DISEASES OF CATTLE. 63 



BLACKLEG. 



For sometime it was the genci-al opinion tliat Anthrax and Blackleg were 

 practically one disease, but upon later investigation it has been proven that they 

 are two separate diseases, each one originating from a separate germ. 



Blackleg is a germ disease, the germs entering the body, usually with food, but 

 sometimes through scratches or sores in the skin. The germs are very hardy and 

 live in the soil for a number of years. They may be carried long distances and 

 be distributed upon lands heretofore uninfected. The grave of an animal that 

 has died with Blackleg may keep a pasture infected for several years, and cattle 

 grazing upon such a pasture are liable to contract the disease ; a stream running 

 near such a grave may carry the infection all along its course, and grass cut 

 near the spot will communicate the disease to the animal fed upon it. The germs 

 multiply so rapidly and are so easily conveyed, that an entire herd or neighborhood 

 may become infected from a single case. 



Owing to the short duration of the disease, the development of symptoms 

 accompanying same are very noticeable, there being in the first sta,ges loss of 

 appetite, a general lack of ambition, and high fever. The most important symptom 

 is swelling which appears in various parts of the body, usually on shoulders or 

 thigh, and when handled cause a crackling sound due to the formation of gas 

 underneath the skin. 



Up to date there has been no positive cure found for animals thus afflicted, 

 and for this reason the importance of vaccinating all animals with Blackleg Vaccine, 

 which acts as a preventative, should be put into force whenever there is a possibility 

 of animals having been exposed; or better still, all young stock from three months 

 to two years old should be vaccinated once or twice a year, especially before being 

 turned into low pastures for the summer. 



See Prescription A'o. 9, page 174. 



BLOOD POISONING. 



This is a condition resulting from the absorption into the system of putrid, 

 poisonous matter or pus, such as follows retention of the afterbirth in animals. 



There will be a high fever, rapid but weak pulse and f.ast brcathin.g. Loss of 

 appetite, staring coat and delirium in the last stages of the disease. 



Treatment. 



Discover the cause, if possible, and if it is an abscess open it and wash it out 

 with a solution of Germ Killer. Then inject Absorbent. If it is a sore, wash it 

 with Germ Killer solution and apply Absorbent. Often internal treatment is very 

 important and consists in reducing the fever and keeping up the action of the heart. 

 This is done by the Fever Paste; give every three hours with two ounces of good 

 whiskey. 



Sec Prescription A'o. 10, /'Offf 174. 



BOILS. 



Boils in cattle usually appear about the size of a hen's egg. 



The abscess begins as a small, round bunch and gradua!l\- increases in size. 



Treatment. 



Antiseptic poulticing should be done; apply Healing Oil twice daily un^il the 

 core is formed, when the abscess should be opened and syringed out once or twice 

 daily with Absorbent. 



See Prescription N'o. 11, page 174. 



BOWEL STOPPAGE. 



(See Paralysis of Bowels, page 81).) 

 See Prescription No. 54, page 176. 



