266 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



cases, warm -fomentations do best. If the fever run high, treat as 

 under fever in horse pathology. 



205. The process of calving is usually performed without diffi- 

 culty; sometimes, however, cross presentations take place, and 

 sometimes a constriction of parts prevents the natural passage of 

 the calf. To act properly on these occasions, great patience is 

 required, and much mildness ; many cows have been lost by brutal 

 pulling ; we have seen all the men and boys of a farm mustered to 

 pull at a rope affixed about a calf, partly protruded, which, when it 

 was thus brought away, was forced to be killed, and the mother soon 

 died also from the protrusion of parts this bruta? force brought with 

 the calf. A steady, moderate pull, during the throes of the animal, 

 will assist much ; having first directed the attention to the situation 

 of the calf, and that the presentation is such as not to obstruct its 

 progress ; if it does, the calf must be forced back, and turned or 

 placed aright. 



206. IVhethering, or retention of the after-birth or burden. It 

 sometimes happens that this is retained ; for which no better remedy 

 has been hitherto discovered than warm clothing and drenching 

 with ale, administered as a forcer. 



207. The diseases of calves are principally confined to a species 

 of convulsions which now and then attacks them, and which some- 

 times arises from worms, and at others from cold. When the first 

 cause operates, it is then relieved by giving a mild aloetic purge, 

 or in default of that, a mild dose of oil of turpentine, as half an 

 ounce night and morning. In the second, wrap up the animal warm, 

 and drench with ale and laudanum a drachm. Calves are also very 

 subject to diarrhoea or scouring, which will readily yield to the 

 usual medicines. (131.) 



208. Horn distemper or horn ail. A disorder incident to horned 

 cattle, by which the internal substance of the horn (commonly 

 called the pith, which is the spongy part of the bone) wastes away, 

 &c. This disorder may be known by a dullness in the countenance, 

 a sluggish motion, want of appetite, a desire to lie down frequently, 

 shake their head and appear dizzy, &c. To be sure of this disease, 

 take a small gimblet and perforate the horn 2 or 3 inches above the 

 head : if it is hollow and no blood follows, it is the hollow horn ; 

 This distemper is generally brought on by poverty, &c. 



Bore each horn at the upper and lower side that the drain may 

 have vent, and administer at least two or three doses of salts or 



