16 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



is then suddenly withheld and another of quite different character 

 and properties is substituted, the second feed is not well digested; it 

 may even irritate the digestive canal. It is often observed that cattle 

 lose from 25 to 100 pounds when turned onto pasture from dry stable 

 feed. This loss can readily be prevented by avoiding the shock to 

 the digestive organs of a sudden change of diet. 



Regularity in feeding has much to do with the utilization of the 

 ration, and gross irregularity may cause indigestion and serious 



disease. 



Water for live stock should be as free from contamination and as 

 pure as that used for household purposes. In the winter when prac- 

 ticable it is well to warm the Water to about 50° F. It is well to allow 

 cattle to drink often. 



DISEASES OP THE MOUTH. 

 WOUNDS AND CONTUSIONS OP THE LIPS, AND SNAKE BITE. 



The lips may become inflamed from contusions, which are some- 

 times produced by a blow from the horns of another animal, or, in the 

 case of working oxen, by a blow from the driver. While cattle are 

 grazing they may be bitten in the lips by either insects or serpents, 

 more especially when they are pastured in woods. 



Symptoms. — As a result of a contusion the lips become thick and 

 swollen, and if treatment is neglected the swelling may become hard 

 and indurated, or an abscess may form. This condition renders it 

 difficult for the animal to get food into its mouth, on account of the 

 lips having lost their natural flexibility. In such cases an ox will use 

 his tongue more in the prehension of food to make up for the inca- 

 pacity of the lips. In cases of snake bite the swelling is soft, or puffy 

 and its limits are not well defined. 



Treatment. — When we have to deal with a bruise, the affected part 

 should be bathed with hot water two or three times daily. In recent 

 cases no other treatment will be required, but if the swelling is not 

 recent and has become hard or indurated, then the swollen part 

 should be treated each day by painting it with tincture of iodin. In 

 snake bite a straight incision penetrating into the flesh or muscle 

 should be made across the center of the swelling and in the direction 

 of the long axis of the face. After this has been done a small wad of 

 cotton batting should be pressed against the wounds until the bleed- 

 ing has almost stopped. Afterwards the following lotion may be 

 applied to the wounds several times a day : Permanganate of potash 

 half a dram; distilled water, 1 pint. As snake bites are usuallv 

 attended with considerable depression, which may terminate in stu- 

 por, it is advisable to give doses of whisky at intervals. Half a pint 

 of whisky mixed with a pint of water should be given, and the dose 



