220 THE farmer's VETERINARIAN 



calved easily. This is explained by the fact that in 

 such cases the os uteri remains relaxed for a greater 

 length of time than it does in cases of difficult par- 

 turition. Milk fever generally occurs in cows 

 which are heavy milkers, and great eaters. Keep- 

 ing the animals in permanent stables, and feeding 

 large quantities of rich food while they are giving 

 no milk are predisposing causes. 



The disease makes its appearance usually in from 

 24 to 48 hours after parturition. It seldom occurs 

 after the third day, and some authors state that it 

 has never been recognized before the starting of the 

 milk secretion. The most salient symptoms to the 

 average layman would, perhaps, be the anxious ex- 

 pression of the animal, bellowing and mounting into 

 the manger. Later they become very weak, stag- 

 ger and fall, and are unable to rise. The members 

 are usually extended in a rigid position. A rattling 

 or whistling noise is heard in case the larynx is 

 paralyzed. The feet, ears and horns feel cold to the 

 touch. When a case is going to recover we see 

 improvement as early as the second or third day. 

 Recovery is usually complete at the end of from 

 two to five days. 



Milk fever is one of the cases where the old 

 maxim, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound 

 of cure, is doubly applicable. If proper precautions 

 were taken a large number of cases could be pre- 

 vented. Give the pregnant animals daily exercise, 

 and decrease their allowance of food 



Treatment Very Simple. — Make the cow comfort- 

 able. Now give her a small dose of Epsom salts 

 from one-half to one pound, depending on her size. 

 This should be given as a drench. Animals af- 

 flicted with this ailment swallow with difficulty. Use 

 care that the drench does not get into the lungs. 



