268 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



quart. When dn^ it may be covered Avitli a coatino; of collodion or 

 tar. each containing 1 per cent of iodin. 



Whenever a calf sIioavs any sign of scouring it should be instantly 

 removed to another pen and building, and the vacated one should 

 be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Different attendants should 

 take care of the sound calves and the infected ones, and all utensils, 

 litter, etc., kept scrupulously apart. 



After one week the healthy calves may usually be safely herded 

 together, or they may be safely placed in the cow stable. 



OTHER AILMENTS OF THE CALF. 



A-mong these may be named several congenital imperfections, such 

 as imperforate anus, vulva, or prepuce, which are to be recognized by 

 the inability to pass dung or urine, in spite of straining, and the 

 formation of swellings in the anus, vulva, or sheath. Each must be 

 carefully incised with the knife, taking awe not to injure the muscles 

 which circumscribe the respective openings. Also tongue-tie, in 

 which the thin flaccid mucous membrane passing from the median 

 line of the lower surface of the tongue binds the latter too closely 

 to the floor of the mouth and renders the tongue unfit for gathering 

 in the food in after life. This must be cut with knife or scissors, 

 so as to give the tongue a reasonable amount of liberty. 



Aphtha, or thrush, is another trouble of the sucking calf, showing 

 itself as a white curdy elevation on the tongue, lips, cheeks, or gums, 

 and when detached leaving a raw red angi-y surface. It is due to the 

 growth of a vegetable parasite long recognized as the O'idium albicans 

 [Sacch-arcmvi/ces albicans). It is easily removed by rubbing with 

 powdered borax, but inasmuch as other colonies are likely to start 

 either in the mouth or lower down in the pharynx, gullet, or stomach, 

 it is well to give a dose of one-half dram of hyposulphite of soda in 

 water day by day for several days. 



Rk-kets is not a common disease in calves, and comes on, if at all, 

 later than those we have been considering. It consists in softening 

 and friability of the bones from a deficiency of lime salts, and appears 

 to be mainly connected with an inherited weakness of constitution, 

 unsuitable feeding, cold, close, damp buildings, microbian infection, 

 and other conditions inimical to health. The prevention and treat- 

 ment of rickets consists essentially in the improvement of the diges- 

 tion and general health; hence sunshine, open air, exercise, nourish- 

 ing food, and tonics are indicated. 



