DISEASES OF CATTLE, SHEEP, 

 GOATS. ETC. 



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PART I 



DISEASES OF CATTLE. 

 INDICATIONS AND SYMPTOMS OF DISEASE. 



INTRODUCTION. 



IN THE determination of disease the veterinary physician, in a 

 very large majority of cases, is obliged to rely almost solely 

 upon the objective symptoms, and perhaps in no class of dis- 



eases is this more true than in the exploration of those under 

 consideration. This condition of affairs has a strong tendency to 

 develop observation and discernment in the veterinarian, and not 

 infrequently do we find that the successful veterinary practitioner 

 is a very accurate diagnostician. But in order to make a differen- 

 tial diagnosis it is not only necessary to have a knowledge of the 

 structure and functions of the organs in health, but to adopt a rigid 

 system of details of examination, without which successful results 

 can not be reached. 



History. Th& history of a case should always be ascertained so 

 far as possible. The information obtained is sometimes unsatisfac- 

 tory and not to be depended upon, but even when such is the case 

 it is advisable to weigh the evidence from every point of view. 

 In connection with the history of every case it is always of primary 

 importance to ascertain the cause of illness. A knowledge of the 

 origin and development of a disease is important, both in making a 

 diagnosis and in formulating the treatment Exposure to cold and 

 dampness is frequently the exciting cause of affections of the organs 

 of respiration. 



The experienced practitioner is always sure to ascertain whether 

 the particular animal he is called on to attend is the only one in 

 the stable or on the premises that is similarly affected. If several 

 animals are similarly affected the disease may have a common 

 cause, which may or may not be of an infectious nature. Another 

 thing that the experienced practitioner ascertains is what previous 

 treatment, if any, the animal has had. Medicine given in excessive 

 doses sometimes produces symptoms resembling those of disease. 



The hygienic and sanitary conditions have always to be con- 

 sidered in connection with the cause as well as the treatment of dis- 



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