F plage bebe ee mn etree : Se aes = eee 3 =a z tee Sea e ni 3 we 2 : = “ ~ = S = Serres = - 3 = Beca Ss nate earees 2 Pi ee seatenay Glass SF | Book ite i = =p " ia LIBRARY ~S. PATENT OFFICE. : See faster Bietinaate Oli MeO, ky able sl Oca Ih CATTLE DOCTOR: A COMPLETE WORK ON ALL THE DISEASES OF CATTLE, SHEEP, AND SWINE, INCLUDING EVERY DISEASE PECULIAR TO AMERICA, AND EMBRACING ALL THE LATEST INFORMATION ON THE CATTLE PLAGUE AND TRICHINA, CONTAINING ALSO A GUIDE LOS VVEP TOMES. A TABLE OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES, AND A LIST OF VALUABLE MEDICINES. om GEO. H. DADDEY-s., | Twenty-five Years a Leading Veterinary! Surgeon in England and the United States, and Author of the ‘American Horse Book.”’ Luo ae ) NEW YORK: ORANGE JUDD CO., PUBLISHERS. CINCINNATI: R. W. CARROLL & CO. 1880. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1869, by RW. CARROLL & CO. In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of Ohio. By tranéfer Or Pat. @flce Lip, 4 pamd 1914, PREF A © 2p. MERICANS rank high in the estimation of the scientific world for their genius and industry in the great work of intellectual, moral, and scientific improvements. See what has occurred in the arts of printing, electrotyping, etc. The eloquence of the great literary magicians of the New World, the honored graduates of free institutions and free schools, no sooner falls from their lips than the phenographist transfers it to paper, the nimble fingers of the compositor puts it into “form ;” next the “battery ” deposits on the face of the type a more durable coating of copper, and ‘ Hoe’s press” sends off “ impressions” with almost magical rapidity. No less surprising are the wonderful feats performed by American mechanics, in the construction of fast yachts and steamers, which often pluck a laurel from the so-called “ Mistress of the Sea ;” and old “Uncle John” gives us due credit for per- fecting a race of fast trotters that can beat the world of horse- flesh, Improvements in every department of Science and Art are con- stantly treading on the heels of improvement; yet, as regards the science of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, America seems almost the last among civilized nations to put her shoulder to the wheel. What can be the reason? Her youth may be offered as a plea for excuses. The daughter of the Old World has not yet, in this department, arrived at years of discretion ; she is yet in her teens. Her sons have borne the heat and burden of the day in establish- ing their liberty, in founding cities, extending commerce, and in taming the wild face of soil, by uprooting the giant oak, and in clearing away the forest, so that the husbandman, with plow and harrow in hand, might follow on, and next impregnate mother (iii) 1V PREFACE. earth with germs for fructification, which, in the day of the har- vest thereof, might be gathered and garnered for the benefit of man and the inferior orders of creation. And long ere the woodman’s ax ceases to vibrate its clear stroke-notes in the ears of the new settlers, a giant enterprise is in contemplation. Space and distance must be comparatively an- nihilated ; the iron horse, with his lungs of steel and breath of steam, must have his highway and byway, and the result is, the choice spirits of progression have been earnestly engaged in dot- ting a vast surface of United States Territory with a magnificent net-work of railway and telegraphic wire; and various other en- terprises, with which the reader is familiar, have so occupied the American mind, that the Science of Life, as it applies to animals, has been almost at a stand-still. In the prosecution of these objects, so essential as they have proved in the economy of an infant republic, it is not surpris- ing that our science should fail to receive attention, and that America should be in the rear of the veterinary squadrons of the Old World; yet, notwithstanding this seeming indifference, veterinary science does, in some parts of this country, occupy as high a platform as that which obtained in England, about seventy years ago, when the Apostle of Mercy, Sr. BEL, first landed on British soil. The science which we here advocate is as valuable and chari- table to nature’s menials, for the purpose of ministering to their physical wants, relieving their aches and pains, and of prolong- ing their lives, as that practiced on the more noble of created life ; and, at the present day, testimony can be produced going to show that among us can be found “ good Samaritans ” who are always ready to minister to the wants of the inferior orders of creation— a work as acceptable to the God of Nature, and as creditable to manhood, as when the welfare of one of us is concerned. And should we estimate the science in exact ratio to the value and use- fulness of the legion host of domestic animals that have been reared in this country, and those which, without regard to cost, have been imported, to whose welfare it directly contributes, the reader will readily perceive that it is entitled to the consideration and support of a nation of husbandmen. It must be borne in mind that a knowledge of the principles of veterinary medicine can not be acquired without diligent study PREFACE. Vv and close application. Jt is only the property of the industrious and devoted student. In order to acquire the necessary tact, skill, and experience for the practice of our art, some of the shining lights—the early dis- ciples—have spent the May-day of their existence in solving its problems, and, when near its close, have declared, with a modesty indicative of true genius, that their education was yet incomplete. ‘Such testimony goes to show that there is no republican nor | royal road to veterinary knowledge. In fact, after a man has perseveringly pursued the routine studies of the most popular col- leviate institutions, he may still be found “ wanting.” Let us contemplate for a moment the superior advantages which human practitioners have over our craftsmen, both as regards their scientific qualifications and the superior means at their com- nand for ascertaining the character, location, and intensity of the various maladies peculiar to the human race. For example, the practitioner of human medicine, if he has been a faithful and in- dustrious student, enters upon the active duties of his profession, having acquired a valuable fund of knowledge of anatomy, phys- jiology, pathology, and other necessary branches of study ; and, having disciplined his mind in the regular school, and in that of experience, he is expected to be able to rejoice in the possession of a well-trained mind, which enables him to understand and inter- pret the physiological laws which preserve health and life in the constitution of organized beings; also to comprehend the why and wherefore of disease; to be able to institute sanitary and other reg- ulations, and to select suitable medicinal preparations, in view of meeting the various indications of each and every form of disease. And when a man becomes the subject of sickness, and the doctor is called upon to exercise his skill, the latter receives valuable aid, in view of making a correct diagnosis, from the patient and his friends. Each can be questioned, and their responses throw con- siderable light on the history and nature of the malady. Now, as regards the latter advantages, they have no parallel with the men of our craft. Our patients are deprived of the power of speech, and we can only judge of the state of their health, and the nature of their maladies, by signs revealed or elicited through physical exploration. We have other difficulties to encounter of no less magnitude. For example, our patients are often located in situations unfit for a well animal to reside in, and they do not aval PREFACE. always receive that attention from their owners which the urgency of the case demands. In fact, the good nursing, kind attention, etc., which often proves of so much value in the restoration from sickness of one of our race, is often denied the inferior creature ; and other matters, too numerous to mention at the present time, tend to show the advantages which our brethren of a sister science have over us, and how necessary and important it is that a prac- titioner of our art should be thorough master of his profession. It is a lamentable fact that the great majority of our husband- men have not hitherto realized that the superstructure of veterin- ary science rests on the same intelligent basis as that of human medicine; but such is really the case. In the language of the la- mented PERCIVALL, we are assured that “‘ whether we prescribe for a man, horse, or any animal, the laws of the animal economy are the same; all require the same treatment,” that is to say, the propositions for restoration are all founded on the same intelligent basis. The importance, therefore, of educating men for the profession, and of furnishing reliable works for study, is very evident; and the necessity is further illustrated in the daily experience of those persons who, as a matter of necessity, are obliged to do the best they can for the sick and dying of their flocks and herds, having no knowledge of those advantages which a thorough course of training affords. Such persons must, necessarily, feel that they are eroping in darkness, and when a ray of light does flit across their medical path, it only serves to make them better acquainted with their own want of skill. Persons thus cireumstanced, unable to procure the services of a good veterinary surgeon, in consequente of a scarcity of the “genuine material,” are often compelled to assume the responsibility and risk of medical attendant ; and, no doubt, they prescribe with good intention and honesty of purpose, but disease and death has the vantage of them, for they know not the modes of pathological warfare, nor are they acquainted with means best calculated to insure a favorable issue; and they will certainly hail, as a great blessing, any and every effort to im- prove our veterinary literature, and thus diffuse knowledge so sadly needed. It is well known that prior to the introduction of a rational system of veterinary medicine in the mother country, millions of domestic animals were annually sacrificed at the shrine of igno- PREFACE. vil rance; but science came to the rescue, and now some of the dis- ciples of Sr. BEL, CoLEMAN, their co-workers and kindred spirits, ean, by the aid of their vast materia medica, their anesthetic agents, scalpel, ete., accomplish unheard of wonders. We are now working to dispel the awful cloud of ignorance and super- stition which has too long lingered around the stable and barn. We aim to illuminate the dark spots that have existed for many hundreds of years, and to obliterate the false theories that have been handed down to us by the Egyptians and Arabians, and the modern jugglers of this science. There never was a period in the history of the United States when the services of educated veterinarians were so much needed as at the present time; for the live stock of this country do not enjoy immunity from those pestiferous epizodtic maladies which have formerly operated as a withering simoom on the enterprise of British husbandmen in the breeding and raising of live stock. For example: the people of the Western States complain that a disease occasionally makes its appearance among cattle, to which they have applied the name of ‘ trembles,” or “ milk sickness,” and it has so scourged both the superior and inferior orders of creation, that the former have often abandoned the old homestead, in view of seeking a location where there seemed to be some pros- pect of enjoying immunity from the pestilential scourge. A con- tagious and infectious disease often prevails among swine, carry- ing them off by hundreds and by thousands, yet many of us are in the dark regarding its cause, nature, and treatment. Typhoid affections, puerperal fever, apoplexy, and dropsy of the brain are just as prevalent here asin England. Miscarriage or abortion is fearfully on the increase. Diseases of climatic origin are more rife in this country than in England. This is, perhaps, owing to, the diversity which exists in the climatic temperature of our vast territory, and to our various faulty modes of management. In fact,, there is scarcely any disease known to veterinarians of the Old World but that has prevailed in the New. We must have reliable text-books and educated surgeons, in: order to understand the nature and treatment of the diseases in-. cidental to domestic animals. It is not only a matter of national, but of individual, policy and interest; and should we view the- matter with the eyes of business men, we shall see that such en- terprise must surely pay. Vill PREFACE. Persons who have paid any attention to the rise and progress of veterinary science in this country, are painfully aware of its great imperfections, and the author’s object in preparing this work is to endeavor to lessen and remove them, by giving the reader the benefit of an experience which extends through a period of twenty-five years. In view of furnishing reliable information, and of showing how little of medicine is required for the treatment of various forms of disease, a number of cases, recorded in the author’s note-book, are introduced in various parts of the work. These cases may, perhaps, also give the unprejudiced reader juster views of the relations of nature and art to diseases; for it is a notorious fact that very many well-instructed persons of all classes have hith- erto exercised a blind faith in the medical art for the cure of dis- ease, when it is a fact well known to those who practice rational medicine that Nature possesses vastly greater powers than Art in curing diseases. What is here meant by nature, is the conserva- tive power inherent in the living body. Fora better understand- ing of this subject, the reader is referred to the works of Sir JoHN Forbes, OLIVER W. HoiMeEs, and Professor BIGELow. In view of aiding nature in the cure of disease, the author has introduced to the reader’s attention a new class of remedies, viz. : Fiuid Extracts of a sanative character. They have proved more afe and efficacious in the practice of rational medicine than all the other heroic arms of physic. These remedies have been carefully tested for several years by the author, and those students who have, from time to time, placed themselves under his instruction, and the result has been very satisfactory ; otherwise, they would not be recommended in this work. Finally, the author feels it-due to himself to state that the almost constant occupation of his time, professionally, has given him less opportunity than he desired for the production of this work, yet he entertains a hope that he has not labored in vain; and thus this mite is cast into the common treasury of Veterinary Science. Ge lel, 10) CONTENTS. SECTION I.—TueE RinpeErpest, or Contagious PLEURO-PNEUMONIA. (Page 15-34.) Origin of the Disease in Massachusetts—Spread of the Disease—The Cattle ‘Plague in Kentucky. SECTION II.—DisEAasrEs OF THE ORGANS OF RESPIRATION, (Page 35-53.) Croup—Laryngitis—Bronchitis—Inflammation of the Lungs—Hoose or Com- mon Catarrh—Epizoétic Catarrh—Consumption—Pharyngitis (Sore Throat)— Pulmonary Apoplexy—Pleurisy, and Description of the Pleura. SECTION III.—DIsEAsts oF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. (Page 54-87.) Description of the Gsophagus—Foreign Bodies in the Gullet—sophagot- omy—Laceration of the sophagus—A phthe—Description of the Stomach— Rumination—Bloat—Distension of the Rumen with Food—Gastro-intestinal In- flammation—Dentition of Cattle—Synopsis of Dentition—Suspended Rumina- tion, or Loss of Cud—Inflammation of the Bowels—Invagination of Intestine— Diarrhea—Chronic Diarrhea—Gut Tie—Internal Rupture of Oxen—Flatulent Colic—Spasm of the Bowels—Constipation of Bowels. SECTION IY. —PARTURITION. (Page 88-98.) Signs of Laoor, or Parturition—Natural Labor—Unnatural Labor-—Fore-legs Presenting—One Fore-leg Presenting—Head Presenting without the Legs—Ex- traction of a Calf on its Back—Hind-legs Presenting—Breech Presentation— Cleansing, or Removal of the After-birth—Back of the Calf Presenting at the Brim of the Pelvis—Uterine Hemorrhage—Birth of Twins—Triplets. (ix) x CONTENTS. SECTION V.—DisEASES OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. (Page 99-113.) Constriction of the Neck of the Uterus—Embryotomy—Treatment of Cows | during Pregnancy—Symptoms of Pregnancy—Dropsy of the Womb—Puerperal Fever—Falling of the Womb, SECTION VI.—DisEAsEs oF THE UDpDER, TEATS, ETC. (Page 113-124.) Mammitis—Stricture in Cows’ Teats—Obstruction at the end of the Teats— Obstruction in the Teats—Tumors in the Teats—Injuries to the Teats—Sore Teats—Chapped Teats and Chafed Udder—Inversion of the Vagina—Lacera- tion of the Vagina—A bortion—Inflammatory Affections of the Hind Limbs after Calving. » SECTION VII.—DIsr4skEs oF THE URINARY ORGANS. (Page 125-135.) Description of the Urinary System—The Ureters—The Bladder—The Ure- thra—Heematuria—Inflammation of the Kidneys—Urinary Calculi—Calculi in the Bladder—Black Water—Red Water. SECTION VIII.—TuHE HreArt—Its FuncTions AND DISEASES. (Page 136-149.) Description of the Heart—The Heart’s Function—Diseases of the Heart— Dilatation of the Heart—Pericarditis—Hy pertrophy—Endocarditis. SECTION IX.—DisEAseEs oF THE EYE AND ITS MEMBRANES. (Page 150-157.) Description of the Eye—Humors of the Eye—Coats of the Eye—Muscles of the Eye and Eyelids—Ophthalmia—Foreign Bodies in the Eyes—Specific or Periodical Ophthalmia—Cancer in Cattle. SECTION X.—HERNIA, oR RuPTURES. (Page 158-163.) Forms of Rupture—Inguinal Hernia—Strangulated Hernia—Ventral Hernia. SECTION XI,—DiIskrAskEs oF THE BongEs. (Page 164-195.) Cachexia Ossafraga—Bone Disorders—Mechanism and Structure of Bones— Composition of Bones—Ultimate Constituents of Bones—Dilatation of the Jaw Bones—Abscess beneath the Periosteum, at the Angle of the Jaw—Exostosis, or CONTENTS. xi Deposit of the Calcareous Matter on the Surface of Bones—Caries, or Ulcera- tion of Bones—Preliminary to Horn-Ail—On Sympathy and the Sympathetic Relations which exist in the Animal Economy—Horn-Ail—Tail-Ail. SECTION XII.—DIsEAsts oF THE BRAIN. - (Page 196-206.) Inflammation of the Brain and its Membranes—Sturdy in Cattle—Shaking Palsy—Hydrophobia. SECTION XIII.—Tue Liver Anp its DisEAsEs. (Page 207-215.) Description of the Liver—Secretion of Bile; its Uses, etc.—Gall-bladder— Inflammation of the Liver—Hydatids—Jaundice, or Yellows. SECTION XIV.—DIsEasEs OF THE SKIN. (Page 216-226.) Exanthemata, or Eruptive Fever—Mange—Foul in the Foot—Warts—Gad- flies—Yoke Galls—The Hair of Cattle an Epidermic Appendage—Pemphygis or Vesicular Eruption—Cracks in the Heels of Cattle. SECTION XV.—YVARI0US OPERATIONS AND DISEASES. (Page 227-263.) Castration—Enzootic Milk Sickness, or I'rembles—Improved Method of Milk- ing—Diseased Thymus Gland—Cords in Young Calves—Steamed and Cooked Food for Stock—Cheap Fodder for Cows—Black Tongue—Fractured Bones— Fractured Radius of a Calf—Light in Barns—Diarrhea in Calves—Sprains or Strains—Spaying Cows, SECTION XVI—REMARKES ON THE CATTLE PLAGUE. (Page 264-301.) SECTION XVII.—Disrasers or SHEEP. (Page 302-312.) Improvement in Sheep—Rot, or Hydatids in the Liver—Yellows—Vertigo, or Giddiness—Jackets or Blankets for Sheep—Foot-rot—Grubs in the Nostrils —Ticks—Inflammation of the Eye—Inflammation of the Lungs—Common Ca- tarrh—Diarrhea and Dysentery—Constipation of the Bowels—Tympanites, or Windy Distension of the Intestines and Abdomen. Xll CONTENTS. SECTION XVIII.—DisEasEs oF SWINE. (Page 313-342.) Effects of Impure Air on Swine—Measles in Pork—Quinsy—Hernia, or Rup- ture—Intestinal Worms—Hog Cholera—Trichina Spiralis. GUIDE TO SYMPTOMS...... Spo dcéaconbdcedasaaa Sadotaneleesouenoictnrcascasenencceneneecceecaes 305 GLOSSARY cscovccocccscoscccsoes QaondcbroodoosaOG badcooDcacodbonUEKORH Cosoabodaqa0nddoD0OK0 scores GOL TABLE OF WEIGHTS.....00. SppcananeqdaD 200 onoAIDaONO GosOONAHd0DGC6905020 Rcomenteckosscesceses 362 PND XGeeeccssscccinccrsstectccseronvececssenecedhecsccnescatircaucsncsecccitsasseeacicececsieessser ie OOG DADD’S — BiG TEAM, JOARD- Yin \' “TESS: at ——— yy 7 TN) of “JERE. MAHONEY K.H.CUTLER \\ Nn a Ne 4. E.GILBERT. SCo> : LER, ge Ry S are & 508 SS TER ——— A.OLNS PLEURO=PNEUMONIA. Qwest EXPLANATION. The above cut represents the geneology of pleuro-pneumonia, as it occurred in Massachu- setts, a few years ago. It commenced with Mr. Chenery’s herd, and spread inthe above order, The names are those of the parties whose herds took the disease by infection or come tagion. (See article Pleuro-pneumonia.) (14) THE AMERICAN CATTLE DOCTOR. SECTION I. THE RINDERPEST, OR CONTAGIOUS PLEURO- PNEUMONTA. ORIGIN OF THE DISEASE IN MASSACHUSETTS—SPREAD OF THE DisEASE—TRE CatTLE PLAGUE IN KENTUCKY. ORIGIN OF THE DISEASE IN MASSACHUSETTS. N the early part of the spring of 1859, Mr. W. W. CHENERY sent to Holland for three cows and one heifer. - They arrived in Boston on the 23d of May. ‘Two of the cows were found to be in very bad condition. The first died at the end of a week, and was buried; the second one died two days afterward, and was also buried. About the 26th of June the third cow was found to be sick; she died the 29th day of June. The next cow found to be diseased was taken sick in August. This cow was imported from Holland in 1852. She died in about a fortnight from the time she was first taken. The disease then spread among the rest of the herd owned by Mr. CHENERY, of which he lost a large number. I examined the two cows that were landed sick. They did not appear to manifest any symptoms of pleuro-pneumonia, but seemed to have suffered terribly from the effects of the voyage. ‘They had got down during the latter part of the voyage, and the external surface of the body was so bruised and abraded that some of the bones were visible. But perhaps Mr. CHENERY’s own history of (15) 16 DADD’S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. the origin of the disease in Massachusetts may be the best that can be given, which I here present to the reader: Boston, Mass., March 7, 1860, Dear Sir: In compliance with your request, I take pleasure in fur- nishing you a succinct account of my last importation of cattle from Holland, and also of the disease that subsequently prevailed in my herd at the Highland Farm, in Belmont, as is now generally supposed, in consequence of that importation. It may be remarked that I had previously made two importations from Holland, and the extraordinary superiority of the animals received from that source, in comparison either with our native or any of the foreign breeds heretofore imported, induced me to increase my stock of Dutch cattle by further importations, rather than await the natural increase from those already imported. Accordingly, in December, 1858, I transmitted an order to my correspondents in Schiedam, Hol- land, instructing them to employ a competent person expressly to pro- ceed to the north of Holland and make selections of the best animals that could be obtained, without regard to the expense. Following my instructions, four cows were procured from Purmerend and the Beem- ster, and were duly shipped at Rotterdam, on board the barque “J.C. Humphreys,”’ which vessel sailed from that port early in April, and arrived here on the 23d of May, 1859. Upon examination, the cows were found to be in an extremely bad condition—very much bruised and emaciated—one of them, as the mate of the barque stated, not having been on her feet during the twenty days preceding her arrival, while another one was totally una- ble to walk, and these two animals were accordingly carried to the farm in wagons. The remaining two were driven out. Deeming it impos- sible for the first-mentioned cow to recover, she was, on the 3lst of May, slaughtered, and on the 2d of June following the second cow died. At that time, in common with every one knowing the facts in the case, I was so fully persuaded that the bad condition of these ani- mals was caused by neglect on the voyage, that I libeled the vessel, and went through a course of one hundred and fifty dollars’ worth of law in my endeavors to obtain indemnity for the loss; but the law is uncertain, and the barque went on her way. My mind, however, re- mains unchanged with regard to the treatment the animals received on the voyage. The third cow of this importation seemed to be doing well until about the 20th of June, when she became sick, and died in ten days after. The fourth cow, ‘“ Lady Beemster,” has, down to this time, shown no indications of sickness, but is, on the contrary, in thriving condition. RINDERPEST, OR CONTAGIOUS PLEURO-PNEUMONIA. 17 Early in the month of August following, symptoms of disease were observable in the Dutch cow, “Lady Louise” (imported in 1852). She died on vhe 20th of the same month. About this time several other animals were taken sick, in rapid succession, and then it was that the idea was first advanced that the disease was identical with that known in Europe as “ epizodtic pleuro-pneumonia.” From that date every possible precaution was taken to prevent the spread of the sup- posed distemper, strict orders having been given that no animals should be allowed to leave the farm, nor any strange cattle to come upon the premises. A. temporary building was erected, in a pasture at consider- able distance from the farm barn, to which the animals not infected were removed, and disinfecting agents were used about the premises, etc. The following extract from my letter-book, in answer to an applica- tion for stock during the prevalence of the disease, will serye to show my views with regard to it at that time: ‘TI am at present obliged to decline any applications for stock, owing to an epidemic disease in my herd. The disease is that known as ‘ pleuro-pneumonia,’ and I have already lost seventeen head, and have ten more very sick. I ain using every precaution to prevent the disease from spreading, and you will, of course, see the propriety of my refusing to allow any animal to leave the farm until the infection has ceased.”’ It is manifest that the means used to prevent the spread of the dis- temper have so far proved eminently successful, inasmuch as, notwith- standing [ have lost some thirty animals (nearly half of my whole herd), there has not been a single case of the disease elsewhere in the neighborhood of my farm. As there seems to be an impression abroad that the disease in my case was confined exclusively to the Dutch stock, I would remark that such is not the fact; that, on the contrary, they have, comparatively, been more exempt from it than any other breed. It is not, however, confined to any particular breed, or to any age or sex, as the full-grown. ox, the mature cow, and the young calf have been alike prostrated by. it; and of the animals lost, five were thorough-bred Dutch, five Dur- ham, one Ayrshire, one Guernsey, two Jerseys, five Devons, two natives: (all the natives on the farm), and the remainder were grade Dutch. There has been no new case of sickness in my herd since the death of the mammoth cow “ Lady Washington,” which occurred on the 8th, of January, and I am, therefore, induced to believe that, so far as my animals are concerned, the disease has run its course. _ From the foregoing remarks, it will be perceived that some months ago, when the disease was raging, I believed it to be infectious or con- tagious; but I confess that more recently the conviction has forced: itself upon me that it was of an entirely local character; that the 2 18 DADD’S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. lungs of the cattle had become diseased by breathing carbonic acid gas, generated in the cow-house in consequence of insufficient ventila- tion. ‘The recent developments with regard to the spread of the disease in North Brookfield and vicinity—in tracing its origin to the calves that went from my farm in June last—together with the information I have just received in a letter from Holland upon the subject, will, I fear, force me back again to the belief that it is the veritable European scouree. With regard to the treatment of the disease, I can only say that several of our most eminent veterinary surgeons have availed them- selves of the opportunity to study the disease, by post mortem exami- nations and otherwise, and are, doubtless, competent to give valuable information upon the subject. My own private opinion, based upon costly experience, is, that whenever an animal becomes really sick with this distemper, the best teatment is to slaughter and bury forthwith. In concluding this long letter, I beg to say that, if it shall prove that through my efforts to improve the breeds of neat cattle, I have been the means of introducing this disease into the country, I am sure no one can possibly regret it more sincerely than myself. At the same time, I feel some consolation in believing that, provided the disease can be restricted to any thing like its present limits, the benefits con- ferred by the introduction of the Dutch cattle here will more than outweigh the losses incurred by the introduction of the disease. Respectfully, -WintTHROP W. CHENERY. SPREAD OF THE DISEASE. The disease was introduced into North Brookfield from Bel- mont. Mr. C. SroppaRpD, a young man of North Brookfield, purchased of Mr. CHENERY three calves. After arriving (by rail) at North Brookfield, they were driven toward the place of destination (about five miles). On the way, one of the calves was observed to falter, and at the end of the journey seemed to be quite sick. In two or three days, the father of the young man took the calf away to his own barn for treatment. In this barn were about forty head of cattle. The calf growing no better, the son took it back again to his own residence. In about ten days — it died. Soon the senior Stoddard observed that one of his oxen was sick; it soon died. ‘Two weeks after, a second was taken sick and died. Finally, in the course of a short time he had lost eight oxen and cows. Young Stoddard lost no animal by the infection RINDERPEST, OR CONTAGIOUS PLEURO-PNEUMONIA. 19 at that time. He sold, however. eleven heifers, and retained nine of the most valuable himself. These nine were four oxen and five young cattle. The four he took to his father, three of the others to his uncle, and the remaining two he left with his father- in-law. It was finally discovered that wherever these animals went they scattered the infection, without a single failure, show- ing that the disease was of a contagious character. It turned out, finally, that the herds of both father and son were badly diseased. Out of the nine formerly belonging to the son, seven were the subjects of pleuro-pneumonia. The elder Stoddard lost fourteen of his animals before the commissioners for the extirpation of the pest were appointed. The elder Stoddard kept about eight oxen, which he employed in teaming. He was drawing some lumber, and stopped over night at a neighbor’s named Needham. The disease was communicated, and Mr. Needham finally lost his whole herd. Many died, while others were destroyed by order of the commissioners. Finally, Mr. Stoddard sold an animal to Mr. Woodis, of New Braintree, who had twenty-three fine cows. Seven or eight died before the commissioners got there, and the whole herd had to be condemned. Next, Mr. Stoddard sold a yoke of cattle to Mr. Olmstead. At the end of five days they had infected the whole herd. Finally, these cattle came into the hands of Mr. Doane. They were put in with twenty-two yoke of cattle, and employed a day and a half in moving a building from Oakham to North Brookfield. It was afterward proved that the whole of these cattle took the infection. Belonging, as they did, to eleven different herds, they carried the infection to eleven different farms, and thus, by contagion or infection, the cattle for miles around became the subjects of pleuro-pneumonia. The disease assumed such proportions that the commissioners had not funds sufficient (ten thousand dollars) to perform the operations required by law—namely, extirpation. And here it may be proper to inform the reader that the commissioners had no power to order an attempt at medicinal treatment. They were ordered to extirpate the malady—to kill and bury all infected herds; and this has, finally, proved to be, both in this and other countries, the cheapest way of getting rid of contagious pleuro-pneumonia. The following is a brief record of the autopsies made by veter- inary surgeons employed by the State of Massachusetts: Autopsy 1—This cow appeared badly. She coughed, but, it 20 DADD’S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. was said, ate well. The posterior lobe of the lung adhered to the diaphragm, was indurated, and contained a cyst, in which was a very small quantity of pus and a mass of detached lung of the size of a quart measure. ‘This was connected with the main por- tion of the lung by bronchi, some of which had been cut off in such a manner as to admit air into the cyst. The mass was offen- sive, friable, and, on incision, did not present the bright, mottled, organized appearance of similar masses lying in air-tight cysts. There was no serum in the chest.—Dr. Martin, April 12, 1860. Autopsy 2.—An ox, 7 years old. The lung was extensively and firmly adherent in various parts, and almost “as hard as a stone.” On incision, there was found a large cyst, containing pus and lymph.—Drs. DApp and THAYER, April 19, 1860. Autopsy 3.—A steer, 3 years old. The owner said that this animal was but slightly, if at all sick. The left lunge was adher- ent to the pleura costalis and diaphragm. On incision, there was found, in the middle, a large cyst, containing pulmonary tissue. The right lung was adherent, but its substance healthy.—Drs. Dapp and THayer, April 19, 1860. Autopsy 4.—A steer, 2 years old. Marked adhesion of the posterior superior portion of the lung to the diaphragm. Some consolidation of the lung. The right lung contained a cyst, in which was a mass not entirely separated—Drs. Dapp and TuHayer, April 19, 1860. Autopsy 5.—A cow, 8 years old. The owner said that this animal was one of the most healthy in his herd. At the apex of the left lung was a yery large slough. ‘There was also red hepa- tization.—Drs. Dapp and THAYER, April 19, 1860. Autopsy 6.— 4 07. Minctune olpmatico.ecliyerilyee cl slefelehe a OZ Waiter Prereinclo relate. Slodoood DK6 Glele cle cick - 1 pint. Mix. One-fourth of the above is a dose for an ox or cow, which may be repeated every four hours. The same remedy answers for calves, only they require a smaller quantity. The astringent properties of the above mixture can be augmented by increasing the quantity of matico, or by adding a small quantity of powdered bayberry bark. In all eases of diarrhea, I usually order a change of dict; for, in some cases, the food is operative in producing the difficulty. If it occur while at grass, the animal should be taken to the barn for a short time, and allowed a few moderate meals of ground oatmeal. When sucking calves are under treatment. for diarrhea, the mother should also have a few doses of the above remedy ; for it often happens that she is ailing at the time, and her milk has a morbid tendency on the calf. In the advanced stages, when the~ fecal discharges emit a bad odor, and rumination is suspended, the patient should have a few quarts of milk porridge per day. Scalded milk alone will sustain and benefit the calf. CHRONIC DIARRHEA. Chronic diarrhea is usually accompanied by loss of condition ; the coat stares, and, although the animal is allowed the very best kind of food, still it thrives not; the skin and ribs seem to have entered into permanent relationship. In a case of this character, I recommend the following: Phosphate (of M65.) 2\e)steia ereieleloleteles(clon ©) OZ Row dered ioimeer ci sietlusteleleloalelelereierei OZ: Powdered charcoal...... sa000d000000 4 o2. Powdered golden seal......... Sb6odoa 4 Ox Powdered bayberry bark.......... ele Zs Mix. Divide the mass into eight equal parts, and mix one of them DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 81 in the food night and morning. This will generally have the desired effect. Should it fail, I would increase the quentity of bayberry bark to three ounces. GUT-TIE. It would seem that an apology is due’the reader from the author for introducing such an apparently vulgar term as the above; but the fact is, this term has a meaning—perhaps better understood than any other that can be introduced at the present time. It would appear that “ gut-tie” is often occasioned by a faulty method of castration, or “altering.” ‘This is the testimony of experts; but it is my opinion that gut-tie often occurs more accidentally than otherwise, for animals have been known to die of gut-tie after being castrated in the best possible manner. I once operated on an ani- mal for this mechanical trouble, and am satisfied that the castrator was as well qualified to perform the operation as the best of the — eraft ; yet the cord had retracted into the abdomen, formed a false tissue, and had also a large bulbous extremity, which no skill or foresight could have possibly guarded against. Symptoms.—The animal operated on presented the following symptoms: Pulse, small and quick ; respirations, hurried; animal very uneasy (all the time), down and up again very often; rectum, empty, yet coated with slime; the patient refused both food and water, and had not ruminated nor passed any feces for several hours. Treatment.—I proposed an operation, with the intention of ex- ploring the abdominal cavity, to which the owner consented. The patient was cast on the near or left side, and etherizcd. An incision, five inches in length, was then made through the integu- ments of the right flank, midway between the last rib and ante- rior part of the ilium, about three inches below the transverse spines of the lumbar vertebra. ‘The muscles and peritoneum were also divided in the same manner as when spaying a cow. After introducing my hand, I found a portion of intestine incarcerated: by the remains of the spermatic cord, which seemed, together with. some false membrane, to have entangled the intestine. After lib- erating the latter, the divided muscles were closed by suture, one end of which was left long enough to hang out of the wound. The integuments were then sutured, and dressed with tincture of aloes. 82 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. The patient staggered a little when he got up, but soon commenced eating. I did not see him afterward, but, a fortnight from the time of the operation, was informed that the animal experienced immediate relief from the difficulty, and was then well. Up.to «he present time there appears to’ be no information afloat in this country regarding the cause and remedy of this singular difficulty ; hence, I presume that some reliable account from other sources may be acceptable to the reader of this work. The fol- lowing account of “ gut-tie” is from the pen of Surgeon Crow- HURST, published in the “London Veterinarian :” ““T was requested on the 15th of last month, to attend a two- year old steer, the property of W. W. Daws, Esq., of Ewhurst, which was taken ill the day previously; but, it being late when the illness was observed, and my residence nine miles distant, some aperient medicine was administered, and orders given to send for me the next morning. When I arrived, the steer was’ lying down in a shed, but soon got up and walked across the yard. His back was arched, and the abdomen tucked up. He was somewhat excited at first, but soon began to tremble, and to step in a backward direction, by putting one hind leg directly behind the other. Occasionally he turned his head toward his side, and would kick at his belly, and, now and then, stretch himself out, and curve his loins to a considerable extent. After being in the yard for a short time, he returned into the shed and lay down again, doing this in a very careful manner. He soon got up a second time, and stepped backward as before, seemingly for the purpose of getting his hind-quarters against some resisting body. The man in charge of the animal explained that the symp- toms had undergone but very little change since he was taken ill, and that he had not eaten any thing nor voided any feces. There were, however, several evacuations of mucus lying about the yard, which had been expelled from the bowels. Having procured a wagon-rope, and obtained the assistance of two or three men, I had the animal cast, and examined him per rectum. There were no feces present, but, on passing my hand onward, I readily detected a band, which was drawn tightly round the bowel. It appeared to pass from behind forward, and under the rectum. By pulling at this the animal struggled from pain. Finding this state of things, I at once decided’upon operating, as I could not see the patient any more that day, having many press- DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 83 ing professional engagements. JI first cut off the hair from the right side, which I prefer to do while the animal is standing, that I may know better where to commence my incision when he is cast. : I will here describe my plan of casting the animal, that, should any person have a preferable one, I may put it in requi- sition in my after-proceedings. I first fastened one end of a rope to the off fore-leg, then passed it in front and around the near fore-lee, and afterward under the part of the rope between the legs, so as to pull them close together. Next, it was carried between the hind legs and round the near one, and then under that part which passed from the fore to the hind legs. By then bringing the end of the rope over the bulleck’s back, I was en- abled to throw him on his near side, and prevent his rising by drawing the near hind leg forward, and fixing it between the fore-legs. As the off hind leg was still at liberty, it was secured by drawing it backward, and fastening it by another rope to a crowbar fixed in the ground. A man was then placed on the animal’s neck, to keep his head down, and prevent his rising. Every thing being ready, I commenced the operation by cutting through the common integument and abdominal muscles, midway between the antero-inferior spinous process of the ilium and the last rib, a short distance below the transverse processes of the lumbar vertebra, so as to avoid the arteries of the part. The peri- toneum was then broken through with the fingers, and afterward the left hand was introduced into the abdomen, in a direction toward the pelvis. J experienced no difficulty in finding the band, which consisted of the vas deferens, and which formed a semicircular projection in the abdomen from the intestines pass- ing behind it, or from below upward, as the steer lay on his side. It was drawn quite tight, and had produced strangulation of the intestines. I was soon enabled to liberate the intestines, after which I drew the vas deferens toward the opening in the muscles and divided it, excising a portion to the extent of about three or four inches. The part cut through retracted, and was left floating free in the abdomen. The operation was completed by passing some interrupted sutures of wide tape through the common integ- ument only. After the animal. was released, I gave him some _ aperient medicine, and ordered gruel to be administered at regu- lar intervals. Before I was a student at the college, I attended a post mortem 84 DADD’S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. examination of an old Welch runt, which my father ordered to be killed, as the proprietor neglected sending soon enough for him to be of any service. In this case there were about six inches of the small intestines strangulated, and quite black in color. The question arises, Is this affection produced from any particular mode of castration? My father has castrated animals in the same way as taught him by his father for forty-five years, and has never had one case among those he has operated upon, although he has been called to several which had been operated upon by other persons. The calf which I have alluded to was not castrated by him, nor was the two-year old steer, (the subject of this communication,) by either of us, which tends to prove that castration has to do with its production, these cases having occurred in our district. I had, until recently, supposed that the spermatic artery, on being drawn at until it ruptures, in the operation of castration, might recede into the abdomen, and, hanging loose, afterward strangulate the intestines by getting around them, but I feel convinced this is not the case.” The following, which lately appeared in the Edinburgh “ Vet- erinary Review,” is offered for the reader’s instruction. It is a translation from GIERER, by Mr. GAMGEE: “On THE INTERNAL RUPTURES IN OXEN. “ Gierer alludes to the fact that all authors agree as to the na- ture of the internal or peritoneal ruptures termed ‘ ueber-wurf,’ by the Germans—‘ gut-tie’ by the English. ‘There is a separa- tion of the atrophied spermatic cord from the sides of the pelvis, and, under peculiar circumstances, the peritoneum is lacerated ; a portion of intestine slips downward and backward, and the cord is entwined round it, so as to constrict it, obstruct the passage of excrement, and inflammation, with other consequences, result. Gierer especially describes his method of discovering the seat of the constriction, and his plan of operating. He says that it is not always so easy to find the spermatic cord, and to discover precisely which intestine is incarcerated. Most cases occur in oxen from a year and a half to four years old. When symptoms of colic, and no discharge of feces induce him to suspect ‘gut-tie,’ he examines per rectum, and, by careful manipulation, can always DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 85 detect the spermatic cord and imprisoned intestine. Gierer has never seen this strangulation relieved spontaneously; and there are two methods of cure to adopt—the one palliative, and the other radieal. The first consists in the return of the intestine through the fissure in the spermatic cord, by quickly driving an ox or raising his hind-quarters in a stall. This should be tried soon after the first appearance of the disease. When this does not answer, the normal condition of the parts must be restored by the taxis effected through the rectum. ’ Very often there may be a relapse, from the loose spermatic cord and fissure of the peritoneum remaining in statu quo. There are two methods of radical cure—one by the introduction of the hand through an incision through the abdominal walls, and the other by the rectum. Gierer always operates by the rectum, and his method consists in the simple return of the spermatic cord in eontact with its natural point of attachment against the abdominal wall. ‘To effect this a limited, successive, and slightly outdraw- ing traction forward, or from behind forward, of the intestine is elfected ; and, having accomplished this, the soft part of the thumb of the right hand, which is used from the beginning of the oper- ation, is applied through the coats of the rectum in the lower and posterior part of the cord, and, with a jerk, or forward movement, the operation is completed. Gierer says that the intreduction of the hand in the abdomen is only needed when, from the amount of intestine imprisoned, it is difficult to feel the rudimentary spermatic cord; but, under these circumstances, inflammation and gangrene would have en- sued already, and the operation would, therefore, be useless, and it is many years since he had occasion to perform it.” FLATULENT COLIC. This disease is generally occasioned by some derangement of the digestive organs, whereby the food, instead of being properly digested, undergoes fermentation, and thus carbonic acid Bas er Aipnmeed hydrog en is evolved. Symptoms.—It is attended by considerable pain; the on will be very restless, continually lying down and getting up again ; discharges gas from the anus; strikes the belly occasionally a: the hind feet, and the abdomen is enlarged. 86 DADD’S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. Treatment.—This. species of colic ean generally be relieved as follows: Take one ounce of hyposulphite of soda, dissolve the same in a quart of water; then add tincture of ginger and tincture of golden seal, of each, one ounce. Drench the animal with the same. Clysters of soap-suds, to which a little salt may be added, should be thrown into the rectum occasionally. The belly should be well rubbed with coarse straw, and, in severe cases, I should rub some mustard, moistened with vinegar, on the lower part of the abdomen. After a lapse of two hours, should the patient ap- pear unrelieved, a second dose of the colic drench may be given. Generally, however, one dose is sufficient. SPASM OF THE BOWELS. Spasm of the bowels, generally termed spasmodic colic, is oc- casioned by contraction of the longitudinal and circular fibers of the muscular tunic of the intestines. In this disease nearly the same symptoms are observed as those alluded to in flatulent colic, with the exception of flatulency. The patient, however, is more irritable and dangerous to handle than in flatulent colic, and he has periods of relaxation from pain which return at intervals with increased violence. It is supposed that this affeetion is caused by the presence of irritating matters in the intestinal canal, either in the form of bad food, poisonous plants, or water impregnated with lead. As the muscles of the intestines belong to that class known as involuntary, it follows that the state of spasm is the result of some excitability or deranged condition of the nerves of involuntary motion ; hence antispasmedics are indicated. In view of relieving the spasm, 1 recommend the following: IRowdered assatetidacerieniu circ ieieeere 1 dr. Sulphurie ether............ Ghesorcss 2dr. Thin gruel..... Vacooa dade Sanos0050p 1 pint. Mix. Use as a drench; then administer, eccasionally, an antispasmedic clyster, composed of warm water and a small quantity of pow- dered lobelia. . Failing to relieve the animal by the above means, I should get him under the influence of sulphuric ether, to be applied to the nostrils by means of a sponge. There is no necessity for fully etherizing the animal, for, if kept in a partial state of stupefaction DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 87 for about twenty minutes, the spasm will relax; after which, let the patient be kept on bran-mashes for a day or more. CONSTIPATION OF THE BOWELS. Constipation is generally the result of impaired digestion, yet, now and then, it is the precursor of some definite malady. The eld method of resorting to powerful cathartics generally aggravates the symptoms, and the animal dies unrelieved of the constipation. The best method of treating this affection is to administer, with an aperient, stimulants and bitters; in this way we arouse the action of the digestive organs, and create a lax state of the bowels Let the following drench be given: Gilabenysallitisyy ve jreyare avelocrs sls ale eleves seers 12 oz. Powdered golden seal.............--. 3 dr. OM ene amelie tne i rele oc ar slesle/eielals 2 dr. Dissolve the Glauber salts in one quart of tepid water; then add the other ingredients. After a lapse of eight hours, the animal should be walked about, have its belly rubbed, and an occasional elyster of warm soap-suds may be thrown into the rectum. Should the medicine not operate at the expected time, administer two drachms of powdered mandrake, the same quantity of golden seal, and half an ounce of hyposulphite of soda, in about a quart of water. To prevent a recurrence of the constipation, let the animal have half an ounce of equal parts of golden seal and carbonate of soda daily, which may be mixed in the foo. It is important, also, in view of guarding against constipation, to make some change in the diet. Thus, if the animal has been long fed on meal, some coarser material (shorts) should be substituted, for a brief period at least. SECTION LY. PARTURITION. S1ans or Lasor, on Parturirion—NarurnaL Lasorn—UnnaturaL LaBpor— Foru-tecs PRESENTING —ONE Forn-LeG Presenting —Hrap PruesEntTING WITHOUT THE LEGS—EXTRACTION OF A CALF ON irs Back—Hinp Lecs Pre- SENTING—BREECH PRESENTATION—CLEANSING, OR REMOVAL OF THE AFTER- BIRTH—BACK OF THE CALF PRESENTING AT THE BRIM OF THE PELVis—UTE- RINE HemoRRHAGE—BDirtTa or Twins—TRIPLETS. Sirens or Lasor, or PARTURITION. T the end of two hundred and seventy days from the period of a cow’s impregnation, some enlargement of the udder will be perceived, and the labii pudendi (external parts of the genital organs) are relaxed, and appear tumefied, and a sort of glistening discharge issues from the same., The animal is also restless, and appears desirous of avoiding the society of other cows. Her respirations are somewhat quickened; she becomes nervous and irritable, and labor pains set in, occurring at stated periods, until, at last, the neck of the uterus dilates, the feetal membranes present themselves in the form of a watery tumor, and the parts admit of the delivery of the fcetus. NaturaAL LABOR. Natural labor consists of the presentation of the placental mem- branes, inclosed fluid, with the head and two fore-feet of the fcetus, In the act of natural expulsion the membranes become ruptured, and the liquor amnii (water) escapes. This lubricates the parts, and greatly facilitates the birth of the foetus. After delivery a few after-pains occur, by which means the placenta, or after-birth, is expelled. This completes the painful routine of natural labor. (88) PARTURITION. 89 UNNATURAL LABOR. A cow failing to give birth after the fashion described in the preceding article, and being in a state of parturition, having regu- lar uterine pains, increasing in severity as they successively occur, yet no appearance of the foetus, is probably the subject of false presentation. The character of this presentation must be ascer- tained, and our efforts then directed to the replacement of the part to its natural position. The person who intends to render assist- ance to the parturient cow should be clad in suitable garments. His arms must be bared to the shoulders, and, in view of guard- ing against the absorption of morbid virus, the person’s arms should be lubricated with glycerine or olive oil. The instru- ments required are, embryotomy knife, embryotomy hooks, and _ slip-nooses. (See cut of instruments.) Forr-Lecs PRESENTING. The most common false presentation is that when the two fore- legs are advanced into the vagina, sometimes beyond it, and the head turned upon the foetal body. This is occasioned by the muzzle having caught at the brim of the pelvis. The delivery can not be effected until the position is changed, without danger to the mother and certain destruction to the calf. The best plan is to attach a cord, or the slip-nooses, to each fore-leg, which are then to be forced back into the uterus. ‘The head must then be sought for, and constant pressure exerted on the same until it is sent forward far enough to enable the operator to release it from the brim of the pelvis, and guide it into the vaginal outlet. A noose may then be slipped over the lower jaw; then traction on it and those of the fore-legs will accomplish the delivery. If the calf is dead I should use the embryotomy hook in pref- erence to the noose; but, in view of saving the calf, the latter is the safest. Some care, however, is necessary in drawing out the fore-feet, lest the points of the hoofs lacerate the vagina. While the assistants are drawing steadily on the cords, the operator should give them a lateral action, from side to side, and upward and downward. This is far better than pulling persistently in one direction, for it tends to loosen and alter the position of im- pacted parts. 90 DADD’S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. ONE FORE-LEG PRESENTING. This is also a common occurrence, and, if seen early, the de- livery may be safely effected by attaching the noose to the pro- truded leg. This is to be pushed back, the other sought for and secured in the same manner, and again to be returned. The head must then be properly placed, the legs drawn outward, and the delivery may be accomplished with every prospect of bringing forth a live calf. HEAD PRESENTING WITHOUT THE LEGS. In a case of this character, it is evident that the legs are doubled up within the vagina and uterus, and, unless attended to early, the calf will be dead; therefore, in order to save time and trouble, I should decapitate the calf, which is done as follows: Make a cir- cular incision around the neck through the integuments; then cut down in a region between the first and second cervical vertebra, and sever the capsular ligaments and spinal marrow. A person not expert in these matters will probably succeed better in de- taching the head at this point than at the base of the cranium, Before the neck is returned, the embryotomy hooks should be in- serted into it, and the blades secured by tying the cord which passes through them. Having pushed back the neck, I run my hand along one limb at a time, and find the hoofs. These are brought forward and noosed. ‘Traction now being made on thie three cords, the delivery is secured. Supposing the calf to be alive, I proceed as follows: A noose is affixed to the lower jaw; the head is then pushed back as far as it can be got; the fore-legs are then to be brought into posi- tion as above described, after which the calf is readily brought away. Some difficulty may be experienced in extracting the hind parts. If they require much force in extraction, the probabilities are that the pelvis of the foetus is impacted in that of the cow. The long diameter of the pelvis is crosswise of the body, so that, if the calf be in a position that opposes its long pelvic diameter to the short one of the mother, it must be pushed back a few inches, and turned, so that its feet shall be downward, in a line with the cow’s limbs. Jt is very important that the calf should be in the right posi- PARTURITION. 91 tion as regards the diameter of the pelvis, for many valuable cows are ruined by the violent means used in the extraction of the hind parts when in a faulty position. « A little tact in securing a right position for the exit of the calf would save a vast amount of unnecessary and cruel traction, which in our rural districts, where veterinary surgeons are not to be found, is too often employed. EXTRACTION OF A CALF ON ITs Back, Hinp Lees PRESENTING. Some persons have an idea that when a wrong presentation of this kind takes place the calf may be turned. ‘This is an impos- sibility, and it is only a waste of time and a feat of ignorance to even attempt it. The calf must be extracted in the manner of pre- sentation. ‘The traction, however, should be made in a direction toward the bones of the coccygis, or tail. In the early stages of this kind of parturition, the back rests on the belly of the mother, and the feet come in contact with her spine. If my services were sought at this early period, I should endeavor to bring the feet down, one at a time, and noose them, and proceed to deliver with- out making any futile attempts to change the position of the calf. In a case of this character, which occurred in my practice a short time ago, I found it impossible (the cow being down) to dislodge the feet from the spinal region. I therefore procured a double and single block tackle, and fastened it to a beam which ran across the barn; the hind extremities were then attached to the single block by means of straps, and in this way the posterior parts were elevated. The consequence was, that the whole feetal apparatus receded into the abdominal cavity, the feet were dis- lodged from the spine, and I had the satisfaction of delivering the animal of a live calf. The following case is related by Surgeon CARTWRIGHT, in the “Veterinarian : ” “On the 30th of April, 1850, Mr. came for me to see a cow, four years old, that could not calve, as, in a former instance, another celebrated man at such work had been in attendance on her, but, from the state of the os uteri, was fairly frightened from making an attempt to remove it, as, he said, ‘an operation’ must be performed on it. I found her well off at the hips, and about the vulva well relaxed. On introducing my hand into the 92 DADD’'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. vagina, I ascertained that the os uteri was dilated to about five inches in diameter, in an apparent rigid state. On passing my hand through the os uteri, I found that the calf lay on its back. The hind feet could be felt, but they were doubled up at the fet- locks, and pressed against the rectum and inside of the upper por- tion of the os uteri. In consequence of the calf lying on its back, and its feet being doubled up, the latter was not forced into the os uteri, from which cause the os uteri could not be dilated for the cow to calve. I immediately got one of the legs straight, brought it forward into the vagina, and passed a cord around it, and then served the other the same. Afterward we used gradual traction to the feet, until the os uteri was fully dilated, and, in the course of an hour, we removed a live calf, which, together with the cow, did well. I fear such cases as these may induce persons to divide the os uteri, thinking it ina scirrhous state. In a fortnight after, this person had an exactly similar case; but, from using gross force, they burst open the pelvis somewhere, and the consequence was, the cow was obliged to be destroyed.” BREECH PRESENTATION. A presentation of this kind is generally attended with difficulty and danger. The difficulties depend, however, somewhat on the length of time which has elapsed since the commencement of the labor. If it be recent, there is some hope for both mother and calf, but in a protracted case there is little hope for the mother; and one reason is, the vagina or uterus is often injured or rup- tured by the struggles of the fcetus in trying to free itself from its uncomfortable position. Then, again, the uterus has contracted upon the foetus so as almost to imprison it, at least forcing and impacting it within the cavity of the pelvis, so that the little ani- mal is almost immovable. Let a person unacquainted with bo- vine midwifery introduce his hand and arm in a case of this char- acter, and he will be astonished at the amount of force it will require to thread his hand between the foetus and pelvis; and after accomplishing his object, the hand and arm become so be- numbed by the pressure that he can not accomplish much, if any thing, until he can succeed in forcing the feetus forward, which, in some cases, when uterine action is strong, can not be ettected without elevating the posterior parts of the cow by means of a PARTURITION. 93 hoisting tackle. It requires a person with a long arm to be of much service in a case of this kind, for the limbs are extended a long distance into the abdomen. A breach presentation is very readily detected by the presence of the calf’s tail, which occasion- ally hangs out of the vagina. The mode of extracting the foetus when the breech presents is as follows: Pressure must be made upon the buttocks of the calf in the interim of labor pains. Having succeeded in pushing the calf forward, the hocks may possibly be reached; afterward the feet. These are to be brought into the vaginal passage; then, by traction, and altering the position of the calf, if necessary, the delivery is completed. Should it be found impossible to push the foetus forward, I should lose no time in raising the hind-quarters of the cow by means of hoisting apparatus, which most farmers have on hand. In order to avoid hurting or injuring the cow’s limbs when hoisting the hind parts from the ground, I encircle the legs, just above the fetlock, with some old gunnybag, or something of the sort; then affix a strap to each leg, into which the tackle must be hooked. The cow is, of course, raised from the floor, belly upward. CLEANSING, OR REMOVAL OF THE AFTER-BIRTH. After the delivery, the after-birth should be detached, if pos- sible; for, if it be allowed to occupy the uterus, the latter contracts upon it, and there it may remain for a week or more, and, at last, come away a mass of putridity—not, however, before the cow has suffered some derangement of health. So soon as the calf is born, I introduce my hand, and pull, in various directions, on the um- bilical cord. Failing to bring the placenta away, I introduce my whole arm, and carefully detach the now foreign body from the cotyledons of the uterus. ‘The uterus shortly afterward contracts, and thus effectually prevents uterine hemorrhage. It has been my universal custom, of late, to remove the placenta immediately after the birth of the calf, and I do so because I con- sider it unwise to allow it to remain; for the labor is not then completed. No practitioner of midwifery in human medicine would ever deem it proper to leave his patient until the “after- birth” was removed, for it would, most undoubtedly, endanger the mother’s life if it were left to rot away, as is too often the case 94 DADD’S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY with the poor uncomplaining cow. : In the removal of the placenta, Zam careful not to pull too hard on the umbilical cord, lest in- version of the uterus ensue. A little tact and patience will often accomplish wonders. The placenta may be detached from the cotyledons, and yet can not be drawn away. The probability is that some irregular contraction of the uterus retains it. Now we must exercise a little patience, and then introduce the arm aod feel for the seat of contraction. This can probably be dilated ly the fingers, and then the placenta may easily be removed. In cases of protracted labor, when the cow is much exhausted, the placenta may remain in the uncontracted uterus for want of muscular power in the same to expel it. In such a case I should give the cow about a quart of ginger tea, and if any tympany of the intestines exist, I should add a small quantity of carbonate of soda. The absurd practice of attaching a weight to the membranes, or rolling them on a stick, as heretofore recommended, is not in ac- cordance with my views of an enlightened system of practice. To say the least, it is unscientific, and presents an unsightly appear- ance. The odor which arises from the putrid mass, in the course of a few days, is enough to sicken a dog, and no doubt it does sicken pregnant cows, and may induce abortion. The membranes must be removed. The abominable practice of allowing the cow to devour the after-birth is much to be deplored. I know the custom has the sanction of long usage, but that, in my opinion, is no argument ‘n its favor. The cow is not a cannibal nor a carniverous animal, yet, for the sake of getting rid of an unsightly and filthy mass of carrion, which ought to have been removed from her sight, she is tempted, and finally does devour it. She may, however, some- times be led to devour the placenta and feetal membranes through the promptings of a morbid appetite. ‘The best and safest way to dispose of the after-birth is to burn it, for the odor arising from it under the process of decomposition has a bad effect on pregnant cows of a highly imaginative and nervous temperament, and the odoriferous morbid germ is more active in warm than cold weather. ; ike) Or PARTURITION. Back OF THE CALF PRESENTING AT THE BRIM OF THE PELVIS. This unfortunate presentation is one of rare occurrence. I never ‘saw but one case, and that I now propose to introduce for the instruction of my readers. I was called, a short time ago, to visit a cow, the property of Mr. R , of Winchester. The animal had been in labor, with strong parturient pains, for twelve hours. Tn the mean time several persons had tried their skill on the poor brute, without doing the least good. At the time of my visit, she was in a deplorable condition. Her ears, horns, and extremities were icy cold; she was delirious, throwing her head about in a reckless manner, as if in convulsions; the vaginal lips were very much tumefied, their lining membrane being highly inflamed. I immediately gave her a good drench of stimulating medicine, which appeared to have a good effect in restoring warmth on the external surface and in the extremities. On making an examina- tion, I discovered that the back or spinal column of the fcetus was firmly impacted within the brim of the pelvis; consequently every uterine effort to expel the same was only making matters worse. I employed all the usual means to change the position of the calf to no purpose. Finally, I proposed an operation, to which the owner consented. I now etherized the cow, turned her on her left side, and made an incision through the right flank, beginning at a point two inches beneath the transverse processes of the lum- bar vertebra, mid-distance of the last rib and anterior spine of the pelvis. The length of the incision was about ten inches. I then divided the muscles in this region known as the transversalis, external and internal oblique. Having thus exposed the perito- neum, I punctured it, and, by means of a probe-pointed bistoury, dilated it to the extent of the external incision. I then made an incision through the uterus, disemboweled the calf, so as to reduce its bulk, and, finally, removed the heart and lungs; yet I could not extract the carcass (which was of extraordinary size). I there- fore made a section of the spinal column, and removed the foetus in halves; then took away the placenta, and removed all fluids by means of a sponge. The incision was properly sutured, and, after a short period, the cow got up and partook of a bran-mash. Twenty-four hours after the operation the cow died. This proba- bly occurred from the exhausted condition of the animal at the \ 96 DADD’S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. period of operating. When nothing except an operation of this kind can save the mother, I recommend that it be performed early, so that there shall be vitality enough in the system to bear up against it. UTERINE HEMORRHAGE, Uterine hemorrhage is known, in common parlance, as flooding from the womb. Occasionally it does occur as a sequel of forcible extraction of the calf, followed by an unwarrantable harshness in extracting the placenta and its membranes from the uterine coty- ledans. The best plan of arresting this kind of hemorrhage is to drench the cow with two ounces of tincture of matico, and then encircle the body, in the region of the small of the back, with a cold-water bandage. The object, in a case of this kind, is to in- duce contraction of the uterus, for, when once contracted, the flocd- ing will soon cease. BrrtH oF Twins. There are many cases on record of cows giving birth to twins, and even triplets, without manual assistance; yet occasionally, in consequence of two presenting in the passage at once, some assist- ance is needed. When called to a case of this character, the object should be to ascertain if the parts presenting belong to one or two calves. If the latter be the case, one must be pushed back and the other advanced; for they can not both be born at once without periling the life of the mother. TRIPLETS. Three years ago I visited Keene, N. H., on the occasion of the State Fair, and saw a cow of native breed, the property of Mr. Aldrich. I learned that at two previous births she had brought forth twins, and now was the mother of three at one birth. These were milk-white, and a perfect counterpart of each other. I un- derstood Mr. Aldrich to say that the cow had never been bred to the same bull, so that the plural and triple births were the result of a peculiarity of constitution on the part of the cow. ‘This re- markable peculiarity seems to favor the hypotheses of Pythagoras and Aristotle, who maintained that the female parent affords all PARTURITION. 9F the materials necessary for the formation of the offspring, the office of the male being merely to awaken the dormant formative powers residing in the female ovaducts. The “ovists” further assume that the foetal germs already exist, with all their organs, in some part of the female organs of generation, and that the action of the male is merely that of exciting and endowing the fcetus with vi- tality. These theories, however, appear irreconcilable with the phenomena of the offspring inheriting the faults and defects of the male. The cow alluded to never required any assistance in labor. This may be accounted for from the fact that the mother had a large pelvis, and her offspring at the time of birth were all small. But here are two other remarkable cases, as related by Mr. GAMGEE, in his translations: “The subject of this notice had been delivered of her first calf in January, 1857, when two years old—a fine heifer of the Brittany breed, and of medium size. Soon after she was served (only once) by a bull of the district, and became impregnated. During gesta- tion the animal was healthy, walked easily, and her belly presented no uncommon appearance as regards size. On December 26, her term of gestation having closed with little pain or expulsive efforts, she gave birth, in a very few minutes, to two calves (male and fe- male), the first being in the normal position, the last having the posterior limbs presented first. At the same time the fcetal envel- opes of the calves came away. During delivery the cow showed no suffering, and would eat and drink as usual. Shortly after, the attendants perceived, be- tween the lips of the vulva, two white, soft tumors, which they took for inverted uterus, and at once hastened for the cow-doctor. Meanwhile, a neighbor, thinking he recognized in them the water- bags, pricked them, and, on the escape of the water, another calf was seen, with a natural presentation, which was soon delivered by the efforts of the mother. This was immediately followed by a fourth, which was also easily expelled. These two last—the first a female, the last a male—died in a few seconds, though, doubtless, had the liquor amnii been at once evacuated, both might have survived, as they were even stronger than the two first. They were very fat, and weighed, when given to the butcher, 25 kiloerammes each. — “The cow which has shown such remarkable fecundity (five: 98 DADD’S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. calves in one year) has all along preserved the most perfect health.” Remarkable Fecundation in a Cow.—Mr. M. B. Forses sent the London “ Veterinarian” the following particulars relating to the birth of five calves at one time: ‘ A cow of the short-horned breed, six years old, the property of Mr. Richard Knight, farmer, Santon, about a mile from Ryegate, was safely delivered on Monday morn- ing, the 21st of February, three weeks before her time, of five calves—four bulls and one cow. ‘Three of the calves died a few hours after birth, but the fourth survived until Tuesday, and the fifth until the following day, Wednesday.” Mr. Forses saw the cow on the 23d, and found her going on well. It was her third calving. SECTION V. DISEASES OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. CoNSTRICTION OF THE NECK oF THE UTERus—EMBRYOTOMY—TREATMENT OF Cows DURING PREGNANCY —SYMPTOMS OF PREGNANCY—DRopsy OF THE WoMB—PUER- PERAL FEVER—FALLING OF THE WOMB. CoNSTRICTION AT THE: NECK OF THE UTERUS. WING to some abnormal condition of the neck of the uterus, it is occasionally the seat of constriction. The difficulty can only be determined by introducing the hand into the vagina; then, by bringing the fingers in contact with the mouth of the womb, it is found in an undilated and indurated or hardened state. Should the labor pains be quite strong, and no signs of relaxation appear- ing, I should then introduce a probe-pointed bistoury or the em- bryotomy knife into the neck of the uterus, and dilate the stricture, by making incisions into the inner border of the strictured or har- dened mass. This will allow of some slight dilatation, large enough for a bladder of foetal membrane to gain entrance. After this takes place, the labor will gradually progress, and, if every thing goes right, as the saying is, a live calf may soon be expected to make its appearance, and the cow may alse be expected to sur- vive the operation. EMBRYOTOMY. The operation known among medical men as embryotomy, sig- nifies dismemberment of the calf within the vagina and uterus. I presume no man, except he be acquainted with the anatomy of the parts, would dare to attempt the dismemberment and disembowel- ment of the foetus. It is an operation, however, which has to be performed very often, and it has saved the lives of very many valuable cows; therefore I shall try to “post” the reader on the (99) 100 DADD’S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. subject. The instrument used for this purpose is called an embry- otomy knife (see cut of instruments), and is introduced into the uterine cavity, concealed in the hand, so that its cutting edge shall not injure the genital organs of the cow. Mode of Operation.—Having introduced the knife within the uterine cavity, [ run my hand along the feetal limb to the top of the shoulder, if possible, and there turn the knife and send its beak point through the integument, and slit the same to the region of the knee. Here I make a circular incision of the integument around the knee. A slip-noose is affixed to the fetlock, and, while an assistant 1s making steady traction on the same, I loosen the integument from the limb; then, by a little dexterity in the use of the knife, at the top of the shoulder and elsewhere, the whole Jeg is drawn away. After amputating the shoulder, I make an incision through the cartilages of the ribs. This exposes the whole of the thoracic viscera, which I remove. If the bulk of the calf appears to be sufficiently reduced to insure its extraction, I affix a noose to the remaining fore-leg, and, by traction, remove the carcass. The only difficulty in the way of a prompt extraction occurs, oftentimes, in consequence of the foetal head being bent round on the opposite side of the chest ; but, under ordinary cir- cumstances, the calf can be extracted without proceeding to disem- bowel or deeapitate it. If, however, either of the latter operations will facilitate the birth of the calf, I should certainly perform one or the other, or both. Having extracted the whole of the fcetus, I next remove the placenta and membranes, and then drench the cow with the following : Hinidvextract ot cancer: pei lier ctere else 4 02. Tincture xorpmaltic one sae ete eel iene 1 oz. Wicirmu wie GER a aye Sarai nes comer e iaireda ne aitetrer eae 1 quart. This will improve the condition of the prostrate animal, and in- sure contraction of the uterus. ‘The uterine expulsive power, so favorable to the liberation of the calf, if dormant, can readily be aroused by administering a stimulating drench. TREATMENT oF Cows DuRING PREGNANCY. The cow is the only animal with which I am acquainted that yields milk regularly during the trying and prostrating probation of pregnancy. She has not only to yield milk for the profit of DISEASES OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 101 her owner, but she must also furnish an identical preparation for the nourishment of the fcetus in utero. Then, again, the integrity of her own system requires that her digestive organs shall furnish enough of chyme and chyle for the manufacture of good, rich blood, to repair incidental and extraordinary wear and tear of her system ; therefore she should be well fed and cared for. Any stinting or miserly economy in the feeding of pregnant cows is very poor policy, and is a sort of starvation procedure, which can never be expected to pay. It is impossible for the cow to discharge these treble duties unless she be generously fed on nutrimental agents, containing the necessary equivalents. J am aware that most cows are too well fed, hence milk fever and other inflammatory. affec- tions; yet the food given to some cows in this region, such as swill, brewer’s grains, corn-stalks, coarse, damaged hay, ete., is not suit- able for pregnant cows. They should have a mess of roots occa- sionally, and about a quart of meal night and morning, which may be stirred in a bucket of water, to which add a tea-spoonful of salt. A reasonable quantity of geod, sweet hay should be allowed daily. This will not only keep the stomach distended to a healthy capacity, but will also furnish matter for remastication, by which process a large amount of saliva is secreted, and passes into the stomach, where it operates on the food therein contained as a pow- erful digester. A pregnant cow should never be confined to the cow-house, for want of proper exercise induces plethora, and a plethoric condition of the system retards the development of the feetus ; hence the cow is very apt to go over her time. The pregnant animal needs, and must have, exercise. It aids in the circulation of blood through her system: it brings the blood oftener in contact with aerating surfaces, and thus invigorates it; in short, the whole animal econ- omy is benefited by exercise in the open air. If the season of the year admits, the cow should be sent to pasture. Here, under the advantages arising from pure air, natural food, ete., she will get in fine condition, so that when the pericd of calving arrives she will be strong and vigorous, and can‘bring forth a healthy calf. It must be borne in mind, however, that the petted, stall-fed cow is not a safe subject to leave in the pasture at night. The cold, damp ground and air are apt to derange her health; therefore she should be housed at night and on stormy days. As regards milking the animal during pregnancy, it must de- 102 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. pend on circumstances. A cow in good condition may be milked Jonger than a poor one, and the poor, overmilked animal must “oo dry,” as the saying is, for a couple of months prior to calving. Should a pregnant animal yield milk up to within a fortnight of calving, she should have a few bran-mashes, and the daily quan- tity of food and drink must be diminished. She should also have free access to salt, and occasionally a table-spoonful or so of phos- phate of lime may be sprinkled over her fodder. SYMPTOMS OF PREGNANCY. A cow in healthy condition will be in heat (a state of menstru- ation) about once a month. ‘This lasts for a period of four days, more or less. About three or four months after conception has taken place, the belly is enlarged, and, on making pressure on the right flank, the motions of a live fcetus ean be distinctly felt. Pregnancy may be determined earlier than this by auscultation (the art of diagnosis by listening to the sounds of the heart). The beating of the foetal heart can be distinctly heard. The ear should . be applied to the right flank. Dropsy OF THE Wome. This affection generally prevails among aged cows, in the latter period of pregnancy. The causes of it are, perhaps obscure; yet it may be attributable, like other dropsies, to a debilitated condi- tion of the system, and an impoverished state of the blood. Symptoms.—The symptoms noticed in this affection are as fol- lows: An unhealthy and debilitated state of the animal; visible membranes, pale and watery ; a pendulous and much enlarged con- dition of the abdomen; spinal column, curved in a downward direction ; and the animal, when down, is observed to rise with difficulty. Treatment.—It often happens that in dropsy of the uterus, the walls of the abdomen are ruptured, and the fluid escapes into the cellular tissue beneath the common integuments. This is readily detected by an unnatural tumefaction, or swelling, in some part of the abdominal region. My usual practice in a case of this char- acter is to puncture the integument, and allow the fluid to escape. I then direct that the animal have a few doses of the following: DISEASES OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 103 i Hluvdsextractyor pwelnws ceases « Ae eon Powdered chlorate of potass........... 4 dr. Waite rece meters cue cases caen tales daar treme. o 1 pint. Mix. Give a dose of the above once or twice daily. Dropsy confined to the uterus is a formidable affection, because it requires the services of an experienced surgeon, who will, prob- ably, tap the dropsical membranes through the vagina; yet the operation is not always advisable, for it frequently results in pre- mature parturition. PUERPERAL FEVER. During the past few years, very many valuable cows have died of “ milk fever” (puerperal fever), puerperal convulsions, etc. It is a remarkable fact that this disease almost always attacks cows in high condition; hence, in view of prevention, we should en- deavor to guard against the accumulation of fat; and this can be done by withholding meal and substituting shorts, and also by allowing considerable quantities of rocts and grass, when they can be had. , Puerperal fever is a disease of an inflammatory type. The state of plethora, which is observed among fine cows owned by wealthy individuals, who dispense provender liberally, because they hate to see a “ poor” cow, is more likely to occur in a cow when preg- nant and stall-fed (from the fat of the crib) than otherwise, be- cause, under such management, she does not get exercise enough to make away with the carbonaceous material, and, therefore, it increases from day to day, and is harvested into the cell reservoirs, proving in its bulk detrimental to full and free circulation, respira- tion, and intestinal peristaltic action. The warm and impure atmosphere which the stall-fed animal is compelled to respire is decidedly operative in bringing about that condition known as plethora; therefore our object should be to secure a current of cool and pure air throughout the cow-stable. Pure and cool air is a very potent physiological, sedative, contra- stimulant, and, as the fat animal is in a morbid state of excitation from the stimulus of the food, as well as artificial atmosphere, the suffering creature will surely be benefited by inhaling the requisite amount of an uncontaminated atmosphere. The principal causes of puerperal fever in women are said to 104 DADD’S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. be misplaced benevolence, which benevolently(!) furnishes hea with choice viands, rich caudles, and stimulants, in view of obvi- ating debility and insuring hilarity of mind. Now, the condition of the pregnant female being one of increased susceptibility, it fully demonstrates the incompatibility of using even what may be considered as the ordinary stimulations of health. Therefore, in the case of the cow, stimulating food, and an unnecessary amount of the same, given daily after the cow has “ come to her growth,” as the saying is, may be termed misplaced benevolence ; whereas, if the cow has not attained her full growth, the practice of feeding liberally is not objectionable, for she requires a large amount of nutriment to develop the various parts of her organ- ism, and promote the integrity of the same, and also to nourish the foetus in utero, and, lastly, for the purpose of furnishing the necessary material for the lacteal secretion. Tt has been noticed that great milkers, as well as fat animals, are often the subjects of puerperal fever; and probably the suppression of the milk secretion, in the advanced stage of pregnancy, may be an exciting cause of the difficulty, yet not in all cases, for we are pretty cer- tain that some cows, owing to a peculiarity of constitution, are predisposed to puerperal hysteritis. In view, therefore, of guard- ing against the consequences which may occur when the animal is suddenly “dried up,” we should be careful to diminish the daily allowance of food, and also feed lightly from this period up to that of parturition. Milking the cow before calving, in view of preventing puer- peral fever, is very mischievous, for it is apt to excite premature parturition. Many of the cows I have attended for the above complaint had been so treated. Occasionally the udder becomes distended to a painful degree, so that it is necessary to practice moderate milking, otherwise the practice is injurious. It is generally supposed that this disease first manifests itself in some parts of the tissues entering into the composition of the reproductive organs; or, in other language, primary congestion — and irritation of the womb, ending in cerebral congestion and convulsions. The cerebral congestion, however, is not always the cause of convulsions, for we have many cases on record in which phlebotomy was practiced on the heroic plan (an incredible amount of blood having been abstracted) without arresting the convul- sions ; hence, in such cases, congestion is the result, not the cause, DISEASES OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 105 of convulsions. A very eminent physician (Dr. LoGAn) has stated, as the result of observation, that puerperal convulsions were generally found in females of highly organized nervous sys- tems, and who were peculiarly susceptible to irritation of that system; yet our experience in this country, in cattle practice, confirms what we have written in the preceding part of this arti- cle; namely, that puerperal convulsions are more frequent among fat animals than in those of lean condition. The theory of Dr. LoGaN may, in the main, be correct; for a lean animal (nervous temperament) can, by artificial means, be brought into the condi- tion known as plethora. Youatt contends that “cows in high condition are most sub- ject to an attack of puerperal fever. ‘Their excess of condition, or state of plethora, disposes them to affections of an inflammatory character, at all times and under all circumstances.” If it shall prove to be the case that puerperal fever is the result of uterine inflammation, we should diagnose the case as puerperal hysteritis, | and treat accordingly. Puerperal hysteritis may, however, occur at anv period of pregnancy. Symptoms.—The early symptoms attending a disease of this character are such as are found to prevail in a disease of a febrile character ; namely, loss of appetite, accelerated pulse and respira- tion (the latter attended with strong but quick abdominal flank movements) ; tongue, slightly coated; mouth, hot and clammy ; muzzle, dry. There is also a sort of wildness about the eyes; the animal is nervous, and some unusual spasmodic twitchings of the muscles will generally be observed. Soon the animal grates her teeth, foams at the mouth, dashes her head recklessly on the floor (for she is now on the floor). Examine the eye at this stage, and the pupil will be found in an amaurotiec state. The udder be- comes swollen, hot, and tender, and the lacteal secretion is partly suspended, The disease generally appears within a fortnight after calving, and it may occur within a very few hours. Its duration is very brief, both the curable and incurable cases terminating either one way or the other in a short time; and if violent convulsions set in, we generally find that the patient has but little time to live. Especially is this the case when paraplegia be present, or paralysis in any form. The principal symptoms in which the diagnosis must be founded are as follows: We first ascertain whether or not 106 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. the animal has, within the period of a fortnight, given birth to a calf. If so, and she manifests the usual symptoms of convulsions, (refuses to notice her calf, has lost the use, more or less, of her limbs, and the eyes present a wild stare, the pupils being dilated, and the udder swollen,) we may then safely conclude that we have a case of milk fever to deal with. Treatment.—The professional man treats the disease according to its indications, and the non-professional, if he attempt to treat a case of this character, must endeavor to do likewise. I can not possibly commit to paper all the necessary information, but shall merely lay down a few simple rules for the management of such cases. At the same time, I would advise the owner of the sick cow to secure, if possible, the services of some competent veteri- narian. Some practitioners recommend the abstraction of blood from the jugular vein, but my practice is to bleed from the bow- els, by administering purgative medicine. In this way the animal can be depleted with greater safety than by blood-letting. The cathartic is as follows: Glauber salts ye ee See nae 12 oz. Rowdered voimeenirctaci iu soe eters sel 4 OZ. Warm water javsceccucike cio acts bacertts 1 qt. First dissolve the salts in the above amount of water, then add the ginger. Drench the animal by means of a quart bottle. Take time to pour it down the cesophagus, and the more speedily will it act. IfI have no faith in blood-letting, I may be said to have great faith in purgation; for, as PERCIVALL very truly observes, in regard to the treatment of staggers in horses, “ Purge a horse and you cure him,” so I say in regard to the treatment of puer- peral fever, Purge a cow and she shall be cured. The bowels must be made to liberate their contents. After having adminis- tered the medicine, the patient must be watched, and, when, she lies down, let her have a comfortable bed of hay ; and the attend- ant should occasionally sponge her head with cold water. When down, a good stimulating alkaline enema may be thrown into the rectum, composed of NWlarua iwaitens-rs mietacmerien corsets eerste ier 2 qts. Ginger. ssc cece see eve cree se ceceeees & OZ. BhimlesSalltivyevcr sueyevcnn eleven teneteteten= 000000 2 oz. Supposing that, after a lapse of six or eight hours, the bowels PARTURITION. 107 fail to respond to the purgative, half the quantity just recom- mended may be given; and perhaps it may be proper, in view of creating a vacuum in the rectum, to repeat the enema; for pur- gation once established our patient is safe; yet, in view of pro- ducing this very desirable result, it is not a rational procedure to conyert the stomach into an apothecary’s shop, and gorge it with useless drugs, as is, unfortunately, too often the case; for, by this means, a medicinal disease is created, which is generally more uncontrollable than the original one. In curable cases it is very rare for the above medicine to fail in exciting catharsis; however, such remedy is not always at hand (I mean the salts). The next best remedy is common table salt, to be substituted for the Glauber or Epsom salts. Other indications to be fulfilled in the Treatment of this Dis- ease.—The palsied limbs require attention. Let them be diligently rubbed with tincture of capsicum (hot drops), in view of producing reaction. By this means we equalize the circulation, and thus relieve internal congestion. Should the bowels be tympanitic, or distended with gas, a quart of ginger tea may be given; and it may do more good if a small quantity of carbonate of soda be added to the same. Should the animal be thirsty, a small quan- tity of powdered niter may be dissolved in water or thin gruel, and offered to her. After the bowels have operated, the danger passed, a few doses of alterative medicine may be giyen. This is composed of Fluid extract of sassafras....... ane 1 oz. Miaidvextracheot WOps.s wesc s ice «itech 3 dr \WWRWGe ooo Goo door cic bab ue Wu edinoMmobo 1 gill Mix. The following case, from the author’s note-book, is here intro- duced to illustrate a new mode of treatment. ‘The case occurred in a five-year old cow, the property of Mr. G , of Malden, Mass. The animal gave birth, without assistance, to a healthy male calf. The birth took place during the night-time, at pas- ture, the weather being rather tempestuous. Three days after parturition, the cow showed symptoms of failing health, and the owner, like a sensible man, instead of boring the animal’s hors, at the suggestion of the neighbors, preferred to seek advice; hence my services were secured. The patient was down on the left side; pupils, amaurotic ; 108 DADD’S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. pulse, scarcely perceptible; respiration, of a stertorous character, and accelerated; surface of the body, comfortably warm; visible surfaces, of a leaden hue; abdomen, slightly tympanitic. The animal occasionally turned its head toward the costal region, and returned it recklessly to the floor; mamma, tumefied and hot; in- ternal surface of the labia pudendi, inflamed. The patient takes no notice of its offspring. Applied counter-irritants to the spinal and pectoral regions, and then applied sulphuric ether to the nostrils. The object in administering sulphuric ether was to diminish the reflex excitability of the nervous system, and so cut short the convulsive paroxysms. ‘The ether appeared to prove invaluable ; for, soon after its administration, the animal appeared calm, tranquil, and rational, and soon began to take notice of its offspring. I then administered table salt, eight ounces; water, . one pint. Flannels, saturated with infusion of hops, were now applied to the mamma, and renewed occasionally. In the course of thirty-six hours after the administration of the ether, the pa- tient was standing up, nursing her offspring, and, at the same time, partook of a bran-mash. ‘The following three days, the pa- tient got two drachms of fluid extract of chamomile flowers per diem, and was then turned out to grass, and did very well. Remarks on the Preceding Case-——The treatment of puerperal fever, in bygone days, is a disgrace to what has been considered as a “learned profession.” It is a very unfortunate circumstance that such learned men as RAMSBOTHAM, CHURCHILL, MEIGs, and other equally distinguished midwifarians, should contend that “the lancet is our sheet-anchor in puerperal convulsions.” They inform the world of medical non-thinkers that the daring use of “the lancet is demanded ;” that “the lancet 1s our sheet-anchor ;” that “blood must be taken largely;” yet a great proportion of their patients thus treated prematurely pay the debt of Nature secundum artem. What a libel on a “learned profession” is this state of affairs! And, unfortunately, the distinguished French surgeon CAZEAUX has indorsed the reckless tactics of Eng- land’s universally wretched practice; namely, “sanguine emis- sions.” Now, I contend that the routine practice of the acknowl- edged authorities will not stand the test of modern medical logic; that it is contrary to all demonstratiye experience, and, therefore, should receive the seal of oblivious antiquity, never to be reacted or countenanced by sensible men. ‘The old school heretics are PARTURITION. 109 great sticklers for the support of their tottering fabric—namely, “that fever and inflammation must be subdued ”—and they com- mit outrages on the physiological laws of animality by instituting a series of manipulations, redolent of the aroma, acceptable to the god of pathology, whom they worship with the spontaneous faith of a new convert. Faiiine (or Inversion) or THE Wome. This sad accident is generally occasioned by extra uterine ex- pulsive action, at the moment of the birth of the calf, aided by adhesions of the placenta to the cotyledons, by which means, in the process of delivery, the uterus is actually turned inside out. The relaxation of the ligaments, which ordinarily confine the FALLING OF THE WOMB. Expianation.—Fig. 1, Pudendum; 2 6, Region of the neck of the womb; 3, Vagina; 4, The cotyledons of glands of the uterus; 5, Body of the womb turned inside out. uterus to the pelvic cavity, may be one among the various causes which tend to induce inversion. The accident, so far as my ex- perience goes, is apt to occur in animals of an inferior class, coarse and flabbily organized, and among others in a debilitated condi- tion. The only way to prevent a recurrence of inyersion is to spay the cow. Treatment.—The old method of introducing the arm, in order to force back the protruded parts, is now superseded by a bulbous rod of iron, which must be applied to the fundus or base of the 110 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. womb. A due amount of pressure being steadily made, an assist- ant manipulates the sides, and the womb is re-inverted. Some- times it is very difficult to get the womb back, in consequence of latent uterine action, which convulsively resists our efforts, and violently sends it out again at the moment of return. Should the convulsive action of the uterus continue any great length of time, I should etherize the animal, and, when fully under its in- fluence, the reduction may again be attempted, and probably con- summated. The instrument should be kept in the womb for some time after reduction, so as to give the muscular fibers of its walls time enough to contract; and it may be necessary to have a man in attendance for a whole day or more, in view of accom- plishing this result. So soon as the reduction is complete, I should sponge the loins often with cold water ; or a better plan, perhaps, would be to pack the loins, after the fashion of hydropathy. The loins and abdo- men will, by this method, receive considerable support, which will be favorable to induce contractile power in the uterus. Sometimes the presence of the bulbous instrument in the uterus, after reduction, tends to keep up the after-pains, or expulsive ac- tion, and if so, it must be removed, previous to which, however, some stout. tape should be sent through the thick skin in the re- gion of the prominences found on each side of the vaginal outlet, known as the tuberosity of the ischium. This is a much better plan than that of stitching the vaginal lips. After removing the instrument, a pad may be placed on the lips of the vagina; then tie the tape sutures moderately tight. Two sutures will answer, and they can be allowed to remain until all danger of re-inversion has passed. The animal should be placed in a situation where the hind parts can be elevated a few inches. The following cases appear interesting enough to obtain a space in this work, and I recommend them to the reader’s perusal. They occurred in the practice of Surgeon YOUNGHUSBAND: “On the morning of the 3d of January, 1850, I was sent for, ‘in great haste, to attend a cow that three days before had calved, and, apparently, up to this time, had done well; but on that morning, on the cow-keeper attending as usual, he found the cow down, and the whole of the uterus protruding through the vagina. On my arrival, I found her as described, with the uterus in a most loathsome state, from being suffered to remain unprotected among PARTURITION. 111 the dung and urine of the cow-house, and also the placental mem- branes adherent. Plenty of assistance being at hand, we had her up, well-raised her hind parts, and in that position secured her, so that she could not well slip down again. Having carefully de- tached the placenta, I next proceeded to cleanse the parts by washing them with a mixture of weak spirit and water. Hay- ing accomplished this, I proceeded to return the part; but, on minutely examining that viscus, before attempting its replace- ment, I discovered in it a large rent, through which I easily in- troduced my hand; and, for the better satisfaction of the owner, I caused one of the bystanders to do the same, to show them that it was not through any mismanagement of mine that this unto- ward accident had taken place; for, in my belief, another cow had trod upon it while she was down, and thus done the mischief. After this, I effected its return without much difficulty. Judging that I had got all the part into a right position, etc., I made an attempt to withdraw my arm; but, in doing this, the cow imme- | diately began to strain with such violence that it was not without the greatest difficulty that I could retain the part in statu quo. But, by a fortunate slip, her anterior parts were brought so near the ground that I now easily accomplished that which, for a length of time, I had found the greatest difficulty in attempting to do; namely, getting the part into a right position, retaining it there, and withdrawing my arm without difficulty. The cow now straining very little or none, I applied the usual means of pre- vention, gave an anodyne, had her set up from the awkward position into which she had got, and waited to see the result. I retreated for a short time, leaving a watch, in case any thing untoward should again take place. On my return, I found her still up, attended with no bad symptoms, very little straining, and appearing to be more comfortable than her situation would warrant. She was now offered a little food, of which she seemed to partake freely. Still, I warned the owner of the danger, and told him I had not the slightest hope of her recovery. To be brief, from that time she had a little fever medicine occasionally, and I paid her a few visits, still finding her apparently improv- ing, and on my last visit, on the 10th, found her in so favorable a situation that I told the owner that, being at a great distance, unless I heard more from him, I would discontinue my attend- ance; nor had I more occasion to repeat them. The cow did well, 112 DADD’S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. and has since had two more calves, without needing any of my assistance. The second case was that of a cow belonging to Mr. T. Monk- house, of Moredale, in my neighborhood, which calyed appar- ently with the greatest ease, showing no signs of particular uneasiness; but, on paying her a visit, he found her with the uterus protruded and the placenta attached. They immediately secured the part, so as it might receive little or no injury from the contact of foreign bodies. In the mean time, a messenger was dispatched for me. Being at home, I was not long in being at my post. After having her put in a position which I con- sidered favorable, I proceeded to detach the placenta, which was easily done, and the part being free from dirt, was soon ready for returning, which, from the dilated state of the parts of genera- tion, was, of all cases I ever had, the most easily accomplished, But mark the sequel. When I imagined I had made all right, the cow, appearing to suffer very little from the effects of the op- eration, was let up from her situation, and I had withdrawn my arm, when, behold, a portion of the small intestine made its ap- pearance through the vulva! Judge of my consternation now, having no cause to fear such an untoward act. I told the owner how the case stood, and frankly confessed my ignorance of its cause. I now proceeded to find out the rent in the uterus, which I soon did, it being in its posterior part, and, without much diffi- culty, got the intestine returned. My next aim was to cause as much contraction of the uterus as I could, so as to bring the divided edges of the organ together. ‘This I did by the appli- cation of camphorated tincture of opium, and which, [ am proud to say, soon gave me the required satistaction—so much so, in- deed, that before I withdrew my arm the laceration was scarcely distinguishable to the touch. ‘The cow, in this case, appearing in so easy a state, no truss was applied the first night, but a person stayed with her, if possible to prevent future ills. Now, I must say, of all cows, this one has gone on most favorably. To give a description of her treatment would be a waste of timevand paper, since as to the medical treatment it amounted almost to nothing. Careful nursing, with a few solitary doses of medicine, constituted the whole.” SECTION VI. DISEASES OF THE UDDER, TEATS, ETC. Mammrris—Srricture 1n Cows’ Tears—OpsrRucrion AT THE END OF THE TEAT3— OBSTRUCTION IN THE TEATS—TuUMORS IN THE TEATS—INJURIES TO THE TEATS— Sore Teats—Cuarrep Treats AND Cuarep Upper—INVERSION OF THE VAGINA —LACERATION OF THE VAGINA—ABORTION—INFLAMMATORY AFFECTIONS OF THE Hinp Limes AFTER CALVING. MAmmITIS. AMMITIS signifies inflammation of the udder. It usually consists of tumefaction, attended with heat and pain, and generally sets in shortly after calving. The treatment of this af- fection should be antiphlogistic. Let the animal have a full dose of Glauber salts, and apply a refrigerating lotion to the udder (cold water will answer), in view of reducing the temperature of the same. In this state of the udder scarcely any milk flows, and what comes is often bloody. Soon an entire obstruction takes place, or nothing but a watery secretion can be got away. Next, the udder hardens in places, abscesses form, and then the secretory function of one or more quarters is destroyed. The animal now has the “ garget,” and ten chances to one if the part or parts are ever restored. The only way to prevent garget is to let the calf suck immediately after it is born, or else introduce a tube into one or more of the teats, and thus evacuate the milk ere it coagulates. Symptoms.—The disease, at its commencement, invariably con- sists of an inflamed condition of the mamma, or “ bag,” character- ized by pain, heat, swelling, and more or less febrile symptoms.. It is precisely the same disease which many nursing women are prone to and suffer from, and its terminations, when not arrested in the early stage, are exactly the same; namely, suppuration, form- ation of an abscess, induration, or hardening of the walls of the- 8 (118) 114 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. bag. In the human female the suppurative stage is known to nurses as “ broken breast ;” and the state of induration or harden- ing which follows, or may exist independent of an abscess, is com- monly called “ caked” breast; hence the term caked udder. Such is the character of this disease as it occurs among cows in the United States. In Europe it occasionally assumes a more malig nant form, and it often becomes necessary to extirpate the whole gland. Treatment.—The disease should be attended to in its early stage, and the milk must be evacuated, so that it shall not accumulate nor coagulate. In order to do this, a metallic tube may be inserted into the teat, and allowed to remain there, so that the milk shall flow as fast as it is secreted. ‘The inflamed part must be bathed with cold water several times during the day, to which add a few drops of tincture of arnica, and, if the part be very painful, an in- fusion of hops may be used. Afterward anoint the parts with a small quantity of glycerine. The animal must be kept on a very light diet (scalded shorts are good) ; and if she be fat, or the least constipation of bowels exist, I should give one pound of Epsom salts, dissolved in warm water, to which may be added a small quantity of molasses and a tea-spoonful of ginger. Supposing the case to be in the suppurative stage, and it is evi- dent that pus or “ matter” is forming within the “bag,” or its walls, it may be poulticed with flaxseed, or rubbed twice daily with some stimulating liniment—say linseed oil, two ounces; spirits of hartshorn, one drachm. So soon as the matter burrows. to the surface, and a soft spot can be detected, it should have a free opening made into it, by means of a thumb-lancet. The matter must then be squeezed out, and into the cavity syringe some salt and water, or a little tincture of aloes. In the suppu- rative stage I generally order a generous diet. Tn the indurated stage, the treatment consists in exciting ab sorption of the parts; and in this view I recommend iodide of potassium, known as “ hydriodate of potassa.” It is one of the most efficient remedies for the absorption of abnormal growths that I have ever used, and it is highly recommended in our text- books by men well acquainted with its modus operandi. The dose of hydriodate of potassa is twenty grains per day, to be pulverized and dissolved in water. Being inodorous and almost tasteless, there is no trouble about the patient drinking it The medicin DISEASES OF THE UDDER, TEATS, ETC. 115 may be continued until the enlargement disappears, when the dose may be gradually lessened. If I were called upon to treat a chronic case of long standing, I should, in addition to the above, besmear the parts daily with a portion of the following: LOGHB Oi [OOSSIOIN.s cogocnbosusegous 1 dr. Giliycenimels ie Wome sta stelenieec eis haere ie 7 dr. Mix. STRICTURE IN Cows’ TEATS. I was lately consulted in reference to the case of a very valu- able imported cow, that had obstruction in the off posterior teat. She had given birth, about a week previous, to twin calves. The obstruction appeared to be located about half way up the teat. I fomented the parts with an infusion of lobelia, after which the tube was easily introduced. OBSTRUCTION AT THE ENDS OF THE TEATS. It occasionally happens that a fungous or warty excrescence makes its appearance at the end and center of the teat, which ob- structs the flow of milk, and is very annoying and painful to the animal, This should be removed by the scalpel, taking care to dissect away every portion of the morbid growth. The part is then to be sprinkled with powdered bloodroot, in order to prevent union of the edges of the outlet of the teat. The milk-tube, well- oiled, must now and then be introduced, OBSTRUCTION IN THE TREATS. A simple obstruction in the teats is frequently occasioned by imperfect union in the lining membrane. Treatment.—This is easily remedied by introducing a tube con- structed for the purpose, which should be well lubricated with olive oil, and allowed to remain in the lactiferous channel for several hours daily, or until all danger of readhesion has passed away. ‘The lactiferous outlet is sometimes obstructed by false membranes running across its channel. These must be annihi- ‘ated by the introduction of the tube. 116 DADD’S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. TuMoRS IN THE TRATS., Tumors are occasionally found in the teats, Their presence is determined by bulbous enlargement, which, on manipulation, appear very evident. Treatment.—The method of operation in such cases is to intro- duce a tube, well smeared with iodine ointment, and repeat the operation, two or three times daily, until the milk passes freely. INJURIES TO THE TREATS. I have met with several cases of injury to the teats in the form of an meision, which occurred accidentally on the animal rising from the ground, cutting or lacerating the same with its own hoofs. Treatment.—When the accident is discovered shortly after it happens, the parts may be brought together by uninterrupted suture. The seam is then coated with collodion, and the milk must be evacuated wholly by the tube until the parts have united. Sometimes the union is not complete, but a small fistulous opening is left, through which the milk is constantly dribbling. The only way to remedy this is to convert the fistula into a simple flesh- wound. ‘This is done by means of a sharp-pointed knife, which removes the thin callus forming the interior of the fistula. The raw edges are then to be brought together by suture, and collo- dion and the tube used, as before. SorE TEATS. Treatment.—First, wash with warm water and castile soap; then lubricate the parts with equal portions of lime-water and linseed oil. CHAPPED TEATS AND CHAFED UDDER. Treatment.—Foment the parts daily with an infusion of chamo- mile flowers for at least fifteen minutes at a time; then wipe dry, and use:the lime liniment. These temporary, or what might, with more propriety, be termed local maladies, will, if the system be free from morbid matter, generally yield to local remedies. If, however, no change for the better can be observed, the following aperient should be given: DISEASES OF THE UDDER, TEATS, ETC. 117 Fluid extract of golden seal..... 3 dr. Powdered mandrake............ 4 O72. ow cdenedscin@enncci rine. ye 1 tea-spoonful. Dissolve in warm water, one quart, and drench the animal with the same. In the event of the above remedies failing to give relief, anoint the parts twice daily with a compound composed of glyce- rine, four ounces, and fine elm flour enough to form a thin paste. INVERSION OF THE VAGINA. Inversion of the vagina generally occurs in the latter months of pregnancy, at a time when the digestive organs are somewhat impaired, either actually or sympathetically. In either condition the food is very apt to be imperfectly remasticated, and ferments. This gives rise to the formation of gas within the alimentary canal, and occasions tumefaction of the compartments of the stomach and large intestines. In this state they take up more room than can | be spared for their occupancy; hence the pressure in a_ posterior direction, which forces the vagina out of its location. Treatment.—When this difficulty occurs in a cow on the eve of parturition, there will be some danger of inversion of the uterus, unless the reduction is effected before delivery ; therefore I should endeavor to make room in the abdominal cavity, by putting a stop to the fermentation which is going on in the stomach. In this view, I recommend that the animal have the following drench: Hyposulphite of soda................ 1 oz. owderedueoldenisealaye er iieyeis/s oe 4/2) e/a 4 dr. \NRUEIRG oS ondbs5eGucsoonosEnoondoo ds 1 qt. Mix. Having administered this drench, procure a soft sponge, and foment the part (if it be much inflamed and painful) with a tepid infusion of hops. If the inversion be of recent origin, and not much congested, cold water may be used instead. After awhile pressure and manipulation may accomplish the reduction; yet it is apt-to reappear, and continue to do so until the animal has got rid of her burden. The reduction, however, must be effected, if possible, every time the protrusion makes its appearance, or the cow will suffer from retention of urine. ; It is very evident to me that very many cases of inversion of the vagina are caused by indigestion; therefore great care should 118 DADD’S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. be exercised in the feeding of cows during the last months of pregnancy. LACERATION OF THE VAGINA. This is an accident of very frequent occurrence among cows, yet seldom proves fatal. It often occurs from the rough manner, sometimes practiced, of bringing the feet forward ; therefore great care is necessary in conducting an artificial labor to a successful termination. The following case of extensive laceration of the vagina of the cow, given by the ‘‘ London Veterinarian,” goes to show the po- tency of Nature in the cure of disease and injuries : “Mr. J. W. Maw, veterinary student, has sent us the following particulars relating to a case of willful laceration of the vagina, and contiguous parts of a cow: ‘Mr. Crosby, who is in practice at Thornton Pickering, Yorkshire, as a veterinary surgeon, was called, a short time ago, to attend a milch cow which presented symptoms of colic. On his visiting her, he ebserved a piece of stick, about three inches long, protruding from the vagina, and, on removing it, he found that it was about a yard in length, and had been thrust through the vagina, and likewise the rectum, into the abdomen. Previous to its removal the cow did not evince such symptoms as one would have been led to expect in an animal suffering from such a severe injury. ‘There was but little external hemorrhage, the symptoms, upon the whole, rather indicating that internal hemorrhage was going on. Anodynes were administered, and quietude enjoined. No inflammatory symptoms superyened, and, in the course of ten days or a fortnight, the animal had re- covered. The atrocious act is supposed to have been perpetrated by some gypsies, who were located near the place at the time, from their going, in the following morning, to beg the carcass, thinking, probably, that the poor animal was dead.” ABORTION IN Cows.’ The cow is the most liable of all domestic animals to abortion, and those that have once been the subjects of this mishap are lia- ble to a recurrence of the same. Mr. Youart, in his work on cattle, furnishes some very useful information on this subject ; still, the direct causes of abortion are, like many other enzodtic and epi- DISEASES OF THE UDDER, TEATS, ETC. 119 zootic affections, involved in obscurity. That it occasionally rages as an enzootic pest, is clearly shown by the records of the past, and by what occurred, a short time ago, among the dairy cows of a milking establishment at Concord, N. H., without mentioning other cases, which of late have been chronicled in our agricultural periodicals. It occasionally appears as an insolated evil, An Alderney cow, the property of Mr. Burnet, of Southbero, has, in the course of three years, aborted four times. At the time of writing this arti- cle my attention was called to her. I recommended that she should be spayed ; the owner consented, and, of course, she thereafter be- came a more useful animal in supporting other offspring than her own. I call this an isolated case, because Mr. Burnet informed me that his other cows had not aborted. She inherits a tendency to abort. A theory has been broached by some writer that severe winters, succeeded by warm springs, hilly pasturage, the practice of allow- ing young stock and one and two-year old bulls to run with the breeding cows is likely to end in abortion. This is sheer non- sense, and is not entitled to the least consideration; and, relying on the intelligence of my readers, J refrain from offering any ar- gument in view of controverting evident absurdities. The fact is, some cows will abort, no matter what may be the nature of the pasturage or condition of the atmosphere; and so will women mis- earry occasionally, in spite of their own precautions and the advice of their physicians to prevent it. It is evident, therefore, that there exists in the animal economy of some subjects peculiarities of constitution termed idiocynerasies, which, under certain circum- stances, and on the application of the cause, (indirect,) develop the latent pathological fire, and thus they abort. When abortion prevails among a whole herd of cows on one man’s farm, I should consider it as an enzo‘tic, arising sponta- neously, and afterward propagated by infection or by sympathetic influence. YOUATT gives a quotation which favors these views: “Jn the Leipsic ‘ Agricultural Gazette,’ it is stated that, ‘by an unheard-of fatality, the abortion of cows in that district was almost general, and that, after the most anxious search, no assignable eause for it could be discovered, nor would any medicine or medi- eal treatment arrest the plague.’ ” ; I shall now, in a brief manner, throw out a few tint for the 120 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. re consideration of dairymen and breeders, in view of the adoption of preventive measures; for, since neither “medicine nor medical treatment” can arrest the plague, our only hopes of stopping abor- tions, which in this country are alarmingly on the increase, lies in the practice of preventive measures. A very objectionable, and I may add, ruinous, practice prevails at some milking establishments, of keeping the cows impregnated all the time. The mother no sooner gets through the pains and perils of parturition than she is again, ofttimes, compelled to sub- mit toa re-impregnation. ‘This is what I call an excessive use of the reproductive organs, which must eventually impair their integ- rity. It is well known to all physiologists, and I presume that the reader must have some knowledge of the facts, that the uterine organs, like those of digestion and respiration, can be overtaxed ; and disease, in some form or other, is very apt to occur in over- worked organs. If actual disease does not set in, debility of func- tion or organ must eventually ensue. The uterus, like various other organs of the animal economy, must have periods of rest, or the day of reckoning will surely arrive. An excessive use of the reproductive organs generally, if not always, impairs the integrity of the nutritive organs, and vice versd ; hence, if a cow is kept pregnant all the time for the unwise purpose of making her yield a constant supply of milk, it should not appear strange if she fall off in the quantity of milk, appear unthrifty, be off her feed, and have a glairy discharge from the vagina. These are the symp- toms which usually precede abortion. I lately visited an imported cow, the property of a gentleman in Illinois, who informed me that she had aborted three times at about the seventh month of her pregnancy, and she was generally put to the bull shortly after the mishap. I told him that this bad practice was the sole predisposing cause of the trouble; for the short space of time which occurred between the premature expul- sion of the foetus and re-impregnation was not sufficient for the entire recovery of tone in the sexual organs; hence, so long as this practice continued, his cow would never go her full time. I strongly urge the necessity of spaying such an animal. She ought, at least, to be separated from the breeding cows, and her fetal calf, membranes, and placenta should be burned in the open air, for there is no safety in burying them a few inches under the earth’s surface. i DISEASES OF THE UDDER, TEATS, ETC. 121 It is very probable that many cases of abortion occur through a deranged condition of the digestive organs; therefore the means most likely to prove effectual in keeping the stomach in a healthy state should be adopted. What an immense amount of labor the digestive organs have to perform! ‘They have to be almost constantly engaged in converting the elements of good and bad food into chyme and chyle; and they must not slacken much, else where are sixteen quarts, more or less, per day of milk to come from? How is the foetus in utero to be nourished, and the wear and tear of the cow’s organism to be provided for, when the stomach is not in working order ? The practice of milking cows to within a short period of par- turition is highly injurious, yet some persons with whom I have had conversations on this subject contend that, in some cases, it is impossible to “dry the cow.” I advised them to reduce the ani- mal’s food to Jess than one-half, or even one-fourth, if necessary ; in fact, there would be no harm in withholding food altogether for — a short time, and in substituting for food a dose or two of aperient medicine. This course must necessarily soon lessen the amount of blood in the system, and as the milk is concocted from the blood, it will decrease in the same ratio, or, rather, be essentially lessened ; and in view of reducing the quantity of milk, I also urge the necessity of keeping the cow on a small quantity of water. This practice may not, on all occasions succeed in arresting the lacteal secretion, still it is the only rational way of accomplishing the object. Abortion is sometimes attributed to a debilitated state of the animal. ‘This also arises from a derangement of the stomach. Then an opposite mode of treatment must be pursued, such as a change of food to that of a more nutritious character, and the fre- quent administration of small doses of ginger and golden seal. Breeding cows require a great deal of care and some watching. Careful selection of the right kind of food for the necessary wants of the animal and her fcetus in utero is indispensable. Neither the one nor the other can be expected to enjoy good health on a diet of slops, swill, brewer’s grains, corn-stalks, rotten potatoes, frozen turnips, damaged meal, musty hay, or sour apples, ete. Care is also requisite in providing for the animal’s wants in re- gard to “watering.” This is a subject of great importance, yet very few husbandmen give it that attention which its importance ( 122 DADD’S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. demands. The horrible stagnated stuff found in some pastures and water-troughs, which the thirsty creatures are compelled, from sheer necessity, to imbibe, is surely operative in producing very many unnecessary diseases, derangements, and abortions. Some watching is necessary. A cow likely to abort is gemer- ally “off her feed,” does not ruminate according to her accustomed activity ; she fails to yield the daily quantum of milk ; her condi- tion is noticed to be unthrifty, and, on inspecting the vagina, it is observed to be the seat of a glairy discharge. Such an animal should be immediately isolated from the rest of the herd, and proceeded with as above directed. It is said that a very common cause of abortion is sympathetic influence. There is another matter of some importance to be considered in view of prevention? I allude to breeding. It is my opinion that thousands of the abortions which occur among our domes- ticated animals of this country are for the benefit of the several races present and to follow; for if the offspring of cows whose systems have been debilitated by a too early use of the sexual organs, and those of other parents, laboring under organic disease, malformation, and stunted growth, together with the apology of offspring of cows doomed to drag out a miserable existence in some horrible “ swill-milk establishment,” where death runs riot, or runs into the milk-pail, to kill off unnursed infants, these being permitted to come into the world with their inherited imperfec- tions, and being suffered to grow up and become parents, issuing a worse edition than the original copy in turn—these bad speci- mens, not of Nature’s handiwork, but of man’s ignorance and folly, or willful transgression of the law of Nature, being permit- ted to live, they would be so many libels on creative power ; and, in order to remove them from the face of the earth, and put a check on the monstrous evil, a friendly pestilence must eventually ensue. This would be a mournful event; for many valuable ani- mals might, by infection or contagion, be involved in the general ruin ; therefore Nature adopts the lesser evil, and applies the law of destruction prior to the birth of monstrosity. : The laws of reproduction and destruction are nicely and wisely balanced. “Thus far shalt thou go, and no further.” The off- spring of weak, emaciated, ill-formed, scrofulous, consumptive, and otherwise defective animals, should never be used for breed- ing purposes ; in fact, they are not even fit for the butcher. DISEASES OF THE UDDER, TEATS, ETC. 123 Finally, I would advise breeders to let the female get her growth ere she is forced into copulation; for prior to maturity all the energies of her system are concentrated upon the perfection and integrity of her organism, and, until that important period arrives, the reproductive system can not be exercised without running great risk of violating one of the fundamental laws of Nature. I have now directed the reader’s attention to most of the causes likely to influence or induce abortion, and I leave the rest, if any there be, to be discovered by their own experience. It is impos- sible for me to furnish definite instructions as regards the treat- ment of individual cases, either prior or subsequent to. abortion, as each require a certain course, according to the condition and pre- vailing symptoms; yet, if I have succeeded in pointing out only a few of the errors which prevail in our present faulty system of breeding and management, and have been practical enough to secure the reader’s attention in a perusal of this article, I have accomplished more than I expected at the time of its composition. INFLAMMATORY AFFECTION OF THE HIND LIMBS AFTER CALVING. Some cows, after calving, suffer from an inflammatory affection of the hind limbs, which renders them lame, or they are unable to use the parts with that promptitude which characterizes the physiological condition or state of health. The limbs are gener- ally hot, and, in certain localities, are swollen, and the general health of the animal seems to be impaired, yet there is no great danger attending the condition. The tumefaction appears to con- sist of a local effusion (dropsy) of serum into the cellular tissue, which readily disappears through the local application of cold water, and the action of the calf on the teats. The attention of veterinarians has been directed to this affec- tion by LEcouTURIER, in the following paragraph, translated by Mr. GAMGEE: “A few days after parturition, and always when it has been normal, a difficulty in the movements of the hind-quarters is to be ubserved. The hocks become sensitive; the anterior surface swells up; the synovial capsule is disturbed ; great pain is felt at the slightest touch, accompanied with heat. Then the appetite 124 DADD’S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. is lost; the secretion of milk diminished ; pulse quick and strong; and a certain amount of fever sets in. The patient can not lie down, and still is not safe on its legs. The writer never saw the affection but on recently-calved cows; never after the ninth day, and almost always from the fourth to the seventh. This disease affects generally the good mother, and is of a most be- nignant nature. A friction of turpentine and alcohol is sufficient to restore to health in most cases; otherwise, brandy and soap. When the fever is strong, a dose of niter, with digitalis, is useful. This disturbance is always of a benignant nature, and is coinci- dent with parturition, as the parturient fever, and a serous diarrhea, which occurs from the second to the third day after calving, easily checked, and never lasting more than twenty-four hours.” Treatment—My treatment is as follows: Give the patient a drachm, three times per day, of fluid extract of gelseminum, and bathe the limb with a cold infusion of hops, just so long as in- flammation and fever exist. ‘Then prepare the following: Eluid)extract of buchw. 23)... 2.25 Beret O Ze Chlorate of potasse