DISEASES AND TREATMENT OF CATTLE 429 



numbers of cattle of the same community are frequently af- 

 fected before the disease can be got under control. 



Symptoms. — A rough, staring coat is the first indication 

 of the presence of this disease. There are spells of shivering 

 and a hot, dry condition of the mouth and muzzle. The pulse 

 and temperature rise while the mouth, lips, tongue, teats and 

 udder are sore, red and swollen. About the second or third 

 day small pustules which have formed break and discharge ; 

 saliva dribbles from the mouth as the tongue is kept moving 

 about in the mouth. These symptoms are accompanied by 

 uneasiness, stiffness, soreness and inclination to lie down. 



Severe cases have been known when the hoofs even 

 dropped off. 



Treatment. — The disease runs its course in about fifteen 

 clays and in the generality of cases good care is sufficient to 

 bring the patient through safely. The diet should be of soft 

 food with plenty of pure, clean water to drink. Put a tea- 

 spoonful of saltpetre in the food or drinking water three 

 times a day. This has a tendency to reduce the fever. Much 

 attention must be given to the feet. If very sore poultice 

 with hot linseed, change twice a day for a few days, after 

 which use the following lotion : 



Sugar of Lead 1 ounce. 



Carbolic Acid 2 drams. 



Laudanum 1 ounce. 



Water 1 pint. 



Mix, shake well and apply to the feet three times a day. 

 Should there be much separation apply tar and bandage. 



During this treatment no exercise should be allowed, and 

 should there be extreme weakness give two ounces of whisky 

 or brandy mixed in a pint of oatmeal gruel three times a day. 



3. Consumption (Tuberculosis). 



This disease is a contagious one, caused by germs called 

 the bacillus tuberculosis. It has been known for centuries 

 and there has been laws passed calling for the destruction of 

 affected animals, and also forbidding the meat to be used as 

 food. It is known in all the civilized world. It may affect 

 the lungs, bowels, liver, kidneys, bladder, brain or spinal cord, 

 or any other part of the body. The germs in the affected 

 cattle come away from the lungs by coughing, or flows away 

 in the saliva from the affected animal's mouth, fall on the 

 ^rass, in mangers, pails and such like, and other animals fol- 



