CATTLE. 139 



extravasations into the subcutaneous tissues. Decomposition soon takes place; gases are 

 evolved, and these create the crepitus felt under the skin as the hand is passed over it. It is 

 a disease rarely witnessed in animals over two years of age. It is essentially a blood disease, 

 this fluid undergoing change rapidly, and having a tendency to decomposition. It is 

 commonest in the best bred animals, which are doing the best, and is often seen in animals 

 changed from poor to rich pastures. 



Its origin is sometimes not traceable to any cause, and when the disease is recognized, it 

 is of little use trying to abate it, as a rule, for by the time it is discovered, the blood is in such 

 a condition that death ensues ere it can be restored to its normal vitality. Chlorate of 

 potassium in from one to three-drachm doses, dissolved in water and given every two or three 

 hours, is as good treatment as can be given. Whisky, spirits of nitrous ether, and quinine 

 may also be of service. Prevention is better than cure,. 1 1 



It will be seen from the above description, and causes of this malignant disease, that 

 young cattle and those in good condition are most exposed to it, that it is caused by blood 

 poisoning, and, that the latter is induced in many instances by bad sanitary conditions, and 

 by sudden changes of temperature, or of pasture. A quick removal should be made from 

 the infected pasture to one with better health conditions of higher ground, purer air, and 

 pure spring water; at the same time separating the healthy from the sick animals. All 

 carcasses of animals that have died of this disease should be immediately and deeply buried, 

 and with them a generous amount of quicklime, that decomposition and disinfection may be 

 effected as soon as possible the flesh being alike poisonous to man and the lower animals. 

 Rely mainly on nature for a cure, and improved sanitary conditions for a remedy, as well as 

 a preventive of this direful disease. 



In order to guard against it therefore, all the conditions and circumstances must be taken 

 into account. Young animals must be kept in good condition and steady growth. Bleeding, 

 although it should be resorted to but rarely, is sometimes attended with benefit in well kept 

 animals. On the other hand, animals in a poor condition should be fed with more nutri 

 tious, laxative food, keeping the bowels, kidneys, and skin as active as possible without 

 overtasking them. Linseed cake is excellent for stock in this condition, also bran, with salt 

 frequently given, potatoes, etc., to keep the bowels open. 



Guard against exposure to cold, especially nights. For unwholesome localities where the 

 soil is overcharged with moisture, drainage is the great and sure remedy, as it removes the 

 great cause of the evil. If drainage is not practicable, the stock should be removed from 

 the ground as soon as it dries up in summer. When hay is fed from such meadows, it 

 should be first watered with carbolic acid in the proportion of one part carbolic acid to 100 

 parts water. This is an antiseptic, is cheap, and perfectly safe to use. 



The rapid fatality of this disease renders treatment in many cases of little avail ; the 

 chlorate of potassium, as previously recommended, is one of the very best known remedies. 



Another method of practice that is sometimes beneficial, if the patient is not weak, is to 

 give a dose of Epsom Salts, from three-quarters of a pound to a pound to a full grown ox, 

 two ounces to calves, dissolved in warm water, with one ounce of extract of ginger; this 

 to be followed by two doses per day of one drachm nitro-muriatic acid; two grains bichromate 

 of potash; two drachms chlorate of potash, mixed in a half -pint of water. 



Bathe the tumors with a solution of carbolic acid, one part carbolic acid to twenty-five or 

 thirty of water, and apply poultices to keep up suppuration for a time. Weak animals should 

 have stimulants administered three times a day, instead of salts, such as whisky, ale, or 

 ether, in from one to two ounce doses. 



To the cattle of the herd that have been exposed to this disease by one or more sick 

 animals, should be daily given in the food or water, as a preventive, about a drachm each of 

 carbolic acid and chlorate of potassa per head. This may be continued for ten days or two 



