Class _S_EL^li511
Book. Mz
Copyright W.
coPSRiam DEPosm
Rural Veterinary Secrets
BY
a; H. Hartwig, M. D. C.
A farmer's Text Book
for ready reference
and
The secret of success-
fully applying first aid
and home remedies to
ailing farm animals.
Watertown, Wisconsin
1921
Copyright 1921
by A. H. Hartwig
Watertown, Wis.
g)C!,A654506
Advocate Publishing Company
Printers and Publishers
Milwaukee, Wis.
X CONTENTS
r
^_^ CHAPTER PAGE
^ I. Diseases Common to the Respiratory Organs - - 17
II. DiseasesCommonto the Circulatory Organs - - 35
III. Diseases Common to the Digestive Organs - - 39
IV. Diseases Common to the Reproductive Organs - 59
V. Diseases Common to the Liver and Kidneys - - 85
VI. Diseases Common to the Brain and Nervous System 87
VII. Practical Aid in Difficult Parturition - - - 93
VIII. Common Diseases of the Skin 107
IX. Contagious and Infectious Diseases - - - 119
X. Wounds and Fractures 137
XI. Diseases Common to the Muscles and Extremities 145
XII. Common Farm Operations 173
XIII. Diseases Common to Swine and Sheep - - - 185
XIV. Diseases Common to Poultry 209
XV. Practical Application of Medicines and
Home Remedies 213
XVI. Miscellaneous 221
Index — Glossary and Topical Index - - - 233
AUTOBIOGRAPHY
Dr. A. H. Hartwig, the author of "Rural Veterinary Secrets," was
born on a stock and dairy farm in Watertown, Dodge Co., Wisconsin,
where he had a good opportunity to study the natural habits and wants
of ailing farm animals.
He received his preliminary education in the public schools and
Northwestern College of Watertown, Wis. At the age of seventeen he
expressed the desire to study veterinary science and become a veterinary
physician and surgeon. However, as his services could not be spared
on the farm at that time, he was obliged to abandon the idea, at least
for the time being. When twenty years of age he entered the short
course in Agriculture of the University of Wisconsin, under the direc-
tion of Dean Henry, it being the second and third year of the existence
of that course. Dr. V. T. Atkinson, the first State Veterinarian of
Wisconsin, gave a course of lectures and demonstrations in veterinary
science. These lectures and demonstrations proved of particular in-
terest to the young agricultural student, and again he was inspired with
the determination to take up this interesting study, but neither the time
nor the means to further attend college could be spared.
After concluding his university studies he returned home and de-
voted most of his time to breeding draft horses, coach horses, and
dairy cattle. In 1892 he made a tour through Europe. There he vis-
ited the various veterinary colleges in the Old World. On his return
he brought with him an importation of Oldenburg coach horses. His
experience in stock breeding convinced him that a knowledge of vet-
erinary medicine and surgery would be of great benefit to himself and
his community. He again determined to become a veterinarian and
then actually entered the Chicago Veterinary College, from which he
was graduated in the year 1895.
After graduation he entered upon his practice as a veterinarian
in Watertown, Wisconsin, and adjacent community, which he suc-
cessfully continued for twenty-seven years. During this time he held
various important positions in connection with his profession. He was
president of the Wisconsin Society of Veterinary Graduates ; secretary
of the Wisconsin State Veterinary Society; State Veterinarian of Wis-
consin ; Veterinary Editor of "Hoard's Dairyman" ; publisher and pro-
prietor of "The Farmer's Veterinary Advisor," and at the present time
is Veterinary Inspector for the United States Bureau of Animal In-
dustry. While editor of "Hoard's Dairyman" he discovered the Air
Treatment for milk fever, w'hich is now used the world over and is
saving the lives of thousands of valuable farm animals.
The experience thus acquired he is now giving to his fellow
farmers and stock owners in the form of "Rural Veterinary Secrets."
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PREFACE
My purpose in presenting "Rural Veterinary Secrets" to the
farmer and other owners of domesticated animals shall be to educate
them to use home remedies intelligently whenever they are applicable
in case of emergency, and to properly comfort and care for the patient
till medical aid can be summoned; to teach my readers to use the right
remedy in the right place in case of emergency, instead of employing
anything and everything that might be suggested by the casual ob-
server; to avoid the misapplication of drugs, which so often leads to
the destruction of valuable farm animals ; and to give professional ad-
vice to those who are in need, as well as those who seek professional
knowledge on those subjects.
In order that my readers may readily understand what I am to
present to them, I will employ common farmer language, avoiding
technical expressions as much as possible. I shall prescribe the most
practical and effective remedies for each particular case, regardless of
who might be the manufacturer thereof. The remedies prescribed
shall be those which I have found the most successful and practical
during my twenty-seven years of practice.
I have decided to place the knowledge and experience obtained in
these twenty-seven years of continued and uninterrupted practice as
a veterinarian before my readers in concise form, boiled down for quick
and ready reference, in this, my first edition of "Rural Veterinary
Secrets."
A. H. HARTWIG, M. D. C.
Watertown, Wisconsin, July 1st, 1921.
TO
THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF EQUITY
In testimony of the author's high esteem and appreciation of the
principles and service to the public of the society, lending me inspira-
tion and initiative in my profession and this undertaking, I dedicate
this work.
A. H. HARTWIG, M. D. C.
CHAPTER I.
Diseases Common to the Respiratory
Organs
ACUTE NASAL CATARRH
(Rhinitis, Acute Coryza).
An acute catarrh of the air passages of the head. It may occur
as a primary afifection or may be secondary to another disease.
The common predisposing cause is cold. Catarrh is most fre-
quent during the changeable weather of the late fall and early
spring. The exciting cause is undoubtedly infection.
Nearly all of the diseases of the respiratory tract are accom-
panied by catarrh, as are specific infectious diseases, such as
strangles, influenza, hog-cholera, glanders.
SYMPTOMS
The general condition of the patient is usually somewhat dis-
turbed ; it seems stupid, languid, and shows slight fever. The mu-
cous membrane of the nose is swollen and reddened and at first
drier than normal ; later an irritant, watery discharge appears,
which in a day or two becomes turbid and more profuse. In the
earlier stages the patient sneezes frequently and rubs its nose
against objects. The nasal discharge dries and forms crusts at the
openings of the nostrils. In exceptional cases small, round, super-
ficial erosions are noted on the mucous membrane, which usually
heal in a few days. In severe cases there is conjunctivitis present.
If the larynx is involved there is cough ; if the pharynx, difficulty
in swallowing. The submaxillary lymph glands in the horse are
slightly swollen.
The course is usually rapid and the termination favorable. The
condition in ordinary cases disappears in seven to ten days.
TREATMENT
The acute catarrh seldom requires treatment. Protecting the
patient from draughts and dust is all that is necessary in the aver-
18 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
age case. When, however, the discharge is profuse or the patient
shows fever, a douche consisting of a solution of one tablespoonful
of common salt dissolved in two quarts of tepid water may be
injected into the nostrils and allowed to flush the anterior air cham-
bers once or twice daily. Inhalations of volatile substances are of
value. Turpentine or benzoin (1 to 5 per cent in form of steam)
may be tried. The crust on the nostrils may be greased with lard
or vaseline.
BLEEDING FROM THE NOSE, HEMORRHAGES
(Epistaxis)
In some families of horses hemorrhages are an inherited pre-
disposition. In such cases the bleeding occurs without apparent
cause. It may follow over-exertion as in the case of the race horse.
It may also be caused by passing tubes, sponges, and other instru-
ments up into the nostrils. In forcibly ejecting dust and foreign
matter from the nose, horses sometimes induce hemorrhage. Frac-
tures of the facial, nasal and maxillary bones and tumors in the
nose may be followed by nose bleeding.
SYMPTOMS
It is usually not dif^cult to determine the origin of the hem-
orrhage, but to find the cause may require a most careful examina-
tion of the patient. Pulmonary hemorrhages are characterized by
a bright red, foani}^ nasal discharge emitted from both nostrils and
accomplished by cough, dyspnea, and weak pulse. When placing
your ear to the chest, however, you will hear a rattling sound with
each breath of the patient. If, however, the hemorrhage is from the
nose, these rattling sounds will not be noticed, although some of
the blood may be inspirated into the lungs and confuse the layman
as to the proper location of the hemorrhage. In hemorrhages from
the stomach the blood is also discharged through the nose in the
case of the horse and ox, but is more or less clotted, brown in
color, of acid reaction, and mixed with food particles. In the case
of the hog and dog the blood from stomach hemorrhages is vomited
through the mouth.
RLRAL VETERINARY SECRETS
19
TREATMENT
The patient should be kept in a cool and quiet place. If
hemorrhages are from the nose or anterior air chambers, inject
up into the nostrils the juice of several lemons. This, with rest and
quiet, will arrest the hemorrhage temporarily. Then give a tea-
spoonful of Ferritone (Elk's) for an adult in moist food three times
daily. This will increase the fibrin and red corpuscles of the blood,
which makes a firm clot and heals completely the ruptured vessel,
besides strengthening the walls of the blood vessels. If the
hemorrhage is in the lungs or stomach, the injections of lemon
juice are not so effective and may be omitted, but the Ferritone
should be given regularly as above directed and the treatment
continued for a week or two after the hemorrhage has stopped.
NASAL POLYPI
Polypus in the Nostril.
These are wart-like tumors growing in the nostril as shown in
the accompanying illustration. The only remedy is to remove them
with a small wire ecraseur, which is especially designed for this
purpose. The operation is simple and usually has no dangerous
after effects.
20 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
CATARRHAL LARYNGITIS
Catarrhal laryngitis is one of the commonest diseases of horses
and cattle. It frequently assumes an enzootic form, being very
prevalent during the changeable weather of spring and fall. The
disease may be primary or secondary.
The causes of primary laryngitis are : Chilling, inhalation of
irritant dust, gases, ingestion of fermenting foods (brewer's grains,
distillery slops, potato residue), continued bellowing of cattle,
throat latch of bridle too tight, and primary infections.
Secondary laryngitis accompanies many of the infectious dis-
eases, especially influenza and strangles of the horse, tuberculosis
of the ox, cholera of swine, and verminous bronchitis of sheep. A
spread of inflammation from neighboring organs (pharynx, trachea)
may induce laryngitis. The causes of chronic catarrhal laryngitis
are the same as those of the acute form, the irritant acting mildly
but repeatedly or persistently.
SYMPTOMS
A dominant symptom of laryngitis is a dry, harsh cough which
the patient seeks to suppress. It is especially noticeable when the
animal is brought out into cold air or given a cold drink of water.
Excitement also induces cough. The larynx is sensitive to pressure,
which may bring about a spell of coughing. In some patients
hoarseness is evident. On listening to the larynx rough and some-
times whistling tones are heard, which tend to diminish in intensity
toward the chest. Nasal discharge is usually present. If the
pharynx is also involved there will be difficulty in swallowing. The
lymph glands of the submaxillary region are swollen and sensitive.
Except in secondary laryngitis the pulse and temperature remain
about normal. There is difficulty in breathing only when there is
marked swelling of the mucosa.
DIAGNOSIS
The diagnosis depends upon the presence of cough, sensitive-
ness of the larynx, mild fever, and the negative evidence adduced
from a thorough examination of the lungs. Secondary laryngitis
may be distinguished from primary forms by the high temperature,
general depression of the patient and symptoms of the primary
disease.
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 21
In acute catarrhal laryngitis the course is usually six to ten
days, ending in complete recovery. Neglected cases may become
chronic and last for months, causing persistent, obstinate cough,
but usually no further symptoms.
TREATMENT
The patient should be allowed fresh air (not too cold) free
from drafts, dust and stable gases. If the weather permits, exer-
cise in the open should be allowed. In mild attacks horses may be
employed at light work, provided they are protected against high
wind or drenching rains. The food should be laxative (roots,
grass) and free from dust.
Hot applications to the throat are valuable. During the early
stages inhalations of medicated steam are of service. See directions
for steaming in acute nasal catarrh and give the same medical treat-
ment. If you suspect the cause to be of an infectious nature, separate
the well from the sick and thoroughly disinfect the stable.
CROUPOUS LARYNGITIS
A disease of the larynx and laryngeal mucosa in which the
pharynx and trachea arc also involved. This is rather rare, occur-
ring mostly in sheep and cattle and more rarely in horses and swine.
It is caused usually by inhaling irritating gases, smoke, strong
fumes of disinfectant, and sometimes from driving through dust
to increase the weight of wool.
SYMPTOMS
In the beginning the symptoms are the same as in catarrhal
laryngitis, except that the patient becomes more rapidly emaciated
and loses appetite. There is also a swelling and sensitiveness of
the throat.
TREATMENT
The treatment consists of the same medicinal agents and in-
halations of medicated steam as in catarrhal laryngitis, except that
a tracheotomy tube might be used in addition in the early stages
of the disease.
22
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
Horse with chronic Oezena that was operated at the Fort Atkinson
Veterinary Hospital, June 11, 1910.
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 23
NASAL CATARRH (Oezena)
This form almost invariably follows some other disease involv-
ing the respiratory tract, such as bad teeth with filling of the
frontal or maxillary sinuses of the head with pus. It may also
accompany glanders, tumors of the nostrils, animal parasites,
chronic or verminous bronchitis.
SYMPTOMS
The principal symptom is a nasal discharge, which varies
greatly in quantity and character. The quantity of discharge is not
always the same, being more profuse at times owing to environ-
ments, weather conditions, etc. In character the discharge may be
mucous, purulent, blood-streaked, or contain caseated lumps. If
due to decayed teeth or bones of the head, it will have a very
offensive odor. The maxillary lymph glands may become enlarged,
but usually do not adhere to the jaw. If the sinuses of the head
become filled with pus there is usually a marked swelling of the
parts affected.
TREATMENT
Before resorting to treatment of this ailment we must ascertain
the cause and remove it. A careful examination of the teeth must
first be made and if any decayed ones are found they must be
extracted. Then the nostrils should be carefully examined in search
of nasal tumors. If neither is found, explore the frontal and maxil-
lary sinuses by sounding with gentle taps of one or two fingers on
the suspected parts. If the sinuses are not filled there will be a
hollow sound, while if filled with pus they will appear solid. If
one or more of these sinuses be filled it will be necessary to cut
a hole through the bone and remove the pus surgically.
If neither of the above is found, a nasal douche, with a table-
spoonful of salt to a gallon of warm water, may be resorted to once
daily. If the discharge from the nostrils has a fetid odor, five grains
of permanganate of potash may be dissolved in a gallon of warm
water and used as a douche instead of the salt solution. Iron
tonics, such as tincture chloride of iron or dried sulphate of iron,
should be given in food twice daily in connection with some bitter
stomachic. For this purpose there is nothing more effective than
a large teaspoonful of Ferritone, in moist food three times daily.
24 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
It acts directly upon the blood and lessens the discharge from the
nasal membrances. Ferritone is a new and almost specific remedy
for all nasal discharges now sold by all first class druggists.
CATARRHAL BRONCHITIS
Bronchitis means, or is understood to be an inflammation of the
large bronchi (air tubes). Bronchiolitis is used to express an
inflammation of the capillary bronchi.
Bronchitis occurs either as a primary or secondary disease.
It is very common among all {iomesticated animals, particularly
during the spring and fall, when it may become enzootic among
horses and cattle. It may occur alone, but is usually associated
with tracheitis and laryngitis (catarrh of the air passages), or on
the other hand it may attend pneumonia (bronchopneumonia).
Several different forms of catarrhal bronchitis are recognized.
When the exudate is fluid and abundant, moist bronchitis or blen-
orrhea of the bronchi is spoken of. If the exudate is rather limited
and not so fluid a dry bronchitis exists. A fetid bronchitis develops
from a bacterial decomposition of the exudate. From the stand-
point of course, catarrhal bronchitis may be either acute or chronic)
and from the causes a verminous and a mycotic bronchitis may
be distinguished.
The causes are usually refrigeration (changeable weather),
inhalation of mechanical and chemical irritants (dust, smoke, chemical
fumes), aspiration of fluids, such as liquid medicines unskillfully ad-
ministered, blood, pus ,or solid matter, such as food which gains access
to the windpipe, especially when the pharynx is paralyzed. Certain
animal parasites and bacteria are also causes.
Secondary bronchitis occurs with most of the infectious diseases
affecting the respiratory tract (influenza, strangles, tuberculosis,
hog-cholera).
SYMPTOMS
The characteristic symptoms of acute catarrhal bronchitis are
cough, which at first is short, dry and painful, but later with the
accumulation of liquid exudate becomes looser and less painful.
Nasal discharge is present and during the act of coughing bronchial
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 25
slimc is ejected through the mouth and nose. In the early stages
especially the respirations are increased. Percussion is normal and
on listening rales are heard. Rales may be absent in the early
stages, but will appear gradually about the second or third day.
The character of the rale will depend upon the size of the bronchus
involved and the consistency of the exudate. In the larger bronchi,
provided the exudate is rather fluid, the rale is of the character of
bursting large bubbles, while in the smaller bronchi the rales are
much finer and of a crackling character. If the bronchial mucosa
is much swollen, narrowing the lumen of the bronchi, whistling,
piping or hissing tones may be heard. As a rule the animal shows
fever in the early stages (104 to 106 degrees F.), but usually within
two or three days the temperature drops. With the continuance of
the fever the pulse frequency increases.
CHRONIC CATARRHAL BRONCHITIS usually develops
from the acute form. It may occur, however, as a symptom of
chronic heart and lung disease. It is frequently associated with
chronic pulmonary emphysema or seen to accompany such chronic
infectious diseases as tuberculosis, glanders, or verminous pneu-
monia. Generally speaking, chronic bronchitis leads to irreparable
injury, not only of the walls of the bronchi, but also of the neighbor-
ing lung tissue. The symptoms of chronic bronchitis are much the
same as those of the acute, except that the condition is feverless
and suffers many periodical increases of violence. The general
condition of the patient may not be much disturbed, and the only
evidences of the disorder are chronic cough, difficulty in breathing,
and nasal discharge, which is often foamy and white in appearance.
Obviously, if chronic bronchitis is a symptom of an infectious dis-
ease like tuberculosis or glanders, the symptoms which typify
these conditions will be associated with those of bronchitis. In
practice chronic bronchitis is most commonly met with in horses
suftering from "heaves." It also occurs frequently in dairy cows
in the Eastern States, especially during raw, damp weather. The
principal symptoms are a persistent cough and slight nasal dis-
charge, which is usually wiped off with the tongue. There are no
constitutional symptoms. The course is benign except in neglected
cases.
In healing, the acute form usually terminates in two to three
weeks. When the smaller bronchi become involved, the course is
more prolonged and is apt to lead to bronchopneumonia and death.
Death may also result from pulmonary edema.
Chronic bronchitis may last for months or years, depending
26 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
upon the cause. As a rule the patient becomes anemic, cachectic,
and finally death results from lack of nutrition.
DIAGNOSIS
The diagnosis of bronchial catarrh is, as a rule, not difficult.
The presence of the characteristic rales are evidence enough, espe-
cially when taken into consideration with the other symptoms and
course of the disease. It is sometimes impossible to determine
whether the bronchitis is primary or secondary. Generally, how-
ever, when bronchitis is secondary to some acute infectious disease
the high temperature which the patient shows is indicative. When
associated with a chronic infection a thorough clinical examination
of the patient will usually reveal the presence of a primary disease
(tuberculosis, tuberculin test; glanders, various tests).
TREATMENT
The patient should be kept in a light, clean, well ventilated
place and every attention given to the hygiene of the skin. A
horse should be covered with a light blanket, and the legs, if cold,
wrapped in soft bandages. If labored breathing is very marked,
the chest should be rubbed freely with Elk's Electric Cream. The
food should be laxative (bran, oats, grass, carrots, turnips, etc.).
The bowels should be kept open by giving two tablespoonfuls or
Bovolax in moist food twice daily. If the cough is dry, inhalations
of medicated steam (see steaming) may be resorted to. The follow-
ing prescription has proven very successful.
Take of : Syrup of white pine — 1 pint.
Fluid extract belladonna — 1 dram.
Febris powders (National) — 2 ounces.
Mix and give one ounce every two hours. Febris powders
might be given alone in the absence of the other two, provided they
cannot be obtained. These should be given in teaspoonful doses
three times daily.
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 27
PLEURITIS
Pleuritis is an inflammation of the pleura. It is nearly always
a secondary condition in animals.
Pleuritis affects all animals, but principally the horse. In the
horse it is usually a symptom of infectious fibrinous pneumonia ;
in the ox of tuberculosis, contagious pleuropneumonia and hem-
orrhagic septicemia, and in swine most frequently of so-called swine
plague. Pleuritis, however, may occur unattended by pneumonia,
as is frequently observed in horses.
Pleuritis in animals is always due to infection. Cold, which
was believed to be the most potent etiological factor, is now con-
sidered merely predisposing (pleuritis in sheep following shearing;
exposure of horses to cold wind and rain). The micro-organisms
which produce pleuritis are many. Rarely is pleuritis a primary
disease — it is most commonly seen in practice accompanying dis-
eases of the lungs (pleuropneumonia). The micro-organisms caus-
ing pleuritis may enter as follows : (1) Through penerating thoracic
wounds ; (2) through deep contusions on the chest wall, especially
if rib fractures be present (kicks, blows, falls) ; (3) from disease foci
in the lung, which are in contact with the pleura; (4) via blood
and lymph micro-organisms of certain specific diseases; notably
those which afifect principally the respiratory tract. The latter may
also invade the pleura and cause inflammation thereof (influenza,
fibrinous pneumonia, swine plague, hemorrhagic septicemia, acute
rheumatism). It may happen that the dominant lesions are in the
pleura, in which case primary pleuritis is spoken of (pleurisy of
the horse without pneumonia).
As predisposing factors may be mentioned: Chilling (cold),
over-exertion, long railway transports, and acute diseases of the
respiratory tract (laryngitis). Subacute and chronic pleuritis may
accompany tuberculosis, glanders, contagious pleuropneumonia of
the ox, tumors (spread of sarcoma or carcinoma via contiguity of
tissue), or metastasis, and animal parasites.
SYMPTOMS
Depending upon whether it is acute or chronic, primary or
secondary, the symptoms of pleuritis will vary greatly. In mild
-circumscribed and in chronic pleuritis the symptoms are so vague
that the condition is rarely recognized clinically. In the acute form,
which is at times primary, they are as follows :
28 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
(1) First stage (congestion) : The onset is sudden. The patient
stops eating, seems stupid, and may show pains simulating mild
colic. There is often a marked chill during which the temperature
rises rapidly to 104 to 106 degrees F. The muscles of the thorax
tremble. The pulse is frequent (70 to 80), small and hard. The
respirations are accelerated (25 to 40) and of the abdominal type.
If the pain is great, and the diaphragm not involved, the ribs may
be rolled forward and held, breathing being performed by the flanks.
The patient may not show cough or nasal discharge.
Sounding the thorax in this stage pains the patient and causes
coughing. Sensitiveness is sometimes shown on palpating the inter-
costal spaces, especially in the region of the elbow. If the exam-
iner's hand be laid against the thorax, marked vibrations may be
felt. Unless the lung is involved in this stage, there is no change
in the percussion sound.
The respirations seem shorter than normal and of interrupted,
catching character. On listening, a rubbing, grating, frictional
sound is heard with the respirations. The animal is usually stiff
and when turned "moves as one piece" in a rigid, wooden fashion.
(2) Second stage (effusion) : In this stage the clinical picture
is a good deal modified. The patient finds more difficulty in breath-
ing and the character of the breathing is changed, depending upon
the quantity of exudate in the chest. If a considerable amount of
fluid forms rather rapidly in the thorax (25 to 40 quarts) at inspira-
tion the ribs are rolled forward at a maximum and at expiration,
which is accomplished by a double-pumping movement of the flanks,,
the lumbar region is elevated and the anus protruded, the manner
of performing the respirations much resembling that noted in pul-
monary emphysema. A groove is formed along the costal cartilages
at each expiration. The nostrils are dilated and often flapping.
Percussion : As high as the fluid in the chest extends, a marked
flatness with resistance under the hammer is noted. The flat area
extends across the ribs in a straight horizontal line. Above this
line subdued resonance is heard. Changing the position of the body
will shift the horizontal line. (Only feasible in small animals.)
When effusion occurs the frictional sound disappears (in some
instances it may still be heard above the area of flatness), and, as
a rule, no respiratory sounds can be determined below the horizontal
line. Above it the vesicular murmur is harsh ; tubular breathing
is frequently present.
The heart beat is weakened in this stage and may often be
heard more distinctly on the right than on the left side of the chest.
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 29
The pulse is rapid and softer than in the first stage. The tempera-
ture is very irregular. When effusion takes place it usually drops
to nearly normal, but may rise again later. Its character is decid-
edly intermittent or even remittent. Very high fever speaks for
purulent pleuritis. General condition : In acute pleuritis the patient
often remains standing during the entire attack (horse). If the
patient lies down in the first stage, due to pain, it rests on the
well side, or if the condition is bilateral, on the sternum. In the
stage of eft'usion, the patient lies on the diseased side. In pleuritis
there is a tendency to swell on pedent portions of the body (under
chest, etc.). A total lack of appetite persists.
]\Iild cases make a very rapid recovery and are often not rec-
ognized during life. The eft'usion forms rapidly ; in three to four
days the thorax may be half filled; the resorption of the exudate
however, takes place gradually and may require two to three weeks,
or even several months, during which time the life of the patient
is in jeopardy. The more serious the eft'usion, the more likely and
rapid the resorption. With much fibrinous exudate present, ad-
hesions between lung and thoracic wall are frequent. These adhe-
sions usually persist and cause the patient to be ever afterward
short-winded. Chronic pleuritis is incurable. Death in acute
causes may follow from asphyxia or exhaustion in two to three
weeks.
TREATMENT
The drugs used in the treatment of this disease are few and
simple. If the fever is high and needs to be checked, give a tea-
spoonful of National Febris Compound in drinking water three
times daily. If the fever is not controlled, increase the frequency
of the dose to every three or four hours. This also has a dieretic
effect, which is very essential in this treatment.
If breathing is very painful, the pains can be relieved by a
hypodermic injection of two to three grains of morphine, or still
better, a tablespoonful of National Anodyne given every hour with
a dose syringe until relieved.
When the thoracic cavity fills excessively with fluid, the same
must be removed by means of a trocar and canula. The latter had
better be left to a competent veterinarian.
30 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS (Pneumonia)
Pneumonia exists in various forms, the details of which will
be too technical for the average farmer and stockman to under-
stand. We will, therefore, discuss pneumonia in its general term,
giving its general appearance, symptoms and treatment.
Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung. The existence of
pneumonia as a primary disease in animals is open to question.
At any rate, it has not been proven.
SYMPTOMS
The onset of the disease is usually sudden. Without warning
the patient is seized with fever, which in the case of the horse may
reach 104 to 106 degrees F. in a few hours. The patient is stupid,
languid, and loses appetitie. In some cases a pronounced chill
ushers in the disease symptoms. The fever is of the continuous
type, remaining up for seven to nine days, when it drops rapidly
to normal, or on the third or fourth day may begin to gradually
decline, reaching normal in four to eight days following. Cough
is short, painful, and frequently restrained. At first it is dry, later
moist in character. Nasal discharge is not always present, espe-
cially in continuously stabled horses. In some cases, during the
second stage, a rusty brown ("prune juice") discharge occurs
which may last only twenty-four to forty-eight hours. In the third
stage a yellow-colored discharge may appear. The pulse at first
is not much affected, but as the disease progresses, due to cloudy
swelling of the heart, its frequency is increased to 60 or 80, or even
higher. Quite often the pulse remains high after the fever has gone
down. The respirations are accelerated early and the patient
breathes with distended nostrils. The mucous membrane of the eye
in severe cases often assumes a spotted mahogany color. The
sounds (on pressure with the fingers) vary with the stage of the
disease. In the earliest stage (congestion) there is little appre-
ciable change; in the second stage a flat sound is emitted. The
sound begins about the second day and is retained three to five
days. During the third stage the sound becomes drum-like. The
area of dullness is usually confined to the lower portion of one lung,
its upper limits often describing an upM'ard curved line. Upon
listening, fine crackling sounds (like hair rubbed between the fin-
gers) are heard in the first stage. These sounds are usually present
for the first twenty-four hours, then pass away. In the second
stage there is either no respiratory sound audible or tubular breath-
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 31
ing is heard. In the third stage moist rales arc heard (the return
rale). The general condition: Varies "greatly with the case. In
mild attacks the appetite may be retained and the mind little per-
turbed. In severe cases there is no appetite while the fever is on
and the animal is very stupid and languid. Horses usually do not
lie down until the fever drops. Small animals and even ponies lie
down most of the time during the disease, and if only one lung is
affected, on the diseased side. The urine is scanty and high colored
until the fall of the fever, when its specific gravity drops, and the
quantity, voided frequently, greatly increases.
DIAGNOSIS
Pnuemonia may be distinguished from pleuritis by listening,
and sounding with the finger. In cases complicated with pleuritis
differentiation may be impossible. However, pleuritis is usually
bilateral, the upper margin of the zone of dullness on percussion
is horizontal and the resistence under the hammer pronounced. In
pleuritis there is a further tendency for swelling to form in pendent
parts of the body. Cough is usually absent in pleuritis; present in
pneumonia. A test puncture of the thorax may be made in doubt-
ful cases.
COMPLICATIONS
(1) Heart weakness due to cloudy swelling. The heart beat is
fast, arythmic, and palpitating. The pulse may be weak and runs
about 76. The patient is weak, may be cyanotic, superficial veins
distended.
(2) Pleuritis: A common complication, leading to effusion
in the chest, displacement of the heart, characteristic difficulty in
breathing. (See Pleuritis.)
(3) Gangrene of the lung: May develop during convalescence.
The temperature again rises, the patient continues to lose flesh, and
the expirium assumes a sweetish, fetid odor.
(4) Further but less common complications are : Nephritis
(albumen in urine), jaundice (catarrh of duodendum), tendovagin-
ities (leg-swelling and lameness), founder (laminities), cerebral and
meningeal symptoms. Purpura hemorrhagica may occur during
convalescence.
32 BUBAL VETEBINABY 8ECBET8
COURSE
The usual course is typical, ending in recovery in two weeks.
In some cases, especially in old horses, cattle and swine, the course
may be much shorter (larval or abortive type). Death may occur
suddenly during convalescence from heart failure. If pleuritis com-
plicates the pneumonia, the course is much prolonged. It may lead
to death, or adhesions (lung to thoracic wall) may cause permanent
dyspnea ("heaves").
Chronic induration of the lungs is a common termination fol-
lowing certain outbreaks. It is charcterized by the continuation
of the fever and dyspnea after the usual period of convalescence has
passed. The patient is generally left short-winded. Roaring may
sometimes follow an attack of fibrinous pneumonia. Pericarditis
is a rarer complication.
The prognosis is good in typical and uncomplicated cases. The
behavior of the heart is of importance during the attack. A con-
tinued high pulse is dangerous to the patient. The extent of the
area involved has much to do with the outcome of the case. If
confined only to the lower portion of one lung, the danger is not
so great as when the upper part of the lung is also involved, or if
both lungs are diseased. When pleuritis complicates the case the
prognosis is naturally less favorable.
TREATMENT
The patient should be placed in a light, clean, and well venti-
lated place. If feasible, keep the case out-of-doors as much as
possible, guarding it, of course, against wind and rain. Use only
light covering (in horses). The legs may be bandaged (use Derby
bandages with cotton underneath. Removing the bandages once
daily and rubbing the legs well before re-applying is helpful. The
horse-patient should be groomed well each day. Feed any easily
digested food which the patient can be coaxed to eat. Good clean
oats over which a little sugar has been sprinkled is often tempting
to the appetite. Give only small quantities at a time. Before feed-
ing syringe out the mouth with clean water. If obtainable, fresh
grass is very palatable and nutritious. A few handfuls over which
is strewn a little salt is often eaten with avidity. The hay should
be bright and free from dust. Feed about 6 pounds daily, divided
into three feds. Roots (carrots, beets) and bran mashes are rec-
ommended (some horses do not like bran). Eggs and milk may
be given if appetite is entirely gone. Keep pure water constantly
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 33
before the patient, and where it can be reached without undue
exertion, rectal and artificial feeding may be resorted to in patients
unable to swallow or without any appetite.
SURGICAL — Puncturing the thorax with a sterile trocar, and
permitting the instrument to penetrate the inflamed lung, was prac-
ticed extensively in the army during the World War. The opera-
tion was performed irrespective of the existence of exudate in the
chest cavity. The results seem to have been satisfactory enough
to warrant further experiment. It appeared most beneficial in cases
of delayed resolution.
DRUGS — In all forms of pneumonia it is best not to rely too
much on drugs, especially large quantities and many varieties, such
us are too often resorted to. It is very important to keep the
bowels open. Give one to two tablespoonfuls of Bovolax in moist
food or water twice or three times daily, as the case may require.
To keep the heart strong two ounces of brandy may be given every
two hours. The fever can be controlled by giving a teaspoonful of
National Febris Powders in drinking water every three hours. In
severe cases where breathing is difficult and painful, the chest
should be rubbed freely with Electric Cream (National) twice daily.
This will draw the inflammation to the exterior, thus relieving the
inflamed lugs very materially.
ROARING
Roaring may be defined as an unsoundness characterized by
difficulty in inhahng and cough due to paralysis of the left recurrent
nerve. The condition is always chronic and can be relieved in about
p]icati(»n of h"-lcctric Cream
after each rubbitig: twice or three times daily.
BLOODY MILK
Blood may escape with the milk when the udder has been in-
jured by blows, also when it is congested or inflamed, when the
circulation through it has been suddenly increased by richer and
more abundant food, or when the cow is under the excitement of
heat. The milk frothing up and assuming a pink tinge is often the
first sign of red water and it may result from eating acrid or irritant
plants like the Ranunculacae, resinous plants, etc. Deposits of
tubercular tumors in the udder, or induration of the gland may be
efficient causes, the irritation caused by milking contributing to
draw the blood. Finally, there may be a reddish tinge or sediment
when madder or logwood has been eaten.
When milk becomes red after it is drawn it may be due to the
presence of Micrococcus prodigiosus. This also grows on bread and
is the explanation of the supposed miracle of the "bleeding host."
TREATMENT
The treatment will vary with the cause. In case of congested
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 65
glands take one pound package of Bovolax. Dissolve in a gallon
of warm water, and give a quart as a drench every three hours until
four consecutive doses are given. Thereafter give one-half ounce
of saltpeter in drinking water twice daily. Bathe the udder with
warm water one-half hour at a time twice daily and rub with NA-
TIONAL ELECTRIC CREAM. If the food is too rich or abund-
ant, it must be reduced ; if from acrid plants these must be removed
from pasture or fodder. Careful milking is imperative.
BLUE MILK
Water}' milk is blue, but the presence of a germ causes a dis-
tinct blue shade, even in rich milk and cream. It may reach the
milk after it has been drawn, or it may find its way into the opening
of the milk ducts and enter the milk as it is drawn.
TREATMENT
In the latter case frequent milking and a full dose of Bovolax
followed with an injection into the teats of a solution of two drams
of hyposulphite of soda in a pint of water will serve to destroy them.
STRINGY MILK
This may be caused by germs developing in the liquid. The
presence of the spores of these germs in the system of the cow may
be safely inferred from the fact that in a large herd two or three
cows only will yield such milk at a time, and that after a run of ten
days or a fortnight they will recover and others will be attacked. I
have found that such affected cows had the temperature raised one
or two degrees above the others. Like most other fungi this does
not grow out into filaments within the body of the cow, but in five
or six hours after milking the surface layers are found to be one
dense network of filaments. If a needle is dipped into this and lifted,
the liquid is drawn out into a long thread. In several cases which
have been investigated, the contamination was manifestly due to a
spring which oozed out of a bank of black muck soil and stood in
pools mixed with the ejections of the animals. Inoculation of pure
milk with the water as it flowed out of these banks developed in it
the fungus and the stringy characters. By fencing in these springs
and giving the aft'ected cows each a full dose of Bovolax followed
with two drams of bicarbonate of soda daily, the trouble was arrested
promptly and permanently.
66
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
CONGESTION OF THE UDDER (Garget)
Swollen and caked udders.
In heavy milkers before and just after calving it is a rule that
the mammary gland is enlarged, hot, tense and tender. There is
also a slight congestion or swelling extending forward from the
gland on the lower surface of the abdomen. This physiological con-
gestion is looked upon as a matter of course and disappears in two
or three days when the secretion of milk has been fully established.
This breaking up of the swollen bag may be greatly hastened by
the sucking of a hungry calf and the kneading it gives the udder
with its nose, by stripping the glands, clean thrice daily, and by
active rubbing at each milking with the palm of the hand, with or
without lard.
The congestion may be at times aggravated by standing in a
draft of cold air or by neglect to milk for an entire day or more
(overstocking) with the view of making a great show of udder for
the purpose of sale. In such cases the surface of the bag pits on
pressure and the milk has a reddish tinge or even streaks of blood,
or it is partially or fully clotted, is drawn with difficulty and may
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 67
be mixed with a yellowish scrum (whey) which has separated from
the casein, commonly called Garget. This should be treated like the
above, though it may sometimes demand fomentations with warm
water succeeded by a liberal rubbing with Electric Cream (Na-
tional) three times daily and giving a large teaspoonful of saltpeter
in drinking water three times daily to ward off inflammation. It
may be a week before the natural condition of the gland is restored.
CAKED UDDERS
Caked udders in cows and other farm animals are due to over-
distension of the udder, excessive exercise with a full udder, lying
on and squeezing the udder in a small, uncomfortable stall, or any
kind of external violence to the udder.
TREATMENT
Remove the cause if you can find it. Then bathe the udder with
warm water (as warm as you can stand to your hands) for one-half
hour, after which rub well with National Electric Cream. Repeat
this twice daily. Dissolve a pound package of Bovolax in a gallon
of warm water. Give a quart every morning and night until the
entire gallon has been given. Then you may give a teaspoonful of
saltpeter in food once or twice daily and keep on applying the Elec-
tric Cream and warm water until the udder is normal. This will re-
lieve a swollen udder and bring it to its natural condition more
quickly than any remedy known.
FAILURE TO COME IN HEAT
This complaint is more common among cattle than other farm
animals, possibly because of the presence of the germ which causes
abortion in a herd, (Bacillus Abortus.) When abortion exists in
a herd, even though it is only to a slight extent, the organs of gen-
eration are more or less depoverished. This accounts for the lack
of oestrum or failure to come in heat. There are other causes, such
as debilitating diseases and a rundown condition.
TREATMENT
In these cases the patient must be fed grain more liberally, care
being taken not to overfeed, but to keep the digestive organs in
68 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
good, active condition. The very best way to build up the gen-
erative organs is to tone them with a teaspoonful of Genitone on
food twice daily. This remedy is claimed by good authorities to be
a specific for building up the genitals and is very successful in pre-
venting abortion and barrenness as it acts directly on the nerve
centers which govern these organs, giving them tone as well as re-
sisting power.
LEUCORRHEA
This is a catarrhal condition of the genital organs, which dis-
charge a whitish, sticky substance usually following abortion or
difficult parturition. Wounds inflicted during the act of parturi-
tion upon any part of these organs bring about infection and an
abnormal discharge from the genitals, which becomes chronic and
invariably prevents conception.
TREATMENT
Irrigate the uterus and vagina with a solution of two teaspoon-
fuls of Neutrogen Powders in a quart of luke-warm water once
daily until the discharge has entirely disappeared. To adult mares
and cows give a teaspoonful of Genitone in food twice daily to
strengthen the genitals and restore them to their natural health and
vigor. For smaller animals reduce the dose according to the size
and age of the animal.
ABORTION
Abortion is of two forms, accidental and contagious. The
former is caused by accidents such as slipping, crowding into a nar-
row stall or door, or riding other cattle, etc. The latter (contagious
abortion) is due to a specific germ known as the Baccilus Abortus,
gaining access to the organs of reproduction, which cause an irrita-
tion and shut ofif the nutrition to such an extent as to bring about
an involuntary expulsion of the foetus. This results in a depov-
erished condition of the genital organs which weakens them to such
an extent that they will lack resistance to subsequent attacks of the
germs, thus bringing about subsequent abortions.
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 69
The losses from abortions are not confined to the death of the
immature foetus. The attendant conditions of retained afterbirth,
sterilit}^ and weakling calves, the loss of milk, the cost of combat-
ing the disease, and not least the loss in breeding efficiency in
valuable animals combine to make an enormous total. In some in-
stances, the loss reaches fifty per cent and even seventy-five per cent
of the calf crop. It is the man who has had to combat abortion
who can realize how long and difficult a procedure it is. The stock
industr}^ has already suffered a setback from the discouragement of
owners, some of whom, in despair, have abandoned the keeping of
cattle, and others again are contemplating the same course unless
relief can be afforded.
SYMPTOMS
The signs of approaching abortion are : Two or three days
before the expulsion of the foetus there will be a swelling of the
udder, swelling of the external genitals, and the appearance of a
slimy, odorless discharge from the vagina. These symptoms may
not, however, always appear and abortion may occur without warn-
ing. In young animals and those aborting for the first time abortion
usually occurs at an early period. This may occur in the third or
fourth month of pregnancy and may pass unnoticed because of the
smallness of the foetus and the absence of disturbance in the gen-
eral health of the cow. It may lead the owner to believe that she
has failed to conceive. On the other hand, where abortion takes
place in the seventh or eighth month of pregnancy, retained after-
birth is a common occurrence and the act is accompanied by rest-
lessness and pain. In some cases pregnancy may continue almost
to the full term and the calf may be born alive, but weak and soon
dies. In herds where the disease is known to be present, these cases
should also be considered as abortions.
TREATMENT
In every event the genital organs must be strengthened and
built up to their natural strength and resisting power in order that
they may perform their proper functions. For this purpose give
one teaspoonful of Genitone in food once daily, per cow, for one
month after abortion has taken place. Then rest until about six
weeks before the usual period when abortion sets in, and continue
as above until the cow has delivered a healthy calf. If a cow in
your stable has aborted, destroy the calf, afterbirth, and litter by
70 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
fire or by burying them deeply, and thoroughly disinfect the entire
stable. Remove the member which has aborted to a separate clean
stable and flush the genitals once daily with a 1 per cent solution of
lisol or a 1 to 2,000 solution of bichloride of mercury^ using at least
one gallon at each time. Use a fountain syringe or siphon for this
purpose and continue the flushing until all abnormal discharges
from the genitals have disappeared. Do not breed the animal for at
least two or three months in order to give the Genitone a chance to
restore the reproductive system to its natural condition, when it will
be more able to resist possible subsequent attacks of the germs and
also be able to carry the foetus to its full maturity.
This is the latest and has proven to be the most successful
treatment for abortion at the present writing. The secret of suc-
cess in treating abortion is to be thorough in executing the above
instructions. ,
BARRENNESS
HOW TO MAKE BARREN COWS AND OTHER FARM
ANIMALS PRODUCTIVE
There is scarcely a farmer or dairyman who has not one or
more barren cows in his herd that are eating up the profits derived
from the productive ones. The barren cow or heifer takes the place
of one which might just as well net its owner from $100.00 up-
ward annually in production of milk alone. In addition to this the
calf is valued according to its individual merits and breeding. The
barren cow eats almost the same amount of feed, occupies the same
amount of room in the stall or pasture, and gives you practically
nothing in return. She keeps you in constant hope of bringing re-
turns, especially so if she is well-bred and of good individual merits.
This will give you special inducements to keep her longer than you
otherwise would without sending her to the butcher's block.
THE CAUSE OF BARRENNESS
There are three principal causes for barrenness. First, the one
most commonly noticed by breeders and dairymen, occurs where
there is an abnormal secretion of the mucous membranes of the
generative organs, which becomes chronic in time and of an of-
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 71
fensive odor. This is usually due to difficult parturition, injuries
sustained during the act of parturition, infection by unclean hands
and instruments of attendants, and also by retaining the placenta,
where the placenta is not removed and is allowed to remain within
the uterus and can only be carried out by the process of sloughing.
All these causes render the mucous secretions more or less acid in
reaction, a fact which prevents conception by antagonizing the
spermatozoon (germ of life).
Second are those causes by which there exist specific germs
within the genitals, which causes an abnormal condition and alter
the secretions of the same, such as the germs of abortion, which are
very common and cause a great deal of trouble at the present time ;
also altered conditions of the os uterus (mouth of the womb) due
to the existence of tumors or malignant growths obstructing the
natural opening of the os, thus preventing conception by excluding
the spermatozoon entirely.
The third cause is improper development, or a diseased condi-
tion of the genitals, which renders them unable to perform their
natural functions.
TREATMENT
In every case, no matter what might be the cause of the dis-
order, you must first of all ascertain the cause and remove it. This
can be done by making a careful exploration with your hand, which
must first be thoroughly cleansed and lubricated with sweet un-
salted hog's lard. Introduce it through the vulva into the vagina
and carefully note any abnormality which you may feel; or you
might use a vaginal speculum, which is made to so dilate these
organs as to give you a clear view of the parts within. If you notice
a whitish discharge from the os uterus or vagina, it is a sure sign
of an abnormal secretion of the mucous membranes, this is almost
invariably of an acide reaction. In this case you must flush the
uterus and vagina with a tepid antiseptic solution (lysol 2%) using
a fountain syringe or siphon. After this you may inject the follow-
ing solution once daily or until the discharge has ceased : Take 1
teaspoonful of Neutrogen, dissolve in a pint of water, which has
been recently boiled and cooled down to body temperature and in-
ject as above stated.
This will neutralize the secretions, give nature a chance to re-
pair the defects, and render the surroundings more favorable to con-
72 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
ception. This is also the proper treatment when barrenness is
caused by retention of the placenta, but it is advisable to admin-
ister tonics which are hereinafter mentioned. When the placenta is
retained it should always be removed by hand within forty-eight
hours after parturition to avoid these abnormal conditions, as the
prevention is much easier than the cure.
When barrenness is due to the existence of abortive germs, you
must use a stronger antiseptic solution to destroy these germs. For
this purpose make a 1 to 2,000 solution of bichloride of mercury and
flush the genitals as above directed, always being careful to have
the solution at body temperature and all utensils and instruments
thoroughly clean. The bichloride solution must not be prepared in
a tin or metal vessel ; a wooden bucket is probably the most prac-
tical and economical in this case. A gallon of the solution is the
average amount used for each flushing in the latter case. If tumors
or abnormal growths exist, they must be removed surgically and
the bichloride solution will do to use as an antiseptic to effect a
proper course of healing. When you have succeeded in restoring
the genitals to their natural condition, by pursuing the above course,
you may start to breed the cow again, being careful that everything
is normal before you start. When barrenness is due to abortion or
there has been a catarrhal condition of the genitals for some time,
you will find them greatly depoverished and in need of stimulants
and tonics to be given within in order to restore them to their natu-
ral vigor and functional activity.
In cases of the third kind, when there is a faulty development
of the genitals, you will frequently find it due to high feeding and
inbreeding for a special purpose, thus developing the nervous sys-
tem for this special purpose at the expense of the organs of repro-
duction. It is for this reason that you will find more barren cows
in herds that are fancy bred than in the more common ones. Of
course you may answer to this that the common cow or animal is
not so valuable and is, therefore, sold for beef without delay. This
is true, but if there were some means of keeping actual count, you
would surely see the well-bred female ranking much higher in num-
ber among the barren ones than those of common blood.
After ascertaining the cause of barrenness and removing it as
previously described, you are now ready to build up the genital
organs, which are either impoverished from the existence of ab-
normal conditions, or are ill-developed naturally. Both of these
conditions must be treated by administering such agents as act di-
rectly upon these organs and favor such repairs and developments
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 73
■
^Sjj^KSBm
f
M
r ^^^^^^^^^^^^^H^ ^B^T ^Bl
^3
^^^^^^^^^_
H
Barren cow and her calf — Cow made productive by artificial means.
74 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
as may be required to assist nature in restoring them to their natural
condition, which then enables them to perform their natural func-
tions.
To prepare the patient for this treatment we first give a pound
■of Bovolax dissolved in a gallon of warm water, giving one quart
every four hours until the entire gallon has been given. After this,
we give a teaspoonful of Genitone once daily in food, which
acts directly upon the nerve centers of the genital organs. If the
patient is excessively fat, you must reduce her condition so that she
is comparatively lean before you begin the treatment. The Geni-
tone is prepared for this special purpose only and requires no special
skill to apply it. It comes in powder form and thus can be easily
given in bran, meal, silage, or other food. Begin to give the powder
at least three weeks before you breed the cow and continue two
weeks after. This treatment is inexpensive and thoroughly reliable.
If your dealer does not keep any of these new and most ef-
fective preparations, notify the author of "Rural Veterinary Secrets"
and he will advise you where to get them without delay.
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 75
RETAINING THE AFTERBIRTH (Placenta)
Animals that retain the afterbirth have an abnormal condition
of the genital organs, most generally following a premature birth,
or abortion. Sometimes the foetus (newly-born) is fully developed
and expelled naturally, but the afterbirth is immature and conse-
quently adheres to the cotyledons within the uterus, where it must
be disconnected by hand or remain to be sloughed off at the expense
of the patient's health and usefulness to the owner. The milk from
a cow which has retained the placenta and has been allowed to
slough is not fit for human food, nor is it good for her calf, as some
liquids from the decomposed tissues are absorbed and thrown into
the circulation from which the udder draws the milk. Such milk
usually has an offensive odor, smelling similar to the decomposed
tissues which are cast olif through the vagina and contains particles
of this foul substance. It is natural for an animal in this condition
to become feverish and run-down, partially lose her appetite, give
less milk and of poor quality, and become generally unthrifty and
unprofitable for at least several months, which is expensive to the
owner.
TREATMENT
This trouble can easily be prevented by strengthening the nerve
and blood supply to the genital organs, thus assisting nature to re-
pair the defects and restore the natural condition of these organs,
enabling them to perform their natural functions. To prevent re-
tention of the afterbirth give each cow or mare that is inclined to
retain, a large teaspoonful of Genitone in food night and morning
until a healthy delivery of the young and afterbirth has been af-
fected. Genitone will prevent abortion or premature births and will
assist to bring a timely development of both foetus and afterbirth.
Should the latter be retained a short time after delivery, the above
treatment should be continued until it is expelled, which usually
takes place within twenty-four hours after delivery. Irrigation of
the uterus with five grains of Permanganate of Potash dissolved in
two gallons of warm water once daily until the entire afterbirth is
expelled will greatly assist in connection with the above named
treatment, especially in a stubborn case.
76 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
WARTS ON COWS' TEATS
These are often very troublesome, yet they may be greatly
benefitted or entirely removed by smearing them thickly after each
milking with Glycrole. If they persist they may be cut off with a
sharp scissors and the sore touched with a stick of lunar caustic. They
may then be enointed with Glycerole and the caustic repeated as de-
manded in order to prevent their renewed growth.
SCABBY TEATS
Scabby teats may also be smeared with Glycerole twice daily
after having been washed clean. There is nothing that makes them
so soft and pliable and heals as quickly as Glycerole.
HARD MILKING COWS
Every farmer has had some experience with hard milking cows,
especially those who do their own milking or have an independent
hired man. Such cows are aggravating to the owner as well as to
the milker, because not only does it take twice as long to milk them,
but also two or three times as much work and patience. The cause
of hard milkers is to small an opening in the distal end of the teat,
through which the milk must naturally be forced.
TREATMENT
You may enlarge the natural opening in the teat with a teat
bistoury, which will permit a larger stream of milk. This will come
much easier and relieve the milker from extra labor. Be careful to
have the bistoury thoroughly clean before using it, to avoid infec-
tions. This can be done by boiling in water for twenty minutes.
The teat must also be cleaned by washing with soap and water be-
fore the bistoury is employed. Never use the bistoury when a cow
is dry as the cut surface will easily heal up and might tend to close
the opening entirely ; while, if a cow is giving a fair amount of milk,
the milk flow will keep an opening of proper size to allow a free
flow.
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 77
INVERSION OF THE WOMB (Uterus), CASTING OF
THE WITHERS
Uterine Prolapse (Rear View).
Inversion of the uterus (Casting the withers).
This is a serious condition, especially in sows, mares and ewes,
and as a rule necessitates the immediate" employment of the stockman
or veterinarian. It may be due to a rough delivery or prolonged
labor, too much traction on the membrances, poor condition due to
lack of feed, or as a result of standing with the hind end lower than
the front end. The stockman may have to return the organ and
should prepare himself as for removal of the afterbirth ; have the
animal kept on its feet, then cleanse the protruded womb with an
antiseptic solution, containing Sugar of Lead, 2 ounces to the gal-
lon of warm water, removing any part of the afterbirth that may be
attached ; then by doubling his fist and applying it to the center of
the mass, press it steadily and gently forward, when the animal
strains, being content just to hold his own. If the straining is
severe, pinch the back or put on a tight, strong girth. The organ
having been successfully reinverted and placed back in its natural
position, care should be taken that both of the horns (right and
left) are also properly reinverted and placed in their natural posi-
tion. Then place the patient in a single stall with the hind legs
elevated about twelve inches higher than the fore legs, so that the
weight of the contents of the abdomen leans forward, thus drawing
the genitals forward with them and tending to keep them in place.
The patient should be kept in this position for at least a week. To
78 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
make sure that the animal will not again attempt to throw out the
womb, three or four strong sutures with twisted silk or linen should
be made through the lips of the vulva.
A tonic should be given in food twice daily. For this purpose
Sanguitone Compound, in teaspoonful doses, is highly recom-
mended.
THE SECRET OF INCREASING THE FLOW OF
MILK IN A DAIRY COW
If you wish to make a milk record with your dairy cow, it is
advisable to begin to train her for this purpose when she is a year
old. The well groomed and well fed yearling heifer starts to de-
velop her udder even before this age. When slight natural conges-
tion in this organ is first noticed, it may be wonderfully developed
into a stronger and more powerful milk producer by hand rubbing
and manipulation applied by the owner or groom three or four times
daily from five to fifteen minutes at a time. The most successful
salesman will handle his heifers every time he enters the stable. He
not only develops these glands, he also gains the heifer's confidence
and makes her calm, docile, and strong of nerve. By the time this
heifer becomes fresh she has the natural form, development and
disposition to make any exceptional milk producers. Of course, the
breeding and general conformation should cut a big figure in pick-
ing your subject for a winner.
After the calf has been weaned and you wish to put her to the
test, you should see that her digestive organs keep in perfect health
and condition in order to support the constitution and the demands
of the udder upon the system for a big flow of milk. This having
been done, your heifer is in good shape to stand a liberal amount of
crowding for her milk record. Of course, to increase the flow of
milk you must use good judgment in increasing your food ration.
This should be wholesome, well-balanced and not too heavy. Give
water more frequently during this period. To make the udder more
active and more productive, add one tablespoonful of Galactagogue
Powders to each meal. These powders, applied as above directed,
increase the appetite, aid digestion, relieve the dangers of overfeed-
ing and stimulate the activity of the udder to such an extent as to
wonderfully increase the flow of milk of any healthy cow, no matter
what age she may be.
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
79
If you arc competing^ with your neighbor or anyone else for a
milk record, you had better keep this secret to yourself, or he will
be doing the same thing for his heifers and cows.
If your druggist does not keep any of the remedies prescribed
in "Rural Veterinary Secrets" write to the author at his home office
and he will advise you where to get them.
PARTURIENT PARESIS (Milk Fever)
Milk fever is a non-febrile disease of cattle, swine and goats
occurring at of following parturition and characterized by general
paralysis and usually unconsciousness.
The disorder is common among cows, especially valuable dairy
cows, which are heavy feeders and deep milkers. It usually occurs
at the acme of lactation in cows that are well bred and in prime
condition. Thin cows or very fat cows do not seem predisposed.
When delivery has been difficult, parturient paresis is less apt to
occur than when the birth has been easy and the expulsion of the
afterbirth prompt. Usually it occurs in cows from the third to the
fifth calving. The causes are unknown at the present writing.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms usually begin twelve to forty-eight hours after
delivery. A few cases are recorded where the attack came on dur-
ing or before birth. The principal symptoms are suddenly develop-
A typical case of milk fever in first stage.
Photo by Author.
80
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
ing general motor and sensory paralysis, with loss of consciousness.
After showing some symptoms of languor, weakness and staggering
gait, the cow lies down. She may regain her feet, but arises with
difficulty. Finally, she becomes completely paralyzed and uncon-
scious. Often the patient is found lying on her sternum with her
head thrown around against the flank. In other cases she lies flat
on her side. The respirations are slow and deep, the temperature
normal to subnormal. From the nostrils a lymph-like fluid is dis-
^
l^^^^^^^^^^^j
^^^^^^V^'^^'M
IMl> '
I^H^^Bk:' ^^^™"1^^HI
/ dHP
"^SISjBHEpy*:-'
mW _,^ ^j^^
/ ' ''""'.in'' '^ .""."*'
■l^^^^^^2j»^2j*&i
»v
^' jr-^irfiTirBatt
Bi' .
• --^i^
After patient has been placed in comfortable position.
Photo by Author.
charged. Besides these general symptoms those of specific paralysis
of the cranial nerves occur.
TREATMENT
The most successful and simple, is the air treatment, discovered
by the writer July 21st, 1903. This consists of inflating the udder
with air enough to distend it to its full capacity by the use of a
milking tube attached to a rubber hose and bulb. The animal is
then placed on her breast in a natural position and if necessary,
should be propped up with bags filled with grain or feed. To
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
81
Milk fever patient, convalescing, three hours after applying the air treatment.
Same cow two davs later.
82 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
keep a strong heart, a teaspoonful of Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia
may be placed on the tongue every two hours. Do not attempt to
give physics or large doses of medicine, as the animal is usually
unable to swallow and there is danger of the medicine finding its
Avay down into the lungs and bringing about suffocation. This is
the air treatment, which is almost a specific and is now saving
thousands of the most valuable dairy cows annually.
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 83
THE AIR TREATMENT— HOW IT WAS
DISCOVERED
MILK FEVER (Parturient Paresis)
Until 1897 over 50 per cent of milk fever cases proved to be
fatal. In 1897 Dr. Schmidt Kolding of Denmark recommended the
injection of a solution of Potassium Iodide, 2^^ drams of the drui;-
bein^ dissolved in a quart of warm water and injected equally into
the four teats. This produced a wonderful improvement in the
mortality of the victims, Schmidt claiming to save 90 per cent.
The writer followed the advise of Dr. Schmidt from 1898 to
1903 with good success and from time to time had noticed that those
patients into whose teats he ])crmitted a liberal amount of air to
enter while injecting the solution made much quicker and more
satisfactory recoveries. He, therefore, continued to be liberal with
air in his treatment of these cases, and in one year, viz., from Janu-
ary 1, 1903, to January 1, 1904, treated 167 cases, admitting more
and more air, out of which 161 recovered, only six being lost. On
the night of July 21, 1903, he was called to the farm of August
(^newuck in the town of Lebanon, Dodge County, Wisconsin, to
treat a cow with milk fever. W^hile getting his apparatus sterilized
(the drug having been measured out and the water ready for mak-
ing the solution) ]\Ir. Gnewuck told several funny stories which
very much amused the writer. In the meantime the udder was in-
jected, the cow comforted and placed on her sternum and the owner
given his instructions and requested to ])hone about the condition
of the patient after six or eight hours. After the' writer had de-
parted and had passed the six mile post on his homeward trip, he
discovered that he had forgotten to add the Potassium Iodide and
had really injected nothing but warm water and a liberal amount of
air. Fearing that his client would report before morning that the
patient's condition was much worse on account of this mistake, he
could not sleep but waited patiently for the ring of the telephone.
\\'hen after the fifth hour the owner telephoned that the patient
had gone to her stall and was up and eating, the writer was indeed
surprised. But it at once became apparent to him that the Potas-
sium lodid was not the curative agent in this treatment and from
past experience he concluded that the oxygen in the air was most
likely entitled to the credit.
Experiments were then undertaken with two succeeding pa-
tients, there being injected a liberal amount of air and only enough
84 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
warm water to keep the air from returning. Both of these patients
recovered in from three to four hours, taking less time than was the
case with the Potassium Iodide treatment. This discovery was re-
ported to the Wisconsin Society of Veterinary Graduates in August,
1903. This was the first intimation of the discovery of the air
treatment and on January 29, 1903, on page 1170, Volume XXXIV
of "Hoard's Dairyman" under the veterinary query department, of
which the writer was editor, he wrote and published the first article
giving credit to the air treatment.
The second intimation of the air treatment and the recom-
mendation of its use was published by the writer February 12, 1904,
on page 18, volume XXXV of "Hoard's Dairyman" while answer-
ing a query from West Concord, which called for information re-
garding the oxygen treatment. It was after this second article on
the air treatment that university veterinary departments and
veterinary colleges got busy announcing the discovery of the air
treatment and recommending the bicycle pump to inflate the udder
with air, but none of them gave credit to "Hoard's Dairyman," nor
to its veterinary editor, who made the discovery on July 21, 1903.
CHAPTER V.
Diseases Common to the Liver
and Kidneys
CONGESTION OF THE LIVER (Hepatitis)
Hepatitis is secondary to many infectious diseases (influenza,
]:)lood poison). It may also be secondary to poisoning with arsenic
or phosphorus. In some instances the cause may be due to para-
sites which wander into the liver substance. The liver is congested,
swollen, spotted with dark red hemorrhages. The consistency is
softer and more friable than normal. There will be a marked sensi-
tiveness, upon pressure, on the region of the liver.
TREATMENT
The treatment is not very satisfactory as its connection with
other diseases makes it too complicated, even for the most accom-
plished veterinarian.
YELLOW JAUNDICE
This is a yellowness of the visible mucous membranes of the
body, which is an indication of a sluggish liver due to some de-
rangement of the digestive and other vital organs. The yellow ap-
pearance of the mucous membranes is an indication of bile in the
blood, which has been reabsorbed from the gall bladder, where it
should have been discharged into the alimentary canal under natu-
ral conditions, but for some reason has been retained in the gall
bladder.
TREATMENT
Give an ounce of Aloes and ^ dram of Calomel in a ball or
drench at one dose. Then follow with 2 tablespoonfuls of Bovolax
in food three times daily for two weeks. Avoid heavy feeding. Feed
bran mashes once daily. Grass or roots should be the main diet.
Good clover or alfalfa hay is better than timothy.
86 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
GALL STONES
Gall stones are very rare in animals. Thev occasionally are
met with in cattle and dogs. The principal sympt<_)ms they induce
are colic and digestive disturbances.
TREATMENT
The treatment consists of large doses of Bovolax three times
daily, 3 to 4 ounces per dose, or large doses of Carl's Bath Salts.
URINARY TROUBLES
Inability to pass urine is common in horses and dogs, but not
so common in other animals. The immediate cause of the retention
of urine in the bladder is usually partial or complete paralysis of the
sphincter muscle at the outlet of the bladder. Very often this outlet
is only closed by a spasmodic contraction of the muscle (occlusion)
and the urine is retained for some time. In such cases the symptoms
are often mistaken for colic.
TREATMENT
If the sphincter muscle is paralyzed, either partially or entirely,
the urine should be drawn with a catheter several times daily and
the system strengthened with Sanguitone in teaspoonful doses, three
times daily until relieved. The animal should be placed on a light
diet during the treatment and for several weeks thereafter. If due
to the latter, viz., a spasmodic closure (occlusion) of the outlet of
the bladder, give an ounce of National Specific for Urinary Troubles
and Colic in several ounces of water. This usually brings relief in
about one-half hour. In stubborn cases repeat the dose in an hour,
but usuallv one dose is sufficient.
CHAPTER VI.
Diseases Common to the Brain and
Nervous System
CEREBRAL APOPLEXY
Cerebral apoplexy is a rare disease among cattle. It may be
clue to degeneration and consequent rupture of the blood vessel in
the brain.
SYMPTOMS AND TREAT.MENT
The attack is sudden, the animal in most cases falling as if it
iiad received a blow on the head. It may stagger and reel some
time before going down. After falling, there are convulsive move-
ments of the legs or the animal sinks into insensibility. There may
l)e remissions in the severity of the symptoms, but the pressure from
the continued escape of blood soon causes death. Rest, quiet, fric-
tion to the legs and surface, frequent turning of the animal and cold
to the head arc to be practiced, if treatment is attempted.
CONGESTION OF THE BRAIN
There is a form of congestive apoplexy affecting cattle which
are in a plethoric condition. The congestion or overfilling with
blood, causes pressure on the brain substance and disorganizes its
function. It occurs mostly in hot weather. In this disease the
symptoms are somewhat similar to those exhibited when the animal
has inflammation of the brain, but the onset is more sudden, the
duration is shorter and there is less fever. There may be frenzy or
coma, or alternations, one with the other. The intelligence is
diminished, staring eyes, bracing with the legs, pressing against the
>.tall partition or manger, mucous membranes become red. This
condition usuallv terminates in recoverv.
I ,
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
TREATMENT
In such cases bleeding should be resorted to immediately.
When the power of swallowing is not lost, purgatives should be
administered. Cold applications to the head should be made.
CONCUSSION OF THE BRAIN
Severe blows on the head, striking the head against some hard
object while running, or falling on the head, may cause concussion
of the brain.
SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT
The symptoms and the treatment that is indicated differ very little
from what has been said under congestion of the brain. In some cases
it may be necessary to remove a piece of bone that is pressing on the
brain or to remove a clot of blood under rhe area that received the
blow.
EPILEPSY
This affection is characterized by the occurrence of sudden con-
vulsions. The animal may appear to be in a fair state of health
usually, but at any time, in the stable or in the field, it may have a
convulsion in which it will fall and lose consciousness. Epilepsy
must not be confounded with vertigo — fainting which is an effect
of heart troubles.
The exact cause of epilepsy in the majority of cases is unknown.
Post mortem examinations in many instances have failed to discover
any lesion in connection with the brain or nervous system ; while in
other instances disease of the brain has been found in the form of
thickening of the membranes, abscesses, and tumors. In some cases
the affection has been manifested in connection with a diseased con-
dition of the blood. The cause has also been traced to reflex irrita-
tion, due to teething, worms and chronic indigestion.
TREATMENT
When the affection is due to the last named causes the treat-
ment may be successful, if the cause is removed. If there are
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 89
symptoms of worms or of indigestion, follow the general treatment
advised for those troubles under their proper heads in this book.
If due to irritation caused by teething, the intlamed gums must be
lanced. Examination of the mouth often develops the fact that one
of the temporary teeth causes much irritation by remaining unshed,
and thereby interfering with the growth of a permanent tooth. The
offending tooth should be extracted. When the cause of epilepsy
cannot be discovered, it must be confessed that there is no prospect
of a cure. Some benefit may be expected from the occasional ad-
ministration of a purgative dose of medicine. A pound of Epsom
Salts dissolved in a quart of warm water, for a cow of average size,
may be given as a drench once or twice a week. In addition to the
purgative, 4 drams of Bromid of Potassium, dissolved in the drink-
ing water, three times a day, has proved very beneficial in some
cases.
SUNSTROKE (Prostration from Heat)
Owing to the fact that cattle are seldom put to work at which
they would have to undergo severe exertion, especially in collars,
they are not frequently prostrated by the extreme heat of the sum-
mer months. When at pasture they select the coolest places under the
shade trees, in water, etc., when the heat becomes oppressive, and
thereby avoid, as much as possible, the effects of it. Horses, how-
ever, are more subject to this trouble, because they are compelled
to work under the direct rays of the hot sun.
It does happen, however, that cattle that have been kept up for
the purpose of fattening, when driven some distance in very hot
weather, are sometimes prostrated, but it must be remembered that
it is not really necessary for the animal to be exposed to the rays of
the sun, as those confined in hot, close places may suffer. This often
happens in shipping, when they are crowded close together in cars.
SYMPTOMS
The first stages are those of exhaustion^ — dullness, panting,
frothing at the mouth, tongue hanging out, irregular gait, uneasi-
ness, palpitation — when, if the circumstances which tend to the
prostration are not mitigated, the animal staggers or sways from
side to side, falls, struggles for a while, and then gradually becomes
quiet, or the struggles may continue, with repeated but ineffectual
90 • RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
efforts to regain a standing position. In serious cases the attack
may be very sudden, unconsciousness occurring without continued
or distressing premonitory symptoms.
TREATMENT
At first, when not \cry serious, removal to a quiet, sheltered
place, with a few days on a reduced diet, is all that need be done.
When the animal has fallen, dash cold water or ice water on the
head ; rub the body and limbs with cloths or wisps of straw, and
continue the rubbing for a considerable time. If the power of swal-
lowing is not lost (which may be ascertained by pouring a little
cold water into tne mouth), give three drams of stronger liquor,
ammonia diluted with a quart of cold water. Be very careful in
drenching the animal when lying down. Repeat the drench in a
half hour, and an hour after the first one has been given. Instead
of ammonia, a drench composed of Spirits of Nitrous Ether in a
pint of water may be given, if more convenient, but the ammonia
drench is preferable. If unconsciousness continues, so that a drench
cannot be administered, the same quantity of ammonia and water
may be injected with a syringe into the rectum. The popular aqua
ammonia, commonly called "Hartshorn," will do as well as the
stronger liquor ammonia, but as it is weaker than the latter, the
dose for a cow is about 1^^ dunces^ which should be diluted with a
quart of water before it is given to the animal, either as a drench
or an enema. When ammonia cannot be obtained a pint of whiskey
in a quart of water, or an ounce of tincture of Digitalis may be
given.
As soon as the animal is able to rise it should be assisted and
moved to the nearest shelter. All the cold water it will drink should
be allowed. The ammonia or spirits of nitrous ether drench should
be administered every three hours so long as there is much failure
of strength. The diet should be limited for several days — bran slops
and a little grass. When signs of returning strength are presented,
6 ounces of Bovolax dissolved in a quart of warm water may be
given in those cases which have been down and unconscious, but
not give it while much weakness remains, which may be for several
days after the attack. The flesh of an animal that is suffering from
heat stroke should not be prepared for use as food. On account of
the fever with which the animal suffers, the flesh contains toxins
that may render it poisonous to the consumer.
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
91
PARALYSIS
Hog siiflfering from paralysis of hind lililb^
Paralysis, or loss of motion in a part, may be due to a lesion
of the brain, of the spinal cord, or of a nerve. It may also be caused
by reflex irritation. When the paralysis affects both sides of the
body, posterior to a point, it is further designated by the name
parapelgia. When one side of the body (a lateral half) is paralyzed,
the term hemiplegia is applied to the affection. When paralysis
is caused by a lesion of a nerve, the paralysis is confined to the par-
ticular part supplied by the aff'ected nerve.
Paralysis may be due to concussion of the spine, fracture of a
bone of the spinal column with consequent compression of the
spinal cord, concussion of the brain, or compression of the brain.
An injury to one side of the brain may produce paralysis of the
same side of the head, and of the opposite side of the body, hemi-
plegia. Paralysis may occur in connection with parturient apoplexy,
lead poisoning, ergotism, etc.
92 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
TREATMENT
Almost all farm animals are subject to paralysis due to the
above mentioned causes, but hogs very frequently become paralyzed
in the hind quarters, which is said to be due to early and constant
feeding of corn while the pig is in its growing age. Apply mustard
to the region of the spine. Turpentine and lard will answer in the
absence of mustard. Some authorities recommend the firing-iron.
Internally give Bovolax to relax the bowels and tone the nervous
system. This may be followed by teaspoonful doses of powdered
Nux Vomica in food three times daily. This dose is for horses and
cattle. Smaller animals must be given less according to size and
age.
i £
'^
CHAPTER VII.
Practical Aid in Difficult Parturition
THE TIME OF PARTURITION
The time of parturition has arrived according to the breeding
book, which contains the record of service, etc. There are, however,
symptoms shown by the pregnant animals, which afford rehable indi-
cations of the nearness of the act. The sweUing of the external genitals
(vulva) enlargement of the udder, hollowness of the rump, especially
in cows, of the space between the pin bones and the tail head, wax on
the teats in mares, a flow of milk, making of the bed by sows, glisten-
ing appearance of the udder, uneasiness, a desire for solitude, slight
pains gradually increasing, followed by the pushing forth of the water
bag and the possible escape of its contents show that labor is not only
close, but that it has started.
DELIVERY
If all goes well, the head and fore feet are presented (sometimes
the hind feet) and the voung animal is in a short time in a new world.
(See Fig. 49.)
The natural delivery in mares is of short duration, only five to
fifteen minutes usually elapsing after extrusion of the water bag; the
cow may take one to two hours to deliver the calf, extending to that
many days. Ewes take about fifteen minutes to deliver or less, and if
twins are present the intervals between births may be from fifteen min-
utes to two hours or even days. Assistance should not be offered until
the water bag shows.
The sow takes a variable time to deliver, depending on the number
of pigs — may take from ten minutes to several hours. In natural cases
little assistance is needed, and when given should be of the right kind;
the attendants should only apply traction when the young animal is in
the right position, and only when the expulsive effort is being made ;
the direction of the traction should be away from the back bone, that
is towards the hocks of the dam, downward if the animal is standing.
The foal is often born in its membranes, and should be released im-
mediately from them, especially about the head; any mucus present
being removed from the mouth and nostrils. The membranes of the
94
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
FIG, 49.
Natural position of the foetus.
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 95
calf and lamb do not always follow right after delivery; in the cow
they remain for days; in the ewe rarely so; while in the sow it is the
exception for such to occur ; the reason for retention of the membranes
in ruminants (cow and ewe ) is due to the peculiarity of the attachment
of the membranes in those animals, which will be remembered from
the description of arrangement of the mucous (lining) membrane of
the uterus in those animals.
DIFFICULT DELIVERIES
If the presentation has been right, the usual labor is of short dura-
tion, if however, the pains have begun and presisted for a long time
without delivery, some hindrance to the normal delivery may be sus-
pected, the cause of such unnatural happenings are numerous ; may be
due to wrong presentation, such as two hind legs coming together ; the
foetus coming upside down (see Fig. No. 50, Sterna Abnormal Posi-
tion) or with the head turned back, excess in volume of the fetus,
contraction of the genital passages, enlargement of the head, due to
tumors, etc. In such cases the employment of a veterinarian is ad-
visable and profitable, because he is acquainted with the parts, has the
proper instruments and drugs. The time of calling the professional
man should not be left until the dam is exhausted or injured internally
from the movement of the fetus ; the longer such cases are left the
greater the danger of inflammation of the womb or tearing or wound-
ing internally of the dam. If the stockman is sufficiently expert let him
bare his arm to the shoulder, anoint with carbolized oil, one part of car-
bolic acid to ten linseed oil, or hog's lard, introduce the arm into the
passage and endeavor to find the cause of the trouble. If a head and
one foreleg are shown fasten ropes (one- fourth inch) on the parts,
push them forward into cavity and then try and get the missing limb,
raise it and bring all into the natural position, the head between the
two forefeet (See Fig. 49) ; if the head is down and the forefeet
presented, rope each foot, push them forward and try to raise the head
and bring it towards you along with the feet (See Figs. 52, 53, 54, 55,
56 and 57). The stockman will, ,on examination, better understand
the conditions than from any written directions, and will be successful
according as he adapts himself to meet these conditions. Mares and
cows are more easily delivered when in the standing position; if they
lie down and the work becomes harder to perform. In case of
twins care must be taken not to rope one leg of each twin, but
to make sure that you keep each individual separate and take one
at a time. (See Fig. 51, Twin Pregnancy). In cases of difficult
deliverv in ewes an assistant mav be £rot to hold the ewe with
96
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
FIG 50
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
97
FIG. SI
Twin Pregnancy — Cow
98 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
the hind legs up in the air, the head down, thus throwing the
bowels downwards and consequently giving more room to work, or the
ewe may be turned on her back, but kept in this position only for a
short time. In animals running overtime Nature is generally allowed
to take its course ; it might be advisable in mares that have gone over-
time, and who have had milk in their udders for a few days, to attempt
delivery.
ATTENTION TO THE NEWBORN
The treatment of the young animals is not very formidable, as
stated ; remove the membranes, clean out the mouth and nostrils ;
examine also to see if the newborn has the natural apertures for the
passage of urine or feces. In some cases attention to the navel
string should be cut about one and one-half inches from the body
and securely tied and thoroughly dressed with Dermasote or Elk's
Absorbing Ointment daily, until it dries up, shrivels and drops off.
In lambs, calves and pigs slight scraping of the finger nail on the
cord will sever the string and prevent bleeding. If life seems about
gone, whip with a wet towel, work the fore limbs, breathe into the
nostrils at intervals coinciding with the limb movements, pull the
tongue gently forward, then let it retract and again pull forward,
repeating the movements at intervals for ten or fifteen minutes or
longer, rub the body dry, and bring to a warm place, a slight stimu-
lant such as brandy and water or a little sweet nitre and warm milk
may also be given with benefit. Get the newborn to suckle as soon
as possible so that it may get the action of the first milk (colostrum)
and thus remove the meconium (the accumulated excrement of fetal
life). The meconium may have to be removed; use the oiled finger,
or injections of warm water and oil; avoid giving purgatives; foals
are often started scouring, and are lost as a result of giving sonic
medicine. A heaped teaspoonful of fresh (unsalted) butter may be
given to the foal with good results if a little constipated; if a ewe
refuses her lamb, the one refused (in case of twins) should be
rubbed over with the one taken, or if one is dead, skin it and put
the skin on over the one refused, or put the ewe and refused lamb
together by themselves for a time. In case of ewes the wool should
be trimmed around the udder to allow the lambs to get at the teat,
this will also prevent the lamb sucking the wool, with the result
sometimes of wool-balls in the stomachs. After getting the young
animal to suckle once, leave the dam and offspring to themselves ;
if the afterbirth has come away, remove and bury ; the disgusting
practice of letting animals eat the membranes should not be per-
mitted.
RURAL VETERINARY SEGRET8 99
TREATMENT OF THE DAM
The treatment of the dam after delivery will determine to a
great extent the growth and development of the offspring, if the
dam is limited in quantity of food, or poor quality given, the off-
spring will be weak, stunted or of small growth. Keep the dam
comfortable and do not annoy with many attentions, if at all chilled,
blanket, give warm mashes, laxative food (grass, clover, hay, bran
and oats) milk and water with the chill off for a few days. If
intending to show foals the dam had better not be worked, if not
the dam may be worked for a quarter of a day, later half days until
getting back to the usual routine, if worked the foals should be
placed in boxes together and fed. Entire rest from work sliouM
l)e allowed marcs for at least a week after ft)aling.
100
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
FIG. 52
CEPHALO-SACRAL POSITION OF THE FOETUS.
This position can hardly be changed into normal without the aid of in-
struments and a skillful veterinarian.
As it is almost impossible for the layman to gain access, to
either the head, or extremities, where he might possibly attach the
rope or ordinary hooks in an attempt to turn the foetus. The human
arm is not long enough to make a proper exploration of the exist-
ing conditions, therefore no time should be lost in calling in an
expert. Even the most skilled veterinarian is not always successful
in bringing about a favorable delivery in such cases, especially when
the patient has been allowed to go unattended for a long time. The
foetus very often dies before the owner's attention is aroused be-
cause the patient, as a rule, refrains from violent straining because
of the unusual position of the foetus.
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
101
FIG. .S3
Right Ccplialo-ilial Position of the Foetus.
This position is also a very difficult one to deliver, but is con-
sidered a little more favorable than the one presented in fig. 52, as
the operator is liable to reach the tail of the foetus more easily, by
which he might be able to effect a material change in the position
of the foetus. By manipulation of the same, he can very often hold
his own until he gains access to one of the hind limbs, in which case
the body of the foetus is pushed forward into the genital cavity of
the dam, both of the posterior limbs drawn out and the youngster
delivered backwards, viz., hind limbs and tail first.
102
RURAL VETERINARY SECRET iS
FIG. 54
Anterior Presentation — Forelinibs bent at the knee.
In this case it may be necessary to cut oflf the head in order to gel both
front feet in normal position.
This of course, is only necessary when the foetus is pretty well
advanced into the pelvic cavity and it has become extremely diffi-
cult to repell the foetal body far enough to enable the operator to
straighten out the front legs. After this has been done successfully,
a hook should be fastened to the remaining skin around the neck
by which the same can be directed and kept in the natural channel.
Traction may now be applied to both fore limbs and the remaining
part of the neck.
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
103
FIG. 55
Anterior presentation — Fore limb crossed over the neck.
In this presentation straighten out the crossed leg and apply traction.
Care must be taken that the head remains above the two fore
limbs while traction is on. as it is very likely to slip back into its
former unnatural position and help obstruct the natural channel
through which it must pass quite easily if kept in proper place.
104
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
FIG. 56
Anterior Presentation — Extreme downward deviation of the head.
Secure both front legs with ropes, press the foetus back into the uterus
far enough to bring the head into the natural channel. Then apply traction.
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETH
105
FIG. 57
Deviation of tlir liind-linil)s in llu' pelvis in the anterior presentation.
Be sure to repel the liind leg back into the uterine cavity before you
apply traction.
These are very often mistaken for the fore limbs and tend to
confuse the operator, very often tempting him to attach his ropes to
one hind and one fore Hmb, which will result in fatal termination,
should you persist in applying forceful traction.
h
CHAPTER VIII.
Common Diseases of the Skin
ERYTHEMA
Acute inflammation of the skin, attended with eruptions and
small pimples or pustules, common to all classes of horses in liot
weather.
This is a congested or slightly inflammed condition of the skin,
unattended by any eruption. The part is lightly swollen, hot, tender
or itchy, and dry, and if the skin is white there is redness. The
redness is effaced by pressure, but reappears instantly when the
])ressure is removed. Unless in transient cases the hair arc liable
to be shed. It may be looked on as the first stage of inflammation
and therefore when it becomes aggravated it may merge in part
or in whole into a papular, vesicular, or pustular eruption.
Erythema may arise from a variety of causes and is often naniccl
in accordance with its most prominent cause. Thus the chilling, or
partial freezing, of a part will give rise to a severe reaction and
congestion. Where snow or icy streets have been salted this may
extend to severe inflammation with vesicles, pustules, or even
sloughs of circumscribed portions of the skin of the pastern (chill-
blain, frostbite). Heat and burning have a similar effect, and this
often comes from exposure to the direct rays of the sun. The skin
that does not perspire is the most subject and hence the white face
or white limb of a horse becoming dried by the intensity of the sun's
rays often suffers to the exclusion of the rest of the body (white face
and foot disease). The febrile state of the general system is also a
potent cause, hence the white-skinned horse is rendered the more
liable if kept on a heating ration of buckwheat, or even of wheat or
maize. Contact of the skin with oil of turpentine or other essential
oils, with irritant liquids, vegetable or mineral, with rancid fats,
with the acrid secretions of certain animals, like the irritated toad,
with pus, sweat, tears, urine, or liquid feces, will produce congestion
of even inflammation. Chafing is a common cause, and is especially
liable to affect the fat horse between the thighs, by the side of the
sheath or scrotum, on the inner side of the elbow, or where the har-
ness chafes on the poll, shoulder, back, breast-bone, and under the
tail. The accumulation of sweat and dust between the folds of the
skin and on the surface of the harness, and the specially acrid char-
108 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
acter of the sweat in certain horses contribute to chafing or "in-
tertrigo." The heels often become congested, owing to the irrita-
tion caused by the short bristly hair in clipped heels. Again, con-
gestion may occur from friction by halter, harness, or other foreign
body under the pastern, or inside the thigh or arm, or by reason of
blows from another foot (cutting, interfering, overreach). Finally,
erythema is especially liable to occur in spring when the coat is be-
ing shed, and the hair follicles and general surface are exposed and
irritable in connection with the dropping of the hair.
If due only to local irritant, congestion will usually disappear
when such cause has been removed, but when the feeding or system
is at fault these conditions must be first corrected. While the cost
is being shed the susceptibility will continue, and the aim should
be to prevent the disease developing and advancing so as to weaken
the skin, render the susceptibility permanent, and lay the founda-
tion of persistent or frequently recurring skin disease. Hence at
such times the diet should be nonstimulating; any excess of grain
and above all of buckwheat, Indian corn, or wheat being avoided.
A large grain ration should not be given at once on return from
iiard work, when the general system and stomach arc unable to
cope with it; the animal should not be given more than a swallow
or two of cold water when perspiring and fatigued; nor should he
be allowed a full supply of water just after his grain ration; he
should not be overheated, or exhausted by the harness pressing on
the skin. The exposure of the affected heels to damp, mud and
snow, and, above all, to melting snow, should be guarded against ;
light, smooth, well-fitting harness must be secured, and where the
saddle or collar irritates an incision should be made in them above
and below the part that chafes, and, the padding between having
been removed, the lining should be beaten so as to make a hollow.
A zinc shield in the upper angle of the collar will often prevent
chafing in front of the withers.
TREATMENT
Wash the chafed skin and apply a salt and water solution con-
sisting of one-half ounce of salt to each quart of water, camphorated
spirits, or a weak solution of oak bark. If the surface is raw, dust
over with starch and smear with Dermasote Ointment. To relieve
the constitutional disturbance give one to two tablespoonfuls of
Sanguitone (National) iti moist food three times daily. This is usu-
*ally followed by a rapid recovery. You should notice a marked
improvement in from 48 to 70 hours.
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 109
SCALY SKIN DISEASE (Pityriasis)
This affection is characterized by an excessive production and
detachment of dry scales from the surface of the skin (dandruff).
It is usually dependent on some fault in digestion and an imperfect
secretion from the sebaceous glands, and is most common in old
horses with spare habit of body. Williams attributes it to food
rich in saccharine matter (carrots, turnips) and to the excretion of
the skin of oxalic acid. He has found it in horses irregularly workericks are
the common causes of lockjaw and septicemia, owing to the fact that
a nail is extracted and the germs which are taken in with it are scraped
off with the horny tissue and allowed to remain within the live and
sensitive part of the hoof. The fact that the wound is small and closes
immediately after the nail is extracted is the most dangerous to the ani-
mal, as this is the most favorable environment for the propagation of
the lockjaw germs. These germs cannot propagate where there is
access to air and .<^unlight.
TREATMENT
The treatment is to immediately extract the nail and make a liberal
opening to the extent of the wound caused by the nail, thereby allowing
access of air and a free drainage. \\ hen this has been done, drop a
few drops of Solution of Lotio Vita in the wound. This will antago-
nize septic germs of any kind. If there are signs of great pain a warm
linseed poultice mav be renewed twice daily and the wound treated as
above described.
SORE NECK
Horses fretiuentl}- get sore and \ery i)ainful necks while working,
especially in the spring and early summer. There will be an eruption
of the skin attended with swelling and a discharge. This is due to
humor in the blood and must be treated through the circulation. Noth-
ing will give quicker and more satisfactory relief than one teaspoon-
ful of Sanguitone given in moist food three times daily. Wash the
wound with warm water, just as w-arni as you can bear to your hand,
three times daily. Dress with Lotio Vita as directed on package.
I
CHAPTER Xll.
Common Farm Operations
DEHORNING
Dehorning is a surgical operation usually performed on cattle, by
which they are rendered more tame, and consequently more easily
handled. My experience is that if properly done bad results are very
few. Cattle will often go right to eating; some cows will not even show
any appreciable shrinkage in their milk; for the control of bulls this
operation is indispensable. The operation is best performed during
cool weather, so as to avoid flies, during the period from October until
April. Best results are obtained in yearling and two-year-old cattle.
The instruments in general use are the slippers or saw. I prefer the
former as being handier, calling for less restraint of the animal, and if
kept in good shape, well-oiled and sharp, do just as good work, only in
a great deal less time. Bleeding from the operation is rarely serious.
In heavy milking cows it may sometimes need attention.
Smear the hair at the base of the horn with vaseline and turn it
back; then secure the animal to a strong post by means of a chain or
rope, so that it can be quickly released. A stanchion might be used.
Insert the bulldog (a nose forceps) into the nose and draw the head
around to the flank. The operator then applies the clipper over the
exposed horn and brings it as close to the head as possible, the object
being to remove about one-fourth inch of the skin along with the horn,
thus destroying the horn matrix and preventing the growth of unsightly
stubs. To make a nice-looking head be careful to so apply the clippers
that the cut will slope inwards from the bottom of the horn base ; thus a
pointed poll, resembling that of the Angus, will result. Calves may be
dehorned by caustics, of which several varieties are on the market.
A cheaper method, just as good, is to buy caustic potash in the stick
form at the drug store. It will be necessary to w^rap cloth about it
when using or the fingers will also be cauterized. It is applied aroun4
the base of the horns, just where thev join the skin.
174 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
TAPPING THE FIRST STOMACH OR PAUNCH
(For Bloating)
This is performed in cattle and sheep when badly bloated. The
instrument used being known as the trocar, a pointed rod, and the
canula, a hollow tube. It can be used for ringing" bulls. The operation
is performed in the upper left flank at a point ecfual distant from the
point of the hip, the last rib and bones of the loin. The instrument
being applied to the point described is given a sharp tap and pushed
in its full length, the trocar withdrawn, the gas then rushes out of the
canula, which may be left in for five or ten minutes. The pavmch is
the organ tapped in cattle and sheep ; the tapping of horses should be
left to the veterinarian. Rumenotomy. This is an operation for the
removal of food in cases of impacted rumen. The operation when
done, consists of the opening and removal of its contents and sewing
up by the veterinarian. It should not be left to the eleventh hour.
Good results follow when performed early and with antiseptic pre-
cautions.
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 175
CASTRATION
Castration is usually ])erfi)rme(l t^n colts, at a year old; if light in
the neck and fore quarters they nia}- be left until two years. The oper-
ation is done either in the standing or lying position. The first is hazar-
dous and requires an agile and expert man, but of recent years it is
found most practical because it presents the organs in their natural
position. 1'his operation should not be performed unless the colt is
in good health ; the results are better if a run at grass for a few days has
lirst been obtained. The instruments needed are the emasculator and
a castrating knife, which should be placed in an antiseptic solution ten
minutes before operating, the hands and arms being also cleansed with
the same material. It is also good practice to tirst examine the parts
for ruptures, etc.
THK KSSl'lNTIALS TO SUCCESS in Castration are: Thorough
cleanliness, obtained by the plentiful use of antiseptics; good health at
the time of operations and exercise afterwards. The scrotum is seized
between the tinger and thumb, so as to tighten the skin over it and a
good incision (four inches or thereabouts) made over the testicle right
through the coverings of the testicle, which will then pop out. The
emasculator is applied well up on the cord and with the rough edge to
the body, and the handles closed, the testicle is removed, the operation
being repeated similarl\ on the other testicle. Some of the antiseptic
may be poured into the wounds. A colt should be stabled for
eight to ten hours, when it should be turned out with the others.
If a mature horse, hitch and gi\e a short drive or slow work; if cold
rains occur the animal must be stabled. The wounds should be exam-
ined occasionally in order to see that they are kept open, thus insuring
the drainage away of any pus. It should be remembered that the testi-
cles of colts may not descend until twelve months old, sometimes as
late as two years old.
IjuIIs are castrated standing, the head being tied up solidly to a
strong post. An attendant at each side steadies him, the operator
stands squarely behind the bull, seizes the scrotum, gives it half a turn
round and draws it out between the hind legs. The incision is made
from nearly the top to the bottom of the sac, the testicle draw^n out
and removed with the emasculator, or the cord is scraped slowly with
the knife until severed, the remaining testicle being removed similarly.
Calves are thrown down, the end of the scrotum cut off, the testicles
drawn out until the cord breaks or the cord is scraped off as before.
Lambs are castrated in a similar way, being held as described for small
176
BUBAL VETEBINABY SECBETS
Simple operation of castration in standing position.
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
177
Cepticema, the result of castration when colt was affected with distemper.
178 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
pigs. The knife or docking shears may be used for taking off the piece
of the scrotum, which may be left any length desired.
Rams are castrated similarly to bulls, or by turning. (With the
ram, you have him turned upon his haunches, clip the wool off the
scrotum to get it out of the way. Have someone hold the ram and hold
the hind feet up pretty close to the body, unless you wish to go to the
trouble of tying. Take the end of the scrotum in one hand and with
the other press the testicles well up into the body so as to tear them
loose from the end of the pounch, you can usually feel them give way,
now bring them down and taking them one at a time invert them and
revolve them three times around the cord or until it is twisted tight.
This you will find is not the easiest job until you get on to it. You can
tell when the cord is twisted tightly by passing the finger along and
feeling the spiral condition and the hardness. When you get one
twisted let it draw up into the socket so it will not turn back right end
up, while you operate on the other. Having them both done, tie the
sac close up with a soft cord. Tie tight enough to prevent them com-
ing down and turning back. Cut the strings off after 24 to 36 hours." —
Curtis and Edgerton, Iowa Agricultural College). In this method
germ infection, so much dreaded in rams, is avoided. Another method
lauded by some, and which has been tried at the Station (W. E. S.)
is to tie a strong cord around the sac or cod as close to the body and
as tight as possible. Three days later the sac and stones are cut away
about an inch below the cord and an antiseptic applied to the cut end.
Caponizing is the operation performed in removing the testicles
of poultry.
SPAYING OR CASTRATION of female may be performed in
the sow, bitch and cow, rarely in the mare, unless a bad (vicious) actor
(e. g., switcher and kicker) in harness. The surgeon should be called
to operate on mares, and unless the stockman is expert, on the heifers
also. Females thus operated on, fatten more readily and are not sub-
ject to the periods of heat; if a sow it is placed on its right side and
secured, the upper hind leg being stretched backwards, an incision
made vertically just below the region of the loin and the hand passed
in up towards the back and the ovary felt for. When found it is drawn
towards the opening, thus drawing the horn of the uterus also, render-
ing the other ovary easy to get in young sows. Both ovaries are drawn
out and snipped oft' at once. In old sows, only one is exposed at a
time and its ovary removed. The operation may be performed on the
cow or heifer in the standing position, the incision being made through
the upper left flank at the spot selected for tapping a cow, a strong
scantling being slung parallel to the cow at a level a little above the
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 179
knee and hocks. The head should be fastened securely and the bulldog
may be inserted in the nose. The incision is made with a knife through
the skin. The operator can with his fingers secure the ovaries which
are snipped off by the spaying scissors, and then brought out. The inci-
sion should be just large enough to admit the hand. A stitch or two
through the skin, muscles and peritoneum draws the wound together,
tar being applied over all. The animal should be starved for thirty-six
hours before the operation and should only get light sloppy feed or
grass afterwards for a few days.
RUPTURES
Ruptures may occur in pigs and lambs. If shown after castration,
cleanse the bowels with tepid water containing some mild antiseptic
and return them, to do which it may be necessary to stand the animal
head downwards, and also to introduce the finger into the rectum.
When returned sew up the opening as close to the body as possible,
keep quiet and give but little food. The navel rupture (umbilical
hernia is the technical term) is often seen in foals, and quite frequently
disappears by the time the animal is a year old. Previous to that time
the enlargement may be blistered, some cases recovering from that
treatment ; if, however, it persists beyond the age stated, a good sur-
geon should be employed.
Entires and geldings are sometimes ruptured in the region of the
groin (inguinal hernia) and the rupture may even extend down into
the scrotum in any male entire, constituting what is known as scrotal
hernia. In the latter case the skilled surgeon's help is needed ; the
former trouble (inguinal hernia is often the cause of severe colicky
symptoms in stallions and if not relieved, becomes fatal. The symp-
toms are as follows: Suddenness of attack, colicky pains growing
more intense all the time, arching the back, lying on the ground or sit-
ting up like a dog, pawing the ground, sweating heavily; the cord
(spermatic) will be thickened and the scrotum feel cold to the touch.
In such cases give a large dose of laudanum, three ounces in half a
pint of raw linseed oil. If possible throw and turn the animal on its
back and after oiling the hand introduce it into the rectum, and by
gentle traction inside and working outside the bowel may be returned.
180
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
Large umbilical hernia successfully reduced by surgical operation.
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
181
Same patient six weeks after operation.
182 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
GENERAL TREATMENT OF WOUNDS
THE GENERAL TREATMENT OF WOUNDS may be
briefly stated as follows : First, to stop the bleeding and remove any
foreign substance, such as dirt; second, to protect from germs;
third, to bring the parts as closely together as possible, keep down
excessive inflamm.ation, and prevent the accumulation of dis-
charges. A wound is said to be healthy when it looks like a clean
cut; unhealthy when it is pale, covered with pus, small clots of
blood or proud flesh ; inflamed or angry when hot and of a dark
red color; indolent when the process of healing seems stopped
before the proper time, e. g., a sitfast. It may be stated as a gen-
eral rule that if a wound continues dry, and not ill-smelling, looks
healthy, etc., that it should not be interfered with, but if pus forms
it should be washed clean once or twice a day with clean, warm
or cold water, a syringe or piece of cheese cloth (do not use a sponge,
the cheese cloth can be burnt after once using), then apply once daily
a solution of Lotio Vita, this heals without leaving a scar.
CONTROL OF BLEEDING (Hemorrhage). This is the first
thing to do in connection with wounds, as the animal's life blood may
very soon flow away, if the bleeding is from an artery. Bleeding from
veins as a rule is seldom dangerous, unless the animal is in an already
weakened condition. Sometimes bleeding is arrested by the contraction
of the muscular coat of the artery ; an artery partially cut through will
continue to bleed, when if entirely cut across the bleeding will often
stop, owing to the fact that the musclar contraction mentioned becomes
possible.
Surgical methods of stopping bleeding are by the use of forceps
performing the torsion (twisting), in this form the divided end of the
artery is seized by the forceps and twisted until it breaks loose from
the forceps; the emasculator and ecraseur are instruments partially
working on this principle, they crush the coats of the vessels. Tying,
or ligating, as it is termed, silk, twine, catgut or other materials are
used for this purpose; styptics are occasionally used, they cause clot-
ting of the blood and thus stop the flow mechanically, for such purposes
tincture of Iron, or Lotio Vita are used; the hot iron (cautery) is also
reliable for this purpose, in docking and castrating lambs, and some-
times in horses, in the larger animals bleeding may occur when the scab
left from the burning falls off, usually about seven days after the opera-
tion. The use of dirty materials, such as cobwebs, earth, etc., is dan-
gerous, as these materials often contain germs of various diseases, e. g.,
lockjaw (tetanus). Hot water (about 110° F.) or ice cold water will
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 183
also stop bleeding, warm water encourages it. The hands should be
cleaned and dipped frequently in the antiseptic solution when dressing
a wound. Stitches are not used as frequently in wounds of animals,
the powerful muscular contraction tends to tear them out ; in cases
of severe wounds the veterinarian should be called. The use of such
irritants: Acids, salt, turpentine, etc., serve no useful purpose on a fresh
wound when compared with the pain caused, such materials really
tend to hinder and thus prevent rapid healing; their use is also liable
to result in permanent scars or blemishes. A solution of Lotio Vita is
most satisfactory in these cases. It leaves no scar and heals quickly.
Another class of wounds to deal with are those known as frac-
tures (breaks). They occur in hard structures, such as bone, differ-
ing from those already spoken of, which are of soft tissues.
FRACTURES require expert dressing and the application of
bandages and splints in the larger animals ; in calves, lambs, pigs and
poultry the stockman can with little trouble bind up the broken part and
save loss. Fractures are of various kinds and vary greatly in their
seriousness ; generally speaking, if the ends of the bones extend through
the skin, the case is not worth bothering with. Fractures may be straight
across a bone, on the slant (obliquely), or lengthwise; if the bone is
"broken without external wound, it is termed a simple fracture; if the
broken ends do communicate with an external wound we have a com-
pound fracture; if the bone is broken into small pieces the fracture is
known as comminuted ; greenstick fractures occur in young animals
and resemble the break in a green stick, not a clean, sharp break, hence
the term.
UNION OF FRACTURES (broken bones) takes place some-
what as follows : During" the first 3 days inflammation and exudation
is going on, from then to the twelfth day soft material is thrown out
around the broken ends, and if the bone is hollow also in the hollow
space; by the end of a month, if the ends have not been disturbed, the
soft material mentioned is changed into bone (being known as the pro-
visional callus) ; following this stage, material forms between the
broken ends, being later converted into bone, which process takes about
two months, thus completely uniting the broken parts ; this material
forms w'hat is known as the definite callus. If occasional movement
of the ends occur during this stage, complete union is not possible, and
in such cases the material thrown out instead of becoming bone, takes
on a gristly formation. The absorption of more or less of the excess
of callus follows, usually taking several months or longer to be per-
formed, before this occurs the point of union is shown by an enlarge-
ment. Briefly the treatment of fractures consists in bringing the broken
184 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
parts together, securing them in that position by spHnts and bandages,
usually left on six to seven weeks, drainage and antiseptic treatment
of the fracture if a compound, entire rest of the patient for at least
three months in a well-bedded (short material, such as cut straw, shav-
ings, sawdust, being used) box. Give good, nutritious, laxative food
and plenty of green grass, if available.
Fractures may be detected by the presence of sudden, severe lame-
ness, deformity of the part, which can be moved in unnatural directions,
great pain, fever, and the grating (crepitus) of the ends of the bones
together. Fracture of the tibia (bone of the lower thigh) sometimes
occurs without displacement, being held in place by the strong perios-
teum. Fractures in old horses are always dangerous. In younger
horses there is possibility of repair, if given proper treatment and nurs-
ing. Fractures of the hind legs are more serious than those of the fore ;
in the former, if above the hock, unless in very young animals, are
usually not worth treating. Surgical operations are better avoided if
possible during fly time or in animals far advanced in pregnancy.
II
• \
CHAPTER XIII.
Diseases Common to Swine and Sheep
HOG CHOLERA
The above cut shows how hog cholera makes its first appearance in a herd.
Notice the emaciated condition of the small shote below.
Hog Cholera is an acute febrile disease. So far as is known,
affects only hogs, and is characterized by extreme contagiousness and
a very high death rate. We have two forms, i. e., the acute and the
chronic. That is because the disease in some cases is sudden in its at-
tack and rapid in its course, while in others it lingers for weeks or
months before death or recovery. The causative agent is the same in
both, the difference being due to the variation in virulence of the germs
and the resisting power of the hogs.
While the specific cause of hog cholera is the minute organism,
there are many factors which may render a herd more susceptible to
the disease; in general anything which tends to lower the vitality of
the animal may be regarded as a predisposing cause. The germ is
always present in the bodies of sick hogs and is thrown off in the excre-
tions, hence the most dangerous factor in spreading hog cholera is the
186 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
sick hog; but an agency which might serve to carry a particle of dirt
from infected yards may be the means of starting an outbreak of the
disease.
SYMPTOMS
In the acute type the symptoms are chiefly sluggishness, a disin-
clination to move, weakness, loss of appetite, high fever, inflammation
of the eyes and gumming of the lids ; there may be diarrhea, red or
purplish blotches may be seen on the skin, especially on the abdomen,
inside the thighs, and around the ears and neck. In this form it usually
runs a rapid course and the hog gets greatly emaciated. In fact, in
acute outbreaks the hogs may die after being sick only a few days.
In the chronic type of the disease the symptoms are much the same
as in the acute. The hog is sluggish, disinclined to move when dis-
turbed, and coughing is usually heard when they are disturbed. They
eat very little, lose flesh rapidly and later become emaciated and weak,
so that they stagger or walk with an uncertain gait. The hind legs par-
ticularly appear to be very weak. The eyes are inflamed and the lids
gummed together. After a few days there is apt to be profuse diarrhea.
The hog usually lingers along for weeks, sometimes months, but finally
dies.
PREVENTION AND TREATMENT
It has been shown that in a vast majority of cases the germ is
transported mechanically in the bodies of sick hogs and on the feet of
men or animals, including birds. It follows that the chances of an out-
break of hog cholera. will be greatly lessened if a herd is protected from
these carriers of infection. Hog lots should not be located near public
roads, if this can be avoided and all newly purchased stock should be
kept separate for at least thirty days. It is well to occasionally scatter
slacked lime about the lots and to wash and disinfect the troughs with
a compound solution of Cresol, one part to thirty parts of water. Hogs
once affected are not very satisfactory or profitable, as they usually
don't amount to much after recovery. If cholera has broken out in
your neighborhood, it is well to guard against a possible contagion or
infection by vaccinating all your hogs, which will render them immune
from the deadly malady.
RURAL VETERIXARY SECRETS 187
INDIGESTION AND CONSTIPATION IN PIGS
This is due to errors in diet and lack of exercise. In such cases
five grains of calomel in a piece of fat pork given to a pig will tend to
overcome the trouble. A laxative of raw linseed oil or Bovolax in
milk are also useful, the cause must be removed. In this disease the
pigs stagger around, refuse food, perhaps vomit, and may show signs
of pain.
THUMPS IN PIGS
Thumps is a disease mainly due to overfeeding and is often a
serious trouble with the young pigs, the cause being known, the treat-
ment will be to reduce the feed and give the sow or pigs a dose of
physic, raw linseed oil or Bovolax, and plenty of exercise.
REMOVAL OF THE BOARDS TUSKS
The removal of the tusks is easily accomplished by the stockman,
and renders the animal less danijerous to manage. Snub to a post, by
means of a strong rope, one end of which is noosed and applied over
the upper jaw of the pig. Take a pair of strong pinchers, apply over
the tusk close to the gum, close the pinchers tightly and give a sharp
tap or two with a hammer to the exposed jaw of the pinchers. The
tusk will be broken off easily and without hurt to the boar.
PARALYSIS
Paralysis of hind limbs in hogs is quite common, especially in
shotes fed excessively of corn, while in the growing stage, from three
to nine months of age.
This disease is better prevented than cured. Growing pigs should
not have access to corn at liberty in common with the hogs intended
for fattening. Feed more skimmed milk, alfalfa, green clover or
roots, if possible. This will develop more bone and muscle and
build up a stronger constitution.
TREATMENT
Keep the patient in a dry, well ventilated stall. Give a tablespoon-
ful of Bovolax dissolved in a half pint of warm water. Repeat every
six hours until the bowels are laxed freely. Rub the back from its
middle to the tail twice daily with Elk's Electric Cream, morning
and night, until relieved.
188 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
CANKER SORE MOUTH OF YOUNG PIGS
Canker sore is a very serious disease, occurring from the time of
birth until a few weeks old, and unless attended to is either invariably
fatal or stunts the pig's growth permanently. The disease will attack
litter after litter and would thus seem to be contagious in its nature.
Sore mouth, swellings of the jaw on which are light brown scabs, which
later show deep cracks are seen. The scabs and cracks are found on
the snout, extending over the head and even to the body and limbs. In
some cases an ulcer will form at the end of the snout and eat away
part of the nose; in other cases the ears may become affected and drop
off. Dullness, loss of power in the hind limbs, and a tendency to walk
on the fetlocks, disinclination to move and humping the back are fre-
quent symptoms. If made to walk will squeal as if in pain ; pigs refrain
from suckling.
TREATMENT
The treatment is simple and effective if thoroughly done. The
young pigs should first be attended to by dipping in over the head, in
either of the following solutions, care being taken not to hold them too
long under water and thus drown them :
A. Permanganate of Potash — 1 ounce.
Water — y^ gallon.
This solution is practically non-poisonous and may be used fear-
lessly.
B. Creolin — 1 ounce.
Water — ^ gallon.
The treatment should be given three times at intervals of two or
three days. Remove the dirt from the snouts of the pigs as much as
possible, so as to economize in the use of the drugs. The sow's udder
should be washed, a few times with one of the solutions. Should ulcers
form as described, touch them with a piece of silver nitrate or apply
a little butter of antimony, with a small swab. Disinfect the far-
rowing pens with hot carbolic lime wash. This trouble is entirely
different than that caused by the tushes of the young pigs, with
which it is confused by so many pig breeders and farmers. A dose
of raw linseed oil or Bovolax will be of benefit to give the sow.
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 189
RHEUMATISM IN PIGS
Rheumatism is common in damp stables, may be due to pigs bur-
rowing in hot manure in winter time and then becoming exposed to the
cold weather. Removal of the causes, a mild physic and five grains of
salol in the feed twice daily will help overcome the trouble. If the
joints are swollen apply Electric Cream morning and night.
WHITE SCOURS OF LAMBS
(Infectious Diarrhea)
White scours is an acute, infectious disease manifested by
profuse diarrhea. It attacks lambs shortly after birth or within two
or three days, frequently affecting all the newborn in the flock. It
is not common in range flocks.
CAUSE
A varity of micro-organisms has been found associated with the
disease, but the most common of them is the Bacillus colicommunis.
Dirty lambing pens or ground contaminated with the virulent or-
ganisms soils the udders of the ewe and the organisms are taken up
by the lamb in suckling. Cold and rain weaken the young lambs
and predispose them to infection.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms appear in from one to three days after birth. The
lamb stops suckling, is depressed, and lies down much of the time.
The feces may be yellowish or grayish white and may be tinged
with blood. They are fetid and fluid. Death occurs in from one to
several days after symptoms are showm.
White scours is distinguished from simple diarrhea by its tend-
ency to affect a large number in the flock at the same time.
TREATMENT
Affected lambs should be isolated and given 2 teaspoonfuls of
castor oil and an internal antiseptic, such as salicylic acid in doses
of one-third teaspoonful daily for several days. Anti-white-scours
serum may be injected shortly after birth as a preventive. On farms
where the disease has already occurred, ewes should be placed be-
fore lambing in clean, disinfected quarters.
190 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
JOINT ILL OF LAMBS
(Navel III, Septic Joint Disease)
Joint ill is an acute, infectious disease of newborn lambs which
is characterized by swelling of the navel and joints of the limbs.
CAUSE
Several common disease-producing organisms may cause joint
ill. Infection occurs principally before the stump dries, by way of
the vein of the torn navel cord, which has become soiled by dirt or
other material harboring the pathogenic organisms.
SYMPTOMS
Signs of the disease usually occur within 48 hours after birth.
The navel cord swells, contains a purulent secretion, and dries
slowly. The animal is dull, lies down a good deal, and loses the
desire to suck. There is stiffness and swelling of the hocks, stifle
joints, or knees. A purulent secretion may escape from an opened
joint. There may be a general septic condition.
TREATMENT
Not much can be done in the case of badly afifected animals
other than to open and disinfect the navel stump and to nourish the
animal artificially with milk. Recovery is rarely complete.
To prevent the disease place the pregnant ewes, shortly before
lambing, in clean, disinfected quarters containing clean, fresh striw.
Smear the navel cord of the newborn lamb with Elk's Absorbing
Ointment as soon after birth as possible and repeat daily for two
or three days. Tying the navel cord close to the navel is also ad-
visable.
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 191
Diseases Common to Sheep
JAUNDICE (Icterus, Yellows)
Jaundice is a common disease of sheep, but is not often noticed
except at slaughter. It is characterized by the yellowish appearance
of the tissues of the body.
CAUSE
Jaundice results from various affections of the liver, flukes being
a common cause. When the bile does not flow freely into the intestine
the coloring matter is absorbed into the blood, and a yellowish color-
ation of the body results.
SYMPTOMS
The membranes of the mouth, nostrils and eye are yellowish. The
urine is stained varying shades of yellow. On postmortem the carcass
shows a yellow discoloration which often disappears after a day or two.
TREATMENT
A purgative, such as Bovolax, may be given, likewise opportunity
for exercise.
192 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
ICTEROHEMATURIA
(Red Water, Malarial Fever, Jaundice)
Icterohematuria is a highly fatal, febrile disease which is apparent-
ly restricted to limited areas. It has been reported from certain val-
leys in Montana and from Colorado.
CAUSE
In Europe the disease has been attributed to a blood parasite of
microscopic size. In this country its cause has not been definitely es-
tablished.
SYMPTOMS
Severe cases are characterized by weakness ; reddish or bloody
urine; yellowish coloration of the membranes of the eye and nostrils;
swelling of the head, ears, or neck; stupor, unconsciousness, and some-
times convulsions followed by death in from two to five days after
symptoms are noticed. In mild cases no marked symptoms may be
observed, but yellowish discoloration of the body tissues is seen on
slaughter.
POST-MORTEM APPEARANCE
The skin and fat are yellowish in color, and the muscles slightly
yellowish. The blood is pale, the liver is yellowish and easily crum-
bled, and the gall bladder is filled with yellowish-green or greenish-
black bile. Kidneys are enlarged, soft, and contain a bloody or dark-
colored urine. The bladder contains bloody or chocolate-colored urine.
Yellowish or yellowish-green gelatinous liquid is found beneath the
skin, between the muscles, or in the body cavities.
TREATMENT
Quinine, one-third teaspoonful twice daily, is recommended, also
Bovolax, from one to three ounces. The disease is preventive by keep-
ing sheep away from pastures where the condition exists.
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 193
PERITONITIS
Peritonitis is an inflammation of the membrane lining the belly
cavity and covering the abdominal organs.
CAUSE
It is seen generally after castration of lambs or following inflam-
mation of the womb in ewes. It results from infection.
SYMPTOMS
The principal symptoms are evidences of abdominal pain. There
is plaintive bleating, grinding of the teeth, and the animal frequently
draws the head around toward the flank. The temperature rises. The
hind legs may be dragged stiffly and the belly may be tucked up. Fluid
may be felt in the belly.
TREATMENT
The castration wound should be washed with antiseptics. vStimu-
lating liniments or mustard water may be applied to the abdomen.
ASCITES (Abdominal Dropsy, Water Belly)
The condition known as ascites represents an accumulation of fluid
in the belly.
CAUSE
Ascites may be present in several general diseases, and in perito-
nitis, internal parasitic infestation, or in debilitated animals, especially
during pregnancy.
SYMPTOMS
Gradual enlargement or bulging of the belly is a common symptom.
Manipulation of the belly will cause the fluid to fluctuate or move
about. There is a dull sound on thumping the abdomen. Affected
ewes may give birth to water-bellied lambs.
194 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
TREATMENT
The ailment which causes the condition should be treated. Give
one-half teaspoonful of potassium iodid in a little water as a drench.
The belly may be tapped and the fluid drawn off.
ANEMIA (Hydremia, Chlorosis)
Anemia is a condition in which the blood is deficient in either
quality or quantity.
CAUSE
It is most frequently due to insufficient feed or to feed deficient
in proteins and mineral substances, such as iron. It occurs often in
animals grazing on marshy pastures. Ewes suckling lambs become
anemic when the quantity or quality of feed is inadequate for their
needs. Anemia is also associated with parasites.
SYMPTOMS
The visible membranes of the eye, nose and mouth are pale. There
is dullness, weakness, and emaciation. A dropsical swelling forms
under the lower jaw and may extend down the neck to the chest. The
belly becomes dropsical. The wool is lusterless, harsh, or brittle, and
falls off in patches. Diarrhea is present in the late stages. The animal
may die from loss of strength after several weeks, or the disease may
continue for months.
TREATMENT
Change of food or pasture is essential. A sufficient quantity of
nutritious feed should be given; also administer iron sulphate (cop-
peras) in from 8 to 15 grain doses daily. Arsenic in the form of
Fowler's solution in from one-quarter to 1 teaspoonful daily and vege-
table tonics, such as gentian or ginger, in from I to 2 teaspoonful
doses are of value in aiding rapid recovery.
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETIN 195
RICKETS (Rachitis, Leg Weakness)
Rickets is a disease of lambs in which the bones are soft and
flexible from retarded hardening due to lack of proper mineral salt.
CAUSE
F'ailure of the bones to receive enough mineral salts, especially
lime, may be due to faulty processes in the body, but is usually due to
lack of lime salts in the feed and to lack of exercise. Suckling lambs
may become affected if the mothers do not get feed enough, or if the
feed is low in lime content. Some soils are deficient in lime, and feed
grown on them is also deficient. Lambs closely confined, even if prop-
erly fed, may develop rickets.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms arc most apparent in the long bones of the legs.
Nodular enlargements may be observed on the ends or sides of the
bones, which are soft and porous. They are bcnl oi' bowed outward,
inward, or backward. The spine may be curved also. .Stiffness or
lameness is present. The animal does not like to move about, lies
down a good deal, or crawls about and kneels when eating. The sec-
ond set of teeth is slow in coming. The licking or nibbling of walls
is observed, and there is a desire for filth and for foul water.
TREATMENT
Lambs should not be penned closely, but should be allowed plenty
of room for exercise. They should also have nutritious feed, grown
on good soil. Lambs should be given new pasture or plenty of green
feed, timothy hay, clover, alfalfa, pea hay, oats, linseed cake, or other
feeds rich in lime and phosphates. Dams of nurslings should be well
fed on such feeds. Chalk (calcium carbonate) may be given to ewes
with suckling lambs, or to lambs, in doses from one-half to 2 teaspoon-
fuls daily, or sodium phosphate may be alternated with the chalk.
196 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
GOITER (Big Neck, WooUess Lambs)
Goiter is characterized by a swelling of the thyroid, which is
situated in the throat just below the lower jaw. It is quite common in
sheep in various regions. Lambs from affected flocks show absence
of wool and enlargement of the throat. Many are born dead, and
some die shortly after birth. Those that live are often unthrifty.
CAUSE
The disease is caused by lack of iodin in the thyroid gland. This
appears to be due to a scarcity of iodin in the vegetation and water in
certain districts. Where the pregnant ewe can not get iodin enough
the normal growth of the fetus is arrested.
TREATMENT
In flocks where the disease exists pregnant ewes should be given
potassium iodid daily for three months before lambing. One-half ounce
of potassium iodid mixed with one-half ounce of milk sugar and dis-
solved in the drinking water daily is sufficient for 100 ewes.
RHEUMATISM
CAUSE
Rheumatism does not occur so often as a separate affection as
formerly believed. Symptoms of soreness, lameness, or stiffness as-
sociated with various internal diseases are popularly termed rheuma-
tism. Rheumatism, independent of other ailments, is generally due
to cold drafts and dampness. It affects the muscles and to a less ex-
tent the joints. Young animals are usually affected.
TREATMENT
Protection against the causes, with application of National Elec-
tric Cream to the affected parts, will help restore the animal to health.
RURAL VETERINARY ^ECRET^ 197
WOOL EATING
CAUSE
Wool eating is observed principally in winter, when sheep are
confined to close quarters. It is often a bad habit, which, when started
by one or more animals, is imitated by others. In other cases lack of
elements in the feed may cause the hal)it.
SYMPTOMS
Lambs begin by gnawing the wool of their mothers, usually on
the thighs and abdomen. Older sheep may select one animal and eat
all its wool before turning to another. W^ool eating may become gen-
eral in the flock. A few lambs may become anemic, show digestive
disturbance, or even die as the result of the formation of wool balls
in a compartment of the stomach and the subsequent plugging of the
intestine.
TREATMENT
Wool eaters and their victims should be removed from the flock.
Animals should be turned out for exercise, and nutritious feed should
be provided.
198 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
BIGHEAD
Bighead is characterized by a sudden swelling of the head and
ears. The affection is not very widely distributed. It is found in Utah
and the surrounding States, and greatest losses occurring in southern
and central Utah, southern Idaho, eastern Nevada, and western and
southern Wyoming. It is also seen occasionally in sheep brought as
feeders from those regions into the Middle Western States. In such
cases the disease occurs shortly after the arrival of the animal early
in the autumn if the heat is excessive.
CAUSE
The definite cause of bighead is not known, though climatic con-
ditions have much to do with its appearance. Sheep are usually af-
fected during the early spring and early summer while being driven
from the winter to the summer ranges, more commonly before shear-
ing. Bighead appears to be most prevalent after a cold or stormy
night, when the day following turns hot and the animals are driven
fast in the hot sun, and when they are compelled to inhale a consider-
able quantity of alkali dust. It affects males and females alike, though
it is seldom seen in young lambs. This condition affects sheep in much
the same way as man is affected by poison ivy. The disease is not
transmissible from one sheep to another or to other animals. All ex-
periments with transfusion of blood or injection of serum from affect-
ed sheep to healthy ones were without results.
The disease of sheep in Europe, known as fagopyrism or buck-
wheat poisoning, is similar to bighead. In one experiment in America
bighead was produced by feeding buckwheat and exposing the animals
to the sun. In another experiment the results were negative. On the
desert and on different parts of the trail sheep eat a number of plants
that belong to the buckwheat family, and it is possible that the trouble
may come from that scource.
SYMPTOMS
The first noticeable symptom is that the animal begins to throw
its head up and sidewise in a jerking manner. It is greatly irritated
and shakes the head and tries to rub it. The animal walks aimlessly
through the flock, often stamping its feet on the ground, and seldom
standing still very long. The eyesight is affected, as the animal fol-
lows a direct line, sometimes running into other sheep and other ob-
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
199
Bighead of sheep, showing swelling of eyelid, face and ear (ear had been
cropped). Scabs on ear, eyelid, and nose due to drying of exuded
serum. Catarrhal, stringy discharge hangs from nose.
(After Buckley).
200 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
jects in its path. In that condition some of the sheep wander away
from the flock and are lost, either dying as a result of exhaustion and
starvation or becoming a prey to wild animals.
If the animal is watched after the jerking of the head begins,
one can see the ears turn red and enlarge. At about the same time
the cheeks show congested appearance. Ears and cheeks continue
to enlarge to enormous proportions, the ears drooping as a result
of their weight. After the swellings are about complete, small
drops of serum of a light-yellow color begin to exude from them.
The entire face becomes so swollen as to close the eyes, and in some
cases the internal pressure of the serum forces the eyeballs out of
their sockets. Fever is always present and shows itself early, the
temperature ranging from 104° to 107° F. In the severe forms this
occurs in from 30 minutes to one hour. The vision being obstructed,
the animal can not see its feed and the lips, cheeks and tongue are
so badly congested that the eating is impossible. In many cases
the tongue fills the mouth entirely. In some cases there is a dis-
turbance of the breathing due to pressure on the trachea and inflam-
mation of the air passages. To some extent this may be due to
excitement, and when in that condition the sheep, if allowed to, will
continue to chase around until completely exhausted and will then
lie down, usually never to rise. Others that are only slightly
effected may recover. The skin often cracks or peels off the swelled
areas and many animals lose the wool over the entire body. Sheep
once affected are never as good as formerly, as they become un-
thrifty. Many of the ewes that carry lambs lose them,
POST-MORTEM APPEARANCE
Sheep killed during the early stages of the disease show
petechiae (purplish spots) in the nostrils and all tissues of the head,
trachea and lungs. There is an accumulation of serous or jellylike
fluid around the eyes, in the cheeks, between the ears, below the
jaws, and under the mucous membrane of the mouth and tongue.
When sheep die as a result of this condition, the jelly-like
material is found in different parts of the body under the mucous
and serous membranes and in some of the m;uscles. There are often
small hemorrhagic spots along the intestinal tract and around the
kidneys. There is a congestion and thickening of the walls of the
lymphatics, with a swelling of the lymph glands. The blood circu-
lation of the head in many instances is nearly shut off by the pres-
sure of the swollen condition. The brain and spinal cord of the
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 201
dead animal contain an excessive amount of serum. The muscle
tissue appears normal in most ]jarts of tlie body except the head.
TREATMENT
Different medicinal substances were experimented with on
affected sheep with the view of finding some specific that might
overcome the trouble. The substances that do the animals most
good are emollients, such as vaseline or olive oil, applied to the
head. Whenever affected sheep have absolute rest and some pro-
tection from the direct rays of the sun and their heads are smeared
with emollients they recover in a short time, while those that are
not treated in this manner but are driven indefinitely without these
precautions, become severely affected, many of them dying as a
result.
The malady is prevented by handling sheep properly, not driv-
ing them too far or too fast on the trail during the heat, especially
before shearing in the spring.
Sheepmen should not become excited when bighead develops
in their flocks and cause the herders to rush the sheep over the
ground, as they do where poisonous plants exist. Keep the animals
cool so far as possible, and many great losses can be prevented.
SORE EYES
(Conjunctivitis, Ophthalmia, the Blinds)
CAUSE
Disorders of the eye may arise from a number of causes.
Inflammation may follow injuries, or inclusions of dust, seeds, pol-
len, etc., or may accompany other diseases, such as catarrh. At
times inflammation of the eye becomes prevalent in a particular
district or region.
SYMPTOMS
The eye is kept closed, especially when exposed to light. Tears
flow freely. At first the discharge is watery, but later it may
become purulent. The eye membranes are swollen and red. The
202 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
eyeball may become clouded or milk white, and in bad cases it may
ulcerate and rupture. Cataract and blindness frequently follow
successive attacks of ophthalmia.
TREATMENT
Any foreign matter in the eye should be removed. The eye
should be washed with 3 per cent boric-acid solution, or, better
still, after washing the eyes with lukewarm water place several
drops of 15 per cent solution of argyrol on the eyeball. Treatment
should be given twice a day, the animal being kept in a dark place
if possible.
STOMATITIS
(Necrotic Stomatitis, Sore Mouth of Lambs, Thrush)
Stomatitis is an inflammation of the mouth. It may occur in
several forms, as catarrhal, aphthous, necrotic and mycotic.
CAUSE
Catarrhal stomatitis, or simple redness of the mouth, is due to
irritants in the feed or to irritating mineral or poisonous substances.
Aphthous and necrotic stomatitis are caused by micro-organisms.
Mycotic stomatitis is caused by fungi or molds.
SYMPTOMS
In catarrhal stomatitis a diffuse of the redness of membranes
covering the tongue, cheeks, and hard palate is observed. In the
aphthous form patches of yellowish-gray false membranes, made
up of cast-off fibrin and exudates, are found on the tongue, gums,
and at other points in the mouth and throat. In the necrotic form
small ulcers or decayed spots are present. The mycotic form also
presents ulcerated areas.
In all forms suckHng or the taking of feed is painful. Saliva
dribbles from the mouth. A disagreeable odor is given off. Fre-
quently the animal is stiff" in the limbs, and the back may be arched.
There is an unthrifty appearance and loss of flesh. In very young
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 203
lambs the disease takes a rapid and fatal course. Older animals
generally recover.
TREATMENT
Separate the sick from tlie healthy. Lambs unable to suck
should receive milk artificially. Older animals should have bran
mashes, ground feed, or gruels. The mouth should be swabbed out
daily with such antiseptics as compound solution of cresol, carbolic
acid, or permanganate of potash in 2 per cent solution. It is also
beneficial to dissolve 2 tablespoonfuls of borax in each pail of drink-
ing water.
CHOKING
CAUSE
Choking occurs as the result of the lodging of a piece of root
or dry, coarse feed in the guUrt.
SYMPTOMS
Difificult breathing, head stretched out, attempts to swallow or
to vomit, stoppage of rumination, and bloating suggest choking.
hVeling ahmg the gullet will reveal the obstruction.
TREATMENT
If the obstruction is near the mouth it ma}^ be fished out with
the fingers or an instrument, or forced up by outside pressure. If
farther down, a little linseed oil may be given and the material
pushed toward the paunch by means of a rubber tube or stout
looped wire. In obstinate cases immediate slaughter may be advis-
able.
204 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
INDIGESTION
(Impaction of Rumen, Atony of Stomach, Grass
Staggers)
CAUSE
Indigestion results from the presence of other diseases; from
feeding coarse, fibrous, indigestible feed with little green feed ; from
spoiled feed ; or from overloading the stomach. The fourth stomach
of lambs may become impacted with curdled milk.
SYMPTOMS
There is dullness, loss of appetite and rumination, bad-smelling
eructation with passing at long intervals of bad-smelling, dry, un-
digested dung in small quantities. The left flank may be distended
and feel doughy to the touch.
TREATMENT
Give purgatives, such as Bovolax in from 2 to 3 ounce doses,
or castor or linseed oil from 3 to 6 ounces. One-half ounce of tur-
pentine may be mixed with the oil. Work up the paunch with the
hands over the left flank. When the animal begins to eat give suc-
culent green feed for a few days.
DIARRHEA (Dysentery)
CAUSE
Common diarrhea, as distinguished from white scours of lambs
and from diarrhea associated with specific disease, is due to disturb-
ances in the digestive system from irritants in the feed, change to
al^undance of succulent feed, spoiled feed, exposure after shearing,
oi^ to the presence of parasitic worms in the intestine.
TREATMENT
The feed should be examined and regulated. Adverse condi-
tions should be corrected. It is best to give a purgative, such as
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 205
Bovolax, 4 ounces, or castor or linseed oil, 4 ounces, to remove the
irritating matter. If diarrhea persists, subnitrate of bismuth may
be given in from one-half to 1 tcaspoonful doses.
CONSTIPATION
CAUSE
Constipation may be a symptom of certain stages of general
diseases. Simple constipation is due to digestive disturbances
resulting from indigestible dry feed with insufficient water, wool
balls, especially in lambs, or lack of exercise in stalled rams.
SYMPTOMS
The animal is dull, appetite is decreased, the mouth is dry, and
sometimes colicky pains are evident. Attempts are made to defe-
cate and the feces are hard and coated with mucus.
TREATMENT
Grown sheep should be given 4 ounces Bovolax in a quart of
water. Lambs should be given a smaller quantity, actrotding to
size, or 2 ounces of castor or linseed oil. Succulent green feed
should be fed for several days.
RETENTION OF THE MECONIUM
Retention of the meconium is observed in new-born lambs
which fail to pass the dung soon after birth.
SYMPTOMS
There are evidences of colicky pains as a result of intestinal
irritation.
TREATMENT
Give an injection of linseed oil into the rectum ; also a tcaspoon-
ful of castor oil by the mouth.
206 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
PARALYSIS
Paralysis, is a loss of motion or sensation in a part of the body
and generally depends upon brain or nerve derangement. Com-
monly, however, the term is used to express lack of movement,
whether due to absence of nerve control, to extreme weakness, or
to disincUnation to move as a result of pain.
CAUSE
True paralysis in the sheep is present in the late stages of
rabies, in parturient paralysis or milk fever, in meningitis, and in
gid. Conditions resembling paralysis are found in a number of
infectious and noninfectious diseases.
TREATMENT
Treatment depends upon the cause and follows the lines indi-
cated for the diseases with which it is associated.
BLOODY URINE (Hematuria)
CAUSE
Reddish urine may be symptom of several diseases, such as
anthrax, hemorrhagic septicemia, icterohematuria, inflammation of
the kidneys or bladders, and urinar}' calculi (stones). It may also
follow the eating of frozen feed or poisonous plants.
TREATMENT
The condition which causes a reddening of the urine should
be discovered, if possible, and treated.
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 207
DANDRUFF (False Scab, TaUow Scab)
Whitish, yellowish or brownish-yellow greasy scales may be
tibserved on the back, shoulders, breast, or neck. The scales consist
of oily secretion and cells of the outer layer of the skin. Itching is
absent, but the animal may pull wool from the affected areas.
CAUSE
Frequently no cause is apparent, but animals in poor condition
or suffering from other ailments are most often affected.
TREATMENT
The disease is not of common occurrence and is of small impor-
tance. Good nourishment and care of the skin generally correct the
disorder.
BALDNESS (Alopecia, Falling Out of the Wool)
Baldness is observed as a symptom or as a result of several
diseases, namely, scab, blue bag, metritis, eczema, ringworm, or
dandruff. Its control rests upon the proper treatment of the disease
from which it results.
CHAPTER XIV.
Diseases Common to Poultry
ROUP
Roup is a contagious disease of poultry resembling the early stages
of a severe cold, the discharge being offensive. Isolate all affected
birds, kill or use anti-toxin. Disinfect the hen houses thoroughly.
The following will aid in determining what makes a fowl sick, to-
gether with brief notes on treatment :
CHOLERA
Cholera is the result of overcrowding, hlth, impure water and feed.
Use a little soda, alum or carbolic acid, 30 drops to one quart of the
drinking water, disinfect the runs with lime, also the house.
CANKER
Canker in the result of dampness and tilth. Powder mouth and
throat with burnt alum, disinfect the quarters.
APOPLEXY
Apoplexy is the result of overfeeding and lack of exercise. Give
a teaspoonful of Castor Oil, vegetable diet, cold water to head.
SOFT SHELLED EGGS
Soft shells are the result of overfeeding or lack of lime in the food.
Give oyster shells, cut bone and a vegetable diet.
210 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
LEG WEAKNESS
Leg weakness is the result of in-breeding and overfeeding, lack of
bone forming food and grit. Give one grain of quinine daily, grit,
vegetable diet, and cut bone.
SORE EYES AND PIP
Damp houses.
BUMBLE FOOT
Bumble foot in poultry is due to too high roosts, causing bruising"
of the feet and the formation of an abscess. Bathe in hot water, lance
and let out the pus, and remove the cause.
DIARRHOEA
Damp houses, filthy runs and houses, bad feeding. The same
treatment as for cholera.
CROP BOUND
Overfeeding and lack of grit. Give castor oil and milk and knead
carefully.
Unless your poultry are valuable stock, kill at once if diseased.
Doctoring is expensive in time and money.
POULTRY LICE
Poultry lice cause intense itching and loss ,of condition in the host,
and should not be permitted to exist in any up-to-date poultry house.
Cases are cited in which animals, (horses, etc.), have become affected
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 211
when the poultry roosted with them. The removal of the poultry and
the use of insect powder, if in winter, or the creolin lotion in summer,
together with the plentiful use of kerosene or hot lime wash, will over-
come the trouble. Use sulphur lavishly or insect powder in the nests.
Hen houses should be thoroughly treated twice yearly with hot lime
wash, the roosts and nests being plentifully dowsed with kerosene. A
leaspoonful of corrosive sublimate to each bucket of wash will kill and
keep lice out of the henhouse.
CHAPTER XV.
Practical Application of Medicines
and Home Remedies
Almost every farmer or stock owner has an occasional opportunity
to administer medicine of some kind to his cattle in case of sickness or
otherwise. For this purpose various methods have been applied, such
as passing a piece of garden hose down the throat of the patient to avoid
the medicine going down the trachea (wind-pipe) and into the lungs,
where it usually sets up a severe irritation which results in congestion
or inflammation of the lungs. The piece of hose is passed down the
throat far enough to pass the glottis or valve which protects the trachea,
so that the medicine will surely pass down into the regular alimentary
canal. At the upper end of this hose is attached an ordinary funnel,
so that the medicine can easily be poured into the hose. This practice
looks reasonable and simple, but does not work quite so easily as it
appears to, for the animal will always fight when you attempt to insert
the hose, and it is only natural for her to do so, as it is far from being
what she is used to.
The less variation you make from Ihe usual practice of treating
an animal the better she takes to it. The simplest method is the most
successful method. When using the hose and funnel you nuist confine
the animal by fastening her in a stanchion or another secure place of
confinement, where she cannot oflfer much resistance.
The most common and probably the most practical way is the one
displayed at the head of this article, where the patient is treated kindly
by soothing words and gentle petting until she is convinced that no
harm shall befall her. The animal is not confined at all if of a gentle
disposition, and if the contrary, it is best to confine her in her own
stanchion, in the barn where she feels most at home and will be content.
After having your medicine well diluted with water, which is a very
important point, in administering medicine to ruminants, or animals
with four stomachs, such as the cow, sheep and goat, you place it in a
long necked wine bottle and take your place on either side of the head,
passing your arm around the opposite side anterior to the horns and
grasping the opposite lower jaw firmly, thereby pressing her head
214
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
Practical method of administering medicine to cattle.
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 215
tightly to your body s,o she will have no chance to swing it from side to
side. Raising the head as shown in the illustration, you can
now easily pour the medicine down into her mouth without exciting
the patient and she will offer little or no resistance.
METHODS TO BE AVOIDED
Never pull out the patient's tongue while you are giving medicine,
as she needs it to perform the act of swallowing to prevent the medi-
cine from going down the wrong channel. The practice of having an
attendant i)inch his thumb and linger into the nostrils should be avoided
above all, as it interferes with respiration and excites the animal, where-
by it makes an effort to breathe through its mouth, thus leaving the
glottis open, which admits the fluid into the trachea, down into the
lungs and frequently leads to fatal results.
THE NECESSITY OF FREELY DILUTING YOUR
MEDICINE IN WATER
Owing to the complicated anatcjmical construction of a cow's
stomach, which is divided into four sei)arate stomachs or compart-
ments, it is absolutely necessary to dilute your medicines largely, say
at least in a quart or two of water for each dose, so that the fluid will
pass into the reticulum or second stomach, which is the natural recep-
tacle for fluids. If it were given in the form of a mass, bolis or semi-
mass, it might pass into the rumen with the unmasticated food, where
it is liable to be returned to the mouth during rumination, and its
peculiar taste w^ould ])rompt the patient to throw it out, or drop it from
the mouth, without its having a chance to be taken into the system
where it should bring about its desired effect.
216 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
MODE OF GIVING MEDICINE
Animals are all more or less difficult to give medicine to; there-
fore, the stockman must be careful to give it in such a way as to annoy
the patient as little as possible and yet avoid wasting the medicine.
Different methods have to be followed with the various farm animals.
The stronger animals, such as horses and cows, require a certain
amount of restraint in order to give the drugs successfully.
To get the efifect of medicine they must be introduced into the
body.
Medicines are taken into the system by three channels :
1. THROUGH THE DIGESTIVE TRACT, in such cases being
given by the mouth, in the form of powders, drenches or balls, and per
rectum, by injection into the bowel.
2. THROUGH THE ORGANS OF RESPIRATION, causing
the animal to breathe the drug, this is known as the inhalation method,
and is useful in such diseases as strangles (colt distemper) or worms in
the air passages (sheep and calves).
3. THROUGH THIC SKIN, the medicines being ab-sorbed. There
are subdivisions of this, the absorptive method, the first one of which
is employed by stockmen, the other being used by the veterinarian
whenever necessary. They are :
(a) Epidermically, rubbing into the skin (epidermis) the general
way of using blisters.
(b) Endermically, the drug being applied under the skin. The
rowel and seton are used in this method.
(c) Hypodermically, the placing of the drug or serum under the
skin or into the tissues by the aid of the hypodermic syringe. At the
present time the professional man uses this method in the giving of
cocaine, morphine, etc., the testing of animals with tuberculin and mal-
lein. when performing preventive inoculation for blackleg, and in the
use of serum.
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 217
GIVING MEDICINES TO HORSES
1. Powders, if not objectionable to the animal, may be given in the
feed. When distasteful may be mixed with molasses and placed on
the back of the tongue with a spoon or wooden paddle. The latter
way is a nice method of giving drugs to horses suffering with sore
throat, etc.
2. Drenching is the old way of giving fluids, and is a useful way
when large quantities are to be given. Back the horse in a single stall
and raise the head by means of a stable fork placed through the nose
band of the headstall, (halter), or better take a hame strap, buckle it,
thus making a loop; slip into the mouth just back of the front upper
teeth, then raise by means of a rope or fork until the teeth are a little
above the horizontal. The medicine which is in a tin, hard rubber, or
even a strong glass bottle or funnel, is poured in from the off side. The
person drenching steadies the head with his left hand on the headstall,
which should be slack enough to let the mouth open, and slowly pours in
about a half cupful at a time. IF ANY ATTEMPTS AT COUGH-
ING ARh: MADE, AT ONCE LET THE Hl^AD DOWN. Never
sieze the tongue or pinch the nostrils when drenching. If the animal
does not swallow readily tickle the roof of the mouth with one or two
fingers. In some cases a person giving the drench may get on the
horse's back, sitting well forward, draw the head round to the off side
by the halter with the left hand and drench with the bottle in the right
hand. The application of the rope or the noose twitch will often be
sufficient.
A method sometimes used in drenching sick horses is to give the
medicine while the patient is lying down. The operator must be agile,
strong and watchful. A halter is placed on the animal and as soon as
he lies down the halter is grasped tightly on its under side so as to throw
the nose of the horse in the air, the poll being held tight to the ground.
The operator will be at the back of the horse and will place his knee on
the patient's neck, and then pour the drench in slowly and at short
intervals. If necessary the animal may be thrown and the head tied
to a surcingle. Whenever it is desired to restrain a horse and keep him
down by holding his head, the poll should be held to the ground, the
nose up, the back of the head being drawn well back.
Fluids in any quantities may be given with a metal or a hard rub-
l)cr 2 ounce dose syringe, (a syringe with an 8 or 10 inch long nozzle
is preferable). This is a very clean, nice method, one which is now
almost exclusively practiced, as it is practical and the patient is sure
to get all of the dose. The operator stands in front of the animal, with
218 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
his left hand on the animal's nose, the patient being held firmly by an
attendant or backed into a single stall. The long nozzle of the syringe
is then inserted into the mouth through the left dental space and passed
straight down the center of the tongue its full length when the dose
is discharged. This is much safer and more satisfactory than giving
balls. Fluids can also be given in gelatin capsules.
BALLING — Considerable dexterity is required to properly ball
a horse. To do so the operator stands in front of his patient and with
his left hand gently draws the tongue forward two to three inches. The
right hand carrying the ball resting on the second and fourth fingers,
the third finger on top of it, is carried back in a straight line to the
root of the tongue, where the ball is left, the tongue at once released
and the head withdrawn. A few sips of water may be given and, if
properly done, the ball will be seen to travel down the near side of the
neck.
SHEEP
Sheep may be drenched by backing into a corner, getting astride
of the animal. Elevate the head, slightly with the left hand, with the
right hand pour in the fluid. For lambs and sheep difficult to drench,
the operator should set the animal up on its romp, with its head between
his knees, the medicine can be" poured in with little risk of choking.
PRECAUTIONS — Cattle and sheep are easily choked when
drenching, therefore, it must be remembered that to avoid loss,
only small cjuantities should be given to be swallowed at one time, and
if coughing occurs, due to some of the medicine going the wrong way,
the head must at once be lowered, so that any fluid in the mouth may
run out. I have known of many animals killed by neglect of these
precautions.
PIGS
Pigs may be drenched by putting a noose over the upper part of
the snout. When the animal will hang back on its haunches and squeal,
the medicine can be spooned in slowly. Pigs will take oil, salts and
other medicines if given mixed with sweet milk in the trough.
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 219
SIMPLE FARM MEDICINES
'J"he up-to-date stockman will have his chest of medicines for his
slock, not with the idea of treating anything or everything, but for the
])urpose of meeting unexpected conditions and for the treatment of
simple diseases, such as are herein described. Before any person can
use or prescribe medicines intelligently it is essential that they under-
stand the actions and doses of those medicines ; not only is it essential
that the stockman know something about medicines, and that some-
thing well ; he must also know the best methods of giving such medi-
cines. The kernel of the matter is that the stockman must be an ANI-
MAL NlT'iSI'^, in order to render efficient service when his stock are
sick. Medicines are often classified according to their actions, each
class being given a distinctive name. The utility of such a classifica-
tion is at once seen, e. g., an animal is sick, the owner instead of being
told to use a specific drug such as iron, is advised to use a tonic '(feri-
tone). Running over the list of drugs in his farm medicine chest, he
remembers that he has such a drug there with a tonic action, and uses
it, whereas, had he not understood the term, the animal would have
had to go untreated.
With a view of relieving the farmer or stockman from the neces-
sity of becoming an a|)othecary, the writer simplifies his treatments by
advising as few drugs as possible and only those which are the latest
and most reliable for each particular case. Thus the stockman is not
compelled to keep on hand a small drug store and must not necessaril}'
also l)e a therapeutist.
NOTICE — When recommending a remedy, the writer frequently
specifies some specific remedy, such as National I'ovolax. This is to
assure the readers that the said drug is recognized by the "National
Live Stock Sanitary Association", as being the most reliable and
efifective agent for the specific purpose for which it is being prescribed.
The VAk's brands of veterinary remedies are also recognized by the
"National Live Stock Sanitary Association". They are reliable and
up-to-date. The stockman can safely add such as are here recom-
mended to his list in the farm medicine chest.
CHAPTER XVI.
Miscellaneous
DISINFECTION OF STABLES
This is a very important subject for the stockman to understand
AS he can by this means do more to Hmit and stamp out contagious
diseases than by any other method. CarboHc acid, bichloride of mer-
cury (corrosive subhmate), chloride of zinc and numerous other anti-
septics, including creolin, chloronaphtholcum, zenoleum, may
he used for this purpose. Empty the stables, then burn up all bedding
used in the infected barn. Sprinkle the floors with sawdust which has
been soaked with a ten per cent solution of carbolic acid, or a 1 to 1,000
solution of corrosive sublimate, letting it remain for twenty-four hours,
then rake up and place with the manure. Sprinkle the floor with chlo-
ride of lime or some of the antiseptics mentioned; flush out the drains
with the same antiseptics. Take a ten per cent solution of hot soft soap
and water and scrub out stalls, mangers, feed boxes, etc., when dry use
a knapsack sprayer and apply hot carbolic whitewash (crude carbolic
enough to make a three to five per cent solution) over the walls and
ceiling. Sulphur is sometimes burned in stables, for which purpose
one pound of sulphur is needed to every thousand cubic feet.
Harness should be washed with a hot soap solution and oiled after-
ward. Disinfection is rendered much easier if the floors of the stables
are of cement and the fittings of iron. After the disinfection allow lots
of light and pure air to enter and do not allow piles of manure, etc., to
accumulate in the stable.
THE HORN FLY OF CATTLE (Grubs)
The Horn Fly is very common in some seasons. It is a little, black
fly, often found in clusters around the horn base. For its prevention
bi-weekly applications of fish oil containing carbolic acid, one ounce to
the gallon of oil and applied along the back and around the horns. Its
effects are too well known to need description. The use of this mixture
will also tend to keep oft" the warbly fly, the effects of which are seen in
the warbles found on the backs o(f cattle. When removed the warble
222 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
or grub, (larvae of the fly) should be at once destroyed. Hides are
often materially injured owing to attacks of this fly during the life
of the animal. Four ounces of flowers of sulphur, one gill spirits
of tar, train oil one quart, mixed and applied along the spine once a
week will tend to prevent the ravages of this fly.
EXTERNAL PARASITES (Lice)
Lice are the common epidermic parasites of small insects which
infect all farm animals, including dogs and poultry. They make their
presence known by causing an intense itching of the skin, which induces
the animal to rub or scratch the parts, often to such an extent as to
render the parts bare and even draw blood. The lice multiply rapidly
and soon become general in a herd. A herd thus afl^ected cannot thrive
until the little mischief-makers are all destroyed.
TREATMENT
The most convenient way to destroy the parasites is to place a few
oimces of Louse and Fly Destroyer in a common fly spray and spray
the animals once daily for three or four days or until relieved. This
is the most effective way to destroy lice or flies and is not .expensive.
RURAL VETERINARY SECRET8 223
INTERNAL PARASITES (Bots)
BOTS are the larvae of gad-flies, which lay their orange-colored
eggs on the legs and between the jaws of horses. The eggs are licked
off or fall into the feed and are thus swallowed by the horse, where
Ihey are hatched out in the stomach, where the larvae (bot) will stay
for months, later being passed out in the dung to be hatched out as the
gad-fly, so well known to horsemen and so much dreaded by their
charges. It is doubtful if any horses in this country are free from bots,
post-mortems invariably showing them to be present in varying num-
bers. The preventive treatment is to destroy the eggs. A cloth damp-
ened with kerosene will tend to remove them. The effect of bots de-
])ends on the number present; if few, no ill effects are noticed; but if
many, the horse is unthrifty, suffers from indigestion and may die
from their effects on the stomach walls. They are fastened on the
stomach walls very firmly and it is doubtful whether medicines have
much effect. Turpentine, two ounces in one and one-half pints of new
milk three mornings in succession, given on an empty stomach, will
probably be as effectual as any drug. Copperas powders, owing to their
tonic and astringent effect on the mucous membranes, will also be bene-
ficial ; tartar emetic, two drams in food daily for two weeks might be
used in place of the drench.
PIN WORMS
PIN WORMS are small, thin, whip-like worms, one to one and
.one-half inches long, found in the posterior bowel, (rectum). While
producing little disturbance of the general health, they manifest them-
selves as a rule by a yellow', waxy matter around the anus and by rub-
bing of the tail and hind parts. The worms may also be found in or
passed with the excrement. The treatment is mainly local, by means
of injections. First give an injection to clean out the bowel, and follow
it with one of salt and water, one ounce of salt to one-half gallon of
water; or a decoction of quassia chips may be used. If the injections
fail to remove them, internal treatment will be needed.
224
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
i#ti"
U < ) I --.
I i.i.'i-, Ki till' sii»ii..i;i
.; u,.i.^..i;iie.iMi..kii.ii
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 225
ROUND WORMS
ROUND WORMS are the larger kind usually found in horses,
and when full grown are six to fourteen inches in length. They usually
inhabit the small intestines; when many are present the animal loses
condition, gets pot-bellied, has a rough coat, capricious appetite, shows
a tendency to eat dirt, with occasionally a colic or diarrhoea, and pres-
ence of worms in the dung. The riddance of a horse of these parasites
is not very difficult if a thorough effort is made to dislodge them. In
order to get the best effects the animal should be starved before giving
the drugs, which may be as follows :
National Vermifuge — 1 tablespoonful.
Common Charcoal — 3 tablespoonfuls.
mixed and given in the feed three times a day, followed by a dose of
aloes, or:
Two ounces turpentine, one pint new milk, given three successive
mornings on an empty stomach. The fourth morning give two drachms
Tartar Emetic in a pint of raw linseed oil ; if the horse has to be worked
steadily the following powders will be useful :
Powdered Copperas — 1 ounce.
Powdered Bluestones — 1 ounce.
Powdered Sugar — 2 ounces.
Mix and make into twelve powders, one to be given twice daily in the
feed.
W' orms are not common in cattle ; in sheep are the frequent cause
of losses and occasionally so in pigs.
STOMACH WORMS, usually found in lambs, are the most
serious and most common. They are very small, one-quarter to
one-third of an inch long, pale reddish in color, and are found in the
fourth stomach only. Lambs affected are thirsty, pale in the eyes,
lose weight, are dull, lose their appetite, may scour or eat dirt. Ben-
zine or gasoline, tAvo to four drachms in six ounces of new milk,
given three mornings in succession on an empty stomach, have been
highly recommended; creolin and milk in similar. doses may also be
used. National Vermifuge for sheep should be mixed with plenty
of salt and placed in the salt troughs.
TAPE WORMS when present cause symptoms similar to those
described for stomach worms. In addition, paleness of the skin and
226 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
mvicous membrane, brittleness of the fleece, loss of flesh, voracious
appetitie, pieces of the tape worm in the dung; they are more preva-
lent in wet seasons and on damp pastures. Turpentine in raw milk and
a decoction of pumpkin seeds are old and tried remedies ; Santonine,
as much as will lie on a five-cent piece, or tannate of pelletierine, three
to five grains, are new remedies recommended. The best preventive
treatment is to change the pastures and crop the old ones for a few
years.
LONG WORM
A long worm is sometimes found in the intestines of pigs. Unless
in considerable numbers they seldom cause much trouble. If suspected
give turpentine in milk or oil, or oil of wormseed.
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 227
DISEASES OF YOUNG STOCK
CONSTIPATION is a common trouble in foals the first few
days after birth. The food of the dam just previous to delivery not
having been of a laxative nature, or the first milk (colostrum) not
being taken by the foal, will thus account for this trouble in the major-
ity of cases. Calves, lambs, and pigs are rarely troubled as they usu-
ally get the first milk. The signs of this trouble are straining, rolling,
lying on the back, collicky symptoms, the belly tucked up ; the foal
sucking in a half-hearted way and the non-passage of feces are also
reliable indications. The preferable way to overcome the trouble is to
diet the dam, changing to food of a more laxative nature, e. g., bran
mashes with flax-seed, as the use of purgatives on a foal of such a
tender age is extremely dangerous. The finger may be oiled and intro-
duced into the rectum, the contents of a dark, tarry ball-like nature
removed; or a cone of soap may be placed in rectum and left there.
The injection of one-half ounce of glycerine or two ounces of raw
linseed oil in two or three ounces of water is very useful and may be
used in preference to the soap or oiled finger. Lambs should be
watched their first two weeks of life as the feces tend to stick to the
wool around the anus and thus form an obstacle to the passage of the
dung.
SCOURS (or Diarrhoea) is as a rule more or less serious, the
contagious form in calves, terms calf cholera or dysentery, being espe-
cially so. The common cause of Scours is the food, either as to its
quality, quantity, or regularity in giving it. In foals the disease is often
due to the use of purgatives to overcome the preceding trouble (con-
stipation) ; the drinking of warm, stale milk, the mare being worked
and the foal only allowed to suck at long intervals ; too rich or too
much milk. We may then consider scours in any animal a symptom of
indigestion, not as a disease in itself; the looseness of the bowels being
one evidence of Nature's endeavor to overcome the trouble. In calves
especially scouring is due to overfeeding, or feeding at too long inter-
vals, and the use of milk of a poor quality. Lambs sometimes scour
if the ewes are on pastures of a watery nature, green oats, etc. The
disease is soon evidenced by colicky pains, refusal of food, scour smell-
ing passages, the passage of watery feces with rapid loss of strength.
In some cases curdled milk is mixed with the dung.
The causes being known, the first thing in the treatment is to re-
228 BUBAL VETEBINABY 8ECBET8
move those causes ; the disease being seen in its earUest stages, give as
one dose :
Elk's Anti-Scour Compound — 1 dram.
Castor Oil — 1 ounce.
The dose may be larger or smaller depending on the size of the animal.
Lime water in one or two ounce doses fed with the milk is useful
in overcoming acidity and the consequent indigestion. Foals affected
with indigestion due to the dam's milk being too rich, should have the
svipply limited, the mare being milked on the ground. The rich condi-
tion of milk for calves can be overcome by diluting the milk with
warm water. Raw eggs with brandy and several other drugs are often
recommended. Subnitrate of bismuth in suitable doses is a very valu-
able drug when the digestive tract of young animals is in an irritable
condition.
NAVEL-ILL
NAVEL-ILL is rather a common disease of foals, occasionally of
calves and lambs. The measures to be adopted by the stockman are
those of a preventive character, such as dressing the navel with Elk's
Absorbing Ointment; have the mare to foal on the grass and if the
disease has appeared make a thorough disinfection of the foaling or
calving box or the lambing pens, as the case may be. The symptoms
shown are feverishness and constipation, loss of vigor, being quite dull
and reluctant to suck, lameness with swelling of one or more joints.
The latter symptoms, lameness and possibly a swelling of a joint, mis-
lead the average stockm.an. He thinks the foal has been stepped upon
by the dam, when really the cause is the introduction of germs by the
navel. The navel, instead of drying up and dropping off, remains on
and is clammy to the touch and tap-like in appearance. The later
stages, exhibit more swelling of the joints, formation of abscesses and
exhaustion, usually terminating in death. The urine may trickle from
the navel in this disease. The early employment of a veterinarian will
only be profitable; the death rate is high on account of skilled treat-
ment being given too late. Some authorities consider this trouble as
caused by the same germ as that causing contagious abortion.^ A good
preventive, however, is to smear the navel with Elk's absorbing Oint-
ment, this will disinfect the navel and prevent the absorption of toxic
germs.
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 229
EXCESSIVE SALIVATION
See Faulty Teeth.
HOME-MADE STOCK TONICS
Every farmer can prepare his own stock tonic, save 150 per cent
and have a better article than can be purchased on the market at enor-
mous prices. Besides, you can make it twice as strong and will know
better how to arrange your food rations when you know exactly the
contents and action of the tonic.
See — How to Produce ]\Iore Milk, Etc. — Page 230 and Page 55.
230 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS
THE SECRET OF PRODUCING MORE MILK FROM
COWS, MORE BEEF FROM CATTLE, MORE
MUTTON FROM SHEEP AND MORE
PORK FROM SWINE
The problem is best solved by taking for example a milch cow,
place her on ordinary dry stable food for three or four months, then
turn her out to pasture for the same length of time under equal environ-
ments and circumstances. Then compare the yield and general condi-
tions of health and you will find yourself from 40 to 60 per cent ahead
financially in favor of the natural grazing while on pasture. This is
accounted for in many different ways ; first, when the cow can partake
of natural food and water at liberty she will govern the supply and
demand of the system herself. If she has taken too much of one kind
of grass or herbs, she will seek nature's remedy to counteract it with-
out delay. Secondly, should any of the vital organs for some reason
or other become disordered, there appears to be a natural instinct in
animals to seek their own remedy. Every plant, shrub or tree, has its
special physiological action upon the animal system and the cow seems
to know which one of them suits her case. In highly nourished animals
under artificial surrounding there is a frequent sluggishness of the liver
due to hyper-nutrition and the constant feeding of one kind of food
for a long period. This leads to congestion of the liver and sometimes
to inflammation or other disorders if not noticed by the owner and
counteracted in time. The result will invariably be a considerable
loss of the milk yield and sometimes drying her up entirely. These con-
ditions do not happen when the cow is on pasture no matter how rich
the food, as the cow will seek to help herself. In this country the
dandelion (or buttercup) cuts an important figure in pastures. It is
one of the most effective liver regulators for herbivorous animals.
Some of us have watched a cow dig into the earth and eat clay. This
is an indication of a sour stomach or indigestion and she is seeking
nature's remedy to counteract it. The writer could enumerate many
of these advantages if space would permit, but will say that every intel-
ligent and successful feeder watches the needs of his stock and supplies
their wants while stable feeding. For this purpose a stock tonic which
contains the ingredients of which his stock are deprived, while confined
to the stable and deprived of God's green grass, is absolutely necessary
in order to keep up the yield, general health, and prosperity of the ani-
mal body. The writer has made this subject a special study and has
found that a simple tonic which can be added to the regular daily food
ration with the object of supplying the above wants and keeping farm
RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 231
animals as thrifty and healthy while stable fed, as they would be
when given their liberty at pasture. This tonic you can prepare
yourself by taking:
Old Process Oil Meal 85 lbs.
Common Salt 10 lbs.
Sanguitone Compound 5 lbs.
Total 100 lbs.
Mix well and give 1 tablespoonful in food twice daily to adult
horses or cattle ; smaller animals take less according to size and age.
]\Iany of our readers have given it a trial and speak very highly
of it. It is inexpensive and should be kept in use during the entire
stable feeding season.
Sanguiton is a new and most effective compound which contains
all the medicinal ingredients required by nature to substitute green
grass and natural pasture conditions. If your druggist does not keep
it, write to the author of "Rural Veterinary Secrets" and he will see
that you are supplied without delay.
I
Alphabetical Index
A
Page
Abdominal Dropsy 193
Abortion 68
Actenomicocis 127
Actinomycocis 135
Acute Discharges from the Nostrils 48
Acute Indigestion 53
Acute Nasal Catarrh 17
Afterbirth, Retaining the 75
Air Treatment, for Milk Fever 83
Alopecia 207
Anemia 194
Ankles, Cocked -. 169
Antony of Stomach 204
Appetite, Loss of 52
Apoplexy, Cerebral 87
Apoplexy in Poultry 209
Apthous Fever 133
Ascites 193
Attention to the Newborn 98
Azoturia 37
B
Baldness 207
Barnyard Itch 109
Barrenness 70
Barrenness, Cause of 70
Belly, Water 193
Big Head 196
Big Leg 43
Big Neck 196
234 ALPHABETICAL INDEX
Paare
Bleeding, Control of 182
Bleeding from the Nose 18
Blister, Inflammation with 115
Blood Trouble 38
Bloody Milk 64
Bloody Urine 206
Blue Milk 65
Boar's Tusks, Removal of .' 187
Bog Spavin 163
Boils 113
Bone Spavin 160
Bots 223
Bound Crop in Poultry 210
Brain, Concussion of the 88
Brain, Congestion of the 87
Bronchitis, Catarrhal 24
Broken Wind 42
Bumble Foot, in Poultry 210
Caked Udders 67
Calculi, Intestinal 54
Calf Scours 52
Calks 137
Canker, in Poultry 209
Canker, Sore Mouth in Pigs 188
Capped Elbow 167
Capped Hocks 168
Capped Knees 151
Casting of the Withers 77
Castration 175
Catarrh, Acute Nasal 17
Catarrh, Nasal : 23
Catarrhal Bronchitis • • 25
ALPHABETICAL INDEX 235
Page
Catarrhal Laryngitis 20
Cattle, Contagious Eye Diseases in 132
Cattle, Foot Rot in 1 56
Cattle, Horn Fly in 221
Cattle, Mange on 113
Cattle, Rabies in 125
Cerebral Apoplexy 87
Chapped Teats 117
Choking 44, 203
Cholera, Hog 185
Cholera, in Poultry 209
Chronic Catarrhal Bronchitis 25
Cocked Ankles 169
Coffin Joint Lameness 153
Colic in Horses 53
Collar Galls 149
Concussion of the Brain 88
Congestion of the Brain 87
Congestion of the Liver 85
Congestion of the Udder 66
Congestion of the Skin with Small Pimples or Papules 114
Conjunctivitis 201
Constipation 205
Constipation in Pigs 187
Contagious Eye Diseases in Cattle 132
Contracted Hoofs of Horses 170
Corns 155
Cow Pox 128
Cows, Hard Milking 76
Cow's Teats, Warts on 76
Cribbing 48
Crop Bound, in Poultry 210
Croupous Laryngitis 21
Curb 164
Cuts 137
236 ALPHABETICAL INDEX
D
Page
Dam, Treatment of the 99
Dandruff 207
Decayed Teeth 47
Dehorning 173
Diarrhea 204
Diarrhea, Infectious 189
Diarrhea, in Poultry 210
Discharges from the Nostrils 48
Disease due to Mistakes in Feeding 40
Disease, Foot and Mouth 133
Disease, Navicular 153
Disease, Preventing by Feeding for Health and Profit 55
Disease, Scaly Skin 109
Disease, Septic Joint 190
Diseases Common to Sheep 191
Diseases of the Teeth 45
Diseases of Young Stock 227
Disinfection of Stables 221
Distemper, Horse 131
Dogs, Mange on 113
Dogs, Rabies in 125
Dropping Wads of Hay 45
Dropsy, Abdominal 193
Dysentary 204
E
Eating, Wool 197
Eczema 115
Eggs, Soft Shell 209
Elbow, Capped 167
Epilepsy 88
Epistaxis 18
Erythema 107
Evil, Poll 143
ALPHABETICAL INDEX 237
Page
Examination of the Hocks 160
Excessive Salivation 229
External Parasites 222
Eye Disease in Cattle 132
Eye Disease in Cattle, Contagious 132
Eyes, Sore 201
F
Failure to Come in Heat 67
Falling Out of the Wool 207
False Scab 207
Faulty and Irregular Teeth 49
Feeding, Diseases, Due to Mistakes in 40
Feeding Sick Animals 39
Fever, Aphthous 133
Fever, Malarial 192
Fever, Milk 79
Fever, Mud 112
Fistulous Withers 141
Foot and Limb Troubles 145
Foot and Mouth Disease 133
Foot Bumble, in Poultry 210
Foot Rot in Cattle and Sheep 1 56
Founder 43
Fractured Limbs 139
Fractures 183
Fractures, Union of 183
Furuncles 113
Gall Stones 86
Galls, Collar 149
Garget • 66
Glands, Milk, and their Functions 60
238 ALPHABETICAL INDEX
Page
Goiter 196
Grass Staggers 204
Grubs 221
H
Hard Milking Cows 76
Heat, Failure to Come in 67
Heat, Prostration from 89
Heaves 42
Hematuria 206
Hemorrhages, Bleeding from the Nose 18
Hocks, Capped 168
Hocks, Examination of the 160
Hog Cholera •'. 185
Hoofs of Horses, Contracted 170
Horn Fly of Cattle 221
Horse Distemper 131
Horse, Lameness in 145
Horses, Colic in 53
Horses, Contracted Hoofs of 170
Horses, Itch in 109
Horses, Mange on 113
Horses, Summer Sores on 116
Horses, Unsoundnesses in 48
Hydremia, Chlorosis 194
I
Icterahematuria 192
Icterus, Yellows 191
Impaction of Rumen 204
Indigestion 204
Indigestion, Acute ; 53
Indigestion in Pigs 187
ALPHABETICAL INDEX 239
Page
Infectious Diarrhea 189
Inflammation of the Lungs • 30
Inflammation with BHsters 115
Influenza 131
Internal Parasites 223
Intestinal Calculi 54
Inversion of the Womb 77
Irregular Teeth 49
Itch, Barnyard 109
Itch in Horses 109
J
Jaundice 191
Jaundice, Yellow 85
Joint Disease, Septic 190
Joint 111 of Lambs 190
Joints, Open 143
K
Kicks 137
Knees, Capped 151
L
Lambs, Joint 111 of 190
Lambs, Sore Mouth in 202
Lambs, White Scours of 189
Lambs, Woolless 196
Lameness in a Horse 145
Lameness, Coffin Joint 153
Laryngitis, Catarrhal 20
Laryngitis, Croupous 21
Leg, Big 43
240 ALPHABETICAL INDEX
Page
Leg Weakness, in Poultry 210
Leg Weakness, Rachitis 195
Leucorrhea 68
Lice 222
Lice, in Poultry 210
Limbs, Fractured 139
Liver, Congestion of the 85
Lockjaw 127
Longworm 226
Loss of Appetite 52
Lump Jaw 127
Lungs, Inflammation of the 30
Luxation of the Patella 157
Lympangitis 41
M
Malarial Fever 192
Mange on Cattle 113
Mange on Dogs 113
Mange on Horses ._ 113
Meconium, Retention of the .' 205
Medicine, Mode of Giving 216
Medicine, Necessity of Diluting in Water 215
Medicines and Home Remedies, Practical Application of 213
Medicines, Giving, to Horses 217
Medicines, Giving, to Pigs 218
Medicines, Giving, to Sheep 218
Medicines, Simple Farm 219
Milk, Bloody 64
Milk, Blue 65
]\Iilk Fever 79
Milk Glands and their Functions 60
Milk, Stringy 65
Milk, Suppression of 64
Mud Fever 112
ALPHABETICAL INDEX 241
N
Page
Nail Prick, How to Treat 171
Nasal Catarrh 23
Nasal Catarrh, Acute 17
Nasal Polypi 19
Navel Disease, of Colts and Calves 38
Navel 111 190, 228
Navicular Disease 153
Neck, Big 196
Neck, Sore 171
Necrotic Stomatitis 202
Nettle Rash 110
Newborn, Attention to the 98
Nose, Bleeding from the 18
Nostrils, Discharges from the 48
Nostrils, Acute Discharges from the 48
O
Oezana 23
Open Joints 143
Ophthalmia 201
Ophthalmia, Periodic 133
P
Papillomata 118
Paralysis 91, 187, 206
Parasites, External 222
Parasites, Internal 223
Parturient Paresis 79
Parturition, the Time of 93
Patella, Luxation of the 157
Paricarditis, Traumatic, of the Ox 35
Periodic Opthalmia 133
242 ALPHABETICAL INDEX
Page
Peritonitis 193
Pigs, Canker Sore Mouth in Young 188
Pigs, Constipation in 187
Pigs, Indigestion in 187
Pigs, Rheumatism in 189
Pigs, Thumps in 187
Pin Worms 223
Pityriasis 109
Placenta 75
Pleuritis 27
Pneumonia 30
Poll Evil 143
Polypi, Nasal 19
Pox, Cow 128
Pox, Sheep 135
Preventing Disease by Feeding for Health and Profit 55
Pricks from Shoeing 154
Prostration from Heat 89
R
Rabies in Dogs and Cattle 125
Rachitis, Leg Weakness 195
Rash Nettle 110
Removal of the Boar's Tusks 187
Retaining the Afterbirth 75
Retention of the Meconium 205
Rheumatism 196
Rheumatism in Pigs 189
Rhinitis, Acute Coryza 17
Rickets 195
Ringbone 152
Ringworms 109
Roaring 33
Roundworms 225
ALPHABETICAL INDEX 243
Page
Roup, in Poultry 209
Rumen, Impartion of 204
Ruptures 179
Salivation, Excessive 229
Scab, False 207
Scab, Tallow 207
Scabby Teats 76
Scaly Skin Disease 109
Scours, Calf 52
Scratches 112
Secret of Increasing the Flow of Milk in a Dairy Cow 78
Secret of Producing More Beef from Cattle 230
Secret of Producing More Milk from Cows 230
Secret of Producing More Mutton from Sheep 230
Secret of Producing More Pork from Swine 230
Septic Joint Disease 190
Sheep, Diseases Common to 191
Sheep, Foot Rot in 1 56
Sheep Pox 135
Shoeboil , 167
Shoeing, Pricks while 154
Shoulderslip 149
Shoulder, Sore 149
Sick Animals, Feeding 39
Sidebones 1 53
Soft Shell Eggs 209
Skin Disease, Scaly 109
Sore Eyes 201
Sore Eyes and Pip, in Poultry 210
Sore Mouth of Lambs 202
Sore ]\Iouth of Young Pigs 188
Sore Neck i 171
244 ALPHABETICAL INDEX
Page
Sore Shoulder 149
Spavin 159
Spavin, Bog 163
Spavin, Bone 160
Spavin, Test 147
Spaying 178
Splints 151
Stables, Disinfection of 221
Staggers, Grass 204
Stifle Out 157
Stock Tonics, Home made 229
Stomach, Antony of 204
Stomach Worms 225
Stomatitis 202
Stones, Gall 86
Strangles 131
Stringhalt 166
Stringy Milk 65
Summer Sores on Horses 116
Sunstroke 89
Suppression of Milk 64
Surfeit 110
Sweeny 149
Tallow Scab .207
Tape Worms 225
Tapping of the First Stomach or Paunch 174
Teats, Chapped 117
Teats, Scabby 76
Teats, Warts on 76
Teeth, Decayed 47
Teeth, Diseases of the 45
Teeth, Faulty and Irregular 49
ALPHABETICAL INDEX 245
Page
Teeth, Wolf 46
Test, Spavin 147
Tetanus 127
Thoroughpin 1G3
Thumps in Pigs 187
Thrush - 169, 202
Time of Parturition 93
Traumatic Pericarditis of the Ox 35
Treatment, Air 83
Treatment of the Dam 99
Tuberculosis 119
U
Udders, Caked 67
Udders, Congestion of 66
Union of Fractures 183
Unsoundnesses in Horses 48
Urinary Troubles 86
Urine, Bloody 206
Urticaria 110
V
Variola Ovina 135
W
Warts 118
W^arts on Cow's Teats 76
Water Belly 193
Weakness, Leg 210
White Scours of Lambs 189
Wind, Broken 42
246 ALPHABETICAL INDEX
Page
Windsucking 48
Wire Cuts 137
Withers, Casting of the 77
Withers, Fistulous 141
Womb, Inversion of the 77
Wolf Teeth 46
Wool Eating 197
Wool, Falling out of the 207
Woolless Lambs 196
Worm, Long 226
Worms, Pin 223
Worms, Ring 109
Worms, Round 223
Worms, Stomach 225
Worms, Tape 225
Wounds 137
Wounds, General Treatment of 182
Yellow Jaundice 85
Young Stock, Diseases of 227
Index by Chapters
CHAPTER I.
Diseases Common to the Respiratory Organs.
Page
Acute Nasal Catarrh 17
Bleeding from the Nose 18
Bronchitis, Catarrhal 24
Catarrh, Acute Nasal 17
Catarrh, Nasal 23
Catarrhal Bronchitis 25
Catarrhal Laryngitis 20
Chronic Catarrhal Bronchitis 25
Croupous Laryngitis 21
Epistaxis 18
Hemorrhages, Bleeding from the Nose 18
Inflammation of the Lungs 30
Laryngitis, Catarrhal 20
Laryngitis, Croupous 21
Lungs, Inflammation of the 30
Nasal Catarrh 23
Nasal Catarrh, Acute 17
Nasal Polypi 19
Oezana 23
Pleuritis 27
Pneumonia 30
Polypi, Nasal 19
Rhinitis, Acute Coryza 17
Roaring 33
CHAPTER II.
Diseases Common to the Circulatory Organs.
Azoturia 37
Blood Trouble 38
248 INDEX BY CHAPTERS
Page
Navel Disease, of Colts and Calves 38
Paricarditis, Traumatic, of the Ox 35
Traumatic Pericarditis of the Ox 35
CHAPTER III.
Diseases Common to the Digestive Organs.
Acute Discharges from the Nostrils 48
Acute Indigestion 53
Appetite, Loss of 52
Big Leg 43
Broken Wind 42
Calf Scours 52
Calculi, Intestinal 54
Choking 44
Colic in Horses 53
Cribbing 48
Decayed Teeth 47
Discharges from the Nostrils 48
Disease due to Mistakes in Feeding 40
Diseases of the Teeth 45
Dropping Wads of Hay 45
Faulty and Irregular Teeth 49
Feeding, Diseases, Due to Mistakes in 40
Feeding Sick Animals 39
Founder 43
Heaves 42
Horses, Colic in 53
Horses, Unsoundnesses in 48
Indigestion, Acute 53
Intestinal Calculi 54
Leg, Big 43
Loss of Appetite 52
Lympangitis 41
Nostrils, Acute Discharges from the 48
INDEX BY CHAPTERS 249
Page
Nostrils, Discharges from the 48
Preventing Disease by Feeding for Health and Profit 55
Scours, Calf 52
Sick Animals, Feeding 39
Teeth, Decayed 47
Teeth, Diseases of the 45
Teeth, Faulty and Irregular 49
Teeth, Wolf 46
Unsoundnesses in Horses 48
Wind, Broken 42
Windsucking 48
Wolf Teeth 46
CHAPTER IV.
Diseases Common to the Reproductive Organs.
Abortion 68
Afterbirth, Retaining the 75
Air Treatment, for Milk Fever 83
Barrenness 70
Barrenness, Cause of 70
Bloody Milk 64
Blue Milk 65
Caked Udders 67
Casting of the Withers 77
Congestion of the Udder 66
Cows, Hard Alilking 76
Cow's Teats, Warts on 76
Failure to Come in Heat 67
Fever, Milk 79
Garget 66
Glands, Milk, and their Functions 60
Hard Milking Cows 76
Heat, Failure to Come in 67
Inversion of the Womb 77
250 INDEX BY CHAPTERS
Page
Leucorrhea 68
Milk, Bloody 64
Milk, Blue .' 65
Milk Fever 79
Milk Glands and their Functions 60
Milk, Stringy 65
Milk, Suppression of 64
Parturient Paresis , 79
Placenta 75
Retaining the Afterbirth 75
Scabby Teats 76
Secret of Increasing the Flow of Milk in a Dairy Cow 78
Stringy Milk 65
Suppression of Milk 64
Teats, Scabby 76
Treatment, Air 83
Udders, Congestion of 66
Udders, Caked 67
Warts on Cow's Teats 76
Withers, Casting of the 77
Womb, Inversion of the 77
CHAPTER V.
Diseases Common to the Liver and Kidneys.
Congestion of the Liver 85
Gall Stones 86
Jaundice, Yellow 85
Liver, Congestion of the , 85
Stones, Gall 86
Urinary Troubles 86
Yellow Jaundice 8j
INDEX BY CHAPTERS 251
CHAPTER VI.
Diseases Common to the Brain and Nervous System.
Page
Apoplexy, Cerebral 87
Brain, Concussion of the 88
Brain, Congestion of the 87
Cerebral Apoplexy 87
Concussion of the Brain 88
Congestion of the Brain 87
Epilepsy 88
Heat, Prostration from 89
Paralysis 91
Prostration from Heat 89
Sunstroke 89
CHAPTER Vn.
Practical Aid in Difficult Parturition.
Attention to the Newborn 98
Dam, Treatment of the 99
Newborn, Attention to the 98
Parturition, the Time of 93
Time of Parturition 93
Treatment of the Dam 99
CHAPTER VIII.
Common Diseases of the Skin.
Barnyard Itch 109
Blister, Inflammation with 115
Boils 113
Cattle, Mange on '. 113
Chapped Teats 117
Congestion of the Skin with Small Pimples or Papules 114
Dogs, Mange on 113
Eczema 115
252 INDEX BY CHAPTERS
Page
Erythema 107
Fever, Mud 112
Furuncles 113
Horses, Itch in 109
Horses, Mange on 113
Horses, Summer Sores on 116
Itch, Barnyard 109
Itch in Horses 109
Mange on Cattle 113
Mange on Dogs 113
Mange on Horses 113
Mud Fever 112
Nettle Rash 110
Papillomata ; 118
Pityriasis 109
Rash Nettle 110
Ringworms 109
Scaly Skin Disease 109
Scratches 112
Skin Disease, Scaly 109
Summer Sores on Horses 116
Surfeit 110
Teats, Chapped 117
Urticaria 110
Warts : 118
Worms, Ring 109
CHAPTER IX.
Contagious and Infectious Diseases.
Actenomicocis 127
Actinomycocis 135
Apthous Fever 133
Cattle, Contagious Eye Diseases in 132
Cattle, Rabies in 125
INDEX BY CHAPTERS 253
Page
Contagious Eye Diseases in Cattle 132
Cow Pox 128
Disease, Foot and Mouth 133
Distemper, Horse 131
Dogs, Rabies in 125
Eye Disease in Cattle 132
Eye Disease in Cattle, Contagious 132
Fever, Aphthous 133
Foot and Mouth Disease 133
Horse Distemper 131
Influenza 131
Lockjaw 127
Lump Jaw 127
Ophthalmia, Periodic 133
Periodic Opthalmia 133
Pox, Cow 128
Pox, Sheep 135
Rabies in Dogs and Cattle 125
Sheep Pox 135
Strangles 131
Tetanus 127
Tuberculosi s 119
Variola Ovina 135
CHAPTER X.
Wounds and Fractures.
Calks 137
Cuts 137
Evil, Poll .' 143
Fistulous Withers 141
Fractured Limbs 139
Joints, Open 143
Kicks 137
Limbs, Fractured 139
254 INDEX BY CHAPTERS
Page
Open Joints 143
Poll Evil 143
Wire Cuts 137
Withers, Fistulous 141
Wounds 137
CHAPTER XI.
Diseases Common to the Muscles and Extremities.
Ankles, Cocked 169
Bog Spavin 163
Bone Spavin ; 160
Capped Elbow 167
Capped Hocks 168
Capped Knees 151
Cocked Ankles 169
Coffin Joint Lameness 153
Collar Galls 149
Contracted Hoofs of Horses 170
Corns 155
Curb 164
Disease, Navicular 153
ElboM^, Capped 167
Examination of the Hocks 160
Foot and Limb Troubles 145
Foot Rot in Cattle and Sheep 156
Galls, Collar 149
Hocks, Capped 168
Hocks, Examination of the 160
Hoofs of Horses, Contracted 170
Horse, Lameness in 145
Knees, Capped 151
Lameness, Coffin Joint 153
Lameness in a Horse 145
Luxation of the Patella 157
INDEX BY CHAPTERS 255
Page
Nail Prick, How to Treat 171
Navicular Disease 1 53
Neck, Sore 171
Patella, Luxation of the 157
Pricks from Shoeing 1 54
Ringbone 152
Shoeboil 167
Shoeing, Pricks while 154
Shoulderslip 149
Shoulder, Sore 149
Sideboncs 1 53
Sore Neck 171
Sore Shoulder 149
Spavin 159
Spavin, Bog " 163
Spavin, Bone 160
Spavin, Test 147
Splints 151
Stifle Out 157
Stringhalt 166
Sweeny : 149
Test, Spavin 147
Thoroughpin 163
Thrush 169
CHAPTER XII.
Common Farm Operations.
Bleeding, Control of 182
Castration 175
Dehorning 173
Fractures 183
Fractures, Union of 183
Ruptures 179
Spaying 178
256 INDEX BY CHAPTERS
Page
Tapping of the First Stomach or Paunch 174
Union of Fractures 183
CHAPTER XIII.
Diseases Common to Swine and Sheep.
Abdominal Dropsy 193
Anemia 194
Antony of Stomach 204
Ascites 193
Alopecia 207
Baldness 207
Belly, Water 193
Big- Head 196
Big Neck 196
Bloody Urine 206
Boar's Tusks, Removal of 187
Canker, Sore Mouth in Pigs 188
Choking 203
Cholera, Hog 185
Conjunctivitis 201
Constipation 205
Constipation in Pigs 187
Dandruff 207
Diarrhea 204
Diarrhea, Infectious 189
Disease, Septic Joint 190
Diseases Common to Sheep 191
Dropsy, Abdominal 193
Dysentary 204
Eating, Wool 197
Eyes, Sore 201
Falling Out of the Wool 207
False Scab 207
Fever. Malarial 192
INDEX BY chapter;^ 257
I'ago
Goiter 195
Grass Staggers 204
Hematuria 206
Hog Cholera 185
Icterahematuria 192
Icterus, Yellows 191
Indigestion 204
Indigestion in Pigs 187
Infectious Diarrhea 189
Impaction of Rumen 204
Jaundice 191
Joint Disease, Septic 190
Joint 111 of Lambs 190
Lambs, Joint 111 of 190
Lambs, Sore Mouth in 202
Lambs, White Scours of 189
Lambs, Woollcss 196
Leg Weakness, Rachitis , 195
Malarial Fever 1 92
Meconium, Retention of the 205
Navel 111 190
Neck, Big 196
Necrotic Stomatitis 202
Ophthalmia 201
Paralysis 187, 206
Peritonitis . . . 193
Pigs, Canker Sore Mouth in Young 188
Pigs, Constipation in 187
Pigs, Indigestion in 187
Pigs, Rheumatism in 189
Pigs, Thumps in 187
Rachitis, Leg Weakness 195
Removal of the Boar's Tusks 187
Retention of the Meconium 205
Rheumatism 196
Rheumatism in Pigs 189
258 INDEX BY CHAPTERS
Page
Rickets 195
Rumen, Impartion of 204
Scab, False 207
Scab, Tallow 207
Septic Joint Disease 190
Sheep, Diseases Common to 191
Sore Eyes 201
Sore Mouth of Lambs 202
Staggers, Grass 204
Stomach, Antony of 204
Stomatitis 202
Tallow Scab 207
Thrush 202
Thumps in Pigs 187
Urine, Bloody 206
Water Belly 193
White Scours of Lambs 189
Wool Eating 197
Wool, Falling out of the 207
Woolless Lambs 196
CHAPTER XIV.
Diseases Common to Poultry.
Apoplexy in Poultry 209
Bound Crop in Poultr}^ 210
Bumble Foot, in Poultry 210
Canker, in Poultry 209
Cholera, in Poultry 209
Crop Bound, in Poultry 210
Diarrhea, in Poultry 210
Eggs, Soft Shell 209
Foot Bumble, in Poultry 210
Leg Weakness, in Poultry 210
Lice, in Poultry 210
INDEX BY CHAPTERS 259
Page
Roup, in Poultry 209
Soft Shell Eggs 209
Sore Eyes and Pip, in Poultry 210
Weakness, Leg 210
CHAPTER XV.
Practical Application of Medicines and Home Remedies.
Medicine, Mode of Giving 216
Medicine, Necessity of Diluting in Water 215
Medicines and Home Remedies, Practical Application of 213
Medicines, Giving, to Horses 217
Medicines, Giving, to Pigs 218
Medicines, Giving, to Sheep 218
Medicines, Simple Farm 219
CHAPTER XVI.
Miscellaneous.
Bots 223
Cattle, Horn Fly in 221
Diseases of Young Stock 227
Disinfection of Stables 221
Excessive Salivation 229
External Parasites 222
Grubs 221
Horn Fly of Cattle 221
Internal Parasites 223
Lice 222
Longworm 226
Navel 111 228
Parasites, External 222
Parasites, Internal 223
Pin Worms 223
Roundworms 225
260 INDEX BY CHAPTERS
Page
Salivation, Excessive 229
Secret of Producing More Beef from Cattle 230
Secret of Producing- More Milk from Cows 230
Secret of Producing More Mutton from Sheep 230
Secret of Producing More Pork from Swine 230
Stables, Disinfection of 221
Stock Tonics, Home made 229
Stomach Worms 225
Tape Worms 225
Worm, Long 226
Worms, Pin 223
Worms, Round 223
Worms, Stomach 225
Worms, Tape 225
Young Stock, Diseases of 227