MANAGEMENT OF DAIRY CATTLE 239 



can be put together in almost any drug store. The author 

 has known cases where a common bicycle pump with a quill for 

 a milk tube was used to save the life of a cow where no better 

 appliances could be had. 



However, while it is possible to stop the milk fever by any 

 means that makes it possible to pump the udder full of air, 

 there is great danger of introducing infection at the same time 

 that will cause inflammation and possibly result in the loss 

 of the cow's udder. 



Use of the Apparatus. In using the milk fever apparatus 

 the operator should first thoroughly clean his hands, likewise 

 the cow's udder and teats, with warm water and soap, followed 

 by a 5 per cent solution of carbolic acid or creolin. That por- 

 tion of the apparatus which holds the cotton, the rubber tube 

 leading to the milk tube, likewise the latter, must be clean, and 

 preferably boiled 15 minutes before using, then disinfected 

 by the use of the carbolic acid or creolin. The receptacle 

 for holding the cotton is filled with ordinary cotton, or, 

 better still, absorbent cotton, which may be purchased from 

 most drug stores. The milk tube is then inserted into one 

 of the teat openings without drawing what milk is con- 

 tained, and air is pumped through the cotton into the udder. 

 This is continued until the quarter is well distended with air, 

 when the tube is carefully withdrawn and a tape tied around 

 the teat tight enough to prevent the escape of the air. The 

 same treatment is applied to each quarter. The teats are 

 allowed to remain tied. Ordinarily within two or three 

 hours the cow will regain consciousness and be able to stand 

 on her feet. If the air is absorbed or escapes, so the udder is 

 not tightly distended, the tape should be removed and another 

 injection of air made as before. Usually two injections are all 



