496 FEEDING ANIMALS. 



Very cold water should not be used, unless there is much 

 inflammation in the udder, as it will cause a great determi- 

 nation to the part affected. The water must be changed as 

 often as it gets warm. And as there is generally more or 

 less disturbance of the whole system, and an inclina- 

 tion to constipation, give the cow an injection of about 

 three pints of soft blood-warm water simple water, no 

 medication in it. This will produce a movement of 

 the bowels without any irritation, as the water liqui- 

 fies or dissolves the hard faeces and cools off the 

 intestines and bowels. If the first injection does not 

 operate in an hour or so, it proves that there is much in- 

 ternal heat, that the water has been absorbed, and another 

 should be given. These injections are perfectly harmless, 

 and can certainly be given as easily as medicated ones ; they 

 may always take the place of the purgative, and will answer 

 a much better purpose. When the application is com- 

 pleted, let the udder be slightly chafed with a dry cloth, 

 and rubbed with a little lard. We have several times made 

 this application and always with most gratifying success, 

 seldom requiring more than a few hours. 



PUERPERAL OR MILK FEVER. 



It may be thought that this disease offers insuperable ob- 

 stacles to the use of water ; that as the cow in many cases 

 cannot stand, the remedy cannot be applied. We admit 

 that this disease, as heretofore treated, has been alarming 

 and difficult to the herdsman ; that, as it sometimes comes 

 on so suddenly, runs its course so rapidly, and is drugged 

 so lustily, if not wisely, it leaves his mind in confusion 

 and uncertainty. But there is no real difficulty in using 

 water in this case. The true method is to treat cows be- 

 fore and at calving, so that this crisis in the disease will not 

 occur. All stimulating food should be avoided and the ani- 

 mal kept where she may have uniform warmth and air, and, 



