DISEASES AND TREATMENT OF CATTLE 415 



run the cattle into it, one at a time. Have the stanchion built 

 very strong, also have the sticks in it quite tight together, 

 just large enough for the animal's neck to fit in when it Is 

 closed. Have a narrow stall, built out of strong plank, at 

 the side of the stanchion where you can run the cattle in ; 

 this will keep them from swinging the body around while 

 you are dehorning them. When you have the animal fast, in 

 the stanchion put a rope halter over its head, and have the 

 head and neck well pulled forward by means of a double 

 pulley so as to get good purchase to hold the animal in its 

 place while operating. Have the pulleys attached to some- 

 thing about eight or ten feet straight in front of the animal, 

 and as near the ground as possible; this will hold the head 

 in better position. Have a man take hold of the nose and ear 

 at one side while you saw the horn off with a stiff-backed, 

 fine-tooth carpenter saw, taking about one-eighth of an inch 

 of skin off with the horn, then take off the other horn in like 

 manner. By taking the horn off in this place it is easier 

 sawed, bleeds less, heals nicer and there is no danger of it 

 growing again. 



This animal may now be allowed to go and preparation 

 made for the next. When only a few are to be operated upon 

 secure as shown in the accompanying illustration and take 

 the horns off in the manner described. 



Another method is by using large dehorning clippers*. 

 These we recommend instead of the saw, as the operation 

 with them is more humane and more easily and quickly per- 

 formed. 



When the animal reaches two or three years of age. the 

 horns become brittle, and in pinching them off with the clip- 

 peiJ! there is danger of fracturing the. bones of the head. 



Try to prevent as much as possible chasing or rough 

 usage both before and after the operation, as bleeding is 

 much more profuse when the subject operated upon is ex- 

 cited. 



Should bleeding be profuse or more than seems to be 

 usual, apply a little of Monsell's solution of iron with a 

 feather, which will stop it. Keep the animal quiet and do not 

 allow it to be out in any cold storms. Be careful when feed- 

 ing not to throw dust or chaff on the head as it will get in 

 the wounds and cause festering. 



*See announcement ill the latter pages of this book for prices of these 

 instruments, method of using, etc. 



