Management of Cattle. 
445 
Red Water. 
This disease, detected by the dark colour of the urine, also 
frequently proves fatal. There can be little doubt that the pri- 
mary cause of it is improper feeding, producing a disordered state 
of the digestive organs. It is said to be peculiar to particular 
soils, growing certain sorts of herbage, but it is frequently known 
to follow a period of long drought, and to attack cattle suddenly 
removed fi-oin poor mossy j)astures to others of different quality. 
The treatment princ ipally consists in opening the bowels by 
purgative medicine, and after;xards giving some mild cordials. 
Slipping Calf. 
There are few, I believe no animals, so liable to abortion as 
the cow, and there have been frequent instances on particular 
farms where it has prevailed almost like an epidemic, running 
through a whole herd of perhaps twenty cows, and continuing for 
several years. Various causes have been assigned for this disease, 
such as feeding on improper food, want of exercise, impure water, 
sudden fright, cS:c. It is highly important, when a cow slips her 
calf, that she should be immediately removed from the herd, for 
if other pregnant cows smell the offensive matter, frequently left 
behind, they are almost sure to do the same. Unless the animal 
is of great value, it is by far the most prudent plan to feed her 
directly, for a cow that has once slipped her calf is very likely to 
do it again, and thus perpetuate the disease. 
Hovem or Blown. 
This disease is generally caused by over feeding on rich luxu- 
riant pasture, especially in moist or wet weather. The usual 
remedy in slight cases is to drive the animal about, and to ad- 
minister some active stimulant, which frequently gives relief. 
When, however, the symptoms are more severe, there being much 
difficulty of breathing with great distension of the stomach, it is 
better to use the trochar, an excellent instrument made expressly 
for the purpose. It should be struck into the left side of the 
animal, midway between the first rib and the hip, and about five 
inches below the loin. The shield of the instrument remains 
after the trochar is withdrawn, through which the gas escapes. 
After this operation it is as well to change the pasture for a day 
or two, and give a mild aperient. 
Foul in the Foot or Low. 
This lameness occurs principally to fattening oxen. It consists 
in soreness, and a discharge of matter between the claws. The 
usual remedy is to pull a hair rope backwards and forwards 
several times, and afterwards dress with some mild caustic j in 
