OTHER NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES 345 



not be administered to cows that are milking heavily or due to calve 

 within two months. Unless very valuable for breeding purposes, 

 it will be best to fatten affected cattle and sell them for beef. 

 When such animals reach the stock yards they are promptly 

 tagged and subjected to a rigid postmortem examination. If 

 the disease is localized in the head, the carcass is passed as fit 

 for food, but the head including the tongue is always condemned. 

 This is a certain way of securing practically the full value of the 

 animal. 



LYMPHANGITIS 



"Monday morning disease" and "big leg" are other names for 

 this disease of horses. It is characterized by a suddenly appear- 

 ing pronounced swelling and lameness. One hind leg most 

 commonly is affected. The lymphatics appear to be the struc- 

 tures affected. 



Causes. — There is some difference in opinion as to the cause. 

 When an abrasion can be found in the skin through which infec- 

 tion has had an opportunity to enter, it is reasonable to attribute 

 the disease to bacterial invasion. At other times unwonted 

 idleness on full feed seems to be the determining cause. Heavy 

 horses are more likely to acquire lymphangitis than are driving 

 horses. 



Symptoms. — The swelling progresses rapidly and soon involves 

 the entire leg. Pain is present and is shown by the patient hold- 

 ing the leg in a position to get most relief. When the lymph- 

 glands situated on the inside of the thigh are pressed, great sensi- 

 tiveness is exhibited. Pressure over the swollen part with the 

 finger-tips leaves well-marked pits. Fever as high as 105° or 

 106°F., with its usual accompaniments, is present. 



Treatment. — Bathe the leg for half-hour periods three times 

 each twenty-four hours with warm water, rub dry, and apply 

 soap liniment with friction to stimulate circulation. Half to 

 one ounce doses of saltpeter are given three times a day. The 

 bowels must be kept loose by giving laxative feeds. Where 

 gorging with feed has induced the attack, a pint to a quart of 

 raw linseed oil may be given as one dose. When these directions 

 are closely followed recovery is rapid, but attacks are apt to 

 recur and lead to a permanent enlargement known as "elephant 

 leg." 



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