than three minutes, washing out the dead and worn out particles, discharging them by the lungs, kidney and liver, and purging and brightening itself in the fresh air drawn in by the lungs for another such rapid and purifying race. The parts concerned in this circulation are the heart, the arteries and the veins. The arteries lead /rom the heart; the blood they carry is bright red, and it flows in waves, felt on the pulse, and shown when an artery is cut by the blood spouting in jets or spurts. The veins lead to the heart; the The Course of the Blood. 23 blood they carry is dark red, and it flows in a steady, regular stream. The arteries divide and subdivide into innumerable branches, diminishing to a size Avhere it takes the strongest microscope to discover them, which are collected again into larger and larger branches to form the veins. These smallest divisions are the capillaries, and it is while in them that the blood alters in color from a bright to a dark red, by undergoing the changes necessary to keep up the life of the tissues through which it flows. Thus the blood is returned to the heart dark and dull, and loaded with worn out matter. It enters the right side of the heart, which has two cavities wholly separate from two similar ones on the left side. It is at once driven to the lungs, wdiere it is spread over the delicate thin walls of jnillions of vesicles and exposed to the air inhaled at each act of breathing ; it throws out carbonic acid gas, absorbs oxygen, and returns to the left side of the heart fresh and bright once more, and ready to recommence its journey. And so it continues its endless round till death stops it for- ever. In the human race diseases of the heart and blood-vessels are common, but in the lower animals they are rare. No doubt the erect position of man, which demands heavier labor from the heart, is partly a cause of this ; another is his greater nervous excitability, and his intemperance. In both species, inflammatory rheumatism is often followed by a change in the valves and walls of the heart. Practically, it is of great importance to be able to distin- guish bleeding from arteries from bleeding from veins by the color of the blood. For venous bleeding will usually cease by simple measures; but arterial bleeding recpiires the liga- ture. When the amount and quality of the food is largely in excess of the needs of the system for repairing its waste by 24 General Principles of Veterinary Medicine. exercise, the blood is said to be " too rich," and the animal increases in fat, and may become sluggish and torpid. This state of plethora or "over-condition," though not actually a disease, is not one of the most perfect health ; and though it suits well for stall-fed steers, it is injurioiis to milk-cows and work or racing horses. It is counteracted by lower diet, more exercise, a brisk purge, and in racers by the process of "sweating" them under the saddle and sweat-cloths. THE KIDNEYS AND SEX ORGANS. The kidneys are the organs which secrete the urine from the blood. The fluid flows from them through a duct into the bladder, whence it is expelled from time to time. The urine of horses has a peculiar, strong unpleasant odor, and a bitter, salty taste; the urine of cattle is clear, of a pale yellow color, of a bitter taste, and a strong alkaline reaction. The urine of the sheep and the pig resembles that of cattle. The sex organs in the male horse are the sheath, the yard and the testicles. -In the gelding and the steer, the latter are removed by the operation of castration. In the female the sex organs are the uterus or womb with its appendages, the ovaries and the vagina, which is the passage which conducts to the womb. In mares this is about eighteen inches long. In the operation of spaying, the ova- ries are removed, which renders the female barren, and usually destroys her sexual desires. These desires in the female lower animals are only mani- fested, when in health, on certain periodical occasions, known as the "oestrum," when the animal is said to be "in heat." This is manifested by restlessness, calling the male, signs of congestion and irritation about the sex organs, and by the discharge of a fluid from the vagina, Avhich is said to have a characteristic and penetrating odor in the highest degree ex- citing to the perfect male. Breeding In-and-in. 25 The mammary glands or udder is an appendage of the sex organs in the female. It is brought into aetion after fertile connection and reproduction have been accomplished — though the secretion of milk is possible without these. Although the horse, ox and sheep are strictly herbivorous animals, they live, when young, on animal food in the form of milk ; and. it is the desire by man to partake of this food that leads him to give so much attention to the breeding of cows in this country and of mares in Asia. The diseases of these organs form a very important class. Disturbances of the urinary secretion are by no means un- common in our domestic animals. Diabetes or excessive uri- nation is a familiar example ; " red water " and " black water " are known in both horses and cows ; and inflamma- tory affections of the bladder and kidneys, though not fre- quent, are always troublesome. With regard to the sex organs, the difficulties and compli- cations of pregnancy and parturition demand careful study on the part of the stock owner ; and disorders of the udder, the treatment of milk fever, and the management of new- born calves are subjects with which every one having the care of domestic animals should make himself acquainted. Another and important to]Hc, which comes appropriately in this connection, is the effect on the health of stock of breeding in-and-in. As a predisposing cause to certain very dangerous diseases, it has not received in the United States, at least, the attention it should have. The ill effects of close breeding are seen less in the horse, than in cattle and sheep. In cattle the extremities become delicate, the hair smooth and fine, the ears thin, and the general sensitiveness increased. The animal becomes more subject to various diseases, especially of the lungs, and to what are called " clayers " in the throat. The English herd books give instances where once famous herds have de- 26 General Frinciples of \^eterinari/ Jledichie. generated and become extinct by persistent in-and-in breed- ing. In sheep the eifects are to produce fine and delicate ex- tremities, to bare the head of ^vool, anu to render the ears thin and red. The animal becomes very susceptible to cold, and uncommonly subject to such diseases as flukes and loot rot. THE EEPKODUCTIYE ACTS. In regard to the development of the reproductive powers, the domestic animals differ widely. The mare begins to breed at four years of age and carries her young 340 days from the time of conception to its natu- ral delivery. She may safely be worked to within two weeks of that time, but should have rest for three or four wrecks afterwards. The foal should be weaned at five or six months of age. The youngest age at which the heifer should be put to the bull is laid down by the best English breeders at one year and eight months. She carries her young the same length of time as the human female, to wit, about nine mouths. The most favorable period for calving is in the spring. For five or six weeks previous to its occurrence her milk should be dried, and during the whole period of gestation, she should be underfed rather than overfed, too rich diet being a very common cause of abortion. The calf should have nothing but the teat for three or four weeks, when it may begin Avith skimmed milk, etc. Both rams and ewes are ready to breed at fifteen montlis of age. The ewe carries her young one hundred and fifty- two days. When born, it is often very delicate antl requires the attentive care of the shepherd to survive. The sow should breed at one year of age. Her period of gestation is 113 days, and it is a prudent precaution to sepa- Nursing. 27 rate her from the rest of the herd for one week before her farrowing is due. In three weeks from their birth the yomig pigs begin to eat other food than the milk of the sow. CHAPTER II. KURSIXG, CARE AXD DIET OF SICK ANIMALS. Separation and Stabling — Disinfection — Rest and Sleep — Cleansing and Dressing — Position, Slings and Cradles — Food and Drink — Special Diet Preparations. As in the human species, so in the domestic animals, very much of the success of medicines depends upon intelligent nursing ; and the most approved skill of the veterinarian will fail utterly, if the principles of hygiene and sanitation are neglected. These principles we shall now specify. SEPARATION AND STABLING. Whenever an animal is seen to be ailing, it should be sepa- rated from others and placed in a lot or pen apart, or in a stall at a distance from others. This is especially important when contagious diseases are prevalent, but it should be a rule at all times and in every instance. The stall chosen should be roomy, well drained and ven- tilated, free from the odors of decaying animal or vegetable matters, moderately lighted and cpiiet. The temperature to be preferred is about 60° or 65° Fah. A loose box is preferable to a stall, w^hen it is to be had, as it allows an animal more liberty of movement, and permits him to assume any position which is most comfortable. The 28 General Principles of Veterinary Medicine. floor should be well littered with clean straw which should be changed as often as it becomes foul with the discharges. Surface gutters are to be preferred in all instances to traps or sink holes, as the former allow the discharges to be rapidly and thoroughly removed. In some systems of ventilation, especially that by a tube or shaft descending from the roof, and that by open doors and windows, there is danger, especially at night, of a cur- rent of raw cold air striking the animal, and chilling it to a dangerous deo-ree. Louver windows in the roof or under the eaves, if properly made, are less objectionable; and best of all is a ventilating shaft which has its opening within a foot or two of the floor, the current in which is maintained by a revolving ventilator at the top. DISINFECTION. Should never be neglected. The walls should be fre- quently whitewashed, and the discharges deodorized by the use of sulphate of iron (copperas), which is a cheap and effi- cient agent for the purpose. A handful may be dissolved in a bucket of water and thrown into the drain. More efficient is the chloride of zinc (butter of zinc), which may be dissolved in water in the proportion of an ounce to one or two gallons. It is very effective, and not liable to be absorbed. In contagious cases it is of the first importance that the infecting germs be destroyed as soon as they are produced, and before they have had a chance to spread the contagion. The attendants on such cases should not handle or approach healthy animals, when it is possible to avoid it. The sheds or stables occupied by such ajiimals should be fumigated with sulphur two or three times a week. The fumes should not be strong enough to set the animals cough- Disinfecting. 29 ing. If mixed with tar, the gases generated by the com- bustion of the two form the most active atmospheric disin- fectant now known to science. No. 1. Flowers of sulphur, ^ lb. Wood tar, 1 qt. Mix with tow. This much, burned at one or two spots, \\\\\ ho, enough to •disinfect a shed one hundred feet long and twenty wide. Carbolic acid in its impure liquid fortn ia conveniently applied with a brush over the doors, walls and troughs, and may also be applied to the hooves of the animals. Rugs or blankets may be wet with a weak solution of it and hung around, to attract and destroy any disease germs floating in the atmosphere. It also has the advantage of being dis- agreeable to flies, which in the summer time are otherwise sure to attack and annoy the sick animal. Chloride of lime is also a popular disinfectant, ])at apart from it being generally highly disagreeable to animals, it is not so active as those we have already mentioned. The value of disinfection is no longer open to discussion. It has been sliown beyond controversy that over and over ao-ain such malio-nant maladies as the foot- and-mouth disease, the cattle plague and black quarter have been stayed in their ravages and prevented from extending by a free, constant and wise use of these potent agents. We add formulas to prepare a number of them besides those already mentioned, ijo that one may be obtained when another is not convenient. No. 2. Sulplinte of iron, 2 parts. Snliihate of zinc, ) ^„^i i ,^„„. „ ' 111- ] i each 1 part. Ian or oak bark in powder, ) Mix with tar into balls the size of the fist, and put into drains, cess- pools and sink holes. No. 3. T)ry chloride of lime, 2 parts. Burnt alum, 1 part. To be set in shallow dishes about the stables &c. This is known as " Collins' Disinfecting Powder.'' 30 General Principles of Veterinary Medicine. No. 4. Common salt, 2 lbs. Oil of vitriol, 1 pint. Pour the oil of vitriol slowly in the salt, and muriatic gas will be evolved, which is a powerful disinfectant. Eecommended by the Cattle Plague Commission. What are known as the " distnfecting powders," which are prepirations of carbolic acid by McDougall, Calvert and other makers, are sprinkled daily throughout the extensive stables in London and Liverpool, at an annual cost of only one dollar and a quarter for each horse. They keep the flies away and the atmosphere pure. REST AXD SLEEP Are great restoratives to the exhausted system. Hence the attendant on the sick animal s-hould be careful to secure these. Horses are nervous creatures, and cannot sleep sound- ly where there is much noise. When sick, no one should be allowed to walk about on a floor overhead, especially at night; the stall should be darkened, and the crowd of pas- sing visitors which generally collects, should promptly be dispersed. Especially is this true of all diseases of the brain and ner- vous system ; to such a degree, indeed, that the prescription in tetanus (lockjaw) of an eminent veterinarian is for the owner of the animal to lock the stable door, put the key in his pocket, and not approach the place again for three days. This general rest is to be carried further, to rest of the part which is diseased. If the digestive organs are inflamed the simplest and blandest food and not much of that is to be allowed ; purgatives are to be withheld as only adding fuel to the flames. Tf the eye or the foot is inflamed, shading from the li^ht is demanded in the first, and entire freedom from motion in the second case. But when acute disease has Cleanliness. 31 passed away, the gradual use of an aifected part generally does good. CLEAXIXG AND DRESSING. A sick animal should be kept scrupulously clean. This is neither an easy nor a pleasant task, especially with cows and cattle suifering from dysentery and other scouring disea- ses. They lie down and obstinately refuse to move even to get out of the way of their own discharges. They must be well bedded, and gentle but sufficient force be used to wash them thoroughly once a day. When the condition is one of fever, if the body is sponged several times a day with some vinegar added to tepid water, great comfort will result, and the hot and dry condition of the skin be much relieved. Harsh rubbing, scraping, and the currycomb are not the means to use in cleansing a sick animal. Plenty of warm water and the handbrush, followed by the cloth, are what are needed. In feverish diseases and inflammations both in horses and cattle, and in recovery from exhausting attacks of all kinds, a w^arra rug or two and bandages to the legs help to maintain an even temperature, and combat congestion of the internal organs. In putting on bandages the art is to avoid unequal pres- sure, and yet in giving sufficient to affi^rd gentle support and to distribute equable heat. The bandages are usually of flannel or some other woolen material. They, as well as all other clothing, should always be removed twice daily, the skin washed ofl^ and rubbed, and the covering promptly re-applied. Attention to the hair is a very important question in dress- ing, especially in horses. There has been a prejudice, and we believe an entirely unfounded one, in this country against "clipping" horses. Yet as a measure of comfort in 32 General Principles of Veterinary Medicine. health, and improvement in disease, Ave believe it a very desirable procedure. Not to discuss the question we shall simply quote the words of that very eminent autliority, Prof. W. Williams, Principal of the Veterinary College of Edinburgh. He says : " With reference to the clipping of horses, I am of opinion that it is a great advantage ; they work better after being clipped ; thrive on less food ; are less liable to disease ; and when sick recover in a much shorter time." Frequently, therefore, it is a part of good nursing to clip them. When this is not done, it is often of advantage to cut away the hair at the fetlocks, and under the chin, and trim the main and tail. Many horses which are " hide bound," out of condition, mangey, and generally run down, will re- cover forthwith as soon as they are clipped and closely trimmed. In all instances the feet should be looked to. The shoes should be removed, and a " stopping " of equal parts of cow dung and clay be used in horses ; while in cattle it is well to paint the hoofs with tar, or impure carbolic acid. POSITION, SLIXGS AND CRADLES. A horse has generally a nervous fear about lying down .when sick, on account of the increased difficulty he experi- ences in breathing in that condition ; hence he is apt, wdien he can no longer stand, to give up tlie struggle in despair and to die when his attack is not necessarily mortal. This is not the case with cows and cattle, as they spend much of their time reclining, and as a rule adopt that position early in their sickness. Of course, when the leg or foot is seriously diseased, the horse finds flir greater comfort lying, and then it is bad man- agement to prevent him doing so. But otherwise we incline to believe a horse should be encouraged to stand as long as Slings for IIorfrenchlng I-Tor.^es. 47 Best of all is the old-fashioned drenching-horn, when one has had a little. practice with it, and knows how to manage it. The most desirable shape is one in which the point of the horn turns downward, while the lai-ge end has an oblique opening turned in the upward direction, as in this figure: FIG. C. — THE BEST SHAPE OF A DRENCHING HORN. Drenches ought always to be thoroughly mixed and well- shaken before being given, and if a violent fit of coughing comes on during their administration, they should be sus- pended and the animal set free for a few minutes. We shall now proceed to give special directions for drench- ing various animals, adopting as our guide that able veteri- narian, Prof. John Gamgee. EULES FOR DREXCHIXG A HORSE. As regards the process of exhibiting a drench to a horse, it is not always well understood; and hence serious and fatal consequences have resulted from the exhibition of remedies in the liquid form. The rules to observe are : First, Hold the horse's head up at a moderate heiglif, so that the line of the face is horizontal. Secondly, Secure the tongue to prevent the lapping out of the liquid, but allow of sufficient movement of lips, tongue, cheeks, and jaM's, so as not to interfere with the first act of swallowing. To draw the tongue forciblv outwards is very 48 General Principles of Yeterirutry Medicine. injudicious, as if the tongue l)e stretched it does not aid in pressing back the fluid, wliich gravitates as the tongue is pulled upon, and the larynx and pharynx" advance; — the animal may thus be choked. FIG. 7. — HOLDING A HORSE FOR UREXCHING. Thirdly, If an animal makes an effort to cough, rather lose the draught than risk the danger of choking, which so readily occurs if fluid be suddenly thrown over the tongue. Fourthly, Entice efforts of swallowing, should the horse On Drenching Hodhs and Oxen. 40 obstinately and artfnlly retain the liquid in his mouth. This is effected by rubbing the throat, and exerting pressure in the space between the lower jaw bones. The methods of holding horses during the exhibition of a draught are various, but the most important ones are three. In the first place, by lopes and pulleys a horse's head is pulled up from a beam or other high object in a stable or shed. This is very objectionable, especially in a vicious horse; and it does not answer better than the second manner of introducing a rope noose over the upper jaw. This noose is attached to a stick, or slipped over a stable-fork prong (see Fig. 7) ; and a man can then hold up the head of the heaviest horse and follow him in his movements. It requires management. In Fig. 8 the third manner of holding a horse's head up and exhibiting a drench is represented. It is the most simple and useful method. It only requires one person, who holds the tongue, places his thumb round the lower jaw, and with his fingers causes the horse to open his mouth whilst the draught is poured out of the horn with the right hand. In cases of lock-jaw or tetanus, it is difficult to exhibit even fluid medicines to horses. There are two useful meth- ods, however, to accomplish this. The first is by the intro- duction of a tube into the gullet through the mouth ; and the second is by pouring or pumping the fluid through the nose. The objections to the latter procedure are not so Aveighty as at first sight may appear, provided the fluid is a perfect solution, and poured down the inferior or })osterior channel of the nostril Math care. .RULES FOR GIVING DRENCHES TO THE OX. The horn should always be used. The manner of hold- ing the horn, of securing the animal, and giving the drench, is clearly represented in Fig. 9. 4 50 (icnrnii J^rhwijyfes of ]'<'tcriiiart/ Medicine. The chief points to attend tt) are — (a) not to iri'itate the animal ; (b) always to attempt the operation from the right side ; (c) seize hold of the upper jaw by passing the left hand over the head ; and bend the latter far round to the right ; FIG. 8. — HOLDING A HOUSE FOR CRENCHINQ. this simple contrivance very eiFectually tames or disarms even a vicious bull, ox, or cow; (d) the operator should stand well with his back against the animal's shoulder, projiping him- Hoiii fo Drench Cattle 51 self up with the right leg; to do this tlie animal should, especially if awkward, be against a wall on its loft side. An incautious person may be severely bruised and tin-own into the manger by proceeding up to the head of a cow, not get- ting full command of the animal, and presenting his back to FIG. 9. — DRENCHING AN OX. \is hind extremities, with M'hich an ox can strike effectually forwards. Sometimes the organs of SM'allowing are ])aralysed in cat- tle, as in cases of parturient apo])lexy ; at other times there are foreign substances imprtctcd in the gidlct. With the 52 General Principles of Veferinari/ Medicine. view of displacing the foreign object in the one instance, and of introducing medicines in the fluid state in the stomach under any emergency, a hollow probang may be used. The fluids may also be forced into tlie stomach by the pumping action of a syringe. The probang is guided through the centre of the moutJi by a gag. We give the drawing of two forms. Fig. 9 is probably the best. VV,. 10. AX OX GAG. The advantage it has over the common gag is, that it is tied by a rope to the mouth, and then, in virtue of its shape, it is a more complete guide to the probang than the instru- ment represented at Fig. 10. The latter is the common gag, to be held in the animal's mouth by an assistant, whilst the operator uses the probang. FIG. 11. — AN ox GAG As the first stomach of ruminants is very capacious and lies flat against the left side of the belly, an expedient has Tlie Lse of Troc/ta/-i<. Oo been adopted of puncturing the stomacli to evacuate it, or to introduce into it medicinal agents. The stomach is punc- tured by trochars, such as arc represented by Figs. 12 and 12. The first lias a cylindrical canida and stild, the can iila being somewhat less than a third of an inch in diameter, and three and a-half inches in length. The one represented by Fig. 13 is flattened, and the canula half-an-inch in its greatest width, and four and a-half inches in len2;th. A TKOCHAK A TKOCHAR. These trochars are used in the following manner : — A spot is chosen midway between the last rib and the lower part of the haunch bone, and about eight or nine inches below the bony knobs of the backbone of the cow; a small incision is made through the skin with a lancet or bistoury, and then the trochar is pushed with sufficient force and impulse at once to penetrate the walls of the belly and rumen. INJECTION OF FLUIDS INTO THE NOSE. Fluids are sometimes poured into the nose that they may be swallowed ; but usually the internal exhibition of reme- edics by the nose is effected by means of a stomach-pumj), with a long flexible tuble. The practice is an objectionable one, but may, under certain circumstances, be absolutely indispensable. The introduction of liquids int« the nostrils to exert a 54 Gencr&d Prlaciples of Yeterlnarij Jledlcine. curative influence on its lining membrane is a more com- mon practice, and attended with much good. The old method of performing this operation is simply to use a syringe, or to elevate the head and j^our lotions, etc., into the nose. Professor Rey has adopted a very simple and satisfactory procedure. It consists in causing the fluid to rise in each nostril by atmospheric pressure, and when the one division of the nose is thus filled, the liquid passes over, and is seen to flow out at the opposite nostril. In this way the liquid, most eifectually touches every part of the membrane, and a mild solution of sulphate of zinc or copper, and other seda- tive, astringent, or antiseptic lotion, may bo brought in con- tact with the suppurating or ulcered surface. The instru- ment which Professor Rev employs for this purpose is drawn at Fig. 14. The long tube is fifteen inches in length, and one and a-half inches in diameter, expanding and funnel- shaped above, where the broadest part is two inches wide. FIG. 14.--TOBB FOR WASHING THE KOSTRlL§. The short arm is five inches in length, and tlie aperture two- thirds of an inch in diameter. Over the short arm is passed a closely-fitting leather ring, four and a-half inches in diam- eter. This serves as the surface over which, and round the short arm, wet to^^' may be adapted, so that, on introducing the small tube in the nostril, the latter is compressed care- fully on the tow; at the same time fluid is poured into the funnel, and rises in the nasal chamber. If the horse's head be bent in, and held as nmch as possible in a perpen- Giving Mcdicinvs by the iVo.sr. 55 (licular })Osition, the lotion will ])ass out at the ojiposite nos- tril. We sometimes have a little difficulty in performing this maueuvre with awkward horses, but by quiet means they are soon accustomed to the operation. Some persons advocate twitching; occasionally the ear may be twitched; the animals sometimes require to be blindfolded, but at others it is best to let them see what is being done ; and most frequently not the slightest trouble attends the injection. It is an invaluable method of using remedies in the treatment of diseases of the nose. Fomentations are applied by wrapping the part to be treated in Hannel bandages or horse cloths, and keeping these wrappings constantly Met with the liquid cmj)loyed. This may be simple water, cold or hot, or mixed with vine- gar, laudanum, an antiseptic, or any otlier appropriate reme- dy. The wrap should be covered with a layer of rubber cloth or oil cloth to retain the moisture. For small surfo- ces, a sponge or a soft piece of rag, tow, lint or oakum is appropriate. They are usually applied to cleanse and soothe irritable Avounds ; to relieve external or superficial inflammation ; and to reduce internal inflammation as in pleurisy, pneumonia or acute kidney disease. In ordinary use they are apt to be withdrawn before they have done much good. To obtain their full benefits they should be continued several hours, fresh supplies of the liquid being added as often as the tem- l^erature of the cloths fall or they begin to dry. A very serviceable and convenient method of fomenting is to take a sheep-skiii with plenty of wool on it, wring it out in hot water and apply it to the part. After the opera- tion is finished, the parta should be rubbed dry and well clothed, in order to prevent the rapid fall of temperature and consequent chill, Mdiich otherwise is liable to Occur. As 66 General Principles of Veterinary 3fedicine. a farther means of guarding against this, the fomented sur- faces may have a light dressing of mustard rubbed into them. Ointments arc j^repared by mixing the drug to be used with Lird, butter, or cerate, or what is f;xr better, the petro- leum product called petroleum ointment, cosmoline or vaseline. This substance never becomes rancitl, has no unpleasant odor, and by adding wax or parafine can be made of any desired thickness. Ointments are of especial use in diseases of the skin and hair, though as their ingre- dients can be absorbed by the skin, they are sometimes employed to introduce medicines into the system. Plasters are solid adhesive substances usually containing litharge, with resiu, wax, soap, tar or pitch. They are not A^ery useful in veterinary practice, and when employed it is usually in the form of charges. These are where the ingre- dients of the plaster are melted or poured directly on the skin. They are then covered with ravelled tow or lint, and confined by a linen or leathern bandage. In former times this was a popular practice with farriers, but has gone some- what out of date. Tliey are well adapted as a dressing to slow inflammations, particular of the joints, ligaments, tendons or feet. They are even more useful in joint affections in cattle than in horses, and sometimes benefit such cases when other means have failed. Tliey are, however, often difficult to apply and keep uj)on the part, and for this reason can generally be superseded by water dressings, lotions aud fomentations. WEIGHTS AXD MEASURES. The weights and measures used l)y veterinarians are the apothecaries' weight and wine measure. Wcujlifx (iiuJ JLasurcs. 57 APOTHECARIEti' A\ EIGHT. 60 grains =: 1 drachm. 8 clraclims = 1 ounce. 16 ounces = 1 pound. WIXE MEASURE. 60 drops = 1 drachm. 8 drachms = 1 ounce. 16 ounces = 1 pint. 8 pints = 1 gallon. For nearly all j^ractieal purposes, quantities of fluids may be measured in familiar domestic utensils to correspond to the above table, as follows; 60 drops == 1 teaspoonful = 1 drachm. 4 teaspoonfuls = 1 tablespooaful = |- ounce. 2 tablespoonfuls = 1 ounce. 1 wineglassful = 2 ounces. 1 teacupful = 4 ounces. 1 tumblerful ' = ^ pint. 1 tincupful ' =1 pint. As a familiar manner of estimating weights in dry measure, "vve may say A handful of linseed, aniseed, etc. = 2 ounces. " dried leaves = 1 ounce. A hen's egg ;= 2 ounces. Three silver half-dollars = 1 ounce. By the use of these familiar standards, it will nearly always be practicable to obtain all the accui'acy needed in o-ivinp; medicine to the lower animals. 58 General J^riiicljjfcs of ^\ierillary Medicine. CHAPTER IV. VHTERINARY SURGICAL, INHTRUilEXTS AXD MINOR SURGICAL OPERATIONS. The Yetei'inary Pocket Chse and its Contents — Preparations for Operating — Bleeding — Setons — Firing — Sutures — • Operations on the Teeth — Blistering. Every stock owner who would qualify himself to take proper care of the animals he possesses, should provide him- self M'ith a small pocket case of veterinary surgical instru- ments, which he should keep always sharp and clean, and use for their intended purpose, and no other. ^Vluit such a case should contain, and the uses of each instrument, we shall now explain. In doing so, we shall preface it with the remark that our endeavor will be to mention only the most important instruments, and those in the use of which any intelligent man can qualify himself by a very moderate practice on dead animals — a form of education Ave earnestly recommend. We have taken some pains to select, with the aid of the advice of practical men in this department, a "Stock Owner's Pocket Veterinary Case ", which is represented in the cut on the folloM'ing page. It contains nine diiferent instruments, sufficient in numl)er and variety for nearly all the lesser operations which an intelligent owner, not a professed sur- geon, would be called upon to perform. The instruments and their uses are as follows: 1. A blunt pointed bistoury, slightly curved, for operations under the skin, in cavities, etc. 2. A thumb lancet. This form is safer than the ordinary spring lancet, and much superior to the old-fash ionetl Jieam, Stock OvMicr'.s Pocket ]'(ieriii(iri/ ( '(t.sc. o9 FIG. 15. — STOCK owner's POCKET VETERINARY CASE. The above cut represents a convenient pocket case of Morocco or Rus- sia leather, containing the instruments most essential in the performance of minor surgical operations on animals. The case is representee! unfol- ded, and the instruments are displayed in the following order, from above downwards : A blunt pointed bistourj'. A tiiumb lancet. A spring forceps. An aneurism needle. A silver probe. A frog knife. A curved scissors. A bistoury. A scton needle. 60 General PrincipJe.H of Veteriiiwif Medicine. now almost obsolete. The exact depth and length of the cntcan best be judged by the ordinary thumb lancet. 3. A pair of forceps, for dressing wounds, catching arteries for tying, removing foreign bodies, etc. 4. A long blunt pointed needle, called an anenrismal needle, which can be used as a probe, and for small sctons, etc. 5. A silver 2^ I'obe^ blunt at one end, sharp at the other for exploring wounds. 6. A froff knife, having a narrow straight blade, curved into a strong sharp hook at the end; very useful in cleaning hoofs, etc. 7. A pair of curved scissors, for trimming the edges of wounds, cutting hair, etc. 8. A straight broad scalpel, for opening abscesses, cas- trating, etc. 9. A seton needle, for introducing tapes, etc. In addition to these the case contains half a dozen surgical needles and thread, and two inside pockets for paper,etc. Such a set of instruments, made in the best manner and furnished in a neat and durable morocco case, should be bought for ten dollars ; and in order that they may be obtained of good quality and with little trouble, Ave have arranged with the publishers of this work that they shall supply them at the above price, when requested. PREPARATIONS FOR OPERATING. Fastening the Animal. — In jierforming operations on ani- mals, it is of the first importance, both for the safety of the operator and the successful achievement of his task, that the patient be firndy secured. Usually this can conveniently be done by " casting " or throwing the animal by means of a hobble attached to all four feet, Mdiich are then drawn ra})idly together In' assist- Aiucstlniics. 01 ants, and the horse pushed over on his side. A single linil) can tlien be hjosened and held by a strap around the fetloek in the hands of a reliable man, while another sits on the horse's head. The arrangement called the " trevis " or " Ijreak " is a nar- row pen, six feet long and three wide, with stout corner posts and side rails on both sides and one end. The horse is led into it at the open end, which is then closed with a bar. His legs are fastened to each post by broad leather straps ; and he may be suspended to the side pieces by a stout band under the belly. In this position, with his head secured, he can neither bite nor kick. AnSBStheticS. — In most painful operations, when not about the mouth (where the flow of blood might strangulate an un- conscious animal), it is a humane procedure to chloroform the animal. Horses have generally to l)e cast before the inhala- tion can be affected. The chloroform should be poured on a spouge, a teaspoonful or two at a time, and held to the nos- trils, not, however, continuously, as the vapor of chloroform undiluted with atmospheric air is a fatal poison. The animal should be closely watched, and as soon as unconsciousness is produced the anaesthetic should be suspended, and renewed from time to time until the operation is complete. Nausea and depression continue usually for some hours afterwards. Should the pulse fail, and the respiration grow shallow and irregular, buckets of cold water must be dashed on the body, and artifitial respiration be continued for a time by blowing gently with a pair of bellows into the mouth or nostrils, and alternately pressing ui:)on and releasing the ribs, thus imitating the natural acts of respiration. Pieces of ice inserted into the rectum or vagina act also as powerful restor- atives. Many practitioners use the chloroform pure, and thus em- 62 General Principles of Veterinartj 3Iediclne. ployed its effects are more rapid ; bat they are also more dan- gerous. For that reason we reconnnend tlie following anies- thetic mixture in preference, which comes endorsed by high authority after extensive employment : Xo. 12. Alcoliol, 1 oz. Chloroform, 2 oz. Ether, 3 oz. Shake the bottle well on using it. This will be found effective with all sorts of animals, and requires but two or three minutes to overpower with safety the struggles of the strongest horse or ox. BLEEDING. So much has been said of late years on the abuse of bleeding, that we might su})pose that sound ideas on the subject had penetrated as far as the brain of the ordinary farrier. But we have strong grounds for the belief that tliis is not the case, and throughotit the States it is a vei^ common practice to bleed in disetises of stock far more than there is any reason or safety in doing. There are cases where prompt and bold bleeding is l)y common consent the only chance for life, as we shall see in the later pages of this book, so the lancet should still be in every veterinary case, ready for immediate use. In the horse and ox, the jugular vein, which runs promi- nently up the side of the neck, is the one usually chosen from which to draw blood. The blood-vessels of the palate or roof of the mouth are chosen by some, especially in staggers and brain diseases. If the jugular is j^resscd ujxjn by the finger, a little below the spot selec^ted for the incision, it will in a few moments become distended and prominent. The horse shoidd be blindfolded and a tluunb lancet used. Blccdivij. 63 Tlie quantity of blooil taken depends upon tlie object in view, but to make any decided impression on an adult animal of either species, at least six or seven quarts should be drawn. When the flow has ceased' the two lips of the wound are i-aised between ilie fingers, a small common pin run through them and some tliread twisted across and over it, to keej) it in place. In the sheej), bleeding from the jugular vein is also most efficient. But some veterinarians prefer the angular or cheek vein. This is to be found in the cheek, at a spot equi- distant from the eye and the mouth, just beloAV the bony tubercle \\hich marks the insertion of the fourth tootli into the upper jaw. The incision should he made from below upwards, half an inch below the middle of the tubercle. Others again prefer the eye vein. To divide this the point of a knife is inserted near the lower extremity of the pouch below the eye; tlie point is pressed downward and a cut made inward toward the middle of the face. In swine, bleeding is usually performed in an otl-hand way, by cutting off the end of the ear or the lail. Pigs are such unmanageable patients, that it is both difficult and dangerous to attempt refinements of treatment with them. When practicable, however, it is neater to turn the ear back and by pressing firmly on its base with the thumb, to bring into prominence some of the veins, which may then be cut across. Or a cord can be tied tightly around the fore leg above the knee, when the brachial vein will be seen to fill u]), and can readily be lanced. This vein is on the inside of the leg, and should be opened about an inch above the knee. SETOXS. These are tapes, fine wires or threads, which are passed underneath tlie skin, entering at one point and emerging at 04 (Jencra/ Principles of Yeterinanj Jledicinc. juiother, the ends knotted together to prevent dropping out. Tliey are usnallj smeared with an irritant salve^ and turned every day or two; so as to keep up a constant irritation and diseliarge from the part. The seton needle used for their in- troduction is about six inches long. They act very satisfactorily in some cases of bone disease, but where the lameness is owing to strained sinews or liga- ments they are out of place, as tliey leave additional thicken- ing. They are also valuable in healing old fistulas, being inserted the whole length of the canal, and setting up a new and healthy inflammation in its sides. As appropriate oint- ments, the following are recommended for smearing the seton : Ko. 13. Powdered oantlmrides, 1 part. ( )il of turpentine, Canada Balsam, of each, 8 parts. Digest tiie cantliarides and turpentine together and add the balsam. No. 14. Powdered white hellebore, 1 part. Lard, 8 parts. Mix at a gentle heat. No. 15. Citrine ointment, 3 parts. Oil of turpentine, 1 part. Mix. Or either of the ingredients in this last formula alone Avill answer very well. FIRING. The hot iron or tlie actual cautery is a very useful agent in veterinar}' ])ractice, and should not be disj^ensed with or con- demned on mistaken notions of tenderness. In certain dis- eases it cannot be successfully rej^laced by any other form of counter irritation. It must of course be used with discretion, but any one Avith experience must have seen it remove pain very rapidly when blisters, etc., have failed to do so. In bone diseases and in many cases of chronic lameness, it is of great benefit. Firing. Go The iron f^houUl be used at a full red or white heat, aiul the part touched as lightly as possible, so that a distinet im- pression is made. More than one leg should not be fired at * one time. Various forms of cauteries or " firing irons " are used. Those with a narrow edge, about as thick as a dime, so that the firing may be performed in parallel lines across the limbs are preferable, as leaving the least blemish. The same may be said in favor of Prof. Williams' iron for " pyro-punc- ture," which leaves hardl}^ any blemish, and makes a deep impression on the structure. It is represented in the follow- ing engraving : — FUi, 10.- WILI^IAMS' IKUN FOR " P YRO-PUh'CTUi; i:. As in blistering, the hair should be closely shaved before the iron is applied ; and the operator is wise to convince him- self that the animal is securely fastened before the procedure begins. On the day after the firing, the part should be smeared with neat's foot or other bland oil, and this repeated daily until the swelling subsides. A f-cut of several months is ad- vised after the operation, as if the animal is put to work too soon the disease will most probably return, and the pain have been needless. A method of firing is adopted by some veterinarians whicJi obviates the objections made to the process, and is often very effective. It is based on the fact that the boiling point of fat is about three times that of boiling watci-, and that by applying boiling fat to the part at a temperature of say 600° 5 66 (Jciicral Prbiciplcs of Veteiinary Medicine. Fahrenheit, a powerful impression is made on the vessels without blemishing. A flat or slightly hollowed iron is heated to a dull red heat. A piece of bacon rind with a little of the fat attached to it, is then placed on the spavin or tumor which is to be dis- persed. The iron is then applied upon the bacon rind, and firmly held there for the space of two or three minutes, and afterwards more lightly applied, until the rind is dried or burned. This may be repeated several times at intervals of two or three days, and it will be found to exercise a potent, stimulating influence, and leave no scar. SUTURES OR STITCHES. When the edges of a wound or incision are properly cleansed and the bleeding checked, they are brought together and maintained in their proper and natural position by stitches or sutures. Of these there are two varieties which are prin- cipally used in domestic veterinary surgery. They are known as the " interrupted suture " and the " twisted suture." 1. The interrupted suture is one in which the needle is carried through the two edges of the wound, and the thread via. 17. — THE INTERKUPTED SUTURE. then cut, leaving an end about tlirce inches long on each side iif the cut. These are then brought together and tied, and the ends cut off close to the Avound, as illustrated in Fig. 17. 7\.7;«/.->- of Sutures. G7 2. In the twisted suture a needle is not used, but a strong pin is run through eacli edge of the cut, and a thread or fine wire is twisted across the two protruding ends of the pin, so that the edges of the wound are firnilv lield in place ; as seen in FiiT. 18, FIO. 18.— THK TWISTKU SUTUKE. After a wound is closed with sutures, it should be dressed with a plaster, ointment or a bandage, so as to prevent the thread or pins from tearing out ; and it is proper to remove them in four or five days, to prevent blemishing. OPERATIONS ox THE TEETH. The teeth of horses require frequent attention at the hands of the veterinarian or of the owner, if he would keep his animals in good condition. If the lower incisors become so long as to bruise, or otherwise injure the bars or roof of tlic nioutli, they must be shortened with a rasp. The same instrument is required when it is found that owing to the greater width of the upper row of the niolars, a ridge of unworn tooth material is presented on the outer aspect of the upper, and on the inner side of the lower teeth, leading the horse to wound his tongue in masticating, and to orind his food. G8 General Principles of Veterinary Medicine. If throiioh irregularitv of the teetli some become more prominent tlian others, they must be filed down ; and as always when a tooth in one jaw is lost, its fellow in the other jaw tends to grow too long, the rasp is required to file it baelv from time to time. Extraction of the teeth is required in case of decay. This change is confined to the grinders or molar teeth. The first, second, and third molars may be withdrawn by the forceps; but the fourth, fifth, and sixth have to be removed by " punching" after trephining the gum. The operation is as folloAvs, and can easily be learned by a little practice on the dead animal : Cast the horse and trephine the gum so as to make the opening to correspond to the fang of the diseased tooth, allowing sufiicient space above or below the diseased fang — above, if the operation be in the upper, beloiv, if it be on the bottom jaw — for the introduction of the punch. The punch should be at least an inch in circumference at its point, that it may not cut or split the tooth. Two or three smart but not heavy blows with the hammer will be sufficient to loosen the tooth ; and it may then be re- moved with the forceps or the hand. The cavity should be "washed out with a solution of alum, or some carbolic acid water. The cavity will in a few weeks close over. BLISTERING. The application of a blister is a part of the routine treat- ment of the common veterinarian whenever he suspects in- ternal inflammation. It is a pernicious and discreditable prac- tice. Blisters usually do no good whatever in deep seated inflammations, and they not only leave a blemish sloAvto dis- appear, but they cause the animal a great deal of severe pain and have often brought on strangling and irritation of the bladder. i Directions for JJfi>!itrinr/. 69 Blisters should be confined to cases where the acute, in- flannuatory symptoms have passed away, and ^\■here it is de- sired to cause the absorption of some deposit, or to stimulate the vessels to effect some organic change, as to hasten the opening of an abscess, or the reduction of an enlarged gland. Before a blister is applied the hair should be cut from the part, which should then be washed and dried, and the blister- ing fluid applied with smart friction for several minutes. The blistering ointment preferred by the Edinburgh Veteri- nary College is the following : No. IG. Powdered cantharideSj 1 part. Lard Leated to 212°, 12 parts. ^lix well together and cool. At this strength, the ointment if thoroughly applied will raise a good blister and wall never blemish. Most of the ointments are very much stronger than this. That recommended by Mr. Youatt was, No. 17. Powdered cantharides, Powdered resin, each 1 oz. Lard, 4 oz. Melt the lard and resin together and stir in tlic flies. Another of medium strength is. No. IS. Powdered cantharides, 1 oz. Lard or oil, 6 oz. Melt together. The addition of turpentine, sulphuric acid, arsenic, corro- sive sublimate and the like, should be avoided. They serve no useful purpose, and merely increase the pain needlessly. Blistering plasters are not used in veterinary surgery, but thez-e are preparations called ''sweating blisters" popular 70 General Priaciples of Veterinary Medicine, with some. They are of strong tincture of cantharides made as folloAvs: Ko. 19. Powdered flies, 1 oa. Alcohol, 1 pint. Steep for two weeks. ^ This is of medium strength, and can bo increased in its action by adding a few ounces of solution of ammonia or oil of turpentine. These tinctures rarely raise a full blister, but cause cousiderble irritation and a watery discharge. In using them it is not essential that the hair be removed; and they may be applied repeatedly to \\\q same spot without blemishing. Blisters are not much used on cattle, as on them sufficient irritation can generally be produced by mustard and hot water, well rubbed in. A blister while rising causes much irritation, and the animal will always try to rub or bite the blistered part. In the horse this should be prevented by tying the head to the rack, or tying up the tail. On the second day after it has been applied, the part should be fomented wath warm water, and dressed with lard, oil or any simple ointment. Sometimes it is desirable to maintain the effect of the blister for some time. This is to be accomplished by dress- ing the part with sonic more of the blistering ointment diluted to one-half or one-fourth its strength with lard or oil. The following general rules should be observed : 1. Do not blister more than two spots at one time. 2. Do not blister much in hot weather. 3. Always be on your guard against producing strangury, which is easily brought on in some horses. 4. Never blister a highly inflamed part, nor where there are signs of erysipelas or mortification. Signs and Si/mptomfi of JJist'. Crest. 28. Flank. 7. Windpipe. 29. The sheath. 8. Shoulderblade. 30. The root of the tail. 9. Point of Shoulder. 31. The hip joint. ](). Breast. 32. The stifle joint. 11. Arm. 33. Lower thigh. 12. Elbow. 34. The quarters. 13. Forearm. 35. The hock. U. Knee. 3(1. The point of the hock. 15. Cannon hone. 37. The curb place. IG. Back sinew 38. The cannon bone. 17. Fetlock, or pastern joint. 39. Back sinew. 18. Coronet. 40. Fetlock, or pastern joint 19. Hoof. 41. Coronet. 20. Heel. 42. Hoof. 21. Withers. 43. Heel. 22. Back. 44. Spavin place. Internal Anatomy of the Jlome. FIG. 20. — INTERNAL ANATOMY OF THK HOKSB. 1. The poll or occiput. 2. The lesser hrain, cerebellum. 3. The greater brain, cerebrum. 4. The membranes of the nostrils. 5. The tongue. 6. The bones of tlie neck. 7. The spinal cord, / 8. The throat, or pharynx. 9, 9. The gullet, or oesophagus. 10. Entrance of the gullet into the stomach 11. Exit from the stomach into the bowels. 12. The surface of the diaphragm. 13. 'The windpipe. 14. The lungs. 15. The heart. a. The stomach. b. The spleen. c. The kidney. d. One side of the womb. e. The rectum, or lower bowel, /■ The anus. ff, /(, i, k, I. The muscles of the thigh. Diseases of the Horse. 87 CHAPTER I. DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. Congestion and Inflammation of the Brain — Phrenitis — Mad, Blind or Sleepy Staggers. Cerebrospinal lleningitis. Convulsive Diseases or Fits — Apoplexy — Epilepsy — Falling Sickness — St. Vitus' Dance or Stringhali. Megrhns — Vertigo — Giddiness. Sunstroke. Paralysis or Palsy. Tetanus or Lockjaw. Hydrophobia. CONGESTION AND INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN— PHEENITIS— MAD, BJ-IND OR SLEEPY STAGGERS. Definition. — A congestion or over fullness of tlie l^lood- vessels of the brain and its envelopes, passing into inflamma- tion, accompanied with marked eifects on the animal's mental condition. Causes.— Exposure to the heat of the sun, blows on the hejid, suppression of urine, poisoning of various kinds, tumors in the brain, over driving in fat animals, feeding on distillery slops, the pressure of a tight collar and overloading the stomach. Symptoms.— The most common form of the disease, both in horses and cattle, is that called stomach staggers or sleepy staggers. The animal at first is dull, listless and drowsy. The breathing is generally slower, and more or lesssnormg; the pulse also is slower, in'the horse from 26 to 30 beats a minute. In walking the animal staggers and seems about to fall . If suddenly disturbed, it looks around excitedly, shivers 88 I)is('a.ses of the Horse. and seems friglitened. It now and then thrusts its head ao:ainst.tlie wall of the stable, or rears and elevates its nose in the rack. The eyes are bloodshot and yellowish. As the disease adv'^ances, the feet and ears become hot and then cold by turns ; the eyes are fixed ; violent convulsions come on ; the animal totters and sometimes falls ; the sio-lit is lost and the head is struck against anything that comes in the way. Sometimes the tongue lolls out of the mouth, or there is spasm of the muscles of the face, or general palsy. The bowels are usually costive, the water scanty and high colored, and the frenzy in fits of greater or less severity. Treatment. — In the early stages, if the pulse is full and slow, four to six quarts of blood should be at once drawn from the jugular vein from a large oj)ening. But if the pulse is feeble and quick, no blood should be taken. In all cases, give at once a smart purge. No. 20. Powdered aloes, 6 draclims. Calomel, 1 drachm. This amount to a horse. No. 21. Sulphate of magnesia, 20 oz. Croton beans, 15 oz. Mix and give to an ox or cow. • The animal should be kept as quiet as possible in a darkened stable, and have plenty of water, but no food, and the head should be often bathed with ice water. If the ])urge does not act thoroughly, repeat it on the second or third day. When ice water is not at hand, the following cooling lotion will supply its place: — No. 22. Common salt^ Saltpetre, Sal ammoniac, each 4 oz. Mix in a gallon of water. To reduce the fever, the following is a useful preparation : — i^o. 23. Powdered digitalis, 1 drachm. Saltpetre, 2 drachms. Mix and give as a ball several times a day. Cerchro-Sjjinal 3Ieningitis. 89 Not iinfrequently after the attack is over some palsy of the limbs, generally the hind limbs, remains. This can be most successfully met by doses of strychnine, beginning with three grains twice a day, and cautiously increasing it a grain every two davs, until the animal is taking twelve or fifteen grains daily. CEREBRO-SPINAL MENINGITIS. Definition, — A congestion passing into inflammation of the brain and spinal marrow and its envelopes, accompanied by paralysis. Causes. — This disease is generally epidemic, and confined to the cold months of the year. By most, it is attributed to a blood poison floating in the air. Some of the epidemics, as that in New York city in 1871, were extremely fatal, and of the horses attacked with it early after its appearance very few recovered. It is believed not to be contagious, so that little advantage is gained by separating horses. Symptoms. — In its more severe form, the animal is gener- ally attacked suddenly with loss of power to swallow, or with a spasm ; the hind quarters soon turn cold to the touch, and tliere is great tenderness on pressure at some spot along the spine. The horse loses the power to stand, the bladder and bowels discharge their contents without effort, and the neck becomes stiff and contracted similar to lockjaw. In some cases frenzy comes on before the palsy, the animal beats its head against the wall with great violence, uttering horrible cries, and soon dies from the agony. The temperature of the skin is lower than in health, and of the rectum but little hiffher. When the latter rises to 103° or 104° death is im- minent. The urine and pulse are not much altered until the disease is well established, but the breathing is more or less snoring as a rule. Treatment. — The first step is to put the animal in a ^\e\i 90 Di.scaxr.^ of fJte Horse. made sling. Unless this is done within 24 liours from the commencement of the attack, there is but slight hope of his recovery. Next, he should be well brushed and the legs wrapped in woolen cloths. If he can swallow, a moderate amount of good soft food should be given. The stable should be kept warm, darkened and quiet, and if there is sup- pression of urine, it should be drawn oif with a catheter. As to medical treatment, there is no use whatever in bleed- ing, purging or blistering. The most successful treatment is to inject with the hypodermic syringe full doses of sulphate of atropine, and give ergot with the food ; or if the animal cannot swallow, inject ergotine along with the atropine. (See 2)age 44). Ice to the spine, or hot salt bags, as some prefer, may be tried, but has not produced any marked results ; nor has cauterizing the spine with the hot iron. Where the strength is failing, full doses of whiskey, either by the mouth or rectum, will sometimes keep up the vital powers and give a chance for recovery. Animals should not be used or driven as soon as they show any signs of the disease, nor should they be put to work for some time after such an attack, as it would be very liable to liring on a fatal relapse. When the hypodermic syringe is not at hand, the following combination will supply the place of the remedies mentioned : — No. 24. Extract of belladonna, 2 to 3 drachms. Powdered ergot, 1 oz. Make into a ball or drench — give three times a day. Another remedy which is believed to have a soothing effect is hromide of potassium. It should be given in ounce doses, repeated until the animal is brought under the influence of it and suffers less from the pains. CONVULSIVE DISEASES OR PITS— APOPLEXY— EPILEPSY— FAILING SICKNESS— ST. VITUS' DANCE, OR STRINGHALT. Apopletic fits are very rare in horses, though common in cows, Thcv will be described later in this work under the Fits of Various Kinds. 91 diseases of calving, (Parturient Apoplexy). Epileptic fits are also very uncommon either in horses or cattle, though often seen in overfed pigs. The most usual form of the disease will be described under Vertigo or Megrims. The most practically important of this class of complaints is that known in the horse as " Stringhalt," This name is given to a habit of suddenly jerking up the hind limb when raised from the ground, and bringing it down again with more than usual force. It may be shown only when turning from side to side in the stall, or it may also appear in walking or trotting. Sometimes it is confined to one leg, sometimes it extends to both. Sometimes a horse will go twenty or thirty steps before he shows the halt; then all at once the leg M^ill be suddenly lifted and brought down again with a peculiar sudden jerk. There is no known cure for stringhalt, and it is pretty certain to increase with age and work ; so that it constitutes a radical unsoundness in a horse. Kest, cathartics and full doses of belladonna will generally lessen it for a time, but are of no permanent benefit. MEGRIMS, VERTIGO. GIDDINESS. Definition. — A disease of the brain, characterized by tem- porary loss of control of the muscles, loss of sensation, and slight spasms of the muscles, but without inflammation. Causes. — Overwork in fat horses, tight or badly fitting collars, exposure to the hot sun, constipation, hereditary ten- dency, and local irritations, as worms, etc. Symptoms. — The animal when at work suddenly stoi)S, reels and trembles, perhaps falls to the ground and lies for a few minutes partly insensible, then staggers to his feet, and remains excitable and nervous for several hours or days. There is no positive spasm, and the fits are liable to recur with greater or less frequency. 92 Z)/.s'e .'.sr.s- of flic Ilorm. Treatment. — As soon us the earliast symptoms are noticed, the horse should be stopped, his collar removed or opened, his eyes shaded or covered, and cold water })ouied over his head. Blood may be dra^\n from the jugular vein, and the horse placed in a quiet stable and given an active purge. Horses subject to the disease should have a collar specially fitted to avoid any pressure upon the blood-vessels; and if young and fat, their diet should be restricted. These measures will check an attack and lessen the likeli- hood of its recurrence. But megrims is substantially an in- curable disease and constitutes a permanent unsoundness in a horse. It no doubt is often a form of ej^ilepsy, in which case we may have some chance of curing it by the use of one of the bromides, as: No. 25. Bromide of potassium, J oz. Powdered gentian, 1 drachm. This amount two or three times a day for many weeks. Another and cheaper medicine of some renown in epilepsy is recommended by Prof. Gamgce: — No. 26. Sulphate of zinc, 2 drachm. Linseed meal, 1 oz. Make into a ball and give twice daily. In stallions the fits have sometimes been found to dis- appear on castration ; and when they are so fretpient as to render the animal almost useless, this means should be tried. The nitrate of silver is a medicine Avhich has also been recommended. No. 27. Nitrate of silver, G to 8 grains. Make into a ball with common mass, or molasses and meal, and give once or twice daily. Or it may be dissolved in the pail of water. Whenever Morms are suspected, or other sources of local irritation, these should be attended to in the proper manner. Mdnagemcnt of Sunstroke. 93 SUNSTROKE. Definition. — An injury to tlie brain from exposure to the ra}'s of the sun and exeessive heat, characterized by sudden loss of power of motion and of consciousness, either partial or total. Causes. — This is a very common disease, in the hot months, in our great cities, and usually is directly caused by over- work in the sun without protection to the head. Those most subject to it are fat, young, feeble and old horses. Wearing a sun-shade or a wet sponge on the top of the head, giving an abundance of cool water, and wearing a breast- strap instead of a collar, are the principal preventive measures, and they should not be neglected. Symptoms. — In severe cases the horse will suddenly stop, prop himself on his extended limbs, pant violently, drop to the ground and die in a convulsion. In more gradual attacks he will flag in his gait, be unsteady in his limbs, will spread his legs in standing and totter. The head is held low, the eyes protrude, the nostrils are dilated, the pupils of eyes smaller than natural, and the breathing rapid and snor- ing. On examination the skin is felt to be hot, the pulse quick and weak, and the heart beating violently and irregu- larly. Unless relieved, convulsions, palsy and death may ensue; or if recovery takes place, the attack leaves for a long time symptoms of dullness, drowsiness and irritability; while the horse is rarely ever after able to stand an ordinary amount of exposure or work in the hot sun. Treatment. — Throw buckets of cold water over the whole body, using considerable force, and douching especially the head and neck. Having done this thoroughly, rub the skin energetically with rough cloths, as bagging, etc. Then re- peat the douching. There is no use in giving injections, and positive certainty of doing injury by bleeding. The 94 Ditieases of the Horse. best of all medicines is quinine. Throw 30 to 60 grains, by repeated injections, underneath the skiu with the hypo- dermic syringe. This is the East Indian plan and nothing equals it in efficacy. After the attack the animal should be turned into a well shaded field, whero there is plenty of good water, for a few weeks. As a drench to support the powers at the time of the attack, it is recommended to give as soon as possible : No. 28. Sulphuric ether, 2 oz. Water, 1 pint. For a drench. No. 29. Tincture of aconite root, 20 drops. Ale or beer, 1 pint. For a drench. PARALYSIS OR PALSY. Definition. — Loss of power over some of the muscles, owing to a disordered state of the brain or nerves, arising from disease, injuries or irritations. Causes. — In the horse and cattle, palsy of the hind quar- ters is quite common from indigestion, constipation, and attacks of colic. In cows and mares it often arises from the womb, either at the time of the heat, or after giving birth. Such cases are usually temporary, and soon recover. Palsy from injury, or from some organic disease of the spinal cord are also not infrequent, and these oifer little or no chance of improvement. Symptoms. — The animal is at first seen to show weakness of one hind limb, with knuckling over at the fetlock, and difficulty of moving it, when the opposite limb may become aifected. If the attack is severe, the animal foils on his haunches and is not able to rise. There is no fever, nor mental excitement, nor is the pulse or breathing affected. Trcaiincnt of Pol.si/. 95 Treatment. — This should be directed to remove the cause of the disease. When there is colic or constipation, give a good, brisk purge (Xo. 20) ; if there is tenderness along the spine, ergot in full doses with the food is called for. Wlieu it is in connection with calving, time and ordinary care will generally remove it. Such measures failing, we must proceed to an energetic, general and local treatment. Internally, one of the best drugs is stryGhnine, given as re- commended in No. 20, or by throwing one-half to one grain under the skin twice daily, as No. 30. Strychnine, 2 grains. Sulphuric acid, 4 drops. Alcohol, ^ oz. Every 10 drops contain 1-12 of a grain of strychnine. Or it may be given as nux vomica : No. 31. Extract of nux vomica, .1 drachm. Milk, i pint. For a drench twice a day. Cantharides is another useful agent. No. 32. Powdered cantharides, 5 grains. Powdered ginger, 1 drachm. Mix with meal to a ball and give twice daily. Locally, in a valuable animal, it is worth while to try elec- tricity. This has proved of immense service in paralysis in the human race. Pouring cold water from a height and then immediately hot water brings about a powerful revulsion, and sometimes greatly strengthens the muscles. Rubbing the parts with mustard stimulates them, luid it is productive of good in some cases. A mild blistering ointment may be rubbed in, as No. 33. Powdered cantharides, 1 oz. Oil of turpentine^ 1 oz. Lard, 8 oz. Mix with a gentle heat. 9G Diiica.sc.s of fhe Horse. TETAirUS OR LOCKJAW. Definition. — A long continued, jxiinful spa^m of the miis- cle.s, which contract rigidly, often keeping the jaws firmly closed or locked. Causes. — The most freqncnt cause is a Avound in the legs or feet, often in itself of a trivial character, such as the pene- tration of a small nail, castration or docking. O(>casionally the disease arises without known cause, and in rare instances becomes epidemic, attacking a great many horses in a district. Some believe it is more frequent in cold than in hot weather; but in Scotland Prof. Williams found that it is more com- mon in summer. It is often seen in the horse, but very rarely in cattle. Symptoms. — In the earliest stages there Avill be a stiffness of the luuscles near the seat of the injury; the limb will be moved with difficulty. This stiliness increases and extends in two or three days over the body. The animal champs his jaws and grinds his tectli. Spittle flows from his mouth, and froth shows on his lips. The breathing grows more rapid, the pulse quickens, and the nostrils are dilated; but the special and unfailing signs of the disease are the protrusion of the haw, or winking membrane of the eye, and the closing of the ja^vs by the spasms of the muscles around it. The bowels and bladder cease acting, the belly is stiff, and any attempt at swallowing brings on a dry hard cough. Treatment. — Of the many plans and medicines recom- mended in lockjaw, most are of no sort of use. It may be premised by sayijig, that in every case where all the symp- toms are firmly established before the fourth day of the attack, death may be exjiected and treatment is useless after that time. But where the symptoms are less complete, more Treatment of Lnckjaic. 97 slow in developing, and where the patient is seen very early, there is a fair chance of success. The first step is to incpiire if there has been any wound to produce the disease. If there is, it should be examined^ cleaned carefully, widened Avith a knife if it seems contracted or containing pus, and covered with a warm poultice mixed with laudanum or tincture of belladonna. Afterwards it is to be smeared M'ith extract of belladonna. The next thing, if not the first, is to place the animal loosely in slings, and the earlier this can be done in the disease the better. The surroundings of the patient are of the utmost importance. The stable nuist be darkened • should contain no other horses; be kept quiet, and no visitors be admitted. It is enough for the suro-eon to look in twice a day and give what food, in the shape of nutritives and milk, the horse is able to take. Usually the thirst is great for several days. Mr. Chawner recommends the use internally of: Xo. 34. Extract of belladonna, 4 drachms. Chloroform, 1 oz. Mix witli the drink and give every four hours. Various English veterinarians give at the outset, one or two full doses of aconite, half a di-achra to a drachm of the tincture of the root, and shut the animal up in a cool, dark place. They claim great success from this plan. The rigidity of the muscles can sometimes be removed for several' hours by hypodermic injections of morphia, 3 to 6 grains. Lobelia, or Indian tobacco, has a reputation in some dis- tricts as a cure for tetanus in the horse. It is a powerful relaxant, and given in doses of half an ounce to an ounce of the tincture, will no doubt lessen or remove the spasm. But it is apt to return M-hen the effect of the medicine passes awa}-. 7 98 Disecusea of the Horse. Prof, Ganigee advises the use of powerful j)urijutive,s early lu the disease, as: No. 35. Croton oil, 6 to 8 drops. Powdered aloes, 4 to 6 drachms. Mix for a drench. Or No. 36. Castor oil, 6 oz. Croton oil, 12 drops. To be given in linseed tea. HYDROPHOBIA. Definition. — A disease which arises spontaneously in the dog and cat and is communicated by their saliva to the honse, cow, sheep, swine and man. It affects the brain, nerves and mental faculties and is incurable. Causes. — In the horse, cow and sheep, hydrophobia is al- ways produced by the bite of a mad dog or other hydro- phobic animal. Symptoms. — These appear in the horse from 15 to 90 days after the bite; in cattle, after 20 to 30 days; in sheep, after 20 to 25 days; in swine, after 20 to 50 days. It is gener- ally believed that mad animals have a great dread of water, and from this the disease receives its name. Most recent observers deny this entirely; and explain the mistake by the statement that the attem[)t to swallow brings on an exceed- ingly painful spasm of the throat, which throws the animal into a convulsion. In the horse, the patient trembles or staggers ; his eye is wild ; he soon grows furious, and endeavors to bite or run at and trample down any one whom he can reach ; he kicks violently, neighs, draws his yard, jerks his muscles, and finally drops paralyzed. Very peculiarly mischievous and dangerous pro])ensities mark this species of madness, and distinofuish it iVom the delirium of other diseases. . In the Treatment of Hydrophobia. 99 same way the ox is restless and excitable, turns out his upper lip, grinds his teeth, bellows loudly, and scrapes witli his fore feet and rushes at all who ap[)roach. Sheep and hogs show in their own peculiar manners the ferocity and savage madness which is the characteristic of the disease. Treatment.— This should not be attempted. The only proper })lan is to shoot the animal, not only as soon as the earliest symptoms appear, but as soon as it is ascertained that it has been bitten by a mad dog. After the attack once shows itself, it is absolutely useless to try any remedies. Yet it is true that many animals, perhaps one-third of those bitten by undoubted hydrophobic dogs, never take the disease. Therefore, in cases where there is considerable value at stake, an effort at prevention may be made. The wound should be thorour/lili/ enntenzed, at the earliest possible momont, with nitrate of silver, strong oil of vitriol or the red hot iron. The animal should. not be used, but placed in a roomy box-stidl or well closed shady paddock, and left quiet and by itself until the period of development of the disease above mentioned has been wholly ])ast. With moderate diet and an abundance of water this will no doubt render it less liable to succumb to the poison. 100 Disea~/,stv/.sv.s oj' flu- IlcrtiC. between the stomacli and the brain, .slight attacks of indi- gestion frequently leading to vertigo or " staggers." As Avas remarked wlien speaking of the anatomy of the digestive tract, it properly begins with the teeth and mouth and closes with the anus ; in the consideration of its diseases, therefore, all the various parts and organs with which ilic food comes in contact from its entrance to its exit from the body will be discussed. LOCAL INFLAMMATIONS IN AND ASOTJND THE.MOUTH. There are quite a number of localized inflammations which occur in and around the mouth, and which have received meaningless names from the old English farriers, most of which, however, are still })reserved in one part of this country or another, through the traditions of the stable. Symptoms. — The general symptoms which indicate that a horsL' has some })ainful swelling in the mouth arc a champing of the jaws, a return of his food to the manger w'ithout swal- lowing it, and a loss of condition in consequence. He is restless and uneasy, and sometimes there is a dribbling of saliva from the mouth. The principal forms of these inflammations, with their popular names and treatment arc as follows : — 1. Lampas. An active inflanunation of the ridges or fleshy bars in the roof of the mouth, generally occurring in a young horse while shedding his teeth ; sometimes occurring in older ones from overfeeding. The " bars" swell so nuich that sometimes they project below tiie level of the nippers, and are so tender that all hard and dry food is refused. The proper treatment is to scarify the bars with a sharj) lancet ; and should this not reduce the swellings ])romptly. D'tsordcrx of the Jlotifh. V2~j they should be touehed with the stick of nitrate ol" silver, or swabbed with a strong solution every day until they disap- 2iear. 2. Vives. These are chronic enlargements of the glands of the lower jaw, encroaching on the ca^•ity of the mouth. They are lia- ble to become tender and to discharge in the mouth. The treatment is by applying to the skin over M'here the swelling can be felt an ointment of biniodide of mercury, one drachm of tJie biniodide to the ounce of lard, repeated daily until a free secretion from the skin is established. This will nearly always disperse them. Or they may be painted with tincture of iodine ; or a tartar emetic ointment may be used, as : — No. 83. Tartar emetic, 2 drachms. Olive oil, 1 drachm. Lard, 1 oz. Kub together the tartar emetic and oil until smooth, tlien add the lard. For a pustulating ointment. 3. Barbs and Paps. By these and other names are known the swellings caused by obstructions of the ducts of the salivary glands. Their position indicates their origin. The treatment is by an incision over the swelling with a sharp pointed knife; or by holding a pencil of nitrate of sil- ver again.^t it every day for a moment or two. The horse should have a moderate dose of a laxative medicine (3 or 4 drachms of aloes), and his food l)e changed for a time. 4. Tender and Bleeding Gums. In young and scrofulous, and in quite old horses, it is not unusual to find the gums swollen, and to the touch soft, spongy and bleeding easily. Such horses have usually wide spaces between the teeth, which are found to be full of partly decomposed food. 126 Diseases of the Horse. As the act of mastication is painful, the animal performs it imperfectly, which becomes visible in his deteriorated con- dition, as well as by an inspection of his dung, which will consist in part of half digested food. The breath is un- pleasant and signs of indigestion are present. Treatment. — The matter lodged between the teeth should be removed every day with Avater and a properly constructed brush; afterwards the parts should be washed with a solution of chloride of lime (an ounce to the pint). A spoonful of the following should then be smeared on and around the teeth : — No. 84. Powdered chlorate of potash, 2 drachms. Honey or molasses, 2 oz. The space between the teeth can be filled with gutta percha filling. When, however, in very old horses, this condition is the result of natural decay of the processes of the gums, it can only be alleviated by cleansing the teeth and giving soft food, of an easily digestible character. 5. Decayed Teeth. The teeth in the horse which are liable to decay are the molar or double teeth. The decay may attack the crown of the tooth, its neck or its fang. Symptoms. — These may be briefly arranged as follows : — , 1. Pain in eating as shown by "quidding," that is throw- ing back from the mouth masses of half chewed food. 2. Flow of saliva, "dribbling" or "slobbering." 3. Swelling of the gum, redness, and pain around the diseased tooth. 4. Presence of a black spot upon it. 5. Sharp pain when the tooth is smartly rapped. 6. A fetid, sometimes excessively foul breath. Disorders of the Teeth. 127 Treatment. — The only treatment is to remove the decayed tooth. Animal dentistry has not as yet gone so far as to fill and preserve decayed teeth. It has, indeed, been done, the gutta percha filling being used; and there are reasons why in a young and valuable animal it would be far better than extraction; but to fill the teeth properly is a delicate task ; and if done Improperly, the result is worse than removal. The chief objection to extraction is that the corresponding tooth of the opposite jaw increases in length and becomes an object of serious annoyance. It must be periodically ex- amined ever after, and when it encroaches beyond its neigh- bors it must be rasped back to their level. 6. Tooth Cough. Horses at four years old are very subject to a distressing paroxysmal cough. The animal will sometimes cough twenty or thirty times without stopping. The sound of the cough is loud, sonorous and prolonged. The cause of this cough is an irritation of the mouth, ex- tending to the throat, brought on by the cutting of the sixth molar tooth, which is the one standing last in the row, and the replacement of the third temporary molar by its perma- nent substitute, both of which occur at tins age. With the cough there may be associated some diarrhoea, indigestion and loss of condition from the difficulty in chew- ing the food properly, and the irritation it consequently causes. Treatment. — This consists largely in careful dieting; hay, not much bran ; grass, if in season. The mouth should be washed in some cooling mixture, as: Ifo. 85. Borax or alum, powdered, 1 oz. • Water, 1 pint. Internally, a moderate laxative should be given, if the bowels are disordered, so as to cleanse them from the h-alf 128 T)l<py effect : — Xo. 86. Bicarbonate of soda, Powdered gentian, each ^ o/,. Powdered nux vomica, 20 grains. i For one dose twice daily. Careful grooming is indispensable, and if the hair is thick clipping it will sometimes act almost magically. Of the various stomach stimulants the following may be used : — No. 87. Calumba powdered, 2 drachms. Common salt, Fenugreek, each 1 drachm. Mix with molasses to form a ball. Or, No. 88. Peruvian bark, powdered, 1 oz. Flour of mustard, 1 drachm. This may be mixed with the food; or if refused, given as a ball. When the indigestion is from a weak stomach, as occurs after an acute disease, two drachms of the medicinal dilute muriatic acid can be added to the drinking water two or three times a day, and will often exert a happy effcc-t. 9 130 Diseases of the Horse. In acute indigestion, or impaction of the stomach, the object is to obtain an action of the bowels as promptly as possible. The horse cannot empty his stomach by vomiting, and hence the excess of food he has taken must be discharged by the intestines. Hence a powerful purge is demanded, as : — No. 89. Linseed oil , 1 pint. Croton oil, 20 to 30 drops. For one dose. Or, No. 90. Powdered aloes, 4 to 6 drachms. Oil of turpentine, Calomel, 2 ounces. 1 drachm. For one dose. The belly should be fomented with blankets wet with hot water, and injections should be tlirown into the rectum of soap and water, oil, and even with a tablespoonful of tobacco tea. If sleepy staggers come on, a dose of whiskey and gin- ger is serviceable. Care should be taken that the animal does not throw himself down and fatally rupture his stomach. An active injection for the rectum in such cases is: — No. 91. Croton oil, 20 to 30 drops. Oil of turpentine, 3 to 4 oz. Linseed oil, 1 pint. To be thrown well up the bowels. CRIBBING— CRIB-BITING— WIND-SUCKING. These vicious habits in the horse are symptoms of a disor- der of the digestive apparatus, and they are generally found in horses with a dry coat, hide-bound, and of unsightly ap- pearance. Symptoms. — A c7%-biter seizes the manger or some other furniture with his teeth, arches his neck, and makes a belch- ing noise. After a time this is followed by enlargement of the abdomen. A chronic cribber can easily be recognized by the appearance of liis front teeth, which ai-e worn and On Crih-Blt'mg. 131 rounded at their front edges, and by the enlarged and over- grown appearance of the muscles which depress the jaw. A ivind-nucka' smacks his lij^s, gathers air into his month, extends his head or presses it against some solid body, arciies his neck, gathers his feet together, and swallows air, blowing himself out to a very visible extent. Both animals are subject to colic, indigestion and diabetes, the wind-sucker more, however, than the cribber. Treatment. — These habits are considered incurable. They may be provented by various mechanical means. For cribbing, the throat may be compressed with a neck strap of peculiar shape, to be had of most saddlers ; or what is called a " bar muzzle" may be applied, which allows the horse to eat but not to seize with his teeth. For wind suck- ing, a strap studded with sharp points of iron opposite the hnver part of the jaw is the best preventive. In both cases attention should be given to the indigestion and to the condition of the teeth and bowels. COLIC— THE GRIPES. The horse is subject to two kinds of colic, spasmodic and flatulent, which will be considered separately. SPASMODIC COLIC -GRIPES. Definition. — A spasmodic contraction of the muscular coats of the intestines, usually commencing suddenly, causing severe pain, and with a tendency to run into inflammation. Causes. — These are various. Improper food, sudden changes of diet, exhaustion from overwork, drinking cold water when heated or exhausted, constipation, worms, and ulcers of the stomach, have all been set down as frequently leading to the complaint. Symptoms. — In intestinal colic the symptoms are sudden 132 Disrases of the Horse. pain, pawing, kicking at the belly, looking round at the flanks, lying down, rolling, struggling, or lying outstretched; then suddenly rising, shaking the body and remaining a short time free from pain. After a short time the })ain re- turns, and the animal goes throngh similar motions. During the attacks, the breathing and pulse are quickened. There are generally frequent small discharges from the bo^vels and bladder, which latter is apt to be distended. Treatment. — The rational and only safe treatment of colic is first to relieve the })ain with an opiate, and next to obtain a free action of the bowels by a purge, which is not too vio- lent in its acti(Mi. For the first of tiicse. Prof. AVilliams re- commends half an ounce to an ounce of laudanum in warm water; and for the second, from five to ten drachms of aloes. Mr. Chawner })refers the following mixture, which he says he has never known to fail in a genuine ca-^e of colic : No. 92. Chloroform, Laudanum, Sulphuric ether, of each 1 oz. Linseed nil, 8 oz. For one dose. A still more convenient and also more prompt plan is to inject under the sUin with the hypodermic syringe a full dose, say 10 grains, of mor[)hia, and repeat it in an hour if the pain does not sul)side. Beyond this all that will be necessary will be an injection, as : — No. 93. Oil of turpentine, ^ to 1 pint. Soap suds, 1 (jt. As other valuable combinations, suitable to special cases,. Mr. Finlay Dun recommends: — Xo. 94. Tincture of aconite, 30 drops. Powdered aloes, ', oz. Mix and give as a drench in a i)int of water. When there is an abundant generation of gas with violent swelling, an excellent drench is : — Treatmoit of Colic 133 No. 95. Powdered aloes, h oz. vSpirits of aniniunia (ii)il(k'i), Siilpliuric etlier, eacli 1 07. Mix with a pint of water and give promptly. A prompt relief is genendly aiforded ])y eliloml : No. 9(i. Hydrate of chloral, 1 to : Sugar, •1 oz. Mix in a pint of water. Oncoftlie colic draughts of the Edinburgh Veterinary College is : — No. 97. Laudanum, Oil of turpentine, each 1 to 2 oz. Linseed oil, 1 |)int. Mix for a drench. For general service, few colic draughts are more effectual than No. 9.S. Aloes, 4 or ."> drachms. Laudanum. Sulphuric ether, each 1 oz. Rub down the aloes in a quart of warm water, and add the laudanum and ether when it is nearly cold. Sweet spirits of nitre is another valuable remedy: No. 99. Sweet spirits of nitre, 2 oz. Aloes, 4 tirachms Dissolve the aloes in a pint of cold water, and add the spirits. An old colic powder that used to 1)6 so famous that it was called the " Blessed powder " is : — No. 100. Powdered aloe'^, Powdered ginger, Powdered senna, Cream of tartar, equal parts of each. The dose is about two ounces made into a ball or in a drench. A recipe approved by Youatt is : — No. 101. Oil of turpentine, .3 oz. Laudanum, 1 oz. Mix and give in a pdnt of warm ale. If it does not relieve in half an hour, fj^xwa as a second dose 134 Diseases of f/ie Horse. half tlie quantity, together with one ounce of aloes dissolved in warm water. Another appropriate combination is: — • No. 102. Sulphuric ether, Laudanum, Spirits of camphor, each 1 oz. Essence of peppermint, ] drachm. Mix in a pint of gi'uel or ale. TYMPANY— FLATULENT COLIC— TYMPANITES— SWOLLEN BELLY. Definition, — Chronic distension of the bowels, with ten- dency to inflammation and rupture of their coats. Causes. — This dangerous form of colic usually arises du- ring the course of some other disease, but it may also appear as a consequence of spasmodic colic, or without any assign- able cause. It is also attributed to food which easily under- goes fermentation, as raw i)otatoes, green clover, brewers' slops, and the like. Symptoms. — In this form of colic the expression of pain though not so acute is much more constant than in the pre- vious form. The abdomen is somewhat swollen and resonant on percussion. The pulse becomes rapid and feeble, the breathing difficult, the feet and ears cold, and the animal grows weak, staggering and delirious. There is often a dull, sleepy look about him, and when he moves it is evidently with care to avoid painful movements of the intestines. He lies down if at all, cautiously. Treatment. — The object of treatment is to clear out the bowels thoroughly, yet by gentle means. A violent purge would probably lead to fatal inflaiumation. The most prompt mode to accomplish this is to oil the hand well and inserting it up the rectum, clean out the gut as far as the arm can reach. Then throw up a full injection of soap suds and oil of turpentine. Next, or previously, it may be, a dose Flatulent Colic. 135 should be given by the mouth, intended to prevent the for- mation of the gas. Prof. Williams prefers to anything else, this drench : — iS'o. 103. Solution of ammonia, h. OZ- Oil of turpentine, 1 OZ. Linseed oil, 1 pint. For a drench. No food or water, or but very small quantities, should be given until there is relief by these measures. The French veterinarians ttd^e a trochar and plunge it into the intestines, to give a vent to the gas; but this is rarely needed, and the relief it affords is only slight and tempoi'ary. For flatulent colic, Prof. Gamgee advocates assafoetida, as: — No. 104. Assafoetida, 2 to 6 dn J^inseed oil, 1 pint. Mix and give as a drench. Or, No. 105. Tincture of assafoetida, 2 to 4 oz. Laudanum, 2 to 1 OZ Mix with a pint of gruel or ale. Where, in conditions of discavSe and exhaustion, the colic is from tyjnpany or swollen belly. Prof. Gamgee lias found chlorate of potash useful : — No. 106. Chlorate of potash. ^ oz. Sulphuric ether, 2 oz. Water, 2 pint. To be given in gruel. Or in a later stage, when it is desirable to act moderately on the bowels and correct the discharges, he gives : — No. 107. Chlorinated soda, ', oz. Powdered aloes, 2 to 4 oz. Warm water, 1 pint. Mix for a drench. 136 Di-^edsc.^ of {/le Ilorxe. CONSTIPATION— COSTIVENESS. Definition. — Abseiue or diminution of the natural dis- charge from the bowels, usually aceomj^anied with dry and hard feces, straining and difficulty in tiieir expulsion. Causes. — 111 feeding, debility of the bowels, want of ex- ercise, indigestion, and various other diseases, especially in- flammation of the bowels. Paralysis of tiie bowels is an occasional cause, and one very dangerous to life. Its pres- ence may be recognized by the absence of the intestinal murmurs always to be heard in Iiealth by listening to the abdomen. Symptoms. — The hard, dry and scanty character of the evacuations is the principal sign. Colicky pains, hide Ijound, passage of wind and other symptoms of indigestion are often present. Tlic animal does not thrive, and is lacking in spirit. Treatment. — This is not always to be by strong purges. These often make tlie matter worse. The diet should be rendered more laxative, as mashes of bran and linseed meal, oat meal, etc, a change of water given, and mild aperient medicines with special stimulants to the bowels. An excellent laxative mixture for horses and cattle, is: — Xo. 108. Flour of sulphur, Cream of tartar, of each 2 or 3 oz. Mola.«ses, 2" pi"*. Mix this in the drinking water, or if distasteful, with water ns a drench. Jt should be repeated every other day. Strychnia and nux vomica have a special power of action on the boNvels when partly paralyzed or excessively torpid. It is well to combine the nux with an aromatic and a laxa- ative, as : — No. 109. Powdered nnx vomica, 1 drachm. Powdered aloes, 2 to 3 drachms. Ginger, 2 drachms. Mix lor a liall and give one everv other dav. Condipatioii and Diarrhcvo. 137 The oils are gentle and beneficial laxatives, as: — No.no. Castor oil, 1 to 6 oz. Linsct'il oil, 8 oz. Mix and give in gruel. Or a mixture of soap and aloes: — • No. 111. Powdered aloes, Wort soap, each 8 oz. (linger, 4 c z. Mix and make S balls. CJive one every morning. For cattle, a mild laxative and tonic combination, is: — Xo. 112. Epsom salts, ^- lb. (Sulphur, 4 10 6 oz. Ginger, Gentian, each \ oz. Mix in a quart of warm water for a drench. DIARRHOEA— SCOURING. Definition. — A condition characterised by loose, Avatcry, and frequent discharges from the bowels without the jiresence of inflammation. Causes. — Indigestible or irritating food ; presence of worms; purgative medicines ; too much water ; disorders of the liver ; and constitutional tendency. Flat sided and narrow loined horses particularly, are said to scour often, without appju'ent cause. Symptoms. — In simple diarrhoea there is a frequent ex- pulsion of half fluid discharges, brownish or clay-like in color, without offensive smell. The animal loses flesh if the disease continues, the appetite fails, and there is a general tendency to " run down." Treatment. — As sometimes a diarrhea is often the attempt of nature to get rid of injurious matters in their intestines, it is well to aid her in the effort, If such a case is seen early, therefore, a moderate dose of castor oil, or linseed oil should be given. Later in the case, this will not answer so m'cH; 138 Diseases of the Horse. but at all times it is well to avoid too suddenly checking the disease. When the discharges are sour and fetid, the following powder may be mixed in the food two or three times a day : Xo. ] 1 3. Powdered chalk, Bisulphite of soda, of each 1 oz. For one dose. AVhen this does not bring about an early lessening of the symptoms, the following is a favorite with Prof. Williams: No. 114. Oil of turpentine, Laudanum, each ^ oz. Eggs, 3. Beat up in a pint of warm water and give at one dose. Repeat two or three times a day. The following is recommended for this continued purging by Mr. Chawner : — No. 115. Sulphuric ether, Laudanum, each 1 oz. Tannic acid, 20 gr. Mix in a pint of gruel or flaxseed tea, and give at one dose. When the diarrhoea is owing to the action of violent purges, " superpurgation " as it is called. Prof. Williams says he knows of nothing better than the following : — No. 116. Powdered clialk, Laudanum, of each 2 oz. Mix in a quart of flour gruel, and give every three hours till the purg- ing is checked. Apply hot applications to the abdomen, and do not let the horse drink cold water, which he will very nuich crave. Small quantities of flaxseed tea or gruel will partly allay his thirst. If he grows weak, wine or whiskey may be given him. As general prescriptions in diarrhoea Mr. Finlay Dun re- commends ; — No. 117. Spirits of camphor, 2 drachms. Tincture of chloride of iron, 1 drachm. Ether, 1 oz. For one dose in uiarrlxea after the early feverisli symptom's have abated. Tiratincnt of Diarrhea. 139 Xo. 118. Sulphate of copper, 1 to 2 dradims. Powdered opiuiu, 1 draehni. Give as a ball or mixed in linseed tea two or three times a day in ol)- siinate watery diarrhoea. Xo. 119. Acetate of lead, I'owdered opium, each 1 drachm. Give as the last prescription. In cases of sour discharges, gi'iping and moderate scouring, the following are antacids and mild astringents Avhich M'ill be found serviceable : — Xo. 1*20. Powdered chalk, 1 oz. Powdered opium, 1 drachm. Creasote, 20 drops. Make up with linseed meal and molasses for a ball. Instead of the creasote, ctirbolic acid may be nsed in this prescription in the same qnantity. STo. 121. Powdered chalk, Catccini, Gin2;er, each 1 oz. Opium, 1 drachm. Make up as the last. This is useful when a mere astringent effect is desired, and when the bowels have got into an irritable relaxed condition. For the same purpose, whether in horses or cattle, the folloAV- ing recipes also answer well : — Xo. 122. Powdered galls. Powdered opium, each 1 drachm. Chalk, i oz. Make into a ball, or give in gruel or linseed tea. Xo. 123. Powdered opium, Powdered kino. Powdered gentian, Bicarbonate of soda, each 1 drachm. To be made up and given as the last. These prescriptions may be repeated once or twice daily, until the discharges are diminished. Astringent clysters or injections are usually made up with starch water. It is a mistake to have them very copious. 140 /)/.sYY/.sT.s' of the Hoi'siC. From a pint to a quart is abundant in horses or cattle. Large injections are apt to increase the action or* the bowels. Use- ful formulas are : — No. 124. Powdered opium, 2 drachms. Acetate of lead, 2 drachms. Starch water, 1 qt. Tlirow Iialf ofthis in at a time, and the remainder in half an liour to an hour. No. 125. Tannic acid, 2 to 4 draclims. Starch water, 1 pint. For one injection. INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS, ENTERITIS, Definitioil. — An inflammation of the lining membrane of the bowels, tending to their softening and ru[)ture. It is often rapid in its course and very fatal, destroying life in a few hours. Causes. — The principal causes are over fatigue, cold from ex}>osure or from washing in very cold water while the animal is heated. It is also believed to follow severe colic, •exce.ssive purging, irritating substances in the bowels, and kicks and blows on the abdomen. Symptoms. — There is general depression \viththe charac- teristic signs of pain in the bowels, chill, and quickened breathing ; small, frequent discharges from the bowels are also noticed. The appetite is lost, the pulse hard, wiry and quick, and the belly is tender on pressure. As the disease advances, the symptoms are very much those described under flatulent colic or tympanites (p. 134), with which inflannnation of the bowels is often combined. The animal suffers severely, stamps and paws the ground; his face and eyes become haggard; cold sweats cover his body; his breathing is irregular and his pulse grows more and more rapid, small, weak and wiry. Delirium and convulsions may precede death. The marked synq)toms are that throughout the liifidminatlon of the Bowels. 141 wliolo disease, in spite of the early small discharges of feces, constipation is continued and obstinate, and the l)elly swollen,, tender and resonant. It is of the utmost importance to distinguish colic from inflammation of the bowels, as the remedies required in the two conditions are directly opposite. We quote therefore the follo\\ing table from an English authority : — Symptom.'^ of Colic. Sudden in its attack. Si/mptoms of Infiammatlon of the Boivels. Gradual in its ai)j)roach, with previous indications of fever. Pulse very much quick- ened, but small, and often scarcely to be felt. Legs and ears cold. Belly exceedingly tender,, and painful to the touch. Motion evidently increases pain. Constant pain. Rapid and great weakness.. Pulse rarely much quick- ened iu the early part of the disease, but evidently fuller. Legs and ears of the natu- ral temperature. Relief obtained from rub- bing the belly. Relief obtained from mo- tion. Intervals of rest. Strength scarcely affected. Treatment. — To give strong purges, as the old farriers used to in this disease, is to double the agony of the animal and probably to kill liim. Exactly the opposite treatment is to be pursued. Opium in large doses, say two drachms, nnist be promptly given and repeated every hour or two, until the pain is relieved. Or twenty grains of morphia may be thrown under the skin by the hypodermic syringe. Hot fomentations to the belly are useful, but not always con- venient. After the severe symptoms are past, if the bowels continue bound, injections of Avarm water should be used to. clear them out. 142 Disect.'iv.s of the Horse. Bleeding, blistering and mustard plasters are not called for, and much more frequently do harm than good. Mr. Finlay Dun uses chloral with opium. He says he has had the best results, and often saved life in those cases of deadly enteritis which occur in heavy drauglit horses, by giving a hypodermic injection of chloral hydrate, forty grains, immediately followed by one of morphia, three grains, and repeating both injections in about an hour. The combination may be made for the mouth, thus : — No. 12G. Chloral hydrate, 1 oz. Morphia, 10 grains. Give in syrup and water, and re'peat every two hours for three or four times, or until symptoms abate. A favorite prescription of the eminent English surgeon, Mr. BarloM', for enteritis, whetjier in horses or cattle, was : — No. 127. Calomel, 30 grains. Laudanum, 1 oz. Mix in a pint ot" gruel. This he repeated every hour until three or four doses were taken, or else relief occurred. A method of treatment we can recommend is, when the case is seen early, to begin with small repeated doses of aconite: — No. 128. Tincture of aconite, 20 drops. Laudanum, i oz. Give in lime water every hour or two^ to the extent of three or four doses. Large fomentations to the bowels are of great use. A blanket can be folded inside a rubber cloth which is fastened over tlie back. The blanket then can be kept thoroughly soaked with quite warm water with little trouble. If the symptoms of pain and exhaustion are relieved, the attendant need not trouble himself about the constipation. The utmost that should be done, will be after two or three days to use injections of warm water. Di/.senteri/. 14o AVlien the case is clironic, with pain, tenderness and tyni- ])any of the b(J^vels, and a slight wearing fever, one of the most useful substances is nitrate of silver : — No. 129. Nitrate of silver, 5 gmins. Opium, 2 liriicliiii. This atnount in a ball of bread crumbs or linseed meal twice a day, gradually increased to double the dose if the disease does not yield. The diet is always of importance. Bran or meal mashes made with linseed tea or slippery elm bark tea are suitable. Boiled food is better than uncooked. Large quantities of water should not be given at once, but small quantities often repeated. In chronic cases, if the animal is fed exclusively on .s7.-//)i, )iii/k for a week or two, it will sometimes elFect a cure without otlicr aid. DYSENTEHY, BLOOD FLUX, COLITIS. Definition. — Inflammation of the lining membrane of the large intestine near the lectum, accompanied with straining, discharge of blood and fever. Causes. — Poisonous and irritating food, exposure to cold and o\-cr\vo:-k, putrid and stagnant water, are quoted as causes. It is a rare disease among horses, but common (^nough in cattle, among whom it is sometimes epidemic Some kinds of pastures seem particularly liable to bring it on, and hence it has been known as " moor ill," " wood evil," and other such names. Symptoms. — The symptoms differ in the acute or sudden, and the chronic or long standing forms of the complaint. Acute dysentery begins with pain in the lower bowel indicated by the animal raising or arching its back, a watery, bloody discharge from the rectum, which has an offensive smell and is expelled with pain and straining, and the pres- ence of shivering followed by qLii(;k pulse, a haggard eye, great dulness, thirst, rapid emaciation aixl debility. The 144 l>^sr(^s•r.s' of the Horse. urine is of a 1i!"M color and soanty. There is tenderness on ])ressure on the belly, and the anus loolcs sore and red. In tlie chronic form there is great emaciation, tlie skin is harsh and in bad condition, the feces are dark, tinged ^vitli blood and pus, discharged with pain and of a very foul odor. There is swelling about the jaws, ulcers around the anus, sinking in of the eyes, and increasing debility. Treatment. — For acute dysentery, when seen early, the best treatment is to place the animal in a stall, give it soft, nourishing, avcU })repared food and fresh tepid water in moderate (piantities, and administer by the mouth the follow- ing :— Xo. 130. ("astor oil, 4 oz. I^audanum, '2 oz. Linseed oil, 1 jiint. For one dose. Give several large injections of simple warm water by the rectum S(^ as to wash out thoroughly the lower bowel. G.ini- gee's funnel (p. 43), is an excellent instrument for this pur- pose. The tail should be tied up and the quarters kept clean. For this stajre, Mr. Chawner recommends the followin<>': — xNO. 131. Sulphtiric ether, Laudanum, Tincture of catechu, each 1 oz. Linseetl oil, C oz. For one dose, followed by injections into the rectum of linseed tea. But we should prefer to begin with a moderate anodyne purge given first (No. 73). The chronic form is often very obstinate, as it may depend on a scrofulous or consumptive constitution. Careful dieting and nursing are indispensable. As for medicines, cod liver oil is the best. No. 132. Cod liver oil, 2 to 4 oz, Eggs, 4. Mix in warm water and give twice a day. Treatment . When there is much exhaustion, and the powei's of life seem failing, a stimulant mixture is demanded, as : — Ko. 135. Spirits of camphor, 7 oz- Sulphuric ether, _ j ^'^^ Solution of acetate of ammonia, 6 oz. Mix and give in gruel. Ipecacuanha is used by many veterinarians in acute dysentery, as : — No. 136. Powdered ipecac, J drachm. Powdered opium, -0 gr. Castor oil, (5 to 8 oz. Give in arrow root water or boiled starch every six hours for three or four times at the outset of the attack. Or the wine of ipecac may be used, as : No. 137. AVine of ipecac, Laudanum, Solution of potash, each 1 oz. Tincture of cantharides, \ oz. Mix for a drench in a quart of warm gruel. This is recommended by Mr. Gamgee as a dose for an ox in long continued dysentery with weakness of the bowels. In all cases of dysentery the straining and spasms of the rectum are exceedingly painful, and slioul9. Extract of belladonna, 2 drachm^. Chloroform, .] oz. Fresh milk, 1 pint. Rub up the extract in the milk, add the chloroform, and throw up the rectum with a syringe. CONGESTION AND INFLAjMMATION OF THE LIVES — HEPATITIS — THE YELLOWS — JATINDIC2. In horses and cattle liver diseases are not very common, and when they do occnr are not easily recognized. They are usually of the forms known as congestion or torpidit}"" of the liver, and inflammation of the organ and its covering, called in medicine "hepatitis" and '' peri-hepatitis." C^USGS. — The general cause is too rich food and too little exercise. Horses which are kept for pleasure, largely fed and little worked, while their stables are warm and dark, are apt to have their livers grow torpid. So also it is said that horses fed on the refuse of the malt house, a rich stimulating food, are particularly liable to the same trouble. It is more fre- quently met with in the southern than in the northern States, and more in cities than in the country. Symptoms. — The horse is dull, inactive, has a heavy liead, lustreless eye, and is dainty and capricious about his food. The dung balls are small and dark colored ; the urine is scanty and dark; the pulse is faster than natural, and has a heavy beat. After a few days the whites of the eyes and the tongue turn yellow, there is tenderness on the right side over the liver when it is pressed upon, and sometimes there is lame- ness in the oif shoulder. More frequently the yellows do not show very decided symptoms. The eyes are of a dirty yellow color, the appe- L'u-er Diseases. 147 tite irregular, the animal spiritless, and in a generally un- thrifty condition. The bowels are constipated, and tlicre is some slight feverishness, the thermometer in the rectum show- ino- about 101° degrees; the pulse is rather faster than na- tural. Treatment. — The first step is to change the habits of the animal, by giving him difPereot and laxative food of a plain" character, plenty of cool, fresh air, and as he improves mod- erate and abundant exercise. Internally he may take : — No. 140. Iodide of potassium, 2 oz. Liquor potassive, 1 pint. Tv/o tablespoonfuls night and morning in a pint of water. (Chawncr.) Or the following, recommended by Prof. Gamgec; — No. 141. Oil of turpentine, ■] oz. Muriatic acid (diluted), 1 drachm. Powdered ginger, 2 drachms. Mix in a decoction of oak bark, and give every two days. Mercurials have long had a reputation in torpidity and congestion of the liver, and if used with moderation, and not continued long enough to salivate, there is no doubt of their usefulness. Proper formulas are : — No. 142. Calomel, 30 gr. Aloes, powdered, 1 drachm. Soap, 2 drachms. Ehubarb, powdered, 4 drachms. Mix with syrup to make a ball, and give one twice a day until it purges moderately No. 143. Calomel, 1 drachm. Aloes, 2 drachms. Mix with soap to a ball, and give one night and morning until it acti« on the bowels. Many prefer to give saline purges. These are nuich t(j be preferred in the ox and cow, but as before stated, they act in an uncertain manner on the horse, sometimes purging vio- lently, sometimes having no effect. For horses the following is the best manner of givinfi; salines for the vellows : — 148 Diseases of the Horse, Ko. 144. Sulphate of magnesia (Epsom salt), Sulphate of soda (Glauber salt), Coniiuon salt, each 1 lb. Kssence of ginger, 1 oz. W\x these in a gallon of warm water and give about a pint once, twice or three times a dav, until gentle and etiectual purgation is estab- lished. For cattle, the following similar mixture is recommended by Mr. Dun :— No. 145. Sulphate of magnesia, Common salt, each l lb. Powdered ginger, 2 oz. lilix in two quarts of water, and repeat daily until free evacuation is obtained. Often for a torpid liver, dullness and general '"bilious- ness " nothing succeeds so well as to begin with a brisk purge of aloes or salts, and follow it np by giving daily for a week the following : — Xo. 146. Peruvian bark, 1 oz. Powdered nux vomica, 1 drachm. Mix into a ball with meal and molasses and give every morning. INTESTINAL WORMS. In the horse two kinds of intestinal worms are found (be- sides the l)ot worm, which is a temporary resident only and will be described elsewhere). They both belong to the genus ascarls, and are known as the round worm, which dwells in tlie intestines proper, and the thread worm which lives almost exclusively in the rectum. Theformer is not unlike the com- mon earthworm in size ; the latter is much smaller, and re- sembles in size and color a ])iece of white thread an inch or so long. Symptoms. — These are not very distinctly pronounced. The coat is rough, the appetite irregular or craving, there is often itching about the anus, evinced by the desire to rub the hind quarters against walls, and there may be some emacia- tion. Worm 3Iet. But it is not possible to point out any one single symptom \vhieh positively proves their presence. They lead at times to colic, indigestion, irritation of the anu~, and also to staggers, fits or convulsions, Avhich, if they o;'i'ur in winter without other assignable reason, in a horse somewliat out of conditi( n, miy fairly be laid to the charge of the bots. But probaLly in most instances, these parasites do no harm. Treatment. — The preventive treatment is by cutting the hair close in those parts of the body Avhich the gad-fly selects, and keeping it smeared in the late summer and early autumn with a tar or turpentine ointment. Internally, give a handful of fresh unbleached wood ashes once or twice a week in the feed. To remove the bots wlien once lodged in the intestines, the following should be given on an empty stomach every morning, for three or four days: — No. l'>?). Powdered aloes, I'owdered assafiietida, of each \ oz. ^lix in liot water, and when cold add Oil of tnrpentine, Sulphuric ether, ofeat'h 1 oz. Give in gruel and linseed tea as a drench. This same is also a useful prescription for destroying tape- worm and other worms in horses. Prof. Gamgee's prescription for bots, is : — No. 154. Powdered assafcetida, 2 drachms. Powdered savin. Calomel, of each 1 '. drachms. Oil of male shield fern, oO dro[)s. Give as a ball, made up with molasses and linseed, at night, and fol- low with an aloes purge the next morning. Still another plan is to give for three or four mornings a quarter of an oiuice of sulphate of coj)per, mtide into a ball, and follow with a purgative dose of aloes, repeating this mfidication after a week's interval. 152 Discane.i of t/nj Horse. CHAPTER IV. DISEASES OF THE HEART, RLOOD-YESSELS AND ABSORBENTS. Palpitation — Violent Heart Beat — Thumps. Enlargement or Hypertrophy of the Heart. Fattij Degeneration of the Heart. Aneurista — Enlargement of the Arteries. Injiamniation of the Jugular ^^ein — Phlebitis. Liflamniation of the Absorbent Vessels — Lymphangitis — Weed — ^^hot of Grease. PALPITATION— VIOLENT HEAST BEAT— TIIUMPS. Definition. — .V sudden, violent, convulsive beating of tlie heart, A\'liich may or may not be connected with some disease of the valves or sub/Stance of the organ. CauSGS. — In the horse, this is most frequently seen in pampered, highly fed animals, or in those which have very irregular and violent exercise. Many horses when frightened or excited suffer from excessive heart beat, which to some extent lessens their capacity for work. If the palpitations are frequent and persistent, they indicate some serious dis- ease of the heart. Indigestion and many blood diseases are accompanied by palpitations. Symptoms. — The chief symjitom is the increased violence of the heart's action. It can be readily felt, seen and heard. The pulse is irregular or intermittent. When owing to ner- vousness and temporary causes, this is usually visible in the excited eye, the rapid breathing, and in the quick diminution of the palpitation. But where there are not such signs of temporary excitement, the case is more serious as signifying organic disease of the heart, which is not curable. Palpitation of the Ilearf. loo Treatment. — Careful avoidance of sudden excMteniont and ovei'-exoi'tiou are to be looked to in tlie first place. Full doses of digitalis, say | drachm of the powdered leaves, niav be given twice a day in the food for several weeks. Indi- gestion and constipation must be prevented by appropriate treatment. Frequently the digitalis may be combined with salines with advantage, as: — N). 1")"). Powdered digitalis leaves, "0 grains. Ciilorate of potash, ^l oz. 0/', nitrate of potash, 1 oz. To be given once a day. When the palpitation is associated with increased size of the heart, antl a full and strong pulse, it is better to use acon- ite. No. I-dC). Tincture of aconite root, 20 drops. This amount may be used in the above prescription instead of the pot- ash, (H- dropped in the drinking water twice a day. Sometimes it is well, as Mr. Dun suggests, to begin with the aconite and when the force at the heart is reduced, to substitute for it the digitalis. Another useful agent is belladonna. It may often, es- pecially in cases where there is general debilit}-, be advan- tageously given with nux vomica, as : — No. 157. E.Ktract of belladonna, 1 drachm. Powdered nux vomica, ^ drachm. Mix witli liquorice powdered and molasses into a ball, and give once or twice a day for a considerable time. ENLAEGEMENT OR HYPERTROPHY OF THE HEART. Causes. — Long continued overwork, constant indigestion, and diseases of the valves of the arteries lead to a growth of the heart much beyond its ordinary size, which should be considered an unsoundness. It also accompanies broken Avind and other impedimei.ts of free breathing. 154 Diseases of the JTorse. S3finptoms. — There is more or less persistent palpitation, and the sounds of the heart are niueh louder than in health. Slight exertion increases these symptoms in a marked manner. The breathing is often hurried. Treatment. — This condition is best comlxited by a moder- ate diet, and freedom from excitement, overwork and sudden exertion. Internally, the most eifective remedy is aconite. This must be given in twenty or thirty drop doses (of the tincture of the root) twice a day, for a considerable time. When tlie enlargement is connected with broken wind or any similar impediment to the breathing, Prof. Williams recom- mends the prolonged use of small doses of arsenic, say three to five grains twice daily, in the food. In hard worked aad aged horses, hypertrophy of the left side of the heart is quite common. It can very generally be relieved by commencing the treatment W'itli a few doses of aconite and tlien continuing with digitalis, as recommended under palpitation (p. 153). FATTY DEGENEEATION OF THE HEART. Definition. — A change of the muscular substance of the heart to tat, thus weakening the strength of the organ and leading to rupture of its tissues. Causes. — This is the most common change which takes place in the hearts of horses. It is generally due to advanc- ing age, to high living and lack of exercise. It is also pro- duced by other diseases, as purpura and scarlet fever. Symptoms. — There is a gradually increasing debility of the circulation, as shown by the weak and irregular pulse, and the lessening of the sounds of the heart. The legs swell and become dropsical, and the horse gives out sooner Avlien at work. The appetite becomes capricious, the lining membrane of the mouth and nose assumes a rusty red appear- Heart Diseases. 155 ancc, and there is a want of eorrespondence between the beat of the heart and the stroke of tlie pulse. Treatment. — It is doubtful if any treatment Avill arrest the disease. Prof. Williams recommends for trial, chlorate of jiotash, say one ounce, twice daily, with attention to the general he^alth. ANEURISM— ENLAKGEMENT OF THE ARTERIES. Definition. — A dilatation or expansion of a part of an artery, with thinning and weakening of its coats, and tend- ing to burst into the surrounding tissue, thus forming a pul- sating tumor containing blood. Causes. — Generally aneurisms arise either from injuries, as a blow, a strain, a kick, a stab, or else from some change taking place in the coats of the artery, weakening it, as for example, fatty degeneration. This is most common in old Ijorses who show signs of heart disease. Certain worms in the arteries (the so-called Sclerostoma) may also produce them in the horse. S3rmptoms. — There is a visible tumor, which is soft and fluctuating to the feel, and which by steady pressure can be made to disappear or partly so, but reappears as soon as the pressure is removed. It is also felt to have a regular ]>ulsa- tion, like the beat of tlic heart. Treatment. — This is not very successful. If the tumor is where it can be readily reached, steady pressure upon it by a pad and firm bandage for several days, may be successful in causing its disappearance. Some surgeons cut down upon it, tie the artery above and below, and then open the sack and turn out its contents. The complaint constitutes an unsoundness, as it is generally a permanent injury to an animal. 156 Di.scd-sc.-f of f/ic Ilon^e. INFLAMMATION OF THE JUGULAR VEIN— PHLEBITIS, This generally occurs as a consequence on opening the vein ibr bleeding, either because the surgeon has used a rusty or dirty lancet, or that the horse has rubbed and injured the vein after tlie operation. The inflaaiQiation may be confined to a small spot, or nxjv extend up and down the vein, whicli will feel like a liard cord underneath the skin of tlie neck, which will be hot and infiaaied to the touch, and evidently })ainful to the animal, especially on bending his neck. Treatment. — The best treatment for this complaint is the application of a smart cantharides blister along the course of the inflamed part. If abscesses have fornied, they nuist be opened and washed out with carbolic acid water (one ounce of carbolic acid to a pint of water), before the blister is applied. But after this is done, the blister should be applied as directed. Inflammation of this vein always ends by transforming it into an impervious cord, so the recommendation is made that horses which have suffered from it should not be turned out to grass, as the dependent position of the head in grazing and the insufficient channels for the return of the blood from the head, bring on dropsical ssvellings of the face, lips and nostrils. INFLAMMATION OF THE ABSORBENT VESSELS— LYMPE AN GITIS— WEED— SHOT OF GREASE. Definition. — By these various names is known a disease which commences by inflammation of the lymphatics, or ab- sorbent vessels of the hizid legs, tiie inflammation extending to the cellular tissue, becoming chronic, and producing per- manent efllisions and swelling of the limb. Causes. — Weed is generailv attributed to hiuh feedingand Tre drachm. Sulphate of iron, 2 drachms. Powdered gentian, ', oz. Make into a ball with molasses, syrup or meal and water. This dose is to be given once, or in bad cases, twice daily; rarely are more than si.x doses required to effect a perfect cure. Other receipts of service in various instances are : — No. 173. loilide of potash, 6 drachms. Alum, powdered, .] oz. Mix into twelve balls, and give one morning and evening. No. 174. Creasote, i drachm. Vinegar, 3 oz. Give daily in a pint of water. BLACK WATER OF HORSES -H.1:MATURI A— AZOTURI A. Definitiou. — A disease of the general system, characterized by a large excess of urea in the blood, by urine of a dark cofPee color, and by spasms of the muscles of the hind (juar- ters. This is not a common disease, and its exact nature is as yet open to question. It attacks both horses and mares, but es- IGG Diseu,'r(/((itf<. 107 re.-'tam, as a quart of soap and water witli four (tuut';vs of oil of turpentine. Cold water should be allowed in any (prantity. No stimulants and no sedatives are to be administered, no blisters, firing or bleeding. When tlie violence of the disease is ovenx^nie, it requires some persuasion to get the horse on his legs. He will con- tinue to lie when it is quite possible for him to stand, and this must be prevented by lifting him on his feet, briskly rubbing the legs, and if need be, supporting him by the slings. Now is the time when a nerve and general tonie is reipiired, and we would select this one : — No. 17t). Sulphate of iron, 2 .Irachras. Powdered nux vomicn, 1 drachm. Give as a ball three times day. Complete rest, a rather low and plain diet, and abundance of air in a yard or field are required for several weeks, as re- lapses occasionally occur from too early use. DISEASES OF THE SEX ORGANS. The sex organs in the horse arc subject to contagious as well as occasional diseases. • It has been definitely shown that a disease identical with syphilis is i)ropagated by copu- lation. IMany instances are recorded on the continent of Europe, but we have heard of none in this country ; so we shall not enter into its description, but confine ourselves to the disorders of common occurrence. 1. Contractions of tJie /Sheath. These are generally contractions, either in front of the yard, thus impeding the escape of the urine, or behind its extremity, so that the yard cannot be withdrawn into the sheath (phimosis and para-phi mosis). 168 Dheases of the Horse. Ill botli these cases the free use of cold water on the sheath will diminish any inliammation present ; and then by wip- ing dry and oiling the parts well, careful manipulation will overcome the difficulty. When this fails, an iiK'i.-.ion may be made to relieve the constriction. The bleeding thus caused will be a benefit. When the paraphimosis is the result of paralysis, as is sometimes seen in old geldings, the case is incurable, and the only resort is amputation of the organ. 2. External Infiaianiatinn of the Yard. Inflanunation of the end of the yard is very common, being brought on by the presence of irritating substances, as the natural secretions when decomposed, or some foreign body. At first there is a slight discharge of whitish or yellowish matter, which is followed by ulcers on the yard and sheath, usually emitting a decidedly unpleasant peculiar odor. They may fill up with proud flesh and cause great pain and un- sightly swelling. Proper attention will always prevent this trouble. And when it is present, we must give it careful attention, for it is no easy matter to bring about cure Mdien in a neglected state. The parts nuist first of all be well cleansed, by syringing with warm water and soap, or by a weak carbolic acid solu- tion (one drachm to a quart of warm water). The following solution should then be wrapped on the parts, or syringed into the sheath : — Ko. 177. Chlorate of zinc, 2 drachms. Water, 1 pint. This is a powerful caustic solution, and its application will be severely painful. But milder ones will not prove effectual. It must be repeated every day until the granulations are 1 ';luco;frpyra should not be applied to this disease, as it is widely different from that coniplaint as it ai>i)cars m the human subject. Professor Blaine calls it "malignant tvphus," and it certainly resembles thttt disease, as much as anv other in man. It is in all probability a i'onu of true 17o Diseases of the Horse. charbonous or aiitliracose disease, but is i.iuch less fatal in horses than in cattle, sheep or swine, and presents various other marked differences. Causes. — Purpura is found in old and broken down ani- mals, and is especially apt to arise at tlic close of exhausting diseases, as pneumonia, influenza, the epizootic, catarrhal fever, etc. Its direct cause is nearly always from bad venti- lation, imperfect drainage, and neglect of sanitary precautions. When such precautions are properly taken, purpura is scarcely ever seen. The absorption of the products of decomposition into the body leads to a change in the blood, rendering it fluid, and destroying its vitality, so that the walls of the ves- sels soften and break down, and the blood flows into the sur- rounding tissues, causing the dark spots characteristic of the disease. Symptoms. — The animal is weak, languid and unwilling to move. On examining his mouth, spots of a dard red or mulberry color are visible on its lining membrane. The tongue has a peculiar dark ckiret color. Sometimes there is an oozing of blood from the nose and mouth, dark in color and fetid in odor. There is swelling of the legs, lips and other dependent parts, of a peculiar cliaractcr'; it extends perhaps the whole length of the limb, and ends at its upper border very abruptly, as if a string had been tied around the part. The swelling is painful, hot and hard. Around the hock and fetlock joints small vesicles or blisters about the size of a pea appear, which burst and discharge a scalding fluid ; and around the bend of the limbs cracks, and fissures are formed, from which an unhealthy purple colored discharge flows. Great swelling of the face, lips, nostrils and eyelids some- times occurs. The skin over the swelling may ulcerate, caus- ing unhealthy sores. The bowels are either constipated or there is diarrhoea. Colicky pains are apt to come on, and the feces to be mixed Purpura or Spotted Fever. 177 with blood. The urine is dark colored and has a strong smell. The more severe symptoms are remittent in their charac- ter ; they may appear very threatening one day^ seem almost gone the next day, but return with the same or greater vio- lence. Therefore the physician should be cautious Low he pronounces the animal decidedly better. Treatment. — It is of first importance to remove the ani- mal to a clean, well drained, well ventilated stable. Purga- tives are dangerous and bleeding as good as fatal. What is wanted is to relieve the bowels when there is constipation or irritation by a free injection or by a moderate dose of oil ; and to administer something which will check the action of the poison on the system. The most successful of all drugs for this purpose is chlorate of potash, for the discovery of the appli- cation of which in this disease we have to thank Prof. Wil- liams. He gives half an ounce at a dose, and repeats it twice in the twenty -four hours. A larger dose must not be given, as it is liable to cause irritation of the bowels. Under this medicine the results are most satisfactory ; the swellings rapidly diminish, and restoration to health ensues, in the great majority of cases. The treatment preferred by Mr. Chawner is one to act on the kidneys and keep up the strength. Pie prescribes : — No. 188. Solution of acetate of ammonia, 2 oz. Oil of turpentine, Tincture of chloride of iron, each 1 oz. This amount, in a pint of gruel, three or four times a day. Or instead of this : — No, 189. Sulphate of iron, Powdered gentian, Powdered camphor, Nitrate of potash, each 2 oz. For one ball, to be given night and morning. The swollen jaarts may be bathed with vinegar and water, 12 178 Diseases of the Horse. and if the swelling becomes excessive, may be freely scarified with the lancet. The convalescence in this disease is often very prolonged, and the owner must make up his mind to do without the use of the animal many weeks if lie would see him recover to ad- vantage. As a valuable internal stimulant in this and simi- lar low fevers, Mr. Gamgee speaks highly of mustard : — No. 190. Powdered mustard seed, Powdered juniper berries, Flowers of sulpliur, each 6 oz. This to be added to a quarter peck of oat meal; and three or four table- spoonfuls given several times a day. The same authority has derived advantage from the min- eral acids in conditions of exhaustion, as — No. 191. Muriatic acid, Or sulphuric acid, of either 30 drops. Water, 1 oz. Give three times a day, in a pint of ale. RHEUMATISM. Definition. — An inflammation of the joints, tendons, liga- ments or muscles, due to an unhealthy condition of the blood, accompanied by stiffness and lameness. The inflammation changes its seat from one part of the body to another, and very rarely passes into suppuration. Causes. — In animals it may occasionally arise, in weak and old subjects, from exposure to cold and damp, but usually fol- lows or accompanies catarrhs, colds, influenza or other disor- ders. It appears in some instances to be hereditary, and to arise from a natural predisposition. Symptoms. — The two forms of rheumatism are the acute and the chronic. Acute rheumatism, sometimes called rheumatic fever, be- gins with sudden lameness, with or without swelling of some particular joint. There are signs of fever, indicated by Treatment of Rbeumafisvi. 179 dullness, quickened pulse, hot skin, often perspiring (but not Avith the sour smell noticed in the disease in man), and thirst. The appetite is poor, the bowels generally constipated, the urine high colored and scanty, v cry often the lameness will be in the joints on both sides of the body, Qviite fre- quently it rapidly changes its seat, passing from one joint to another and back again to its first seat. It is confined to no particular part, and may pass from the legs to the neck, caas- ing a stiffness of the neck, commonly known as " the chords," or " the cords ; " or to the back, when it is called " lumbago ; ' or to the heart, leading to inflammation of its envelope, or ''pericarditis," always a dangerous complication. When in the joints, it produces a considerable swelling, soft and puffy, tender to the touch, and slow to disappear. Chronic rheumatism is not so liable to change its seat. It attacks a joint and brings about grave changes in its struc- ture, such as ulceration of the cartilage and increase of bony deposit around it. The lameness so produced is obstinate to treatment, and the tendency of the disease to return on the slightest exposure is very great. Fever is generally entirely absent in chronic rheumatism, and the general condition of the animal may remain quite good. Treatment. — In the treatment of acute rheumatism the most important discovery of modern times is the use of sali- cylic aeid. This, if given early and freely, and backed by proper nursing and care, will cut short nearly every case. The following is a proper formula : — No. 192. Salicylic acid, Bicarbonate of soda, each 1 oz. Mix in a pint of water or gruel, and give as a drench, three or four times a day. The body should be well wrapped, the stable kept at a moderate temperature, and if necessary, the slings should be applied. If there is much constipation it is usually custom- 180 Diseases of the Horse. aiy to give a purge, but it is doubtful whether this does any good. Bleeding is of no benefit whatever. When the salicylic acid is not at hand, the next best re- medy is nitrate of potash (saltpetre). This may be freely administered, by dissolving two or three ounces daily in the water. Or it may be combined as recommended by Mr. Chawner, in the following prescription : — No. 193. Nitrate of potash, J oz. Powdered colchicum, 1 drachm. , Oil of turpentine, 1 oz. This to be mixed with linseed oil and given at one dose, night and morning. Blisters to the inflamed parts are very useful in reducing the swelling. Mr. Finlay Dun has relieved rheumatism in both horses and cattle by — No. 194. Calomel, Quinine, of each 20 grains. Give as a ball once a day. In the more chronic forms, the same writer recommends : — No. 195. Carbonate of potash, Nitrate of potash, each 1 oz. Iodide of potash, 2 drachms. Give in a pint or two of water. Where the horse is stiffened and partially paralyzed by re- peated attacks, but when there is no actual deformity of the joints, very great benefit may be occasionally obtained by giving— No. 196. Powdered mix vomica, 1 to 2 drachms. Gentian, ^ oz. Give night and morning, beginning with the smaller dose and increas- ing. The joints and muscles to be well rubbed with a stimulating liniment. The local treatment of rheumatic swellings and stiffening of the joints is by liniments and embrocations, firing and setons. Rheumatism. 181 Of useful liniments we give the following : — No. 197. Oil of turpentine, Laudanum, Soap liniment, each 1 oz. . Tincture of capsicum, 1 drachm. This is a soothing and stimulating embrocation. No. ] 98. Solution of ammonia, Spirits of camphor, Olive oil, equal parts. Petroleum or kerosene, well rubbed in, is both often of great service, and some recommend giving kerosene by the mouth, in doses of two or three tablespoonfuls in a pint of gruel. Oue of the best of local applications in the form of an oint- ment is tlie oleate of mercury, made by heating oleic acid with red precipitate. It is remarkably penetrating, and not at all likelv to salivate. STRAITGLES-COLT DISTEMPES. Definition. — A disease of the system, accompanied by fever, generally attacking young horses, associated with swelling of the glands beneath the jaw, and sometimes elsewhere, with a tendency to suppuration. It has been called by Mr. George Armitage "specific adenitis." CauSGS. — The cause of strangles is not known. Veterin- arians are not even agreed as to whether it is contagious or not ; nor as to whether a horse can have it twice or not. The best authorities incline to the opinion that it is not con- tagious, and that some horses are liable to have it several times. Though generally appearing in horses from a few months to six years old, it is not confined to any age. It has at times been considered an epizootic influenza, but it dif- fers essentially from the disease we described as such oa page 109. 182 Diseases of the Horse. Symptoms. — The attacks differ considerably in severity, the graver forms being called "bastard strangles." Usually it begins like a common cold. The animal is dull, has a slight cough and sore throat, loss of appetite and un- willingness to swallow. There is some running from the nose and mouth, a quickened pulse and rapid breathing. On feeling in the space within the lower jaw bone, a hot hud tender swelling will be noticed, sometimes on one side only, sometimes filling up the whole space. At other times, for weeks or months before there is any positive sign of disease, the animal is unthrifty, hide bound, dull, easily chilled, with a slight cough, and losing flesh. In this condition he is often said to be " breeding strangles," an opinion verified finally by the appearance of the characteris- tic swelling under the chin. A more alarming mode of onset is when the swelling is sud- den and great, filling up the mouth and bringing on those symptoms of strangulation from which the disease derives its name. There is great difficulty of breathing, accompanied by a loud blowing sound. The animal is in great distress, and unless promptly relieved is liable to die from suffocation. Any of these forms may terminate in bastard strangles, which is w^hen the disease passes into a typhoid condition, Yv^ith great exhaustion, extensive suppuration in various parts of the body, and exhausting discharges. Treatment. — In a light attack of strangles it is enough to give the animal good nursing, apply a large poultice or hot fomentations to the swollen glands, and put an ounce of salt- petre in the water pail, night and morning. If the tumor points and bursts, it may be poulticed and left to itself ; but if it seems slow to do this, and does not diminish, it is best to put on a fly blister, to " bring it to a head" promptly. It may then be opened with a lance. Where a horse is suspected of " breeding strangles," he Strangles. 183 should be well stabled and fed on extra good nourishment, as this variety of disease is most apt to be followed by dan- gerous internal symptoms. Neither in it nor in any other form of the complaint should bleeding, purging or lowering medicines, like aconite, digitalis, veratrum or lobelia, be used. If tliere is danger of strangling, from the rapid growth of the swelling, we may try very hot fomentations and poultices to the throat, making the animal inhale steam, and opening the abscess freely as soon as it "points." But it will not do to waste time with these measures in desperate cases. There is then one only step to take, and that is to open the windpipe at once, by the operation know^n as " tracheotomy." This is to be performed in the following manner : — Have an assistant, elevate the horse's head and extend his nose so as to put the skin of tlie throat on the stretch ; then feel along the course of the windj)ipe for the jjart least covered with flesh and fat, and make a bold incision down its central line, about four inches long, through the skin and down to the rings of the windpipe. When this is done, introduce the point of a sharp-pointed knife between the upper exposed rings, and cutting downward, divide two or three of them completely across from above downward and in the middle line of the neck. Introduce the tube into this opening, and fasten its strings around the neck and to the mane. It should be kept in until the animal is able to breathe through the nos- trils, which can be readily ascertained by closing the tube with the hand from time to time. When the swellino: is lano-uid and does not "come to a head," it should be stimulated by painting it with tincture of iodine, or friction with iodine ointment (No. 8). Should this not affect the swelling promptly, a blister should be ap- plied to the part. When the ulcers which remain after the abscess breaks are not disposed to heal, they must be touched with the stick of 184 Diseases of the Horse. nitrate of silver, with dilute nitric acid, or dressed with resin cerate, or the following : — No 199. Iodide of nitrcurv, 1 drachm. Lard, 1 oz. To use as a dressing spread on soft leather or linen. l\o. 200. Creasote, 1 or 2 parts. Lard, 8 parts. Use as the last. Tonics are quite important in these cases, to hasten the healing of the ulcers and improve the general strength, as : — No. 201. Sulphate of iron, Ginger, each 4 oz. Mix with enough common mass to make ten balls, and give one twice a day. Cod-liver oil internally, in doses of 3 or 4 ounces, also greatly aids in convalescence. Many sluggish cases are owing to a scrofulous taint in the system, according to Prof. Gam- gee, and for such nothing could be better than — No. 202. Cod-liver oil, 2 oz. Iodine, 20 grains. Mix with a pint of fresh milk and give on an empty stomach, twice a day. One of the late writers on this disease, Mr. George Armi- tage (in the Highland Soc. Agric. Report, 1878), justly says that the whole treatment consists " in the production of the discharge of the abscess." It is possible, by biniodide of mercury ointment, to disperse it. But nearly always this is followed by the sudden death of the animal, through some obscure form of blood poisoning. It would appear that there is some specific poison which requires to find an exit from the body by the discharge of the contents of the abscess ex- ternally. Erysipelas. 185 EEYSIPELAS— ST. ANTHONY'S FIEE, Definition. — An inflammation of the skin and tissues be- neath, owing to a blood poison, characterized by a swelling and hardness of the affected parts, which has a tendency to spread and form abscesses. Cause. — This is supposed to be, primarily, some alteration in the blood. In horses and cattle erysipelas is nearly always the result of wounds, and generally of those in the legs of animals weakened by hard work and poor food, or else in young animals whose blood is vitiated by the poison of glan- ders or some other animal contamination. Symptoms. — Generally on the third or fourth day. after receiving the injury the skin in the immediate neighborhood of the wound is found swollen, smooth, shining, hot, tender and painful. The swelling gradually extends around it, and sometimes deep into the muscles. The surface is hard and tense, but often when the finger is firmly pressed upon it and withdrawn, a little pit or depression is left. Blisters on the surface and abscesses beneath the skin are frec|uently seen. The general symptoms correspond with the severity of the local disease. In the lighter form the animal is fevered, loses apjjetite, and is lame in the aiFected limb. In severe cases there are severe chills, the pulse is weak and quick, the breathing hurried, the bowels constij^ated, and the urine scanty and high colored. There is no aj)petite, but excessive thirst. All the signs of a low typhoid state may follow, the ab- scesses burrowing deeply between muscles and into joints, and the animal dying of exhaustion. Treatment. — In all cases begin with a brisk purge, aided by injections if it does not act promptly. It is important to 186 Diseases of the Horse. stimulate the bowels decidedly. If there is much fever, add 20 drops of tincture of aconite root to the water every few hours; Prof. Williams justly remarks that this drug has a most marked effect' in allaying the irritation and fever in this disease. As soon as the bowels have freely acted, prepare the fol- lowing : — No. 203. Tincture of chloride of iron, 2 to 4 drachms. Peruvian bark, 1 oz. (Or quinine, 30 grains.) Mix and give as a drench, in water, every four hours. For applications to the part we have a choice of several. The Scotch veterinarians prefer belladonna, smearing the parts freely with the extract rubbed up w ith an equal quantity of oil or lard ; or combined with aconite as a lotion. No. 204. Extract of belladonna, 1 oz. Tincture of aconite^ 2 oz. Water, 1 qt. Rub up together and paint on the part frequently. French surgeons prefer the sulphate of iron. No. 205. Powdered sulphate of iron, 1 oz. Lard, 4 oz. Mix and smear well on the swollen parts and the healthy skin near them. Or the swelling may be painted with tincture of the chlor- ide of iron; or a strong solution of nitrate of silver, two drachms to the ounce of water. DBOPSY— ASCITES. Defiuitioil. — An accumulation of watery fluid in the cavity of the abdomen, in the sheath, legs, and other dependent por- tions of the body. Causes, — Generally dropsy is a result of disease of the heart or liver ; but sometimes it appears in animals which have been kept long on poor and insufficient food, in low and Dropsy. 187 ill-drained pastures. In the ox it not unfrequently is due to a scrofulous state of the system, characterized by growths in the lining membrane of the abdomen called '' grapes." Symptoms. — These are plainly apparent in the " jjot belly " of the animal, which can readily be recognized as due to the presence of fluid by the dull sound it yields on percussion, and by the feeling of fluctuation or fluid motion it imparts to the hand. If there is any doubt, a small quantity may be drawn off with a fine trocar. This condition is nearly always preceded by one of general poor health, often with signs of heart or liver disease, weak- ness and languor. As the fluid increases, the breathing be- comes more difficult, the bowels irregular, the pulse feeble, and the coat loose and unthrifty. The swelling of the legs impedes the motions, and the animal dies of exhaustion. Treatment, — The probabilities of success in this depends much on the cause of the dropsy. When it is due to heart or liver disease the prospects are far from cheering, and some writers recommend the animal to be killed. But when poor food and unhealthy surroundings have led to the condition, it may be removed by placing the patient in a dry, clean and well ventilated stable, giving a generous and nourishing diet, and administering, internally, tonics and diuretics, as — No. 20(3. Powdered (Jigitalis, 1 oz. Sulphate of iron, 2 oz. Mix fi?r one ball, morning and night. No lowering medicines whatever should be used. If the water in the belly is extensive, and does not promptly diminish by medicine and proper food, it should be drawn off by a troehar, which should be pkmged into the most de- pendent portion; this may be repeated as often as the accu- mulation of fluid demands it. The class of medicines known as ''diuretics," which exert / 188 Diseases of the Hoy^se. their action on the kidneys, find in this disease an appro- priate sphere. The usual diuretic mass of the Edinburgh veterinary college is made thus : — No. 207. Soap, Nitrate of potash, each 2 lbs. Resin, 3 lbs. Venice turpentine, 2 lbs. Oil of turpentine, i pint. Melt the soap and resin over a slow fire; when cooling stir in the other articles. The dose of this mass is two ounces, made into a ball with a little linseed meal. An efficient diuretic drench may be made thus :- No. 208. Sweet spirits of nitre, 2 oz. Oil of turpentine, 1 oz. Give in a quart of decoction of broom corn tops. The decoction of broom corn has by itself a very efficient action on the kidneys, and will often rapidly reduce dropsi- cal swellings. The same is true of another domestic remedy, the milk weed (asclepias), which may be given in the same way. No. 209. Soap, 2 oz. Ginger, essence of 2 drachms. Balsam of copaiva, 1 oz. Dissolve the soap in a pint of old ale or hard cider, and add the other articles. The above is praised by Mr. White as an active diuretic in dropsy of the belly. No. 210. Acetate of potash, 1 oz. Powdered camphor. 1 drachm. Bub the camphor down with the yolks of two eggs, and give the whole in a pint of linseed tea, or decoction of broom tops. Diseases of the Horse. 189 CHAPTER YII. DISEASES OF THE FOOT OF THE HORSE. Structure of the Foot of the Horse. Lameness in the Horse; How to Detect Lameness; Hoic co Ascertain the Cause of the Lameness. Inflammation of the Feet — Laminitis — Founder — Fever in the Feet. Corns. Thrush or Frush of the Frog. Canker. Punctured Wounds of the Feet — Prickings — Gathered Kails. .Sand Crack. False Quarter. Quittor — Fistula of the Coronet — Fibro-Chondritis of the Foot. Navicular Disease — Grogginess — Contraction of the Foot. Scratches — 3Iud Fever — Cracked Heels — Erythema of the Heels. Grease — Eczema of the Heels. In order to reader clear the subjects treated of in this chapter, we shall be obliged to begin with a brief descrip- tion of the STRTJCTUEE OF THE FOOT OF THE HORSE. The following cut (Fig. 21) represents a section of the foot divided through the middle lengthwise, that is, from 190 Diseases of ilie Horse. toe to heel, and shows the bones in their natural position in the healthy hoof. FIG. 21. — A SECTION OF THE HOKSe'S FOOT. Commencing above, the letter d indicates the lower end of the long pastern bone; b is the coronary bone, which lies internally from the upper or coronary border of the wall of the hoof; c is the coffin bone, or foot bone, as pedis; d is the navicular bone, a small bone of very great interest to the surgeon, because injury and inflammation of surface tissues is a very frequent cause of lameness, producing that condition called " groo-giness." The navicular bone bears no part of the weight, but is apparently inserted for the purpose of giving increased leverage power to the long tendon, e, which passes from the coffin bone backward, over the navicular bone and up the leg. It will be seen that from the upper part of the long pastern bone to the end of the coffin bone is a straight line, inclined at an angle of about 45° to the surface of the ground. This obliquity of position enables the bone to act as a spring, for the purpose of modifying concussion. Anatomy of the Foot. 191 When, for any reason, the relations of this natural mechanism become disturbed, lameness is the result. FIG. 22. — EXTEKNAI. PARTS OP THE HOOF. Turning to the outer coverings of the hoof, we note that it is made up of two parts : the one seen above the ground, and the other that which is placed on the ground; in other words, the wall and the sole. The wall is divided into the foe (Fig. 22, a), which is the forward point of the hoof; the heel, which is the hinder part, where the notch is seen; the quarters, which are the portions on each side, midM-ay between the toe and the heel, FIG. 23.— THE SOLE OF THE HOOP. and which are known respectively as the inside and the outside quarter; the upper, or coronary border (e); the lower, or solar border; and the bars, which are the re- 192 Diseases of the Horse. flections of the wall, in toward the centre of the foot, on its ground surface. When the horse is not shod, it is upon these bars that he walks. The ground surface, or sole of the foot, is made up of the bars, which, as w^e have said, are only parts of the wall of the hoof turned backward and downward; the frog (Fig. 23, a); the cleft of the frog (c); and the sole proper (b b), which forms the principal part of the ground surface of the hoof. The four hard parts of which the hoof is composed, to wit, the wall, the sole, the frog and the two bones (coffin bone and navicular bone), can readily be separated by boiling. Besides these, there are in the hoof, the "fatty frog", or the plantar cushion which is above the frog, tendons, nerves, blood-vessels, cartilage, and glands for the secretion of the horny substance which fornis the walls and frog* Into these it is needless to enter, for although their thorough understanding is essential in order to appreciate the remarkable mechanism of the horse's motion, their consideration can be dispensed with in a work designed for practical purposes only. LAMENESS IN THE HOKSE. It is often no easy matter to detect lameness in the horse; and when detected, it is often still more difficult to explain its cause and suggest a cure. We shall go into this subject at some length, because it is of such prime importance to every stock owner, and is so generally misunderstood; and we shall begin with some directions Lameness. 1 93 HOW TO DETECT LAMENESS. The horse is to be examined: first, at rest; second, in motion. A lame horse standing at rest will generally favor the unsound limb by lifting it frequently, or by 2^oinfing it, that is, by extending it in advance of its fellow. If both feet are lame lie will have a habit of lifting first one, then the other. lu elbow lameness, the foie arm is ex- tended, the knee bent, and the foot on a level with, or behind, its fellow. In severe shoulder lameness, the point- ing is backward, the knee bent, and the foot behind its fellow, sometimes the toe only touching the ground. AVhen the lameness is in a hind limb, the horse stands with it "knuckling over" at the fetlock, or with the foot altogether off the ground. If the lame log is in advance of the sound one, this indicates that the disease is in, or below, the hock. AVhen both the fore feet are lame, the hind ones ai'e advanced beneath the body, so as to receive as much of the weight as possible, while the front feet are lifted alternately. When both hind feet are lamed, the fore feet are planted beneath the chest, and close to the centre line, while the body is pushed forward, and the head hung down, so as to take as much weight as possible off of the hind feet. Having noted carefully how the horse stands at rest, the next procedure is to examine the suspected limb. If there is unnatural heat, tenderness on pressure, or a swelling in any part of it, the suspicion of lameness is at once verified. But nothing of this kind may be obvious, even in cases of incurable lameness, so the horse should next be examined in motion. It is far from easv to recognize all varieties of lameness in a horse in motion ; and unscrupulous dealers know many tricks to conceal it. Thus, if one fore foot is lame, tliey 13 194 Diseases of the IJorse. will make the other equally so, by ])aring it, so that the action of the two limbs correspond; they will cheek up his head, with a tight rein, to prevent the peculiar "nodding" motion, or dipping of the head, characteristic of a horse lame in a front foot; or they will select a gait to show him off which conceals his unsoundness. Again, some varieties of lameness are visible in the gait only when a horse begins to exercise; while other varieties only show themselves after half an hour's use. Of this, of course, the dishonest dealer will take advantage. A proper examination is as follows : — As soon as the animal is taken from the stable, let an as- sistant ]'un with him at a slow trot, holding his head at only a moderate height. It is necessary to watch him trotting both/rom and toward the observer, for a horse lame in the off fore leg when trotted from the observer seems to ha^x the fault in the near hind leg, as this quarter is the one seen to ascend and descend — an error which is corrected on seeing him approach. Another important point is to have the ani- ]nal turned sharply in both directions while on the trot. The lameness from string halt (p. 91) can often only be detected by this motion. When both front or both hind feet arc lame, there is no perceptible limp, but a peculiar shortness of action. Each foot is carefully put to the ground and quickly lifted uj) ao-ain. A horse lame in the fore quarter nods or dips his head at every step ; one lame in the hind quarter drops or jerks the croup. Having examined the horse in a slow trot, if nothing is discernible, but yet it is desired to push the inspection furtiier, the horse should be exercised at a rapid trot or moderate gallop for half an hour, then placed in a stall to cool off, for twenty minutes, and then brought out again. He will then assuredly show in his gait any splint or hock trouble that he m!\y have. Examining for Lameness. 195 TO ASCERTAIN THE CAUSE OF THE LAMENESS. Lameness is not a disease in itself, but only the sign of a disease or an injury. It may arise from some local disorder in the foot, the bones of the legs or the joints ; or from some general disease, as rheumatism, palsy, affections of the brain, and even of the liver. In every case of lameness where the cause is not perfectly obvious, it is well to begin the search for it by removing the shoe and closely examining the foot for the presence of some of its numerous diseases, which will be shortly mentioned. Satisfied that the cause is not in the foot, we should next pro- ceed up the limb, carefully scrutinizing the soft parts, the bones and the joints, for any signs of injuries, tumors, tender- ness, swellings, or inflammation. If here, too, we are at fault, then we should run over the general diseases of the animal, mentioned above, which are accompanied by lame- ness as one of their symptoms. An examination conducted in this manner will seldom fail to result satisfactorily. In the description of local diseases causing lameness, which follows, we shall pursue the course here indicated, be- ginning with diseases of the foot, and proceeding up the limb. As the subject of lameness is so important to all dealers in horses, we add the following CLASSIFICATIOX OF THE SYMPTOMS OF LAMENESS, AND THEIK SIGNIFICANCE. The symptoms have reference to the animal either, l,at rest, or 2, in motion. "' Pointing," it will be borne in mind, may be only a habit; in that case one fore and one hind limb point; but when it is indicative of lameness, only one limb points. 196 Diseases of the Horse. Symptoms lohcn at Rest. Symptoms. Significance. Fore foot pointina::, the foot It r ±i ^ ■ £■ i. X' V x' 11 V Lrameness oi the leo;. Ill iroiit 01 its lellow. j ^ The fore arm extended, the ^ knee bent, the foot about > Lameness of the elbow. on a line with its fellow, j The limb relaxed, the knee "| bent, the foot behind its > Lameness of the shoulder. fellow. J Hind foot bent, "knueklino; \ ^ r ^ • i r ^ „ ^j, 'i 1 > Lameness ol Jiiud loot, over, or oii the ground. J Hind leg in front of its fel- |^ Lameness in or below the low. j hock. Hind feet brought well for-^ ward under the belly ; head ]• Lameness in both fore feet. reared. j Fore feet pushed back be-"| neatli the ehest, head hang- y Lameness in both hind feet. ing. J Symptoms when in Motion. Symptoms. Significance Lameness in fore Lameness in hind quarters. Head nodding or dipping. - Lameness in fore quarters. I Croup dipping, or drop- ( ping. \ Foot lifted quickly, r ^ o ^ ■> i , . , ^ ■( l^ameness ot toot or hock, straight up. [ Foot swung in a half cir- f Lameness of elbow or ared, a sharp-pointed, short, curved needle chosen, and its course not made too deep, as the sinew might be wounded. The point of the needle should be introduced about one inch from the toe, and brought out midway between the bulbs of the frog and the forward boundary of the hollow of the heel. The ends of the tape are then tied together, and the setoji is dressed daily, for three weeks or a month. This will usually be found to cure the lameness; but if it does not. Scrdtchcs or Cracked Heeh. 211 the case maj be looked on as hopeless, and tlie most that can be expected will be to render the horse, by care and qniet, able to do some moderate work. Some relief may be obtained, by tlie following- hoof oint- ment : — No. 222. Tar, Burgundy pitcli, Mutton suet, of each equal parts. SCRATCHES— MUD FEVER— CRACKED HEELS — ERYTHEMA OF THE HEELS. Definition, — An affection of the skin of the heels in horses, considered a variety of chronic erythema, depending on altered or suppressed secretions. Causes. — Exposure to mud and water, melting sno^^', ne-. gleet of grooming, constitutional predisposition. It is parti- cularly frequent in wet, open winters. Symptoms. — The horse is more or less lame, especially on starting off in the morning. The skin of the heels is dry and cracked, presenting upon its surface scaly crusts, the part-s swollen, and sensitive to the touch. At times the scratches are on all four legs, and extend up to the belly ; the horse is irritable, and some general fever is noted. This is the form called " mud fever," as it is generally brought about by the irritation of wet dirt, and lack of care. For its prevention, it is recommended to allow the dirt to dry on the horse, and then have it well brushed off, without the application of water; or if water is used to remove it, that the legs be well bandaged immediately afterward. Treatment. — The plan recommended by Mr. Broad, of Bath, England, as always successful, is to groom carefully, give walking exercise, and apply to the parts, once or twice daily, the following : — No. 223. Solution of subacetate of lead, 1 oz. Glycerine, 8 oz. Mix, and apply to tlie parts. 212 Diseases of the Horse. Sometimes the system needs to be strengthened by extra diet and tonics. And if the case seems very obstinate, the part is to be penciled over with nitrate of silver solution. No. 224. Nitrate of silver, 1 drachm. Water, 1 oz. For a local application. Or a mild blister is to be applied, and the system generally altered, by the administration of Fowler's solution of arsenic, in the usual dose, for a few days. Other useful preparations are — No. 225. Powdered alum, 2 drachms. Sulphate of zinc. 20 grains. Water, 1 pint. Wash the cracks well with this, and dress with petroleum ointment- No. 226. Acetate of lead, Sulphate of copper, of each h oz. Mix in a pint of water, for the same purpose as the last. AVlien the inflammation is considerable, it may have tc be reduced by poulticing ; the irritation and sensitiveness which remain can then be reduced by the following : — No. 227 Acetate of lead, Oxide of zinc, each ] oz. Lard, 3 or 4 oz. To he applied after the part has been well washed GEEASE— ECZEMA OF THE HEELS. Definitioi).. — An inflammation of the skin at the back of the heels and fetlocks, with a formation of vesicles and pus- tules, yielding a fetid, watery discharge. Causes. — Negligent grooming, exposure to cold and Avct in standing, together with a constitutional tendency, or a low condition. Grease is scarcely ever met Avith in vigorous horses which arc well cared for. SymptoniS. — There is an inflamed appearance of the skin, the surface dotted with small blisters and pustules, pouring Treatment of Grease. 213 out a discharge of ill-smelling matter, often considerable in quantity. The limb is swollen and tender, and fever may be present. The hind limbs are more frequently affected than the fore ones. The hairs are matted together, and masses of proud flesh spring from tlie unhealthy sores, forming rounded bunches, which, from their imagined resemblance to the fruit, are called by farriers "grapes." Closer examination may dis- cover various parasites in these masses, and around the hairs. Tiie main point of difference between grease and scratches is that the former is a moist, and the latter a dry disease of the skin (though irritation and ulceration of the cracks, in scratches, may sometimes deceive the hasty observer). TreatmGllt. — As the disease is very often owing to the poor condition of the animal, he should have an entire change of diet, should be comfortably housed and clothed, and given, once a week, a moderate dose of aloes (4 to 6 drachms in a pint of water). An ounce of saltpetre should be placed daily in his bucket of water. Locally the parts should be kept clean by gentle bathing in tepid water, and dusting with dry oxide of zinc (flowers of zinc) ; or by bathing with the following, which is highly recommended by Prof. Dick in the early stages of the dis- ease : — No. 228, Acetate of lead, 1 oz. Sulphate of zinc, 2" oz. Water, 1 pint. Mix and apply twice daily, after cleaning the parts with warm soap and water. For the "grapes" Prof. Dick recommends sprinkling them with powdered sulphate of zinc. Others clip them off with scissors ; or fasten a tight ligature around their bases and let them slough off; or remove them with an actual cautery. For the unjjleasant odor of the discharge, a lotion made of one part of carbolic acid to ten or twelve parts of water will prove effectual. Prof. Gamgee recommends, as an excel- lent preparation — 214 Diseases of the Horse. No. 229. Tar, 4 oz. Kitric acid, sufficient. Pour the nitric acid on the tar, rapidly stirring the mixliire until active effervescence ensues. For a local application. Another preparation which lie praises for the same trou- ble is — No. 230. Nitrate of potash, Oil of turpentine. Sulphuric acid, each, 2 oz. Vinegar, 1 pint. Mix together, and then add as much sulphate of copper as it will dis- solve, and apply locally. For the bad odor a chloride of lime ointment is efteet- ual — No. 231. Chloride of lime, 3 to 6 ozs. Lard, 1 lb. Mix and apply to the parts. This also has the advantage, in summer, of keeping the flies away from the excoriation?. An American authority recommends — No. 232. Sulphate of copper, 1 oz. Water, Whisky, of each, 1 pint. Dissolve the vitriol in the water, then add thevvhisky. Apply three times a day, bandaging the part afterward. Infiammatioii of the Bones. 215 CHAPTEE yill. DISEASES OP THE LEG. Injiammation of the Bones. Sore Shins — Inflammation of the Metacarpal Bones. Splints or Splents. Bing Bones. Bog Spavin — Blood Spavin — Inflammation of the Hock Joint. Bone Spavin. Tliorough-Pin. Capped Hock. Side Bones. INFLAMMATION OF THE BONES— OSTITIS -PERIOSTITIS. The bones of the leg, and then' covering, called the '' peri- osteum," are liable to become inflamed, and to lead to sever- al varieties of lameness, which we shall examine in order. INFLAMMATION OF THE METACARPAL BONES— SORE SHINS. This form of inflammation of the bones aifects young horses, particularly race horses under four years old, and is due to the fact that they are so often violently overworked. Symptoms. — Lameness of the leg; swellings of an elastic, tense and. doughy feeling over the shin bone; tenderness and heat on pressure; sometimes slight general fever. The swelling may become very prominent, and tend to break ex- ternally, but it always preserves its elastic feel ; or, it may remain small and gradually become quite hard, changing into bony matter, and the pain disappears. Treatment. — If the swelling is decided and the pain severe, a narrow-bladed bistoury should be introduced be- neath the skin, and the periosteum freely cut, so as to allow 216 Diseases of the Horse. its contents to escape. This is to be followed bv warm and soothing fomentations, as hot water containing a tablespoon- ful of laudanum to the pint; later by cold water dressing, and if healing is not prompt a blister should be applied to the part. With this, the constitutional treatment should not be neg- lected. A smart purgative is required, followed by small, repeated doses of aconite (twenty drops of the tincture of tlie root three or four times a day), low diet, and the animal kept as quiet as j^ossiblc. In the less severe forms incisions are not called for, and the cold applications may be employed from the outset, suc- ceeded by blisters, if needed. SPLINTS OE SPLENTS. These arise from another form of inflammation of the metacarpal bones. They are usually found upon the inner surface of the leg, at the upper third of the bone. They are a bony growth, the result of slight inflammation. Although when single and small they may exist without causing lameness, their presence may be considered a mark of unsoundnesss. In regard to their causes, it is said that they are frequent- ly hereditary, and are at other times developed by a long continued moderate gait, from concussions and bruises. Slightly built horses are most subject to them. The peculiarities of lameness from splints are: (1) The horse is often quite young (2) A splint-lame horse will show it little or none in his walk, but in a marked manner in his trot, the drop of the head upon the sound side being very great. (3) The knee does not bend readily. (4) The lameness increases the longer he is kept in motion. (5) Ten- derncsi on firm pressure over the seat of the splint. Their presence may usually be recognized by running the Treatment of SjjUnt. 217 finger dowu the slight groove formed between the main shank bone and the smaller one behind, where they will be felt as small, bony swellings. Treatment. — In new and acute cases, with decided swell- ing and tenderness, a sharj? scalpel should be inserted be- neath the skin, and the sheath of the bone freely divided. A seton may be placed over the spot, an active purgative administered, and the part thoroughly fomented. If these measures fail, it is well to fire the part as recom- mended on page 64. After an apparent cure the lameness may return, in which case it is best to take the shoes off, turn the animal into pas- ture, and give him a long rest. A writer in the London Lancet has given the following as a useful liniment in splint : — No. 233. Oil of origanum, Oil of turpentine, each 1 oz. Alcohol, 2" oz. To be applied night and morning, for a few days at a time. RING BONES. These are deposits of bony matter above and below the coronet. They are produced by heavy work in drauglit horses, or by rheumatic disease. Lameness may not be present, although when inflamma- tion is active, it may be extreme. The lameness is worse on hard ground, and usually increases with exercise. Swelling- may be scarcely perceptible, and confined to the sides of the pastern bone, or it may be an extreme enlargement of the whole region. Forcible bending of the pastern causes pain, as does also firm pressure on the swelling. Treatment. — Active inflammation, when present, should be treated as heretofore described. When this is absent, the treatment is chiefly mechanical. "When the ring bone is in 218 i>/.sY'«.:5'c.s' (if the Horse. the fore leg the liorse puts the heel down first ; in tliis case a thin-lieeled bar shoe should be used. If, on the oilier hand, he puts the toe down first and endeavors to walk on it, this shows that the ring bone is in the hind limb and on the sides or back of the pastern. He should then wear a high- heeled shoe. INFLAMMATION OF THE HOCK JOINT— BOG SPAVIN — BLOOD SPAVIN, The hock joint in the horse corresponds to the ankle joint in man, and is subject to a class of diseases called spavins. Of these, bog-spavm is the result of inflammation of the structures of the joint. It is, in its acute forms, a tense fluc- tuating swelling, accompanied by heat and tenderness, and producing decided lameness. In a more chronic form it seems to be but a dropsical swelling of the joint, and may exist without apparently interfering with the gait. The tendency in the acute form is toward ulceration of the cartilage of the joint, and a consequent permanent stiflen- ing of its motions. In chronic spavin, which is usually of a rheumatic character, there is a slow depositing of bony sub- stance in and around the joint, M-hich also leads to perma- nent impairment of the functions. Blood spavlii is strictly a distention of one or more of the veins in the neighborhood of the hock, caused by the pressure of the swelling impeding the flow of the blood. Treatment. — The treatment of acute spavin should be by liberal doses of opium, to relieve pain, placing the horse in the slings to take the pressure off the joint, fomenting this with hot water, giving a moder;ite dose of aloes, and adding an ounce of saltpetre to the water, morning and night. As soon as these measures have conquered the inflamma- tion, setons and blisters to the hock, and rubbing it freely wdth ointment of iodide of mercury (No. 162), will prevent the remaining; lameness. On Spavin. 21 9 When in chronic cases there is considerable deposit of water around the joint, blisters, setons and firing will often lessen it. But when the bony deposits are once formed, there are no means at our command to remove them. As a blis- tering liniment in chronic cases, we may use — No. 234. Mercurial ointment, 2 oz. Oil of cantiiarides, 4 drachms. Mix and use locally. The oil of cantharldes, which is preferred by some veteri- narians to other forms of Spanish flies, is made thus : — No. 235. Powdered flies, 1 oz. Olive oil, S oz. Digest in a water bath for three hours, and filter. It is an efficient stimulating liniment. BONE SPAVIN. Definition. — A bony gro\\i;h on the inner and lower side of the hock, arising from inflammation of the adjacent bones (the cuneiform and metatarsal), terminating generally in a bony union between two or more bones of the hock, and thus creating a permanent unsoundness. Causes, — These are defined to be hereditary and constitu- tional. All writers agree that bone spavin is transmitted from sires and dams to colts. Local exciting causes are sprains of# the ligaments, and the use of shoes with high heels or calks. Blows, it is believed by the best surgeons, do not cause spavin, in spite of what certain horse breeders have main- tiiined to the contrary. Symptoms. — Spavins do not always cause lameness, but it is almost impossible to say which ones are not liable to develop it. As a rule, those in front of the hock are most feared. The lameness is, as a rule, removable in young horses, but incurable in those past their prime. Yet one which has existed for a number of years without producing 220 Diseases of fJie Horse. serious trouble with the gait, will, as a rule, never do so. There is always a certain stiffness about a spavined horse, which is observable to an experienced eye, although it is often so slight as to pass undetected by ordinary witnesses. Treatment, — The treatment for recent cases is the same as that directed for other inflammations in the foot and neigh- borhood. When the acute symptoms have subsided, blistering or firing, or the insertion of a seton is called for. Various stimulating oils, and the like applications, are used for a similar object, as — No. 236. Oil of turpentine, 12 parts. Corrosive sublimate, 1 part. Mix for a resolvent ointment The objection to corrosive sublimate is that it blemishes. No. 237. Mercurial ointment, 4 oz. Powdered cantharides, ^ o^- Oil of rosemary, 2 drachms. Thoroughly and frequently rubbing the part with oleate of mercury (referred to under Rheumatism, p. 181), will dis- sipate as much of the swelling as has not become bone. Firing has often been used with success in very obstinate cases; and of all our resources, it is the one on which most * confidence can be jilaccd. The objection to it is that it blemishes; but any severe caustic application may do the same; and by the use of Prof. Williams' firing iron, pre- viously described (page G5), this objection is largely re- moved. Setons are next in value, if not fully equal; and if skill- fully inserted, leave little mark. They should be passed be- neath a considerable tract of skin, covering the site of the spavin, and the tape anointed with one of the stimulant pre- parations mentioned in Part First (p. 64). Before using any of these external remedies, it is good Sjxivin and Tlwrough-pln. 221 practice to insert under the skin a narrow-bladed bistoury, and scarify the site of the spavin freely; and during tlie treatment, which on an average will be two months, the horse should be stabled and used very little. THOROTJGHPIN. Definition. — A dropsicai enlargement of the sheath of the tendon which passes along the upper and posterior side of the hock joint (synovial effusion in the bursa of the flexor pedis perforans muscle). The disease receives its name be- cause the fluid which fills it may by pressure be forced from one side of the hock to the other. There is really no con- nection between the joint of the hock and the sheath of the tendon. Thorough-pin is a dropsical effusion in the latter ; hog spavin is a similar effusion in the former. Causes. — Thorough-pin is usually found in short, fleshy horses, and those which have heavy loads to start, thus strain- ing the tendon of the perforating muscle. Symptoms. — The distinctions pointed out in the definition of the disease will serve to distinguish it from bog spavin, which is the only disease with which it is liable to be con- founded. Treatment. — The horse should wear a shoe with high heels, and a spring truss be applied to the swelling, exerting upon it steady compression. A more active plan, recommended by some, is to make a free puncture at the most dependent part of the swelling, and allow tlie whole of the fluid to drain off, keeping the punc- ture open for several days. Meanwhile the sack should be injected with a mild solution of sulphate of zinc (ten grains to the ounce of water), or with dilute tincture of iodine. No. 2.38. Tincture of iodine, 1 drachm. Whisky, 1 oz. Inject one or two teaspoonfuls. 222 Diseases of the Horse. The walls of the sack should then be brought into close contact by a firm flannel bandage, and the horse be rested for a week. Other surgeons use a resolvent ointment, as No. 239. Biniodide of mercury, 1 part." Keats-foot oil, 7 parts. Hub well toojetlier, and ajjply by gentle friction every day, until the skin is inflamed, CAPPED HOCK. Definition. — A swelling on and around the point of the hock, caused either by an effusion into the tendon of the gas- trocnemius muscle — Synovial Capped Hock — or into the loose tissue between that tendon and the skin — Serous Capj)ed Hock. CauSGS, — Both these forms of capped hock generally pro- ceed from kicking and striking the point of the hock against some hard object, and are indicative of a vicious temper as well as of an unsound horse. The synovial form causes lameness, but the serous form does not necessarily do so. Treatment. — The serous form can generally be cured by blistering and applying firm presssure with a strong clastic bandage. The synovial form must be managed in the same manner laid down for thorough-pin, it being a disorder of a strictly similar nature. SIDE BONES. Definition. — A change to a bony substance, taking'place in the lateral cartilages of the fore feet. Causes. — This change is usually found in heavy draught horses, and is attributed to the over expansion of the car- tilages from the great weight of the animal, added to a he- reditary tendency, and shoeing with high calks. Side Bones. 223 Symptoms. — Lameness is Jiofc invariably present, but the action of the horse is ''stilty ;" the feet are contracted, altered in form, flat or convex in the sole, and weak in the heels. The presence of the side bones may be detected by pressing upon the cartilages ; when in iiealth these arc yielding and elastic, but when ossified they lose this character and are hard, enlarged and unyielding. The lameness of side bones diifers from that caused by ring bones. In side bone lameness the toe of the foot is first brought to the ground ; M'hen both feet are involved, there are a shortness of step and a want of elasticity in the action, resembling that of "grogginess" (p. 209). Treatment. — This must be by the use of the bar shoe ; rest to the limb ; counter-irritation by blisters and firing. Removal of the cartilages with the knife has been tried in France, but without satisfactory results. 224 Disea-^cs of the liorse. CHAPTER IX. WOUNDS AXD INJURIES, AND THEIR RESULTS. T/ie General Treatment of Wounds; To check bleeding ; ( 'Iccm- ing the tvound; Restoring the position of the parts ; To pre- vent inflammation . sprains or Strains. Strains of the shoulder and leg ; Rheumatic joint ; Sprain of the flexor muscles ; Shoulder Slip; Sprain of the back sin- ews, or flexor tendons. Injuries of the Foot and Lower Leg; Lnterfering ; Over- reach; Tread, or Ccdking ; Speedy cut ; Brushing. Wounds of the Ixnees — Bi oken Knees. Elboio Sprain — Elbow Lameness. Breaking Down — Strain or Rupture of the Suspcnsori/ Liga- ments. Wind-gcdls. Curb — Sprain of the Ccdcaneo-cuboid Ligaments . Poll Evil. Fistulous Vflthers. Rotten Bone — Necrosis and Caries of Bones. Frostbite. Burns and Scalds. Stings and Bit&s. Hernia — Rujjture — Burst. Choking. THE GENERAL TREATMENT OF WOUNDS.' Wliatever form of wound we are called upon to treat, we should proceed to attend to four points to wit : 1. To stop the bleeding, if any. 2. To wash and clean the wound thorouffhh'. Treatiiiod of Wounds. 225 3. To bring the parts as near as possible into their nr.tural positions, and keep them there. 4. To guard against excessive inflammation. The means we have to accomplish these residts are as fol- lows : — 1. To Check Blscding. — If the blood is bright red, and flows in spurts or jets, an artery has been cut. ^ts open end must be sought for, seized with the forceps, drawn out a little and tied with a thread. A little practice will enable any one to do this with great ease. If the flow is steady and of dark blood, it need cause no anxiety. Batliing the part in alum water (1 oz. of alum, iu powder, to a pint of water), rubbing it with a piece of ice, or sponging it with clean water will quickly check it. 2. Cleaning the Wound. — This is best done by pouring- water on it from a height, not rubbing it M'ith sponges or rags. Pieces of hair, dirt, etc., can be picked out with the forceps. Nothing is so useful for a cleansing wash as a weak solution of carbolic acid, one or two ounces of the acid to a gallon of water. 3. Restoring the Position of the Parts. — The edges of a cut wound should be carefully brought together and sewed or held by sticking plaster. A broken bone should be replaced iu its natural position and held there l)y splints. Strong curved surgical needles should be in the outfit of every stock owner, and he should practice their use on the dead animal. Where they are not convenient, the edges of a wound may be held together by inserting a strong pin and a twisted sutui^e, as shown on ]iage 67. The sutures are generally removed on the fifth or sixth day. As to local applications, after the wound is thus put u]>, they are to be found in any quantity. Some good surgeoi..i 10 22G Diseases of the Horse. advocate nothing but a dry bandage; others a Avet one, moistened with cold or hot water, carbolic acid water, crea- sote and water, tar, petroleum solution of borax, and many other substances. Wet clay has been praised. And there are a great many ointments, balsams, oils, etc. Whisky and water, equal parts, either simple or contain- ing one grain of corrosive sublimate to the pint, is an excel- lent dressing. 4. To Prevent Inflammation. The older surgeons had a great fear of "wound fever," and to prevent it were wont to bleed and starve their patients after an injury. This notion has long since disappeared from human surgery, but still holds its grounds with some veterinarians. It is a pernicious error. ^ All that is needed to prevent too violent reaction after a wound — and that is what was meant by wound fever — is to keep the animal quiet, and if feverish symptoms appear, to ])ut an ounce of saltpetre in the drink, night and morning, and administer a gentle purge. If there is much pain, noth- ing equals a full dose of opium, either in the shape of lauda- num by the mouth or of morphia beneath the skin. The dressings on the wound should be neatly and com- fortably applied, and then not often changed. Cloths wet with weak carbolic acid water two or three times a day are never approached by flies or maggots, a point that must al- ways be watched in the lower animals. Often the wound is not seen for purposes of treatment until days after it has occurred, and after it has become foul, ulcerous, bad smelling, with ragged edges and perhaps filled with maggots. Here the first step is to clean and disinfect it thoroughly. To kill the maggots it may be freely sprinkled with calomel. This will penetrate into the recesses of the wound and destroy them promjjtly. Ragged edges and pieces of dead Treatment of Wounds. 227 skin should be cut away, loose shreds removed with the scissors, and the wound washed by pouring warm water on it from a height. When in this manner it is well cleaned it should be thoroughly swabbed with a feather, or a piece of tow on the end of a stick, with a disinfecting and stimulating lotion, in which also pieces of tow, lint or rag should be wet and laid in and over the wound ; the whole to be covered by a bandage wet with the same. The wetting should be repeated two or three times a day, but the bandage need not be removed as long as the part appears progressing favorably and the animal is comfortable. Of such disinfecting and stimulating lotions we shall give a number of formulas, so that when the ingredients of one are not convenient another may be chosen : — No. 240. Alcoliol or whisky, 1 lunt, Corrosive sublimate, 1 grain. No. 241. Carbolic acid. 2 drachms, Water, ] pint. No. 242. Powdered alum, ^ oz, Sugar of lead, i oz. Water, Ipt. No. 243. Hvdrate of chloral. ' I oz. Water, i pt. A very excellent aiiplication. No. 244. Creasote, 1 drachm. Water, Iqt. No. 245. Chloride of zinc, 1 drachm, "Water, 1 qt. No. 24G. Tar, \v^. Boiling water. 1 gal. Crude petroleum is an excellent application also. 228 Diseases of tlie Horse. SPRAINS OR STRAINS. Definition. — Stretching of a niusele,sinew or cartilage, with rupture or other injuiy to some of its fibres. Causes. — Spraius may arise from sudden violent exertion, or long continued slight overtasking of the parts. They are common in the horse, which is so frequently set to work above his powers; and they cause a number of lamenesses, of frequent recurrence. Symptoms. — Strains are always followed by more or less inflammation, characterized by pain and tenderness, heat and swelling in and around the part strained. Unless relieved by proper measures, this condition is very liable to load to one of atrophy or withering in the part, a form of unsound- ness which is familiarly known in the horse as a siccny, from the German word scliwindcn, to grow less, to disappear, Treatment. — The general line of treatment in sprains and strains may be stated as follows : (1) Give tlie part rest; (2) Reduce the early inflammation by cold or hot water fo- mentations, cooling lotions, etc. (3) Firm and steady pres- sure by bandages, to prevent "bagging" (serous infiltration) ; (4) Counter-irritations and gentle but regular use, to prevent stiffness and sweeny. In carrying these principles out we may use, to reduce in- flammation, either plain cold or quite hot water, whichev^er gives most relief. Or we can employ some of the many evaporating and refrigerant lotions which have been suggest- ed, as, for example — ■ No. 247. Sal ammoniac, 1 oz. Nitrate of potash, '2 oz. Water, 1 pint. Mix and use as soon as it is made. No. 248. Acetate of lead, 1 oz. Vinegar, Water, each, 1 pint. An efficient, cheap and useful lo;4on. Ireatmevt of Sprains. 229 No. 249. Spirits of camphor, 1 oz. Vinegar, 4 oz. AVater, 1 pt. Also cheap and effective. No. 250. Tincture of arnica. ^ oz. Water, 1 pt. A very popular lotion. Eminent surgeons, however, doubt whether the good effect is not owing to the alcohol in the tincture rather than the arnica. After the inflammation has subsided there are ahnost ahvay.s stiiFness, swelling and pain on motion of the part, often very slow to disperse, and particularly so in old patients. A host of substances are used for rubbing and irritating the surface, in order to stimulate the vessels and bring about the absorp- tion of the effusion. As among the most eiFective of these, we mention oleate of mercury, already described (see page 181), and the ointments of the iodide of mercury (No. 162), and of iodine (No. 81). Any one of these dili- gently and persistently used will generally dissipate the swelling. Others of value are the two following, recommended by Mr. Dun : — No. 251. Mercurial ointment, Cam])hor, Oil of tar, Linseed oil, each 2oz. 1 dr-chm. 4 oz. No. 252. Mercurial ointment, Ci-easote, Solution of ammonia, Linseed oil, 2oz. 1 drachm. 2oz. 6oz. k^Ir. Gamgee speaks favorably of— No. , 253. Iodine, Glycerine, 2 oz. Mercurial ointment, each 2 oz. Olive oil, 6 oz. All of the above are excellent combinations, useful not only in the swellings from old sprains and strains, but in those from chronic rheumatism, scrofulous enlarged glands 230 Disease.^ of tho llorae. (as in the slow form of strangles, goitre, etc.), and the late re- sults of inflammation of the udder, in weed, etc. To those we may add — No. 254:. Oil of turpentine, 1 oz. Spirits of cami:)hor, 2 oz. Specially recommended for pains in the shoulder, threatened with sweeny. No. 255. Iodine, 1 oz. Soap liniment, 12 oz. For callous swellings after bruises, and chronic glandular enlarge- ments. STRAINS OF THE SHOULDER AND LEG. Lameness which has its seat in the shoulder joint may be owing to three different conditions. 1st. Rheumatism or injury in the joint. 2d. Strain of the back or flexor muscles. 3d. Shoulder slip. We shall proceed to consider briefly each of these. l.S'/. Rheiunatlsm or Injury m the Joint. This is what is generally meant by the term " shoulder lameness." The gait of the horse reveals the seat of the dis- ease at once to a practiced eye. He does not carry his limb straight forward, but with a circular or swinging motion, the foot being thrown outward, so that the toe is made to describe the arc of a circle. Sometimes the toe is drao-ffed alon ozs. Use one part of this to ten of water, by means of a syringe. The upper and lower jaws, from their exposed situation, and from the abuse of the l>it with long levers, and from in- juries to the teeth, and also the roof of the mouth, are par:s especially liable to caries, the ulcers being inside the mouth. The sore caused is characteristic. There is a depression, in- dicating a loss of substance, which contains a fungous growth Diseases of the Bone. 241 of "proud flesh," wliich is not attached to the sides, but only to the bottom of the ulcer. There is a watery and offensive discharge, but as this flows inside the mouth and becomes mixed with the saliva, often the only circumstance which calls attention to the presence of the disease is the bleeding from the mouth Avhen the bit is in place. The mouth is full of a slightly" bloody pink froth. This form of caries is best treated by ceasing to use the bit, and touching the sore repeatedly with the nitrate of sil- ver stick, which should be pushed deeply into it and held for a second or two. By judiciously continuing this for a few weeks, taking care not to use the caustic more than enough to keep down the proud flesh, a cure can be effected without the necessity of cutting dt)wn and scraping the bone. Nevertheless, Avhen time is an object, the latter is much the more expeditious plan. The horse should be cast, and chloroformed, the granulations removed with the knife, the dead bone scraped away, and the wound swabbed with the solution of chloride of zinc. j FROSTBITE. This is caused by prolonged exposure to the cold, espe- cially by standing in the snow, and in half-thawed slush, as is so often the case in the cities. The skin of tlie part becomes weaker, turns of a purple color, is easily inflamed, cracks, and discharges a bloody- looking fluid. In more severe and sudden cases the skin and underlying tissues become pale, insensible and shriveled. The skin, particularly on the heel, will slough across from side to side, forming a deep crack, a condition familiarly called "cracked heel." Treatment. — Where the skin is unbroken, and the ex- posure has not been for a long enough time to destroy the 16 242 Diiicascs of the Horse. life of the part, it should be briskly rubbed with snow for five or ten minutes. The foot should then be put in a bucket of- cold water, and the friction continued until there is a re- turn of warmth. The raw surfaces and sores which follow on neglected frost- bite are particularly slow to heal, on account of the diiuiu- ishcd vitality of the tissues. Mr. Dun recommends as a valu- able application — No. 263. Extract of belladonna, 1 to 2 drachms. Hub this up with an ounce of the petroleum ointment or lard, and apply twice a day. It may advantageously be combined as follows : — No. 264. Extract of belladonna, 1 drachm. Ointment of red oxide of mercury, 1 oz. Eub together and apply daily to the ulcerated patches. BURNS AND SCALDS. These are quite common in horses employed about iron "works, factories and steam mills. In all severe cases there is fever, often preceded l)y shiv- ering, coldness of the ears and legs, prostration of strength, and a quick and feeble pulse. The surface of the burned part will become pale and leathery, or will crack, and a watery discharge will flow from it. Swelling and inflanamation come next, and an effort of nature is made to separate the dead from the living tissues by suppuration. The most troublesome burns in horses are about the shoul- der and elbow, as, owing to the continual motion of these parts, a wound upon them is very slow to heal. Treatment. — The traditional treatment of burns is, to smear them over, several times a day, with what is called Carron oil, It is made as follows : — No. 26-"). Lime water, Linseed oil, equal parts. Mix, and apply direct to the burned surface, dredging flour over it, to thicken it. Treatment of Burns and Scalds. 243 A still better, and often a more easily obtainable, applica- tion is ordinary bicarbonate of soda — baking soda. This may be dredged directly on the part, or stirred up Avith water to a thick paste and laid over the bm-u. The relief it causes is immediate. In milder burns, a cheap and very excellent application is, to paint the whole of the burned surface with several thick coats of ordinary ivJiite lead paint. On the large surfaces of horses and cattle, this is the most convenient of all dressings. After being well covered, carded cotton should be laid over the paint, and the whole covered by a moderately firm ban- dage. No further dressing is needed, as the pain is at once allayed, and the burned surface heals kindly under the* im- penetrable cover thus giveu it. No. 266. Alnm, powdered, 2 oz. Water, 1 pint. An excellent application for fresh burns and scalds. The part should be soaked with it, and cloths wet with it applied to tlie sur- face. When the parts ulcerate, they should be well washed out with warm water, with a little carbolic acid in it, or with tar water, and the following dusted over the surface with a flour dredger : — Ko. 267* Oxide of zinc, 1 oz. Starch (or rye Hour), 2 oz. Whenever more moisture appears, this sliould be dredged on again, so as to keep the parts covered with a thick, dry crust. STINGS AND BITES. Hornets, wasps and bees often attack animals, and some- times cause them serious injuries. Solution of ammonia, or a weak carbolic acid wash ( I oz. to a quart of water), will promptly relieve the smarting. 244 Diseases of the Horse. Lime water, alone or containing a draehra of comraercial carbolic acid to the pint, is very soothing; while others speak highly of the oil of lobelia, promptly apjjlied. HERNIA— RTJPTUKE— BURST. Definition. — A protrusion of any portion of the bowels, or their coverings, through a rent or opening in the walls of the abdomen. Causes. — Ruptures are cpiite common in the horse. They are often seen about the navel at birth, and disappear with- out any treatment, during the first year of life. Stallions are more liable to them than geldings. They may be OAving to constitutional weakness in the walls of the belly; or to violent efforts and strains tearing the muscular structure; or to kicks, blows and similar violence. SjTIiptomS. — These differ as to the part of the abdominal wall which has given way. There is usually a visible tumor or bulging, which has a hollow sound on percussion, and on feeling it between the fingers the contents are felt to slip upon each other. Often, by properly directed pressure the gut is slipped back into the belly, and the tumor disajjpears, but returns as soon as the animal makes any exertion. When the hernia is inflamed the tumor is tender, hot to the touch, and there are signs of colic, and often constipation. In the ruptures which take jilace in stallions when a part of the gut passes into the inguinal canal, there are symptoms of severe colic, which has the peculiarity that the animal seems relieved of the pain when he lies uj)on his back, a position he retains for half an hour at a time. When the rupture is "strangulated," that is, when the gut is caught and pinched in a narrow slit in the abdominal walls, the suffering is very intense; the body is covered with cold sweat, the animal sighs, the eyes become bloodshot and the pujiils wide and staring. Treatment of Bupture. 245 Treatment. — The general treatment of ruj)tiire is as follows : — When the gut can be returned to the abdomen, a pad, such as a smooth piece of wood, should be placed over the part, and kept in position by a firm leather or rubber band- age, which will not slip, and which can be tightened. This should be worn for months, until the rent is healed. When the hernia is inflamed and strangulated, the animal should be chloroformed to insensibility, and gentle and re- peated efforts made to return the parts. This will often succeed if intelligent and persistent efforts are used. When returned, cold lotions should be applied, and a well-fitting bandage. In case return is impossible, and the distress is severe, the skin must be opened down to the sack, taking great care not to cut into it, and a blunt-pointed bistoury be slipped up be- tween the gut and the edges of the rent or slit in tlie abdomi- nal walls and these edges cut and nicked very slightly, thus allowing the gut to be replaced. This is a safe, easy and successful operation, if one is well acquainted with the anatomy of the parts ; but should only be tried as a last re- sort, in otherwise hopeless cases, by a person who has no special knowledge of the kind. CHOKING. This accident is, in the horse, usually caused by some arti- cle of food, as a potatoe, apple, or piece of dry fodder, lodg- ing in the gullet. A common substance in England to cause choking is an egg, many grooms there having the absurd idea that an e^g given whole has a beneficial effect on the horse's condition. The symptoms in choking are violent efforts at swallowing, with the throat and neck spasmodically drawn up. Some- times the offending substance is visible to the eye, or to be 246 Diseases of the Horse. felt by tlie hand i)assed down the front of the neck. Should the animal try to swallow, the fluid is returned by the nos- trils. There are coughing, slavering, a look of great dis- tress in the face, cold sweats and exhaustion. Treatment. — Whenever the obstacle can be reached with the hand or with a pair of forceps, it is to be withdrawn through the mouth. The tongue should be pulled well out of the mouth, and this kept well opened, while the operator removes the substance. V^Hieu this cannot be done, and the object can be felt from the outside, it is to be loosened by being gently pushed up- ward and downward. Sometimes this maneuver can be aided Ijy having the animal sw^allow some sweet oil. This, or some other fluid should always be used if the object is dry, as fod- der, chaff", etc. If this plan fails also, it becomes necessary to use a prohang and push the offending substance down into the stomach. This is a difficult job in the horse, though much less so in cattle. The following rules should be observed : — Directions for ZVing the Prohang. 1. Raise the animal's nose so that the mouth and throat are in a straight line. 2. Keep the neck straight. 3. Push the probang gently down the gullet, taking care not to injure, still less to enter, the windpipe. 4. When the end of the probang reaches the object, do not push strong upon it, but gently, and for but a few seconds at a time, then again after a few seconds of rest. In cases where the object is so solidly caught in the gullet that even the probang fails, the next resource is to cut down upon it and remove it. An assistant presses the off* side of the neck, so as to make it bulge as much 'as possible on the Ujjcratioii J'or Choking. 247 near side where the operator stands. The latter, with one bold cut of a sharp knife, divides the skin gullet and tissues down to the offending substance, making a cut long enough to remove it. This should be promptly done, and the edges of the cut brought together and stitched, first, the walls of the gullet, with fine thread (or better with catgut), and over them the skin. For several days, or a week, the ani- mal should have only milk and water, or thin slops. But it should be added that this operation is often followed by a permanent narrowing or stricture of the gullet, which may prevent the use of solid food for the rest of the animal's life. 248 Diseases of the Horse. CHAPTER X. DISEASES OF THE EYES. InflammoHon of the Eyes — Conjunctivitis. Periodic Ophthalmia — Moon Blindness. White Spot — Eye Spot — Albugo. * INFLAMMATION OF THE EYES— CONJUNCTIVITIS. Definition. — An inflammation of the outer covering of the eye-ball, and the lining membrane of the eyelids. Causes. — These may be the stroke of a whip, a bloAV, a cold, or some foreign substance getting into the eye and irri- tating it. Symptoms. — The eyelids are swollen, and partly closed and the tears flow down the cheeks. If the eyelids are turned up, their lining membrane will be found red and bloodshot, the surface of the eye itself also red, and the jmpil dull look- ing, while there may be the signs of some injury visible, or of some irritating substance. Treatment. — Of course the first step is to remove any splinter, hay seed, piece of chaif or other substance visible in the eye. A strong feather is often convenient for this pur- pose, or a small pair of forceps. If there is very much in- flammation, it is well to take blood from the angular vein, which is seen traversing the face, immediately below the eye. The organ can then be covered with soft cloths, and these repeatedly wet with clean cool water. Should the inflammation or the injury be so severe that it has involved the inner structures of the eye, great advantage will bo derived from smearing the eyebrows and outside of the evelids with — Imfiammation of the Eyes. 249 No. 268. Extract of belladonna, 1 fZ, Honey, ^ OZ. Mix well together, for an ointment. Or three or four drops of the following may be dropped into the eye twice a day : — No, 269. Atropia, 4 grrains. Water, 1 oz. Mix for an eye lotion. Do not use that common eye wash, sugar of lead and water, as it leaves a dull leaden deposit on the eye ball, which is a permanent blemish. There are plenty of other lotions for the purpose, which are far better, as for example — No. 270. Sulphate of zinc, 3 grains. Water, 1 oz. No. 271. Powdered alum, 6 grains. Water, 1 oz. Both the above are mild astringents, very well suited for chronic cases of sore eyes. When there is slight but active inflammation, a soothing eye wash is better, as — No. 272. Sassafras pith, 2 oz. Cold water, 1 pint. Let it stand for a few hours, and then apjily cold to the inflamed organ. Another sedative eye wash is — No. 273. Solution of siibacetate Extract of belladonna, Water, of lead. 2- oz. 20 grains. 1 pint. Or— No. 274. Laudanum, Extract of belladonna, Water, 2 drachms. 1 drachm. 1 pint. PERIODIC OPHTHALMIA— MOON BLINDNESS. Definition. — A constitutional and probably malarial or rheumatic affection, leading to repeated attacks of inflamma- tion in the eye, and finally to cataract and blindness. i^oO Diaecuses of the llorsc. S3^ptoniSi — The disease derives its name of "moon blind- ness," because the attacks come on suddenly and generally at night. i\s it is considered incurable, and yet between the attacks, wliicli usually last for a week or two, the horse can see tolerably well, it is of chief importance to be able to re- cognize the signs of the liability to it. Mr. Percival says that when a horse presents several of the following symptoms, he is probably subject to the dis- ease: — A sunken or dull look .of one eye compared to the other; prominence of the winking membrane; pinkncss of the white of the eye; a watery state of the eye; dimness or cloudiness of the })upil, especially at its ecjges, and dullness or discoloration of the center; tlie pupil of one eye smaller than that of the other; haziness, milkiness, or a small white speck to be seen in the pupil ; a wrinkled or furrowed a])- pearance of the upper lid or eyebrow. Where any two or three of these are found, the horse is probably liable to moon blindness. To examine an eye for cataract, the horse's head should be turned away from a strong light, the eye shaded with a black hat, and if necessary the eye dilated by rubbing some belladonna on the lid. Treatment. — Moonblindness is at times no doubt of ma- lariiil origin, as we might judge from its periodic character, and in all cases a full and early trial should be made of the specific remedies for malarial diseases, especially Peruvian bark or quinine and arsenic. No. 275. Powdered Peruvian bark, I oz. Sulphate of iron, 1 drachm. Give twice or three times a day, and double the dose when the attack is expected. The French veterinary surgeons claim many cures by this method. Arsenic can be given, as Fowler's solution of ar- senic, an ounce once a day in the water for several weeks, suspending a few days now and then. Moonblindness. 251 When this fails, and we are forced back to tlie rheumatic theory of the affection, we should attack it with a steady course of iodide of potash constitutionally, keeping down the inflammation of the eye by belladonna ointment and eye washes, as recommended on page 249. The old practitioners taught that moon blindness is due to the presence of the "wolf teeth," and their first step in the treatment was to extract them. This notion does not receive any countenance from the modern school ; but no harm can be (]one, by following the traditions in this respect ; and in human surgery the close sympathy of the teeth and the eyes is often observed. WHITE SPOT— EYE SPOT— ALBUGO. Definition. — A bluish or pearly white spot on the pupil of the eye, the result of inflammation, and generally causing some defect of sight. These spots are blemishes which detract considerably from the value of horses, more often than they should do, for they may interfere little or none with the sight. Some veterinarians attempt to remove them by blowing irritating matters through a quill into the eye. This rude and barbarous plan does generally more harm than good. They never entirely disappear, but they may be lessened by occasional light touches with a stick of nitrate of silver. 252 Diseases of the Horse. CHAPTER XI. DISEASES OF THE SKIN. liingworm. Nettle Rash — Surfeit — Urticaria. Moist Tetter — JETiimid Tetter — Eczema. MaUcnders and Sallenders — Psoriasis of the Carpus and the Tarsus. Warbles — Grubs — Sitfasts. 3fange — Itch. Lice. RINGWORM. There are two forms of ringworm in the horse, the one known by surgeons as herpes, wliich is an aifection of slight importance and not contagious ; the other called tinea which is contagious, obstinate and disfiguring. Herpes is characterized by an eruption of small blisters the size of a grain of wheat, on inflamed patches of skin which assume a circular form. It is usually owing to indigestion, or being shut up in a railroad car, or the hold of a ship in close or foul apartments. Contagious ringworm is, on the contrary, found on well- cared-for animals as w^ell as neglected ones. It attacks and destroys the hairs, leaving patches of baldness usually of a circular form, the surface of the patch being covered with fine, white, bran-like scales. The hairs around the edges first become dry and brittle, and then break off, and then the patch gradually extends. This form of ringworm is owing to a minute parasite on the skin, supposed to be a plant. Treatment. — For simple ringworms or herpes, it is enough to bathe the parts with a sugar of lead lotion, as : No. 276. Acetate of lead, 2 oz. Water, 1 pt. Treatment of Ringworm. 253 And to give the horse a smart purge. After this tonics will be required (as No. 20) if the horse is weak and out of condition; and if there are scratches and small ulcers on the patch it should be rubbed with a stimulating ointment, as, No. 277. Kitrate of silver, 10 grs. Lard, 1 oz. When very obstinate, a blister can be applied directly over the patch which will be ju-etty sure to eifect a cure. The treatment of the contagious or branny variety con- sists in first washing the patches thoroughly with soft soap or weak lye, and then rubbing them with the following oint- ment : — No. 278. Iodine, i draclim. Iodide of potash, 1 drachm. Cosmoline, 1 oz. Mix for an ointment, to be used every day. The stable should be thoroughly cleaned and white- washed, the harness and collars washed with strong soap and water, and then brushed over with a solution of corrosive sublimate (one drachm to a pint of Avater), and the blankets worn on the animal boiled. Instead of the iodine ointment we may paint the part with the following, which is highly recommended by Mr. Dun : No. 279. Carbolic acid, 1 part, Acetic acid, 20 parts. Mix for local use. Or with tincture of the chloride of iron ; or. No. 280. Corrosive sublimate, 2 grs. Water, 1 oz. 254 Diseases of the Horse. ITETTLE EASH— SURFEIT— URTICARIA. This is a frequent form of skin disease in the horse, and consists of an eruption of small elastic lumps, roundish or oblong in shape, and attended with itching. The lumps rise quickly and upon the greater part of the body, generally beginning upon the neck, and frequently disappearing as suddenly as they come. They are unequal in size, some no larger than grains of wheat, others as large as beans, and flattened upon the surface. The most singular feature of this eruption is the sudden- ness of its appearance. Sometimes it will break out over all parts of the body in a few minutes ; and it will disappear with equal jn-omptness. The cause of the disease is some disturbance of the diges- tion ; it often appears in horses when they are first turned out to grass in the spring ; and sometimes a draught of cold water when they are heated will bring it out on those pre- disposed to it. It entails no serious consequences. Treatment, — As a rule all that is necessary is to give a mild purge, and to relieve the itching bathe the eruption with a wash of sugar of lead (one drachm to the pint of watei"). MOIST TETTER— HUMID TETTER— ECZEMA. This is a non-contagious skin disease, which usually be- gins about the neck, shoulder, back and thighs. The onset is sudden, and the animal is seen to rub and scratch himself to relieve itching. On examination the skin is found to be red and inflamed, often scratched and torn by the efforts of the animal. Small blisters or vesides will be noticed on portions of the skin not lacerated by these efforts, which eruptions break and discharge a watery fluid, keeping the surface moist. Tetter. 255 As a rule, It is a summer disease, and some horses have a return of it season after season; and it is often difficult to assign any other cause for it than that it is constitutional. Nearly always this kind of tetter is confounded with the mange, which it very closely resembles in appearance ; but it differs from it in two important particulars, first, that it is not contagious, and secondly, that it is not caused by an in- sect. Treatment. — This should be begun with a change of diet and a purge of aloes. If after the purge, the bowels are found to be irregular, and feces ill smelling, it is well to give the following : — Z^o. 281. Bisulphite of soda, 1 oz. Powdered gentian, I oz. Make a ball, to give night and morning. The most eifectual internal remedy is arsenic. This can be advantageously given, as Fowler's solution of arsenic, one ounce once or twice, a day. For the treatment of the eruption itself, it is necessary first to remove the scabs and crusts, by first soaking the j^arts with sweet oil for a few hours, then washing with soap and water. If the hair is long, it must be clipped, and all dust and dirt removed. Tlien the whole of the diseased siu-fiice, and a large space of the healthy skin around, should be cov- ered with the following : — No. 282. Flour of sulphur, Jib. Carbonate of potash, \ lb. Carbolic acid, 1 oz. Lard, Olive oil, each 2 lbs. Mix thoroughly with the aid of gentle heat. This is to be left on the skin two or three days, and then washed off with strong soap and water. 25G Diseases of the Horse. Another very useful, clieaj) and handy remedy is tar oint- ment, made as follows: — No. 233. Tar, Lard, equal parts. Mix well together. This should be ased in the same manner as above. For this and other itching skin disorders, the following is an excellent combination : — No. 2S4. Soft soap, Tar, Alcohol (or whiskey), equal parts. Used for painting on the parts twice a day. MALLENDERS AND SALLENDERS— PSORIASIS OF THE CARPITS AND THE TA£SnS. This is a common and troublesome disease of the skin above the feet in horses. At first it generally begins very much as a moist tetter (eczema), but as the eruption becomes persistent, the discharge of watery fluid dries up, and the parts become covered with hard crusts and scabs. Horses which are otherwise healthy are most liable to the disease, and it does not extend beyond the bends of the limbs. But the eruptions are unsightly, they sometimes crack and inflame, and therefore they lower the value of the animal. Unfortunately, it is by no means an easy matter to cure them. Treatment. — If there is indigestion or constipation, the food of the animal should be carefully regulated, and he should have a moderate purge. Next, he should have with his drink an ounce of Fowler's solution of arsenic, once or twice a day. The sore spots shoald be washed thoroughly with soap and warm water, touched lightly with a stick of nitrate of silver to freshen them up,, and covered with j)ure wood tar. This procedure should be repeated twice a week, and may be said to be a " sure cure." Mallenders and SaUenders. 257 Many ointments are recommended, of which wc may men- tion that of Mr. Youatt : — ■ No. 2S5. Acetate of lead, 1 oz. Tar, 2 oz. Lard, G oz. Mix, and apply to the part. Give a diuretic dose occasionally, to act on the system. Another application is : — No. 286. Powdered red precipitate, 2 drachms. Lard, 2 ozs. Mix for an ointment. Or, No. 287. Powdered camphor, 1 drachm. Acetate of lead, \ drachm. Mercurial ointment, 1 oz. For an ointment, to be applied after washing with soap and water. WAEBLES— GRUBS— SITFASTS. These names are all applied to different forms of the ?kiu disease, known to physicians as acne. It is characterized by the presence of small hard lumps beneath the skin, origin- ating in swelling of the glands at the root of the hair. Tliey are especially frequent on the withers, back and neck, and at the root of the mane and tail. They are more often found in the spring of the year, and on parts of the skin which are chafed by the harness. The tops of these inflamed follicles suppurate or become rubbed off, leading to small ulcers, slow to heal, and of an angry appearance. Where constantly irritated by the har- ness or saddle they may mortify,and the skin assume a hard, horny or leathery appearance in the center, with an inflamed ring around the whitish central patch. This is familiarly known as a "sitfast" on account of the difficulty experienced in its removal. 17 258 Diseases of the Horse. Treatment. — In the simple varieties, where the pimples are ulcerating, the repeated application of poultices is very useful. Internally, the animal should have an ounce of sulphur mixed with his feed every morning. Sometimes this plan fails, and then it is well to rub the sores with a "stimu- lating ointment, one of the best of which is that ol" the iodide of mercury (No, 239). For the treatment of ^itfast the only satisfactory method is carefully to dissect out the hard, dead piece of skin in the center of the idcer, and dress the whole with a mild carbolic acid ointment, as, No. 288. Carbolic acid, 1 drachm. Lard, 3 ozs. Mix and apply on rags. Or, cover the wound Avith crude petroleum. Blisters and caustic, recommended 1)y some, are of no use. Sometimes they can be softened by the following oint- ment : No. 289. Gnni ammoniac, 4 ozs. Mercurial ointment, 8 ozs. Oil of turpentine. 10 ozs Mix witli gentle lieat and apply on rags. MANGE— ITCH. Of all skin diseases on the lower animals, this is by far the most frequent, and by far the most to be dreaded, on account of its contagiousness. Any animal that has it should be shut off from others and active measures taken to clean thoroughly every blanket, every piece of harness, brush, curry-comb or other utensil that has touched him. The mange or itch is characterized in all its forms by itc]:- ing, scurfiness, thinness and loss of the hair on the aifected part, and a surface torn and lacerated by scratching and rui> bing, moist from a flow of thin, watery matter, or covered with scabs and crusts, caused by the drying of this exuda- Mange or Itch. 259 tion, and the presence of dust, dirt and skin scales becoming entangled and matted in the hairs. The parts of the animal most frequently attacked are the legs, and the sides and upper border of the neck, and the root of the tail. The cause of the mange is the presence of insects, which live in or upon the skin, and find their food in the watery discharge which their bites cause to flow forth. These in- sects are of several species on each animal, some living on, some in the skin. They are hardly visible to the naked eye, and are often very difficult to point out when present. They have been named and described by naturalists, but it is not necessary for practical purposes that we should enter into an explanation of their forms and habits. The symptoms they cause, and the treatment they require, are similar or the same. Treatment. — In all cases the utmost precautions should be taken, as above stated, to prevent the disease spreading. As an application to the mangy spots, many prefer the old- fashioned sulphur ointment : — No. 290. Flour of sulphur, i lb. Lard, 1 lb. Mix thoroughly, and a^ply once or twice daily, rubbing it in well. As a sulphur wash of a very effectual nature, the follow- ing will be found valuable : — No. 291. Flour of sulphur, 2 lbs. Quick lime, 1 lb. Water, 2 gallons. Boil together, stirring until the ingredients are combined. Bathe the parts with it several times a day. For horse mange some prefer ointment of stavesacre made as follows : — No. 292. Powdered stavesacre, 2 oz. Lard, ' 8 oz. Olive oil, 1 oz. Mix at a gentle heat. 260 Diseases of the Horse. Whatever remedy is applied, the parts should first be oiled and washed with W'arni soap and water, to remove the crusts, dirt and scabs, before the ointment is applied, or otherw^ise it will not reach the insects, especially the varieties which burrow into the skin. As a serviceable mange dressing, Mr. Finlay Dun speaks well of — No. 293. Iodine, J oz. Iodide of potash, I oz. Tar, 1 oz. Lard, 8 oz. Mix for an ointment. No. 294. White helleljore, Tobacco, each 2 oz. Water, 3 pints. Boil, strain, and when cold add a pint of fresh lime water. No. 295. Flour of sulphur, Oil of turpentine, each -1 oz. Tar, 8 oz. Wash the parts with soft soap, dry them, and apply the above. LICE. Poor, half-starved and old animals are very liable to be- come lousy. This is best treated by clipping them, giving them good food and tonics, and washing the skin with a de- coction of stavesacre : — No. 296. Powdered stavesacre seed, 2 oz. Water, 1 quart. Boil for twenty minutes. Care should be taken that the animal does not lick this from the skin. Horses which are stabled in hen-roosts are liable to be at- tacked with chicken lice, which produce an intense itching, sometimes setting the poor beast nearly frantic. The treat- ment is to remove the chickens, whitewash the stable, and Receijjfs to Destroy Lice. 261 wash the horse witli a decoction of tobacco or of stavesacre (No. 296), or rub with this mixture : — No. 297. Scotch snuff, 2 oz. Lard, 6 oz. j\Iix well together. Hot M'ater poured on crude petroleum, well stirred and allowed to settle; or poured on quick lime, 4 oz. to the gal- lon, will destroy these parasites. The following is also an excellent, but poisonous preparation : — No. 298. Bruised cocculus indicus berries, 2 oz. Boiling water. 1 gallon. With this the skin and hair may be thoroughly mopped. No. 299. Calomel, 1 drachm. Petroleum ointment, 1 oz. This both allays the irritation of the skin and destroys the vermin. No. 300. Corrosive sublimate^ 3 to 6 grains. Petroleum ointment, 1 oz. A very efficient, but poisonous remedy. No. 301. Oil of turpentine, 1 part. Olive oil, 3 parts. Mix for an ointment. PART HI. Diseases of Cattle, Sheep and Swine. INTRODUCTORY. General Remarks on the Diseases of Cattle, and their Treat- ment. Peculiarities of the Action of Medicines on Cattle. There are a number of diseases which in general outline and management are nearly or quite the same in the two large quadrupeds, the horse and the ox. As previously noted, (page 83), a number of these will be found discussed under the Diseases of the Horse. There remains, however, a large class of maladies which are either peculiar to cattle, or present peculiar traits in them, which demand separate discussion ; and to these this Part will be devoted, as also to the consideration of the less known, though really not less interesting, sicknesses of sheep and swine. We begin with some GENERAL REMARKS ON THE DISEASES OF CATTLE, AND THEIR TREATMENT. The purposes for which cattle have been domesticated, and their cliaracteristics as ruminating animals, lead to several (263) 264 Diseases of Cattle. peculiarities in tlie diseases to which they are subject, and the eflPeet of medicines upon them. Unlike the horse, they are never prized for their speed, so that lamenesses and disorders of the " wind " are nmch less frequent and less important ; unlike him again, their food is not regulated to insure the utmost muscular pow^er with the least accumulation of fat, but just the reverse. Cattle are naturally plethoric, slow of motion, and averse to much ex- ercise ; and as they are generally under a stimulating and forcing system of diet, they become peculiarly subject to all those diseases which are brought on by excessive richness of the blood. Their tolerance of disease is also much less than that of the horse. They do not bear j^ain with nearly so much for- titude as that nobler animal ; and when continued for some time, it jjrcys upon them speedily and injuriously, as may constantly be seen in painful foot affections. Moreover, their courage to bear suffering is but little, and they readily yield to despair and become indifferent to life. Often they refuse to rise when perfectly able to do so, and require energetic measures to force them on their feet. For this reason also they demand tonic medicines more freely and earlier after acute disease than is necessary in the horse. Another result of this lesser vitality is their proneness to local disease-producing influences. It is well known that they do not thrive well and are more subject to diseases when pastured in low-lying, swampy fields, and on rank grass. Epidemics are both numerous and destructive among them. Indeed, contagious and infectious maladies of various kinds are by far the most dreaded of all forms of disease with tliem, and have repeatedly desolated the herds of whole con- tinents. Even the accident of abortion in pregnancy puts on an epidemic form in cows, and is a source of frequent anxiety to possessors of dairies. Peculiar Diseases. 265 The richness of the blood and general plethora predispose them to glandular swellings, ulcers, and especially mortifica- tion and gangrene. It is an acknowledged fact that although the flesh of the bullock is one of the most esteemed foods of the human species, there is no animal in which gangrenous ulcers and malig-nant forms of carbuncular disease are so numerous or so destructively poisonous. The gullet of the ox is several times larger than that of the horse; but owing to the greater development of the bones of the nose (the ethmoid and turbinated b(^nes), the pharynx, or upper part of the throat is smaller, and the windpipe is con- siderably less. From these anatomical differences it arises that inflammations of the upper throat are much more liable to produce suffocation than they are in the horse, and de- mand, therefore, early and active attention, or the perform- ance of tracheotomy more promptly. (See page 112.) For what reason has not been definitely ascertained, true inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia) is not nearly so fre- quent in cattle as in the horse. What is usually so called in them is an inflammation of the small air tubes of the lung, and is known to medical men as "capillary bronchitis." Pleurisy, on the other hand, occurs much oftener than in the horse, and the compound disease called pleuro-pneumonia, where there is along with pleurisy scattered masses of in- flamed tissue in the lung, is at times a malignant epidemic. The most terrible of lung diseases in the human race, con- sumption or pulmonary phthisis, is hardly known in horses, but is very common in some breeds of cattle, and in milk cows after neglected colds, pneumonia or pleurisy. It is closely associated with scrofula, which is a hereditary taint of the blood, far more connnon in the best breeds of cattle than it is in the hog, from which animal the name is derived (Latin, scrofa, a sow). 20 G Diseases of Cattle. PECULIARITIES OF. THE ACTIOX OF MEDICINE ON CATTLE. There are several peculiarities in the action of medicines on cattle which the veterinarian takes into account. Tiiey arc chiefly referable to tlie construction of tlieir stomach in four divisions, only the last one of which corresponds in its action to the single stomach of the horse and of man. The first and third compartment always contain food and in large quantity, and until the medicines have passed through these and have reached the fourth stomach, they have little or no effect whatever. It is a common but erroneous notion, as has been shown by Mr. Finlay Dun, that medicines when poured very slowly down a cow's throat, pass, like the ruminated food, direct to the fourth stomach. On the contrary, they pass throuw-h the first, second and third stomachs first. Accordingly it happens, and not unfrequently, and partic- ularly in some diseases of an inflammatory nature, that the medicines remain in the first or third stomach for a long while after they are administered. Dose after dose is given, and their lack of action is attributed to the obstinacy of tlie constipation or the inertness of the medicine. At length the rumen is excited to action, and the collected doses are ex- pelled into the fourth stomach and intestines, exciting violent and perhaps fatal action. To avoid this, two precautions are to be observed : — 1. Never give medicine to cattle in a solid form, as balls or pills, but in a liquid state, as in drenches, and with plenty of water, a quart or two at a time. 2. Always combine with cattle medicine which is de- sired to act promptly, some stimulating and aromatic sub- stance which will incite the partly insensible coat of the rumen to action. For this purpose, ginger, carraway seed in powder, and flour of mustard, are generally preferred. Medicines for Cattle. 267 The dose of medicines for cattle is nearly double the amounts used for horses, the formation of the stomach and the phlegmatic temperament of the ox rendering him not readily aifected by medicinal substances. Their kidneys and skin are less easily acted on than the corresponding organs in horses; and they resist the action both of stimulants and tonics. Long exjjerience has given the preference to certain drugs for cattle, different from those administered to horses. Thus aloes, which is the favorite purgative for the horse, acts ir- regularly and feebly in the ox and cow. For them saline cathartics are altogether preferable, either sulphate of mag- nesia (epsom salt), sulphate of soda (glauber salt), or com- mon salt; or, as many prefer, a mixture of the three in equal parts. A pound of such a mixture in a quart or two of water, with a teaspoonful or ^wo of essence of ginger, or a dash of cayenne pepper, constitutes a most efficient and de- pendable purge. Linseed and castor oils, either of which may be strengthened by the addition of croton oil, are also excellent purges. To exert a continued laxative effect, sul- phur is a very useful means. Mercury in any form must be given to cattle with greater caution than to horses, as, whether it be as calomel internally or as mercurial ointment rubbed on the skin, it salivates and mercurializes them easily. Especially we would advise not using mercury in any shape with milk cows. If pregnant, they are more apt to abort; and the mercury passing into the tissues is secreted with the milk, and is thus conveyed to the human race. A French author states that he has witnessed lambs die from mercurial poisoning, when the ewes had been rubbed with mercurial ointment to destroy insects. 268 Diseases of Cattle. CHAPTER I. THE COXTAGIOUS OR EPIDEMIC DISEASES OF CATTLE. The Cattle Plague — Rinderpest — Contagious Enteric Fever of Cattle. Pleura-Pneumonia — Contagious Lung Fever. Foot and Mouth Disease — Epizootic Aphthae — Contagious Eczema. Charbon — Black Quarter— -Quarter III — Contagious An- thrax — Bloody Murrain . Splenic Fever — Texas Cattle Disease — Sjjanish Fever. Cow-pox — Smallpox of Cattle — Variola Vaccina. THE CATTLE PLAGUE— RINDERPEST— CONTAGIOUS ENTERIC FEVER OF CATTLE. Definition. — A malig-nant contao-ious fever oricclnatino: on the plains of Asiatic Rnssia, and conveyed bv the exporta- tion of cattle to other countries. It is essentially a disease of the bovine family, but has been known to attack sheep, goats and deer. Causes. — This formidable disease is believed to be owing to a specific poison which is giyen oif by the animal suffering from it, or which may be conveyed by a healthy animal from a locality where the disease is prevailing. This last fact has been abundantly proven, and is of prime importance. Symptoms. — The time which elapses between exposure to the poison and the outbreak of the disease is from three days to a week ; and the course of the disease to its usually fatal termination is about a week. But within two days of ex- posure the fever often begins, although its presence may not be noticed, unless the thermometer is used. The average temperature of a healthy ox is 101° Fahreu- I TJie Cattle Plague. 269 heit. It has been found that when an animal has been ex- posed to the poison of the cattle plague, and is about to take the disease, the thermometer rises to 103° or 104°, while no other symptom of disease is present. About two days after this rise of the temperature the breath becomes ill-smelling, and the mouth, as well as the vagina in cows, will be found unnaturally red and hot to the touch, and with a slight eruption of minute blisters on its surface, about the size of a pin's head. These are both very characteristic symptoms. Even at this stage of the disease a clay or two may still pass by without the animal showing any very positive signs of being sick. But after the fourth day from the beginning of these warnings is past, the constitution is thoroughly satu- rated wdth the poison. Then the head begins to droop, the ears hang, the pulse weakens, the breathing is difficult, and there is a foul discharge from the eyes, nose and mouth. The next day, usually the sixth, all these symptoms grow worse, the pulse becomes hardly perceptible, the breath is draw^n with effort, and there is great weakness in the limbs. If noAV the temperature is taken with the thermometer, it will be found below the natural heat, probably at 96° or 98° Fah. Death usually occurs on the seventh day from the time tlie temperature first begins to rise. Of course, in different epidemics, and in different herds, there is considerable variation from the above description ; but they are those of degree only, and it will serve as a cor- rect type of them all. Treatment. — There is but one treatment for this terrible disease, and that is the preventive one. When it appears in a country, all importations of cattle, sheep, or goats from that country should be positively forbidden by government; when it attacks even a single steer of a herd, not only that steer, 270 Diseases of Cattle. but every member of the herd .sliould be slaughtered before the sun goes down, and tlie most energetic disinfecting measures be taken with every thing about the premises. No form of disease in the lower animals is more fatal and more contagious than this ; and any hesitation in " stamping it out " at the very first will entail the loss of millions and millions of dollars' worth of stock. Fortunately, it has never had more than a slight foothold in this country ; but we are exposed to it almost every year, and should be prepared to deal with it summarily and effec- tually when it is introduced. Of the medicines Mdiich have been tried in its treatment — and about all known to veterinary pharmacy have been ex- perimented with — the most favorable reports have been from bisulphite of soda, chlorate of potash, sulphate of iron and carbolic acid, given by full and frequent doses by the mouth and by iiyection into the veins. PLEUEO-PNEUMONIA— CONTAGIOUS LUNG FEVER. Definition. — A contagious fever of cattle, accompanied by great prostration, together with local inflammation and other diseased changes in the lungs and their envelopes. Cause. — This no doubt is a specific blood poison. It is often slow in its development, several weeks or even months elapsing between the exposure to the poison and the onset of the disease. In its more malignant phases, and particularly at the beginning of an epidemic, it runs a rapid course, de- stroying life in the course of a few days ; but generally oc- cuj^ies from four to six weeks, SymptomSi — The earliest symptoms are apt to pass un- noticed. The first that can be observed is a rise of tempera- ture to 103°-10G°, indicated by the thermometer in the rectum. The moment this is observed when pleuro-pneu- Pleuro- Pneumonia. 271 monia is about, the animal should be separated from the herd, disinfectants used, and a watch kept for the ,next de- velopments of the disease. Tiiese are slight shivering and staring coat ; some loss of appetite ; scanty milk ; an occasional dry and hard cough ; irregular chewing of the cud ; bowels rather constipated ; urine less than usual, and high or dark in color. These insidious symptoms may continue several days without the appearance of others of a more marked charac- ter. Sometimes there is tenderness on pressure between the ribs over the lungs, as evinced by a slight wince or groan. The cough now increases, the breathing is more frequent, and when the animal stands the elbows are turned out, the nose is extended, the back arched, and the hind legs drawn up under the body. Later on, there is a watery or mattery discharge from the eyes and nose, there is rapid loss of flesh, the animal is hide bound, and there is either obstinate con- stipation or a violent watery diarrhea of fetid matter, which rapidly weakens and destroys life. The symptoms on percussing over the lungs are in the earlier stages a clear or resonant sound, which, as the disease advances, gives way to a dull, heavy one. On listening in the first stage, a dry, creaking sound is heard, caused by the inflamed surface of the lung and its covering (the pleura) rubbing against each other. Later, there are irregular whist- ling or rough breathing sounds, easily distinguished from the sounds caused by the lungs in health. The rule is generally positive that where both lungs are affected the animal dies. Treatment. — It cannot be said that the medical treatment of pleuro-pneumonia is very satisfactory. Many remedies have been recommended from time to time, but the use of them in practice has not met the expectations created. Perhaps the most prudent course is to put the animal in 272 Diseases of Cattle. the best sanitary surroundings possible, and avoid most scrupulously either bleeding, or blistering, or putting in setons. Give no lowering medicine, neither aconite nor tartar emetic. If constipation is decided, a small dose of salts will remove it. When there is much swelling or " l^loating " of the stom- ach, it may be removed by carbonate of ammonia, one ounce, in gruel, repeated, if necessary. The diet should be low, and some writers recommend no solid food at all, but feeding on thin gruel, linseed tea, or slippery elm bark water. Slight diarrhea is believed often to be of advantage, and should not be checked ; but Aviicn it is violent it may be held up with some astringent, as No. 303. Gallic acid, I oz. Gruel, h pint. Or, No. 303. Alum in powder, J oz. Milk, 1 quart. AYhcn the worst of the attack is over it is well to hasten the return to health by mixing a teaspoonful of sulphate of iron with the food several times a day. Mr. Finlay Dun has found ounce doses of tlie acid sul- phite of soda, given twice daily, to lower the temperature and ease the breathing. In the second stage of the disease he has also derived decided benefit by giving, every three or four hours, one or two ounces of whiskey or of oil of tur- pentine. For a tonic mixture ]\Ir. Jekyll recommends : — No. 304. Sulphate of copper, 1 part. "VVatcr, 4 parts. Dissolve and add solution of ammonia until it begins to precipitate. The dose is half an ounce every six or eight hours, as soon as the feverish symptoms have abated. Prof. John Gamgee, who made an elaborate report on this disease to the United States Government, published by the Plcuni-Pncumonia. 273 Department of Agriculture in 1871, joins in absolute con- demnation of purgatives and bleeding. If the case is seen and attended to early in the disease, he believes its progress may be checked by active internal astringents. He places the Avhole herd in which the malady has appeared on regu- lar daily doses of sulphate of iron, allowing about half a drachm to a drachm to a bullock, mixed Avith an equal amount of bruised coriander seeds, given in some bran, the better to disguise the iron. Prof. Gamgee has uniformly found its use followed by a mitigation of the cough and a disappearance of the disease in the herd. When the case has progressed to the second stage of the malady, he believes that light but nutritious food, copious warm water injections, and the use of a stimulant, such as half an ounce of carbonate of ammonia in a quart of lin- seed tea, two or three times a day, the most hopefur plan. But when the lung is already filled and solidified by the progress of the inflammation, the advice of this author is to leave the case to nature. If both lungs are involved, there is substantially no hope ; but if only one is implicated, re- covery occasionally takes i)lace. Blisters, setons, rowels and cauterization, are all out of place in the acute stage, though they may be applied after the fever has abated in some instances. For the cout^-li and debility following the disease, a tonic used by Prof. Gam- gee is : ]Xo. oOo. Oxide of manganese, ;, Iron filings, cacli ^ oz. Tincture of gentian, 1} oz. AVater, 1 pint. To be given daily in gruel. Or the sulphate of iron, as mentioned above. The carholiG acid treatment has been unquestionably or considerable success in various instances. It may be carried out as follows : — 18 J 274 Diseases of CaWe. Ko. 306. Carbolic acid (pure), 1 drachm Water, 1 pint. For one dose tliree time a day. The other prcparation.s of the acid, as tlie carljolate of soda, etc., may also be used, but the above is more direct and simpler. rOOT-AlfD-MOUTH DISEASE— EPIZOOTIC APHTH.^— CONTAGIOUS ECZEMA. Definitiou, — A highly contagious, but rarely fatal, febrile disease, occurring in cattle and sheep, and capable of traus- raission to pigs and man; it is characterised by an eruption of small blisters in the mouth, between the clefts of the hoof, and along its upper margin at the coronet. Clauses. — The cause is a specific poison snpposed by some to be of an aniiual, by otliers of a vegetable nature. It re- mains in the system from one to four days before it produces the characteristic symptoms. The foot-and-mouth disease was first introduced into the United States in 1869, and has prevailed more or less ever since. S3^ptoniS. — These are, at first, an increase of temperature in the body, shortly followed by an eruption of small blisters, about the size of a ten-cent piece, on the tongue, in- side the lips, on tlie roof of the mouth and sometimes on the udder. Smaller blisters also make their appearance in the fissure of the feet, and around the coronets and heels. There are some lameness, a flow of water from the mouth and eyes, constant movements of the lips, and difficulty in swallowing. The blisters soon break and leave behind raw surfaces, which either proceed to healing, or, in severe cases, form ulcers and become gangrenous. Foot-and- Mouth Disease. 275 Treatment. — Mild cases require but little treatment, as they tend to recovery after a week or two, and medicine does little to hasten it. While the mouth is sore, the animal should have plenty of water, with an ounce of saltpetre, or of chlorate of potash, or of powdered borax, dissolved in each bucketful. The food should be slops. The feet should be kept clean, and washed frequently with a mixture like the following: Xo. 307. Acetate of lead, \ oz. Carbolic acid, 1 oz. Water, 1 quart. Mix. Dip pieces of lint or tow in this, and bind them to tlie foot and between the toes with a bandage. Where there is extreme weakness, whiskey should be given. The bowels usually become loose as the disease advances, but this condition should not be interfered with, as it is be- lieved to be an effort of nature to throw off the poison. As a mouth wash the following is excellent : Ko. 308. Chlorate of potash, 2 oz. Molasses, 8 oz. Kiib well together. A spoonful of tliis to be placed within the lips several times a day. For the external ulcers on the foot, Mr. Gamgee recom- mends : No. 309. Powdered chalk, 4 ozs. " charcoal, 1 oz. " alum, Sulphate of zinc, of each, .] oz. Mix for a powder to be sprinkled on the ulcers. The folloM-ing wash is used for Imtli foot and mouth ulcers : Xo. 310. Sulphate of copper, lib. Soft water, 1 gallon. "Wash the mouth with this, by means of a sponge fastened to a stick and bathe the feet with it, especially between the claws. 276 X>/.sYY/.sY'.s' of Cafflc. CHAEBON— BLACK QXTARTER— ftTJARTER ILL— CONTAOIOTTS ANTHKAX— BLOODY MUERAIN. Definition. — A contagions and malignant disease of the blood, most common in cattle, but communicable to all do- luestlc animals, and even to man (when it is known as " malignant pustule.") It is called by the French charhon, a coal, and by the English " black quarter," " black leg," " black tongue," etc., because the part attacked turns of a dark purple or nearly black color, from the decomposition of the blood. Causes. — The French ^vr iters, who have given this dis- ease especial study, on account of its pi-evalence in their country, teach that it arises from contagion ; from spoiled and tainted food ; from pasturing in low swamps and among stagnant pools; and from hot and damp seasons. It is most commonly seen in summer and autumn, especially when the temperature is high and rain frequent. Most of the latest writers believe that the contagious prin- ciple of charbon or anthrax consists in certain extremely minute vegetable organisms which are found in the blood in vast quantities. They are in the shape of rods, and have been called anthrax bacteria and bacillus aiithracis. Th?y are so extremely small that one writer estimates that eight or ten millions may exist in a single drop of diseased blood. Carefully conducted experiments leave hardly any doubt but that these are capable of conveying this disease to healthy animals. These poison-producing organisms have a wonderful ten- acity of life, and hence every part of a diseased animal, the blood, flesh, hides, hair, hoof, horns and excrement are poison- ous, and will convey the infection. Prof. Gross mentions the history of three persons Avho were attacked by the disease after picking the feathers from a turkey-buzzard (a bird itself Bloodij Murrain. 277 not liable to anthrax), which had fed on the carcass of an ox dead of murrain. Flies can carry the disease on their feet and probosces. An ox yoke worn by an infected animal has been known to carry the infection to a well one ; and even grain and straw, grown on a soil where a diseased animal has been buried, are said on good authority to communicate the malady. Strong alcohol does not diminish its virulence. Prof. Agnew tells of his own knowledge a case where a man died of malignant pustule; his face had been occasionally wi;^)ed with a handkerchief saturated with alcohol ; six months afterwards his widow used a little alcohol from the same bottle to bathe her face, and was at once attacked with the same terrible disease. Symptoms. — The animal becomes languid, the ears drop, the eyes are red, the mouth and nose hot and dry, and the pulse rapid and feeble, from 80 to 120 beats per minute. In the course of a short time swellings appear about the loins, back, head, neck, brisket or legs. They cause pain and stiffness, which make the animal unwilling to move or rise up if he is lying down. The appetite is entirely lost, he does not chew the cud, the bowels are constipated, and the urine scanty and dark in color. When the swellings mentioned are felt, they are found to be cool or cold, not very tender or j^ainful, and may give out a crackling sound. They are dark or nearly black in color, having the appearance of mortification. In a few hours or a few days the symptoms of exhaustion deepen greatly ; the animal cannot rise from the ground, his eye is fixed and staring, the breathing is shallow, and he dies often in convulsions. When the disease attacks the tongue it is known as "black tongue" or "blain ;" and when in the throat, as " malignant sore throat" or " i)utrid sore throat." At times the tumors form on the intestines, when the prominent sign is the pas- 278 Diseases of Caftle. sage from the bowels of quantities of dark colored blood, wlu(;li form is particularly known as ''bloody murrain." Or it may attack the spleen, causing a rapid and fatal malady, sometimes described as "apoplexy of the spleen." This is especially common in milk cows. When charbon is prevalent, almost any wound which one of the herd receives, no mutter how free he is from the dis- ease, is very liable to put on this malignant form of ulcera- tion, and lead to fatal results. Gloss-anthrax or blain is occasionally, perhaps often, epi- demic among herds. On examining the mouth, the tongue seems enlarged, and large vesicles or blisters, dark red or purple, are seen running along its sides and under surface, especially toward the tip. These vesicles are filled with a bloody fluid, which flows forth w^hen they break, leaving an angry raw spot, which quickly becomes a corroding ulcer. Other blisters form near it, and in malignant cases, the blood of the animal is quickly poisoned, and death may ensue in twenty-four hours. In less rapid cases, the tongue is grad- ually eaten away by the ulcerations, the glands behind and under the jaw swell and break externally, and other ulcers begin to appear about the feet, particularly at the junction of the haw and the hoof, threatening the loss of the hoof. Constipation is ah\ays present, and an irritative fever of a low typhoid form speedily makes its appearance, and carries off the animal. This fever led to the disease, in some of its forms, being described as "inflammatory fever of cattle," by Youatt and others ; but a more modern study of its nature has shown that the fever is a symptom only of a general blood poisoning, "Anthrax fever" occurs when the malignant inflannna- tion attacks some of the internal organs. The cow or steer ceases feeding and ruminating, trembles, has partial sweats, C'harhon in Cattle. 279 arches the back and rests his quarters against a wall or fence. The temperature is high, 105° to 107° ; and this is the ear- liest symptom of the approach of the disease. The eye is sunken, dull and often yellow ; the pulse weak and irregu- lar, tlie breathing jerky, and there is tenderness ovxt the loins, back or sides. The urine becomes bloody, a bloody liquid escapes from the nose, the eyes and the anus, and the dung is mixed with blood. Hence the expressive name of the disease, " The Bloody Murrain." Tlie temperature falls below the natural one (100°), and the animal dies in convul- sion or stupor, often within twenty-four or forty-eight hours of the first symptoms ; or else, the symptoms rapidly disap- pearing, he makes a prompt recovery. A remarkable form of the disease i)revailed in Nebraska in 1872-3. It was confined to cows and heifers. They were attacked, while apparently in j^erfect health, with a malignant carbuncle or gangrenous swelling at tlic lower commissure of the vagina, the spot looking " as if dead or frozen." This idcerated and extended rapidly up the va- gina, involving the rectum and surrounding tissues. In about twenty-four hours frcjm its first appearance, the com"^ was seized with nervous shudders, violent twitching of the tail and loss of power in the hind quarters. By the wild eye, total loss of appetite and bellowing, it was easy to see the suffering was great. In from thirt}-six to forty-eight hours from the beginning of the attack it usually }>r()ved fatal. Inflammation and ulceration of the lower boAvel and vasjina were the principal po*-^ onojiem appearances. It Mas asserted that the early application of crude petroleum to and in the vagina cured some cases. The facts Avere reported by Sena- tor Dodge to the United States Commissioner of Agriculture, but the nature of the disease was not recognized at the time. Treatment. — In spite of the extensive studies that have been gi\eu to this destructive disease, no very successful 280 Diseases of Cattle. method of treatment has been discovered. It mav be pre- mised that all bleodino-; pursuing, lowering medicines are hurt- ful ; and that all local applications to " backen" the swellings are useless. Prof. Williams believes the most promising treatment is : No. 311. C'liloratc of potasli, \ oz. Water, 1 pint. Mix and give three times a day. This, he says, is superior to all other medicine. In blain, and whenever the disease arises from inoculation, (as in " malignant pustule " in man), the great majority of cases can be cured if seen at an early period, before the poi- son of the local pustule or vesicle has been absorbed into the system. The treatment nnist, however, be prompt. The vesicle or pustule must be freely opened with a lancet or sharj) knife, from end to end, and the raw surface thus exposed thoroughly mopped wath a chloride of zinc solution (twenty grains to the ounce of water), with tincture of the chloride of iron, with sulphuric or nitric acid, nitrate of mercury or of silver, or some other efficient caustic. The hot iron itself is the best in some locations. In bloody murrain Youatt and others have spoken highly of chloride of lime (bleaching powder) : — Xo. 312. Chloride of lime, 2 to 4 drachms. Prepared chalk, 1 oz. Laudanum, 2 drachms. Mix and give in a pint of warm gruel every two or three hours. A similar remedy has been praised by Sir J. Tyrrell, to- wit : — No. 313. Sulphite of soda, 1 oz. Water, 3 gallons. Of this the sick animal is to be given to drink as much as it wants. Mr. Dim combines the soda witli chlorate of potash, as : — No. 314. Sulphite of soda, Chlorate of potash, of each 1 oz. Cfive in a quart or two of water two or three times a day. Charbon in Cattle. 281 Of undoubted and })ositive efficacy both in the prevention and treatment of this disease is a scton in the dewlap, and it should ahvays be inserted at the first intimation of the malady, smeared with irritating ointment and turned e^'ery day. It should be a broad, coarse tape, a foot long and an inch wide, and it should remain in six or eight weeks. All animals who die of any form of this disease should be buried at once, as their flesh is ])oisonous to man and beast, and the odor from their decaying bodies is believed to dis- seminate the disease. Recent French authors recommend as specifics large doses of quinine, one to t^\"o drachms repeated e^'ery•two or three hours in severe cases ; and the hypodermic injection of a solu- tion of iodine in the following solution : No. 315. Iodine, 2 grains. Iodide of potassium, o grains. Water, 1 oz. Use a syringeful every hour in severe cases. In extreme cases this may be thrown into the veins. It is of absolute imp(jrtance that with this treatment the strength be kept up witli frequent doses of stimulants, among which these writers recommend most strongly the carbonate of ammonia. The germs of the disease, when it is epidemic among ani- mals, may be destroyed by fumigation with sulphur (as re- connnended, page 28), and by sprinkling the forage or ])astures with solutions of sulphuric acid, one drachms to two gallons of water. TEXAS CATTLE DISEASE— SPANISH FEVEE— SPLENIC FEVER. Definition. — A contagious fever originating in the low swampy lands of Southern Texas, and extended by the ex- ])ortation of cattle to other sections. In its effects on the sys- tem it verv closely resembles the Rinderpest of Asiatic Rus- 282 Diseases of Cattle. sia, but it is loss destructive and less eontagious. Animals are found after death to have the s])leen enlarged and soft- ened, the fat is yelloAV, the blood fluid, and the kidneys broken down. Causes. — The Texan cattle theniselves do not appear to suffer from this disease in a violent form; but it proves very fatal when introduced into Northern herds. Its contagion is comnuuiicated through the dung, and the roads, }>astures and streams convey it into other neighborhoods. It is destroyed at once by frost, and, apparently, one Northern animal cannot give it to another. Symptoms. — Four or five weeks may pass after the poison has been taken into the system before it shows itself. There will be at first a moderate fever, showing an increase of tem- perature to 103° to 107°. This is followed in five or six days by dullness, drooping of the head, arched back, cough, trembling, jerking of the muscles, the horn hot, and the appetite and cud lost. The eyes bec!ome glassy and watery, the urine turns to a deej) red or black from the blood which is in it, and the dung is hard and often coated with blood. When the mouth and rectum are examined, they are found tol)e of a dark red or coppery color. The animal dies in a stupor or in convul- sions. In 1871 the United States Government published an elabo- rate study of this disease, prepared by Prof. John (Jamgee and other eminent observers. They found it to occur in two forms. The first is insidious, latent and usually fatal, and the more frequent form among Southern cattle; while the mor6 active form is found in Xorthern herds. After death there is only one diseased condition of the or- gans which is invariably present. The fourth stomach, liow- ever, is " almost invariably " distinctly inflamed, and the Texas Cattle Disease. 283 spleen is uniformly enkwrrecl, the weight varying from two to ten pounds. It is of a purpHsh color, and on cutting it the pulp oozes out, it being soft, like currant jelly. From this condition of the spleen, which Avas found in nearly 5,000 cases, Prof. Gamgee calls the disease " the splenic fever." While not stating positively an opinion on its cause, he does assert that all the cattle in the States bordering on the Gulf of JNIexico, for a distance of two or three hundred miles inland, are affected with malaria ; that they have " ague cake " and thin blood, and more or less disturbance of the stomach; and it is this low tone of the system which he conjectures, leads to an imperfect development of the blood, and the generation of a "crowd poison," highly injurious to other members of the same species not under the influence of the same conditions. He does not consider it a true epizo- otic or contagious disorder, l)ut one conveyed by the excre- tions of the animals (the dung, urine, etc.,) containing poison- ous matters. Treatment. — The animal should be put in a roomy stall where the ventilation is good, and should have soft food. Internally he should be given twice or three times a day : — No. 310. Chlorate of potash, ^ oz. Tinctureof chloride of iron, 1 oz. Water, 1 quart. Mix, and give at one dose. When the weakness becomes considerable he should have whisky freely. As soon as the most dangerous symptoms are ])assed tlic food should be light and plentiful, and tonics be admin- istered, as : — No. ?.\7. Siilpliate of iron. J oz. Tincture of ginger, 1 oz. Water, 1 qc. This amount twice daily. 284 Diseases of Caifh: A remedy relied on by many, as the bes>t in this disease, is : — No. 318. Bicarbonate of soda, Carbolic acid, of each, 12 czs. Glycerine, 4 ozs. Of this the dose is two tablespoonfuls, three times a day, in a i^uart of water. Prof. Ganig(!e in his report above referred to does not speak hopefully of any particular plan of treatment. He recommends the animals should be sheltered, the limbs well rubbed, and the bowels moved by injections. Relief is af- forded by ounce doses of laudanum during the first day or tv.o. He adds that he has seen cows return to nearly their full quantity of milk on such treatment, aided by the fol- lowing stimulant : No. 319. Sulphuric ether, J oz. Solution of acetate of ammonia, 4 ozs. Give in a quart of linseed tea or Avater, three times a -day. COW-POX— VAKIOLA VACCINA. Definition. — A contagious fever, characterized by an erup- tion which is at first a pimple, then a vesicle, next a pustule, and last a scab. It is the same disease as small-pox in man. CauSG. — The only cause positively known is inoculation or contagion. But there seems little doubt but that in cer- tain instances cow-pox has appeared " spontaneously " in a dairy. At times it seems to spread rapidly through several herds, but is generally neither very contagious nor is at all dangerous, fatal cases being very rare. Symptoms. — There is more or less of fever for a few days preceding the attack. The pimples appear on the teats, udder and belly ; the milk is diminished, and the appetite slightly impaired. Successive crops of vesicles are formed, burst, and dry up, appearing thus one after another for several weeks. Treatment. — This need not be active. When the disease first appears, it is well to separate those affected with it from the rest of the herd, to prevent the contagion spreading. Coughs and Colds. 285 CHAPTER II. ^^OX-CONTAGIOU.S AXD LOCAL, DISEASES OP CATTLE. Catarrh — Colds — Cowjhs — Snores — Snivels. Cowmmption — ] I ^astlng — Pining. IIoHoio Horn — Horn-ail — Ana'"mia of Cattle. Iloven — Blown — Impaction of the Hamcn or First Stomach. Fardel-bound — Maw-hound — Stomach Staggers — Impaction of the Omasam or Third Stomach — Gastritis of Ruminants — LaJccburn. Obstruction of the Boicds. Congestion and Inflammation of the Liver — The Yclloivs. Picd Water— Black Water— Bloody Urine. Dijsentery — Bloody Flux — Scouring Rot, Ililk Sickness — The Trembles. Rheumatism — Felon. Foul in the Foot — Foul-claw. Lice, Ticks and other vermin. CATAREH— COLDS— SNOEES— SNIVELS. These disturbances of the breathing tnl)es are in causes, symi)tonis and treatment essentially the same in cattle as in horses. (See pages 102, 105). Cattle are, however, peculiarly subject in some localities to a stoppage of the nostrils by an abundant, thick secretion, and by the swelling of the lining membraue. This forces them to breathe with some difficulty; they emit a snorting or snoring sound, from which the disease, is locally termed the "snores" or the "snivels." On examination, there is occasionally found a swelling in- side the nostril, which nearly fills the passage, and later bursts and forms an abscess. When this breaks the animal is re- lieved. 286 Diseases of Cattle. This form of nasal catarrli is asserted to be confined to horned cattle. The treatment is to inject the nostrils M-ith olive oil, so as to prevent the drying of the secretion ; to have the animal inhale steam from liot bran mash in a nose bag ; and to syringe the nostril with a disinfectant solution when the ab- scess breaks. A cough in a cow should not be neglected, as these ani- mals are peculiarly j^rone to have it run on into consump- tion. The throat and breast should be well rubbed with mustard stirred up in boiling water, and if there is fever, the following modifiication of INIi-. Youatt's "fever powder" wall be in place : — No. 320. Powdered digitalis, i drachm. " ipecac, 1 drachm. Nitrate of potash, Sulpluir, each, 2 drachms. To be given in a pint of gruel, linseed tea or slippery elm bark mu- cilage, as occasion requires. When there are no feverish symptoms present, but only an old hac'king, or hoarse cough, the following is praised by Mr. Gamgee, as a useful expectorant in all animals : No. 321. Guaiacum, 2 ozs. Sassafras root, 1 oz. Water, 1 qt. Boil to a pint, and add a half ounce of liquorice stick. AVhen dis- solved, strain, and give in two doses, night and morning. Young cattle and calves are particularly liable to a cough from the presence of a species of worm in the throat. Whenever they are noticed to have a hoarse husky cough this may be suspected. The proper treatment will be con- sidered under Hoose. The bowels should be kept moderately loose in all chronic coughs, the animal sustained on tonics and good and abundant food, protected both from inclement weather and Consuiiijjflon. 287 from too liot stabling; and it is good practice to insert a ycton, and thus establish counter-irritation from the luu&s. CONSUMPTION— WASTINQ— PINING. Definition. — A tuberculous disease, allied to phthisis in the human race ; in cattle, rarely found attacking solely the lungs, but rather the intestines, mesentery and serous mem- branes, and other tissues. Causes. — Cbnsumption in cattle, as in the human race, is verv often hereditary, and often follows severe and neghcted colds, insufficient food, exposure to cold and Avet, excessive milking, and as a sequel to various acute diseases. Symptoms. — These differ in respect to the parts of the system which the disease attacks. AVhen its seat is the intestines, it produces tubercular chronic dysentery. There is a constant scouring, with the discharges bloody, very foul smelling, and mixed with jjus. This, and the wasting of the flesh and fever, strongly resem- ble ordinary chronic dysentery ; and, indeed, it is generally considered during life to be this latter disease. In general consumption, the early signs are unthriftiness, irregular appetite, a dry cough, a dull skin and dirty hair. If it is a cow, slie will probably abort, the milk ^\"ill become tliiu and watery, and if not pregnant she will probably have violent and continued sexual desire. With these signs there is steady loss of flesh ; the cough increases but there is no discharge from the nose or mouth ; the digestive organs are weak, and watery diarrhea may set in,Avhich soon reduces the animal to a skeleton and desti'oys life. By listening k) the lungs, some differences from the natural .sound are nearly always heard, but these are neither constant 288 Diseases of Cattle. nor well marked. There may bo tliilliiosiS from water on the lungs, and also droj^sy of the belly. The disease is very variable in its duration, sometimes running its course in a week or two, sometimes extending over several months. In cases where the serous membranes are most exposed to the tul:)erculous change, the joints are not unfrcquently at- tacked, 2)roducing marked and incurable lameness. Ignor- ant farriers often treat these cases with firing, setons and blisters, and thus add still further to the misery of the beast. Treatment. — To have any chance of success, the treat- ment must be begun in the earliest stage of the disease. Cows should not be milked nor oxen worked, fattening food should be given, careful attention paid to their housing and healthy surroundings, and the digestive organs vrell looked after. The most appropriate food is milk, oil cake, sound hay and ground corn. Internally, cod liver oil should be given in doses from a quarter to a half pint daily. A scton should be inserted and turned daily, to counteract the jjrocess of dis- organization. Change of climate does not seem to be of any benefit in the consummation of cattle. On the contrary, the disease is often produced by such a change, although from a low and swampy to a dry and well drained locality. As the hereditary character of the disease is universally recognized, it is not desirable to raise calves of consumptive mothers. They should be slaughtered, and others obtained for keej^ing. Hollotv Horn. 289 HOLLOW HORN— HOEN- AIL— ANEMIA OF CATTLE. Definition. — A special diseased condition of the blood, in M'liich there is either a deficiency in the amount of blood in the body, or a diminution of some of its imjiortant constitu- ents, especially the red blood corpuscles. * Causes, — Such a condition of the blood may follow an at- tack of any acute disease where the recovery is slow and par- tial ; but generally it is brought about by poor or insufficient food, exposure and neglect, foul air, lack of cleanliness and other necessary conditions of health. The food may be abundant in quantity, but contain an excess of water and a deficiency of solid matter. Thus, instances are given in the Country Gentleman's Magazine, 1874, where the exclusive use of roots, or of green food growing on damp soil, and even the persistent use of one food only, resulted in this dej) raved condition of the blood. Cattle fed winter and summer on timothy hay have been known to suifer from it. Monotony uf diet in them, as in human beings, leads to the manufac- ture by the digestive organs of an inferior quality of blood. Symptoms. — These are those of general debility and "poor condition." The animal is scant of flesh, hide bound, and with staring coat. The hair is often ragged and lousy. The appetite is ravenous or irregular ; the bowels either consti- pated or too loose, generally the latter, the dung is foul- smelling, and there is much wind passed. The pulse is feeble, and the animal easily fatigued. On examining the inside of the mouth, the lining membrane looks paler than iisual, and on feeling the horn it is colder than natural, some- times almost " deathly cold." This last mentioned trait is what has given the disease its common name, and the ordinary cowleech imagines the dis- ease is a local one, originating in the horn. Hence he will bore it with a gimlet and squirt some turpentine into the 19 290 Diseases of Cattle. orifice ; or lie Mill put a plaster at the base of the hum. But ia fact, the temperature of the horn is low on account of the general poverty of the blood, and these measures are vain. Thouo-li we have been familiar with cases of this disease from boyhood, we have never seen one where the horn actu- ally was hollow; though that this might not happen through the processes known as atrophy and absorption of the inner vascular structure, we do not deny. Later symptoms of the disease are swellings under the jaws and about the navel, and dropsy of the belly. Treatment. — This is suggested by what lias been said of the causes of the disease. The animal must be well fed, well housed and well cleaned. The food should be given in small quantities and often. If lousy, as is very often the case, it must be washed and some of the insecticides recom- mended for that purpose must be applied. No borino; or bleeding; is needed. It will not be amiss to commence with a moderate dose of salts or oil, to clean out the bowels. The diarrhea, if persistent, should be checked by astringents. After this, a tonic is needed, especially an iron one, in small doses, to aid in enriching the blood ; and with it may be very advantageously combined a little mix vomica, ;to stinmlate the nervous system, as : Ko. 322. Sulphate of iron, 2 drachms. Powdered nux vomica, , 1 drachm. Powdered gentian, 1 ounce. This amount daily in dry food or as a drench. After one week it should be suspended for a week, and then resumed for one week more. These measures will cer- tainly cure all cases of holloAv horn that do not depend on some serious oi'ganic disease. Hoven. 291 HOVEN— BLOWN— IMPACTION OF THE RTIMEN. Definition. — A form of indigestion in cattle, frequently- accompanying other diseases, consisting of an unnatural dis- tension of the rumen or first stomach by food, and by the gases it gives off in the process of fermentation, or by gases evolved from the walls of the organ. Causes. — In health this condition is brought on by over feeding with damp grasses, especially green clover. Almost any food in excessive quantities may produce it. In various diseases there is a secretion of gas from the inner coat of the stomach, causing great and painful distension, sometimes called " tympanites." Symptoms. — There is a swelling on the left side, which appears while the animal is feeding or shortly afterwards. The breathing is difficult and painful, becoming more so as the gas is generated and the swelling increases. This is manifested by the general appearance of the animal. There are expansion of the nostrils, moaning during expiration, belching, dribbling from the mouth and uneasiness. The animal loses his cud. The bowels are constipated ; and if the swelling is great, there will be a prominence and wild- ness of the eye, which is characteristic of obstruction to the entrance of air into the lungs. Unless relieved, the animal will die from suffocation, from laceration of the stomach, or from blood poisoning from the gases. Treatment. — In very severe cases, when the swelling is from gases, the proper course is to plunge a trochar into the rumen and allow the gas to escai^e through the canula. Tlie operation is to be performed on the most prominent part of the swelling, and if the tube becomes choked by the contents of the stomach, it must be cleaned out with a wire or stick. When the symptoms are not so urgent as to call for this 292 Diseases of Cattle. measure, they can generally be relieved by some of the stimu- lants given below. After tlie severe symptoms are relieved, a strong purgative is to be ])rescribed, such as : — No. 323. Epsom salts, h lb. Croton oil, 20 drops. Linseed oil, 1 pint. Mix. In cases where the swelling is from over feeding, and the rumen is crammed with solid matters — which is easily recog- nized by its doughy feel and solid sound on percussion — it is often necessary to empty it before any medicines can take effect. The best method of performing this operation is as follows : Fasten the animal by its nose, with its right side to the wall ; then plunge a sharp bistoury into the rumen, begin- ning midway between the last rib and the spine of the haunch bone, and from four to six inches from the back bone, cutting doMmward until the opening is large enough to admit the hand. Then run a stitch through from the skin to the inner ])art of the stomach at the lower portion of tlie cut, so that the contents of the stomach may not escape into the cavity of the abdomen. Turn out with the hand these contents. Clean the edges of the A\ound thoroughly. Sew up first the coats of the stomach, turning the edges in ; and next the outer wound in the usual manner. Apply a stiff pitch plas- ter over the wound, and feed the animal on small quantities of slops for a few da}'s. Of medicines, Mr. Dun recommends turpentine, in small and repeated doses, as half an ounce every fifteen minutes, until four ounces are taken. Mr. Gamgee prefers assa- foetida : — No. 324. Assafcetida, i nz. Linseed oil, 1 pt. Mix for a drench. ImjKtction of fJir Sfoiiiach. 293 Or No. 325. Strong solution of ammonia, jl oz. Water, 1 pt. For a drench. Or:— No. 32G. Creasote, 2 drachms. Water, 1 pt. For a drench. Other stimulants used are whiskey and brandy, oil of peppermint, essence of ginger, and red pepper tea, either of which will at times work satisfactorily, and at others fail entirely. When the animal is liable to frequent returns of the dis- ease, Prof. Law recommends careful dieting, and the follow- ing tonic : No. 327. Fenugreek, Iron rust, Carbonate of soda, Common salt, of each, 4 ozs. Powdered nux vomica, 2 drachms. Mix well, and give a heaping tablespoonful, twice daily, in the food. FARDEL-BOUND— MAWBOUND— STOMACH STAGGESS— IMPACTION or THE THIRD STOMACH— GASTRITIS OF RUMINANTS— LAKEBURN. Definition. — Distension of the third stomacli, the many- plies or omasum, with undigested food, which may be followed by congestion and inflammation of its lining mem- brane, and also of that of the fourth or true stomach, the caid or abomasum. The best authorities on veterinary medicine, such as the late Professor Dick and Professor Williams, do not make a distinction in practice between impaction and inflammation of the third stomach. By the older writers impaction was called "fardel -bound," and inflammation^ "lake-burn ;" and they taught that the third stomach alone was the one usually at fault. Closer observation has shown that the symptoms 294 I)i>: i Dyseniery. 303 dropsical swellings appear about the lower jaw and legs, and the creature dies exhausted. Treatment. — In either form a change of diet is absolutely necessary to a restoration to liealth. If stabled, put on dry food, and given a pint of linseed oil every day or every other day, most slight cases of the acute kind Mill rapidly recover. It may be well if the action of the bo%vels does not cease promptly, to give a mild astringent, as : — No. 343. Powdered alum, Powdered ginger, each, I oz. Mix and give in a quart of milk once or twice a day till the dis- charge moderates. Or, No. 344. Powdered galls, Ipecacuanha, each J oz. Mix and give as above. . The chronic form is a very obstinate disease, and not un- frequeutly baffles every attempt to cure it. Here, too, close attention to diet stands in the first line of treatment. Some writers recommend that all vegetable food be withheld, and the animal fed on broths, thin soups, the blood of other ani- mals and milk. The follo^"ing is an excellent food in such cases : — No. 345. Fresh mutton suet, 2 lbs. Fresh milk, G quarts. Mix with gentle heat over a slow fire and give while warm. Another valuable form of diet is : No. 346. Cod liver oil, 2 to 4 oz. Fresh eggs, 4 to -3. Mix thoroughly in a quart of fresh milk and give twice a day. To support these articles of diet, we may choose a gentle and stimulating astringent, as : — No. 347. Calcined rhubarb in powder, 1 oz. Powdered chalk, 2 oz. Powdered opium, 2 drachms. Mix as a ball or in the food. To be given everv morning. 304 Diseases of CeiUle. When the dysenteiy is of an epidemic character^ Mr. Ganigee recommends that the early feverish symptoms be subdued with twenty or thirty drojas of the tincture of acon- ite root, given twice daily ; and this followed, when the acute symptoms subside, with one of the folloAving : — No. 348. Chloride of lime, Tincture of arnica, each 2 drachms. Nitric ether, 1 oz. To be given two or three times a day in gruel. Or, No. 349. Solution of potash, Wine of ipecac, of each 1 oz. Tmcture of cantharides, \ cz. To be given in a quart of warm gruel daily. When the discliarges are slimy, bloody and weakening, sometimes^ rapid improvement is derived from the fol- lowing : — No. 350. Corrosive sublimate. 8 grains. Water, 1 pint. Give one to two tablespoonfuls of this in a quart of water every two hours. The dose must, on no account, be greater than this. This is well spoken of by jSIr. Finlay Dun and others. MILK SICKNESS— THE TREMBLES. Definition. — A disease of unknown origin, affecting the blood and nervous system, strictly confined to certain locali- ties in the Western and Southern States. Cause. — This very strange disease has completely puzzled all observers to account for its appearance. It is developed in cattle by pasturing in certain definite localities, a particu- lar meadow, mountain side or bottom. Many have attrib- uted it to eating some poisonous plants, especially the Avhite snake root, Eapator'mm agerafoidcs. But the flora of the localities in question has been repeatedly scrutinized by competent botanists, and no })l;uit whatever of a poisonou!> MUh Siohicss. 305 character discovered, (and it appears where tlic snake root is unknown, and is unknown where that plant is common), have assigned it to drinking water, and others again to aa " emanatioii from the soik" But all these are guesses only. It is common in some parts of Ohio, Indiana, Southern Illinois, Tennessee and South Carolina. One of its most serious features is that it is communicable to man through the milk of diseased animals ; and it is in many instances incurable, and finally fatal. So concentrated is the poison that hides of animals which have died of it, if eaten by rats and mice, will destroy them as certainly as "ratsbane," as has been proven on un- questionable authority. Horses and sheep arc also liable to attacks of it. Symptoms. — The principal symptoms of the trembles are great weakness and prostration of the nervous system, dull- ness and drooping, accompanied by obstinate constipation and colic. The animals are unable to make any ])nt the shortest journeys, and on the least fatigue stagger and tremble, or drop down. Should they recover, or apparently so, and resume their usual condition of health, this nervous exhaustion remains, and they are never able to bear a long march. Animals which die of the disease usually present an acute inflamma- tion of the intestinal canal. Treatment. — This is either by largo doses of stimulr.nts or by full (|uantities of salts and other purgatives, aided by injections to overcome the constipation ; or In' both thcso methods combined, as occasion demands. The pasturage should be changed and the suspected field j)loughcd up and cropped; or if it is a grove, it should be cut down, stubbed and tilled. Whatever the cause of the 20 306 Diseases of Cattle. disease may be, it has been conclusively shown that it disap- pears by cultivation of the infected district. As the milk of ])Oor and underfed animals is always much more dangerous than that of well fed ones, a full diet and tonics are clearly demanded in all cases "where the trembles have showed themselves, EHETTMATISM— FELOir. Th"s disease has already been spoken of as it aflPects the horse, and the symptoms and treatment in cattle ai'e substan- tially the same. (See page 178). The advantages of blisters are conspicuous, and their use should not be neglected. Nitrate of potash (saltpeter) should be given to the ox in larger doses than to the horse, say two ounces twice a day ; and a jHirgo, half a pound to a pound of sulphate of magnesia (epsom salts) is preferable to aloes. Cows, when suffering from rheumatism, will often lie down and refuse to rise. In such cases repeated change of bedding is absolutely necessary. The animal must be kept dry, clean and warm. The inflamed joints should be wrapped in dry flannel, and protected from injury. Rheumatism in cattle is more apt than in any other ani- mal to pass into suppuration and sloughing of the joint, causing what is sometimes called " bustian foul." This con- dition is incurable, and when it occurs the animal should be slaughtered at once, to put it out of its misery. Treatment. — Of several plans of treatment specially adapted to cattle we may mention that by sulphur. This drug has an old and probably just reputation for chronic cases. No. 351. Flour of sulphur, 8 oz. Ginger, h cz. Give in gruel every third day. Small doses of turi)entine combined with an alkali have also received praise in responsible quarters, as : — i Treatment of Rheumatism. 307 No. 352. Oil of turpentine, 1 oz. Bicarbonate of soda, 1 to 2 oz. This amount in gruel every day or two. Another frequently valuable mixture for old cases is : — No. 353. Powdered guaiacum, Caraway seeds, Aniseed, of each 2 or 3 drachms. Give in a quart of a decoction of willow bark every day. The willow bark contains salicin, a clru;^ of much value in rheumatic complaints. Of embrocations to relieve the affected joints, those con- taining turpentine are among the best, as : — No. 354. Neat'sfoot oil, 4 oz. Oil of origanum, Oil of turpentine, Laudanum, of each 1 oz. Mix and apply by gentle and thorough friction. No. 355. Olive oil, 2 oz. Oil of turpentine, Strong solution of ammonia, each 1 oz. Mix. This is a strongly exciting liniment. These are very suitable in the " lumbago,'^ or pain in the loins, which cows and oxen of rheumatic constitution are apt to be troubled with. In such cases, besides friction with the above, it is well to keep the lower bowel free with warm in- jections of water or soap and water, and to cover the hind quarters of the animal with rubber cloth. This variety of rheumatism is sometimes known as "felon," when in its acuter form. The beast is then more or less off his food. Plis coat is staring, his eye dull, his nose is dry and his back or loins are sore, so that he flinches when the hand is pressed along the sides of the backbone, and arcl.cs his back. Often vith this his teeth loosen. In such c:i.-es, if he is well housed and given the following cordial, he will generally soon recover : — 308 Diseases of Cattle. No. 353. Turmeric, Fenugreek, Powdered aniseed. Powdered liquorice, of each 1 oz. Mix, and giv. in a quart of ale daily for a few days. A respectable English writer, Mr. M. ]M. INIilburn, in his work on Dairy Husbandry, recommends a singular opera- tion for this complaint, which he says he has tried in hun- dreds of cases with entire success. It is to cut the under side of the tail. This relieves the back and fastens the teeth. The operation is thus performed : Feel for a soft place on the under side of the tail. The knobs felt are the joints ; between them lies the bone. Cut the skin across at the soft part ; it will bleed for eight or ten minutes. When the bleeding has ceased, tie up the tail with a piece of linen cloth. As the operation is simple and safe, and may act in some efficient curative manner, it is worth remembering. FOUL IN THE FOOT— FOTJL CLAW. Definition. — A. disease of cattle characterized by inflam- mation and suppuration of the substance between the cleft of tlie hoof, and occasionally extending to the bones and joints of the foot, producing great lameness, with much fever, loss of condition, and even death. It is most commonly, but not invariabl}', seen in the hind feet. Causes. — These arc : Overgro^sAi;!! of the hoof, causing an excessive strain on its parts ; the irritation of pebbles, thorns, dirt or otl:^r foreign sub^ance caught between the claws; and sometimes a general scrofulous character of the constitution. Symptoms. — These are evident in the lameness of the animal, and in the condition of the foot. Where it arises from a scrofulous condition of the blood, it is apt to be asso- ciated with the signs of consumption, as described ou page Foul ill the Foot. 309 287. Ill tliese instances the eiForts at cure will not l)c likely to J) rove successful. Treatment. — If attended to in time, the disease is not difficult to manage, except when it is owing to scrofula. All loose horn should be removed, and all dirt and foreign sub- stances. The wound, if much inflamed, should then be poul- ticed for a day or two ; and after that dressed with one of the astringent applications given below (Nos. 357-9). If the pus has Ixirrowed much in the surrounding tissue, it is best to syringe the foot thoroughly with a solution of carbolic acid, one part of the acid to ten or twelve of \Miter ; and having done this, soak small pledgets of tow in the solu- tion and fasten them in the wound with bandages. The ani- mal should be kept in a clean stable, or on a dry, short pas- turage. Some neglected cases are met with, w^here the foul has ex- tended into the foot and up as high as the fetlock ; the claws are separated by the swelling, the bones are attacked and rotten, the stench is overpowering and the animal " dead lame." Cattle so troubled will give up the struggle for life ; will refuse their food, lose flesh, lie down and die. But even such desperate cases may be often cured com- pletely by amputation — taking ofi" the foot through the fet- lock joint; or, if this is too diseased, by sawing through the canon bone above it. This is not a difiicult nor dangerous operation, and gives the owner a chance to feed up the ani- mal for the butcher, which should be done as soon as possi- ble. The animal should be cast, a sharp knife used, and abundantly long flaps of sound skin and flesh be left on each side of the limb, to fold over and cover the ends of the bone. Bleeding should be prevented by a ionrniquet, and the arte- ries carefully tied. Carbolized water is the best dressing for 310 Diseases of Cattle. the stump, as it is not only disinfecting and healing, but keeps away the flies. Of local applications to foul cla^v there are many, as : — No. 357. Oil of turpentine. Lard, of each 4 oz. l*owdered .'^ulphate of copper, 1 oz. Melt together the lard and turpentine and add the copper. No. 358. Carbolic acid, 1 drachm. Water, 6 oz. Apply by a brush or feather, and cover with a piece of tow wet with- it. No. 359. Chloride of zinc, 10 to 20 grains. Water, 1 oz. Use as the last. Saturated solutions of alum, or of sulphate of copper, or the sulphate in crystal, or the pencil of nitrate of silver, may also be used to remove the diseased slough. Mr. Youatt's suggestion of a poultice mixed with one-fourth oil of tur- pentine is useful where it is difficult to cleanse the hoof. LICE, TICKS, AND OTHER VERMIN. Cattle, cows and calves, especially when in poor condition, are very subject to attacks of several species of lice, and as these pests propagate with incredible rapidity, they infect other stock as we\\ as the stables and barns. Hence, no time should be lost in attacking them vigorously ; and at the same time the cattle are treated, the stables should be thor- oughly cleaned and whitewashed, and the posts, stones and other scratching places be painted with crude petroleum or gas tar. On a previous page (260) we have suggested various remedies for lice in horses, any of which may also be used in cattle. None, however, of a poisonous character should be used on these latter animals on account of their habit of licking themselves, and each other. A useful wash, and a justly popular one, is a strong decoction of tobacco leaves, Lice on Cattle. 311 saturated with rock salt. AYith this the hide should be well saturated several times at intervals of three or four days. This repetition is absolutely essential to success, as the nits in which the lice store their eggs, and which can readily be seen fastened to the hair, have a covering of a waxy material wholly insoluble in water or mild alkalies. They all hatch out in a week or ten days, and by repeating the wash, the young are killed before they have had time to deposit other nits. The covering of the nits is, however, readily soluble in alcohol. Therefore, the most effective of all louse-killing preparations are made by pouring common spirits of some kind on tobacco leaves, allowing it to stand for a few days then bottling for use. Such tinctures of stavesacre seeds, and of cocculus indicus are also very promptly destructive to vermin of all kinds in the hide and fleece of animals ; but these two last mentioned drugs are actively poisonous when taken internally, and must not be carelessly used. It may be said of the cocculus, that it is so intensely bitter that we question whether a cow would lick her hide with that flavor on it. An excellent and cheap oily preparation is : — No. 360. Linseed oil, 4 parts. Common creasote, 1 part. Mix well together. Another is : — No. 301. Flowers of sulphur, 1 lb. Oil of turpentine, 2 pt. Train oil, 4 pints. Mix the sulphur with the train oil by gentle heat, and when cold, stir in the turpentine. Ticks which infest live stock should not be pulled off, but snipped in two with a pair of scissors, and the head half which remains touched with a feather dipped in oil of tur- pentine. 312 Diicases of Cattle. >"o. 3(52. Common carbolic acid, 1 oz. AVliale or neats foot cil, 1 qt. Mix for outward use. This both destroys vermhi and J^ce|)s away liics from ani- mals. Diseases of Cows. 313 CHAPTER III. DISEASES OF THE CO^V IN PIIEGXAXCY AND CALVING. Barrenness or Sterility. Abortion — Slinkinc/ — Slipping — Dropping the Calf. Calving or Parturition ; Rigid Ncch of the Womb; Bending of ill e Neck of the JVoinb. Zninatural Positions of the Calf Flooding. Retained After-birth. Inversion of the Womb'. Iledlcal Treatment of Ccdvlng. Management of the 3111k; To dry the milk ; To bring on or increase the m'lk; To correct bloody and blue milk. Milk Fever — Puerperal Fever — Parturient Fever — Partur- ient Apoplexy — Inflammation of the Vt^omb. Ga rget — Ca ked Bag — Mammitis. BAREENNESS OR STERILITY. Barrenness in high priced cows, bouo-ht or raised for the purpose of breeding, is a serious loss to the owner, and it is worth making energetic attempts to remedy it. Its causes are either constitutional or accidental. Constitutional barrenness generally exists in heifers twinned with a bull calf. They are called " free martins," and rarely go in heat, and when they do, they fail to conceive. Usually they have a steer-like appearance, though smaller in growth. When tlieir sex organs are examined they are found to be small and ill-developed. Incomplete growth of the ovaries and malformations of the genital organs, are other constitutional causes of sterility found occasionally in the lower animals. It is needless to say that any attempt to remedy these defects are vain. 314 Disecuses of Cattle. Accidental barrenness is quite frequent. In the large majority of eases it can be traced directly to improper food or exercise. This does not mean insufficient food. On the contrary, probably the most common of all causes of barren- ness in cows is overfeeding — to which the most valuable ani- mals are tor obvious reasons most exposed. It is well ascertained that a fat heifer is slow to heat and uncertain in conception. Such animals should be turned out on a poor pasture with a young bull. This will often succeed in cases given u;) as hopeless. I^aek of exercise is another common cause. Many in- stances might be quoted ^vhere a barren cow, after driving a hundred miles and then turned in with a bull, bred in a short time. Part of the effect of this may be owing to change of climate. For it has often been noticed that cows barren on the low lands have bred when changed to a hilly, bracing upland pasture ; or from the interior to the seashore. Fatty and sweet food, such as oil cake, sugar cane, sorghum, etc., have a tendency to prevent the proper change of the ovaries ; indeed, they are asserted to bring about a fatty de- generation in their substance, and thus lead to permanent sterility. Causes of an opposite kind are too great delicacy of con- stitution, and a lack of vigor either from a wasting disease, over-milking or absence of nutritious food. In the first stage of consumption cows generally heat violently and repeatedly, but do n..t conceive. The general treatment of barrenness will be suggested by the above remarks. When it appears to be owing to exces- sive fat, a full dose of sulphate of magnesia, repeated two or three times at intervals of a week, will aid in bringing the animal to proper condition. Good breeders should be only in good flesh, without being forced. Not only do they take the bull more regularly, but they have healthier calves, and are less liable to drop them prematurely. Abortion or Slinking. 315' Of course, the barrenness may be due to the bull. If he is excessively fat or lean, or old, or diseased, it may interfere with his procreative powers; so that a cow which seems well fitted for conception, and yet remains barren, should be served by diiFcrent bulls. It has been supposed by some writers that a perfectly healthy cow may fail with an equally healthy bull, and yet take with another one. This appears to occur, for example, where the relationship is very close. ABOKTION— SLINKING— SLIPPING— DROPPING THE CALF. The premature dropping of the calf usually occurs from the fourth to the seventh month. It frequently becomes epidemic in a dairy, and the immense loss it entails on farm- ers may be judged from a statement made some years ago by the New York State Agricultural Society, that in that State alone the money value of the loss had been for several years over four million dollars annually. Within the last few years many of the most important dairy regions of New York, Pennsylvania and other States have suiFcred severely from this malady, all the cows some- times aborting, one after another, W'ithout discoverable cause or cure. Nevertheless it is a complaint which, by judicious precautions and early and active treatment, can be prevented and checked. Causes, — In studying the causes of the disease the stock owner should first examine into the food of the animals. It has been abundantly shown that wet, frosted and mouldy fodder, smutty or mouldy grain, ergoted corn or rye, and, on the other hand, too rich food, will strongly 2)redispose to 'slinking. Heating condition powders, violent purges, blows on the belly, over teazing by the bull, are other and common causes. Next to these comes the presence of a foul atmosphere in the cow-house, yard or field. Decaying animal matters, as 310 Diseases of Cattle. the refuse from a slaughter house, glue factory or hatters' es- tablishment, should be most carefully guarded against. The third and most important of all causes, as it is the true s^^-cret of the epidemic prevalence of abortion in a dairy, is the odor of the locliia or uterine discharges of the cow in abortion. This odor is easily detected the moment one en- ters tlie cow yard, and it is peculiarily offensive to other cows. They cease feeding, sniff the air, become excited and bellow. Some sympathetic influence is produced on their uterine or- gans, and in a few days one or more of them abort, and thus the disease is propagated through the herd until sometimes every cow in calf has dropped her fetus. Symptoms. — An aborting cow is a constant source of dan- ger to a dairy, and whenever such a one is found in the herd, she should be taken off her milk, fattened and killed. But, as in buying new cows, the purchaser may obtain one, it is of great importance that he should closely watch cows in l)reg- nancy, and, at the first signs of abortion, separate the cow from the rest of the herd. These signs are as follows : The animal is noticed to be off her feed, to " lose her cud," is listless and dull, the milk dries up, she lies down longer than usual, stands for a longer time on rising, and walks with a slight staggering gait. Or in other cases, she is uneasy, l^aws the ground, refuses food and rests her hccid on the manger. If at this time the belly is carefully examined, it will be found slightly altered in shape, less round and somewhat en- larged. And if the vagina should be inspected, there will be observed a slight discharge of whitish, glairy fluid ; or, if further advanced, the fluid will be of a yellow or reddish hue. These are the signs which should admonish the owner to isolate the cow at a long distance from her companions. Abortion or Slinking. 317 Later on, the animal begins to moan, the pangs of labor come on with more or less violence, and the fruit of the womb is expelled, sometimes living, but generally dead, and often putrid and escaping by piecemeal. Treatment. — This is largely indicated by what we have said above, so far as the prevention of the epidemic is con- cerned. But there is one precaution which cannot be too strongly urged. 1'hat is, as soon as the abortion has once commenced, proceed to deliver the fetus at once, and bury it deep in the ground, sprinkling it freely with carbolic acid or chloride of lime. We need here not merely a dismfectant, but one with a povrcrful smell of its own to overcome the odor of the lochia. The cow should then receive attention. The afierbirlh having also been removed and buried, the vagina should be syringed with a solution of chloride of lime, one ounce to the quart of water; the stall should be cleaned, washed with the solution, and freshly littered ; and for a month at least, the cow should not be allowed to associate with others. The whole herd should at once be put upon doses of chlorate of potash., J oz. daily, which it is believed has been proven to exert a beneficial influence. After recovery, the cow should not be allowed to take the bull until the third or fourth time she is in heat, as if she conceives in her first or second heat, it is quite certain that she will abort again. If on her next pregnancy she again aborts, there should be no hesitation in at once fattening and selling her, as she is a standing menace to the welfare of the whole dairy. Recent discussions in the AgriculLural Societies of New York, Ohio, and other large dairy districts, have led to the recognition of two important and avoidable causes of abor- tion. One of these is a deficiency of mineral matter in the 318 Diseases of Cattle. food. This can be remedied by giving each cow during her pregnancy one quart of corn moal, with a tcaspoonful of fresh, finely ground bone every morning. It is no unusual sight to see cows knawing at old bones to satisfy this natural want of the system. The second precaution is to have a bull who is not ex- hausted. He sliouhl have served no cow for a week, and should I^e put to the female in the evening, and but once. The cow should be stabled by herself for the night, and kept away from the bull, or teasing steers, during the whole of her pregnancy. She should be dried at least six weeks before her calving date It should be added that the latest discussions of the sub- ject endorse the opinion of Mr. Youatt, that the odor of the vaginal discharges accompanying abortion are highly irri- tating to the uterine system of other pregnant cows. CALVING OR PARTURITION. In most of the lower animals the process of child-birth is one consummated with little pain, and few complications. In the cow, however, more frequently than in any other animal, the assistance of man is called for ; and this appears to be especially the case in high bred and delicately nurtured ani- mals. Itshould.be a rule, however, to avoid giving assistance until is is really necessary. Frequently by waiting patiently, nature will succeed in overcoming obstacles to the exit of the calf, vrhleh we might only injure by premature attempts at interference. So long as the bag of "waters has not burst, there is no occasion for action, providing the passage of the vagina is clear, and the womb is in a healthy condition. The latter is subject to two irregularities, both involving what is called the ncch of the womb, which is that portion immedi- ately above its wiou//;, or external opening, into the vagina. Calving. 319 1. Rigid Neck of the M^omb. This is the condition called in old farriery books by the curious terra "the hornin;^ of the lye," because the lye. calf- bed or womb is found to present a stiff, horn-like end in the vagina. It may be suspected to be present when the cow is at her full time, M'hen she has labor-pains, and when there is a delay in the descent of the calf. On oiling the hand and introducing it into the vagina the neelv of the wosnb v/ill be felt as a hard body at its furthest extremity, the moutlfbeing small and unyielding. Treatment. — If time does not press, and the am- is not excited, some extract of belladonna should bo carried up the vagina and smeared around the neck. Sometimes this will cause it to relax in a few hours. But if the case is pressing, there is no use experimenting with this means. A narrow-bladcd, blunted-pointed knife should be carried up the vagina in the hand, the mouth of the womb felt for and fixed with the fore finger, and then the blade of the knife slipped along the finger until it enters the neck of the womb to the depth of about a quarter of an inch. A slight cut should then be made on all four sides of the neck l)y turning the knife. A mere nick is enough, as the mouth once loosened in its contraction the neck will soon give way, and the bag of waters will accomplish the dilata- tion. 2. Bending of the Neck. This is a form of accident not occurring in child-birth, ex- cept in the c<>\\\ The neck of the womb is twisted so as to bring the mouth upward or to one side, and prevent the ex- pul.'Ion efforts of the womb acting in the direction of the canal of the vagina. It may be suspected to exist when labor pains continue for some tin:io without the appearance of the bag of waters. On feeling with the hand, r.o mouth of the womb will be discernable. 320 Diseases of Cattle. To relieve it, the cow sliould be cast Avith her head up liill ; the surgeon should introduce his hand, and pressing ou the fetus through the walls of the avoui!i, push it firmly in the opposite direction from which the bending is ; while one or two men should roll the cow briskly over on the other s:de in the direction in which the twist has taken j^lacc. This may have to be repeated several times, but will generally suc- ceed in releasing the mouth from its unnatural position. Ulf NATURAL POSITIONS Oj? THE CALF. The natural position of the calf on its exit from the womb is with its head and fore fe:t fir,:;t, the head between the feet and the back upwards. Six unnatural positions are enuraer- atcd by writers, which demand the assistance of the surgeon. We give them in the order of their frequency, with tlie ap- propriate treatment they require. 1. Position with fail first. Press the haunches flack witli the palm of the hand, take hold of the bend of the hough of one leg, pull at it and reach the foot. Seize the other foot in the same manner, bring them forth and deliver the body. 2. Position with fore fed appearing without tlie head. Push the feet back until the head can be seized, either by the jaw or nose, and pull it down between the feet. No further aid will be required. This needs a long arm, and prompt action between the pains. 3. Position tuith hclhj upward, head over one shoidder, fore legs first. * Gently push the calf back between the pains, and bring the head down between the legs. 4. Fore feet first f with head under the hrishet. Push the calf back, find the head, and drav>^ it down be- tween the fore feet. Ilanagcincnt of Calving. o21 5. Head alone, or only one forefoot with it. Push tlic calf back and search for the fore feet or foot, under the belly ; when found, bring forward one at a thne, by placing the hand under the knee and using gentle }>rcssure. 6. Belhj upwards, the fore legs folded and. against the mother's back, the head, side or hind leg ap'pearing. If the hind leg appear, ])ut it back ; seek for the head, and if possible turn the calf, to bring the fore feet and head to the mouth. When this fails, throw the cow, put her on her l)ack, and with a rope and pulley, or two or three stout assist- ants, raise her hind quarter considerably higher than her shoulders. In this position the calf may be easily pushed back in the uterus so that it can be turned and brought to the natural position. Many surgeons make it a rule to fasten the part present- ing with a cord and slip knot before going in search of the part they desire to bring to the nioutii. The cord is held by an assistant, and serves as a guide. The principal obstetric instrument in the cow is the hooh. This is made of wrought iron, four inches long, with a loop for the cord at the straight end. When by no other means the calf can be delivered, or when removing a dead foetus, this hook is fistened in the socket of an eye, under the jaw or in an ear, and by gentle and steady traction tlie resistance is ovei'come. Finally, the foetus may have to be taken out piecemeal, an operation which requires considerable skill on the part of the operator, to avoid wounding the womb and vagina, when he is dissecting the calf. In all such operations certain general rules shoukl be ob- served, as follows : — 1. Thoroughly anoint the hand Avith 1 .rd or oil, before introducing it into the vagina. 21 322 DiseascH of Catth\ 2. ]\Iake the examinations while the cow is standing-, and between the pains. 3. In pulling at the feet, enclose the claws in the hollow of the jjalm, so that they will not tear the delicate coats of the womb. FLOODING. Sometimes after a natural birth which has been rapid, and often after an abortion which has been brought on by vio- lence, there is a severe attack of "flooding," or bleeding from the womb. It may escape from the vagina, or it may be in- dicated by paleness of the mouth and nose, weak pulse, great weakness and coldness of the surface, and the womb be found to be filled with clotted blood. Tro&tment. — The hand should be introduced into the womb, the clots and any remaining portion of the afterbirth seized and extracted, and a sponge dipped in hot vinegar and water, or very hot or very cold water alone, be wrung out in the uterus. A full dose of fresh ergot of rye, one to two ounces, should be given without delay. If these measures fail, a piece of ice the size of a walnut should be carried into the womb and left there • or a tea- spoonful of powdered alum should be stirred in a teacupful of milk, and a spongeful of this be squeezed out in the womb. Internally, Prof. Gamgee, recommends for either the mare or cow — No. 363. Compound tincture of cinnamon, 3 oz. Dilute sulphuric acid, 5 cz. Mix and give two tablespoonfuls for a dose every one or two hours, in a quart of water. Management of Calving. 323 BETAINED AFTERBIETH. A variety of causes may lead to the retention of the after- birth. Sometimes it is firmly adherent to the walls of the ■\vomb ; at others it is owing to hurried delivery, poverty of condition, etc. Should it be left, it is liable to putrefy, caus- ing a fetid discharge which exhausts and poisons the animal, and vitiates the air of the whole barn. A retention for a few days in the 'ow does no harm under ordinary circumstances. But if it is protracted longer than that the hand should be introduced, and the afterbirth sepa- rated carefully from the walls of the uterus, by a process of peeling it off, and gradual but firm pulling. When it has been removed, a solution of chloride of lime, an ounce to the quart of water, should be thoroughly syringed into the vagina ; a moderate purge of salts should be given ; and if there is a tendency to bleed a full dose of ergot, two ounces of the powder may be administered. INVERSION OF THE WOMB. This serious accident occasionally occurs MJien there is excessive and persistent straining. The womb, or '' calf- bag," as it is called by the cow-leech, follows the calf, and hangs forth from the birth-place in the form of a large red or violet-colored bag. Sometimes the accident is not dis- covered for an hour or two, when the womb will be found dirty, thick, purple-colored, and gorged with blood. The treatment is to clean the bag thoroughly, by free drenching with warm water ; and if it is swollen and gorged with blood, it must be punctured in a number of places with a shariJ-pointcd knife, just deep enough to bring about a dis- charge of the overloaded veins. When sufficient blood has been lost, the bleeding should be sta}'ed by cold water, and two assistants should place a cloth underneath the bag and 324 Dliseuiies of Cattle. lift it to the level of the vagina. Tlie operator then oils the surface of the bag, and places his right hand, also well oiled, against the point or horn of the bag Avhicli is furthest from the vagina, and by pressing gently but steadily on it returns it into the vagina, and presses it up as far as possible. With his left hand he now presses on the most dependent part, in a simihir manner, and forces it up. The assistants follow the re-entering bag and keep it from again extruding. And thus, often after considerable labor, the whole is returned. Such an accident is, however, very apt to recur ; and to prevent it the vagina should be filled with al)all of tow, and this retained in place by a band fastened to a collar around the cow's neck, and kept in place by straps, passing abovt, and below, to a girth in front of the udder. If the replacing is interfered with by continued severe labor 2)ains, the cow should at once have half an ounce of chloroform and two ounc;s of laudanum, in a quart of milk. After the operation, the cow should be kejit very quiet, and the bowels restrained by doses of laudanum for a day or two. After twenty-four hours, if the pains have ceased, the bandage may be removed. In preventing falling of the womb the great point is to keep the hind quarters of the cow in a raised position during parturition and for some hours afterward ; in fact, until the afterbirth has come away. This may be done to some ex- tent by making a thicker bed of litter at the tail. In some high-class German cow houses, where the cow receives, and comes to require, about as much attention at these periods as the human female, the floor of the 'Hying-in stall" slopes toward the rack, so that the hind quarters are constantly ele- vated. Management of Calving. 325 MEDICAL TEEATMENT OF CALVIITG. Generally speaking, as an aid to birtli giving, medical treatment is not necessary; the olTspring coming naturally, at the full period, can generally be got hold of by the hand, and brought away with gentle force, or by waiving, will emerge without assistance. Nevertheless, when the labor j)ains are languid, and occur at long intervals, and where the animal has been in labor for a (considerable time, and it is found on examination that there is no obstruction, a nptural position, and a dilated mouth of the womb, full doses of crgoty one to two ounces, should be given. This drug does not act very efficiently on cows, and has to be administered in large doses. Another instance where medicine is needed is M'here, both in mares and cows, there is considerable irritability and straining after the birth has come away. Unless it subsides promptly the animal should liave the following draught: — No. 364. Chloroform, Laudanum, each i oz. Give in a quart of warm milk, and repeat every hour until relief is obtained. Sometimes this irritability shows itself in repeated spasms or convulsions. The above mixture is then very applica- ble ; but if there is a dry muzzle and a hot horn, showing a tendency to a feverish condition, the following is preferable : No. 3 jo. Sweet spirits of nitre, Laudanum, of each 2 oz. Solution of acetate of ammonia, 4 oz. Give in a quart of milk every hour, till relieved. Some cows, especially those in low condition, for a week or two before calving lose the power of their hind limbs, and are unable to stand. Little can be done before they give birth, besides allowing them laxative and nutritious food and tonic medicine, while seeing that they are well bedded and 326 Biseiises of Cattle. turned over several times a day. After calving, most cases gradually regain the use of their limbs ; Init when this is not the ease, or tiiey gain too slowly, the following may be used with every prospect of prompt advantage : — No. 36G. Powdered mix vomica, Sulphate of iron, each 2 drachms. Give in a pint or two of gruel, twice a day. Mustard should be well rubbed in over the loins, and the animal forced to rise on her feet as soon as she is able — which she is often by no means willing to do. The older veterinarians were accustomed to give to all cows, after calving, what they called a " cleansing drink," on the ground that it prevented milk fever and other illnesses. The modern school docs not approve of these, believing that they are generally needless and sometimes liurtfid, by bring- ing on irritation of the bowels, or by weakening the animal. We give two of the least objectionable of these drinks, which, being warm and stimulating, are not out of place in con- ditions of unusual debility : — No. 367. Powdered aniseed, " myrrh, " allspice, " cummin seed, each, 1 oz. To be stirred in a quart of warm gruel, for a drench. No. 368. Soap, Spermaceti, Powdered ginger, of each, h oz. Aniseed, in powder, Carraway seed, " of each, 1 oz. Molasses, 4 cz. Give in a quart of warm gruel. It is sufficient, however, to j^revent constipation, if present, and to cleanse the vagina by an antiseptic wash if the dis- charge is foul. For the first we recommend : — No. 369. Sulphate of magnesia, ] lb. Ground aniseed, 1 oz. Olive oil, G cz. Give in a pint of gruel, and repeat daily, if needed. Management of Calving. 327 For syringing the vagina, stir a pound of clilorido of lime in two gallons of water, and when it has settled pour off the clear fluid, for use. Or, pour a gallon of boiling Avater on a pint of clean wood tar, stir and let it settle. Either of these will prove a cheap and excellent cleansing wash. A pint or t\"o should be thrown up twice a day. Instead of constipation, some cows after calving are troubled Avith a relaxed condition of tlie bowels, with con- stant diarrhea, which prevents them from promptly regaining strength. For this condition Mr. Finley Dun recommends one of the folloM'ing astringent, anodyne drenches, as among the best that could be selected : — No. 370. Powdered catechu, 2 drachms. ■■ ginger, 1 oz. Sulphuric acid, 30 drops. Laudanum, 1 oz. Give in a quart of gruel, ale, or weak whisky and water. No. 371. Powdered ginger, Bicarbonate of soda, Laudanum, Decoction of oak bark, of each, 1 oz. Give several times a day, in gruel or ale. Half this dose suffices for six months' calves, in similar conditions of the bowels. MANAGEMENT OF THE MILK. The management of the secretion of the milk divides it- self into the three subjects : — the means of drying it up when the cow is about to calve, or is to be fattened ; the means of increasing the supply when it is deficient ; and its improvement when in an unhealthy condition. 1. To dry the milJc. The average jieriod before calving at which a cow should be allowed to go dry is about six Aveeks. Poor and weak 328 Diseases of Cattle. cows should have two months, while one month is enough for vigorous ones. Usually by lessening the milk taken day by day, so as al- ways to leave some in the udder, a cow will dry without painful swelling of the gland. When this is too long de- layed, the customary "drying drench" is to boil half an ounce of powdered alum in a pint of milk, and give it every morniug. Rubbing the udder with ointment of belladonna is also an efficient and safe means. 2, To bring on or increase the mill:. It occasionally happens that the secretion of milk, espe- cially in heifers, is too slight in quantity tor the calf, or is backward in making its appearance at the proper time. Nourishing and abundant food, with a change of diet, will generally remedy this, along with gentle frictions of the ud- der and teat, so as to excite the glands to greater activity. When the secretion is checked, a large poultice of the leaves of the castor oil plant, chopped fine and applied every morning, has considerable local celebrity. A prescription, in such cases, recommended by Prof. Gamgee, is — No. 372. Black sulphuret of antimony, 2 oz. Powdered fennel seed, Common salt, of each 4 oz. One quarter of this to be mixed with the food every day. 3. To correct bloody and blue milh. Bloody milk comes from blows on the udder, certain poisonous plants, from the sexual heat, and garget. When it appears, it is a safe rule to give the cow a dose of salts, and to foment the udder in hot water with a little vinegar added. The milking should be gentle and thorough, and the diet altered so as to avoid any unknown irritating substance she may have been eating. Blue or sticky milk is due to the presence of a low form of vegetation in the secretion, easily seen under a microscope 3Iilk Fever in Cows. 321) of moderate power. It is supposed to be introduced through impure drinking water, diseased grasses, or by breathing an air tainted with decomposing animal matter. In addition to boiling the drinking water, and changing the food or pastur- age, the animal should take — No. 873. Bisulphite of soda, Sulphur, each 2 drachms. Give in milk or mixed with meal, once a day, for a week. MILK FEVER — PTJEEPERAL FEVER -PARTURIENT FEVER — PAR- TURIENT APOPLEXY— METRITIS— INFLAMMATION OF THE WOMB. Definition. — An inflammation of the lining membrane, substance of, and tissues adjacent to, the womb, occurring after calving, and often accompanied by sudden and marked aifections of the brain, congestion of the spinal cord and apoplexy ; and often followed l\y general blood poisoning and death. Causes. — These may be injury to the M^omb in calving, re- tained afterbirth, exposure to colds and chills; or it may be tit times of an epidemic character. A cow who has had it once is pretty certain to have it with her next calf. There has been considerable discussion as to whether the disease called "parturient apoplexy" and "milk fever" is identical with that known as inflammation of the womb or metritis. Several very eminent authorities do not think so ; and they explain the congested and inflamed state of tlio womb, which is found on examination after death by refer- ence to the nearness of the time of its outbreak to calving. *But after a careful study of the evidence and the records of cases and post-mortems, the present writer inclines strongly to the opinion that the difference is only in respect to the violence of the disease ; a difference very noticeable also in the human .species in the different forms of puerperal metritis. 330 Disease.^ of Cattle. Symptoms. — The symptoms first appear -within from twen- ty-four hours to three days after calving. One of the earliest warnings is the suspension of the secretion of milk. This is the more observable as the disease is peculiarly liable to attack " deep milkers/' large uddered and well nourished cows. Frequently the other symptoms appear with promptness and severity, and run rapidly to a fatal termination. The cow hangs her head, ceases to feed, loses her cud, and moves restlessly her hind feet. By and by the breathing becomes hard and rapid, the eyes are bloodshot and wild, the eyelids twitch, and tears run over the face. She falls on her litter in a stupor, or sways her head violently from side to side. The head, horns, and forehead are intensely hot to the touch. The power of sight and of swallowing is lost early in the disease, and there is often partial or complete paralysis of the liind quarters. The pulse, at first full, becomes small, quick and scarcely perceptible. There may be delirium and death in convulsions ; or the animal may quietly gas|) to death in a state of stupor. The bowels may be somewhat relaxed in the early stages, but as a rule constipation is a marked sigi.. It is due to paralysis of the bowels. The urine is generally pale in color, scanty in quantity, and may be retained in the bladder, from paralysis of that organ. If in the course of thirty or forty hours the animal comes to herself and tries to rise, if the bowels begin to act and the secretion of milk to return, there is a fair probability that the case will recover; although sometimes these favorable symptoms are deceptive, indicating only a remission of the disease, which returns with renewed violence. For this reason it is well not to be too confident in one's predictions about results. Milk Fever in Cows. 331 Treatment. — If the symptoms do not indicate very decided exhaustion, and the case is seen early, from three to five quarts of blood should be taken from a free opening in the jugular vein. If as the blood flows, the pulse is felt to grow fuller and stronger, and there are signs of relief to the head, it is certain that the loss of the blood is a benefit. Where, however, the pulse is weak aud thready, and the exhaustion is already great, bleeding is not called for. On the contrary, a stimulant is what is required. This may be whisky, or — No. 374. Carbonate of ammonia, 1 oz. AVater, 1 pint. Mix for a drench. As there is so often paralysis of the muscles of the gullet, so that the animal cannot swallow, it is by no means easy to give a drench. Sometimes a ball does better, as it can be well oiled and pushed far back in the gullet, and will dis- solve and descend by its own weight. In all cases, if an active purge can be administered, it will be an advantage, as — No. 375. Sulphate of magnesia, J to 1 lb. Croton oil, 20 to 30 drops, (jrive in a quart of water. If the difficulty of giving by the mouth is very great, in- jections of soap and warm water should be repeatedly thrown into the rectum. The swelling of the boAvels, which is apt to be very pain- ful, can be lessened by carbonate of ammonia given as a ball ; or that failing, the rumen should be jsunctured by a trocar, and the gas allowed to escape. When the horns and head are hot, or when the stupor is marked, pouring cold water on the head from a height of five or six feet, and continuing several minutes (ten or fif- 332 Dheases of Cattle. teen) will often prove a very efficient means of restoring consciousness. The paralysis is liable to remain after the other symptoms have disappeared, and indeed the co\v may fancy she cannot rise when she is perfectly able to do so. The application of the firing: iron to the loins will be sure to start her in mo- tion, if she is able, and to benefit her by counter irritation if she is not. In cases of inflammation of the womb and surroundings, where the attack comes on three ^or four days after calving, the following is an excellent laxative, alterative and sedative combined : — Ko. 376. Calomel, 2 drachm. Laudanum, 2 oz. Castor oil, 1 pound. Mix with hot water and molasses, and give four doses, at intervals of two or three hours. In the apoplectic form of the disease, when there is in- tense nervous excitement and violent cramp of the muscles of the hind quarters, chloral has been found to be of great benefit : — No. 377. Hydrate of chloral, Powdered sugar, each 2 oz. Mix in a quart of warm water, and repeat in two hours unless quiet is produced. Another useful formula in this phase of the disease, when the period of excitement is followed by exhaustion and stupor, is given by Mr. Finlay Dun : — No. 387. Spirits of turpentine, 1 to 2 oz. Carbonate of ammonia, ^ oz. Give in a quart of cold gruel. Garget in Cows. 333 GARGET-MAMMITIS— CAKED BAG. Definition. — An inflammation of the udder or mammary gland in the cow. Causes. — Cows in a plethoric condition at the time of calv- ing, or if at that or other time they be turned into a rich pasturage, are liable to swelling and inflammation of the ud- der. Allowing them to go unmilked for long periods also ])roduces it. Sometimes this occurs through inattention ; sometimes for the barbarous purpose of making them appear remarkably well uddered when put on sale. Symptoms. — The inflammation seldom attacks the whole of the udder, but is confined to one or two quarters, and is indicated by swelling, heat, paiu and redness of the part in- flamed, and by the alteration in the milk, which is curdled, whey-like, and mixed vrith blood. There is generally con- siderable constitutional disturbance, such as restlessness, im- paired appetite, shiverings, succeeded by heat of skin and disordered bowels, either constipated or unnaturally loose. The inflamed parts generally pass into suppuration, which results in breaking down their structure, wasting and trans- formation into a hard, cartilaginous substance. The capacity for giving milk is thus imj^aired, and tlie market value of the cow diminished. Treatment. — The general treatment is to give a moderate jiurge, say half a pound of salts, and follow this up with two ounces of saltpetre in the water, morning and night. No great amount of water, however, should be given, and dry food, and such as does not produce milk, should be the only kind allowed. This is essential to success, as it gives rest to the inflamed structure. The milk must be frequently drawn with the hand or with the syphon. The whole o fthe udder should be rubbed with : 334 Diseases of Caffle. No. 379. Powdered camphor, I oz. Extract of belladonna, Lard, each, 2 oz. Mix well together and apply with gentle friction. Should the swelling be great, and the weight of the udder painful, it must be supported by a broad bandage, made with holes for the teats to pass through, and then securely fastened over the back of the animal. When the case requires it, a large mush and hop poultice can be placed within the band- age, over the udder. If the inflammation cannot be reduced, but jiasses on to suppuration, and abscesses form, they must be freely opened, the pus allowed to escape, and the cavities syringed with, carbolic acid water, after which they can adv.aiitageous]y be dressed with stimulant anarasitic animals. It has long been noticed that even in England and Scot- land, inflammatory affections are rare in these animals, their 342 Disease^' nf Sheep. weak structure not resisting a violent attack but sinking be- neath it. Hence their maladies are wliat physicians call of "a lovv' tyi)e/' and hence, also, bleeding, purgatives and de- pressing medicines, as aconite and tartar emetic, arc very rarely indeed required in their medication. According to eminent sheep breeders in this country, these characteristics are yet more marked in our breeds. "The American sheep," says Col. Randall, " which has been kept in the common way, sinks from the outset or after a mere transient flash of inflammatory action; and in any stage of its maladies active depletion is likely to lead to fatal prostration." Parasites arc very common both on and in the sheep. Its thick wool and comparatively thin skin otfer a most favor- able lodging place and feeding ground for the class of vermin which dwell on the surface of the body. While of its internal organs, not only the stomach and bowels, but the liver, brain and nostrils are the chosen habitat of various lower forms of animal life. The American sheep has up to the present been wholly or almost wholly exempt from a number of epidemic diseases and local affections which have decimated the English and conti- nental flocks over and over again. The sheep-pox, so far as we are aware, has never appeared anywhere in the United States; malignant braxy or charbon, while of occasional occurence, has rarely developed into an epidemic, and then but locally ; \\\\ water seems unknown ; hydatid in the brain, or turnsick, although reported from Xew York and other States, is a curi- osity rather than a scourge ; and the true rot, caused by the liver fluke, has never assumed the proportions of a destruc- tive malady, although the parasite that causes it is known in this country, especially on the Pacific coast. Indeed, the mortality of sheep is remarkably Iom' in most sections of the States which are occupied with wool gro\A'- ing. It has been estimated as low as two per cent, per The Braxy. 343 annum of the adult animal ; but this is undoubtedly a much too favorable statement; eight or ten per cent., at lea.'st, of the total number of lambs born perish by disease. Nevertheless, in the active interchange of stock between different parts of this country, and between this country and Europe, we are liable any season to have brought to us these much feared diseases in a malignant form ; therefore we have taken brief descriptions of them from the most eminent foreign writers, with the treatment they recommend. BRAXY— STRIKING OF BLOOD— CHARBON IN SHEEP. Definition. — A disease of the blood, identical with charbon, or malignant anthrax, in cattle (yce page 276) ; occasionally epidemic, at other times confined to definite localities and herds. It is also known by the names of "St. Anthony's fire," " carbuncular erysipelas," " the blood disease," etc. Causes. — A very careful study of the causes of braxy in Scotland and the sheep growing districts has led to connect its appearance with over-feeding on too rich or unlicallhy food, and exposure to sudden changes of weather. Thus it is most common at those seasons when the pasture is most rank, and among herds on loose, damp bottom lands, occasionally overflowed, and sending up a succulent, sappy growth of grass ; also where the vegetation is subject to mil- dew or blight ; where overfeeding on grain and clover hay, with deficient exercise, has been carried on for some time ; where with full feeding the cotes and stables have been kept quite warm ; and finally, on exposed sheep walks, whore the animal is exjiosed with little protection to sudden changes of temperature. The last mentioned is so well known that in bleak walks in the Scotch Highlands, after an unexpected snow blast in the autumn, the shej^hcrd looks to have some of his flock struck by the braxy, as a quite regular event. 344 Diseases of Sheep. In the study of its prevention, therefore, owners should choose pasturages with good drainage, and of moderate growth, and avoid, in their desire to fatten and strengthen, a stimulating diet, which may result in developing germs of poison in the blood. Symptoms. — The sheep is affected by charbonous fever in two forms, which by the uneducated are supposed to be dis- tinct diseases ; in fact, they have been so spoken of in quite recent works on diseases of these animals. The first and most rapidly fatal form is Splenio Apoplexy. — The attack is very sudden, the animal ceasing to eat; the body suddenly shivering, as if struck with a chill ; there is staggering or reeling, and an effort to stand by putting the feet well asunder, which may fail, and the body falls. The breath is rapid, the eyes are red, the teeth grate together, and loss of sensibility is common. The lin- ing membrane of the mouth is injected with blood of a dull red color ; the dung is passed without effort, and the urine is colored with blood. A bloody froth issues from the mouth and nose ; the animal is seized with convulsions, in which he throws his leos about and bonds his head and neck back- ward ; there is a rattling in his throat, and he expires. Such a rapid, apoplectic form of the disease is more com- mon in young sheep and those very richly fed. The other and slower variety is that seen in older animals, and those of a less plethoric condition. This is more properly a Charbonous Fever. — The first symptom in this form is that the animal walks with a shorter stej) than usual, caused by pain in the bowels; soon he begins to lie down and rise up frequently, or stands apart with head hanging and back arched. The eyes are dull, or bloodshot, the belly swollen, and the cars droop. ( )fteu upon several places on the skin, especially of those parts which are but lightly covered with Treatment of Braxy. 345 wooljangrj'-looking red or purple spots appear, like blotches, not disappearing on pressure, and rapidly increasing in size and number. These swell, and upon their surface blisters, filled with a watery or bloody fluid, appear. A penetrating and offensive odor exhales from the animal, bloody serum appears at his mouth, nose, eyes and anus; and ere long he is seized wdth convulsions, or passes into a state of stupor and perishes. It is seldom that the disease lasts three days, often but ten or twelve hours. After death the blood remains quite fluid, the body de- composes rapidly, and the odor is distinct from that of or- dinary decomposition. The flesh aud inner surface of the skin is bluish red, and stained with 2)atches of dark, bloody accumulations. The disease, both before and after death, is so strongly marked that it is easy to recognize it, especially as it is the rule that several, or a large percentage of a herd, are attacked with it when it appears at all. Treatment. — This is essentially the same as that recom- mended in the charbon of cattle (page 278). The chlorate of potash is one of the most reliable of antidotes to the poi- son, w^hen it can be given with promptness. Some believe that a brisk purge given at the outset will relieve the condition of the blood, as — No. 390. Sulphate of magnesia, 2 oz. Warm water, 1 pt. For a drench. Or, No. 391. Castor oil, 3 oz. Calomel, 12 grains. Molasses, 3 oz. Mix for a dose. As a preventive, a seton, no doubt, is advantageous in plethoric sheep, as a derivative. Mr. H. Clok recommends o46 Diseases of tS/tcep. tlie following as a very efficient "lick," to prevent the disease Irotu spreading through a herd : — No. 392. Nitrate of potash, Sulphate of magnesia, Ground calamus, Laurel leaves. Juniper berries, of each, 2 lbs. Golden sulphuret of antimony, 1 lb. Mix well with the food, clover preferred, and give one-quarter night and morning, for two days. This amount is enough for one hundred sheep. The same author urges that great care be observed in regard to feeding, so that the change from stable-feeding to pasture-feeding is only to be allowed by degrees. In the morning the sheep must not be driven to pasture until the dew and moisture have entirely disappeared from the meadow, which depends upon the temperature and weather. At noon a shady and cool resting-place must be provided. Another preservative) as well as preventive, consists in the application of cold shower-baths, which may be applied to the herd by means of a squirting engine, the nozzle of which is provided with a sieve, or by means of a garden- spout ; the cold water to be applied at different times of the day, and until the animals are perfectly cooled. The herd may also be driven into cold or refreshing streams ; in case of rain the herd must be allowed to remain exposed to it at their pleasure. There appears to be a hereditary disposition to this dis- ease ; it may therefore be presumed that in case of an ex- traordinarily frequent occurrence among certain herds, the sale of such sheep and the purchase of other stock will prove the most profitable. Smallpox in Sheep. 347 SHEEP SMALLPOX— VARIOLA OVINA. DGfinition. — A contagions eruptive fever depending upon a specific poison, corresponding in character to that which produces smallpox in the human race. Causes. — The ravages which smallpox in the sheep has caused fullj equal those which the analogous disease inflicted on the human race in the last century. It does not n])- pear to be mutually contagious, however. The sheep pox, though common on the continent of Europe for one hundred and fifty years previous to 1847, did not reach England until that year, and has, Ave believe, not yet made its appear- ance in this country, though in the importation of sheep, hides and wool, we are never secure from its introduction. The mortality in England has occasionally reached one- third of the flock in a single outbreak ; and in Austria and Hungary the losses are said to foot up from four to five hundred thousand sheep in some years. It is, therefore, a scourge much to be dreaded. Symptoms. — Sheep pox shows itself in two forms, one malignant, the other mild. The malignant form is not accompanied with an eruption of pustules on the skin. There are some scarlet or purple points, but they do not maturate or form pus. The animal ceases to eat, moves unwillingly, his head is swollen, the eyes closed and often inflame and ooze out ; the wool falls ofl', the skin cracks in a zig-zag manner, and the nostrils become filled with a fetid discharge. The animal suffers extremely from thirst, but cannot drink, or with difficulty, on account of the inflammation of the lips. Death generally occurs in from two to three weeks from the outset of the disease. In the milder form the eruption first shows itself in a diff'used redness, or in a number of minute red spots like flea bites, on that portion of the skin least covered with wool. 348 Diseases of Sheep. These spots increase in size and run together, becoming ele- vated in the centre, where in a few days a small blister or vesicle appears, containing a liquid at first like a drop of water, later turbid and like pus. This is the smallpox vesicle, which in the sheeji, however, remains flat on the surface, and does not become hollowed or " umbilicated," as it does in the cow and in man. In the fourth week of the disease these vesicles dry up, and form scales. When these fall off a bare spot is left which is never after filled with wool or hair. With these local symptoms there are others of constitu- tional disturbance. The animal wanders away from the flock, loses appetite, licks the earth, is thirsty and feeble. The eyes are bloodshot, the breathing labored and the gen- eral condition one of fever of more or less severity according to the violence of the attack. Treatment. — The treatment of the disease has been very unsuccessful, and consequently the more attention has been given to its prevention. This has been attempted in two directions by isolation, and by orination, as the operation of vaccination is called when applied to sheep. Professor Gamgee relics entirely on isolation. He advises that the diseased be separated to a long distance from the healthy animals during the earliest stages of the malady; and that disinfectants be freely and liberally used, both on the sick and the well. He has no confidence in inoculation or ovination, believing that it rather disseminates than checks the malady. On the other hand, the French and German veterinarians are nearly unanimous in favor of ovination ; and if we can rely on the statistics they furnish, we cannot doubt but that it has succeeded most satisfactorily in staying the progress of the disease— quite as much so as i;i the human race. In many countries of Euro2)e, especially in Austria, gromng Smallpox in Sheep. 349 lambs are regularly vaccinated in the spring, when from three to four months old, the general result being a very considerable diminution of deaths from the disease. The sheep lymph used for inoculation is obtained from separate (discrete) vesicles, on the sixth or seventh day of tlie eruption. It should be perfectly clear and fluid, like water. The animal from which it is taken should be otherwise healthy, free from rot and scab, and if possible one who has been vaccinated previously, or at all events has the dis- ease in a mild form. The lymj^h is to be preserved in the same manner as that used for vaccination in man. The most suitable place for inserting the lymph in tlie sheep is on the inner side of the ear, this spot being botli (convenient to the operator to reach and less liable than most to be injured by the scratching of the animal when the pus- tule begins to itch. There is no special manner of applying the lymph ; the general rules adopted for this simple opera- tion in children, answer as well for the sheep. It is needless to undertake vaccinating a flock unless the pox is actually in the neighborhood ; and then it should be done promptly, and repeated until every sheep has had the lymph "take" on him fairly. Even when the disease has already attacked an animal, vaccination should be performed, as it often renders the course of the malady much milder. LOTJPING ILL— THE GNAW DISEASE— THORTER ILL. Definition. — The disease called by these uncouth names is an affection of the spinal cord, common in lambs and young sheep, but rare after the third year. It is accompanied by organic changes in the cord, either of hardening or softening, or with watery secretion. It corresponds closely to that dis- ease in man known as "myelitis, with sclerosis or ramollise- ment of the cord," both in symptoms and appearance of the cord after death. 350 Diseases of Sluejj. Causes, — The disease is undoubtedly hereditary, and it is attributed to a naturally defective organization in some herds. Where it prevails, it is prudent, therefore, to change the breed. Symptoms. — One of the first symptoms is a slight M'eak- ness in the hind quarters, indicated by the animal taking broader and shorter steps, "louping," or loping in its run. It is, moreover, unable to jumji, and if it attempts to do so will fall on its fore feet, or quite on the ground. If it un- dertakes to run, it will fall frequently and rise with diffi- culty, staggering and trembling. Many such patients, apparently sensible of some change in the sensation of the hind quarters, will gnaw or bite at their thighs, pulling the wool out, and sometimes biting to the blood and making a scab. This habit also gives one of the names to the disease by which it is known in some i)arts of the United States. As the disease advances the animal grows stujiid, the ears loll loosely down, and the palsy, which was at first confined to the hind quarters, extends and becomes more decided. The appetite, which at fiist Avas not affected, is diminished, flesh is lost, and general debility and emaciation wear out the pa- tient. The duration of the disease is from two to three months ; as a rule it terminates in death ; but cases are not rare where the symptoms disappear after a few weeks, and the animal resumes its natural vigor. Treatment. — This should be directed to active stimula- tion of the spine and the nervous system. The wool should be clipped close along the backbone, over the loins, and the part rubbed with a stimulating ointment or liniment, such as Nos. 235, 239. A moderate degree The Sheep Distemper. 351 of irritation should be maintained constantly. Internally the animal should have — No. 393. Powdered nux vomica, 1 oz. Water, 1 pt. Rub up together, and give a spoonful daily. Exposure should be avoided, and the animal should not be urged to exercise, but allowed to rest. MALIGNANT EPIZOOTIC CATARRH— THE SHEEP DISTEMPER. Definition. — An epidemic affection, occurring chiefly in the late winter and early spring, accompanied by severe conges- tion and inflammation of the lining membrane of the nasal cavities, and occasionally of its prolongation into the stomach and bowels, producing symptoms of catarrh, or, in the second case, of catarrh and gastro-enteritis. Causes. — As in most of the epizootic diseases, the cause is unknown. It generally prevails at the close of wet, open winters, with rapid changes of temperature, and in flocks which have been confined in ill-ventilated stables. But it is also not vuicommon where no such condition prevails. The periodical recurrences of this disease have proved very fatal to American sheep, and even yet, according to Col. Randall, it "continues to destroy more American sheep than all other maladies combined." Sometimes forty or fifty per cent, of the flock succumb to it. Symptoms. — The disease commences with depression, and a slight watery discharge from the nostrils and from the eyes, which are partly closed and paler than natural. The ani- mal is dull and drooping, its movements languid, and more or less loss of appetite is manifest. The pulse is not altered in frequency, or but slightly so, but is weaker than usual. There is no cough, and the breathing is not aflectcd, except -where the disease is associated with bronchitis. 352 Diseases of Sheep. The symptoms mentioned slowly increase in severity until, in about a week, there are evident emaciation and great pros- tration. The nasal discharge is thick and glutinous, some- times tinged with blood ; the eyes are half closed, and the lids matted by a yellow secretion. The appetite has almost gone, and the pulse scarcely perceptible. The respiration is labored and difficult. In well-fed sheep the bowels continue natural, as a rule ; but in those on insufficient or poor diet the bowels may become inflamed and swollen, and dysenteric symptoms arise. The excrement is voided with pain, and it is mixed with blood. The attack usually commences with constipation. The average length of the disease is ten to fifteen days. After death, the principal and characteristic lesion is a highly inflammatory, thickened and congested appearance of the lining membrane of the nostrils and nasal cavities throughout, sometimes passing into ulceration. This condi- tion may extend, with more or less intensity, to the mucous membrane of the upper throat and gullet ; and more rarely down the latter, and to the bowels. Treatment. — It must be acknowledged that no plan of treatment has been tried with very satisfactory results. Cer- tain rules are, however, of considerable value. No bleeding, purging or depressants must be used. Concentrated and nourishing food and stimulants are demanded from the out- set. A dry and equable temperature is important. In regard to medicines. Col. Randall believes that he has derived advantage from the use of corrosive sublimate, in small and repeated doses, providing that it is commenced early in the disease. He combines it as follows : — No. 394. Corrosive subliinate, 8 grains. Rhubarb, 1 oz. Ginger, Gentian, of each 2 oz. Simmer the last three articles in a quart of water, for fifteen minutes, strain, and add the sublimate. The dose is two tablespoonfuls, twice a day. CoUe in Sheep. 353 COIIC— BLOWN— BLAST— WIND DROPSY. Definition. — By these names is known the swelling of the thii'd stomach in sheej), hy food and air, or gases. It is the disease which in cattle is called hoven (page 291). Causes. — The most frequent cause is feeding on green clover, or other strong grass, y'et with rain or dew. Musty and ergoted food, such as on stubble fields and blighted corn, are other provocatives of the disease ; and occasionally it arises from a constitutional difficulty in digestion. S3^ptoms. — The disease is readily recognized by a swell- ing of the belly on tlie left side, which appears while the animal is feeding, or shortly afterward. The breathing be- comes oj^pressed, the bowels are constipated, tiie eye anxious and wild ; there is every symptom of intense pain. Some say that in sheep, so long as the swelling is on the left side only, there is no danger; but when the right side j^artakes of the distention also, it is a sign that the walls of the rumen are expanded to the utmost and arc in imminent danger of rupture. Treatment. — When the distention is great, no time must be lost in removing the wool from the most prominent part of the swelling, and plunging a trocar into the rumen, to allow the air to escape. AVhcn a trocar is not at hand, a sharp-pointed penknife should be used, the edges of the opening being kept apart by inserting a goose quill with a collar of leather, or some similar hollow tube. When the case is not so severe as this, stimulants and aromatics are the medicines demanded, as : — No. 395. Ground mustard. 1 drachm. Wliisky, 1 oz. Mix and give in a small quantity of ■water. Repeat as needed. 23 354 Diseases of Sheep, No. 396. Solution of potash, 2 drachms. Common salt, Sweet oil, each, 1 oz. Mix in a wineglass full of water. Mechanical mdlns are often employed successfully to aid these remedies, or independent of them. Tiie swollen stomach is pressed and kneaded with the hands, which urges the gas up the gullet. Or the sheep is plunged into cold water, which brings on relaxation of the gullet and the gas escapes. Or a rubber tube of half-inch calibre, furnished with a button of wool at the end, to prevent clogging, is thoroughly oiled, and introduced gently into the gullet and passed down to the stomach. This Avill often cause the escape of air in large quantity and, give immediate relief. Such a tube has various uses, and one should be about every large fold. EED WATER— HJEMATTJEIA. The name " red water " is sometimes applied to a form of dropsy, where the w^ater accumulated in the abdomen is of a reddish color ; but it should be confined to a disease, not infrequent in various localities, characterized by a red color of the urine due to the presence of red blood coloring matter in it. It is probably acute ne})hritis. CftUSGS. — These are exposure to cold and wet; lying do^vn on cold, marshy ground ; and in general, chilling from change of temperature. Well housed sheep rarely suffer from it. SymptomSi — The attack commences with diarrhea, of a dysenteric character, continued scouring, sometimes of bloody matter, and the passage of pink, red or dark urine. The animal is weak, and the belly swollen. If it is a ewe, the secretion of milk is suspended. The head is protruded or hanging, the breathing labored and panting. As the Red Water— Foot Rot. 355 disease advances, palsy of the hind quarters, supervenes and the sheep rises up with difficulty, or not at all. Treatment. — The animal should at once ho brought in tlie house and well ])r()tectod from wet and cold. Its loins and belly should be mopped with hot mustard water and covered with a rubber cloth, to keep the heat in. Internally it should take — No. 397. Oil of turpentine, Linseed oil, i 07.. 1^ oz. Mix for a dose. The diet should be nourishing and stimulating ; as, for instance, oat-meal gruel, made with cow's milk, and contain- ing a spoonful of powdered ginger or essence of ginger. With this treatment, recsovery is pretty sure to take place. HOOF EOT— FOOT ROT. This is one of the most common diseases of American sheep, and with which every sheep owner in all parts of our land is pretty certain to become familiar at some period of his experience. Causes. — As to its cause, there can be no doubt but that it is generally contagion — always contagion, many observant breeders say. Others assert that it can be developed spon- taneously by pasturing in rank, lush grass, on damp meadows, and in boggy fields. They perhaps confound it with foul in the foot, which is a comparatively trifling and temporary aflx'ction. Symptoms. — The descriptions of this disease as it appears in various prominent English works, notably those of Mr. Youatt, are misleading and inapplicable to the American form of it, especially in its earlier stages. We shall there- fore rather depend on the descriptions of Col. Randall and 356 Diseases of Sheep. Mr. Clok, both of Avhom have observed it extensively in various parts of the United States. The first symptom is tlie disappearance of the naturally smooth, dry, pale condition of the skin at the top of the cleft, over the heels. It becomes somewhat red, warm and moist, and slightly rough or chafed. Next, tlie moisture in- creases to a discharge, and an ulcer is formed a\ hich extends down to the upper portion of the inner Mall of the hoof. These walls are then attacke