57 



all of which the physiological condition of the animals was noted for some time 

 prior and subsequent to the operation, while two were under special observation 

 with reference to the effect produced on the milk secretion. 



The animals were all kept, as nearly as possible, under similar conditions 

 before and after being dehorned, in order that whatever changes might be observed 

 could reasonably be regarded as effects produced by that operation. 



Cow No. 1, four years old, native stock, arrived on farm June 18th ; was 

 weighed and examined as to temperature, pulse and respiration every third day 

 till July 5th. 



The record shows a steady decrease in weight from the day of arrival up till 

 the 26th of July, while the average temperature was 102.5° F. The pulse and 

 respiration in cows vary so much under the influence of digestive and other physi- 

 ological processes, as well as external conditions of temperature, etc., that they 

 cannot in general (at least so far as their frequency is concerned) be regarded as 

 much diagnostic value. 



July 5th cow No. 1 was secured in stanchion and horns amputated by knife 

 and saw. Slight bleeding occurred from two small vessels at the anterior part 

 of the stump, but soon ceased spontaneously. After sponging, the wounds were 

 covered by carbolized cotton and a bandage applied. 



July 9th the bandage was removed and new dressings applied. The dis- 

 charge was slight and healthy in character. The parts after this were smeared 

 with grease toprevent adhesion of dressings, the outside of bandage being also 

 covered with tar ointment to prevent the attacks of flies. The wounds were 

 sponged and dressings renewed every five or six days. 



Granulations began to spread and narrow the openings in the stumps in 

 about two weeks after the operation, while the discharge gradually diminished in 

 a month. 



June 9th a calf four months old with horns projecting about one inch, base 

 broad and movable, was thrown and feet tied together with a rope. A circular 

 incision was made around the base, and the horn along with the spongy bone 

 tissue beneath, to the depth of about one-quarter inch, removed by an ordinary 

 bone gouge. Hemorrhage was repressed by tincture of iron and the parts covered 

 by cotton and bandage. After the first dressing they were left uncovered and 

 merely smeared with tar ointment. There was little discharge from the wounds 

 and healing ensued in about six weeks. 



June 20th, calf six weeks old, horns about one-half inch long, soft and freely 

 movable, was thrown down and held with head on the floor, and the embryo horns 

 taken out, along with some of the bone beneath, by means of a circular gouge — 

 the ordinary punch formerly used for cutting gun wads. This instrument, when 

 sharp, answers every purpose for the operation on calves. 



There was but little bleeding or struggling, and the whole proceeding did 

 not occupy more than three minutes. The holes were covered by cotton, without 

 any bandage. So far as could be observed, the operation on these two calves 

 produced no effect on their appetite or weight. The wounds necessarily sup- 

 purate and take several weeks to heal, but the operation is less serious and much 

 more easily performed than on the older animal, and the ultimate result equally 

 satisfactory. 



In the case of the first two cows there was a gradual and constant loss of 

 weight, both before and after dehorning, which was probably clue to change or 



