186 THE CREAMERY PATRON'S HANDBOOK. 



it depends perhaps upon the fact that the male sometimes becomes an 

 agent of transmission of the disease. 



MILK FEVER. 



This is a peculiar affection, especially prone to the best members of 

 the dairy herd. It rarely occurs in cows with their first calves, and not 

 often in old animals. From five to nine years appears to be the critical 

 period. Well fed animals are more liable to the disease than those in poor 

 condition. It generally occurs after an easy delivery, and rarely follows 

 difficult labor or abortion. Usually it sets in within three days after 

 parturition. 



SYMPTOMS. 



This disease is a form of paralysis associated with the process of par- 

 turition. First there may be noticed a vacant stare of the eyes and slight 

 twitching of*the muscles; her gait becomes unsteady, gradually losing con- 

 trol of her hind parts; staggering, she will finally fall to the ground, usually 

 unable to rise. She will lie on her chest with her neck arched to one side 

 placing her muzzle upon her flank, her eyes become fixed and glassy, her 

 respiration labored. She grates her teeth and expresses all evidences of 

 being in great pain. A stage of stupor will follow the above in a short time 

 and death ensues in from 6 to 12 hours, if not relieved. 



TREATMENT. 



Dissolve 2 drams of potassium iodide in a quart of water which has 

 been previously boiled, and keep the solution as nearly as you can the 

 temperature of the body blood. Then milk every drop of milk from the 

 cow's udder*, and clean the udder with soap and water. Then disinfect 

 the udder and teats with a solution of zenoleum (1 teaspoonful to a pint 

 of water). Then take a small glass funnel and attach to same a rubber 

 hose about 5 feet long; affix to the end of this hose an ordinary milking 

 tube, insert the milking tube into the teat and slowly pour in your solution, 

 dividing it equally between the four teats. When this is done apply mas- 

 sage to entire udder for 5 or 10 minutes every hour until the cow comes to 

 her feet. Do not allow the calf to suck during the time the cow is being 

 treated. 



If the cow is costive, remove the contents of the rectum by hand. In 

 case of a weak heart, small doses of aromatic spirits of ammonia may be 

 given with water every hour. Avoid large and bulky doses, or your patient 

 may suffocate from same. If your patient is not on her feet in 8 or 10 hours, 

 the above udder injection dose may be repeated, but it is rarely necessary. 

 This is practically the Schmidt treatment, and is almost a specific. About 

 the best known prevention is to avoid high feeding before calving. 



