290 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



bility of the parts is thus lessened and the object of ringing to some 

 extent defeated. The insertion of the ring by means of a trocar and 

 cannula is preferable, as the method is not open to this objection. 



For some years we have used a little instrument, which can be 

 made by any worker in metal, consisting of a steel point riveted into 

 a short cannula made to fit on one end of the ring while open. 

 (PI. XXVII, fig. 11.) When attached to the ring it is easily and 

 quickly passed through the septum, the half of the ring following 

 as a matter of course. It can then be removed and the ends of the 

 ring brought together and fastened by means of the screw for that 

 purpose. 



DEHORNING. 



In the wild state the utilit}' of the horns of cattle as weapons of 

 offense and defense is apparent, but with domestication of cattle 

 and their confinement the presence of horns constitutes a menace 

 to the safety of their companions. Horned cattle frequently inflict 

 with their horns painful and serious injuries to others. Deaths as a 

 result of such injuries are not unusual. The operation of dehorning 

 would therefore be indicated as a matter of general safety. 



On farms where breeding is conducted, the most desirable method 

 is to prevent the horns from growing on the young calves. This 

 action results in a more symmetrical appearance of the poll and elim- 

 inates the dangers which would result from the presence of horns on 

 the young cattle prior to their operative removal at a later age. A 

 calf should be treated not later than one week after it is born — pref- 

 erably when it is from 3 to 5 days old. The agent to be used may be 

 either caustic soda or potash in the form of sticks about the thickness 

 of an ordinary lead pencil. These caustics must be handled with care, 

 as they dissolve the cuticle and may make the hands or fingers sore. 

 The preparation of the calf first consists in clipping the hair from 

 the parts, washing clean Avith soap or warm water, and thoroughly 

 drying with a cloth or towel. The stick of caustic should be wrapped 

 in a piece of paper to protect the hands and fingers, leaving one 

 end of the stick uncovered. Moisten the uncovered end slightly and 

 rub it on the horn buttons or little points which may be felt on the 

 calf's head — first on one, then on the other — two or three times, 

 allowing the caustic to dry after each application. Be careful to 

 apply the caustic to the horn button only, for if it is brought in con- 

 tact with the surrounding skin it will cause pain. Too much mois- 

 ture on the stick of caustic will allow the application to spread to 

 the surrounding skin. After treatment keep the calf protected from 

 rain, as water on the head after application of the caustic will cause 

 it to run down over the face. 



