204 COMMON AILMENTS OF CATTLE 



into the opening of the teat and air is pumped into the quarter 

 until it is sufficiently distended. Careful massage of the udder 

 will allow the air to gain access to the innermost tubules. After 

 the quarter is well distended, the tube is removed. The same 

 treatment is applied to the other three teats until the udder is 

 satisfactorily distended. In certain cases it will be found neces- 

 sary to apply tape to the ends of the teats in order to keep the 

 air from escaping. The pieces of tape should be removed within 

 one or two hours so as to prevent sloughing. In case the air 

 becomes absorbed, and no improvement is noticed within four or 

 five hours, the treatment should be repeated, care being taken to 

 observe the same antiseptic precautions as at first. The air may 

 be left in the udder for twenty-four hours and when recovery 

 is certain, it should be gradually milked out. The affected cow 

 should not be allowed to lie on her side but kept up on the breast 

 bone (sternum) so as to prevent the development of pneumonia. 

 Simple cases of milk fever, especially in the beginning, may 

 be successfully treated by the layman provided he observes 

 strict antiseptic measures. Skilled veterinarians should be em- 

 ployed, however, as they will obtain more satisfactory results. 

 Especially is this true in the treatment of advanced and com- 

 plicated cases. 



FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE 



This disease is also known as epizootic aphtha, aphthous 

 fever, infectious aphtha, and may be defined as an acute, highly 

 contagious disease, characterized by the eruption of vesicles or 

 blisters in the mouth, around the coronary bands of the feet 

 and between the toes. Foot and mouth disease does not confine 

 its ravages among cattle but attacks almost as readily all other 

 cloven-hoofed animals. Horses, dogs, cats, and poultry at times 

 become infected and cases have been reported wherein man was 

 the victim. Foot and mouth disease is common in European 

 countries, where it produces great losses. The actual mortality 

 produced is low. However, serious losses occur from the 

 diminution of the milk secretion and the loss of flesh. Foot and 

 mouth disease spreads very rapidly and infects a large number 



