512 GENERAL THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 



and valueless infected objects should be burned or the manure mixed 

 with tive per cent, solution of chlorinated lime. Wliere the floors are of 

 earthj the earth should be removed for a depth of four incnes and mixed 

 with the chlorinated lime (5 per cent.) solution, and replaced by fresh 

 earth or, better, concrete. 



Jsianiiets and clothing should be boiled or soaked for 12 hours in a 

 solution (I to 600) of corrosive sublimate. Harness should be washed 

 with soap and water and then with 4 per cent. liq. creolis comp. 



The best way to apply the disinfectant is by means of a hand force 

 or spray pump to every part of the building. In some cases, where only 

 a stall or small area requires disinfection, a brush will do. The best 

 outfit consists of a strong spray pump with 20 feet of hose and 5 feet of 

 straight iron pipe connected to the same, to the end of which is attached a 

 spray nozzle. The disinfectants which are most suitable are i per cent, 

 solution of compound cresol solution, or 2 per cent, solution of cresol. 

 This is known as liquid carbolic acid in the market and should contain 

 90 to 98 per cent, of cresylic acid to be efficient. Either of these disin- 

 fectants may be used alone or, in the strengths mentioned, in whitewash. 

 Thus one slakes 7^/^ lbs. of lime with hot water and mixes it to a creamy 

 consistency. Then to this one stirs in either 15 ounces of cresol, or 30 

 ounces of compound cresol solution, and adds water to make 5 gallons.* 

 A specially liberal application of the disinfectant must be made to feed 

 boxes, gutters and drains. If one uses the disinfectant alone it is well, 

 after it is dry, to apply a coat of whitewash to the premises. A 1 to 500 

 corrosive sublimate solution ,may be used in place of the agents recom- 

 mended when the avoidance of odor is necessary as in the production of 

 milk. This should be followed by a coat of whitewash. Feed boxes, 

 after drying of the disinfectant, should be washed with hot water to avoid 

 poisoning. Gaseous disinfection is now in order, where the stable can 

 be made air-tight and the animals removed, but is not usually necessary. 

 Formaldehyde (p. 255) or sulphur (p. 197) may be employed. Live 

 steam is the most useful when a suitable apparatus for its application to 

 wood-works, haymows, etc., is obtainable. After thorough ventilation 

 healthy animals which have not been exposed to infection may be allowed 

 to return to the disinfected quarters. 



SURGICAL ANTISEPSIS AND ASEPSIS. 



It may be fitting, and not out of place, to briefly outline here the 

 use of antiseptics and asepsis in veterinary surgery. Since the days when 

 Lister introduced antisepsis, surgery has advanced in a manner which 

 appears, however, like retrogression. It is now conceded that asepsis 

 can be attained more satisfactorily and safely without the general use of 

 antiseptics. For. antiseptics, as has been noted, inflict a certain amount 

 of damage upon denuded surfaces, and, in so far, lessen the resistance of 

 the body to the inroads of bacteria. Modern surgery attempts to secure a 

 comparative asepsis by mechanical cleanliness, which is more efficient, 

 simpler, and harmless to the body. Antiseptics are indicated to assist 

 asepsis in the toilet of the unbroken skin, and when sepsis has already 



♦Farmers' Bull, No. 480, U. S. Dept. Agric, 1912. 



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