DISEASES OF CATTLE TREATMENT 75 



before the abortion. Soon after a yellowish-gray discharge lasts for several 

 weeks, also a rope of mucus often hangs from the vulva. 



Treatment. The treatment can be very little aside from good care and 

 sanitary measures. To prevent the bull from carrying the infection, clip the 

 hair from the opening of the sheath. Disinfect the parts with */ 2 percent of 

 compound cresol solution or lysol. Irrigate the uterus of the cow daily with 

 the same solution. Remove diseased animal from the herd. Do not breed 

 her again for two months. Use antiseptics, taking precautions against breed- 

 ing to infected animals, and keeping the stock in good vigorous condition. 

 A cow that has aborted should not be bred for some time after all discharge 

 has ceased. For two days before breeding wash out the vagina with a solu- 

 tion of corrosive sublimate (4 drops to a teacupfnl of water). On the day of 

 breeding use warm water instead of the solution, as the latter will destroy 

 the semen. 



Home Prevention for Abortion. Mix ten pounds of salt, one pound of 

 sulphur and one pound of powdered hyposulphite of soda. Give a medium 

 handful about three times each week to pregnant cows. 



(Also See "Horse Department," Page 152.) 



Afterbirth, Retained. 



This occurs because of inflammation of the womb; lack of preparation 

 because of abortion ; imperfect power of contraction ; innutritions food ; rapid 

 closure after calving; a too prompt milking by attendant or sucking by the 



calf. 



Symptoms. Membranes hang from vulva and decay, causing offensive 

 odor ; ill health ; drying up of the milk ; wasting away in flesh. 



Treatment. If the cow is in low condition or the cause is connected 

 with food, give hot drinks and hot mashes of wheat bran. If besides the 

 above conditions the bowels are tight, give an ounce of ground ginger, or \ l / 2 

 pound of Glauber's salt in 4 quarts of warm water, or half an ounce of black 

 pepper given with a quart of sweet oil. Give one or two quarts of boiled 

 flaxseed tea frequently. Seize the dependent part of the afterbirth between 

 two sticks, roll it on them until they lie against the vulva, by careful drawing 

 and moving from side to side the afterbirth is wound up until finally its last 

 connections are severed. Do not neglect attending to this removal. 



Anthrax. (See "Sheep Department," Page 203.) 

 Barrenness in Cows and Bulls. (See "Horse Department," Page 152.) 



Black Leg. 



This is a contagious disease usually affecting young cattle. Germs 

 entering through some abrasion in the skin while the animal is on pasture, or 

 taken into the body with the drinking water or with the food. It seems to 

 affect calves that are in good flesh rather than those that are thin. 



