READY FOR THE DRENCHA simple device for giving drenches to horses.
READY FOR THE DRENCH
A simple device for giving drenches to horses.
—Epsom salts, 1 pound; ginger, 1 tablespoonful; common soda, 1 tablespoonful. Dissolve in a quart of lukewarm water and give as a drench. It is a splendid general physic for cows, and can be given at any time when they are thought not to be thriving as they should.
Any departure from a normal condition is disease. The body, composed of different organs and parts, is in a healthy state when each of these performs its natural functions. Thus the normal mind is concerned with normal mental acts; any disturbances of the brain or spinal cords is immediately manifested in the action of the animal; likewise frequently a disturbance elsewhere may later have its effect on the mental system.
Disease may result from some external cause like from a wound, from food causing poison or derangement of the digestive system, from water introducing impurities, from parasites that disturb normal functions, disorganize tissue or produce toxines, or from other abnormal conditions—all of which interfere with the normal functions of one or more organs, regions, or parts.
In most cases the disturbances are readily recognized. Swellings, bruises and wounds are located at a glance. When blood passes from nose, ears or intestines, a key to the trouble is at hand. Coughs have their story. And vomiting, diarrhœa, convulsions, spasms, abnormal breathing or temperature each indicates at what points an abnormal condition is evident.
—Some diseases lead to disturbance throughout the entire body. For instance, pus may accumulate at some point from which it finds its way into the blood, in the end reaching to other parts of the body that in time also become affected.
Those diseases, with which fever is associated, are general in nature. The nerve centers are influenced, the body heat is increased and a weakened condition prevails. Back of this are the disease poisons—chemical poisons or germ poisons.
When the temperature of the body, as a result of fever, rises too high certain life principles are changed and death immediately follows. A temperature of 106° or 107° is very high, and, therefore, very dangerous. In treating disease the temperature is watched, that the course of the fever may be followed. Treating a fever, then, is helpful and a natural part of the treatment of the disease itself. The basis of the curative process rests upon the principle of proper circulation and the excretion of the impure substances.
In the first place most diseases arise from mismanagement. The very principles at the bottom of good health receive no consideration and little thought. On some farms it is seldom that a case of disease is heard of; on others, stock are under treatment at all times. Where order prevails, where cleanliness is appreciated, where disease-producing conditions are never allowed to accumulate or even gain an introduction, health is the rule and disease the exception. When the latter appears, it is due to some outside influence that gave it admission.
The greatest mischief in handling farm stock comes from improper food, filthy or impure drinking water, bad ventilation of stables, overwork, or lack of exercise and poor sanitary conditions.
Disease, therefore, is largely due to causes within control of the owner of the farm stock. True, onesource of trouble is due to mechanical causes: horses get nail punctures, legs and necks and head are cut in fences, blows bring bruises. But whose fault? Certainly not the animal. Old boards with nails ought not to be left in all sorts of places, fences should be protected, and stable fixtures, gates and harnesses should be in such order that only in rare cases will injury result.
—Poisonous materials and poisonous plants cause death to thousands of animals annually. Of great importance to the stock interests is the rapid destruction of these harmful products. Fortunately in the older sections these are about eliminated now, and we are also understanding more about the molds that lead to bad results when moldy forage is given as feed to farm animals. In time disease will be considerably lessened when only clean, wholesome food finds its way into the mangers and feed racks—then disease will depart and more rapid gains will come.
—Despite caution and care, health is often disturbed because of hereditary influences. Thanks to science, we know now that many of the old bugbears of the past, and once so entrenched, have become dislodged, and their true import set right before the owner. Tuberculosis, for instance, once so dreaded in both man and beast, is now known not to be handed down from parent to progeny; it is a germ disease, pure and simple, and gets its start just as many other ailments—through breath, or drink, or feed. There are hereditary troubles, however, that continue down through many generations. The narrow hock of the horse invites curb diseases; the narrow chest is a good breeding ground for tuberculosisgerms; straight pasterns are bad for the feet; poor conformation is not consistent with efficiency or easy functional activity.
These examples clearly show that form and type and physical characteristics have roles to play in animal economy and in health to which the wise stockman will give heed.
BACTERIA AS SEEN UNDER THE MICROSCOPEa, Spirillum.b, Micrococcus.c, Micrococcus.d, Streptococcus.e,f,g,h, Rod-shaped bacteria.iandj, Divisions.
BACTERIA AS SEEN UNDER THE MICROSCOPE
a, Spirillum.b, Micrococcus.c, Micrococcus.d, Streptococcus.e,f,g,h, Rod-shaped bacteria.iandj, Divisions.
—In addition to the above causes of disease, another class is before us ready to inflict its injury at all times. Indeed, it is a class of the greatest importance. I refer now to parasites, bacteria, and germs, which cause more loss to live stock than all others combined. Think of hog cholera, a germ disease; of tuberculosis, a germ disease; of stomach worms, parasites; of staggers, a mold disease; of abortion, a germ disease; and hundreds of like nature, all due to parasites and germs, disease agents that disturb and destroythe delicate organs or exposed regions, as the case may be, regardless of age, value, or breed.
Of course, remedies and treatment are being worked out to meet these individual diseases as they occur. Nevertheless, the best treatment is prevention. It is far better to prevent than to cure; and that is the line of action especially for this class. Indeed, it is far easier to understand the simple laws of prevention than the complicated curative processes. Especially is this true since germs are known and isolated, and their rapid destruction with air, sunlight, and disinfectants understood and available.
Enough has now been said to indicate that disease originates as a reaction between the cause of it and the body. Withhold food, and starvation—the disease—follows. Withhold fresh air and oxygen, and the tissue breaks down; disease results as a reaction from the normal use of air and the demands of the body for oxygen. Allow bacteria admission to the body and settlement in the tissues or organs most agreeable to each particular one, and these will grow, multiply, and, unless overcome by the natural resistance of the body, will conquer and destroy, causing sooner or later death and decay.
—Many diseases that now yield to no curative treatment are being met by inoculation. By this method the body is reinforced by serum injections, that disease germs and infections may be warded off, or in case of attack, be so fortified against the disease germs as to destroy them or render them inactive.
—An infectious and contagious disease may affect a herd or flock, destroying few or many. Some may never be affected and yet be subjected to exposure and contagion; such are immune and resist this particular disease. Others may suffer a mild attack, but throw it off with no disastrous consequence; such are strong and their organs ably fortified against any injurious inroad by the disease. On the other hand the majority in a flock or herd is not so able to throw off the disease for the reason of being predisposed by nature to such attacks; their very susceptibility invites attack, and if the infection is intensely virulent the affected body will most likely yield and death follow.
Each disease possesses its own peculiar characteristics, which are more or less conspicuous in each individual case. Then, too, some diseases develop quickly and end quickly. Others run a course of several weeks; and still others several months or even years. The first class is acute, the second chronic. In both kinds nature is at work endeavoring always to effect a cure; and, unless other complications arise, the result of improper food, bad sanitary quarters, bad air, or conditions not conducive to health, recovery will, in most cases, result. The great drawback to rapid recovery comes from the outside influences that counteract the curative processes of the body itself. Good nursing, good air, proper food, are back of rapid recovery.
Most diseases have been carefully studied, and their course of development has been mapped out. Our veterinarians know, in a general way, how feveracts in live stock. If an animal is inoculated with Texas fever germs, the veterinarian knows the course of the disease beforehand. In a general way, he knows when the fever will begin, how long it will last, when it will be at its highest point, and when it will disappear. He knows all of this, even before he makes the inoculation. Yet no disease invariably runs the same course in different individuals. In fact, the virulence of bacteria have much to do with the course; mild cases occur usually when the germ is weak, and severe cases when the germs are very virulent. This explains why some attacks of measles or Texas fever or hog cholera are more fatal than other attacks in other places, or at other seasons of the year.
—It is in rare cases only that a regular course is not followed by most diseases. Take an infectious disease. The period of incubation comes first; this follows up the infection. During this period, no change in the animal is observed. He seems well, acts well, and does his work well. Nevertheless, all the time, during this period of infection, the germs are developing, multiplying, gaining headway, and so entrenching themselves that illness and disorder will soon follow. The period of infection varies in different animals and in different diseases. It may take two or three weeks for development, or as few as two or three days.
Following the period of infection comes the period of eruption. At this stage the typical characteristics are observed. At the next step the disease reaches its height with the animal under its complete dominion. But only temporarily. If properly nursed and treated, with most diseases, the animal will pass through the period and recover.
The final stage is the period of improvement. The battle that has been waged between the body and the disease is now about ended. The disease germs have been routed and the body has been victorious. All that now remains is the clearing away of the débris. In this case it is scattered throughout the body system. The damage that has been done is to be repaired and left, if possible, as near to the original condition, as the nature of the disease will allow. The period of improvement will vary in different diseases and in different animals. Recovery may occur in a few days, in some cases, and in others weeks and months will be required. A change of feed or pasture or work is usually necessary if the most rapid recovery would be had. In some cases, nothing other than absolute rest will suffice.
After the disease has run its course, the body usually returns to its former normal condition. There seems to be a limit to what the disease can do. A healthy body may be attacked, but, in the end, disease retires, having used itself up. There are diseases, however, that leave their marks in many ways. And these become permanent marks. With many of these all of us are acquainted. Smallpox is one. The pits over the face record the fierce battle that was fought. The same is true of wasted tissues, with scars that conspicuously mark the track along which blood poison has traveled. The shrunken hoof of the foundered horse tells the adverse termination of that disease.
While recovery may be more or less complete, the effect is to seriously injure the worth and value of the individual. There is a long list of this kind.
RESULT OF BONE SPAVINPictured here is a natural hock free from disease and a diseased hock, the result of bone spavin. The bone is seriously affected and the easy action prevented.
RESULT OF BONE SPAVIN
Pictured here is a natural hock free from disease and a diseased hock, the result of bone spavin. The bone is seriously affected and the easy action prevented.
Other diseases act differently in another way. They progress slowly, are not noticeable at first, but in the end are incurable. Take glanders as a typical case. It quietly and silently develops, often taking months or years in reaching the stage of eruption or before it becomes apparent. During all this time, and even after the disease is recognizable,the animal goes on about his duties with no apparent trouble. The disease, however, is progressing all the time; in the end it conquers its victim, the final stages are reached, and the animal dies.
The stock raiser is concerned with different diseases in so far as they mean slow or rapid recovery, and particularly if they be contagious or not. His entire herd will be impaired if glanders is introduced into it. One tuberculosis cow will convey the disease to all susceptible individuals in the herd to which she belongs, especially if stabled in a tight barn during the winter seasons when little or no ventilation is intentionally provided.
Some diseases are not difficult to diagnose. Those resulting from wounds or knocks are easily located, and their treatment readily outlined. Others, however, are not so easy. Something is observed as wrong, the animal acts strangely, does not take to its food, is fretful, stands or walks unnatural—what is the matter? The stockman must ascertain the trouble, and the quicker the better.
A review of the past few days is desirable. Where has the animal been? What kind of food has it had? With what strange fellows has it associated? Has it been put to excessive work or exposed to unusual weather or conditions? What infectious diseases are prevalent in the community? These and other questions will occur; in some instances the answer will be at hand.
The stockman should at least know the fundamental principles of health and of any departure from them that indicate disease. Hence a superficial examination of the animal, as a whole, is in line of diagnosing the disease. Note the general condition of the body. The thermometer will advise you rightly. Is there pain? If possible determine this point and locate the seat of it. Is the circulation natural? An examination of the pulse will tell you if the blood is racing rapidly or gliding slowly, and whether regular or rough. Isthe respiration as it should be? Count the number a minute that you may know if the number is more or less, or is as it should be. On listening to the lungs, heart, and blood vessels, certain sounds are heard which change with disease—normal and heart murmurs. Whether or not an organ contains air can be determined by percussion, since solid organs, the lungs, for instance, in pneumonia, give a different sound from those containing air as they are normally. Air-containing organs—lungs and intestines—may thus be distinguished from the solid ones adjoining them. In this way their varying size in health and disease may be determined.
Your examination should go further and include the natural discharges—the dung, the urine, the nose moisture and the “look of the eye.” In cases of fever the urine is scanty and deeply colored. In Texas fever, for instance, the urine is dark red. In azoturia in horses, it varies from a light color to a deep brown or black. The nature of the dung should be observed, if watery or dry, soft or hard, scanty or profuse.
—Stand at the left side of the horse and run the finger along the lower jaw until you come to the point where the artery crosses the jaw on its lower edge. This will be found about two inches forward from its angle. Right here is the large muscle and at the front edge the pulsations may be caught. To get the pulse of the cow, stand at the left side, reach over the neck and take it from the right jaw.
In the horse the normal pulse beats are from 35 to 40 per minute and may go to 100 in disease. In the cow the pulsations run from 45 to 50 in health. The pulse relates its story very accuratelyand, with practice, can be constantly used in diagnosing the nature of the ailment. For instance, a soft pulse, one that is easily compressed by the finger, indicates bronchitis. A hard pulse, one not easily depressed by the finger, indicates acute inflammation. A hard pulse may be quick and bounding and forceful. An irregular pulse, one that beats fast for a time, then slowly, indicates a weakened heart condition. A slow, full pulse, one that comes up gradually to the finger touch, indicates some brain trouble.
FEELING THE PULSEThe heart beat, as it is called, may be felt by placing the finger over any of the superficial arteries. The submaxillary artery as it passes under the edge of the lower jaw close to the bone is a convenient vessel for the purpose.
FEELING THE PULSE
The heart beat, as it is called, may be felt by placing the finger over any of the superficial arteries. The submaxillary artery as it passes under the edge of the lower jaw close to the bone is a convenient vessel for the purpose.
—While the heat of the body may be surmised by touch and feeling this is not a reliable guide as to the temperature. A self-registering thermometer, inserted into the rectum, is the only reliable means for getting this desirable information. In a state of health the temperature of the horse ranges from 100° to 102.5°.
When the temperature rises, inflammation is indicated. A fall in temperature below normal denotes loss of strength, vitality, and death. If the temperature rises three or four degrees above normal, the case is serious, and a rise of five or six is very dangerous. Animals seldom survive when the rise reaches above 107° or 108°.
A good clinical thermometer should be in the possession of every stockman. It costs but little, and its aid in recognizing and treating disease is helpful, if not absolutely indispensable.
—In breathing two movements are observed—taking in and sending out the air. In health the respiration is usually constant, ranging from 10 to 14 in the horses, and from 15 to 20 in cattle. Breathing is faster in young animals; and exercise increases the number of respirations per minute.
Any disease of the respiratory organs will cause the breathing to be short and rapid and labored. If the number of respirations seem more than normal, some disturbance is indicated. If the pulse is faster at the same time, illness is at once indicated, and the trouble should be sought at once.
The first effort in treating disease is to remove the cause. This is sometimes done very easily. Mange and lice are quickly destroyed by washes and disinfectants.
Bright, fresh, wholesome food and pure water easily replace bad food and water to the permanent good of the stock. Cattle ticks quickly disappear when the grease brush is applied. And so in every direction you take to fight the disease: find thecause and then remove it, and half the battle is fought.
If disease-producing germs cannot be killed at the moment, it is still possible to diminish their number or to modify their virulence. Thus to open an abscess is to remove the pus-producing bacteria, and hence to hasten recovery. To wash a wound or open sore with antiseptics is the simplest way to remove, diminish, and destroy the evil of the sore.
HOW HEAT AFFECTS GROWTHAt the end of 24 hours inabut seven bacteria have developed, the temperature being 50 degrees. Inb700 have developed in the same time, but in a temperature of 70 degrees.
HOW HEAT AFFECTS GROWTH
At the end of 24 hours inabut seven bacteria have developed, the temperature being 50 degrees. Inb700 have developed in the same time, but in a temperature of 70 degrees.
—When disease sets in a battle begins. One combatant is the disease itself, the other the body. Your work is to render assistance to the body. In many cases your help will not be needed. In others you can render incalculable aid. Here is where medical aid begins and ends: to care for and nurse and make the body strong that it may be victorious, quickly, if possible, but without fail, in the end. Medicines are helpful if they diminish the work of the diseased organ, giving in this way time for the body cells to bring about a cure. Therefore rest and quietness are advisable, that no organ may be called upon for any effort but normal function and repair. A disease of the heart calls for absolute rest, of the intestines for little or no irritating or bulky or hard food, of the lungs for no exposure. At times it is advisable to check the activity of an organ, in which case adrug may be given, like opium, to quiet the intestines, or like aconite, to diminish the rate of the blood flow.
In the same way external assistance may be rendered; as, for example, sweating—to throw off poison in the tissue juices; and blanketing—to maintain an even temperature and to protect from chill and draught.
Medicines are conveyed into the body as drenches, balls, enemas, and injections under the skin or into the veins. There is nothing mysterious about any of them.
—The practice of giving medicines in a ball is a very old one, and has much to recommend it. Many nauseous agents as aloes, opium, arsenic, asafetida, are thus conveyed to the stomach without causing annoyance and disgust to the patient. The balls are wrapped in paper, dough, or gelatin capsules, and may weigh an ounce or two. In giving a ball the following plan is usually followed: Hold the ball between the thumb and first two fingers. Now seize the tongue at about its middle and gently draw it out to the side of the mouth, in such a way that the right hand may be inserted into the mouth and the ball placed far back on the tongue, when the hand is withdrawn, the tongue replaced and the halter or strap wrapped around the jaws until the ball is swallowed.
—The drench is usually employed for liquid medicines. It is best to dilute the medicines with water, milk, or oil that they may more readily reach the stomach andat the same time exercise no injury to the structures through which they pass.
In giving a drench exercise as much patience as possible. To horses it should be given slowly. If there is any disposition to cough, lower the head, and then proceed as before.
—These are made of a variety of things, bread, bran, and linseed meal being the most common. Any substance that will hold water and retain heat will serve the purpose.
—These are made with mustard and water, cold water being the most desirable. Mix to a thin paste. If the part to which the plaster is to be applied is covered with thick, long hair, a very thin plaster will more quickly soak into the skin. This kind of plaster is most commonly applied to the throat, the windpipe, the sides of the chest, the abdomen and over the region of the liver. To get the best effect for the last named, apply on the right side at a point four or five inches behind the back ribs.
—The first step in blistering is the clipping of the hair over the diseased part, and the removal of dirt and scurf attached to the skin. The blister is to be worked into the skin, and usually ten minutes of rubbing will be necessary to produce the desired results.
In the course of twenty-four hours blisters will form, and some swelling in the region is likely to be manifest. On the third day bathe the part with warm water and soap. After drying, apply vaseline, lard, or sweet oil. The blister should be repeated if the results of the first blister do not bring about a cure.
—The hot iron is a very useful agent in treating many cases of chronic lameness and bonediseases. In performing such an operation have the iron at a full red and white heat and touch the part gently with just sufficient pressure to make a distinct impression. But one leg should be fired at a time.
It is desirable to shave the hair closely to the skin before applying the iron. The day following the firing spread over the wound any common wound oil like neat’s-foot oil or vaseline. Daily applications are called for until the swelling subsides. Unless a period of rest is given after the operation, the best results will not be had. Many bone diseases return, or are never cured, because complete recovery never occurred in the first place. Work and exertion only aggravate the cases, often leaving them in a worse condition than before the firing.
In the first place keep them clean. If necessary wash them daily, especially the parts liable to get filthy and dirty. In fever cases a gentle sponging, every few hours during the day, is desirable. Vinegar added to tepid water is very good.
Animals in feverish or chilly condition can be assisted by blankets and bandages. These are very helpful in warding off congestion of the internal organs and in maintaining an even temperature of the body. Any warm rug or blanket that is clean and light will serve.
In bandaging the legs, endeavor to get an equal pressure at all points. A long roll is, therefore, best, and several layers should be wrapped around the member. It is a good plan to remove the bandage, replacing with another at least once aday, and two a day are better. When a bandage is removed, the skin should be washed and rubbed with the hand and fingers, and the covering replaced as promptly as possible.
—During sickness only easily digestible food should be provided. Offer something different from the ordinary, and let it be prepared in an appetizing form. Nothing is better than gruels and mashes. These are soft, nourishing, appetizing, and easily digested. When active nutrition is demanded, milk and eggs can be added to the ordinary gruels or mashes.
Water should be available at all times. Small amounts at frequent intervals are better than large amounts at intervals far apart. In a few instances only is it best to withhold the water. In treating dysentery, diarrhœa and diabetes water is usually withheld, but in most diseases a free use is allowable and desirable.
—The expulsion of the fetus at a period too young to live exterior of its mother is known as abortion. This ailment may afflict cows, mares, sows, and ewes, but is most common among cows.
Abortion may be divided into two classes, namely, accidental and contagious. If we had nothing but the accidental form of abortion to contend with we would hear very little about this disease, owing to the fact that it is perfectly natural for animals to carry their young full time, regardless of how much they may be punished or abused while in this condition if their system be free from the germs of contagious abortion. On the other hand, contagious abortion is a very destructive disease, causing heavy losses to the stockmen of the United States as well as to other countries. Contagious abortion is divided into two classes, namely, acute and chronic. Cows afflicted with the acute form of abortion may lose from one to three calves. Cows, after passing from the acute to the chronic form of abortion, may carry their calves full time, but are as badly affected with the germs of contagious abortion as they were in the acute form, when they were losing their calves.
DISEASES OF THE HORSE1 Poll Evil, 2 Swelling by Bridle Pressure, 3 Inflamed Parotid Gland, 4 Inflamed Jugular Vein, 5 Caries of the Lower Jaw, 6 Fistula of Parotid Duct, 7 Bony Excrescence, 8 Fistula of Withers, 9 Saddle Gall, 10 Tumor Caused by Collar, 11 Splint, 12 Malanders, 13 A Tread on the Coronet, 14 Sand Crack, 15 Quittor, 16 Knee Bunch, 17 Clap on Back Sinews, 18 Ring Bone, 19 Foundered Foot, 20 Ventral Hernia, 21 Rat Tail, 22 Spavin, 23 Curb, 24 Quarter Crack, 25 Thick Leg, 26 Malanders, 27 Capped Hock, 28 Swelled Sinews, 29 Grease, 30 Sand Crack, 31 Tumor of Elbow.
DISEASES OF THE HORSE
1 Poll Evil, 2 Swelling by Bridle Pressure, 3 Inflamed Parotid Gland, 4 Inflamed Jugular Vein, 5 Caries of the Lower Jaw, 6 Fistula of Parotid Duct, 7 Bony Excrescence, 8 Fistula of Withers, 9 Saddle Gall, 10 Tumor Caused by Collar, 11 Splint, 12 Malanders, 13 A Tread on the Coronet, 14 Sand Crack, 15 Quittor, 16 Knee Bunch, 17 Clap on Back Sinews, 18 Ring Bone, 19 Foundered Foot, 20 Ventral Hernia, 21 Rat Tail, 22 Spavin, 23 Curb, 24 Quarter Crack, 25 Thick Leg, 26 Malanders, 27 Capped Hock, 28 Swelled Sinews, 29 Grease, 30 Sand Crack, 31 Tumor of Elbow.
Perhaps the greatest damage brought about with cattle afflicted with the chronic form of abortion is the shortage of milk. Animals afflicted with accidental abortion show very few marked symptoms before they abort. Animals afflicted with contagiousabortion have a number of marked symptoms, namely, little red patches of infection on the lining of the vulva, and there may also be present a catarrhal discharge. The sheath of the herd bull in the acute form of the disease has a catarrhal discharge, while the symptoms of calves is a swelling of the glands of the throat from ear to ear. These last named symptoms do not appear in accidental abortion.
Owing to the fact that the germs of contagious abortion are found in the mothers’ blood, in the genital organs of the cow and the bull, and in the stables wherein they are housed, it has been positively decided that the only reliable and effectual treatment for contagious abortion is the hypodermic treatment, which destroys the germ in the mother’s blood. The genital organs of the cow and bull should be washed out with the antiseptic solution made of 1 pint of corrosive sublimate to 1,000 parts of water, and the germs contained in the stables wherein afflicted animals are housed should be destroyed by disinfectants. In this way the disease is met at every turn, and it is impossible for the disease of contagious abortion to exist when thus handled.
—A collection of pus in a new-formed cavity in the body. It has a well-defined wall surrounding it. An abscess is the result of entrance of micro-organisms into the body. They may have entered through wounds or into the hair follicles, or abscesses may result from infectious diseases, as strangles or distemper in the horse. At the seat of the abscess formation swelling occurs, the part feels warmer than the surrounding tissue, is painful to touch, and hard. These conditions are due to the inflammation of the part. Later it becomessoft, less sensitive, and fluctuates, which shows that it is coming to a head, or that the pus is collecting. If the skin is white it will show a yellow color in the center, which is usually raised above the surface, and the hair falls out. This soon breaks and discharges pus.
It is advisable to hasten the ripening of the abscess by hot applications in form of poultices, or a large pack of cotton saturated with hot bichloride of mercury 1 part to 1,000 parts of water, or use some one of the coal tar dips 1 part to 50 parts of water. The application of a light blister will often hasten ripening. When the pus has collected or the abscess has come to a head, it should be opened at the lowest part in order to give free drainage to the pus contained within.
Great care should be used in opening abscesses—not to cut blood vessels which might be in the vicinity. In case the abscess breaks of its own accord, it is often necessary to enlarge the opening, in order to give free drainage for the pus. If the abscess is large or deep-seated it should be washed out each day with bichloride of mercury 1 part to water 1,000 parts, or with a 2 per cent solution of some one of the coal tar dips. After it is opened do not apply bandages, as they prevent the free escape of pus. Do not allow the opening to close until it heals from the bottom; or, in other words, as long as it secretes pus, for there is danger of its breaking out again. If the opening is too high up, or not large enough, it may result in a running sore or fistula.
—Called lumpy jaw, because of the frequency of the swelling located on the jaw. It is due to the entrance of a specific organism, afungus, into the tissues. This causes an inflammation, with an increase in the amount of tissue, as shown by the enlargement and in which an abscess is formed. Adult cattle are the only animals commonly affected with this disease, but occasionally nearly all classes of domestic animals may be affected. A number of cases have also been reported in man, but the disease in cattle, being localized to a small region of body, usually the head, there is little danger of transmission from animal to man in eating beef.
LUMPY JAWAn exterior view showing location of lumpy jaw.
LUMPY JAW
An exterior view showing location of lumpy jaw.
The symptoms are recognized by the characteristic tumor, usually observed on the jaw, either of the bone or of the soft tissues in that vicinity. It may, however, affect the tongue, or, in fact, nearly any of the organs of the body. Its development is more or less of a slow, constant growth, beginning with a very small nodule, but, when allowed to runits course, may reach the size of a cocoanut, or larger. On reaching some size, it usually ruptures and from it discharges a thick, yellowish pus. It is to be distinguished very largely by its commonly affecting cattle, its location, its slow growth and its firm, hard consistency, and finally a discharge of pus from it.
Treatment consists, if of small size in the soft tissues, of complete excision by the knife. But, if of larger size, or when the bone or large blood vessels are involved, recourse should be had to the internal administration of iodide of potash from one to two teaspoonfuls in a drench of a quart of water, or, in some instances, it may be given in the drinking water once daily. This should be continued for a week or ten days, when the treatment should be discontinued for a like time, and, if necessary, repeated several times.
—This is a condition resulting from the failure of the mother to pass the membranes after the birth of her young. It happens most frequently in cases of abortion, or when birth occurs before time. There is usually more or less of a mass of the membranes hanging from the opening, which occasionally reaches to below the hock, or even to the ground. When fresh it looks somewhat like the intestines, but if exposed to the air for some time it is grayish in color, especially when it begins to decompose. The odor is very offensive, and the discharge soils all the hind parts of the animal. In these cases the health of the animal suffers, and fever frequently results, with a loss of appetite and flow of milk. The fever and inflammation of the parts may go so far as to cause the death of the animal.
The afterbirth should never be allowed to remain over three days in the cow, nor over twenty-four hours in the mare. In the mare, sow, or bitch gently pulling on the membranes, at the same time twisting them easily, will often bring them out without injury to the animal. With the cow it is different. Here the membranes are “buttoned” on in tufts, and the pulling, and especially the twisting, usually makes matters worse and injures the uterus.
After removing the membranes there always remains in the uterus a quantity of fluid, which should be washed out with water a little cooler than the blood of the animal, adding about a teaspoonful of carbolic acid or other good antiseptic to each gallon of water and mixing well. The hands and arms of the operator should be absolutely clean, and during the operation should be kept covered with carbolized oil or carbolized soap and water. In mares, especially, care should be taken not to injure the parts, as inflammation sets in very much quicker than in the cow. Several gallons of the above solution should be injected as soon as the condition is noticed, and a warm bran mash fed to the animal occasionally will help her general health.
—A deficiency of red blood corpuscles. The animal is scanty of flesh, hide bound and in a general run-down and debilitated condition. The disease is sometimes called hollow horn. Treatment consists of better food and care. The feed should be of a nature such as will enrich the blood and build up the system. Food of a succulent nature, like roots, green grass, or ensilage, will help out. A tonic, made as follows, will be helpful: Two teaspoonfuls of sulphate of iron, 1 teaspoonful of powdered nux vomica, and 4 tablespoonfuls ofground gentian root. Add this to the food each day for a week or ten days.
—An acute, infectious disease of plant-eating animals, which, under favorable conditions, attacks flesh-eating animals as well. It is caused by a microbe which enters the circulating blood and by multiplication therein causes its rapid destruction, and the death of the animal. The disease is as old as human history. It exists in all countries and in all latitudes. It was formerly very destructive to human life, as well as to animals. There is no disease which attacks more different kinds of animals than anthrax, nor one which is more deadly. Also, there is no disease which is harder to deal with from the sanitary point of view; nor harder to stamp out. The reasons for this will be shown later on.
Soil is the prime factor in preserving and propagating the microbe, when it is naturally wet, impermeable, and rich in decomposing animal and vegetable matter. The microbe of anthrax may enter the body by several channels. It may be taken in with the food or drink. It may be breathed into the lungs. It may enter through abraded surfaces on the skin. It may be inoculated into the body by biting insects.
There are several forms of the disease and these are determined by the modes of entrance of the virus. One form, which occurs especially in sheep and cattle, at the commencement of an outbreak, and which is characterized by the suddenness of its onset and its high degree of fatality, is known as the apoplectic, or fulminant form. Without showing any previous symptoms, an animal will suddenly be seized with loss of appetite, trembling, uneasiness, irregularity of movements, difficultbreathing, blueness of the nostrils, bellowing, convulsions and hemorrhages from the natural openings. Death may occur in a few minutes or in four or five hours.
Another type is known as anthrax fever, or internal anthrax. Here we have distinct symptoms, the most important being high fever of from three to four degrees, excitability and restlessness. Blood may ooze in drops from the nose, eyes, or ears, and from inside of the forearm or thigh, in sheep. There will be trembling, prostration, numbness of the loins, thirst, grinding of the teeth, colicky pains, bloating, bloody discharges, palpitation of the heart, difficult breathing, blueness of the visible mucous membranes, jerking of the muscles of the back and neck, and rolling of the eyes. The animal will die in comatose state, or in convulsions, and death will occur in sheep in about a day. Cattle will live from two to five days, and horses from one to six days.
A third form is external anthrax, which manifests itself in swelling of the tongue, throat, rectum, and skin in cattle; and of the tongue, throat, neck, shoulders, withers, flank, or thigh in horses. These swellings have a firm, doughy feeling, are not painful generally, and show a marked tendency to gangrene. They never suppurate. If cut (this should never be done), they discharge a pale, straw-colored liquid. In this may be found the microbe.
The rapidity with which putrefaction occurs in an anthrax carcass is very marked. Another characteristic is, the blood loses its property of clotting, is dark and tarry, and does not become light in color by contact with air, like normal blood. In fulminant cases, however, these characters are notso well marked. Other signs of the disease, if a farmer should be so unfortunate as to open an anthrax carcass and thereby spread the infection on his farm, will be great enlargement of the spleen, or milt, and also of the liver. Bloody patches in the tongue, throat, lungs, stomach, and intestines, caul, skin, and muscles, or in fact in almost any part of the body, will be plainly visible.
and disposal of the carcass are the most important procedures in an outbreak of anthrax, from a sanitary standpoint. Medicinal treatment is of little value. A vaccine has been discovered that is very effective in preventing the disease. This has been used very successfully in both this and European countries. If a case of anthrax is suspected, call your veterinarian at once. The disease will not pass through the air from a sick animal to a healthy one, but the discharges which invariably occur during the progress of the disease all contain the microbe, and everything soiled by them is infectious material and capable of spreading the disease.
When an animal is infected, remove at once to the burial lot and tie it near the place it is to be buried, to save handling and scattering the infection. When it dies, dig the grave. Then saturate the animal with kerosene or coal oil and set it afire. By means of ropes tied around the fetlocks turn the animal, saturate the other side and fire that, and also the soles of the feet. When every hair has been burned off, dissolve a one-pound carton of chlorinated lime (freshly opened) in sufficient water to make a fluid that will just pour from the cup. Fill the nostrils with this, also the mouth and eyes, which should be pried open with a stick dipped in solution. Saturate some cotton or ragswith the lime, and plug up the nostrils or mouth. Treat the rectum likewise. Turn the animal into its grave, sprinkle the ground on which it has stood and laid with a strong solution of chlorinated lime, and shovel the top layers of this soil into the grave. Follow this with the grave soil, banking it up, as in human graves. In cases where the animal is found dead, the same method is to be pursued, except that the animal is hauled to the grave on a sled (never dragged over the ground). In these cases, also, the place where it died must be disinfected by the same means, after hauling out all loose material and burning the same, as near as possible to the place where the animal died. It would also be necessary to disinfect the sled and all tools which came in contact with the carcass.
—A ruptured blood vessel in the brain; usually causes unconsciousness, at least for a time. The control of certain muscles is lost and a general dullness prevails over the animal. In case the apoplectic attack runs a favorable course, the muscles come more or less under control again and the patient in time may recover. It is in rare cases only, however, that animals recover to an extent to be worth much after being affected with apoplexy. Fortunately the disease in animals is rare.
—This is a very peculiar affection of the horse, in which the animal shows a special form of lameness upon exercise, after having remained idle for a day or two. The cause is not definitely known, and yet the circumstances under which the disease develops are rather constant, such, for instance, as an animalin vigorous condition, fed liberally upon nitrogenous feed, remaining idle over Sunday, a holiday or at other times. Upon being taken out the following morning the animal usually shows an excess of energy, but before going far begins to go lame in one or both hind limbs until, if urged further, becomes completely paralyzed behind, going down and unable to rise. He also shows considerable pain, as though he might be suffering from some form of colic, with a profuse sweating. On reaching this point the animal usually ceases to void the urine, which, when drawn, appears a very dark brown or coffee color. The pulse and breathing are somewhat accelerated, and frequently there is considerable nervous excitement. The muscles of the loin and thigh are tense and rigid.
The treatment should begin as soon as the lameness shows itself. After a few hours of rest, the distress will be over. The more exercise given the animal after the lameness begins, the more severe the trouble, and the more energetic means of treatment required. In a case showing signs of nervous excitement, it should receive 2 tablespoonfuls of bromide of potassium every three or four hours until becoming quiet. Sweating should be induced by blanketing the animal well, preferably using blankets wrung out of hot water and covered with a dry one. Allow all the water the animal will drink and give it 4 tablespoonfuls sweet spirits of niter three times a day if bladder is not paralyzed. If unable to void the urine, the bladder must be emptied three times daily. A laxative or purgative should be given early in the disease. If the animal remains somewhat stiff, give a teaspoonful in the feed twice a day of the following: Powdered nux vomica, 4 teaspoonfuls; powdered sulphate of iron,6 teaspoonfuls; powdered gentian root, 6 teaspoonfuls.
—Failure to breed is usually due to an acid secretion of the genital organs, to the germs of contagious abortion, retention of the afterbirth, or to an abnormal condition of the sexual organs of either the male or female. The acid secretion of the genital organs prevents conception by destroying the semen of the male; the germs of contagious abortion set up a catarrhal inflammation and discharge, which also prevents conception; retention of the afterbirth, whether it be removed by force or permitted to slough away, usually leaves the womb in a diseased and catarrhal condition, effecting a discharge; impotency may be due to excessive use of the male, or to advancing age in both male and female.
Any unnatural discharge irritates and scalds the mouth of the womb so that when the discharge ceases the mouth of the womb heals, and it is impossible to make a cow or mare breed without mechanical interference. This kind of treatment is conducive to fertility by increasing the blood supply to the part. Mechanical contrivances are now on the market for the purpose of dilating the mouth of the womb. These increase the probability of pregnancy. If the womb be opened just before service, many troublesome cases can be corrected. This is done by inserting the oiled hand and arm into the vagina, finding the opening into the womb, and gradually dilating it by inserting one or more fingers until the passage is open and free.
—Just why bones become soft and frequently are absorbed in normal animals is not known, unless it is due to an absence of some essential bone constituent in the food or water.The disease shows that the bone is absorbed and its structure softened. As a consequence, the bone enlarges, becomes spongy and light.
The disease usually starts as a swelling in the head, hence the name. Often the lower jaws are enlarged, and, as the disease progresses, the legs become affected. At the same time the animal loses weight. The treatment consists of nourishing foods, rich in the mineral constituents. Better consult a veterinarian when the disease is first noticed.
—SeeActinomycosis.
—Often cattle show large bunches over the knees. These may be soft or hard. In cattle these big knees are caused by hard floors, in lying down and getting up. Big knee in horses is a little different, being more in the nature of spavin or ringbone, and in this case occurring at the knee joints. In cattle the bunch may be localized in the flesh and skin. With horses, it is an attack on the bony structure. When first noticed a blister may be used.
—SeeLymphangitis.
—Frequently germs get into the udder, and, as a result, bitter milk or blue milk or bad milk results. Sometimes the bad taste of milk is due to the odor in the stable or to the food that the cows get while pasturing. Turnips give a bad taste to the milk, as does garlic or wild onions. If the bitter taste or the blue milk is due to disease germs, then the remedy lies in the destruction of these germs. Just after milking, and each quarter thoroughly emptied, inject a warm solution of boric acid.
—A germ disease affecting turkeys and chickens. It is characterized by a dark purple appearance in the comb and wattles. Fowls attackedby the disease show dullness and laziness; at the same time indigestion disturbances and diarrhœa is observed. The best treatment is to kill the fowls affected just as soon as they become affected. This will prevent the disease from spreading. It is advisable to burn the bodies of the dead so as to prevent the spreading of the germs. Thorough disinfection is necessary.
—An infectious disease produced by the blackleg bacillus, a parasite which lives and propagates in the soil of infected districts and in the bodies of diseased animals. Certain kinds of soil are very favorable to the existence of the parasite, and such, when once infected, easily remain so permanently and thus constitute the source of the disease. Years ago blackleg was regarded as a form of anthrax. This has been proved erroneous, however, for blackleg and anthrax are two distinct and independent diseases, each being caused by a specific germ. One diseased animal does not transmit the disease directly to a healthy one. When caused, it is the result of self-inoculation, that is, by the germ entering a wound in the skin or mucous membrane of the body, produced on the legs while the animals are roaming over the fields, or at the mouth while grazing; these are the places by which the blackleg germs get into the system.
An animal dying of blackleg is fairly alive with germs, which remain in virulent condition for a long time. It behooves the farmer, therefore, to completely destroy this kind of dead; not by burying, for then the germs remain in the soil. The best way is to burn the animal right on the spot where it died. If the animal is moved to another place, the infection is spread, thereby, and not only the death place, but the grass over which the animalhas been moved, should be thoroughly disinfected that no germs may survive. The disease is characterized in the appearance of large swellings on various parts of the body, usually on one of the upper portions of the legs, and never below the hock or knee joints. Swellings vary in size, and are always formed by the presence of gas that has collected in the tissue just beneath the skin. This gas is a product of the germ. You will notice a peculiar crackling sound when you pass your hand over these swellings. When punctured with a knife these swellings emit a bloody fluid possessing a disagreeable and sickening odor.
Associated with the disease are loss of appetite, high fever and lameness. Death follows just a few days from the time of attack. So far no medicinal treatment for cure has been discovered. Stock should not be admitted to infected regions. The only safe practice in regions where blackleg is prevalent is in the use of protective inoculation or vaccination. Such vaccination renders the animals immune, and even if attacked, there is almost no appearance of the disease at all.
—The blackleg vaccine now so well known is made from diseased flesh taken from a calf that has died from blackleg. This flesh, after being dried and powdered, is then properly prepared and injected into the animal. There are two kinds—a weak and a strong vaccine and single and double vaccine. The single vaccine requires but one inoculation. The latter is believed to be superior and gives better protection. The vaccine is usually available from the state experiment stations, or can be obtained through your veterinarian. About the only skill required indoing the work is in having the instruments thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. A hypodermic syringe is used and the injection made on the underside of the tail, a few inches from the tip, or just beneath the skin of the neck or shoulder. The point of the syringe should not puncture the muscle at all; simply pick up the skin and draw it away from the muscle and admit the fluid in the loose space between the two.
When vaccinated, the treatment is supposed to last about a year. If calves are vaccinated the operation should be repeated at about the age of yearling. Two periods of vaccination are suggested: when turned to pasture in the spring or when turned to dry food in the fall. Full directions as to the use of vaccines always accompany the preparations and further detail is unnecessary here.
Preventive medicines cannot be relied upon, although a common one is used throughout the West, made as follows: 4 ounces of sulphur, 1 ounce of saltpeter, 2 pounds of sulphate of iron, and 1 pound of air-slaked lime. After being thoroughly pulverized and mixed, this is added to one-third of a gallon of common salt and used in the place of salt.
—SeeConcretions or Calculi in Urinary Organs.
—SeeStaggers.
—This disease, sometimes called hoven, is characterized by the distention of the paunch or rumen, and is due to the accumulation of gas. It most frequently occurs when cattle or sheep are pastured on clover or alfalfa, especially if it is moist just after a rain, or when dew is on the ground, and when not accustomed tofresh green food. I have known of many cases where cattle have bloated from eating alfalfa hay during the winter season.
There is no mistaking the disease. The animal shows pain, goes off to itself, and breathes with difficulty. Colic is often associated with bloating. The most characteristic symptom, however, is the excessive swelling due to the gas. The bloating is noticed even over the back of the animal, the gas continues to form, and, unless relief is secured, the animal will choke and die as the result. Or some suppression of the vital processes will occur, even rupturing, with the same fatal ending.