Navel III of Colts 33 



NAVEL AND JOINT ILL OF THE COLT 



{"Septic Afthritis") 



In the last ten years navel ill has probably cost the farmers of the 

 corn belt more money than all other diseases of colts combined. It is 

 reasonably easy to prevent in many cases and very difficult to cure if 

 curable at all. Some men think it possible for colts to develop navel 

 ill while in the womb of the mare. However this has not been definite- 

 ly established to date. Most men who have experienced with the malady 

 believe in most cases the germ enters the colt's body by the way of the 

 navel. Consequently to submerge the colts navel in a carbolic acid or dip 

 solution and tie it will prevent the germs from entering the body. This 

 should be done soon after birth. 



It occurs more frequently in foals born in barns or barn lots of in- 

 fected premises than those born in open fields. It is much more de- 

 sirable to havte the colt born in open, well drained pastures 

 if possible since the germs do not thrive well in open dry surroundings, 

 but sometimes this is impossible and in that case the stall should be 

 cleaned where the colt is to be born and should be thoroughly sprayed 

 with a solution made by mixing one-half pint of dip, carbolic acid, or 

 creolin in 1 gallon of water or 1-500 soluton of bichloride of mercury 

 solution. The latter is very poisonous and none of the pills or liquid 

 should be left where they will be taken inwardly by man or beast. Then 

 sprinkle air slacked lime on the walls and stall to absorb moisture and 

 kill disease germs. Then apply a good bed of wheat or oats straw and 

 clean the stall daily. A stall should be disinfected two times a week. 



A colt may become effected with navel ill any time before the 

 navel heals up but symptoms may not appear till after the navel is heal- 

 ed. The colt may seem indifferent to nurse as the first symptom, become 

 lame in one or more joints. The lameness may shift from one joint or 

 one limb to the otlier. A purlent semi liquid pus may be noticeable 

 around the navel stump. Then we notice swelling in the joints and con- 

 sole ourselves by thinking the colt has been kicked or the mother has 

 stepped on the joint but finally the swelling breaks and a whitish yellow 

 discharge comes from the joint and the wound fails to heal. The colt 

 may lay or limp around for several months and not grow right or they 

 may die in a very few days. In rare cases they live and get well. 



