COCCIDIOSIS 461 



fetid, admixed with clots and shreds of mucus — often ichorous 

 in character. The patients are greatly depressed, have no 

 appetite, rapidly emaciate, and show an uncertain, staggering 

 gait. The pulse becomes increased and the temperature 

 elevated. Death may occur within one to three days. 



Diagnosis. — The occurrence of the disease among young 

 stock on pasture, its acute course and the foul hemorrhagic 

 diarrhea with rapid emaciation of the patient are very 

 suggestive. The determination of the coccidia by .micro- 

 scopic examination of the feces clinches the diagnosis. 



Course and Prognosis. — The course is acute, lasting from 

 one to ten days. Animals which recover do so very gradually.. 

 Individual patients are left with a profound anemia which^ , 

 may lead to death in a few months. Mild cases which 

 assume the type of a simple gastro-intestinal catarrh recover 

 promptly in eighteen to twenty-four hours. The prognosis 

 in young animals -is less favorable than in older ones. Ob- 

 viously weak and debilitated patients succumb more rapidly 

 than those with higher resistance. The mortality is about 

 5 to 10 per cent. 



Treatment. — Treatment is only successful in mild cases. 

 It is important to take the animals from the pasture and 

 place them on dry feed in the stable where they should be 

 provided with pure water. Internally intestinal disinfectants 

 and astringents have been recommended. A mixture of 

 tincture of opium (59), oil of eucalyptus (Sss), dilute acetic 

 acid (5ss), mixed with water g,s a drench, is recommended. 

 The above dose may be given hourly until the symptoms 

 begin to subside, afterward three times daily. Intrarectal 

 injections of tannic acid (1 per cent.) or alum (1 per cent.) ' 

 have given good results. As the appetite remains impaired 

 for some time the patient may be fed milk and eggs as a 

 substitute for its usual food. 



Prevention. — Prevention consists in keeping young cattle 

 away from the polluted water of swamps and stagnant 

 pools. Once the disease breaks out the cattle should be' 

 removed to the stable and placed on dry feed with pure 

 water, oi at least to dry pastures provided with a pure water 

 supply. The coccidia in the feces are killed with a 3 per cent, 

 solution of sulphuric acid. 



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