OTHER NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES 347 



of paralysis of the muscles. She then rapidly loses all sensation 

 and passes into a state of unconsciousness or coma with her head 

 tucked into the right flank. The breathing is deep and slow. 

 Later the cow stretches out flat on her side (Fig. 87). The 

 temperature is seldom elevated, hence the name milk fever con- 

 veys the wrong impression of the disease. For this reason the 

 scientific term parturient paresis, meaning a paralysis occurring 

 at parturition, is preferable. 



Treatment. — A simple method of treatment which usually is 

 successful, if given early, consists in the inflation or distention of 

 the udder with air, gas, or fluid. If air is used it is pumped 

 through absorbent cotton to remove dust particles and germs 

 and thence into each quarter by means of a milking tube at- 

 tached to a rubber tube. In an emergency a bicycle pump may 

 be utilized for this purpose instead of a specially designed appa- 

 ratus. Precautions must be taken to have the milking tube 

 sterilized by boiling it for ten minutes. The end of the teat 

 should be disinfected before the tube is inserted. To prevent 

 escape of the air, the end of the teat is repeatedly pushed into 

 itself until it stays of its own accord. Pieces of tape or rubber 

 bands should never be tied around the teat for this purpose, as 

 they may cause trouble. In most cases the above treatment 

 will restore consciousness within a short time and soon after 

 the cow will be up and ready to eat. The after treatment con- 

 sists in good nursing and small feeds of a laxative ration. 



As soon as the udder has been inflated, sacks stuffed with 

 straw should be placed under the cow's shoulder and side to 

 prop her up. This is to prevent the passage of saliva down the 

 trachea into the lungs and to take pressure off the paunch, in 

 which gas has a tendency to collect and to cause bloating. In- 

 stead of waiting for the cow to arise voluntarily, urge her to do 

 so after she is fairly bright. When she makes a good attempt to 

 get up, assist her by lifting on the tail. Support her until she 

 can stand alone, but do not permit her to move. 



MOON-BLINDNESS 



The name by which this affection is properly known is periodic 

 ophthalmia. The disease occurs only in horses and is character- 

 ized by periodically occurring attacks of inflammation of the eye. 

 Eventually the animal becomes blind. 



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