452 DISEASES OF CATTLE, SHEEP, GOATS, ETC. 



reported where foot rot of cattle has appeared within a short time 

 among a large proportion of the cattle in a farming district. This 

 disease is most frequently seen in the hind feet, though all four feet 

 may become affected. 



Symptoms. The animal is observed to limp in walking. On 

 examination of the foot we discover heat, and swelling above the hoof 

 and of the soft parts between the claws which frequently spreads 

 the claws apart to a considerable extent; or the inflammation may 

 have advanced to softening and sloughing of the interdigital mem- 

 brane. If the disease is neglected at this stage, deep abscesses may 

 form and the pus burrow under the horny wall, or the joint within 

 the hoof may become inflamed and the articular attachments de- 

 stroyed, in which case the treatment will become difficult and re- 

 covery will be very tedious. 



Treatment. In the earlier stages of the disease, before pus bur- 

 rows beneath the horn, a thorough cleansing and an application of 

 a carbolic-acid solution 1 ounce to a pint of water clean stabling, 

 and laxative food will usually remedy the evil. Creolin is an excel- 

 lent remedy at this stage. It should be applied to the suppurating 

 and putrefying tissue between the claws in its pure or undiluted 

 state. It is best applied by means of a cotton swab on a thin stick. 

 Care must be exercised to keep the creolin from contact with the 

 skin about the coronary band or heels. If deep sloughing has taken 

 place the carbolic solution or creolin should be used, and a wad of 

 oakum or cotton smeared with pine tar should be secured firmly in 

 the cleft. This can be done by taking a strip of strong cloth, 2 inches 

 wide, passing the middle between the claws, then tying the ends 

 after winding them in opposite directions above the hoof. Some- 

 times warm poulticing with flaxseed meal or bran becomes neces- 

 sary to relieve excessive fever and pain. If the pus burrows under 

 the horn, its channel must be followed by paring away the horn 

 until the bottom is reached. The after-treatment will be the same as 

 that already recommended. If the joint becomes diseased, an am- 

 putation of that toe will be the quickest and surest method to re- 

 lieve the suffering of the animal, and offers the best chance for an 

 early recovery. 



ULCERATION OF THE HEEL. 



Occasionally we find ulcers at the junction of the hair with the 

 hoof at the heel, which present an elevated, raw, or ragged surface, 

 and cause considerable lameness. This is generally due to a bruise 

 of the fibrous cushion of the back part of the foot. Subsequent 

 sloughing or necrosis may occur, or pus may form deep down within 

 the wall and gain an exit at the margin of the heel. Sometimes 

 large pieces of skin slough from the heel and pastern from no vis- 

 ible cause. This condition is caused by an infection with certain 

 micro-organisms (streptococci, necrosis bacilli) and may be con- 

 tagious. 



Treatment. If there is a deep opening, inject carbolic solution 

 once a day until it closes. If the ulcer is only superficial, wash with 



