SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART IX 513 



to treat them. To do this successfully it is essential to understand 

 the character and pathological action of this organism. It is a patho- 

 genic microbe, developed in decomposing animal or vegetable matter. 

 Entering the system by way of the respiratory or digestive tract, the 

 vagina, or any abrasion of the skin, gaining access to the blood and caus- 

 ing a putrefactive fermentation, which produces an irritation to the 

 sympathetic system, or death to the foetus. 



In the treatment of this disease, or more properly speaking, this 

 diuteropathy requires tact and energy as the conditions and circumstances 

 that favor its progress are numerous and of an obscure nature. To 

 overlook a seemingly trivial condition may cause abortion in a herd. 



An essential point to be considered in the preventive treatment, Is 

 to see that the sire and dam are in a healthy condition before mating 

 them. The sire should be kept away and not allowed to run with the 

 cows, nor should he be allowed to have intercourse with a cow that has 

 aborted for at least three months, and then only one service, and no day 

 should he serve more than three. In the treatment of the cow, that is, 

 one that has aborted, she should not be bred until after the period at 

 which she would have given birth naturally, for in the majority of cases 

 if they become impregnated they will abort when that period is reached, 

 due to the mental impression that was established by the first impreg- 

 nation, this condition being better developed the longer she carries the 

 first foetus. As to the treatment of a herd for abortion, do not wait 

 to see if it is going to take on the epozootic form, for delay is dangerous, 

 as one neglected case, no matter what produced it, may cause abortion 

 to every cow in the herd. Therefore, it is very essential to remove the 

 cows that have aborted and thoroughly disinfect them, burn the pla- 

 centa, destroy the foetus, and all other debris that may become con- 

 taminated with the fluids. Disinfect the stable, using carbolic acid. My 

 experience has taught me to believe that carbolic acid is not only a 

 specific in the destruction of this particular microbe, but that it arrests 

 the fermentative changes that favor its development. In using carbolic 

 acid in cases of this nature, two things should be noted: First, that 

 the inhalation of the fumes is necessary in as much as they arrest and 

 destroy germs that may have gained access to the air passages; secondly, 

 that if used too freely it may cause an irritation to the respiratory organs 

 sufficient to produce inflammation of the lungs. A safe formula and one 

 of sufficient strength is carbolic acid one ounce, glycerine one-half ounce, 

 v/arm water twelve quarts. Give once a day by sprinkling on the hay. 

 This amount is sufficient for twelve cows of average weight. 



When abortion starts in a herd to any extent, it is very essential to 

 see that the drinking water does not become contaminated, as the dirt 

 and filth that may be smeared on the tails of the cows that have aborted 

 may be switched into the watering tank and thereby cause the water 

 to be a source of infection. To counteract this condition, put sodium 

 hyposulphite in the drinking water, using three pounds of hyposulphite 

 of soda in a tank that will hold about twenty barrels. Do this twice a 

 week. 

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