DISEASES OF FARM ANIMALS 211 



usually dies. The acute form is very fatal, but in 

 the mild or subacute form the chance for making a 

 recovery is good. 



Tetanus Is a Preventable Disease. It may be 



largely prevented by the careful disinfection of 

 wounds, and the use of anti-tetanic serum. In most 

 localities the proper treatment of the wound is a 

 sufficient preventive measure, but in localities and 

 stables where the disease is common the anti-tetanic 

 serum should be used. Ordinary cleansing of a 

 wound, as practiced by most stockmen, is not suf- 

 ficient to destroy the bacillus of tetanus. The 

 wound must be carefully cleaned, disinfected and 

 prepared for healing. This should be kept in mind 

 when treating a wound, and instead of using an 

 agent that we know little about, we should secure 

 reliable information regarding the different commer- 

 cial disinfectants and methods of caring for wounds. 

 That class known as tar disinfectants is most com- 

 monly used. The better grade belonging to this 

 class should be used. 



If anti-tetanic serum is used, it should be injected 

 as soon after the injury has occurred as possible. 

 The injection is made hypodermically, usually be- 

 neath the skin on the side of the neck. Large doses 

 of anti-tetanic serum given after the symptoms have 

 developed may assist recovery. However, in the 

 severe form of the disease this treatment is uncer- 

 tain. 



When the animal comes down with the disease, 

 it should be made as comfortable as possible. The 

 quarters should be roomy, quiet, clean, and well 

 ventilated. It is advisable to support the horse with 

 a sling unless the animal is worried or made nerv- 

 ous by it. This prevents his becoming tired and 

 falling down. We should give the animal the best 



