THE DISEASES OF CATTLE. 32\f 



CRACKS IN THE HEELS OF CATTLE. 



Cracked heels are generally more prevalent in the horse 

 than cow ; yet, as I have had an opportunity of seeing and pre- 

 scribing for a few cases of this character, I shall give the 

 reader the benefit of my experience ; so that when cases of this 

 character do occur, the farmer may know what to do. Some 

 persons suppose that uncleanliness is the sole cause of cracks. 

 This is not the case ; the subjects are predisposed to a humory 

 condition and congestion of the feet. 



Treatment of Cracks. — The part must first be sponged, 

 or rather, washed, with tepid water, slightly alkalized with a 

 small quantity of carbonate of soda. I prefer soda instead of 

 soap. The latter is apt to irritate the parts ; and there exists no 

 dirt nor morbid matter which cannot be removed by an alka- 

 line wash. After cleansing the parts, apply a portion of the 

 following : — 



Glycerine, .4 ounces. 



Powdered Phytollacca (Pokeroot), 1 ounce. 



" Alum, 4 drachms. 



Mix, and apply by means of a piece of sponge. The parts 

 should be dressed once per day, and oftener if necessary. 



The edges of the crack sometimes become inverted.' In this 

 case, procure a small piece of linen ; form it into a pad, and, 

 after smearing its surface with a portion of the above prepara- 

 tion, apply* it so as to press the lips of the gap together, and 

 then bind it on. 



If the disease be constitutional, which may be inferred from 

 the fact that the animal is said to be " subject to it" in the win- 

 ter, then a few doses of alterative medicine may be given. The 

 following forms a very excellent stimulating alterative : — 



Iodide of Potassium, jounce. 



Water, 1 quart. 



Tincture of Sassafras, 4 ounces. 



Mix. Give a wine-glassful every. morning, before feeding- 

 time. 



28* 



