THE DISEASES OF CATTLE. 201 



in pointing out only a few of the errors which prevail in our 

 present faulty system of breeding and management, and have 

 been practical enough to secure the reader's attention in a 

 perusal of this article, I have accomplished more than I ex- 

 pected at the time of its composition. 



INFLAMMATORY AFFECTION OF THE HIND LIMBS 

 AFTER CALVING. 



vSome cows, after calving, suffer from an inflammatory affec- 

 tion of the hind limbs, which renders them lame, or they are 

 unable to use the parts with that promptitude which charac- 

 terizes the physiological condition, or state of health. 



The limbs are generally hot, and in certain localities, are 

 swollen, and the general health of the animal seems to be 

 impaired, yet there is no great danger attending the condition ; 

 the tumefaction appears to consist of a local effusion — dropsy 

 — of serum into the cellular tissue, which readily disappears 

 through the local application of cold water, and the action of 

 the calf on the teats. 



The attention of veterinarians has been directed to this 

 affection by Lecouturier in the following paragraph, translated 

 byMr. Gamgee: — 



"A few days after parturition, and always when it has been 

 normal, a difficulty in the movements of the hind quarters is 

 to be observed ; the hocks become sensitive ; the anterior sur- 

 face swells up ; the synovial capsule is disturbed ; great pain 

 is felt at the slightest touch, accompanied with heat. Then the 

 appetite is lost ; the secretion of milk diminished ; pulse quick 

 and strong ; and a certain amount of fever sets in. The 

 patient eannot lie down, and still is not safe on its legs. The 

 writer never saw the affection but on recently calved cows; 

 never after the ninth day, and almost always from the fourth 

 to the seventh. This disease affects generally the good mother, 

 and is of a most benignant nature. A friction of turpentine 

 and alcohol is sufficient to restore to health in most cases ; 

 otherwise, brandy and soap. When the fever is strong, a dose 

 of nitre with digitalis is useful. 



