184 THE DISEASES AND DISORDERS OF THE OX. 



day, or from that to about a period of two months after the 

 operation, there is a slight local swelling, together with heat, 

 tenderness, and erythema. At about the tenth day an exudation 

 of fluid usually occurs. This looks like that found in a diseased 

 lung. If it is applied to another healthy animal which has 

 neither been previously inoculated, nor has suffered from pleuro- 

 pneumonia, it will reproduce itself, and likewise afford pro- 

 tection against the disease. About the twelfth day there is 

 usually an eruption, together with slight rigors, loss of appetite, 

 and a slight diminution in the secretion of milk. 



If the virus is bad, or from other reasons the primary swell- 

 ing be excessive, the tip of the tail may become gangrenous, 

 and the animal, unless remedial measures are effectual, may 

 suffer from fever, secondary deposits at the root of the tail, 

 around the anus, and in the abdominal glands. Death may 

 then occur in a few days. If the tail should show signs of 

 gangrene, a portion of it should be removed, and the stump, 

 after being allowed to bleed freely, should be then cauterised. 

 In some cases it has been found necessary to amputate the whole 

 tail, and the operation has been performed with success. When 

 the exudation of fluid does not appear until the ninth to the 

 twelfth day, the cases generally do well, the fluid dries up, and 

 the signs of inflammation disappear. The tip of the tail may 

 in time fall off. After about the twenty-first day all danger 

 seems to be over. 



Oxen which have been inoculated, and especially cows, should 

 be tended with more than usual care. They should be always 

 kept warm for at least three weeks after the operation, and should 

 never be roughly handled, much less struck. It is highly ad- 

 visable that the operator should see the animals every day, so 

 as to be ready to act in case of need. If the bowels are con- 

 stipated, a gentle purgative may be found beneficial. It is 

 well to be sparing with solid food. Especially should roots be 

 withheld for about a fortnight. During this time linseed gruel 

 and the like easily digestible foods should be given. There is 

 uo harm in supplying good hay or grass or linseed cake, unless 

 the animal should leave off chewing the cud. 



Whatever the weather may be, oxen which have been inocu- 

 lated should be effectively secured from exposure to cold, damp, 

 or draughts. The risks are greatest in the case of cows, and 



