o^ 



THE DISEASES 



HORNED CATTLE 



CHAPTER I. 



NFLAMM ATION. 



Inflammation is the most frequent diseased condition to which 

 neat cattle are subject. This may be owing- to their peculiar organi- 

 zation in respect to the four stomachs, in which the food is completely- 

 prepared and digested, so as to yield all its nutriment. This compli- 

 cated apparatus was necessary in the animals that were destined to 

 afford us so much liquid nutriment while living, and good fat and 

 flesh wheri dead ; and who must therefore be disposed to an occasional 

 redundancy of blood in the system, and consequently to inflamma- 

 tion. 



External inflammation is known by the part being swollen, tender, 

 and hotter than in its natural state. In garget or downfall of the 

 udder, which is an inflammation of one or more quarters of the bag, 

 the affected parts are swollen, tender, and hot. 



If this state of the bag is neglected, matter or pus will probably be 

 formed. This is one of the consequences of inflammation, or one of 

 the methods by which the part, and the constitution generally, are 

 relieved, and which is usually denominated the suppurative process. 



Should, however, the downfall be judiciously treated, the swelling 

 subsides, and the heat and tenderness gradually vanish : the inflam- 

 mation in this case is said to be resolved. This is most to be wished 

 for, and should always be attempted in inflammatory complaints. 



In black -leg, a disease frequent in young cattle, the affected part 

 loses its sensibility, and becomes dark-coloured, and is said to be 

 morticed. It is then speedily separated, or ought to be separated 

 from the living portions around. Mortification is usually the result 

 of violent inflammation, by which the texture of the part is speedily 

 broken down, and its vitality destroyed. 



(40) 



