114 THE FARMER^S VETERINARIAN 



The disease shows that the bone is absorbed and 

 its structure softened. As a consequence, the bone 

 enlarges, becomes spongy and light. 



The disease usually starts as a swelling in the 

 head, hence the name. Often the lower jaws are 

 enlarged, and, as the disease progresses, the legs 

 become affected. At the same time the animal 

 loses weight. The treatment consists of nourishing 

 foods, rich in the mineral constituents. Better con- 

 sult a veterinarian when the disease is first noticed. 



BIG JAW OF CATTLE.— See Actinomycosis. 



BIG KNEE.— Often cattle show large bunches 

 over the knees. These may be soft or hard. In cattle 

 these big knees are caused by hard floors, in lying 

 down and getting up. Big knee in horses is a little 

 different, being more in the nature of spavin or ring- 

 bone, and in this case occurring at the knee joints. 

 In cattle the bunch may be localized in the flesh 

 and skin. With horses, it is an attack on the bony 

 structure. When first noticed a blister may be 

 used. 



BIG LEG.— See Lymphangitis. 



BITTER MILK.— Frequently germs get into the 

 udder, and, as a result, bitter milk or blue milk or 

 bad milk results. Sometimes the bad taste of milk 

 is due to the odor in the stable or to the food that 

 the cows get while pasturing. Turnips give a bad 

 taste to the milk, as does garlic or wild onions. 

 If the bitter taste or the blue milk is due to disease 

 germs, then the remedy lies in the destruction of 

 these germs. Just after milking, and each quarter 

 thoroughly emptied, inject a warm solution of boric 

 acid. 



BLACKHEAD. — A germ disease affecting turkeys 

 and chickens. It is characterized by a dark purple 

 appearance in the comb and wattles. Fowls attacked 



