162 THE AMERICAN FARMER. 



The sub-cutaneous cellular tissue frequently becomes filled with gas, giving the body a 

 bloated appearance. 



Many of the symptoms of rinderpest are seen in the pleuro-pneumonia, or lung disease, 

 also in the malignant catarrhal fever, and in the mouth and foot disease. It is found by a 

 careful estimate that about seventy-five per cent, of animals infected with this disease die, 

 and those that survive do not have it in its most malignant form. The disease is less severe 

 in summer when cattle are grazing than in winter, when kept in close stables and fed on dry 

 fodder. 



There is no known remedy for this disease; hence, in dealing with it, the only security 

 is in prevention, and in extinction. Most European governments have passed stringent laws 

 for protecting their respective countries from the invasion of this disease, and for its extinc 

 tion when it occurs. In this respect the laws enacted by the German Empire may be 

 regarded as the most complete and effectual, being based upon the results of experience and 

 scientific investigation. 



The only safety is in promptly killing and deeply burying all infected animals, and in 

 isolating from all others of the herd all such as are suspected of having it. An animal once 

 recovering from this disease never has a subsequent attack. 



Ringworm. This is a parasite, which may be transferred from one animal to the 

 others of the herd, and is quite common. It is known by bald patches on the skin, covered 

 with white scales and scabs, showing some eruption. 



The parts should be washed with soap and warm water to remove the scabs, and when 

 dry anoint with lard and sulphur, as recommended for mange in horses. 



Sprains. The best treatment for strains and sprains in cattle is identical with that 

 recommended for the same in horses (which see). 



Sterility. Barrenness in cows may often be overcome by reducing them in flesh, such 

 cows almost always being in high condition. &quot;When an excess of fat seems to be the cause 

 of the difficulty, reducing the food, or keeping on short pastures for a few weeks previous to 

 service, will frequently overcome the difficulty. It may also be well in the same connection 

 to give a small xiose of Epsom salts occasionally. 



Giving hemp seed each day for two or three weeks previous to and after service, also 

 flax-seed tea, will in some cases have a very favorable effect. If the cow is quite thin in 

 flesh, improve her condition a little by better feed. A careful examination will sometimes 

 determine the nature of the difficulty. For this purpose the hand and arm should be well 

 smeared with sweet oil or fresh lard, and carefully introduced along the vagina with a rotary 

 movement, to prevent injury, until the os uteri, or mouth of the womb, is reached. It can 

 then be determined, by careful examination of the parts, whether or not this is impervious. 



If there is a gummy substance, or any other mechanical obstruction, it must be broken 

 through or cut. The latter would probably require the assistance of a good veterinary sur 

 geon. Sometimes the opening can be effected by dilating it with the fingers, by using a 

 gentle, rotary motion. This treatment should be followed by smearing the parts with two 

 drachms of solid extract of belladonna. Eepeat this treatment the following day, using one- 

 half the quantity of belladonna, and permit service four or five hcmrs afterwards. 



A tea of red oak bark injected into the vagina daily until the period of oestrum, then 

 omitted for a day or two, and allowing service, will sometimes prove effectual. In making 

 flax seed tea, use a half pound of whole flax seed (not meal) to a gallon of water, and steep 

 for several hours, giving from one-half to a pound daily. 



Stricture or Obstructions in Cows Teats. The flow of milk from the teats 

 may be impeded by a variety of causes, the obstructions sometimes being but partial, at 

 others complete. Obstruction is frequently due to the presence of milk stones within the 



