450 DISEASES OF CATTLE, SHEEP, GOATS, ETC. 



nary-sized cow, and the bowels kept regular by an occasional smaller 

 dose. 



In chronic rheumatism the best course of treatment is to give 

 tonics and local treatment. Local treatment may also be advisable in 

 acute rheumatism in addition to the constitutional treatment already 

 prescribed. 



External treatment depends solely on the local conditions and 

 should be applied judiciously. Among the various remedies may be 

 mentioned hot or cold moist packs, hot air and vapor baths, friction, 

 etc. Anodynes are often applied locally with good results. Blisters 

 are occasionally indicated. As anodynes may be mentioned lini- 

 ments and ointments containing salicylic acid or sodium salicylate 

 in combination with laudanum, aconite, or chloral hydrate. Cam- 

 phorated spirit, soap liniment, and essential oils also afford some 

 relief when applied locally. Of blisters those containing cantharides 

 are most effective. (B. A. I. Cir. 66; Special Kept, on Diseases of 

 Cattle, U. S. Dept. Agr.) 



THE FOOT AND ITS DISEASES. 

 LAMINITIS (FOUNDER). 



Laminitis denotes an active inflammation of the sensitive struc- 

 tures within the wall of the hoof, which may in severe cases result 

 in suppuration and the loss of one or more claws. Owing to the sim- 

 plicity of the structure of the foot of the ox compared with that of 

 the horse, this disease is rarely seen in an acute form, but a mild 

 form, commonly called foot soreness, is not of infrequent occur- 

 rence. 



Causes. Laminitis in cattle may be caused by overfeeding, 

 overheating, continued standing without exercise on a stone or ce- 

 ment floor without sufficient bedding, or by driving long distances 

 over rough or stony soil. 



Symptoms. An unwillingness to maintain the standing po- 

 sition ; the animal persists in lying down. The feet will be found 

 unnaturally hot, and frequently some swelling may be noticed above 

 the hoof. Pressure upon the hoof with blacksmiths' hoof-pincers 

 causes pain and pinching. The general body temperature is in- 

 creased and the breathing accelerated. Ordinarily the animal eats 

 and drinks. When it is made to move excessive tenderness of the 

 feet becomes manifest, as is shown by reluctance to walk and by the 

 very short, hesitating step. Founder affects the hind as well as the 

 fore feet, although the front feet are more often exposed. 



Treatment. Cold packs to the feet, or if the animal can be made 

 to stand in a stream of running water, having a soft bottom, this 

 will often relieve the inflammation without the necessity of any 

 additional treatment. It may be well, however, to give a full dose 

 of Epsom salts, 1 to 1% pounds, followed by half-ounce doses of 

 saltpeter two or three times a day. 



SORENESS (FOOT SORENESS). 



Cattle that are driven over stony roads, especially such as have 

 been stabled or pastured on soft ground, soon wear down the scles 



