NINTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK-PART X 501 
on that and not on soaked litter nor manure. The navel string should 
be at once tied with a cord that has been taken from a strong solution 
of carbolic acid. The stump of the cord and the adjacent skin should 
then be washed with the following solution: lodin, one-half dram; 
iodid of potassium, one-half dram; water, 1 quart. When dry, it may 
be covered with a coating of collodion of tar, each containing 1 per 
cent of iodin. 
Whenever a calf shows any sign of scouring, it should be instantly 
removed to another pen and building, and the vacated one should be 
thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Different attendants should take 
care of the sound calves and infected ones, and all utensils, litter, etc., 
kept scrupulously apart. 
After one week the healthy calves may usually be safely herded 
together or they may be safely placed in the cow stable. 
OTHER AILMENTS OF THE CALF. 
Among these may be named several congenital imperfections, such 
as imperforate anus, vulva, or prepuce, which are to be recognized 
by the inibility to pass dung or urine, in spite of straining, and the 
formation of sv/ellings in the anus, vulva, or sheath. Each must be 
carefully incised with the knife, taking care not to injure the muscles 
which circumscribe the respective openings. Also tongue-tie, in which 
the thin flaccid mucous membrane passing from the median line of 
the lower surface of the tongue binds the latter too closely to the 
floor of the mouth and renders the tongue unfit for gathering in the 
food in after life. This must be cut with knife or scissors, so as to 
gi\e the tongue a reasonable amount of liberty. 
Aphtha, or thrush, is another trouble of the sucking calf, showing 
itself as a white, curdy elevation on the tongue, lips, cheeks, or gums, 
and when detached leaving a raw, red, angry surface. It is due to 
the growth of a vegetable parasite long recognized as the Gidium 
abicans (Saccharomyces albicans). It is easily removed by rubbing 
with powdered borax, but inasmuch as other colonies are likely to 
start either in the mouth or lower down in the pharynx, gullet, or 
stomach, it is well to give a dose of one-half dram of hyposulphite of 
soda in water day by day for several days. 
Rickets is not a common disease in calves, and come on, if at all, 
later than those we have been considering. It consists in softening 
and friability of the bones from a deficiency of lime salts, and appears 
to be mainly connected with an inherited weakness of constitution, un- 
suitable feeding, cold, close, damp buildings, microbian infection, and 
other conditions inimical to health. The preventon and treatment of 
rickets consists essentially in the improvement of the digestion and 
general health; hence sunshine, open air, exercise, nourishing food 
and tonics are indicated. 
