CATTLE, THEIR DISEASES. 
259 
©ne ponncf common salt mixed with one pound Epsom salts and half an ounce 
of ginger — the whole stirred in a quart of boiling water and given as a drench 
when cool — for sheep, about one-third of the above will suffice — for mares, 
•bout eight drachms of aloes with a drachm of ginger must be substituted for 
the salt, etc. After the purgative has done operating, diuretics in the shape of 
salt-petre, may be given night and morning, for about three days — dose, cattle, 
~<Wo drachms ; mare, one drachm ; sheep, half a drachm, in say a pint of water. 
The local treatment, which is of great importance, consists in fomenting the 
part thoroughly with warm water, for half an hour at a time, three times a 
day, drying and hand-rubbing ; after which, the parts may be smeared with 
olive oil, or goose grease. Poultices of various descriptions are also advanta- 
geously applied to the part, and may be made of spent hops, marsh-mallows, o t 
some such substance, bearing in mind that the heat and moisture must be kept 
up, for the poultice to be effectual. 
The animal must be fed upon food which is not calculated to produce milk, 
Such as bran-mash, and the like. The milk must be frequently removed for a 
week or ten days. In serious cases, the nearest veterinarian should at once b* 
consulted, as individual cases differ so much. 
Treatment of Calves. 
The Calf’s First Need. — Every new-born calf needs early cleansing 
by the licking of its dam. If this is neglected, it may be induced by sprink- 
ling salt on the calf. If after the naval string is severed (which the cow does 
with her teeth) it should bleed, it must be tied with a strong thread. If there 
be inflammation at the navel a mollifying ointment may be used; if*a 
tumor appear, it may be lanced and poulticed (see Poultices, p. 785). The 
mother's milk is the best nourishment for the young ealf. It also furnishes 
needed correction and regulation for the bowels and other organs. 
Diarrhoea, etc . — Affections of this nature destroy many calves. Un- 
Huitable food may induce it, or overheating of the dam. Two ounces of castor 
»il containing one teaspoonful of powdered ginger is a valuable corrective. 
It should be followed by gentian root tea mixed with two ounces of lime- 
water, a pint being given three or four times daily. Where this treatment 
and attention to the diet of mother and calf fail, resort may be had to strong 
teas of oak bark, or willow bark, with ginger added in either case. See also 
remedies under Diarrhoea in cattle, (p. 762). 
Colic . — A form of colio, sometimes called the Shoote, is common among 
young calves, frequently affecting many in the herd. Isolation of the diseased 
•nimal is the first step in treatment. The disease shows itself in loss of appe- 
tite, listlessness, gripings, frequent watery discharges from the bowels, exhaus- 
tion and death. The prompt administration of a mixture of eggs, flour and 
linseed oil is desirable. One drachm of essence of ginger and two drachm* 
if laudanum, mixed in gruel, may be given at intervals until relieved. 
