78 THE COW IN HEALTH AND DISEASE 



The history of the case should always be 

 learned as well as possible, but too much de- 

 pendence must not be placed in this, as some 

 people will deliberately misrepresent matters 

 to test the skill of the veterinarian. Deter- 

 mine whether the condition is acute or 

 chronic ; this can many times be determined 

 from the general condition of the animal, al- 

 ways remembering that bad weather is usually 

 the cause of this class of diseases in cows. 



Careful notice should be taken of the sani- 

 tation of the quarters in which the sick ani- 

 mals have been kept. Inquire as to whether 

 the animal has had any treatment and what 

 kind. Do not be afraid to get the history of 

 the case. 



The experienced cattleman can draw many 

 conclusions from the attitude and position of 

 the sick cow. They have a characteristic ex- 

 pression and attitude that they assume while 

 standing, while walking, when lying down or 

 when getting up. They have a peculiar facial 

 expression. Many men can tell by looking 

 into the face of a cow that they are in pain. 

 When they have a high fever the skin seems 

 dry and harsh and inelastic; this fact is 

 quickly noticeable. The general condition and 

 the state of nutrition in which the animal is 

 found will many times be indicative of the 

 length of time the animal has been sick. Never 

 fail to take into consideration the age, breed, 

 temperament and the constitution of the ani- 



Digitized by Microsoft® 



