18 DISEASES OF CATTLE, SHEEP, GOATS, ETC. 



ease. Much of the disease which occurs in large dairies, as well as 

 elsewhere, could be prevented if owners and those in charge of ani- 

 mals had proper regard for the fundamental laws of animal hygiene 

 and modern sanitation. 



Attitude and General Condition. The feeling of pain in ani- 

 mals suffering from serious affections is expressed to the close ob- 

 server in no uncertain language by their flinching when the pain- 

 ful part is touched ; by the care with which they move or lie down ; 

 by walking or standing to "favor" the part ; by the general attitude 

 and expression of the eye; by the distress and suffering apparent in 

 the face of the sick animal ; and by other evidences. 



The general physical condition and attitude of the sick animal 

 tell much to the careful observer that aids him in making a diag- 

 nosis and prognosis. Cows suffering from affections of the organs 

 of respiration usually assume a position or attitude that is charac- 

 teristic, well known to experienced stockmen as well as to veterina- 

 rians. When an animal has a fever or is suffering from an inflam- 

 mation, the skin is one of the first parts of the body to undergo a 

 change that is apparent to the average observer. The skin soon loses 

 its elasticity and tone and the hair becomes dry and staring. 



From the general conditions or state of nutrition one is able to 

 judge the effect that the disease has already had upon the animal 

 and to estimate the amount of strength remaining available for its 

 restoration to health; from the amount of emaciation one can ap- 

 proximate as to the length of time the animal has been ill. The age 

 and breed of the animal, as well as its constitution and tempera- 

 ment, are among the things that have to be taken into account in 

 making a diagnosis and in overcoming the disease. 



The Mucous Membrane. The mucous membrane should in all 

 cases be examined. It can be readily seen by averting the eyelids 

 or by an inspection of the lining membrane of the nostrils. Pale- 

 ness of the mucous membrane indicates weak circulation or poor 

 blood. It may result from inappropriate food, from disease, or from 

 hemorrhage. 



In healthy animals increased redness of the mucous membrane 

 occurs from pain, excitement, severe exertion, and in such instances 

 is always transitory. In certain pathological conditions, such as 

 fevers and inflammation, this condition of the mucous membrane 

 will also be found. The increased redness of the mucous membrane 

 lasts during the duration of the fever or inflammation. A bluish 

 or blue mucous membrane indicates that the blood is imperfectly 

 oxidized, and contains an excess of carbon dioxid, and is seen in se- 

 rious diseases of the respiratory tract, such as pneumonia and in 

 heart failure. 



The Secretions. The secretions may be either diminished, in- 

 creased, or perverted. In the early stage of an inflammation of a 

 secretory organ its secretion is diminished. In the early stage of 

 pleurisy the serous membrane is dry, and as the disease advances 

 the membrane becomes unnaturally moist. The products of secre- 

 tion are sometimes greatly changed in character from the secretion 



