COMMON AILMENTS OF CATTLE 333 



for udder troubles, but if the animal is in good condition it will 

 resist such an attack. Any condition of the animal that less- 

 ens the power of resistance makes it possible for the trouble to 

 start. Such a condition of the animal may be brought about 

 by exposure to severe weather, lying with the udder on a cold 

 floor, from injury to the udder by bruises, or by improper or 

 too heavy grain feeding. In many cases, however, no special 

 cause can be assigned. Mild cases, as above described, usually 

 respond to treatment if taken in time. The grain ration 

 should always be reduced to one third the usual amount or 

 less at once when any inflammation appears, and kept there 

 until the condition disappears. A physic should also be 

 given at once, and care taken not to expose the cow to cold 

 weather or cold drafts. An ounce of saltpeter per day for two 

 or three days is generally beneficial after the purgative has 

 begun to work. The cow should be milked with great gentle- 

 ness, and preferably three or four times per day. If the udder 

 is extremely sensitive, a milking tube should be used for a few 

 days. 



Severe Cases of Inflammation. Occasionally severe 

 attacks come on, and usually suddenly. These most often 

 affect heavy milkers. The first symptom is a shivering of the 

 animal, with cold ears and horns, followed in a short time by a 

 fever. One or more quarters of the udder swell and become 

 very hard, which is most often the first symptom seen, while 

 the whole gland is decidedly hot and tender, and no milk can 

 be drawn. Usually a small amount of yellowish watery fluid 

 containing clots of casein replaces the milk. If the inflamma- 

 tion cannot be reduced within a short time, that quarter of the 

 udder will not secrete any milk during that milking period, 

 and perhaps will be permanently lost. In some cases the 



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