14 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



should be made gradually, so that the digestive organs may accom- 

 modate themselves to it. After the digestive organs and juices have 

 from long practice become adjusted to the digestion of a certain feed, 

 which is then suddenly withheld and another of quite different char- 

 acter and properties is substituted, the second feed is not well di- 

 gested ; it may even irritate the digestive canal. It is often observed 

 that cattle lose from 25 to 100 pounds when turned on pasture from 

 dry stable feed. This loss can readily be prevented by not shocking 

 the digestive organs bj' a sudden change of diet. 



Regularity in feeding has much to do with the utilization of the 

 ration, and gross irregularity may cause indigestion and serious 

 disease. 



Water for live stock should be as free from contamination and as 

 nearly pure as that used for household purposes. When practicable 

 it is well to warm the water in the winter to about 50° F. and allow 

 cattle to drink often. 



DISEASES OF THE MOUTH. 



WOUNDS AND CONTUSIONS OF THE LIPS, AND SNAKE BITE. 



The lips may become inflamed from contusions, which are some- 

 times produced by a blow from the horns of another animal, or, in the 

 case of working oxen, by a blow from the driver. "While cattle are 

 grazing, more especially when they are in woods, they may be bitten 

 in the lips by insects or serpents. 



/Symptoms. — As a result of a contusion the lips become thick and 

 swollen, and if treatment is neglected the swelling may become hard 

 and indurated, or an abscess may form. This condition renders it 

 difficult for the animal to get food into its mouth, on account of the 

 lips having lost their natural flexibility. In such cases an ox will use 

 his tongue more in the prehension of food to make up for the inca- 

 pacity of the lips. In cases of snake bite the swelling is soft or puffy 

 and its limits are not well defined. 



Treatment. — When we have to deal with a bruise, the affected part 

 should be bathed with hot water two or three times daily. In recent 

 cases no other treatment will be required, but if the swelling is not 

 recent and has become hard or indurated, then the swollen part 

 should be treated each day by painting it with tincture of iodin. In 

 snake bite a straight incision penetrating into the flesh or muscle 

 should be made across the center of the swelling and in the direction 

 of the long axis of the face. After this has been done a small wad of 

 cotton batting should be pressed against the wounds until the bleed- 

 ing has almost stopped. Afterwards the following lotion may be 

 applied to the wounds several times a day : Permanganate of potas- 

 sium, half a dram ; distilled water, 1 pint. As snake bites are usually 



