18 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 



fluid extract of Phytolacca improve the action of potas- 

 sium iodici when given with it in these cases. 



In summing up the treatment of actinomycosis it 

 can be said that even very extensive lesions can be 

 controlled and ultimately entirely cured with judicious 

 use of potassium iodid. In our own practice we do 

 not pa}^ very much attention to the local handling 

 even w^hen the actinomycotic growth has assumed 

 great proportions. The following case report is an 

 example of the effect of potassium iodid in this disease. 



A Jersey cow had an actinomrcotic tumor at the angle of the 

 jaw extending to and involving the parotid region. It was of 

 long standing when it came into our hands, having gone through 

 various courses of treatment with home remedies. At the time 

 we were called in the cow was barely able to breathe, the tumor 

 having involved the trachea and larynx, probably producing 

 the dyspnea by pressure. The dyspnea was so distressing that 

 a tracheotomy had to be performed. Under treatment improve- 

 ment progressed so rapidly that the tube was taken out at the 

 end of a week, all signs of dyspnea having disappeared. The 

 tumor itself had been reduced to the size of a lemon. 



Another case, illustrating the effect of potassium 

 iodid in actinomycosis involving the tissues in the 

 space between the rami of the lower jaw may be cited. 



This case occurred in a Holstein calf, six or eight months old. 

 The entire space was filled up with the growth and a number 

 of openings were discharging typical pus. Examination of the 

 interior of the mouth showed the lingual canal pushed up and 

 nearly filled in, making the tongue appear as though it were 

 crowded against the roof of the mouth. The calf was emaciated 

 and stunted in growth. 



The openings were curetted slightly and the calf allowed to 

 get up. He was put on a dram of potassium iodid morning and 

 evening, and the enlargement painted once or twice daily with 

 tincture iodin. In two weeks there was no sign of swelling 

 and the calf had improved remarkably in condition. 



To assure a permanent result the potassium iodid was con- 

 tinued a week longer and paintings were made occasionally 

 with iodin. The calf has developed into a fine bull, is now 

 eighteen months old and is entirely free from any sign of the 

 trouble. The entire treatment covered about three or four 

 weeks' time. 



It should be mentioned that actinomycosis involving 

 the parotid gland is for some reason more difficult to 



