284 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



ment for cattle, especially when there are large numbers with little 

 or no shelter. In general it is advisable to protect the animals so far 

 as possible from inclement weather conditions, such as cold rains, 

 heavy dews, and frosts. This is more particularly necessary for ani- 

 mals in poor condition, or those which are perspiring or fatigued after 

 long physical exertion. Careful feeding is also essential. 



Treatment. — In attempting to treat cattle for rheumatism the first 

 step is to procure proper shelter and environment. The animal 

 should be quartered in a large, clean, dry stall with plenty of light 

 and fresh air, but protected from strong drafts. There should be an 

 abundance of clean, dry bedding. The food should be soft and easily 

 digestible and slightly laxative, and the animal should have access to 

 clean, pure, cool water. 



For general or constitutional treatment of acute rheumatism, 

 sodium salicylate is indicated. In order to gain the best results from 

 this drug, it should be administered with the idea of rapidly saturat- 

 ing the system. To cattle it may be given in doses of one-half ounce 

 every two hours for ten hours or until immediate relief is obtained. 

 This drug should not be continued indefinitely, but may be given 

 once a day after immediate relief has been obtained, and this single 

 dose continued daily until permanent relief ensues, when it should 

 be stopped. The use of sodium salicylate in chronic rheumatism is 

 not advisable on account of the danger of depressing the heart, whose 

 action is already somewhat impaired by the lesions which have 

 attacked it. In this case one-half ounce doses of potassium nitrate or 

 bicarbonate may be given three times a day. Besides the constitu- 

 tional treatment, it may be necessary to give special attention to the 

 bowels in order to relieve constipation. Cattle may be given saline 

 laxatives at the outset, such as 1 pound of Epsom salts for an 

 ordinary-sized cow, and the bowels kept regular by an occasional 

 smaller dose. 



In chronic rheumatism the best course of treatment is to give tonics 

 and local treatment. Local treatment may also be advisable in acute 

 rheumatism in addition to the constitutional treatment already pre- 

 scribed. 



External treatment depends solely on the local conditions and should 

 be applied judiciously. Among the various remedies may be men- 

 tioned hot or cold moist packs, hot air and vapor baths, friction, etc. 

 Anodynes are often applied locally with good results. Blisters are 

 occasionally indicated. As anodynes may be mentioned liniments 

 and ointments containing salicylic acid or sodium salicylate in com- 

 bination with laudanum, aconite, or chloral hydrate. Camphorated 

 spirit, soap liniment, and essential oils also afford some relief when 

 applied locally. Of blisters, those containing cantharides are most 

 effective. 



