212 DISEASES OF CATTLE, SHEEP, GOATS, ETC. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE NAVEL VEINS (UMBILICAL PHLEBITIS). 



In this affection of the navel the inflammation may start di- 

 rectly from mechanical injury, as in either of the two forms just 

 described, but on this are inoculated infective microbes, derived 

 from a retained and putrefying afterbirth, an abortion, a metritis, 

 a fetid discharge from the womb, an unhealthy open sore, a case of 

 erysipelas, from overcrowding, from filthy floor or bedding, or from 

 an offensive accumulation of manure, solid or liquid. As the mi- 

 crobes vary in different cases, given outbreaks will differ materially 

 in their nature. One is erysipelatoid ; another purulent infection 

 with the tendency to secondary abscesses in the joints, liver, lungs, 

 etc.; another is due to a septic germ and is associated with fetid 

 discharge from the navel and general putrid blood poisoning. In 

 estimating the causes of the disease we must not omit debility of the 

 calf when the mother has been underfed or badly housed or when 

 either she or the fetus has been diseased. 



Symptoms* The symptoms will vary. With the chain-form 

 germs (streptococci) the navel becomes intensely red, with a very 

 firm, painful swelling, ending abruptly at the edges in sound skin 

 and extending forward along the umbilical veins. 



Diarrhea is a common symptom, and death ensues early, the 

 blood after death being found unclotted. 



Complicated cases are common, and in all alike the umbilical 

 veins usually remain open and can be explored by a probe passed 

 at first upward and then forward toward the liver. 



Prevention is sought by applying a lotion of carbolic acid or 

 iodine solution to the navel string at birth, or it may be smeared 

 with common wood tar, which is at once antiseptic and a protective 

 covering against germs. In the absence of either a strong decoc- 

 tion of tea of oak bark may be used. 



Local Treatment consists in the application of antiseptics to the 

 surface and their injection into the vein. As a lotion use carbolic 

 acid, 1 ounce in a quart of strong decoction of oak bark, or salicylic 

 acid or" salol may be sprinkled on the surface. The interior of the 

 vein should be swabbed out with a probe wrapped around with 

 cotton wool and dipped in boracic or salicylic acid. 



If complications have extended to the liver or other internal 

 organs, or the joints, other treatment will be demanded. In acute 

 cases of general infection an early fatal result is to be expected. 

 PYEMIC AND SEPTICEMIC INFLAMMATION OF JOINTS IN CALVES 



(JOINT-ILL) . 



This disease, also called joint-evil, is not infrequent among 

 young animals, especially calves and foals, and occurs within six 

 weeks after birth. The disease is localized in the joints, but the 

 infection may reach the liver or other viscera, causing small areas 

 of necrosis. One or more joints may be involved, a condition mani- 

 fested by local painful swellings. The animal is stiff and lame and 

 lies down most of the time, showing fever, inappetence, and accel- 

 erated respiration. The joint cavity is filled with pus, which finally 

 causes ulceration of the cartilage and even necrosis of the adjoin- 



