site a se eras SINT: Ries St) TT eet Sa he Ba CORNELL UNIVERSITY THE Roswell P. Flower Library THIS BOOK IS THE GIFT OF Cornell Universit Special report on diseases of cattle and U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. BUREAU OF ANIMAL INDUSTRY. SPECIAL REPORT on DISEASES OF CATTLE AND ON Kerr Pe ky CATTLE FEEDING 6? %, « 2 z LIBRARY, © az PREPARED UNDER TIE DIRECTION OF Dr. D. HE. SALMON, CHIEF OF THE BUREAU OF ANIMAL INDUSTRY, BY Drs, MURRAY, ATKINSON, HARBAUGH, LOWE, LAW, DICKSON, TRUMBOWER, SMITH, AND Prof. HENRY. PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE, WASHINGTON: COVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1892. TABLE OF CONTENTS. Page Letter of Transmittal, x By Dr. D. E. Satmon, Chief of Burean ....... 2.0.0... 0 eee cece ee eee 7 Administration of Medicines, By A. J. Murray, M.R.C.V.8 ..-22. 02222 eee eee eee eee eee 9 Diseases of the Digestive Organs, By A. J. MURRAY; MOR. CVS: cccccccecacescccancaineiisy wes bese estes 15 Poisons and Poisoning, By the late V. T. ATKINSON, V.S8..--. 1222-20222 cee eee cee eee eee eee 63 Diseases of the Heart and Blood- Vessels, By W...As HARBAUGH, V8 + veces vase teeecemnivewnaseanedases sea eee Sepa OTE Noncontagious Diseases of the Organs of Respiration, By Dr. WILLIAM HERBERT LOWE........---.-------- 22-20 eee eee eee 101 Diseases of the Nervous System, By W.H. Harpauea, V.S......-.-- Nie: aieitaeseeituaees Ric faested angtetatera cera, oye aias 111 Diseases of the Urinary Organs, By Jamis LAW, FOR. C.ViS scscce saaccecsaaraenccemeeie case cess ceneen 137 Diseases of the Generative Organs, By JaMms LAW, PLR. COV. S cs sees cene veciusnans eens seas eases cee nee 169 Diseases following Parturition, By JAmMEs. Law, PuRSC. VIS. ossc sce2c cee cesmuacmsnsinss sulsies gees wees 235 Diseases of Young Calves, By Janums Law; F. RB. C. VaS -ccescen sven veeseeevcescieces cose ca eeee seus 267 Bones—Diseases and Accidents, By the late V. T. ATKINSON, V.S .....-.--------- 2-22 eee eee eee eee eee 281 Surgical Operations, By the late Dr. WitL1am Dickson and Dr. WILLIAM HERBERT Lowr .. 301 Tumors, By Dr. W1LLIAM HERBERT LOWE...-..--.-------- 2-20-22 eee eee eee eee 821 Diseases of the Skin, By M. R. TRUMBOWER, D.V.S.....--.----- 2-02-02 0 e eee eee eee eee sees 825 Diseases of the Foot, By M. R. TRUMBOWER, D.V.S ...-..----- 02+ eee eee ee eee eee 349 Diseases of the Eye and its Appendages, By M.R. TRuMBOWER, D.V.S ..----..----------- ++ 2-02-22 eee ee eee eee 353 Diseases of the Ear, By M.R. TRuMBowWER, D.V.S ..----------- 2-222 ee eee 2 eee eee ees 367 Infectious Diseases of Cattle, By Drs. D. E. SAtmMon and THEOBALD SMITH ......---.---.----------- 371 The Feeding and Management of Cattle, By Prof. W. A. HENRY......------ +222 20-2 ee ee ee eee eee eee eee 489 Prater I. IT. III. IV. NE VI. VII. VIII. IX. x. XI. XII. XIII. XIV. XV. XVI. XVII. XVIII. XIX. XX. XXI. XXII. XXIII. XXIV. XXV. XXVI. XXVII. XXVIII. XXIX. XXX. XXXI. XXXII. XXXII. XXXIV. XXXV. XXXVI. XXXVI. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. The position of the rnmen.....-..---.----2 eee ee eee eee eee ee Stomach of ruminant ...-....-22. 222-220-2222 eee eee ee eee Miscellaneous—Clinical thermometer; simple probang; grasp- ing or forceps probang; wooden gag; trocar and cannula; sec- tion showing hernia .........--..-222. 2-2-2222 eee eee ee eee Microscopic anatomy of the liver........-.-.-.------------++-- Ergot an. Way .22.cehou sects teats sitoctese Guise aeeeeae nese s OTS OUISM ss criciacecn cinemas Samia s odes soos ane eee aS Diagram of the circulation..........---..2..-. 22-62-22 eee eee The position of the lung .......-.--------.-----2 2 eee eee eee ee Kidney and generative organs............-------------2 2022+ Microscopic anatomy of the kidney...........--------+-+--++--- Caleuli of kidney and bladder...........-....-----------+-+---- Fetal calf within its membranes ................------------- Pregnant uterus with cotyledons..............-.2--+--+--++--+- Vessels of umbilical cord......-.-.-.-.-. 22-22-22 eee eee eee eee Normal position of calf in utero..........-.-..-----4+----eeee- Abnormal positions of calf in utero........--------+----- eee Abnormal positions of calf in utero.........---.---------+----- Twin pregnancy; abdominal dropsy of the fetus; crotchet for- ceps; clamp for ear, skin, etc.....-.....-----+---------- +--+. Monstrosities .........-..-.-------------- ite wierebag% SERS e kEREATS Instruments used in difficult labor.......--.------------+------- Instruments used in difficult labor ........--..---------------- Supports for prolapsed uterus. ..-..--.------------ +++ +--+ +--+ Supports for prolapsed uterus -....-.--.------ +--+ +--+ --- eee Instrument for opening milk canal; Bistouri caché; spring teat dilator; ring teat syphon; gutta-percha bougie; truss for navel hernia; iron clamp for navel hernia .....---.-----.---- Skeleton of the cow. ...----...-- +--+ ---+ 2220 eee eee cece cere ee Devices for casting cattle ........--.. +--+ ++ 222-22 eee eee eee Tracheotomy and venesection.......----.+----+---------+-+++- Surgical instruments and sutures. ...-...------------++-+++--+-- Bacilli and micrococci of contagious diseases ...--.------------ Upper surface of the lungs of the ox ..-......-------++-++++++- Broncho-pneumonia ..---..----------- 2-02 eee eee ee eee eee eee Contagious pleuro-pneumonia...-...---.----------2+ rere eee ee Infarctions in pleuro-pneumonia ...--.---------------- ee eee eee Tuberculosis of the lungs .....----.-------+----+--2---- 2-2-2 eee Tuberculosis of the liver......-.----.---------+- eee ee eee ee A lymph gland laid open..-..------------+------+ 20s cere teres Tuberculosis of the omentum (caul) .....-.--------+----------- 62 62 62 62 100 110 168 168 168 234 234 234 234 234 234 234 234 234 234 266 266 PLATE XXXVIII. XXXIX. XL. XLI. XLI. XLII. XLIV. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Page. Lymphatic gland of mesentery cut open; omentum or caul resting upon the paunch..........-...---------+2+-+--+- 408 Actinomycosis of the jaw ........-..----------++ 222-2 ---2 + 416 Actinomycosis of the lungs.......-..----------+----+-++++- 416 Actinomycosis of thejaw......---.-----2---- +22 --ee eee eee 416 Spleen in health and in Texas fever .-.-...-.-------------- 438 The liver and the urine in Texas fever. The microérganism of Texas fever .........--..--------- Sei oaeheeameee Aes 438 LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. U. 8. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, BUREAU OF ANIMAL INDUSTRY, Washington, D. C., May 14, 1892. Sir: I have the honor to submit herewith a report upon the diseases of cattle, to which has been added a section upon cattle-feeding, the whole forming the second volume of the series of reports upon the dis- eases of the domesticated animals. The large demand for and the great popularity of the report on the diseases of the horse has been an addi- tional reason for adhering as closely as possible to the plan adopted in the preparation of that volume. In preparing the illustrations for the report on diseases of cattle an effort has been made to stipplement, as far as possible, the illustrations which appeared in the report on the diseases of the horse, so that the two series would together cover the field of veterinary surgery, which it is important to present to the reader in a graphic manner. On account of the importance of the ali- mentation as a factor in the maintenance of health and cure of disease, as well as in the profitable management of cattle, a section has been added on cattle-feeding, which has been written both from a practical and scientific point of view. This may justly be regarded as the clear- est and most succinct presentation of this subject which has ever been published, while it is probably the only article of the kind in which the results of the latest scientific researches have been incorporated. The writer has seen no reason to change his views, presented in the letter of transmittal accompanying the report on the diseases of the horse, as to the value of such publications to the farmers of the coun- try. On the contrary, many letters have been received testifying that the writers had saved valuable animals by following the advice given. in that report. In most of these cases it has been stated that no vet- erinarian was accessible, and that except for the report the animals would have been without intelligent treatment. In so large a country as ours there must for years to come be many sections in which no skilled veterinarian is located, and, consequently, there must continue to be many demands from stock-owners for information of this kind. It is well, however, to remind the reader who has not made a special study of this subject that it would be absurd for him to conclude that even with the best of books he can treat his animals as well as they q 8 LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. could be treated by a properly educated veterinarian. Careful study of the allied sciences and practical experience are as necessary to make aman successful in the treatment of diseased animals as in the case of sick people. The employment of a veterinarian is, therefore, advisable in all cases where a competent one can be obtained. In the many cases, however, where professional examination of the affected animal is out of the question, the reader may feel assured that the treatment here recommended is safe and the best that can be advised for his use. It is hoped that this volume may have an important influence in bringing about more intelligent and more humane care and treatment of animals in health and disease. To this end the writers of the sev- eral sections have been requested to give a brief description of the various organs of the animal body, and a statement of their normal functions. This information is essential to a proper understanding of the nature of disease or the principles of treatment. When carefully studied it should do much to prevent the unnecessarily cruel and inju- rious practices which are still too common in the treatment of sick ani- mals even in our enlightened country. It is plain from what has just been said that this report has been prepared for the farmer and stock-owner rather than for the student or veterinarian. As much practical information as possible has been brought together on the subjects treated, but it has been stated in brief and plain language. Readers desiring a more detailed account of any subject are referred to the various special treatises. Notwithstanding the popular character of this work there is no doubt that it will be found useful to the veterinarian as well as to the farmer. The preceding volume of the series is found on the shelves of many practitioners who regard it as the most valuable work in their library, and it is believed that the accompanying report will be equally serviceable. Very respectfully, D.E. SALMON, Chicf of the Bureau of Animal Industry, Hon. J. M. Rusk, Secretary of Agriculture, SPECIAL REPORT ON DISEASES OF CATTLE AND ON CATTLE FEEDING. ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINES. By A. J. MURRAY, M.R.C. V.S., Detroit, Mich. As medicines may be given in different ways, we will consider in detail the most common methods of administering them to bovine animals, BY THE MOUTH. Medicines may be given by the mouth in the form of draughts or drenches, powders, electuaries, and balls or pills. Draughts or drenches.—This is the form in which medicine is usually given to cattle. The medicine should be dissolved in water, beer, or any other suitable liquid. Medicines which are soluble should be well shaken up with the liquid in which they are given, so as to insure their complete solution. For example, if we are giving an ounce of sweet spirits of niter the medicine should be shaken up with at least half a pint of water before giving it. If instead of doing this we give the medicine without diluting it, a sore and inflamed condition of the mouth and throat is produced. The materials which enter into the composi- tion of some drenches are not soluble, that is, no amount of shaking will dissolve them in the liquid in which they are given. As examples of such medicines we may mention powdered ginger, powdered gentian, and carbonate of iron, but by shaking they may be temporarily sus- pended in the liquid in which they are given, so that by agitating such medicines while in the act of giving them thsy are temporarily mixed with the liquid and may consequently be given in a draught, though not quite so easily as medicines that are soluble. In giving drenches we must always ascertain to what degree the medicine or medicines composing the drench should be diluted. Carelessness in this matter 9 10 DISEASES OF CATTLE. may be attended with dangerous and even fatal consequences, and it is well to make it a rule not to give medicines unless they are prescribed by some one who is competent to give directions in such matters. Of course this rule will not apply to those who possess a sufficient knowl- edge of medicine to prevent a mistake being made. In giving a drench to an ox the hand should be passed in front of the horns and the fingers take hold of the septum nasi (partition between the nostrils); the nose should be raised in a slightly upward direction, and the neck of the bot- tle should then be introduced at the side of the mouth so as to allow the medicine to flow gradually out of the bottle. In doing this the animal’s neck should not be twisted to the side on which the person adminis- tering the medicine stands, nor should the nose be raised higher than is necessary to allow the draught to flow easily down the throat. The neck and head ought to form a straight line of which the nose is the highest point. When an animal is inclined to resist it is necessary for an assistant to take hold of the horns so as to steady the head, and in this way to assist the person giving the medicine. If the animal tries to cough the head should be released for two or three minutes. Powders.—The medicines which are to be given in the form of pow- der should be pulverized or finely divided, and also should be well mixed together if there are several ingredients in the powder. Mate- rials should not be used in making up powders which will exercise a caustic or irritating action on the mouth, or which are possessed of a nauseating and disagreeable taste. As powders are usually mixed with food it is obvious that substances possessing a disagreeable taste will be refused by the animals to which they are given. Electuaries are frequently used in treating sore throat, or when an animal is troubled with a cough. Electuaries are usually composed of a powder, such as chlorate of potash or alum, which is rubbed into a thick paste with sirup or molasses and is then smeared on the animal’s tongue with a flat wooden spoon. Any powder, however, may be given in the form of an electuary as long as it is not possessed of caustic and irritating properties, or is not chemically unsuitable for giving in this way. Balls or pills, though frequently used in treating the diseases of the horse, are not well adapted for the treatment of diseases of cattle. As cattle have four stomachs, solids pass rather slowly through these capa- cious digestive organs, so that very few veterinary practitioners resort to this form of administering medicine, which is found to be much less effectual than when it is dissolved or mixed with liquid. BY THE BOWEL. Injections of medicinal agents—Wheu the mouth is swollen or affected in such a manner that administration of medicine by that way is not practicable, the agent to be used may, after proper dilution, be given by the rectum, but it is usual to give a double dose when it is adminis- ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINES. 11 tered by this channel, as the action of medicine is less prompt and pow- erful than when given by the mouth. Before giving medicine in this way the rectum should first be emptied by a warm water injection. ’ Enemata or injections of hot water are also used in cases of constipa- tion. It is unnecessary to mention what the temperature of water should be for giving an injection, as no one ever uses a thermometer to ascertain the temperature of water which is to be used for this purpose. When the hand is placed in the water to be used the water should feel pleasantly warm, and an injection should never be given without first testing the temperature of the water with the hand. Two quarts is a sufficient quantity to use as an injection, and if it is desired to render the injection stimulating a little soap may be added, though it should be borne in mind that the injection will be retained longer if no soap is added to it. If it is therefore desired that the injection should be retained as long as possible it is best not to add soap. We may men- tion that injections are not so much used, nor do they prove as servicea- ble in treating the diseases of the ox as they do in those of the horse. Suppositories.—A. suppository is usually composed of agents which exercise a soothing and anodyne effect on the part to which itis applied, and this effect is in time diffused to the adjoining parts. It is depos- ited in the rectum in the solid form and is usually cone-shaped. The rectum should be evacuated before introducing the suppository. They are not frequently used in veterinary practice. BY THE VAGINA. anflammation is sometimes set up in the walls of the vagina, which may be occasioned by the bull during service, or while the calf is being extracted during difficult labor. In such cases the antiseptic and heal- ing agent should be dissolved in tepid water and applied once or twice a day to the affected parts with a syringe. When the cleaning (pla- centa) has been retained in the womb instead of coming away shortly after calving, a purulent (mattery) discharge is set up, which is com- monly known as the whites (leucorrhea). In such cases the womb should be washed out daily by connecting a long flexible tube with a syringe, which is passed by the hand into the mouth of the womb so as to wash out, cleanse, and set up a healing action in the surface of that organ. BY THE NOSTRILS. Inhalation.—Medicinal agents which are volatile—that is, capable of being diffused in the air—are sometimes administered in this way. The object may be to diffuse a certain quantity of gas, such as chlorine or sulphurous acid gas in the air of a stable, which the animals sub- jected to such treatment must breathe for a certain length of time. This system of treatment is frequently resorted to when the bronchial tubes of young cattle areinfested with worms. Volatile agents, such ag 12 DISEASES OF CATTLE. chloroforin and sulphuric ether, are frequently administered in this way. If a cloth is saturated with chloroform or sulphuric ether and applied to one of the animal’s nostrils while the other nostril breathes air, the vapor of either of the before-mentioned agents will pass through the nostrils into the lungs, but the wet cloth applied to the nostril should be cov- ered with a dry one, folded several times on itself, so as to prevent the vapor escaping into theair. This medicinal treatment may also be applied in verminous bronchitis above mentioned, and it is also employed by surgeons to prevent an animal feeling the pain which attends an ope- ration, though in the latter case the administration of the vapor must be carried to the extent of producing insensibility, and should only be applied for this purpose by a veterinarian. Insuffation.—The agent to be employed in insufflation must be in the form of a fine powder, which is blown up the animal’s nostrils. This mode of treatment is seldom employed in cattle diseases. BY THE WINDPIPE. The method of injecting medicines into the windpipe should only be applied by veterinarians. BY THE VEINS. What is termed intravenous injection, or the injection of medicinal agents into the veins, isnot much practiced, and should only be resorted to by veterinarians. BY THE SKIN. Rubbing the agent on the skin.—This method of applying medicine is practiced chiefly in parasitic diseases, and the end aimed at is to destroy the parasite whether it be of an animal or a vegetable nature. In mak- ing such applications that form of ointment which will enable the opera- tor by rubbing to work the medicinal agent thoroughly into the skin should be preferred. In applying an ointment to the skin of cattle it is desirable to avoid the use of poisonous materials, such as mercury and arsenic. Instances have frequently happened in which, when poi- sonous ingredients have been used in making an ointment, that the ani- mals have licked themselves after it has been applied, and have conse. quently been poisoned. Another source of danger when poisonous ointments or solutions are employed is that animals affected with a skin disease frequently present raw patches of skin on different parts of their bodies, and it has frequently been found that when the solution or ointment is applied on such raw surfaces absorption takes place, and dangerous and even fatal results are rapidly produced. The treat- ment of skin diseases not unfrequently is unsuccessful owing to the fail- ure to wash the skin well with soap and water so as to remove scabs and thus to allow the ointment to be applied thoroughly to the affected parts. When animals are affected with neuralgic or irritating forms of ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINES. 13 skin disease, local applications are of great service in allaying irritation or pains. Subcutaneous injection.—Medicines are sometimes injected beneath the skin so that they may be absorbed and pass into the blood. This method of administering medicine is becoming more extensively used, and in various forms of disease proves of great service; but the practice of it is limited to veterinarians, as it requires special instruments and a special knowledge of the medicines and also of the modes of prepar- ing them, to administer medicine in this way. DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. By A. J. MURRAY, M. R. C. V. S., Detroit, Mich. It is not proposed to enter into any elaborate consideration of the nature and chemical composition of food under this title, but rather to touch on such general aspects of this subject as are within the experi- ence of farmers, with the view of indicating what may be done to pre- vent the occurrence of disease. Itis a matter of general experience that disorder of the digestive organs is frequently occasioned by defects in the quality of the food supplied to cattle. Hay which is coarse and fibrous overtasks the digestive powers, irritates the mucous surface of the stomachs and bowels, and may lead to a torpid and inactive condi- tion of the stomachs, or when it acts on the bowels may lead to the de- velopment of dysentery. Timothy hay may be of good quality for feeding to horses, but when fed to cows, especially those which do not get exercise, it will produce a constipated condition of the bowels. Hay fed to cattle should always contain a considerable proportion of clover, which, from its laxative effect, keeps their bowels in a natural condition. Food which is finely divided, such as corn meal and fine middlings, fed alone, is not adapted for the digestive organs of cattle. It does not pass readily through the stomachs, and frequently gives rise to severe attacks of indigestion. When fine middlings and corn meal are used they should be mixed up with chopped hay, or what is commonly known as cut feed, as this tends to prevent those finely divided foods clogging together and giving rise to fermentation in the stomach, and they should even then be used in moderate quantity. The chemical composition of a food is not always a safe criterion for estimating its value. Its digest- ibility must always be taken into consideration, as the physical charac- ters may render it liable to disorder digestion. Hay which has been much exposed to the rain while drying is innutritious and is likely to produce inflammatory affections of the stomach and bowels, and the same remark will apply to musty oats. Ergot not only diminishes the nutritive value of hay, but has a special effect in producing gangrene of the extremities, which is best counteracted by feeding roots to cattle when it is absolutely necessary to feed them on hay made from ergoted grass. (See Plate v.) Rusty straw is also a dangerous article of food, and will produce disease if fed to cattle. Smut on corn impairs its 15 16 DISEASES OF CATTLE. nutritive qualities, and animals which are fed on such corn lose weight, so it appears also to interfere with assimilation. In some instances the indigestion which smutty corn produces terminates in inflammation of the fourth stomach and portions of the intestinal canal. In what is termed “cornstalk disease,” indigestion followed by delirium and coma is produced in cattle by feeding them on corn which is supposed by some writers to be infested by a minute parasitic fungus. These living organisms are found on the lower leaves of the corn, which, when invaded by those parasites, has a dwarfed appearance. The diseased leaves become yellowish-green, then yellow, and then wither away. Upon closer examination it will usually be seen that there are certain spots, more especially about the base of the leaf, which is closely wrapped around the stalk, having a different discoloration. These are brown, watery-looking objects at first; then darker, and finally dead. Occasionally there are livid red spots and patches in the same situa- tion. These specially affected spots vary in size from mere points to those of several inches across, often longer, in the direction of the veins of the leaf or leaf sheath (Burrill), Whenever this disease ap- pears in a cornfield it is advised that every stalk and leaf in the field should be burned, and that the field be seeded down to grass. The writer has observed during some years, and usually after a spell of dry, warm weather, that cattle grazing on pastures usually considered as sound and healthy have become affected with indigestion, followed by delirium and coma, but he has been unable to satisfy himself as to the causation of such outbreaks of disease. The explanation of such facts remains a matter of future investigation. Grass growing on wet, marshy land is favorable to the production of dysentery, and we have sometimes seen animals die suddenly while grazing on such pastures, and have traced such deaths to a form of anthrax introduced through the digestive system. Frozen turnips and potatoes produce very dan- gerous attacks of indigestion when eaten by cattle, and grass which is wet by dew or rain, or covered with hoarfrost, should also be regarded as dangerous. The sudden chilling of the stomachs when a quantity of such food is eaten arrests digestion and will also occasion cramp of the stomach and bowels. Causes.—In tracing out the causation of disease we find in not a few instances that ewcess is the disturbing element, instead of quality. For example, when cattle are turned into a new and rather luxuriant pas- ture severe attacks of indigestion may result from their eating too greedily, and it is well, under such circumstances, to allow themin such pastures for only a comparatively short time each day, until they become accustomed to their richer and more tempting herbage. The same idea may be applied to different kinds of food which, though wholesome when partaken of moderately, become dangerous when used to excess. : The manner of eating may also produce indigestion, as food hastily eaten and consequently imperfectly masticated is not properly prepared DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 17 for the action of the stomachs. Circumstances, of course, must sug- gest what ought to be done to prevent the injurious action of this cause. Water should always be supplied to cattle in sufficient quantity. Excess here may prove very injurious, and may occasion cramp in the fourth stomach. If animals have access to water at all times, or at least frequently, there is no danger of their suffering from drinkin g to excess. In this connection we may state that it is better for cattle to have rock salt placed within their reach, so that they may lick as much as they feel inclined to do, rather than to mix salt in their food, as in the latter case there is a danger of their getting too much, thus engen- dering excessive thirst. It has been customary lately to recommend hot water as the usual drink for cattle during cold weather, and it is claimed that they are kept in better condition by supplying them with hot water instead of cold water. The argument is put forward that a large quantity of heat is lost in raising the cold water drank to the temperature of the animal’s body, and that this large consumption of heat must increase the waste of the tissues. This is an exclusively chemical way of looking at the matter, and we think it should rather be regarded from the standpoint of what effect such a practice would have on the future health, endurance, and vitality of cattle. While we are aware from experience that cramp of the stomach is sometimes pro- duced by cattle drinking ice-cold water, we think that the other extreme of supplying them with hot water is not to be recommended, as it must render them extremely sensitive to any occasional or accidental change which might take place in this sort of regimen. The question has also to be decided as to what would be the ultimate effect of such a practice on the digestive systems. A short experience of this method of water- ing cattle can not be held to settle the question of its advantages and disadvantages. Hard water or water containing a large proportion of inorganic con- stituents is not to be regarded as good drinking water. We have seen water which had been rendered hard artificially, by adding a little lime to it, produce colic to such an extent when it was used for drinking water that its use had to be abandoned. A large proportion of organic matter is also a source of danger, and should be guarded against. It usually is contaminatel by a well or stream being so situated as to receive the drainage of some aceumula- tion of filth, though water in marshy localities frequently contains a high proportion of organic constituents, and is consequently objection- able. We need hardly say that water contaminated by the dead bodies of animals is to be regarded as dangerous, as here we have the further danger that it may become the vehicle of communicating specific dis- eases. 24697-——2 18 DISEASES OF CATTLE, DISEASES OF THE MOUTH. WOUNDS AND CONTUSIONS OF THE LIPS. The lips may become inflamed from contusions, which are some- times produced by a blow from the horns of another animal, or in the case of working oxen it may be produced by a blow from the driver. While cattle are grazing they are sometimes bitten in the lips by ser- pents, more especially when they are pastured in woods. Symptoms.—As a result of a coutusion the lips become thick and swollen, and if treatment is neglected the swelling becomes hard and indurated. This condition renders it difficult for the animal to get food into its mouth, on account of the lips having lost their natural flexibil- ity. In such cases an ox will protrude his tongue and endeavor to bring the food into his mouth with that organ. In cases of snake-bite the limits of the swelling are not well defined; it is soft and compara- tively painless. Treatment.—When we have to deal with a bruise, which is easily dis- tinguished from a snake-bite by the different train of symptoms which are produced, the affected part should be bathed steadily for three or four hours with the following solution: Muriate of ammonia, 1 ounce; water, 2 pints. In recent cases no other treatment will be required, but if the swelling is not recent and has become hard or indurated, then the swollen part should be gently rubbed every second day with oil of turpentine until the swelling has subsided. In snake-bite a straight incision penetrating into the flesh or muscle should be made across the center of the wound, and then a similar incision, but passing crosswise of the first, should be made. This is what surgeons term a “ crucial” incision. After this has been done a small wad of cotton batting should be pressed against the wounds until the bleeding has almost stopped. Afterwards the following lotion may be applied to the wounds several times a day: Permanganate of potash, half a dram; distilled water, 1 pint. Assnake-bites are usually attended with considerable depression, which may terminate in stupor, it is advisable to give doses of whisky at intervals. Half a pint of whisky mixed with a pint of water should be given, and the dose should be repeated in half an hour if the animal is sinking into a stupefied and unconscious condition. The repetition of the dose must depend on the symptoms which the animal shows. It must be borne in mind that the object of treatment is to ward off the stupor, which is one of the results of snake-bite, and that in adminis. tering whisky the object is to produce a stimulating and not an intoxi- cating or stupefying effect. SALIVATION. Salivation is a symptom of some general or local disorder. It may, therefore, be a symptom of a general disease, such as rabies or the foot- and-mouth disease (epizodtic aphtha), or it may be a purely local trou- DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 19 ble, as when copious secretion of the salivary glands is produced by animals eating irritating plants, such as wild mustard. In cases where saliva is observed to dribble from the mouth that part must be care- fully examined by introducing an instrument like a balling-iron into the mouth, or if such an instrument is not at hand, by grasping the tongue and partially withdrawing it from the mouth while all parts of the mouth are exposed to a good light, so that the presence of any foreign substance may be detected. The cause will sometimes be found to depend on a short piece of wood becoming fixed on the palate, its two ends resting on the upper molar teeth of each side; or it may depend on a needle, thorn, or splinter of wood becomiug imbedded in the tongue. Sometimes a sharp piece of tin or other metal may become partially imbedded in the inner surface of the cheek. Hay occasionally possesses some quality which produces salivation, though only in some animals. Another cause of salivation is cattle which have been rubbed with mercurial ointment (see Mercurial Poisons, p. 69), licking themselves. Such cases, of course, arise from the constitutional action of mercury, and indicate the danger of using such a preparation externally, on accouut of the common habit which the animals have of licking them- selves. Treatment.—lIf salivation depends on the irritation and inflammation set up by the ingestion of acid plants, or forage possessing some pecu- liar stimulating property, a lotion composed of an ounce of powdered alum dissolved in a quart of water should be syringed into the mouth twice a day, using half a pint of the solution each time. If, however, the salivation depends on the presence of a thorn, splinter of wood, or any other foreign substance imbedded in the cheek or tongue, remove the offending object and wash the mouth occasionally with a weak solu- tion of carbolic acid and tepid water. When salivation is produced by mercurial poisoning or by the foot-and-mouth disease (epizodtic aphtha), the treatment appropriate to those general conditions of the system, as well as the local treatment, must be applied. IRREGULARITIES OF THE TEETH, Irregularities of the teeth may be occasioned by the unequal wearing of some of the teeth or by some of the incisors being broken, which may happen when cattle are pastured on sandy or gravelly soil. The molar teeth may also show irregular wear from similar causes. Their edges may become sharp, or it may happen that a molar tooth has been acci- dentally fractured. It may also occur that a supernumerary tooth has developed in an unusual position, and that it interferes with the natu- raland regular mastication of the food. Treatment.—The mouth may be examined by grasping the animal’s tongue with one hand and partially withdrawing it from the mouth, so as to expose the incisor and molar teeth to inspection. When it is 20 DISEASES OF CATTLE. desired, however, to examine the molar teeth with the fingers, so as to obtain a more precise idea of their condition, an instrument like the ball- ing-iron which is used for the horse should be introduced into the mouth so as to separate the jaws and keep them apart while the examina- tion is being-made. Any sharp edges of the molars must be removed by the tooth-rasp. Any supernumerary tooth which interferes with mastication or any tooth which is fractured or loose should be extracted. In performing such operations it is desirable to throw or cast the ox, and to have its head held securely, so as to enable the operator to do whatis necessary without difficulty. CARIES OF THE TEETH. The presence of caries may be suspected if the mouth exhales a bad odor, and if the animal occasionally stops during mastication as if it : were in pain. The existence of caries in a molar tooth may be ascer- tained by examining the mouth in the manner already described. If one of the molars is found to be carious it should be extracted, if the caries is so extensive as to render other means of treatment impracti- cable. When the crown of the tooth has been destroyed and only the stump or root is left, extraction will be impracticable. In such cases it is best to sell the animal to the butcher. ACTINOMYCOSIS OF THE JAWBONES—BIG-JAW—LUMP-JAW. (Plates XXXIX, XLI.] The disease which we have now to consider is generally known among farmers and cattle dealers under the two latter designations. Atten- tion is first directed to the animal by a swelling or enlargement of the jawbone, and the opinion generally expressed when such a swelling is observed is that the animal has received some severe contusion which has been the starting point of the swelling. It is found, however, that when a blow or contusion is the starting point of such a swelling it rarely if ever ulcerates, and that the continuous application of cold water checks the growth of a swelling which is merely the result of mechanical injury. In the disease we are now considering, however, the application of cold water does not exercise the least influence in checking its progress. The swelling described may affect either the upper or lower jaw, or it may affect both at the same time, and pro- duce considerable swelling of the soft tissues as well as enlargement of the bony structure. Asa result of the swelling described the molar teeth of the upper and lower jaws may be pushed out of their natural position so that they are no longer in apposition, and they consequently can not serve the purpose of masticating the food. It may also happen that from degeneration of the tooth-sockets the teeth drop out. This result may be suspected when the animal becomes unable to masticate its food. As a result of ulceration it frequently happens that an open- DISKASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 91 ing forms on the external part of the tumor, and frequently a similar destructive process forms an opening into the mouth itself. In a recent work, in treating of this subject, I have remarked that in some cases it will be observed that these swellings, after growing for a short time, remain in a stationary condition—the growth appears to be arrested. Such cases will not require treatment, as the arrest of the growth of the swelling is no doubt caused by the death of the para- site, which ceases to reproduce itself and thenceforth becomes harm- less. The living parasite, by rapidly reproducing itself, extends through the bony tissue, and by setting up inflammation causes a rapid increase of the swelling. The aim of treatment then is to destroy the parasite, thereby arresting the growth of the swelling; and this is all that can be done, where the utmost success practicable is attained. The importance of early treatment will, however, be understood when it is remembered that there is a continued and rapid multiplication of the parasite, and that this multiplication is attended with increasing damage to the tissues of the animal in which it is lodged. Treatment.—When there is an external opening on the surface of the swelling it should be injected with tincture of iodine. When there is no external opening several incisions should be made through the skin covering the swelling, and portions of the outer plate of the jaw-bone should be removed with a trephine, and tincture of iodine injected into ‘the orifices thus made. This treatment should be applied daily, and may be continued until it is apparent that the growth of the swelling has been checked. The iodine checks the growth of the swelling by destroying the parasite whose continuous development is the means of setting up diseased action in the bone. Other methods have been applied in treating this disease, such as burning the diseased bone with the hot iron, which is said to have proved effectual in checking the progress of the disease. But remedies whose action is diffused exten- sively through the diseased tissues are to be preferred in treating a dis- ease of this nature. INFLAMMATION OF MUCOUS MEMBRANE OF MOUTH—STOMATITIS. The membrane of the mouth may become inflamed by cattle eating some irritating substance, by eating acid plants, or little vesicles may form in the mouths of calves when they are affected with indigestion, constituting what is termed aphtha. Symptoms.—The saliva dribbles from the mouth, and when it is ex- amined the surface of the tongue and other parts of the mouth will appear red and inflamed. When young animals are affected with the form of disease termed aphtha small red elevations will be observed on the tongue and other parts of the mouth, having little white points on their centers, which consist of the epithelium of the mucous membrane raised into vesicles. These white patches are succeeded by ulcerated 29 DISEASES OF CATTLE surfaces, which are exposed by the shedding of the white patches of epithelium. Treatment.—When there is merely a reddened and inflamed condition of the mucous membrane of the mouth, it will suffice to syringe it out several times a day with 4 ounces of the following solution: Alum, 1 ounce; water, 2 pints. When the edges of the tongue and other parts of the mouth are studded with ulcers these should be painted over once a day with the following solution until the affected surface is healed: Todoform, 60 grains; ether, 1 ounce. When indigestion is associated with an ulcerated condition of the mouth that disorder requires sepa- rate treatment. : GANGRENOUS STOMATITIS—GANGRENE OF THE MOUTH IN YOUNG CALVES. This affection usually appears in young calves about the time when they are cutting their molar teeth. Causes.—Insufficient nourishment, the debility resulting from diarrhea and trom inflammation of the umbilicus (navel) predispose animals to this disease, and, as already mentioned, its development is associated with disorder of the digestive system resulting from the cutting of the molar teeth. I may mention, however, that I have seen this disease affect cows quite severely, though they afterwards made a complete recovery. This malady then may affect mature animals and may arise from conditions which at present are unknown. It is asserted by Hill, in his work on diseases of the ox, that this is a tuberculous disease, but the fact that animals may recover completely in three or four weeks renders it surprising that he should have made such astatement. That the calf of a tuberculous cow may become affected with gangrenous stomatitis, or that in a few instances traces of tuberculous disease have been found in the bodies of animals that have died from it, are mere coincidences, and lend no weight to the opinion that this malady is of a tuberculous nature. The same writer says this disease may assume a diphtheritic type, but diphtheria is contagious and is characterized by the production of false membrane, while the most prominent feature of this disease is the extent to which death of the affected tissues takes place, which differentiates it from both tuberculosis and diphtheria. Symptoms.—In the early stage there is redness of the mouth, from which the saliva dribbles, but in two or three days a whitish point appears on some part of the mucous membrane of the mouth. It grad- ually extends in size and depth, and ared, inflamed zone surrounds the affected part, which begins to present a yellowish, cheesy appearance, and then, as it begins to break up and decompose, exhales a fetid, dis- agreeable odor. Sometimes the entire thickness of a portion of the tissues composing the cheek becomes gangrenous. If the decayed part is not removed by the knife itis gradually separated from the surround- DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS, 23 ing living tissues by the process of ulceration. In this way an aperture will sometimes be formed in the animal’s cheek through which the saliva is ejected when it is masticating its food. This disease may be compli- cated by diarrhea setting in, which has an exhausting effect on the animal, as is shown by its frequently lying down. This malady often ter- minates in death, and it runs its course in from seven to ten days. In treating this disease in cows, however, I have observed that complete recovery does not take place under three or four weeks. Its duration will vary according to the extent to which the animal is affected. Treatment.—Sulphate of quinine should be given to calves threo times a day in doses varying from 5 to 10 grains, according to the size and age of the animal, and should be repeated about four times a day. Half-ounce doses of lime-water mixed with milk should be given if diarrhea is present. When the calf shows signs of debility, or diarrhea is present, whisky or brandy should be administered several times a day. The stimulant should be mixed with two or three parts of water, and should be repeated three or four times a day. In the case of cows, quinine should be given in dram doses. When the animal’s appetite is poor or when it is weak, whisky or brandy should be given in half- pint doses two or three times a day, mixed with 2 parts of water. To cleanse the mouth and remove the fetor it should be syringed out sev- eral times a day with the following solution: Chlorinated soda, 4 ounces; water, 2 pints. When the gangrenous parts have sloughed, then a lotion composed of sulphate of copper, 2 drams; water, 2 pints, should be applied every day to the raw surfaces to promote healing. The diet should be nutritious, and for calves the cow’s milk is to be preferred. The gangrenous tissue assumes a yellow, cheesy appearance, and the ani- mal’s recovery will be hastened by removing dead tissue with the knife and not waiting until the process of ulceration separates it from the living parts. During’ the convalescent stage it is advisable to give carbonate of iron in combination with quinine. It may be given to calves in 10-grain doses, and to cows in 2-dram doses. In concluding we may mention that Longlen, of Arras, was the first veterinarian to publish an accurate and clear account of this disease. INDURATION OF THE TONGUE—ACTINOMYCOSIS. This disease commences with small patches of a yeHow color, which may appear on the upper or under surface, on the tip, or on the sides of the tongue. The mucous membrane covering these patches is thick- ened, and it soon breaks up into a number of pimple-like excrescences which run together, and it then ulcerates and is cast off, leaving a red and excavated surface. These patches are found to cover a number of nodular bodies, most of which are as large as a héemp-seed, though some are as large as a cherry or a walnut. These nodules, when cut into, are seen to be composed of a yellow, cheesy-looking substance, which, when removed, leaves a sharply-defined cavity or ulcer. The 24 DISEASES OF CATTLE. nodules may be deep seated, so that they can not be discovered by examining the surface of the tongue, but in this situation, instead of producing ulceration and destruction of the mucous membrane, they set up inflammation in the muscular structure of the tongue, which terminates in a marked enlargement and wood-like induration of that organ, which has led to this disease being commonly called ‘“ wooden tongue” in Germany. The enlarged and indurated condition of the tongue is a great impediment to the animal masticating its food, so that if the tongue is extensively affected the animal soon becomes emaciated. Similar nodules may form on the inner surface of the cheeks, of the lips, on the surface of the palate, and even in some instances on the mucous membrane lining the nose. Treatment.—When the nodules are large they may be dissected out or scraped out, so as to leave nothing but healthy tissue, and afterwards dressed with tincture of iodine. When this procedure is not practica- ble an incision should be made into the nodule, which should then be injected with tincture of iodine. This treatment destroys the micro. scopic fungus contained in the nodules, and will consequently prevent its spreading and bring about its ultimate separation from the healthy tissues. It is obvious that to treat this disease successfully its nature must be recognized at an early stage. After the muscular portion ot the tongue has become enlarged and indurated it will not be possible to restore it to its healthy condition. [Quite recently actinomycosis of the tongue has been treated with great success in Europe by the administration of iodide of potassium. According to Nocard, this drug given once or twice a day, in doses of 1§ drams dissolved in a pint of water, acts as a specific and is followed by rapid improvement and the permanent cure of the affected animal. The results reported are so extraordinary that they justify the trial of this remedy in all cases of actinomycosis in the tongue or other organs. D. E. 8.) DISEASES OF THE PHARYNX AND GULLET. PHARYNGITIS—SORE THROAT. This is an inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the pharynx. Itis frequently associated with laryngitis and bronchitis, and sometimes with pleurisy. ° Symptoms.—The muzzle is dry, the saliva dribbles from the corner of the mouth; the animal either does not swallow or swallows with diffi- culty; occasionally the liquids which it attempts to take come back in part through the nostrils, and the animal holds its neck in a stiff, straight position, moving it as little as possible. The eyelids are half closed, the white of the eye is bloodshot, and the animal occasionally grinds its teeth. When it attempts to eat hay or grass, after masticat- ing the food the animal drops it out of its mouth as if to avoid the DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 25 pain of swallowing, and also evinces pain when pressure is applied on the pharynx externally, and tries to prevent such pressure being applied. Causes.—Pharyngitis is produced by a sudden cooling of the surface of the body, as when cattle are exposed to a cold wind or a cold rain. Treatment.—The throat should be syringed three times a day with an ounce of the following solution: Nitrate of silver, 14 drams; dis- tilled water, 1 pint. Bland and soothing drinks, such as linseed tea, oatmeal and water, should occasionally be offered. Diet should consist of soft food, such as bran mashes with a little linseed meal mixed in them. The upper part of the throat and the space between the jaws should be well rubbed once a day with the following liniment: Liquor ammonia fortior, 4 ounces; oil of turpentine, 4 ounces; olive oil, 4 ounces. Mix. Under the above treatment the inflammation of the throat will gradually subside and the animal will be able to swallow as usual in five or six days. We need hardly say that during its treat- ment the sick animal should be kept in a comfortable stable. PAROTITIS. Inflammation of the parotid gland may arise from the inflammation extending to it when an ox is affected with pharyngitis or laryngitis, or the inflammation may commence in the salivary ducts and may depend on some influence the nature of which is unknown. Parotitis sometimes arises from a blow or contusion which is severe enough to set up inflammation in the structure of the gland. Symptoms.—There is an elongated painful swelling, beginning at the base of the ear and passing downward along the posterior margin of the lower jaw. The swelling is sometimes limited to one side, and when both sides are swollen it is generally larger on one side than on the other. The secretion of saliva is increased, the appetite is poor, the neck is stiff so that it is painful to raise the head, and food is swallowed with difficulty. In many cases the swelling of those glands, when sub- mitted to proper treatment, disappears in a comparatively short time. In other cases, however, the gland remains enlarged, even after the ani- mal recovers its appetite. Treatment.—A. warm bran poultice should be applied on the swollen gland, and whenever the poultice has cooled it should be replaced by a new one. This treatment should be continued until an abscess forms, which may be ascertained by examining the surface of the gland with the fingers, and when on pressing any part of the surface it is found to fluctuate or “give,” then we may conclude that an abscess has formed. It is well not to open the abscess until the fluctuation is well marked, as at this this stage the pus or matter is near the surface and there is less trouble in healing the wound than if the pus is deep seated. The poulticing should be continued for two or three days after the abscess has been opened. By that time the discharge of pus has ceased or 26 DISEASES OF CATTLE. become very slight,and the poulticing may be discontinued. The wound should be sponged with tepid water once a day and a little of the following lotion afterwards applied: Carbolic acid, 1 dram; water, 8 ounces. In some cases, after poulticing for four or five days, there will be no indication of softening at any point, and that treatment may therefore be discontinued, and then the swollen gland should be gently rubbed once a day with camphorated oil. If this fails to promote absorption or bring about a gradual dispersion of the swelling, then to attain this object the swelling may be painted with tincture of iodine twice a day or rubbed once a day with compound iodine ointment. When the swollen gland is not being poulticed it should be covered with a piece of flannel. The diet of the animal should consist of soft food while it is under treatment. PHARYNGEAL POLYPI. Tumors form not infrequently in the pharynx, and when they increase in size may give rise to a train of symptoms varying according to the situation which they occupy in that part. The tumor may be so situ- ated that by shifting its position a little it may partially obstruct the posterior nares (nostrils), when, of course, it will render nasal breath- ing very noisy and labored. In another situation its partial displace- ment may impede the entrance of air into the larynx. In almost any part of the pharynx, but especially near the entrance of the gullet, they will interfere with the act of swallowing, and this fact is so generally recognized in some parts of Germany that whenever an animal begins to lose condition it is said to have a “growth” in its throat. As these tumors are frequently attached to the wall of the pharynx by a pedicel or stalk, it will be seen that they may readily be displaced in different directions so as to produce the symptoms before described. Treatment.—The method of treatment followed in such cases is to separate the animal’s jaws with an instrument termed a gag, and then after drawing the tongue partially forward to pass the hand into the pharynx and to wrench or twist the tumor from its attachment. One veterinarian who has had considerable practice in treating this form of disease scrapes through the attachment of the tumor gradually with his thumb nail. In cases where the attachment is too strong to be sev- ered in this way an instrument like a thimble, but possessing a sharp edge at the end, might be used to effect the same purpose. As it is impossible to use a knife in the pharynx the suggestion here made might in the future be carried out with advantage. CHOKING. This accident usually happens from attempting to swallow too large an object, such as a turnip, potato, beet, or an apple or pear, though in rare cases choking may occur from bran, chaff, or some other finely DISEASES OF TIE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 27 divided food lodging in and filling up a portion of the gullet. This latter form of the accident is most likely to occur in animals which are greedy feeders. Symptoms.—The symptoms will vary somewhat according to the part of the gullet or throat in which the obstruction is located. In most cases there is a discharge of saliva from the mouth; the animal coughs frequently, and when it drinks the water is soon ejected. These symp- toms, however, are not always present, as I have seen a case in which a potato was lodged in the upper part of the gullet, but where there was a Small space between the wall of the gullet and the obstruction, so that water given by the mouth passed into the stomach, and in this case there was neither coughing nor any other symptom of distress. The potato was so large, however, that there was not space enough to pass the tip of the finger behind it so as to slide it into the pharynx, though repeated efforts were made to withdraw it in this way while it was simultaneously pushed from the outside in an upward direction.” After the lapse of several hours it passed into the stomach of itself. Treatment.—It is always advisable to put a gag in the animal’s mouth, and while the head is held in a horizontal direction by two assistants to pass the hand into the pharynx, and when any foreign body is found in the pharynx to withdraw it gradually and steadily. When the sub- stance is lodged in the upper part of the gullet pressure should be made by an assistant in an upward direction while the operator passes his hand into the pharynx, and if the assistant can not by pressure dis- lodge the substance from the gullet the operator may by passing his middle finger above and partly behind the substance gradually slide the object into the pharynx and then withdraw it by the mouth. It is usually stated that irregular shaped objects are more difficult to manip- ulate. This statement, however, is of doubtful accuracy, as a root with a smooth surface, which nearly fits the upper part of the gullet, will be found extremely difficult to move from its position. The presence of an obstructing substance in the cervical portion of the gullet may be ascertained by passing the hand along the left side of the neck, when a hard and painless swelling will be found to indicate the presence of the foreign body. In such cases we must endeavor by gentle and persever- ing pressure with the thumb and two next fingers to slide the obstruct- ing substance gradually upward to the pharynx. To facilitate this itis well to give the animal a wineglassful of olive oil before the manipula- tions described are commenced. When the substance has been brought into or nearly into the pharynx, then the mouth gag should be used, the tongue drawn partially forward with the left hand, and the right should be passed forward into the pharynx, so as to withdraw the obstruction. When bran or chaff causes the trouble it is best to give a small quantity of oil to lubricate the walls of the gullet and then by gentle and persevering pressure to endeavor to separate and divide the mass and then to work it downward toward the stomach. This will be 28 DISEASES OF CATTLE, assisted by pouring small quantities of oil aud water down the animal’s throat. It is not advisable to use the probang to push down any soft material such as oats or chaff, as this generally condenses and renders firmer the obstructing substance by pressing its particles or elements together, so that it forms a solid, resisting mass which can not be moved. In some cases the foreign body can not be dislodged from the neck by pressing and manipulating that part externally. In such an event we must resort to the use of the probang, or if the foreign body is lodged in that part of the gullet which passes through the thorax or chest, there is no way of reinoving an obstruction so situated except by using the probang. (Plate 111, Figs. 2,3.) The instrument usually employed for this purpose is called the probang of Munro, after its inventor. Before passing the probang a gag is introduced into the animal’s mouth, and the gag should have an aperture at each end from which a strap passes and is buckled at the back of the head below the horns. (Plate 11, Fig. 4.) The probang should then be oiled, and the head and neck being held in a straight line by two assistants, the tongue must be partly drawn out of the mouth, the probang cautiously passed along the roof of the mouth into the pharynx and thence into the gullet, through which it is passed down. If resistance is met, gentle and continuous pressure must be employed, under the influence of which the agent will generally in a short time pass into the stomach. A pro- bang is a flexible instrument, and adapts itself to the natural curva- ture of the gullet, so that if it is used cautiously there is not much risk of injury. Some writers have advised that when the obstruction is lodged in the cervical (neck) portion of the gullet it should be struck with a mal- let, so as to crush it and thus alter its shape so that it may easily slip down into the stomach. If the obstructing substance is hard, this will be a dangerous operation, but if soft, as in case of a ripe pear for exam- ple, this proceeding might be safely adopted. In all cases where pressure applied on the neck fails td move the obstruction and the probang also fails to move it, the gullet must be opened and the obstructing substance removed through the wound. In such cases the assistance of a veterinarian or a surgeon must be obtained. WOUNDS AND INJURIES OF THE GULLET. Sometimes from the rash and too forcible use of the probang the walls of the gullet may be more or less lacerated or abraded, and the animal consequently swallows with pain and difficulty. In such cases dry feed must be withheld for five or six days, so as to allow the injured parts to heal, and the diet must be limited to linseed tea, hay tea, and thin oatmeal gruel. The same kind of diet must be fed after the operation of cutting into the gullet has been performed. Sometimes the gullet is ruptured and lacerated to such an extent that treatment of any kind is hopeless. I have known this to occur DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 29 when the handle of a pitchfork has been pushed down a cow’s throat to remove an obstruction. Where such treatment has been applied it is best to slaughter the animal without delay, as the flesh may be utilized, and remedial treatment would be hopeless. In this connection it may be mentioned that whatever substitute may be used for a probang, which sometimes is not at hand, it should be flexible and should possess a smooth surface. The handle of a whip, when it is flexible, may be used in emergencies. DISEASES OF THE STOMACH. TYMPANITES, HOVEN, OR BLOATING. This disease is characterized by swelling of the left flank, and is caused by the formation of gas in the rumen or paunch. (See Plates 1 and II.) Causes.—Tympanites may be caused by any kind of food which pro- duces indigestion. When cattle are first turned into young clover they eat so greedily of it that tympanites frequently results; turnips, pota- toes, and cabbage may also cause it; middlings and cornmeal also fre- quently give rise to it. In this connection it may be stated that an excessive quantity of any of the before-mentioned foods may bring on this disorder, or it may not be due to excess but to eating too hastily, Sometimes the quality of the food is at fault. Grass or clover when wet by dew or rain frequently disorders digestion and brings on tym- panites ; frozen roots or pastures covered with hoar-frost should also be regarded as dangerous. When food has been eaten too hastily, or when it is cold and wet, the digestive process is imperfectly performed and the food contained in the paunch ferments, during which process large quantities of gas are formed. The same result may follow when acow is choked, as the obstruction in the gullet prevents the eructation or passing up of gas from the stomach, so that the gas continues to accumulate until tympanitis results. Symptoms.—The swelling of the left flank is very characteristic, as in well-marked cases the flank at its upper part rises above the level of the backbone and when struck with the tips of the fingers emits a drumlike sound. The animal has an anxious expression, moves uneasily, and is evidently distressed. If relief is not obtained in time it breathes with difficulty, reels in walking or in standing, and in a short time falls down. and dies from suffocation. The distention of the stomach may become so great as to prevent the animal from breathing, and in some instances the case may be complicated by rupture of the stomach. Treatment.—In urgent cases the trocar should be used immediately, for when the distension of the stomach has become extreme there is no trying the remedial effect of medicine. The trocar is a sharp-pointed instrument encased in a sheath, which leaves the sharp point of the trocar free. (See Plate 11, Figs. 5a and 50.) In selecting the point 30 DISEASES OF CATTLE. for using the trocar, a spot equally distant from the last rib, the hip bone and the transverse processes of the lumbar vertebre must be chosen. Here an incision about three-quarters of an inch long should be made through the skin, and then the sharp point of the trocar being directed downward, inward and slightly forward, is thrust into the paunch, (Plate1.) The sheath of the trocar should be left in the paunch as long as any gas continues to.issue from it. If the canula or sheath of the trocar is removed while gas is still forming in the paunch and the left flank becomes considerably swollen it may be necessary to insert it again. It is well accordingly to observe the can- ula closely and if gas is found to be issuing from it, it should not be removed. In order to be certain on this point I have been in the habit of placing the palm of my hand about 2 inches above the mouth of the canula, when if gas is issuing the sensation produced by the current of gas coming against the skin will enable one to form an accurate opinion. When gas issues from the canula in considerable quantity the sound accompanying its escape renders the exact condition obvious. It is occasionally necessary to keep the canula in the stomach for several hours. When thisis necessary a piece of stout cord should be passed round the neck of the canula immediately below the projecting rim, and then be passed round the animal’s body and tied in a secure knot. The rim surrounding the mouth of the canula should be in contact with the skin. When the canulais secured as described it may remain in the stomach over night. I have even found it necessary to keep it in that position for two days. But whenever the person in charge of the cow is satisfied that gas has ceased to issue from the canulait should be removed. The canula is only to be employed in extreme or urgent cases, though everyone who has had experience in treating indigestion in cattle will realize that he has saved the lives of many animals by its prompt appli- cation. When the tympanic animal is not distressed, and the swelling of the flank is not great, it is best to resort to the administration of internal medicine. Two ounces of aromatic spirits of ammonia should be given every half hour in a quart of cold water, or half an ounce of chloride of lime may be dissolved in a pint of tepid water, and the dose repeated every half hour until the bloating has subsided. It is gener- ally necessary to give a dose of purgative medicine after bloating has subsided, as animals frequently show symptoms of constipation after attacks of indigestion. When the bloating is not too great gentle walk- ing exercise will facilitate the removal of the gas. CHRONIC TYMPANITES. Cattle, especially those which have been keptin the stable all winter, are liable to suffer from chronic tympanites. In this form the animal bloats up after feeding, but seldom swells so much as to cause any alarm. The chronic form of indigestion may also follow an acute attack like that previously described, DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 31 Treatment should be preceded vy a moderate dose of purgative medi- cine: one pound of sulphate of magnesia, half an ounce of powdered Barbadoes aloes, 1 ounce of powdered ginger, 1 pint of molasses. The powder should be stirred up for a few minutes with two quarts of luke- warmn water, then the molasses should be added, and after all the ingredients have been stirred together for about ten minutes, the dose should be administered. It will generally be necessary after the opera- tion of the purgative to give some tonic and antacid preparation to pro- mote digestion, which is imperfectly performed in such cases. We recommend the following for this purpose: Powdered gentian, 3 ounces; powdered bicarbonate of potash, 3 ounces; powdered ginger, 3 ounces; powdered capsicum, 1 ounce. Mix and divide into twelve powders, one of which should be given three times a day before feeding, shaken up with half a pint of whisky and a pint of water. It is also advantageous in such cases to give two heaped teaspoonfuls of wood charcoal, mixed with the animal’s feed three times a day. The animal should also go out during the day, as want of exercise favors the continuance of this form of indigestion. Cases occasionally occur which resist medical treatment. Chronic indigestion has sometimes been found to arise from enlarged lymphatic glands pressing on the gullet and preventing the eructation or belch- ing up of gas which occurs during digestion. Cruzel expresses the opinion that this form of tympanitis occurs in animals affected with tuberculosis, and remarks that the swelling of the flank disappears when the animal stands, but reappears when it lies down. DISTENSION OF RUMEN OR PAUNCH WITH FOOD. This form of indigestion is caused by the animal gorging itself with food, and arises more from the animal’s voracious appetite than from any defect in the quality of the food supplied to it. In cases of this kind there is comparatively no great formation of gas, and the gas which is formed is diffused through the stomach instead of accumu- lating in a layer in its upper part. On pressing the flank with the closed fist the indent of the hand remains for a short time in the flank, as if the rumen were filled with a soft doughy mass. This form of indigestion should be treated by stimulants, such as have been described in speaking of the two preceding diseases. Butif the treat- ment applied fails and the impacted or overloaded condition of the rumen continues, an incision should be made with a sharp, long-bladed knife in the left flank, commencing at the point where it is usual to puncture an ox, and prolonging the incision in a downward direction until it is long enough to admit the hand. When the point of the knife is thrust into the flank and the blade of the knife cuts downward, the wall of the stomach, the muscle and the skin should all be cut through at the same time. Two assistants should hold the edges of the wound together so as to prevent any food slipping between the flank and the 32 DISEASES OF CATTLE. wall of the stomach, and then the operator should remove two-thirds of the contents of the rumen. This having been done the edges of the wound should be sponged with a little carbolized warm water, and the lips of the wound in the rumen being turned inward they should be brought together with catgut stitches. The wound penetrating the muscle and the skin may then be brought together by silk stitches] which should pass through the entire thickness of the muscle and should be about 1 inch apart. The wound should afterwards be dressed once a day with lotion and the animal covered with a tight linen sheet to protect the wound from insects and dirt. The lotion to be used in such a case is made up as follows: Sulphate of zinc, 1 dram; carbolic acid, 2 drams; glycerin, 2 ounces; water, 14 ounces; mix. LOSS OF CUD. It is very common among farmers, when a cow or ox is ailing, to say that the sick animal has lost its cud. If it is meant that the animal, does not ruminate or chew the cud, and that it consequently must be sick, no fault can be found with the expression. In most cases, how- ever, the remark is not intended to convey the idea that the animal does not ruminate, but that the loss of cud is a disease in itself. We may here observe that loss of cud is a symptom of suspended rumina- tion (Plate 11) and shows that the animal’s digestive functions are not performed as regularly as usual. It is a symptom of a great many diseases, and when its existence is detected it should lead the observer to try and discover other symptoms, so that on those he may base a correct opinion as to the nature of the disease from which the animal suffers. VOMITING. This is not to be confounded with rumination, though some writers have advanced the opinion that vomiting is merely a disordered aud irregular rumination. It is not of common occurrence in cattle, though as it sometimes occurs it is well that a description of it should be given. Symptoms.— Animals which vomit are frequently in poor condition. After having eaten tranquilly for some time the animal suddenly becomes uneasy, arches the back, stretches the neck and head and then suddenly ejects 10 or 12 pounds of the contents of the rumen. After having done this, uneasiness subsides and in a short time the animal resumes eating as if nothing had happened. Causes.—The causes of this disordered state of the digestive system in cattle are rather obscure. It is evident that the vomited matter pro- ceeds from the rumen, and it appears to show some temporary nervous disorder of that part. It has been found to occur when there was can- cerous disease of the fourth stomach, and experimentally it has been, DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 33 shown that a suspension of digestion or great derangement of the fourth stomach produces considerable nervous disorder of the rumen and some- times vomiting or attempt to vomit. Treatment.—HKasily digested food and plenty of water should be given. Fear and excitement, chasing or hurrying animals after eating heartily, are apt to bring on this result. In order to remove the conditions which produce vomiting the following draft should be given: Hydrate of chloral, half an ounce; whisky, 8 ounces; water, 1 pint. The dose to be repeated when the condition of the animal seems to require it. DEPRAVED APPETITE—PICA. Cattle suffering from this disease have a capricious and variable appe tite as regards their ordinary food, but evince a strong desire to lick and eat substances for which healthy cattle show no inclination. Alkaline and saline tasting substances are especially attractive to cattle having a depraved appetite, and they frequently lick lime, earth, coal, gravel, and even the dung of other cattle. Cows in calf and young cattle are especially liable to develop those symptoms. Animals affected in this way lose condition, their coat is staring, gait slow, and small vesicles containing yellow liquid form under the tongue; the milk given by cows is thin and watery. Such animals become restless and uneasy, as is indicated by frequent bellowing. The disease may last for months, the animal ultimately dying, worn out by fever. Depraved appetite fre- quently precedes the condition in which the bones of cattle become brit- tle and fracture easily, and which is known by the name of osteomalacia. Causes.—Bad food, especially food which has undergone changes which lessen its digestibility and impair its nutritive value, is the com- mon cause. It has been stated that the food of which animals partake previous to becoming affected with this disease must be deficient in some of the constituents required to supply the wear and growth of the body, and especially that there is a deficiency of lime salts. Cattle pastured on low, swampy land become predisposed to it. It occasion- ally happens, however, that one individual in a herd suffers though all are fed alike; in such cases the disease must arise from the affected animal not assimilating properly the nutritive elements of the food which is supplied to it. Treatment.—The aim in such cases must be to improve the process of digestion and to supply the animal with a sufficiency of sound and wholesome food. The following should be given to the cow three times a day, a heaped tablespoonful constituting a dose: Carbonate of iron, 4 ounces; powdered gentian, 4 ounces; common salt, 4 ounces; pow- dered fenugreek, 4 ounces; mix. In addition to this three table- spoonfuls of powdered charcoal should be mixed with the animal’s food at least three times a day, and a piece of rock salt should be placed where the animal can lick it at will. 24697——3 34 DISEASES OF CATTLE. HAIR CONCRETIONS. These concretions or hair-balls are produced by animals licking themselves, or by their licking other animals. Asa result of this habit the hairs which are swallowed are carried round by the contractions of the stomach and gradually assume the form of a small pellet or ball. These increase in size as fresh quantities of hair are introduced into the stomach, which become adherent to the surface of the hair-ball. These hair-balls are found most frequently in the reticulum or second stom- ach (Plate 11), though sometimes in the rumen. In calves hair-balls are generally found in the fourth stomach. There are no certain symp- toms by which we can determine the presence of hair-balls in the stomach, and therefore no treatment can be recommended for such cases. In making post-mortem examinations of cattle we have some- times found the walls of the reticulum transfixed with nails or pieces of wire, and yet the animal during life had not shown any symptoms of indigestion, but had died from maladies not involving the second stomach. INDIGESTION OF THE THIRD STOMACH—GRASS STAGGERS—DRY MUR- RAIN—WOOD-EVIL. The various names which have been applied to this disease indicate that those who have written concerning it are by no means agreed as to its nature and cause. Among systematic writers, however, there seems to be a general agreement that the seat of the disease is in the third stomach, as they have followed one another faithfully in describ- ing that part as the sole seat of trouble. We think it more correct to regard this as a general disorder of the digestive organs, and that the third stomach merely participates in the disordered functions of the other stomachs. Causes.—Want of exercise predisposes to this disease, or food which is coarse and indigestible may after a time produce this condition. Food which possesses astringent properties and tends to check secre- tion may also act as an exciting cause. Food in excessive quantity may also lead to disorder of digestion and to this disease. It is very likely to appear towards the end of protracted seasons of drought, therefore a deficiency of water must be regarded as one of the condi- tions which favor its development. However, we think it best to state that the causation of this disease is not at present completely under- stood, and that cases may sometimes ovcur in which the explanations offered as to their cause are mere conjecture. Symptoms.—Diminished appetite, rumination irregular, tongue coated, mouth slimy, dung passed apparently not well digested and smelling badly, dullness aud fullness of the flanks. It is also frequently stated that on pressing the fist below the short ribs on the right side the third stomach will be found as a hard sort of mass in that situation. DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 35 The disease may in some cases assume a chronic character, and in addition to the foregoing symptoms slight bloating or tympanitis of the left flank may be observed; the animal breathes with effort and each respiration may be accompanied by a grunt, the ears and horns are alternately hot and cold, rumination ceases, the usual rumbling sound in the stomach is not audible, the passage of dung is almost entirely suspended, and the animal passes only a little mucus occasionally. The patient falls away in flesh and becomes weaker, as is shown by one frequently finding it lying down. When the animal falls into this weak and exhausted condition the disease frequently terminates fatally. On examining animals which have died of this disease a dry and somewhat hardened condition of the contents of the third stomach is found. In other cases the stomachs and their contents present a natural appearance, and we may remark in this connection that in the latter class of cases the causation of the disease has yet to be explained. In some cases the brain becomes disordered, no doubt from the de- ranged condition of the stomach reaching the brain through what is termed reflex action. There is weakness and an unsteady gait, the animal does not appear to take notice of and will consequently run against obstacles; after a time it falls down and gives up to violent and disordered movements. This delirious condition is succeeded by coma or stupor, and death ensues. Treatment.—Aromatic and demulcent draughts should be given.to produce a soothing effect on the mucous lining of the stomachs and to promote digestion. Two ounces of chamomile flowers should be boiled for twenty minutes in a quart of water and the infusion on cooling should be given to the affected animal. This should be repeated about three times a day. When constipationis present the following purga- tive may be administered: Sulphate of magnesia, 1 pound; Barbadoes aloes, half an ounce; pewdered ginger, 1 ounce; powdered nux vomica, I dram; fluid extract of belladonna, half an ounce. The different pow- ders contained in this prescription should be stirred up in 2 quarts of lukewarm water, then the fluid extract of belladonna added and the dose administered. After this purgative has acted, if there is a lack of appetite and the animal does not ruminate regularly, the powder men- tioned in remarks on the treatment of chronic tympanitis should be given according to directions. The diet must be rather laxative and of a digestible character after an attack of this form of indigestion. Food should be given in moderate quantities, as any excess by overtasking the digestive functions may bring on a relapse. INDIGESTION FROM DRINKING COLD WATER—COLIC. This disorder is produced by drinking copiously of cold water, which arrests digestion and produces cramp of the fourth stomach, probably of the other stomachs, and also of the bowels. Cruzel states that it is frequently observed in working oxen during hot weather. 36 DISEASES OF CATTLE. Causes.—It is not customary for the ox to drink much water at once. In fact he usually drinks slowly, and as if he were merely tasting the water, letting some fall out at the corners of his mouth at every mouth- ful. He drinks much less in proportion to his size than the horse, and when fed on green food or at pasture he may pass several days without drinking. It would, therefore, seem to be contrary to the habits of the ox to drink largely. But we find that during hot weather, when he has been working and is consequently very thirsty, if he drinks a large quantity of cold water he is immediately taken with a very severe colic. Though Cruzel, a French writer on the diseases of the ox, is of opinion that these are the only conditions under which this form of colic arises, I have known it to affect milch cows quite severely in winter, when they are let out of a warm stable to be watered. Cows which are fed largely on dry hay drink copiously, like the working ox, and become affected in precisely the same manner. But the secretion of milk in the cow is usually much diminished after such attacks. In such cases I have also observed that they are seized with a chill or fit of trembling before the crainps come on. Symptoms.—There is some distension of the abdomen, but no accumu- lation of gas. As the distension and pain occur immediately after the animal has drunk the water there can not be any doubt as to the excit- ing cause. Cruzel, in speaking of the treatment of this disease, says it is customary among French farmers to walk or even trot the ox up and down, and that as a result of this treatment the water passes from the fourth stomach into the bowel, from which it is soon passed off not much changed, except that it is slightly colored by the substances with which it has come in contact in passing through the bowel. Diarrhea then appears to be a favorable termination of this affection. Treatment.—The treatinent above described should be adopted in a modified form. It is obviously dangerous to trot an animal whose stomach and bowels are largely distended with water, but it appears rational to walk the animal about for ten minutes before administering medicine, as this allows time for a portion of the contents of the stom- ach to pass into the bowel, and renders it safer to give medicine. In many cases the walking exercise and the diarrhea bring about a spon- taneous cure of this disorder, but as in some instances the cramps and pains of the stomachs persist, I have been accustomed to give 1 ounce of sulphuric ether and 1 ounce of tincture of opium, shaken up with a pint of warm water, and to repeat the dose in half an hourif the animal is not relieved. In an emergency when medicine is not to be had, half a pint of whisky may be substituted for medicine, and should be given mixed with a pint of warm water; or a tablespoonful of pow- dered ginger may be administered in the same way as the remedies already mentioned, I have never seen a case of this kind terminate fatally, but Cruzel mentions that he has witnessed two fatal cases. In both the fourth stomach was congested, and in one case there was. a DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 37 rupture of a part of the small intestine. In both of those cases the ani- mals were compelled to trot forward and back, and it secins reasonable to infer that this treatment was the cause of their death. INDIGESTION IN CALVES—GASTRIC CATARRH—DIARRHEA—WHITE SCOUR. Sucking calves are subject to a form of diarrhea to which the above designations have been applied. Causes.—Calves which suck their dams are not frequently affected with this disease, though it may be occasioned by their sucking at long intervals and thus overloading the stomach and bringing on indigestion. Calves which are separated from their dams and which receive consid- erable quantities of cold milk at long intervals are liable to contract this form of indigestion. Calves fed on artificial food, which is some- times used as a substitute for milk, also frequently contract it. Symptoms.—The milk which passes into the fourth stomach becomes eurdled and acts as an irritant on the surface of the stomach and bow- els, so that a catarrhal condition of their mucous surface is setup. The passages have a thin, yellowish-white appearance and become very fre- quent. The calf becomes dull, whisks its tail as if in pain whenever there is a passage from the bowels, loses its appetite, becomes weak, and unless the disease is checked dies in a few days from exhaustion. Treatment.—The calf should have from 1 to 2 ounces of castor oil and a tablespoonful ot laudanum. A mild dose of purgative medi- cine is given to remove the curdled milk from the stomach and bowels. The object of the subsequent treatment is to allay the irritation of the stomach and bowels and to restore the digestive functions. We rec- ommend the following to be compounded and divided into twelve pow- ders: Powdered rhubarb, 15 ounces; carbonate of magnesia, 3 ounces. One of these powders should be given four times a day; each powder to be shaken up with two wineglassfuls of new milk, to which two tea- spoonfuls of whisky should be added. A little fresh milk should be given five or six times a day, or the calf aliowed to suck abcat six times a day, but the quantity should be limited. In applying treatment the mother should always be examined as to the condition of her health, diet, etv., as the disorder may sometimes be traced to some disease or mismanagement affecting the mother. GASTRO-ENTERITIS. This consists of an inflammation of the mucous surface of the fourth stomach and of the bowel. The inflammation is seldom limited to the mucous surface of the fourth stomach, but almost always involves the mucous surface of the bowel to a greater or less extent. Causes.—Long intervals between times of feeding; sudden checking of perspiration; putting working oxen to severe work immediately 38 DISEASES OF CATTLE. after feeding, so that they do not have time to ruminate; sudden changes of diet. In cuumerating the causes of this disease we think if well at the same time to indicate how the operation of those causes nay be prevented. In working oxen, for example, they may be allowed to rest after feeding so that rumination is not interfered with. Grass which has lain so long after cutting that it is wilted, musty hay, and any kind of forage which contains a large amount of hard, fibrous material, so that it resists the macerating and solvent action of the stomachs may set up inflammation of the digestive mucous membrane. Exposure of the body to the action of damp and cold winds is also dan- gerous. Symptoms.—Dullness; drooping of the ears; dryness of the muzzle; dry skin; staring coat; loins morbidly sensitive to pressure; fullness of the left flank, which is owing to the distension of the fourth stomach by gas. The pulse is small, the gait is feeble and staggering, each step the animal makes is accompanied by a grunt, and this symptom is especially marked if the animal happens to walk in a downward (irec- tion; there is loss of appetite, and rumination is suspended. On the second day of sickness the passages are few in number, hard, and are sometimes coated with mucus. If treatment does not bring relief the symptoms become aggravated, the pulse weaker, complications may set in, such as inflammation of the lungs, or there may be symptoms of brain disorder. The bowels may act very irregularly, sometimes being constipated, and at other times the passages are soft, tarry looking, aud streaked with blood. The passages at the last stage of the disease exhale a putrid odor which may even occasion sickness in other ani- mals, and this suggests the idea that in treating this disease it is advisable to keep sick animals apart from healthy ones. When the sick animal assumes a recumbent position there is a continual grunt or moan which appears to accompany each expiration; the animal usually dies in convulsions, and in some cases at this time a bloody liquid issues from the mouth and anus. Post-mortem appearances.—The contents of the rumen are dry, those of the manyplies or third stomach have a similar appearance and are also dark in color, and on removing some portions of the mucous mem- brane of the third stomach the subjacent tissue is reddened. The mimucous membrane of the fourth stomach has a well-marked red color and sometimes presents ulcerations. The inflammation generally ex- tends to the mucous surface of the small intestine, which shows large brownish spots on its surface and also ulcerated surfaces. Treatment.—Owing to the fact that this malady frequently is caused by some imperfectly digested food setting up inflammation of the mu- cous surface of the stomach and bowels, it is advisable when disease is supposed to originate from such cause to give a pint of castor oil, and then to give three or four times a day a quart of linseed tea in which an ounce of carbonate of magnesia has been dissolved, and along with DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 39 each dose ten drops of tincture of aconite should be combined. The food should be soft and easily digested, such as small quantities of bran mash and oatmeal gruel. It is also advisable as early as the second day of the animal’s sickness to give small quantities of hay or grass, So as to encourage the animal to ruminate, which it will not do if kept entirely on very soft and liquid food. Care must be exercised not to give too much of such food as grass and hay, but to gradually in- crease the proportion of such diet as the animal’s digestive organs seem to be returning to their natural function. Purgative medicine must be administered only when absolutely necessary, as a restoration of the digestive organs to their natural functions is desired, rather than to produce purgation. DISEASES OF THE BOWELS. DIARRHEA. Diarrhea results either from increased action of the muscular coat of the intestines, an unusually liquid state of their contents, or, generally, from both of those conditions combined. Causes.—The exciting causes of diarrhea may be thus arranged: Irri- tation of the intestines by food taken in excess, or of improper quality, and this especially applies to soft, watery, green food; excessive secre- tions, especially bile; impure water and water drunk in excess; mechan- ical congestion of the intestinal vessels; acute or chronic inflammation of the bowels. It may be a symptom of other diseases which depend on the presence of an animal poison in the blood, as may be observed in Texas fever and contagious pleuro-pneumonia. Causes of a more general character, viz., exposure to changes of temperature, either excessive cold or heat may produce it. Symptoms.—The animal is dull, places its feet well under the body, arches its back, and shows thirst. Passages from the bowels are fre- quent, at first consisting of thin dung, but as the disease continues they become watery and offensive smelling, and may even be streaked with blood. Frequently this malady is accompanied by fever, great depres- sion, loss of strength, rapid loss of flesh, and it may terminate in death. Treatment.—W hen the disease depends on irritating properties of the food which has been supplied to the animal itis advisable to give a mild purgative, such as a pint of castor or linseed oil. When the secretions of the bowels are irritating an ounce of carbonate of magnesia and half an ounce of tincture of opium should be shaken up in a quart of lin- seed tea and given to the animal three times a day until the passages presenta natural appearance. When there is debility, want of appetite, no fever, but a continuance of the watery discharges from the bowels, then an astringent may be given. For such cases we have found the following serviceable: Powdered galls, 6 ounces; powdered gentian, 2 ounces. Mix and divide into twelve powders. One powder to be given 40 DISEASES OF CATTLE. three times a day until the passages present a natural appearance. Fach powder should be mixed with a half pint of whisky and a pint of water. When diarrhea is a symptom of a malady characterized by the presence of a blood poison, the treatment appropriate to such dis- ease inust be applied. DYSENTERY, Dysentery begins with inflammation of the mucous membrane of the colon, though the dixease may extend to the cecum and sometimes to the rectum. It is also popularly known in this country by the names of bloody flux and red murrain. Causes.—Feeding cattle on hay which has been made during a wet season, musty oats, or any forage which is largely infested with para- sitic growths. Hay or coarse grass containing a large proportion of woody fiber, pastures which have been inundated, and the vegetation growing on low, marshy localities may set up irritation of the mucous membrane which terminates in dysentery. Water containing a large proportion of organic matter may also occasion this disease. The pas- sages or excreta of animals suffering from the disease are to be regarded as containing an infective element, and should be disinfected, burned or buried. Symptoms.—The animal eats slowly, ruminates less frequently than when in good health, and walks slowly. Sometimes there are indica- tions of colicky pains. As the disease advances the animal ceases to eat and ruminate, the muzzle is dry, the eyes sunken, the coat rough, the skin dry and adherent or hidebound. The bowels act irregularly, and the passages are thin, black colored or grayish; the passages then become frequent, fetid, and are streaked with blood. This disease does not run a rapid course, and when it proves fatal the mucous membrane of the bowels will be found thickened and reddened at some parts, showing ulceration at some other points, and on some portions of its surface covered with a layer of mucus. Treatment When symptoms of dysentery are first observed, a pound of sulphate of magnesia should be mixed with 4 quarts of tepid water, and then 2 drams of sulphuric acid should be gradually added to this mixture. This should be given at one dose, and it is important that it should be administered at an early stage of the disease, as it not only serves to remove irritating materials from the bowels, but it has an astringent and sedative effect on the mucous surfaces and lessens the congestion, The food should be soft and easy of digestion, and may consist of grass, boiled or pulped roots, and nutritive drinks, such as linseed tea, hay tea, ete. When the purgative before mentioned has unloaded the bowels and stomachs to some extent, the following powder should be given three times a day, mixed in a quart of linseed tea: Powdered ipecacuanha, one ounce and a half; powdered opium, half an ounce; mix and divide into twelve powders. When the foregoing DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. Al preparation is not found effectual, oil of turpentine may be given in half-ounce doses three times a day in a quart of new sweet milk, and among other remedies which may be employed we may mention sulphate of copper, which should be given in dram doses, combined with 20 grains of opiuin aud mixed with at least a quart of linseed tea. Nitrate of silver may also be given in 10-grain doses mixed or dissolved in a pint of distilled water. These latter remedies are especially efficacious in their effect on the ulcerations on the surface of the intestine, but it is not advisable to use them in an early stage. Whatever remedy is employed in treating dysentery, it should be given mixed in a consid- erable quantity of liquid, as in this way it brings the medicinal agent in contact with a large portion of the mucous surface of the diseased bowel. In addition to the treatment recommended, the diseased animal must be kept warm and comfortable, and great attention must be paid to its general comfort. SIMPLE ENTERITIS, Inflammation of the bowels must be held to signify in a general way inflammation of all parts of the mucous membrane of tlie bowels, though in some forms of what may properly be termed enteritis we find that the mucous, muscular, and serous coats of the bowels are involved, while in other cases only a limited portion of the mucous membrane of the bowel is affected. The different forms of this malady will all be described under the heading of enteritis. Causes.—This disease occurs at all seasons of the year, but most fre- quently at times when there are great variations of temperature. Hard and long-continued work may operate as a cause in the case of oxen. Eating such food as musty hay and oats, forage containing acid plants, the leaves of trees infested with caterpillars, grass which has commenced to ferment after cutting, dusty hay, and grass covered with hoar frost may also give rise to enteritis. Drinking copiously of ice-cold water may also produce it. Exposure to a cold, damp wind or any influence which suddenly chills the surface of the body may operate as a cause. Symptoms.—Dryness of the muzzle, diminished appetite, partial or total cessation of rumination (see Loss of Cud, p. 32), symptoms of colic which are indicated by restlessness. Theanimal lies down and gets up frequently, looks round at its flank, raises its tail, paws with its front feet, and strikes with its feet at the abdomen. After a time the symp- toms of acute pain subside, and the animal lies down, but does not appear to be free from pain, turns its nose round on the flank and does not eat or ruminate. When injections are given they are soon ejected from the bowel, the passages are dry, glistening, and coated with mucus. Gas is frequently passed, frequent attempts to urinate are made, but only a small quantity of urine is passed at a time. Enteritis comes on suddenly and usually runs a rapid course, death taking place in four or five hours in fatal cases. When the animal has not been long exposed 49 DISEASES OF CATTLE. to those conditions which produce the disease, recovery may take place in a comparatively short time; in exceptional cases, however, when the acute stage of the disease hax subsided it may assume a chronic and lingering form. Treatment.—When the animal is seen at an early stage of the disease it should be bled to the extent of from 2 to 4 quarts. The age and condition of the animal must of course be taken into consideration in estimating the quantity of blood which should be abstracted. Half- ounce doses of laundanum should be given several times a day, mixed in a quart of linseed tea. HEMORRHAGIC ENTERITIS, This disease is not of frequent occurrence, but comes on suddenly, and is characterized by a hemorrhage or exudation of blood between the mucous and muscular coats of the bowels. The symptoms resemble those of the form of enteritis already described, only that they come on more suddenly and are of a more violent character. This form of enteritis chiefly occurs among working oxen during very hot weather. It is a more dangerous form of enteritis than that already describe. When the acute symptoms subside the animal may show great weak- ness, which is owing to the great extent to which submucous hemor- rhage has taken place. At this stage of the disease bleeding is con- tra-indicated; the passages may be streaked with blood and may even contain blood-clots. The treatment will be similar to that recommended in the first form of enteritis, bearing in mind of course that bleeding should only be practiced at an early stage. After death the affected portion of the bowelis much thickened and increased in weight, owing to the quantity of blood which has been effused between the mucous and muscular coats. MERCURIAL ENTERITIS. This is an inflammation of the bowels which may be produced by cattle licking off the mercurial ointment which is sometimes rubbed on them when they are suffering from skin disease. (See Mercurial Poi- sons, p. 69.) Symptoms.—The symptoms are similar to those of the forms of enter- itis already described. In this form of the disease we also observe grinding of the teeth and dribbling of saliva from the corners of the mouth. Two or three days after the attack gas is frequently passed from the bowels; the belly is tucked up and the flanks become hollow; the passages are very thin and coated with mucus. About the fifth or sixth day there is swelling of the tongue and mucous membrane of the mouth, quivering of the muscles of the limbs, staggering gait, great emaciation, and the animal dies about the twelfth day. Cruzel states that he has several times observed these symptoms in oxen which, in DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 43 licking off the mercurial ointment with which they had been rubbed, had not swallowed more than 3 ounces. Post-mortem appearances.—There are traces of intense inflammation of the bowels and also of ulceration of their mucous surface. There are dropsical effusions in the chest and abdomen. Treatment.—Give drafts composed of the white of eggs and sweet milk, purgatives, followed by the administration of chlorate of potash. The eggs and sweet milk should be given immediately after itis known that the animal has swallowed the mercurial ointment, each quart of milk mixed with the whites of two eggs. A quart of this mixture is given three or four times at shert intervals, say half an hour, and then a pint of castor oil should be given so as to produce purgation. After the castor oil has produced the desired effect, give half an ounce of chlorate of potash dissolved in a quart of warm water three times a day. For debility and want of appetite resulting from such illness, half-dram doses of nux vomica combined with 2 drams of powdered gentian should be given three times a day. We need hardly say that from the fore- going statement the conclusion may be drawn that mercurial ointment can not be safely applied on cattle. ENTERITIS RESULTING FROM INVAGINATION OR INTUSSUSCEPTION, TWISTING, AND KNOTTING OF THE BOWELS. Inflammation may arise from a knot forming on some part of the small intestine, from the portion of the bowel becoming twisted on itself, or from one part of the bowel slipping into another, which is termed in- vagination. This form of enteritis occurs occasionally in animals of the bovine species. Causes.—The small intestine, which in the ox rests on the right sac or division of the rumen, is from the position which it occupies predis- posed to this accident. It has been ascertained that animals which have shown symptoms of this malady have trotted, galloped, or made other violent exertions in coming from drinking, or that they have been chased by dogs or by animals of their own species while at pasture. The danger of jumping or running seems to be very slight to the ox if he is fasting, as the rumen in that case not being distended with food allows the small intestine to fall to the lower part of the abdomen, but when the rumen is distended the bowel does not slip so easily to this position. Symptoms.—This form of enteritis is manifested by severe colicky pains, the ox scrapes and strikes the ground with his front and hind feet alternately; keeps lying down and getting up again; he keeps his tail constantly raised and turns his nose frequently to his right flank; he is frequently bloated or tympanitic on that side. He refuses food, and does not ruminate, and for some hours suffers severe pains. At first he frequently passes thin dung, and also urinates frequently, but passes only a little urine at a time. On the second day the pains have 44 DISEASES OF CATTLE. become less acute; the animal remains lying down; moans occasionally ; his pulse is small and quick; he refuses food and does not ruminate. At this stage he does not pass any dung, though sometimes a small quantity of bloody mucus inay be passed. On pressing forcibly the abdomen a gurgling sound is produced as if there was a quantity of liquid in the stomachs. There must be slight absorption of liquid from the digestive system, as the animal passes very little urine. This con- dition may continue for a considerable time, as cattle so affected may live for fifteen or even twenty days. Post-mortem appearance.—At death the bowels are found to be in- flamed, the inflammation always originating at the point where the intestine has been invaginated, twisted, or knotted. Sometimes the part is gangrenous, the compression of the blood-vessels preventing circulation and thus causing the death of the tissues. Treatment.—Purgatives, anodynes, and other remedies are of no service in such cases, and bleeding also fails to produce any benefit. Indeed, it may be said truly that in such cases treatment is useless. Some cases are recorded in which an incision has been made in the flank so as to enable the operator to remove the lesion causing the enteritis by surgical means. Success has attended such efforts so rarely that we can not recommend them. CONSTIPATION. Constipation is rather to be regarded as a symptom of disease than a disease in itself. We frequently observe it in parturition fever, in that form of indigestion which is termed impaction of the third stomach, and as aresult of gut-tie, invagination, twisting and knotting of the bowels. Inorder to remove the constipation the treatment must be applied to remove the causes which give rise to it. Calves sometimes suffer from constipation immediately after birth, and the meconium feces that accumulate in the bowels before birth is not passed, as is usually the case in calves. The cause of the disorder is supposed to be that the dams of such calves have been fed too exclusively on dry food before the calf’s birth In such cases give an ounce of castor oil shaken up with an ounce of new milk. The mother’s milk is the best food to prevent a recurrence of the constipation, as it contains a large amount of fatty matter which renders it laxative in its effects. INTESTINAL WORMS. We may state that cattle are less infested with intestinal parasites than any other species of domestic animal, and that it is rarely neces- sary to apply treatment for the removal of those parasites. Two differ- ent kinds of tapeworm and four species of roundworms have, however, been found in the intestines of the bovine species. An examination of DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 45 the passages is the only certain method of determining the existence of worms in the bowels. : Treatment.—To remove tapeworms give an ounce of oil of male fern three times a day in a pint of milk for three days in succession, and then on the fourth day give a pint of castor oil. For roundworms give 2 drams of sulphate of iron three times a day, mixed in a little oats and middlings, and after continuing treatment for three days give a pint of castor oil as before described. Oil of turpentine may be given in doses of 1 ounce with milk, or santonine in dram doses in feed, to be followed by an oily purgative as described. In treating calves, which are more apt to be infested with worms than full-grown cattle, reduce the doses to one-fourth or a third. RUPTURES—VENTRAL HERNIA. Ventral hernia or rupture is an escape of some one of the abdominal organs through a rupture in the abdominal muscles, the skin remaining intact. The rumen, the small intestine, or part of the large intestine, and the fourth stomach are the parts which usually form a ventral her- nia in bovine animals. Causes.—Hernia is frequently produced by blows of the horns, kicks, and falls. In old cows hernia may sometimes occur without any direct injury. The occurrence of this form of hernia is explained by the increase in the size of the abdomen, which takes place in an advanced stage of pregnancy, causing a thinning and stretching of the muscular fibers, which at last may rupture or give way. HERNIA OF THE RUMEN. Hernia of the rumen is generally situated on the left side of the abdo- men, on account of the situation of the rumen. In exceptional cases it may take place on the right side, and in such cases it also generally happens that some folds of the intestine pass into the hernial sac. Her- nias have been classified into simple or complicated, recent or old, trau- matic (from mechanical injury) or spontaneous. In recent traumatic hernia there is swelling on the left side of the lower part of the abdomen. The swelling is greatest in the cases of hernia which are situated on the lower part of the abdomen. The skin covering the hernia will frequently present marks from which one may infer the direction from which the injury has proceeded. Unless an examination is made immediately after the injury has been inflicted it is difficult and sometimes impossible to ascertain the exact extent of the rupture, owing to the amount of swelling which takes place. Fre- quently there is no loss of appetite, fever, or other general symptons attending the injury. From the twelfth to the fifteenth day the swell- ing has generally subsided to such an extent that it is possible by an examination to determine the extent of the rupture. It is of impor- tance to ascertain whether the size of the hernia increases after feeding. 46 DISEASES OF CATTLE. In old cows what is termed spontaneous hernia may sometimes take place without any direct injury. The occurrence of this form of hernia is explained by the increase in the size of the abdomen, which takes place in an advanced stage of pregnancy, causing a thinning and stretching of the muscular fibres, which at last may rupture or give way. Such hernia frequently occurs about the end of the period of ges- tation, and in some instances have contained the right sac of the rumen, the omentum, the small and large intestines, a portion of the liver, and the pregnant uterus. In old hernia the swelling is soft and elastic, and if they have not contracted adhesions to the sides of the laceration they can be made to disappear on pressure being carefully applied. Sometimes this acci- dent is complicated by a rupture of the rumen, constituting a compli- cated hernia. If a portion of the contents of the rumen escape into the abdomen the case will be aggravated by the occurrence of peritonitis. The occurrence of such a complication is best ascertained by examining the animal immediately after the accident, when nothing intervenes between the surface of the rumen and the hand but the skin. HERNIA OF THE BOWEL. (See Plate 111, Fig. 6.) When the intestines form the contents of the hernia it will be situ- ated at the right side of the abdomen. In an intestinal hernia the swelling is usually not painful, of a doughy consistence or elastic, according as the intestine does or does not contain alimentary matter. This swelling can generally be made to disappear by pressure, and when it has been reduced one can easily recognize the direction and extent of the hernial opening. Hernie of the bowel which are situated at the upper and right side of the abdomen are usually formed by the small intestine. They are less easily reduced than hernia in a lower situation, but when reduction has been effected they are less readily reproduced than those occurring lower. In hernia of the small intes- tine adhesion of the protruding parts to the walls of the opening, or strangulation, are complications which sometimes take place. If adhe- sion has taken place the hernia can not be reduced by pressure, and when strangulation has occurred the animal shows symptoms of pain. In such a case the edges of the opening through which the bowel has passed press on the bowel so as at first to excite pain, then inflamma- tion, which if unrelieved usually terminates in gangrene. The animal is restless, turns its nose to the painful part, and shows those symp- toms which are usually collectively designated under the term colic. When the swelling or hernia contains a portion of peritoneum the swelling is soft and doughy, and does not produce the sensation on handling it that it does when it contains gas or alimentary matter. HERNIA OF THE RENNET OR FOURTH STOMACH, This disease occasionally. occurs in calves and is usually caused by a blow from a cow’s horn on the right flank of the calf, aud this may hap- DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. AT pen when the calf is trying to suck a strange cow. After such an acci- dent a swelling forms on the right flank near the lastrib. This swelling may be neither hot nor painful, even at first, and is soft to the touch. It can be made to disappear by careful pressure when the sides of the aperture through which it has passed can be felt. The application of pressure so as to cause the disappearance of the hernia is best made immediately after the occurrence of the accident, or when the edema which accompanies the swelling has disappeared. Treatment.—When a hernia is reducible—that is, can be pushed back intothe abdomen—then it is advisable to maintain it in its natural situ- ation, and to allow the walls of the laceration to grow or adhere together. In treating of this subject in a previous work I translated the directions given by the late Henry Bouley, in an article on this subject contained in the “ Nouveau Dictionnaire de Médecine et de Chirurgie Vétérinaire,” and as his directions are both concise and practical, I here reproduce them: First prepare a bandage (must be of strong material) about 10 yards long and between 3 and 4 inches broad, and a flexible and solid piece of pasteboard adapted in size to the surface of the hernia. The protruding organ must then be replaced in the abdomen, and maintained in that position during the application of the bandage. ‘This being done, alayer of melted pitch and turpentine is quickly spread on the skin covering the seat of the hernia, so as to extend somewhat beyond that space. This adhesive layer is then covered with a layer of fine tow, then a new layer of pitch and turpentine is spread on the tow, and the piece of pasteboard is applied on the layer of pitch, its outer surface being covered with the same prep- aration. Lastly, the bandage adhering to the piece of pasteboard, to the skin, and to the different turns which it makes around the body, is carefully applied so as to form an immovable, rigid, and solid bandage, which will retain the hernia long enough for the wound in the abdominal walls to heal permanently. In considering the point whether it is advisable to operate on a rup- ture or not, we may here notice some of those conditions which will have an unfavorable effect on the success of the operation. When the opening through which the protruding organs have passed is very large, the edges irregularly torn, and when the hernia has existed for a long time, the size of the abdomen will be found to have diminished, and the replacing and retention of the protruded parts will be attended with difficulty. The stitches which bring the edges of the rupture together in such cases are apt to tear out, so such an operation is not advisable. Small ruptures with smooth, regular edges heal with less difficulty. Herniz situated on the under surface of the abdomen are more apt to recur when they have been returned, and the wounds made in operating on them are more difficult to heal than when the hernia is situated on the side. When the symptoms indicate that a herniais strangulated, itis advis- able to incise the sac and return the hernia, enlarging the opening in the abdominal muscles to the size necessary to return the protruding organs, after which the wound in the abdominal muscles should be brought together by metallic or catgut stitches, and the wound in theskin 48 DISEASES OF CATTLE. afterwards brought together by stitches of silk thread. Then a com- press composed of ten or twelve folds of cloth must be placed smoothly over the seat of injury and a bandage applied round the body, the two ends being fastened at the back. In the smaller kinds of hernia nitric acid may sometimes be applied with success. This treatment should not be applied until the swelling and inflammation attending the appear- ance of the hernia have subsided, then the contents of the hernia hay- ing been returned, the surface of skin corresponding to it is sponged over with a solution composed of one part or uitric acid to two parts of water. This treatment acts by exciting considerable inflammation, which has the effect of causing swelling and thus frequently closing the hernial opening and preventing the contents of the sac from return- ing. A second application should not be made until the inflammation excited by the first has subsided. In what is termed spontaneous her- nia it is useless to apply any kind of treatment. UMBILICAL HERNIA, The umbilicus, or navel, is the aperture through which the blood-ves- sels pass from the mother to the fetus, and naturally the sides of this aperture ought to adhere or unite after birth. In very young animals, and sometimes in new-born calves, this aperture in the abdominal mus- cles remains open and a part of the bowel or a portion of the mesentery may slip through the opening, constituting what is called umbilical hernia. The wall of the sac is formed by the skin which is covered on the inner surface by a layer of cellular tissue, and within this there is sometimes, but not always, a layer of peritoneum. The contents of the hernia may be formed by a part of the bowel, by a portion of the peritoneum, or may contain portions of both peritoneum and bowel. When the sac contains only peritoneum it has a doughy feel, but when it is formed by a portion of the bowel it will be more elastic on apply- ing pressure. Causes.—In the new-born animal the opening of the navel is gener- ally too large, and this opening may sometimes give way to the pres- sure of the bowel on account of the weak and relaxed condition of the abdominal muscles. This defective and abnormal condition of the umbilicus is frequently hereditary. It may be occasioned by roughly pulling away the umbilical cord; through kicks or blows on the belly; through any severestraining by which the sides ofthe navelare stretched apart. We may mention in this connection that it is best in new-born calves to tie the umbilical cord tightly about two inches from the navel, and then to leave it alone, when it will drop off in a few days in most cases, leaving the navel in a closed condition. Treatment.—It is well to bear in mind that many, and especially the smaller, umbilical hernie will heal spontaneously, that is, nature effects aeure, As the animal gets older the abdominal muscles get stronger and possess more power of resistance to pressure, the bowels become DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 49 larger and do not pass so readily through a small opening, so that from a combination of causes there is a gradual growing together or adhesion of the sides of the navel. In cases of umbilical hernia where there are no indications that a spontaneous cure will take place, the calf should be laid on its back, and immediately on this being done the hernia will often disappear into the abdomen. If it does not its reduction may be brought about by gentle handling, endeavoring, if need be, to empty the organs forming the hernia before returning them into the abdomen. After the hernia has been returned the hair should be clipped from the skin covering it and a compress composed of ten or twelve folds of linen or cotton should be applied, first smearing the skin with pitch and then a bandage of about 3 inches wide should be passed round the body so as to retain the compress in position. The lower part of the compress should be smeared with pitch, and also those portions of the bandage which pass over it, so as to keep it solid and prevent it from shifting. In some cases it will be found that the contents of the sac can not be returned into the abdomen, and this generally arises from the fact that some part of the contents of the sac has grown to or become adherent to the edges of the umbilical opening. Insuch a case the skin must be carefully laid open in the long direction, the adhesions of the protruding organs carefully separated from the umbilicus, and after the protruding parts have been returned into the abdomen the sides of the umbilicus must be freshened if necessary by paring, and then the edges of the opening brought together by catgut stitches; the wound in the skin must then also be brought together by stitches. The wounl must be carefully dressed every day and a bandage passed round the body so as to cover and protect the part operated on. In small hernia nitric acid has been used successfully in the same manner as has been described in speaking of the treatment of ventral hernia. Sulphuric acid has also been used for a similar purpose, dilut- ing it to the extent of one part of acid to three or five of water. In thin-skinned animals the weaker preparations ought to be preferred, and caution must be exercised in using such preparations so as not to destroy the tissues on which they are applied. Another method of treatment is, after the contents of the sac have been returned into the abdomen, to tie a piece of strong waxed cord round the pendulous portion which formed the outer covering of the hernia. The string is apt to slacken after two or three days, when a new piece of cord should be applied above the firstone. The constric- tion of the skin sets up inflammation, which generally extends to the umbilicus and causes the edges to adhere together, and by the time the portion of skin below the ligature has lost its vitality and dropped off, the umbi.icus is closed and there is no danger of the abdominal organs protruding through it. This is what takes place when this method has a favorable result, though if the umbilicus does not become adherent and the skin sloughs, the bowels will protrude through the opening. 246974 50 DISEASES OF CATTLE. GUT-TIE—PERITONEAL HERNIA. In peritoneal hernia of the ox a loop or knuckle of intestine enters from the abdomen into a rent in that part of the peritoneum which is situated at the margin of the hip bone and passes under the remains of the spermatic cord. After the tearing of the peritoneum the spermatic cord is partially separated frem its former points of attachment, so as to form a loose band. The portion of intestine is pressed through the peritoneal opening into the pelvis, and frequently curves or winds behind the spermatic cord and is pressed forward in a direction oppo- site to that it followed when entering the peritoneal rent. The onward pressure of the bowel, as well as the occasional turning of the latter round the spermatic cord, is the cause of the cord exercising consider- able pressure on the bowel, which occasions irritation, obstructs the passage of excrement, and excites inflammation, which terminates in gangrene and death. The tearing of this fold of peritoneum generally occurs on the right side, not on the left, as incorrectly stated by Youatt, and thereason ofits occur- ring generally on the right side is that the bowels are mostly situated on that side of the abdomen, while the paunch occupies the left side and extends to the entrance of the pelvis. (Plate 1.) The rent in the peritoneum is situated at the upper and front part of the pelvis, nearer to the sacrum than the pubis. Besides the form of peritoneal hernia already described there is a second form, which occurs as follows: After castration the spermatic cord retracts into the abdomen on account of its elasticity, and its freshly-eut end becomes adherent to the peritoneum, leaving a free space between it and the peritoneum, however through which a part of the intestine may enter, but can not slip out again, on account of its subsequent increase in size. It also happens that the free end of the spermatic cord may become adherent in such a way that it forms a cord or band around the bowel, causing strangulation. This last form seems to have led to the appellation of gut-tie being applied to this accident. It may be mentioned that peri- toneal hernia may occur on the left side, though this rarely happens. Causes.—Among the causes of peritoneal hernia considerable impor- tance is attached to a method of castration which is practiced in cer- tain districts, viz., the tearing or rupturing of the spermatic cord by main force, instead of dividing it at a proper distance above the testi- cle in asurgical manner, After this violent and rough method of oper- ating, the cord retracts into the abdomen and its stump becomes adher- ent to some part of the peritoneum, or it may wind around the bowel and then the stump becomes adherent so that strangulation of the bowel results, The rough dragging on the cord may also cause a tear in the peritoneum, the result of which need not be described. The severe exertion of ascending hills and mountains, drawing heavy loads, or the straining which oxen undergo while fighting cach other, may aise give rise to peritoneal hernia, DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 51 Symptoms.—The ox suddenly becomes very restless, stamps with his feet, moves back and forward, hurriedly lies down, rises, moves his tail uneasily, and kicks at his belly with the foot of the affected side. The pain evinced may diminish, but soon returns again. In the early stage there are frequent passages of dung, but after the lapse of eight- een to twenty-four hours this ceases, the bowel apparently being emptied up to the point of strangulation, and the passages now consist only of a little mucus mixed with blood. When injections are given at this time the water passes out of the bowel without even being col- ored. The animal always lies down on the side where the hernia exists and stretches out his hind feet in a backward direction. These two particular symptoms serve to distinguish this affection from enter- itis and invagination of the bowel. As time passes, the animal becomes quieter, but this cessation of pain may indicate that gangrene of the bowel has set in, and may, therefore, under certain circumstances, be considered a precursor of death. Gangrene may take place in from four to six days, when perforation of the bowel may occur and death result in a short time. Treatment.—The ox should in the first place be examined by oiling the hand and arm and passing it into the rectum; the hand should be passed along the margin of the pelvis, beginning at the sacrum and con- tinuing downward towards the inguinal ring, when a soft painful swell- ing will be felt, which may vary from the size of an apple to that of two fists. This swelling will be felt to be tightly compressed by the spermatic cord. It very rarely happens that there is any similar swell- ing on the left side, though it is best in such cases to make a thorough examination. The bowel has sometimes been released from its position by driving the ox down a hill, by causing him to jump from a height of 2 feet to the ground, and the expedient of trotting him has been resorted to with the hope that the jolting movement might bring about a release of the bowel. If the simple expedients mentioned have beeu tried and failed, then the hand being passed into the rectum should be pressed gently on the swelling in an upward and forward direction so as to endeavor to push the imprisoned portion of the bowel back into the abdomen. While this is being done the ox’s hind feet should stand on ° higher ground than the front, so as to favor the slipping out of the bowel by its own weight, and at the same time an assistant should squeeze the animal’s loins so as to cause it to bend downward and so relax the band formed by the spermatic cord. If the imprisoned por- tion of gut is freed, which may be ascertained by the disappearance of the swelling, the usual sounds produced by the bowels moving in the abdomen will be heard, and in a few hours the feces and urine will be passed as usual. If the means mentioned fail in releasing the impris- oned portion of the gut, then an incision about 4 inches long must be made in the right flank in a downward direction, the hand introduced into the abdomen, the situation and condition of swelling exactly ascer- 52 DISEASES OF CATTLE. tained, and then a probe-pointed knife inserted between the imprisoued bowel and band compressing it, and turned outward against the band, the latter being then cautiously divided and the imprisoned gut allowed to escape, or, if necessary, the bowel should be drawn gently frum its position into the abdomen. The wound in the flank must be brought together in the same way as in the case of the wound made in operat- ing for impaction of the rumen. WOUNDS OF THE ABDOMEN. A wound of the abdomen may merely penetrate the skin, but as such cases are not attended with much danger, nor their treatment with much difficulty, we propose to consider here merely those wounds which penetrate the entire thickness of the abdominal walls and expose to a greater or less extent the organs contained in that cavity. Causes.—Such accidents may be occasioned by animals falling on fragments of broken glass or other sharp objects. A blow from the horn of another animal may produce a wound which penetrates the abdomen. Exposure and protrusion of some of the abdominal organs may also be occasioned by the incautious use of caustics in the treat- ment of umbilical or ventral hernia. The parts which generally escape through an abdominal wound are the small intestine and floating colon. Symptoms.—When the abdominal wound is small, the bowel exposed presents the appearance of a small round tumor, but in a few moments a loop of intestine may emerge from the opening. The animal then shows symptoms of severe pain by pawing with his feet, which has the effect of accelerating the passage of new loops of intestine through the wound, so that the mass which they form may even touch the ground. The pain becomes so great that the ox now not only paws but liesdown and rolls, thus tearing and crushing his bowels. In such cases it is best to slaughter the animal at once; but in the case of a valuable animal in which tearing and crushing of the bowels has not taken place, the bowels should be returned and the wounds in the muscle and skin brought together in a manner somewhat similar to that which was described in speaking of ventral hernia. DISEASES OF THE LIVER AND SPLEEN. JAUNDICE—THE YELLOWS—CONGESTION OF THE LIVER. [Plate 1v.] When jaundice exists there is a yellow appearance of the white of the eyes, and of the mucous membrane of the mouth. A similar aspect of the skin may also be observed in animals which are either partly or altogether covered with white hair. Jaundice is then merely a symp- tom of disease and ought to direct attention to ascertaining if possible the cause or causes which have given rise to it. A swollen condition of the mucous membrane of that part of the bowel called the duodenum may produce jaundice, as that mechanically closes the orilice of the bil- DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 53 jary duct. In constipation there is an inactive or torpid condition of the bowel, and the bile which passes into the intestine may be absorbed and cause the yellow staining of jaundice. Jaundice is one of the symptoms of Texas fever and depends on the congested condition of the liver existing in that disease. It may also arise from the presence of parasites or gallstones in the ducts, forming a mechanical obstruction to the onward flow of bile. It may also arise from injury to the nerv- ous system impeding the functions of the nerves supplied to the liver and checking or diminishing the secretion of bile. This form of jaun- dice is, so far as we know, unknown in cattle. The conditions under which jaundice most commonly calls for treatment are when cattle have been highly fed and kept ina state of inactivity. At sucha time there is an excess of nutritive elements carried into the blood, which is asso- ciated with increased fullness of the portal vein and hepatic artery. When continued high feeding has produced this congested state of the liver the functions of that organ become disordered, so that a consider- able portion of the bile instead of being excreted and passing into the intestine is absorbed by the hepatic veins. Symptoms.—This disease occurs most frequently among stall-fed cattle. Pressure along the margin of the short ribs on the right side produces pain; the appetite is poor and the animal shows hardly any inclination to drink; the mucous membranes of the eye and mouth are yellow, the urine has a yellow or brown appearance, the animal lies down much and moves with reluctance, moans occasionally and has a tottering gait. The ears and horus are alternately hot and cold; in cows the secretion of milk is much diminished, and that which is secreted has a bitter taste; sometimes the animal has a dry, painful cough and presents a dull, stupefied appearance. Treatment.—In such cases it is advisable to produce a free action of the bowels, so as to remove the usually congested condition of the portal vein and liver. For this purpose we recommend the administration of the following dose: Sulphate of soda, 16 ounces; fluid extract of tar- axacum half an ounce. The sulphate of soda is dissolved by stirring it up in 2 quarts of tepid water. The extract of taraxacum is mixed in with it, and the mixture should be administered at one dose. When a purgative effect has been produced, a dram of sulphate of cinchonidia, half an ounce of fluid extract of taraxacum and an ounce of spirits of nitrous ether may be shaken up in a pint of water, and given night and morning for several daysin succession. This treatment may be assisted by giving occasional injections of warm water and soap. The diet should be laxative and moderate in quantity, and may consist of coarse bran mash, pulped roots, grass in the season and hay in moderate quan- tity. HEPATITIS—INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER. This is a more advanced stage of the disease already described. Hep- atitis is frequently restricted to a special part of the liver, and the 54 DISEASES OF CATTLE. rest of the organ outside the area of inflammation may continue com- paratively healthy. The gland cells are the seat of inflammation, and the formation of an abscess or abscesses is a usual result. Symptoms.—The symptoms are sometimes obscure, and their real significance is frequently overlooked. This may be accounted for by the fact that only a part of the liver is affected and that by the continu- ance of congestion in that organ the affected parts gradually undergo those changes which are characteristic of inflammation. The most prominent symptoms are yeilowness of the white of the eye, and of the membrane lining the mouth; the appetite is poor; the body presents an emaciated appearance, but there is frequently fullness at the lower part of the abdomen. The gait is weak, and the animal lies down more than usual, and while doing so frequently has its head turned round resting on the side of its chest. Post-mortem appearances.—There is frequently a quantity of serum in the abdomen. The liver is usually enlarged. Instead of having the dark-red appearance of congestion it has a brownish or grayish red tint in some parts, with yellowish red or pale yellow in others. Its tissue is loosened and easily torn, which is owing to its having lost its natural cohesion. Abscesses or deposits of purulent matter are found in its substance. The liver sometimes becomes adherent to the dia- phragin or other adjacent parts through inflammation of its capsule. As a result of another form of inflammation a considerable part of the tissue of the liver becomes hardened or indurated, when its surface pre- sents a nodulated appearance, and sometimes in cows that have died after calving the liver has been found smaller than usual, so soft that it is easily torn, and of a uniform yellow color. Treatment.—lfalf a pound of sulphate of soda and half an ounce of fluid extract of taraxacum should be mixed with 2 quarts of tepid water, and this should be given night and morning until arelaxed con- dition of the bowels is produced, as the object is not to cause a strong purgation, but a laxative effect which should be continued for some days. The diet should be similar to that which has beenrecommended in speaking of congestion of the liver, After the treatment with laxa- tives has been continued for several days a dram of sulphate of cin- chonidia and a dram of nitro-muriatic acid should be shaken upin a quart of cold water, and this dose should be given three times a day until the animal has regained its strength. Oil of turpentine should be rubbed in well once a day over the region of the liver. The skin on which it should be applied extends from the false ribs on the right side to 6 inches in front of the last one, and from the backbone to 12 inches on the right side of it. Extreme heat and pasturing animals on low lying ground are conditions favorable to the production of this disease, DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 55 THE FLUKE DISEASE, The fluke, or Fasciola hepatica, is a parasite which infests the biliary ducts of the liver. It varies in size from an inch to a little over an inch in length and has a brownish flattened body. It belongs to the group of trematoda, or sucking worms. The fluke passes through several dif- ferent stages of development before it reaches the livers of the animals which it infests, and it is not only found in cattle, but in sheep and several species of wild animals. Parasites which have attained their full development usually after a time pass out of the animals which harbor them and die, when they have attained the limit of their exist- ence. It has been estimated that after the death and decomposition ot a full-grown fluke upwards of 40,000 eggs will be liberated from its uterus. The agency of winds, rains, insects, the feet of cattle and other animals, disperse and carry these ova to considerable distances, so that a large proportion of them find their way to pools, ditches, and streams, where the conditions exist necessary to their future develop- ment. After a time they reach that stage in which they are transferred with the fodder or drink to the digestive organs of their host. From the foregoing statement it will readily be understood that this disease prevails on low swampy land, and especially on land which is subject to inundation. During a wet, rainy season the area over which it extends becomes much wider, and the losses which the disease occa- sions are consequently greater. Symptoms.—The presence of these parasites in the biliary ducts does not at first appear to impair the animal’s health; indeed, it has been stated that for a short time the animals appear to thrive better. This is accounted for by the statement that the presence of the flukes in the biliary ducts stimulates the secretion of bile, that this occasions a more complete digestion of the fatty elements of the food, and a con- sequent improvement in the animal’s condition in the early stage of the disease. When the flukes attain their full size, however, and are pres- ent in large numbers, they set up inflammation in the walls of the bil- iary ducts. Asaresult of the presence of those parasites the liver becomes indurated and its secreting structure becomes atrophied or wasted. The affected animals become dull and weak; swellings of a dropsical nature form between the jaws and along the throat. There are fever, great emaciation, and dropsical accumulations in the chest and belly, which are soon followed by death. Treatment is of no avail. Affected animals should be killed at an early stage of the disease. SPLENITIS—INFLAMMATION OF THE SPLEEN. With few exceptions veterinarians agree that the recognition of dis- ease affecting the spleen is rarely made during life, unless in the case of certain febrile and contagious diseases, in which the spleen is known 56 DISEASES OF CATTLE. to be involved to a greater or less extent. The writer agrees with the general opinion on this point, as in those cases in which he has seen the spleen show traces of disease, and in which the disease was of a primary and not of a secondary character, the symptoms have been so obscure as to render it impossible to draw any certain conclusion as to their significance, Cruzel, a French writer on the diseases of cattle, stated, however, that he had frequently met with cases of inflammation of the spleen in cattle, and that he had no difficulty in recognizing them. We give here the substance of Cruzel’s account of inflammation of the spleen, though we think that to judge from his description of the post-mortem appearances it might more properly be termed congestion of the spleen and liver than inflammation of the spleen. Splenitismay occur as an acute affection, as very acute or intense, or as a chronic form of disorder. Causes.—Oxen of a sanguine temperament which are worked hard, and which, owing to the nature of their work, are frequently interrupted while ruminating, are from these conditions exposed to sudden attacks of congestion of the spleen. Cold and wet, the long-continued use of very nutritive forage, and severe exertion, by increasing the circulation and bringing on disorder of the digestive functions, may ultimately give rise to this malady. The custom of working oxen immediately after they have been fed, their stomachs filled with food, and there- fore incapable of severe exertion, is regarded as a frequent cause of this malady. Symptoms of a general character may be observed, such as dryness of the muzzle, loss of appetite, absence of rumination, gait slow and stiff, and sensibility when pressure is applied on the loins. But the symptoms which are specially characteristic of splenitis are as follows: Shivering, tension of the left flank, and difficult breathing; the ox walks with difficulty, as if the bending of the left fore and hind legs caused pain. Fullness of the left flank, but differing from the fullness of tym- panitis or hoven, as it is produced by displacement of the spleen in a backward direction, so that when the flank is percussed or lightly struck with the tips of the fingers a dull sound is produced like that occa- sioned by the resistance offered by a soft body. The congested condi- tion of the spleen brings about its displacement. The following case illustrates how the disease arises: An 8-year-old ox had been fed heavily on dry lucern, and was immediately afterwards put to work drawing gravel; he continued working for two hours without showing sickness, but did not ruminate. All at once, however, his flank swelled up and he showed considerable pain when pressed strongly on the left flank. This case is referred to in order to show the practical importance of the symptom last described. Congestion of the spleen occurs suddenly as the consequence of inter- rupted rumination and hard work. Its duration is short if treatment is applied without delay, but longer if the action of the cause is inter. mittent. In the first case there is a rapid recovery owing to the speedy DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 57 subsidence of the congestion. When the congestion is of long dura- tion the malady becomes chronic, and the result may be fatal if the cause continues to act violently and without cessation. The account of the following case illustrates the foregoing statement: A 6-year-old ox was fed a large quantity of green corn about mid- night; he was afterwards driven so fast that he could not ruminate, and then compelled to draw a heavy load. At 10 o’clock in the morn- ing he fell down, when it was noticed that his abdomen was swollen; he was forced up and had hardly been unyoked when he fell dead. Lesions.—On opening this ox a large quantity of green corn was found in the rumen which had only been masticated once. There were sev- eral quarts of blood in the abdomen, the spleen was much enlarged, and had several ruptures at different points along its posterior border. Treatment.—Bleeding is the first means to be employed in treating congestion of the spleen. The bleeding should be copious, and the first abstraction of blood should not be less than five quarts. In making this estimate the author is supposed to take as the type a working ox which was in good condition at the time of his becoming affected with congestion of the spleen. If there is not a marked improvement in the animal’s state two hours after he is bled he should be bled again. In cases of this kind, which are not of a very acute character, bathing of the left flank with cold water is recommended. In addition to the above measures mild, soothing, acidulated drafts should be given, low diet, rest, and occasional injections of a small quantity of lukewarm water. DISEASES OF THE PERITONEUM. PERITONITIS. .Peritonitis may be divided into certain varieties, according to its mode of causation; (1) Traumatic, when the disease arises from wounds penetrating the abdomen; (2) Idiopathic, when the disease arises from exposure to cold and wet. The second variety of peritonitis occurs chiefly among working oxen, and it may here be mentioned that in those animals the membrane which lines the abdomen and covers the outer surface of the bowels is apt to become congested by sudden chilling of the skin, which empties its rich network of small blood-vessels to a large extent, so that the blood must accumulate in some part of the interior of the body. Causes—When a working ox has been warmed up and is sweating during hard work he may have to stand for some time exposed to cold wind or to a cold rain, which soon chills the surface of his body. When cattle are driven through rivers or into ponds, so that their bodies become wet, and they afterward lie on the ground when the air is cold, such exposure may produce peritonitis. Wounds penetrating the abdo- men may also cause it. Symptoms.—A continuous or occasional shivering; the animal lies 58 DISEASES OF CATTLE. down, but appears uneasy; ib frequently turns its head towards its belly and Jows plaintively; pressure on the flanks produces pain; has no appetite; muzzle is dry and no rumination ; while standing its legs are placed well under its body; pulse small and hard. The evacuations from the bowels are dry and hard. Hf this disease is complicated by the presence of inflammation of the bowels the pain is more severe and the animal is more restless. The skin is cold and dry in the early stage of this disease, but in a more advanced stage this condition may be succeeded by heat of the skin and quick breathing. The fits of trem- bling, uneasiness, small and hard pulse and tension of the left flank are symptoms the presence of which should enable one to reach the conclu- sion that peritonitis exists. Post-mortem appearance—The membrane lining the abdomen and covering the surface of the bowels is reddened to a greater or less extent, and there is usually considerable serous or watery fluid collected in the abdomen. . Treatment.—When we have to do with the traumatic form of perito- nitis, as when the horn of another animal has been thrust through the abdominal walls, this lesion must be treated in accordance with direc- tions before given, but the general treatment must be similar to that which follows: Peritonitis resulting from castration or from parturition fever must also be treated in connection with the special conditions which give rise to it, as the general treatment of this disease must be modified to some extent by the exciting cause. The body should be warmly clothed, and it is advisable, when prac- ticable, to have a blanket which has been wrung out of hot water placed over the abdomen, then covered by several dry blankets, which are maintained in position by straps or ropes passing round the body. The wet blanket must be changed as it cools—the object of treatment being to warm the surface of the body and to determine as much blood to the skin as possible. When the matter of clothing the body has been attended to the aim of treatment must be: (1) To obtain rest for the affected parts; (2) to subdue inflammation and fever; (3) to sustain the animal’s strength. The first indication is to give a dose of lauda- num or powdered opium. An ounce and a half of the first or a dram of the second may be given in a pint of tepid water, and if the pain is not perceptibly allayed the dose should be repeated in two hours. It is dangerous to give purgatives in peritonitis, as they stimulate the movements of the bowels, increase the suffering, and aggravate the disease. Tincture of aconite should be given in ten-drop doses every two hours for the purpose of reducing fever and inflammation. Cruzel strongly recommends bleeding for this purpose, but it should only be applied when the pulse is strong and when the animal is in good con- dition, and it should be borne in mind that it can not haye any bene- ficial effect, but the reverse, if inflammation has existed for two days. The diet should consist of laxative food and drinks, such as linseed tea. If peritonitis assumes chronic form the diet should be nutritious, DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 59 such as hay, cornstalks, linseed cake, grass, etc., and iodide of potas- sium should be given in dram doses dissolved in a pint of water three times a day. DROPSY OF THE ABDOMEN—ASCITES, Tn this disease there is a serous or watery effusion in the cavity of the abdomen. : Causes.— When old animals are worked and fed on innutritious food they become what is termed anemic; or, in other words, their blood becomes impoverished and dropsy is a common result of such treat- ment. An innutritious and insufficient diet will produce the same effect in young animals. The exposure of cattle to sudden changes of temperature and the chilling effect of cold and wet acting on the skin may develop this disease. Itis one of the results of peritonitis, and may also arise from acute or chronic inflammation of the liver, such as is of common occurrence when flukes are present in the liver in large numbers. When dropsy depends on disease of the liver it develops very gradually, and this may also be said in regard to it when its oceur- rence is associated with an insufficient amount of nutriment having been supplied to the animal. Symptoms.—A gradual increase in the size of the abdomen at its lower part, while the flanks become hollow; pallor of the mucous mem. brane of the mouth and eye; weak and sluggish gait; want of appetite, and irregularity in ruminating. On percussion or tapping the surface of the abdomen with the fingers a dull sound is produced. If the hand and arm are oiled and passed into the rectum as far as possible, on moving the hand from one side to the other, the fluctuation caused by the presence of fluid in the abdomen may be felt. Treatment.—The diet should be nutritious, and in those cases where we have merely to deal with anemia (the bloodless state) arising from insufficient diet the use of tonics and diuretics, at the same time keep- ing the skin warm, will bring about a gradual absorption of the fluid contained in the abdomen. One of the following powders should be mixed with the animal’s food three times a day; or, if there is any uncertainty as to its being taken in that way, it should be mixed with sirup, so as to form a paste, and smeared well back ou the animal’s tongue with a flat weoden spoon: Carbonate of iron, 3 ounces; pow- dered gentian, 3 ounces; powdered nitrate of potash, 3 ounces. Mix and divide into twelve powders. The administration of purgatives which promote a watery discharge from the mucous surface of the bow- els, also tends, by diminishing the serum of the blood, to bring about absorption and a gradual removal of the fluid contained in the abdo- men. Large doses should not be given, but moderate doses should be administered morning and night, so as to produce a laxative effect on the bowels for some days. To attain this end the following may be used: Sulphate of soda, 8 ounces; powdered ginger, half an ounce; mix in 2 quarts of tepid water, and then give at one dose. DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. DESCRIPTION OF PLATES. Pratt I: Position of the first stomach (paunch, rumen) on the left side: a, the situation of the rumen; b, the spleen or milt resting on it; e, the skin and muscles removed from the ribs to show position of the lungs and their relation to the paunch. PrateE II: Fig. 1. Stomach of a full-grown sheep + natural size. After Thanhoffer, from R- Meade Smith’s Physiology of Domestic Animals: a, rumen or first stomach; b, reticulum or second stomach; v, omasum or third stomach; d, abomasum or fourth stomach; e, esophagus or gullet opening into first und second stomachs; /, opening of fourth stomach into small intestine; g, opening of second stomach into third; h, opening of third stomach into fourth. The lines indicate the course of the food in the stomachs. The incompletely masticated food passes down the wsophagus or gullet into the first and second stomachs, in which a churning motion is kept up, carrying the food from side to side and from stomach to stomach. From the first stomach regurgi- tation takes place—that is, the food is returned through the gullet to the mouth to be more thoroughly masticated or chewed, and this constitutes what is known as ‘‘ chewing the cud.” From the second stomach the food passes into the third, and from the third into the fourth or true stomach, and from there into the intestines. Fig. 2. Stomach of ox. After Colin, from R. Meade Smith’s Physiology of Domes- tic Animals: a, rumen; b, reticulum; ¢c, omasum; d, wbomasum; e, esopha- gus; f, opening of fourth stomach into small intestine. Fiirstenberg calculated that in an ox of 1,400 pounds weight the capacity of the stomachs is as follows: Per cent. Rumen 149.25 quarts, liquid measure -.........-..---- 62.4 Reticulum 23.77 quarts. ....-. 2.2.0 .22002. 220 eee eee 10 Omasum 36.98 quarts -... 2... 02.222 ee ee eee eee 15 Abomastmun 29.05 quarts 2.2.0 .00.02 0.000220 ee ce eee 12.6 According to Colin— Quarts. The capacity of a beet's stomach is..........2..---. 266. 81 Siiall MCC. ecanacaamecsseedcas noses odes oecoe 69. 74 COIN Bee sole Bee a ucya ane eenae acho tetcloeeres 9.51 Colon and rectum ... 22. 02222. ee ee eee eee 25.58 PrateE IIT: Fig. 1. Clinical thermometer, # natural size. This is used to determine the tem- perature of the animal body. The thermometer is passed into the rectum after having been moistened with a little saliva from the mouth, or after having had a little oil or lard rubbed upon it to facilitate its passage. There it is allowed to remain two or three minutes, then withdrawn, and the tem- 60 DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. GL PLATE I1I—Continued. perature read as in any ordinary thermometer. The clinical thermometer is made self-registering—that is, the mercury in the stem remains at the height to which it was forced by the heat of the body until it is shaken back into the bulb by taking hold of the upper portion of the instrument and giving it a short, sharp swing. The normal temperature of cattle varies from 100° to 103° F. In young animals it is somewhat higher than in old. The thermometer is a very useful instrument and frequently is the means by which disease is detected before the appearance of any external sign. Fig. 2. Simple probang, used to dislodge foreign bodies like apples, potatoes, eggs, etc., which have become fastened or stuck in the esophagus or gullet. Fig. 3. Grasping or forceps probang. ‘This instrument, also intended to remove obstructions from the gullet, has a spring forceps at one end in the place of the cup-like arrangement at the end of the simple probang. The forceps are closed while the probang is being introduced; their blades are regulated by a screw in the handle of the instrument. This probang is used to grasp and withdraw an article which may have lodged in the gullet and can not be forced into the stomach by use of the simple probang. Fig. 4. Wooden gag, used when the probang is to be passed. The gag is a pieve of wood which fits in the animal’s mouth; a cord passes over the head to hold it in place. The central opening in the wood is intended for the passage of the probang. Figs. 5a and 5b. Trocar and canula; 5a shows the trocar covered by the canula; 5b, the canula from which the trocar has been withdrawn. This instrument is used when the rumen or first stomach becomes distended with gas. The trocar covered by the canula is forced into the rumen, the trocar withdrawn, and the canula allowed to remain until the gas has escaped. Fig. 6. Section at right angles through the abdominal wall, showing a hernia or rupture. Taken from D’Aborval, Dict. de Med., de Chir. et de Hyg.: aa, The abdominal muscles cut across; v, opening in the abdominal wall permitting 4%, the intestines, to pass through and outward between the abdominal wall and the skin; p p, peritoneum or membrane lining the abdominal cavity carried through the opening 0, by the loop of intestine and forming the sac 8, the outer walls of which are marked b fb. Piate lV: The liver is composed of innumerable small] lobules from 35 to jy inch in diameter. The lobules are held together by a small amount of fibrous tissue in which the bile ducts and larger blood vessels are lodged. Fig. 1 of the diagram illus- trates the structure of a lobule: v, v, interlobular veins, or the veins between the lobules. There are branches of the portal vein which carries blood from the stomach and intestines to the liver; ¢, c, capillaries, or very fine blood -ves- sels, extending as a very fine network between the groups of liver cells from the interlobular vein to the center of the lobule and emptying there into the intralobular vein to the center of the lobule; v, c,intralobular vein, or the vein within the lobule. This vessel passes out of the lobule and there becomes the sublobular vein; v, 3, sublobular vein. This joins other similar veins and helps to form the hepatic vein through which the blood leaves the liver; d, d, the position of the liver cells between the meshes of the capil- laries; A, A, branches of the hepatic artery to the interlobular connective tissue and the walls of the large veins and large bile ducts. These branches are seen at, 7, and form the vena vascularis; v, v,vena vascularis; i,i, branches of the hepatic artery entering the substance of the lobule and connecting with capillaries from the interlobular vein. The use of the hepatic artery is to nowrish the liver while the other vessels carry blood to he modified by the liver cells in certain important directions; g, brancles of the bile ducts 62 DISEASES OF CATTLE. Priare [V—Continued. carrying bile from the various lobules into the gall bladder and into the intestines; x, #, intralobular bile capillaries between the liver cells. These form a network of very minute tubes surrounding cach ultimate cell which receives the bile as it is formed by the liver cells and carried outward as deseribed, Vig. 11. Isolated liver cells: ¢, blood capillary; a, fine bile capillary channel. Priatr V: Appearance of ergot in hay: 1, blue grass; 2, timothy; 3, wild rye; 4, red-top. Ergot is a fungus which may affect any member of the grass family. The spore of the fungus, by some means brought in contact with the undeveloped seed of the grass, grows, obliterates the seed and practically takes its place. When hay affected with ergot is fed to animals it is productive of a charac- teristic and serious affection or poisoning known as ergotisin. Prats VI: Illustrates the effects of ergot. The lower part of the limb of a cow showing the loss of skin and flesh in a narrow ring around the pastern bone, and the exposure of the bone itself. (NOW GAL AO NOLLISOd FHL DNLAWOH wee pre CREP > I aL Id Arttiied lel, STOMACH OF RUMINAN DIVE Ue. iss Gusss na 20, seats 100. J. M0. a, SESS USNS are Re SR AES ere Sena utes enarags PS IV PT aA IS VT =X XY pst Aamibets 0A 1ShG. Frege 39 ROSCOPI( Lyi LIVER. THE Oye ANLIVT OMY 1 d 1 2 AIT ¢ Sa: PLATE PLAS IN ERGOT PLATE VI Marx,from nature. The Orcut C0.Ltho,Chicega ERGOTISM. POISONS AND POISONING. By the late V. T. ATKINSON, V.S., Professor of Veterinary Science, Wisconsin State Unirersity, Ex-State Feterinarian, TPisconsin, ete. To clearly define the meaning of the word poison would be somewhat difficult. Even in law the word has never been defined, and when a definition is attempted we are apt to include either too much or too little. The following is perhaps as clear a definition as it is possible to give: “A poison is a substance having an inherent deleterious prop- erty rendering it capable of destroying life by whatever avenue it finds access to the system, or it is a substance which, when introduced into the system or applied externally, injures health or destroys life irrespective of mechanical means or thermal changes.” The common conception of a poison is any substance which will destroy life, in sinall quantity, excepting such as act by purely mechanical means, as, for example, powdered glass. THE ACTION OF POISONS. This may be either local, and exerted directly on the tissues with which they come in contact, or remote, acting through the circulation or nervous system; or both local and remote action may be exerted by the same drug. Poisons which act locally generally cither destroy by corrosion the tissues with which they come in contact, or by inhalation set up acuteinflammation. When any corrosive agent is taken into the stomach in poisonous quantities a group of symptoms is developed which is common to all. The tissues with which the agent comes in contact are destroyed, sloughing and acute inflammation of thesurround. ing structures take place; intense pain in the abdomen and death ensue. In a like manner, but with less rapidity, the same result is reached if the agent used be not of a sufficiently corrosive nature to destroy the tissues, but sufficiently irritating to set up acute inflammation of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract. Of the poisons exert- ing a remote influence, the action is quite different, little or no local effect being produced upon the digestive organs. The poisons, when absorbed and transmitted through the agency of the circulation, exert 63 64 DISEASES OF CATTLE. their baneful influence, and though some of them act with extreme rapidity no effect can be produced until the agent has been absorbed. The poisonous effect of any substance is modified by the quantity used; by its chemical combinations; by the part of the animal structure with which it comes in contact; and also by the physical condition of the sub- ject. Asan illustration, opium may be given with safety in much larger doses to an animal suffering from acute pain than to one free from pain, and to an adult animal with greater safety than toa young one. The rapidity with which the poison is absorbed, owing to the part of the body with which it is brought in contact, is also an important factor. So marked is this quality that some agents which have the power of destroying life with almost absolute certainty when introduced beneath the skin, may be taken into the stomach without causing even notice- able inconvenience, as curara, the arrow poison, or the venomous secre- tion of the snakefang. Other agents in chemical combination may tend to intensify, lessen, or wholly neutralize the poisonous effect. For example, arsenic in itself has well-marked poisonous properties, but when brought in contact with dialyzed iron it forms an insoluble com- pound and becomes innocuous. Idiosyncracies are not so noticeable in cattle practice as in practice among human beings, but the uncertainty with which some drugs exert their influence would lead us to believe that well-marked differences in susceptibility exist. Even in some cases a tolerance for poison is engendered so thatin a herd of animals equally exposed injurious or fatal effects do not appear with uniformity. For example, among cattle that are compelled to drink water holding in solution a salt of lead, the effects of the poisoning will be found vary- ing all the way from fatality to imperceptibility. GENERAL SYMPTOMS OF POISONING. So widely varied are the symptoms produced by different poisonous agents that it is almost impossible to lay down even a general rule of symptoms which may be applied to all cases. Ordinarily, poisoning is not suspected until after the death of the affected animal. ‘To estab- lish the presence or absence of poison in the system becomes necessary only with a view to arresting its effect on other animals that may have been similarly exposed, or to promote the ends of justice in criminal jurisprudence. The symptoms shown before death are likely to give reason to suspect either intestinal irritation, with manifestation similar to those of colic; or disordered brain function with the eharacteristic indications of vertigo, coma, paralysis, dilatation, or contraction of the pupil, etc. The animal secretions and excretions may be perverted, augmented, or suppressed. Chemical analysis and philosophical expe- riments only can determine with absolute certainty the presence of many of the poisons. On the other hand, diagnosis may be reached with reasonable certainty where the previous history of the case is known, as well as the swroundings and the poisonous agents to which the animal would be likely to have access. POISONS AND POISONING. 65 GENERAL TREATMENT. The treatment of animals suffering from poison must vary according to the nature of the toxic agent. There are a few general plans of action, however, which should be followed as far as possible. If a stomach-pump can be procured no time should be lost in emptying the stomach of its contents and carefully washing that organ by either injecting pure water or a solution of the proper antidote. Ifthe stomach can not be emptied, the antidote should be administered which will counteract or neutralize the particular poison from which the animal is suffering, such as powdered chalk to neutralize acid poison. If the poison has been taken in solid form and there is a probability that part of it is still undissolved its further destructive action may be arrested by the administration of mucilaginous drinks, as infusions of flaxseed, white of eggs, acacia (gum arabic), etc. Where the poison is known to be one that is not likely to exert its influence on the stomach directly but remotely, every effort should be made to neutralize any part of it that may remain unabsorbed, and to as far as possible fortify the sys- tem against its action, as by the use of atropia in opium-poisoning, or the placing of the patient under the influence of chloroform or ether when poisoned by strychnine. A poisonous agent may be so gradually introduced into the system as to slowly develop the power of resistance againstitsaction. In other cases, where the poison is introduced slowly, the poisonous action becomes cumulative, and although there is no increase in the quantity taken violent symptoms are suddenly developed, as if the whole amount, the consumption of which may have extended over a considerable period, had been given in one dose. Other agents, poisonous in their nature, tend to deteriorate some of the important organs and interfering with their natural functions are productive of con- ditions of ill-health which, although not necessarily fatal, are important. Such aclass might properly be called chronic poisons. Poisons of them- selves dangerous when administered in large doses are used medicinally for curative purposes, and a very large percentage of the pharmaceutical preparations used in the practice of medicine if given in excessive quan- tities might produce serious results. In the administration of medicines, therefore, care should be exercised not only that the animal is not poisoned by the administration of an excessive dose, but that injury is not done by continued treatment with medicines the administration of which is not called for. ARSENIC POISONING. Of the common irritant and corrosive poisons, arsenic, especially one of its compounds (Paris green or arsenite of copper), is likely to be the most dangerous to our class of patients. The common practice of using Paris green as an insecticide for the destruction of potato beetle and other vegetable parasites has had the effect of introducing it into 24697——o 66 DISEASES OF CATTLE. almost all of our farming establishments. White arsenic is also a prin- cipal ingredient in many of the popular sheep-dipping preparations, and poisoning from this source occasionally takes place, when, after dipping, the flock are allowed to run ina yard in which there is loose fodder. The drippings from the wool of the sheep falling on the fod- der render it poisonous, and dangerous to animal life if eaten. Famil- iarity with its use has in many instances tended to breed contempt for its potency as a poison. Its action is the same as that of all the solu- ble chemical compounds of arsenic; it acts as a powerful irritant to the stomach and intestines, setting up acute inflammation of any part of the alimentary tract with which it comes in contact. The symptoms first appear as those of colic; the animal is restless, stamping with the feet, lying down and getting up. There is tender- ness on pressure over the abdomen. The acute symptoms increase; in a few hours violent diarrhea is developed; in many cases blood and shreds of detached mucous membrane are mixed with the evacuations. There is irregular and feeble pulse and perspiration, and death is likely to supervene between the eighteenth hour and the third day. If the latter period is past there is a reasonable hope of recovery. Treatment consists in the use of the stomach-pump. After the stom- ach is completely emptied there may be a liberal administration of demulcents, such as flaxseed tea, boiled starch, acacia, ete. The freshly precipitated hydrate or dialyzed iron should be given. The amount of the dose must be regulated by the urgency of the symptoms and the amount of poison the animal has probably taken. The safest plan is to give small doses at frequent intervals. The effect of prepa- tions of iron is to entangle the poison and convert it into an insoluble arsenite of iron. The hydrate may be given in ounce doses, repeated every hour until relief is obtained, or until four or five doses have been given. LEAD POISONING. The salts of lead, particularly sugar of lead (acetate) are irritant poisons, but not of great activity. Death may result from their con- tinued use, but recovery is probable, unless they are taken in very large quantities. Having a somewhat salty taste, animals are likely to lick old paint pots. Lead poisoning may occur from accidentally tak- ing solutions of the sugar of lead or by means of water drawn from lead pipes. Symptoms are generally dullness; lying down with the head turned toward the flank; rumbling in the abdomen, loss of control of the limbs when walking, twitching, champing of the jaws, moving ina circle, con- vulsions, delirium, violent bellowing, followed by stupor and death. The symptoms generally extend over considerable time. The treatment should first be directed toward removing the cause. A large dose of purgative medicine should be given and the brain symp- toms be relieved by giving bromide of potassium in half-ounce doses POISONS AND POISONING. 67 | every four or five hours, and the application of cold water to the head. Dilute sulphuric acid in half-ounce doses should be given with the pur- gative medicine. In this case sulphate of magnesia (Epsom salts) is the best purgative, and it may be given in doses of from 1 to 2 pounds dissolved in warm water. After the acute symptoms have abated, iodide of potassium may be given in doses of 2 drams each, three times a day for a week. Chronic lead poisoning occasionally occurs in districts where lead mining is the principal industry. The waste products of the mine thrown into streams contaminate the water supply so that the mineral is taken into the system gradually, and a very small per cent of any of the salts taken into the system in this way is pernicious. Water which contains any salt of lead to the extent of more than one-tenth of a grain to the gallon is unfit to drink. It may be conveniently tested by plac- ing it in a white porcelain dish and adding a few drops of sulphureted hydrogen, when if the lead be present the color of the dish will be dark- ened. Such water when used continually is likely to produce colic from the resulting intestinal irritation and in aggravated cases paralysis more or less severe is likely to be developed. A blue line on the mar- gin of the gums, the last symptom, is regarded as diagnostic, and its presence as conclusive evidence of the nature of the disorder. The free use of purgatives is indicated with iodide of potassium. No treatment is likely to be of avail until the cause is removed. | COPPER POISONS. The soluble salts of copper, though used as a tonic in the medicinal treatment of cattle, are poisonous when taken in large quantities. Like lead and arsenic they have an irritant effect upon the mucous mem- brane with which they come in contact in a concentrated form. Cattle are not very likely to be poisoned from this cause unless through care- lessness. The salts of copper—the most common of which is the sul- phate of copper, commonly called blue vitriol—are occasionally used for disinfecting and cleansing stables, where they might inadvertently be mixed with the food. In animals having the power to vomit it acts as anemetic and tends to work its own cure. Cattle, however, al- though ruminants and having power to return parts of the food to the mouth for remastication, are unable to empty the stomach in this way, so that when large quantities have been taken the use of the stomach- pump is at once indicated. This should be followed by a liberal supply of demulcents, linseed infusion, boiled starch, whites of eggs, etc. The general symptoms produced are those of intestinal irritation, short breathing, stamping, and tender abdomen. ZINC POISONS. Several of the soluble salts of zinc are irritant poisons. In animals which have power to vomit they are emetic in their action. In others, 68 DISEASES OF CATTLE. when retained in the stomach, they set up more or less irritation of the mucous membrane and abdominal pain, producing symptoms already described in the action of other poisons which produce the same result. The treatment would consist of emptying the stomach and the use of demulcents. PHOSPHORUS POISONS. Only one of the salts of phosphorus in common use—the ordinary yellow—is poisonous. Phosphorus in this form is used for the destruc- tion of rats and mice and other vermin, and is largely used in the manufacture of matches. In the stomach it produces a certain amount of disturbance; vertigo and diarrhea are the usualsymptoms. If taken in large quantities, the excreta are occasionally noticed to be luminous when examined in the dark. The irritant symptoms generally subside in a few days and the animal appears to recover its usual health. Ina short time depression and loss of appetite are again noticed; the visible mucous membranes are yellow from reabsorption of bile; the function of the liver is imperfectly performed or suspended; fatty degeneration of the structures occur; the feces are light colored; fever of a semi- typhoid nature is present, and death usually takes place in ten days or two weeks from the administration of the poison. Oil of turpentine is a favorite remedy, and, though the best, is unsatisfactory. Recoveries are not common. * ACID POISONS. The mineral acids, nitric, sulphuric, hydrochloric, etc., when used in a concentrated form, destroy the animal tissues with which they come in contact, and in this respect differ from the poisons previously described. The irritant effect of those already mentioned might be the result of the use of these acids in a dilute form, but when concentrated erosion takes place. When taken into the stomach the mucous mem- brane of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, and stomach is apt to be completely destroyed. If taken in large quantities death is likely to result so speedily that nothing can be done to relieve the patient, and even if time is allowed and the action of the acid can be arrested it can not be done until considerable irreparable damage has been done. The mucous membrane with which it has come in contact in the esophagus is destroyed by the corrosive action and carried away, leaving the muscular tissues exposed. Theraw surface heals irregularly, the cica- trice contracting causes stricture, and the animal is likely to die of starvation. In the stomach even greater damage is likely to be done. The peristaltic action of the esophagus having carried the irritant along quickly, here it remains quiet in contact with one surface, de- stroying it. It is likely to perforate the organ, and coming in contact with the abdominal lining or other organ of digestion soon sets up a POISONS AND POISONING. 69 condition that is beyond repair. In a less concentrated form, when the acid is not sufficiently strong to be corrosive, it exerts an irritant effect. In this form, however, it is not likely to do much harm unless taken in considerable quantity. When it is, the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines becomes inflamed; pain and diarrhea are likely to result. Any of the alkalies may be used as an antidote. Most con- venient of these are chalk, whiting, baking soda, ete. VEGETABLE ACIDS. Oxalic acid in particular is corrosive in its action when taken in con- centrated solution, losing its corrosive effect and becoming irritant when more dilute. It also exerts a specific effect on the heart, fre- quently causing death from syncope. Taken in the form either of the crystals or solution it is likely to cause death in a very short time. Failure of heart action and attendant small pulse, weakness, stagger- ing, and convulsions are the more noticeable symptons. Antacids as chalk, whiting, etc., are indicated. The stomach should be emptied as quickly as possible so as to get rid of all trace of the poison which may not have been neutralized by the alkali. MERCURIAL POISONS. Corrosive sublimate (bichloride of mercury) is perhaps the most ter- rible of corrosive poisons. It proves fatal in very small doses. ‘To all animals shortly after it is taken it produces intense pain in the ab- domen from destruction of the tissues with which it is brought in con- tact. If it does not prove fatal from this action, being absorbed, it exerts a powerful influence on the liver and salivary glands, causing diarrhea and discharge of saliva from the mouth. As an antidote the white of egg has the power of completely neutralizing its poisonous effect, provided it can be administered before the poison has had time to exert its deadly influence. In using this remedy the white should be separated from the yolk, mixed with water, and given in large quan- tities; the stomach should be emptied by means of a stomach pump after the antidote has been given. Chloride of mercury (calomel) is medicinally used. It is less power- ful in its corrosive effect, but produces the same general symptoms when given in large doses. ALKALINE POISONS. The carbonates and sulphides of potash and soda and the alkalies themselves in concentrated form cause symptoms of intestinal irrita- tion similar to those produced by mineral acids, though chemically incompatible with the acids, their caustic irritant effects depending on their degree of concentration. When they reach the stomach the symptoms are nearly as well marked as in the case of the acid. The 10 DISEASES OF CATTLE. irritation is even more noticeable and purgation is likely to be a more prominent symptom. The treatment will consist as in the case of the acid, of unloading the stomach as soon as practicable. If this can not be done the poisonous effects of the alkali may be neutralized by the administration of dilute acids. The administration of such an antidote and its action must be carefully watched during administration. In the chemical change which takes place when the acid and alkali are combined, carbonic acid gas is liberated, which may be to an extent sufficient to cause considerable distention of the abdomen, even to asphyxia from pressure forward on the diaphragm. Should this dan- ger present itself it may be averted by opening the left flank, permit- ting the gas to escape. (See Tympanitis or Bloating, p. 29.) COAL-OIL POISONING. Coal oil is sometimes administered empirically as a treatment for intestinal parasites. If given in large doses it produces poisonous effects, which are likely to be manifest some time after the administra- tion. It acts as an irritant to the digestive tract, causing dribbling of ropy saliva from the mouth, catharsis, and shreds of mucus in the fecal matter, tenesmus and loss of appetite, with increased tempera- ture and cold extremities. Visible mucous membranes are injected, pupils of the eyes contracted, watery discharge from the eyes and nostrils. Remotely it exerts a depressing influence on the functions of the brain and slight coma and occasionally convulsions from which the animal is easily aroused. The kidneys also suffer. The urine is dark colored and has the characteristic odor of coal oil. Death may result from gastro-enteritis or convulsions. The patient’s strength should be fostered by the frequent administration of mild stimulants, of which aromatic spirits of ammonia is perhaps the best. The animal should be encouraged to eat soft food and given mucilaginous drinks CARBOLIC-ACID POISONING. Although one of the most valuable antiseptic remedies, carbolic acid in a concentrated form, when taken internally or used over alarge sur- face externally, is likely to produce poisonous effects. It causes whiten- ing, shrinking, and numbness of the structures with which it comes in contact, and besides its irritant effect exerts a powerful influence on the nervous system. Being readily absorbed it produces its effect whether swallowed, injected into the rectum, inhaled, or applied to wounds or even to a large tract of unbroken skin. Used extensively as a dressing it may produce nauséa, dizziness, and black or green colored urine. The last symptom is nearly always noticeable where the poisonous effect is produced. In more concentrated form, or used in larger quantities, convulsions followed by fatal coma are likely to take place. Even in smaller quantities, dullness, trembling, and disinclination for food often continues for several days. In a tolerably concentrated solution it POISONS AND POISONING. 71 coagulates albumen and acts as an astringent. As an antidote inter- nally, lime-water sweetened with sugar should be given in large quan- tities or a solution of sulphate of soda. When the poisoning occurs through too extensive applications to wounds or the skin, as in treat- ment of mange, cold water should be freely applied so as to wash off any of the acid that may stillremain unabsorbed. As a surgical dressing a3 per cent solution is strong enough for ordinary purposes. Water will not hold more than 5 per cent in permanent solution. No prepara- tion stronger than the saturated solution should be used medicinally under any circumstances. VEGETABLE POISONS. These may be divided into two classes—those that are likely to be administered to the animal as medicine or such as may be taken in the food, either in the shape of poisonous plants or plant disease affecting the natural herbage of the pasture or meadow from which the animal obtains its food supply. OPIUM POISONING. Opium and its alkaloid, morphia, are so commonly used in the prac- tice of medicine that the poisonous result of an overdose is not uncom- mon in ordinary practice. The common preparations are gum opium, the inspissated juice of the poppy, powdered opium made from the gum, tincture of opium, commonly called landanum, and the alkaloid or active principle, morphia. Laudanum has about one-eighth the strength of the gum or powder. Morphia 1s present in good opium to the extent of about 10 per cent. In medicinal quantities it is amost useful agent in allaying pain. It has an effect common to all narcotics of first produc- ing a stimulating effect, which is soon followed by drowsiness, a dispo- sition to sleep or complete anesthesia, depending on the quantity of the drug used. In poisonous doses a state of exhilaration is apt to be well marked at first. A second stage rapidly supervenes, in which the symptoms are those of congestion of the brain. It has the effect of pre- venting perfect aération of the blood. The visible membranes have a bluish tint (cyanotic). The breathing is slow, labored, and later ster- torous; the pupils of the eyes are very much contracted; the skin dry and warm. The patient may be aroused by great noise or the infliction of sharp pain, when the breathing becomes more natural.