DISEASES OF CATTLE 107 



back on the animal's tongue with a flat wooden spoon: Carbonate 

 of iron, 3 ounces; powdered gentian, 3 ounces; powdered nitrate 

 of potash, 3 ounces; mix and divide into twelve powders. The ad- 

 ministration of purgatives which promote a watery discharge from 

 the mucous surface of the bowels, also tends, by diminishing the 

 serum of the iblood, to bring about absorption and a gradual re- 

 moval of the fluid contained in the abdomen. Large doses should 

 not be given, but moderate doses should be administered morning 

 and night, so as to produce a laxative effect on the bowels for some 

 days. To attain this end the following may be used: Sulphate of 

 soda, 8 ounces; powdered ginger, half an ounce; mix in 2 quarts 

 of tepid water, and then give at one dose. 



NON-INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF 

 EESPIRATION. 



COLD IN THE HEAD ( CATARRH). 



Nasal catarrh is an inflammation of the mucous membranes 

 of the nostrils and upper air passages. Simple catarrh is not a 

 serious disease in itself, but if neglected is liable to be complicated 

 with laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, pleurisy, and other dis- 

 eases of the respiratory organs, which are of a serious nature and 

 sometimes fatal. Catarrh is a common disease among cattle. It 

 is often due to sudden exposure to wet and cold after they have been 

 accustomed to shelter. It may arise from inhalation of irritating 

 gases. It is sometimes due to certain specific atmospheric conditions, 

 and may assume an enzootic form. It is very debilitating, and re- 

 quires prompt and judicious treatment. 



Symptoms. Redness of the mucous membranes of the nose, 

 redness and watering of the eyes. The mucous membrane first be- 

 comes dry; afterwards a watery discharge appears, and later on in. 

 severe cases the discharge becomes mucopurulent. In mild cases there 

 is little or no fever, but in severe cases the fever may run high. The 

 animal becomes dull, languid, and is not inclined to move about, 

 and the appetite may become impaired ; there is variable temperature 

 of the horns and ears. If in a cow giving milk, the secretion dim- 

 inishes; the mucus from the eyes and nose becomes thicker and 

 yellower. Afterwards, as the symptoms increase in severity, the 

 discharge becomes mucopurulent. 



Treatment. The animal should be housed in a well-venti- 

 lated place, with good hygienic surroundings. In cold and damp 

 weather it should be kept warm with blanketing. Give hot, medi- 

 cated inhalations in severe cases. If the fever is high this may be 

 reduced by giving nitrate of potassium, from 1 to 2 ounces, in the 

 drinking water, three times daily. Diffusible stimulants are bene- 

 ficial in most cases. Too much importance can not be attached to 

 good nursing. There is no necessity to resort to the old system 

 of bleeding, purging, or the use of powerful sedatives. 



BLEEDING FROM THE NOSE (EPISTAXIS) . 



Bleeding from the nostrils is rather rare in cattle. It may 

 arise from any one of a variety of causes, but usually results from 



