CYCLOPEDIA OF LIVE STOCK AND COMPLETE STOCK DOCTOB. 



Xn. Puerperal Fever. 



This is a l)enign fever, usually occurring on the second or third daj 

 after parturition. It is aggravated by colds, exposure, or neglect. 



How to know It. — The symptoms are those of general fever, accelera- 

 ted pulse and respiration, with heightened temperature ; the ears and 

 extremities, however, are cold ; the visible mucous membranes are inject- 

 ed and red ; the bowels are constipated ; the urine is scanty and high col- 

 ored ; secretion of milk is suspended ; and the udder inclines to inflamma- 

 tion and hardness. It may occur in mares of all ages, but is most often 

 met with after the first pregnancy, and seems to accompany the effort 

 of nature in secreting the milk. 



What to do. — ■'Keep the animal warm, in a place with good ventilation 

 but no drafts ; give soft diet (grass if possible)^ and plenty of pure water 

 with a tablespoonf ul of sweet spirits of nitre mixed with it morning and 

 night. If the bowels are constipated, give half a pint of raw linseed oil, 

 repeating it after ten or twelve hours. 



XII. Mammitis. 



This is inflammation of the mammary glands, or udder ; it accompanies 

 parturition, and then always exists to a certain extent, consequent upon 

 the secretion of milk. It is apt to be most severe after the first foaling. 

 Usually, the inflammation subsides in the course of a week or so; that is, 

 as the organs become accustomed to secreting the milk, and their outside 

 is softened by the foal sucking and pulling at the teats ; but not in- 

 frequently it happens that, instead of getting better and softer, they get 

 harder and larger, sore, hot and painful. When it runs on to suppura- 

 tion of a quarter, as it sometimes does, the milk curdles and comes away' 

 with difficulty, in small quantities, and is bloody. There is always more 

 or less constitutional disturbance, fever, accelerated pulse, etc. 



What to do. — Foment vigorously with hot water, as continuously as 

 possible ; manipulate to the utmost extent that the soreness will allow : 

 encourage the foal to suck and pull the teats, and milk all you can, at 

 frequent intervals, to prevent the milk from curdling. If it goes on to 

 suppuration, open the abscesses and inject lotion No. 39, twice a day, and 

 apply oil-cake poultices, changing them morning and night. Give soft 

 feed ; if in winter, take the chill off the drinking water, and keep the 

 mare blanketed. Give a teaspoonful of saltpetre in a bran mash morn- 

 ing and night. If the bowels are constipated, give a pint of raw linseed 

 oil. Rub the glands with the following, three times a day : 



No. 77. 1 Ounce camphor gum, 



y^ Pint olive oil, 

 Mix. 



