THE OX—MISCELLANEOUS DISORDERS AND INJURIES. 283: 
stormy weather, and if turned out in the day in cold weather, should be 
comfortably stabled when brought in. Give a diet of milk, or milk-and- 
water gruel, with carrots or clover. Refer to the treatment of Rheuma-: 
tism in the Horse for local applications and coverings. 
LUMBAGO. 
This is a rheumatism in the muscles of the loins which is caused by: 
wet or cold, and attended by lameness, first in one leg and then in another, 
the animal walking stiffly and painfully, and evincing tenderness in the loins.. 
TREATMENT.—Treat as under the above article on Rheumatism.. 
Keep the animal comfortable, covering the loins with woolen blankets. 
DROPSY. 
This consists in a collection of water in some part of the body, caused) 
by bad feed, poorly-kept stables, neglected or mismanaged colds or other 
diseases, and like influences. 
Symptoms.—lf it be general dropsy, swelling begins at the feet and 
extends to all parts of the body, and, if they be pressed with the fingers,, 
the indentation remains a short time. If it be dropsy of the chest, there 
are feebleness and langour, very difficult breathing, feeble and irregular 
pulse, and fore legs standing apart, the motion of the water being heard. 
upon striking the chest. If the addomen be especially affected, it is dis- 
tended and the motion of the water can be heard, when the animal is lying 
on one side, by striking on the opposite side. Occasionally draught-oxen 
are troubled with dropsy of the legs. In addition to the symptoms just 
named under the special forms, there are generally dry skin; much thirst; 
poor digestion and appetite; scanty urine; paleness of the eyes and inside 
of the mouth; weakness; loss of strength; death in some cases. 
TREATMENT.—Immediately treat the first symptoms, for the disease 
is often curable only at this stage. Be careful not to mistake the swelling 
which is incident to general dropsy for animprovement in the flesh. For 
remedies and general care refer to the article on dropsy in the Horse. 
FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE. 
This is a contagious fever that is marked by ulcers and vesicles about 
the mouth and hoofs, and may be communicated to man by the milk of affected 
cows. It is epidemic, spreads by contagion, and animals are predisposed to 
it by poor food and housing, cold and wet, draughts of cold air, filth, and 
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