102 Constipation of Calves 



houses listed in the back pages of this book. I,t costs about 75c for each 

 calf immuned and should be done soon after birth. Bacterins are in- 

 jected under the skin. 



CONSTIPATION OF CALVES 



The first milk of the cow is called colostrum and acts as a natural 

 purge or mild physic to the young calf. If this happens to be the wrong 

 composition due to the feed of the cow it fails to move the bowels and 

 the young calf becomes constipated. 



Constipation often follows diarrhoea in calves and often diarrhoea 

 terminates in indigestion and the use of medicine for diarrhoea must be 

 continued. 



SYMPTOMS 



The calf strains without producing a passage may have colicky pains 

 and a bad breath associated with constipation. Grating of the teeth in- 

 dicates indigestion. 



TREATMENT 



The calf should receive luke warm water injections by the way 

 of the rectum. Four or five tablespoonfuls are usually sufficient. The 

 frequency and the amount depends on how much of the water is retained. 

 In the worst forms of constipation 2 ounces (3 or 4 tablespoonfuls) of 

 castor oil should be given by the mouth. 



If constipation follows diarrhoea 1/4 to I/2 teaspoonful of pepsin 2 

 or 3 times daily may be given 10 to 15 minutes before feeding. Lime 

 water and charcoal are good for foul breath in indigestion. 2 teaspoons- 

 full of charcoal and 1 tablespoonful of limewater may be given three 

 times daily. Lime water is made by placing the lime in a glass and 

 stirring it several different times with water. Then allow the lime to 

 settle and use only the clear transparent water. 



RINGWORM OR SCABS OF CALVES 



This is a vegetable paresite of calves. Gray, dry, white scabs ap- 

 pear around the eyes on the nose or neck and sometimes on the body. 

 The hair becomes brittle and breaks off leaving the grey spot. 



Wash the effected parts with raw oil, castor oil or vaseline three or 

 four times and apply once daily for 3 or 4 days tincture qf iodine. 



