270 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



crowding, from filthy floor or bedding, or from an offensive accumula- 

 tion of manure, solid or liquid. As the microbes vary in different cases, 

 given outbreaks will differ materially in their nature. One is erysipe- 

 las ; another purulent infection with the tendency to secondary abscesses 

 in the joints, liver, lungs, etc. j another is due to a septic germ and is 

 associated with fetid discharge from the navel and general putrid 

 blood poisoning. In estimating the causes of the disease we must not 

 omit debility of the calf when the mother has been underfed or badly 

 honsed, or when either she or the fetus has been diseased. 



The symptoms will vary. With the chain-form germs (streptococci) 

 of erysipelas the navel becomes intensely red, with a very firm, painful 

 swelling ending abruptly at the edges in sound skin, and extending 

 forward along the umbilical veins. The secondary diseases are circum- 

 scribed black engorgements (infarctions) or abscesses of the liver, lungs, 

 kidneys, or other internal organs, and sometimes disease of the joints. 



With the ordinary pus-producing germs (Staphylococcuv pyoycnes 

 aureus and Streptococcus pyogencs), the local inflammation in the navel 

 causes a hot, painful swelling, which rapidly advances to the formation 

 of matter (pus), and the raw exposed surface, at first bright red, 

 becomes dark red or black, soft, friable, and pultaceous. If the pus is 

 white, creamy, and comparatively inoffensive in odor, the secondary 

 formations in internal organs and joints are mainly of the same purulent 

 character (secondary abscesses). 



If, on the other hand, the discharge is very offensive and the pus 

 more serous or watery or bloody, there is reason to suspect the presence 

 of some of the septic bacteria, and the results on the general system are 

 a high fever and softening of the liver and spleen, and no tendency to 

 abscesses of the internal organs. Diarrhea is a common symptom, and 

 death ensues early, the blood after death being found unclotted. 



Complicated cases are common, and in all alike the umbilical veins 

 usually remain open and can be explored by a probe passed at first 

 upward and then forward towards the liver. 



Prevention is sought by applying a lotion of carbolic acid to the 

 navel string at birth, or it may be smeared with common wood tar, 

 which is at once antiseptic and a protective covering against germs. 

 In the absence of either a strong solution of oak bark may be used. 



Local treatment consists in the application of antiseptics to the sur- 

 face and their injection into the vein. As a lotion use carbolic acid, 1 

 ounce in a quart of strong decoction of oak bark, or salicylic acid or 

 salol may be sprinkled on the surface. The interior of the vein should 

 be swabbed out with a probe wrapped around with cottonwool and 

 dipped in boracic or salicylic acid. 



If complications have extended to the liver or other internal organs, 

 or the joints, other treatment will be demanded. In acute cases of 

 general infection an early fatal result is to be expected. 



