256 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



broken out in sores for some distance. Similarly, the rectum, exposed 

 by reason of the relaxed condition of the anus, or temporarily in 

 straining to pass the liquid dejection, is of a more or less deep red, 

 and it may be ulcerated. ^ Fever, with rapid pulse and increased 

 breathing and temperature, usually comes on with the very fetid char- 

 acter of the feces and is more pronounced as the bowels become 

 inflamed, the abdomen sore to the touch and tucked up, and the feces 

 more watery, and even mixed with blood. 



Prevention. — The prevention of these cases is the prevention of con- 

 stipation and indigestion, with all their varied causes as above enu- 

 merated, the selection of a strong, vigorous stock, and, above all, the 

 combating of contagion, especially in the separation of the sick from 

 the healthy, and in the thorough purification and disinfection of the 

 buildings. The cleansing and sweetening of all drains, the removal 

 of dung heaps, and the washing and scraping of floors and walls, fol- 

 lowed by a liberal application of chlorid of lime (bleaching powder), 

 4 ounces to the gallon, are indicated. Great care must be exercised 

 in the feeding of the cow to have sound and wholesome food and 

 water, so apportioned as to make the milk neither too rich nor too 

 poor, and to her health, so that the calf may be saved from the evil 

 consequences of poisonous principles that may be produced in the 

 body of the cow. The calves should be carefully kept apart from all 

 calving cows and their discharges. Similarly, each calf must have 

 special attention to see that its nurse gives milk which agrees with it, 

 and that this is furnished at suitable times. If allowed to suck, it 

 should either be left with the cow or it may be fed three times a day. 

 If it becomes hungry twice a day it is more likely to overload and 

 derange the stomach, and if left too long hungry it is tempted to take 

 in unsuitable and unwholesome food, for which its stomach is as yet 

 unprepared. So, if fed from the pail, it is safer to do so three times 

 daily than twice. The utmost cleanliness of feeding dishes should be 

 secured and the feeder must be ever on the alert to prevent the strong 

 and hungry from drinking the milk of the weaker in addition to their 

 own. In case the cow nurse has been subjected to any great excite- 

 ment by reason of travel, hunting, or carrying, the first milk she 

 yields thereafter should be used for some other purpose and only the 

 second allowed to the calf. Indeed, one and all of the conditions 

 above indicated as causes should be judiciously guarded against. 



Treatment. — Treatment will vary according to the nature and stage 

 of the disease. When the disease is not widespread, but isolated 

 cases only occur, it may be assumed to be a simple diarrhea and is 

 easily dealt with. The first object is to remove the irritant matter 

 from stomach and bowels, and for this 1 or 2 ounces of castor oil 

 may be given, according to the size of the calf. Reduce the milk by 

 one-half or two-thirds. If the stools smell particularly sour, it may 

 be replaced by 1 ounce calcined magnesia, and in any case a table- 



