76 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 



SENILE PARALYSIS 



This is a condition which occurs with considerable 

 regularity in old cows. In most cases it takes what 

 may be termed a progressive form, starting with a 

 stiffness in one hind leg. After weeks, sometimes 

 months, a lameness develops in one hind leg, with- 

 out any evidence of swelling or any localized area of 

 soreness. About at this time it is noticed that the 

 cow "can not get up as well as she used to"; she 

 seems to be weak in the posterior parts. Also about 

 at this time she begins to look bad; does not thrive 

 or keep in her usual good condition, although her 

 appetite is apparently as good as ever. 



Very soon after the trouble has reached this stage 

 the cow becomes entirely unable to get up without 

 assistance. This condition is confined to aged cows 

 and is never seen in cows under nine or ten years old. 



Usually it is best in these cases to advise the de- 

 struction of the cow. While now and then one of 

 these cases improves sufficiently under treatment to 

 enable the owner to dispose of the cow in some other 

 manner, it is usually a loss from a financial standpoint 

 to attempt their cure. 



The condition is seen both in cows which are in 

 various stages of pregnancy and in cows which are 

 barren,. It seems, however, to run a more rapid course 

 in pregnant cows. 



