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THE N. Y. STATE VETERINARY COLLEGE.
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The farmer's veterinarian :a practical t
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The original of this book is in
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http://www. archive.org/details/cu31924000010516
HEALTH
The Farmer’s
Veterinarian
A Practical Treatise on the Diseases of
Farm Stock: Containing Brief and Popular Advice on
the Nature, Cause and Treatment of Disease, the Common
Ailments and the Care and Management of Stock when Sick
By
CHARLES WILLIAM BURKETT
Editor of American Agriculturist
ILLUSTRATED
NEW YORK
ORANGE JUDD COMPANY
1910
+
Ne wis oA
Copyright, 1909
ORANGE JUDD CoMPANY
New York
SE
3] * TZ
sis AS
Printep In U. 8. A.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
HE author is under obligations to many
T friends for suggestions and helpful ad-
vice. Special credit is due the following
7 for articles written on the special dis-
eases named: Dr. Francis S. Schoenleber of the
Kansas State Agricultural College, Retention of Af-
terbirth, Staggers, Loco Disease, Corn Stalk Dis-
ease, Swamp Fever; Dr. V. A. Moore of the New
York State Veterinary College, Tuberculosis; Dr.
Tate Butler, Editor of Southern Farm Gazette,
Founder; Dr. Robert A. Craig, of Purdue Univer-
sity, Tetanus; Dr. Austin Peters, State Veterina-
rian of Massachusetts, Glanders and Farcy; Dr.
Myron H. Reynolds, of the University of Minne-
sota, Hog Cholera; Dr. Charles F. Dawson, of the
Delaware Agricultural College, Foot Rot in Sheep;
Dr. L. L. Lewis, of the Oklahoma.A. & M. College,
Bot Flies; Dr. C. D. Smead, New York Practicing
Veterinarian, Mammitis, Intestinal Worms in
Sheep, Intestinal Worms in Horses, Lung Worms
in Calves and Lambs, Jaundice; Dr. Donald MclIn-
tosh, of the University of Illinois, Navicular Dis-
ease, Thoroughpin, Curb, Quittor,: Ringbone, Ring-
worm, Splints, String-halt; Dr. A.~S. Alexander,
of the University of Wisconsin, White Scours of
Calves, Sunstroke, Sweeny, Heaves, Calf Cholera;
Dr. Charles L. Barnes, of the Colorado Agricul-
tural College, Castration, Fistula, Choking, Corns;
Dr. George A. Roberts, of the North Carolina A. &
M. College, Actinomycosis, Grub in the Head, Azo-
turia, Concretions, Diabetes, Gravel; Dr. Leonard
W. Goss, of the Kansas State Agricultural College,
Abscesses, Hydrophobia, Rheumatism, Sprains.
Thanks are due also to Mr. B. F. Williamson for
the drawings used in illustrating the book.
PREFACE
gps LARGE class of people, by force of
circumstances, are compelled to treat
their own animals when sick or dis-
abled. Qualified veterinarians are
not always available; and all the
ills and accidents incident to farm
animals do not require professional attendance.
Furthermore, the skilled stockman should be
familiar with common diseases and the treatment
‘of them. He should remember, too, that the main-
tenance of health and vigor in our farm stock is
the direct result of well-directed management. Too
frequently this is neither understood nor admitted,
and an unreasonable lack of attention, when
animals are ill or indisposed, works out dire mis-
chief in the presence of physical disorder and in-
fectious diseases. A fair acquaintance with the
common ailments is helpful to the owner and to
his stock. This leads to health, to prevention of
disease, and to skill in attendance when disease is
at hand.
The volume herewith presented abounds in help-
ful suggestions and valuable information for the
most successful treatment of ills and accidents and
disease troubles. It is an everyday handbook
of disease and its treatment, and contains the best
ideas gathered from the various authorities and
the experience of a score of practical veterinarians
in all phases of veterinary practice.
C. W. BURKETT.
NEw York, June, 1909.
Vv
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
Facing Disease on the Farm
CuaPTer I,
How the Animal Body is Formed
CuHaPTER II.
Some Physiology You Ought to Know
CHAPTER III,
The Teeth as an Indication of Age
CuapTeR IV.
f&xamining Animals for Soundness and Health
CHAPTER V.
Wounds and Their Treatment
CuHapTer VI.
Making a Post-Mortem Examination . .
CHAPTER VII
Common Medicines and Their Actions
CuapTER VIII.
Meaning of Disease
CHaPTER IX.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Disease . r
CHAPTER X
Diseases of Farm Animals
vii
Page
2i
34
39
54
62
69
82
92
101
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LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
ix
Page
Health : . ‘ . Frontispiece
Common Sheep Scab . 3
Hog House and Feeding Floor . 5
Poulticing the Throat 8
How a Cell Divides . 10
Bones of Skeleton of a Horse 16
One of the Parasites of the Hog . 18
Circulation and Digestion . 22
Diseased Kidney 25
Stomach of Ruminant 27
Circulation of Blood in Body 30
Lumpy Jaw (jaw bone) ‘ 36
Bad Attitude Due to Conformation 41
Ewe Neck 5 : 46
Anatomy of the Foot 2 * 49
Fractures ‘ . 5 54
Bandaging a Leg. : is 57
Rickets in Pigs . 2 ; 63
Round Worms in Hog Intestines 66
Tetanus Bacilli . 71
Ready for the Drench : ‘i 81
Bacteria As Seen Under the Microscope 85
- Result of Bone Spavin z go
Feeling the Pulse . , . 94
How Heat Affects Growth 96
Diseases of the Horse 102
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Lumpy Jaw (external view)
Where to Tap in Bloating .
Bog Spavin
Horse’ Bots in Smutty.
Colic Pains 7 .
Retention of the Urine
Curb
Fistulous Willies
Foot Rot in Sheep
Founder
Bad Case of Giants
Ventral Hernia
An Attack of Cholera
The Result of Hog Cholera
Kidney Worms in the Hog
Liver Fluke
Lockjaw.
Lymphangitis
Natural Presentation of the Foal
Abnormal Presentation of the Foal
Quittor .
A Cattle Bath Tub
Side Bones
Splint
Twisted Sapich oe
Tuberculosis Germs .
.
INTRODUCTION
Facing Disease on the Farm
To call a veterinarian or not—that is the ques-
tion. Whether your horse or cow is sick enough
for professional attendance, or just under the
weather a little, is a problem you will always be
called upon to face. And you must meet it. It
has always faced the man who raises stock, and it
is a problem that always will. Like human beings,
farm stock have their ailments and troubles; and,
in most cases, a little care and nursing are all that
will be required. With these troubles all of us are
acquainted; especially those who have spent much
time with the flocks and the herds on the farm.
Through experience we know that often with every
reasonable care, some animals, frequently the
healthiest-looking ones, in the field, or stable, give
trouble at the most unsuspected times. So the
fault is not always with the owner. ;
There is no reason, however, why an effort should
not be made, just as soon as any trouble is noticed,
to assist the sick animal to recover, and help
nature in every way possible to restore the invalid
to its usual normal condition. The average observ-
ing farmer, as a rule, knows just about what the
trouble is; he usually knows if treatment is beyond
him, and if not, what simple medical aid will be
effective in bringing about a recovery with greater
dispatch than nature unaided will effect.
Now, of course, this means that the farmer
should be acquainted with his animals; in health
and disease their actions should be familiar to him.
2 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
If he be a master of his business he naturally
knows a great deal about his farm stock. No man
who grows corn or wheat ever raises either crop
extremely successfully unless he has an intimate
knowledge of the soil, the seed, the details of fer-
tilization and culture. He has learned how good
soils look, how bad soils look; he knows if soils
are healthy, whether they are capable of producing
big crops or little crops.
So with his stock. He must know, and he does
know, something as to their state of health or ill
health. With steady observation his knowledge
will increase; and with experience he ought to be
able to diagnose the common ailments, and not
only prescribe for their treatment, but actually treat
many of them himself. Unfortunately, many farm-
ers pass health along too lightly and the common
disorders too seriously. This is wrong. The man
who deals with farm animals should be well
acquainted with them, just as the engineer is ac-
quainted with his engine. If an engine goes wrong
the engineer endeavors to ascertain the trouble. If
it is beyond his experience and knowledge he turns
the problem over to an expert. It should be so
with the stock raiser. So familiar should the owner
be with his animals in case of trouble he ought
to know of some helpful remedy or to know that
the trouble is more serious than ordinary, in which
case the veterinarian should be called.
All of this means that the art of observing the
simple functions should be acquired at the earliest
possible moment—where to find the pulse of horse
or cow, how many heart beats in a minute, how
many respirations a minute, the color of the healthy
nostril, the use of the thermometer and where ta
place it to get the information, the character of the
INTRODUCTION 3
eye, the nature of the coat, the passage of dung and
water, how the animal swallows, the attitude when
standing, the habit of lying down and getting up—
all of these should be as familiar to the true stock-
man as the simplest details of tillage or of planting
or of harvesting.
Moreover, the stockman should be a judge of
external characters, whether natural or temporary.
COMMON SHEEP SCAB
Here is an advanced case and shows how serious the
trouble may become. A very small itch mite is the cause. The
mites live and multiply under the scurf and scab of the skin.
He should have a knowledge of animal conforma-
tion. If to know a good plow is desirable, then to
know a good pastern or foot is desirable. If the
art of selecting wheat is a worthy acquisition, then
the art of comparing hocks of different horses is a
worthy accomplishment also. If experience tells
the grower that his corn or potatoes or cotton is
strong, vigorous and healthy or just the reverse,
4 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
observation and experience ought also to tell him
when his stock are in good health or when they
lack thrift or are sick and need treatment
LEARN TO RECOGNIZE ANIMAL DISEASES
Few farmers there are, indeed, who are not
acquainted with crop diseases. Smut is readily
recognized when present in the wheat or corn or
oat field; so colic, too, should be recognized when
your horse is affected by it. The peach and the
apple have their common ailments; so have the
cow and pig. In either case the facts ought to be
familiar. So familiar that as soon as diagnosed
and recognized prompt measures for treatment
should be followed that the cure may be effected
before any particular headway is at all made.
Handled in this way, many cases that are now
passed on to the veterinarian would never develop
into serious disturbances at all.
PREVENTION BETTER THAN CURE
The old saying, “ Prevention is better than cure,”
is both wisdom and a splendid platform on which
to build any branch of live stock work. Every dis-
ease is the result of some disturbance, somewhere.
It may be improper food; the stockman must know.
Moldy fodder causes nervous troubles in the horse.
Cottonseed meal, if fed continuously to pigs, leads
to their death. Hence, food has much to do with
health and disease. Ventilation of the stable plays
its part. Bad air leads to weakness, favors tuber-
culosis, and, if not remedied, brings about loss and
death. Fresh air in abundance is better than med-
icine; and the careful stockman will see that it be
not denied. ;
INTRODUCTION 5
Good sanitation, including cleanly quarters,
wholesome water and dry stables, has its reward in
more healthy animals. When not provided, the
animals are frequently ill, or are in bad health more
or less. As these factors—proper food, good ven-
tilation, and effective sanitation—are introduced in
stable accommodations, diseases will be lessened
and stock profits will increase.
HOG HOUSE AND FEEDING FLOOR
This convenient hog house is inexpensive, and the feed-
ing floor at the side insures cleanliness and thorough sani-
tary conditions. A sanitary hog house should be one of the
chief improvements of the farm.
DISINFECT FREQUENTLY; IT NEVER
HURTS AND IT MAY DO A WORLD
OF GOOD
As disease is better understood it becomes more
closely identified with germs and bacteria. Hence,
to lessen disease we must destroy, so far as pos-
sible, the disease-producing germs. For this
purpose nothing is better than sunlight and disin-
fectants. Sunlight is itself death to all germs;
therefore, all stables,and the living quarters for farm
animals, should be light and airy, and free from
damp corners and lodgment places for dust, ver-
min, and bacteria. Even when animals are in good
1
,
6 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
health, disinfection is a splendid means for ward-
ing off disease. For sometimes with the greatest
care germs are admitted in some manner or form.
By constantly disinfecting, the likelihood of any
encroachment by germs is greatly lessened.
Fortunately we have disinfectants that are easily
applied and easily obtained at small cost. One of
these disinfecting materials is lime, just ordinary
slaked lime, the lime that every farmer knows.
While it does not possess the disinfecting power
of many other agents, it is, nevertheless, very de-
sirable for sprinkling about stables and for white-
washing floors, walls, and partitions. When so
used the cracks and holes are filled and the germs
destroyed. Ordinary farm stables should be white-
washed once or twice each year, and the crumbled
lime sprinkled on the litter or open ground. It is
not desirable to use lime with bedding and manure,
for the reason that it liberates the nitrogen con-
tained therein. Hence the bedding and manure
should be removed to the fields as frequently as
possible, where it can be more helpful to the land.
Thus scattered, the sunlight and purifying effects
of the soil will soon destroy the disease bacteria,
if any are present in the manure.
Another splendid disinfectant is corrosive sub-
limate, mercuric chloride, as it is often called. Use
one ounce in eight gallons of water. This makes
one-tenth of one per cent solution. In preparing
this disinfectant, allow the material to stand for
several hours, so as to permit the chemical to be-
come entirely dissolved. This solution should be
carefully guarded and protected, since it is a poison
and, if drunk by animals, is liable to cause death.
If infected quarters are to be disinfected, see that
INTRODUCTION 7.
the loose dirt and litter is first removed- before
applying the sublimate. .
Carbolic acid is another satisfactory disinfectant.
Usually a five per cent solution is recommended.
It can be easily applied to mangers, stalls, and feed
boxes. Enough should be applied so that the wood
or iron is made wet and the cracks and holes more
or less filled. Chloride of lime is a cheap and. an
easily prepared disinfectant. Use ten ounces of
chloride of lime to two gallons of water. This
makes a four per cent solution, and should be ap-
plied in the same way as the corrosive sublimate.
Formalin has come into prominence very recently
as a desirable disinfectant. A five per cent solu-
tion fills the bill. Floors and cracks should be
made thoroughly wet with it. By using one or
more of these agents the living quarters of farm
animals can be kept wholesome, sweet, and free
from germ diseases. In fact, the use of disinfect-
ants is one of the best aids of the farmer in warding
off disease and in lessening its effects when once
present.
PUT SICK ANIMALS OFF BY THEMSELVES
Many diseases are introduced into a herd or flock
by thoughtlessness on the part of the owner. I
have known distemper to be introduced into stables
and among horses, Texas fever and tuberculosis
into herds of cattle, and hog cholera among hogs,
because diseased animals, when purchased, were
not separated off by themselves, for a short time at
least. If this were done, farmers would lessen the
chance of an introduction of disease into their
healthy herds. Consequently quarantine quarters
should be provided; especially is this true if new
8 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
animals are frequently purchased and brought
to the farm where many animals are raised
and handled. These quarantine quarters need not
be expensive, and they ought to be removed far
enough from the farm stock so that there may be
no easy means.of infection. When newly pur-
chased animals are placed in the quarantine quar-
ters they should be kept there long enough to
determine if anything strange or unusual is taking
place.
POULTICING THE THROAT
The picture shows how to apply a poultice to the throat.
CHAPTER I
How the Animal Body is Formed
The cell is the unit of growth. It is so with all
forms of life—plant or animal, insect or bacterium.
In the beginning the start is with a single cell, an
egg, if you please. After fertilization has taken
place, this single cell enlarges or grows. Many
changes now occur, all rather rapidly, until the cell
walls become too small, when it breaks apart and
forms two cells just like the first used to be. This
is known as cell division. As growth increases, the
number of cells increases also—until in the end
there are millions. ;
Nature of the Cell.—The cell is very small. In
most cases it cannot be seen with the naked eye.
The microscope is necessary for a study of the
parts, the nature and the character of the cell.
In the first place the cell is a kind of inclosed
sac, in which are found the elements of growth
and life. Surrounding the cell is a thin wall known
as the cell membrane. In plants this cell wall is
composed of cellulose, a woody substance, which
is thin and tender in green and growing plants, but
hard and woody when the plant is mature.
Within the limits of the cell is the protoplasm,
the chief constituent of the cell; locked up in this
protoplasm is life, the vital processes that have to
do with growth, development, individual existence.
Embedded within the protoplasm is another part
known as the nucleus and recognized under the
microscope by its density. Around the nucleus is
9
10 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
centered the development of new cells or reproduc-
tion—for the changes that convert the mother-cell
into offspring-cells are first noted in this place.
So much for plant cells. Is this principle dif-
ferent in animals? Fora long time it was thought
HOW A CELL DIVIDES
The simple steps in cell division are pictured here. Start-
ing with a single cell, growth and enlargement take place,
ending finally in cell division or the production of two
individual cells.
that plants and animals were different. But upon
investigation it was discovered that animals were
comprised of cells just as plants. And not only
was this discovered to be true, but also that animal
cells corresponded in all respects to plant cells.
Hence in animals are to be found cells possessing
the cell walls formed of a rather thick membrane,
the granular protoplasm or yoke, and the nucleus
established in the yoke.
HOW THE ANIMAL BODY IS FORMED TI
The ovum, known as the female egg, is composed
of the parts just described. If it is not fertilized
when ripe it passes away and dies. If fertilized in
a natural way, it enlarges in size and subsequently
divides into two cells; and these, passing through
similar changes, finally give rise to the various
groups of cells from which the body is developed.
The Animal Body a Group Collection.—The body
is, therefore, a mass of cells; not all alike, of course,
but grouped together for the purpose of doing cer-
tain special kinds of work. In this way we have
various groups, with each group a community per-
forming its own function. The brain forms one
community; and these cells are concerned with
mind acts. The muscle cells are busy in exerting
force and action. Another group looks after the
secretions and digestive functions, while another
group is concerned solely with the function of
generation and reproduction. And so it is through-
out the body.
Both individual cells and group cells are con-
cerned with disease. One cell may be diseased or
destroyed, but the surrounding ones may go on just
the same. It is when the group is disturbed that
the greatest trouble results.
A Word About the Cells.—The cell always pos-
sesses its three parts—membrane, protoplasm, and
nucleus. But there is no rule as to the size or
shape. Cells may be round or oblong, any shape.
Substances pass in and out of the cell walls; and
they are in motion, many of them, especially those
that line the intestines and the air passages, and
the white corpuscles of the blood. More than this,
some cells, Dr. Jekyl-like, change their appearance
and shape, send out finger-like bodies to catch
12 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
enemies or food, and even travel all around in the
body, often leaving it altogether.
BODY TISSUES
The animal body contains five forms of tissues:
Epithelial, in which the cells are very compact,
forming either thin or thick plates; the connective
tissue,.by which many organs are supported or
embedded; muscle tissue, either smooth or striated,
and in which the cells are in fibers that contract
and shorten; nerve-tissue, that has to do with nerve
and ganglion cells by which mental impulses are
sent; and blood and lymph tissue or fluid tissues.
The first group is intimately connected with the
secretory organs, or those organs which secrete
certain substances essential for the proper work of
the body. Thus we have salivary glands, mucous
glands, sweat glands, and the liver and pancreas.
Connective tissue includes fibrous tissue, fatty tis-
sue, cartilage and bone. The fibrous connective
tissue is illustratéd when the skin is easily picked
up in folds. Fatty tissue occurs where large
amounts of fat are deposited in the cells. Cartilage
is found where a large amount of firm support is
required. With muscle we are all familiar; it is
the real lean meat of the body.
Blood and Lymph.—The blood is a fluid in
which many cells are to be found. The fluid is
known as serum or blood-plasma and the cells as
corpuscles, and are both red and white., The red
cells give the characteristic color. When observed
under a microscope, they appear as small, round
disks. They are of great importance to the body
work. Because of the coloring matter in them the
oxygen of the air is attracted when it comes in
HOW THE ANIMAL BODY IS FORMED a
contact with the blood in the lungs. Oxygen is in
reality absorbed, and on the blood leaving the lungs
it is distributed to all parts of the body. The oxy-
gen supply of the body is, therefore, in the keeping
of the red corpuscles.
White corpuscles have a different work; they
guard the body by picking up poison, bacteria, and
other undesirable elements and cast these out
through the natural openings of the body. Com-
pared with the red cells, they exist in far less num-
bers and may wander about through all parts of
the body.
Lymph is a fluid in which a few cells, lymph
corpuscles, are suspended. These cells are very
much like the colorless corpuscles of the blood,
only no red blood cells are present. But the lymph
attends to its own business; it bathes the tissues
and endeavors to keep them in a healthy condition.
Skin and Hair.—Without a covering the delicate
muscles would be unprotected. The skin serves in
this capacity. It does still more; out of it is
exuded poisonous substances, perspiration, and, at
the same time, the skin is a sort of respiratory
organ, through which much of the carbonic acid
formed in the body escapes.
The skin possesses two general layers, the cutis
and sub-cutis; in the first is contained also
epidermis. Developed in the skin are the outer
coverings like hair, wool, feathers, horns, claws,
and hoofs.
THE FRAMEWORK OF THE BODY
. The framework of the body undergoes a gradual
development from birth to maturity. It represents
the bony structure of the body; and on it all other
14 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
parts depend for support and protection. The
brief summary of its parts and work that follows
here has been adapted from Wilcox and Smith.
The Skeleton.—This consists of a backbone,
skull, shoulder girdle, pelvic girdle, and two pairs
of appendages. The backbone may be conven-
iently divided into regions, each comprising a cer-
tain number of vertebre. The cervical vertebre
include those from the skull fiém the first rib. In
all mammals except the sloth and sea cow the num-
ber of cervical vertebre is seven, being long or
short, according as the neck of the animal is rela-
tively long.or short. The first and second cervical
vertebre, known as the atlas and axis, are especially
modified so as to allow free turning movements of
the head.
The next region includes the dorsal or thoracic
vertebre, which are characterized by having ribs
movably articulated with them. The number is 13
in the cat, dog, ox, sheep, and goat; 14 in the
hog; 18 or 19 in the horse and ass, and six or seven
in domestic poultry. In mammals they are so
joined together as to permit motion in several direc-
tions, but in poultry the dorsal vertebre are more
rigidly articulated, those next to the sacrum often
being grown together with the sacrum. The
spines are high and much flattened in all ungulates,
long and slender in dogs and cats. They slope back-
ward, forming strong points of attachment for the
back muscles. Several ribs, varying in number in
different animals, meet and become articulated with
the breast bone or sternum. The sternum consists
of seven to nine articulated segments in our domes-
tic mammals, while in fowls the: sternum is one
thin high bone furnished with a keel of varying
depth. The lumbar vertebre lie between the dorsal:
HOW THE ANIMAL BODY IS FORMED 15
vertebre and the sacrum. The number is five in the
horse, six in the hog, ox and goat, and seven in the
sheep. The sacrum is made up of a certain num-
ber of vertebre, which are rigidly united and
serve as an articulation for the pelvic arch. The
number of sacral vertebre is five in the ox and
horse, four in sheep and hogs, and 12 to 17 in birds.
The caudal or tail vertebrae naturally vary in num-
ber according to the length of the tail (7 to Io in
sheep, 21 in the ox, 23 in hogs, 17 in the horse, 22
in the cat, 16 to 23 in the dog).
In ungulates the anterior ribs are scarcely curved,
the chest being very narrow in front. The number
of pairs of ribs is the same as the number of dorsal
vertebrz with which they articulate.
The Skull—This part of the skeleton is really
composed of a number of modified vertebre, just
how many is not determined. The difference in the
shape of the skulls of different animals is deter-
mined by the relative size of the various bones of
the skull. In hogs, for example, the head has been
much shortened as a result of breeding, thus giving
the skull of the improved breeds a very different
appearance from that of the razorback.
The shoulder girdle consists of a shoulder blade,
collar bone and coracoid on either side. The fore
leg (or wing, in case of birds) articulates with the
socket formed by the junction of these three bones.
In all the ungulates the shoulder blade is high and
narrow, the coracoid is never much developed, and
the collar bone is absent. In fowls all three bones
of the shoulder girdle are well developed, the collar
bone being represented by the “ wish bone.”
The Pelvic Girdle—This consists of three bones
on either side, viz., ilium, ischium, and pubis. The
first two are directly articulated to the spinal
16
THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
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HOW THE ANIMAL BODY IS FORMED 17
column, while the pubic bones of either side unite
below to complete the arch. The three bones of
each side of the pelvis are present in all our
domestic animals, including the fowls.
Legbones of Farm Animals.—There is one
formula for the bones of the fore and hind legs of
farm animals. The first segment is a single bone,
the humerus of the fore leg, femur of the hind leg.
In the next segment there are two bones, radius
and ulna in the fore leg, tibia and fibula in the hind
leg. In the dog, cat, and Belgian hare the radius
and ulna are both well developed and distinct. In
ungulates the humerus is short and stout, while
the ulna is complete in the pig, rudimentary and
behind the radius in ruminants and firmly united
with the radius in the horse. Similarly with the
hind leg the fibula is a complete bone in the pig,
while in the horse there is merely a rudiment of it,
attached to the tibia.
Feet.—The mammalian skeleton has undergone
the greatest modification in the bones of the feet.
In the horse there are only six of the original ten
wrist or carpal bones, and, since there is but one
of the original five toes, the horse has also but one
metacarpal or cannon bone. Splint-like rudiments
of two other metacarpal bones are to be found at
the upper end of the cannon bone, or at the “ knee =
joint. Below the cannon bone, and forming the
shaft of the foot, we have the small cannon bone,
coronary bone, and coffin bone—the last being
within the hoof with the navicular bone behind it.
The stifle joint of the horse corresponds to the knee
of man. The “knee” of the horse’s fore leg cor-
responds to the hock of the hind leg, both being at
the upper end of the cannon bone. The fetlock
joint is between the large and small cannon bones,
18 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
the pastern joint between the small cannon or large
pastern bones, and the coffin joint between the
coronary and coffin bones. The horse walks upon
what corresponds to the nail of the middle finger
and middle toe of man.
In pigs four digits touch the ground, the first
being absent and the third and fourth larger and in
front of the second and fifth. In ruminants the
third and fourth digits reach the ground, while the
second and fifth do not. In dogs the first digit
appears on the side of the leg, not in contact with
the ground.
ONE OF THE PARASITES OF THE HOG
The thorn-headed worm attached to the anterior part
of the small intestine often causes death. Not more than
five or six are usually found in a single animal.
In fowls the wing, which corresponds to the fore
leg of mammals, shows a well-developed humerus,
radius and ulna, while only one_carpal and one
ee ee along which the wing
feathers are attached. In the leg the femur and
tibia are strong bones, but the fibula is a mere
splint. The tarsal bones are absent, while the
shank consists of a metatarsal bone (really three
bones fused together), to which the four toes are
articulated.
HOW THE ANIMAL BODY IS FORMED 19
‘The Muscular System of Farm Animals.—The
muscular system is too elaborate, the number of
muscles too great, and their modifications for dif-
ferent purposes too complex for consideration in
detail in the present. volume. All muscles are
either striped or unstriped (as examined under the
microscope), according as they are under the im-
mediate control of the will or not. The heart
muscle forms an exception, for it is striped though
involuntary. The essential characteristic of muscle
fibers is contractility, which they possess in high
degree. The typical striped muscles are concerned
in locomotion, being attached at either end to a
bone and extending across some movable joint.
The most important unstriped muscles are found in
the walls of the intestines and blood vessels.
The Nervous System.—In so far as our present
purposes are concerned, the nervous system may
be disposed of in a few words. The central nerv-
ous system consists of a brain and spinal cord.
The microscopic elements of this tissue are pecu-
liarly modified cells, consisting of a central body,
from which fibers run in two or more. directions.
The cell bodies constitute the gray matter, and the
fibers the white matter of the brain and spinal cord.
The gray substance is inside the spinal cord and on
the surface of the brain, constituting the cortex.
The most important parts of the brain are the
cerebrum, optic lobes, cerebellum, and medulla.
There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves originat-
ing in the brain and controlling the special senses,
movements of the face, respiration, and pulse rate.
From each segment of the spinal cord a pair of
spinal nerves arises, each of which possess both
sensory and motor roots. The sympathetic nervous
system consists of a trunk on either side, running
20 THE. FARMER'S VETERINARIAN
from the base of the skull to the pelvis, furnished
with ganglionic enlargements and connected with
the spinal nerves by small fibers.
The Respiratory Organs.—These include the
nose, larynx, trachea or windpipe, and lungs. The
trachea forks into bronchi and bronchioles of
smaller and smaller size, ending in the alveoli
or blind sacs of the lungs. In fowls there are
numerous extensions of the respiratory system
known as air sacs, and located in the body
cavity and also in the hollow bones. The air sacs
communicate with the lungs, but not with one an-
other.
The Urinary Organs.—These consist of kidneys
connecting by means of ureters with a bladder from
which the urethra conducts the urine to the out-
side. In the male the urethra passes through the
penis and in the female it ends just above the
opening of the vagina. The kidneys are usually
inclosed in a capsule of fat. The right kidney of
the horse is heart-shaped, the left bean-shaped.
Each kidney of the ox shows 15 to 20 lobes, and is
oval in form. The kidneys of sheep, goats, and
swine are bean-shaped and without lobes.
The Reproductive Apparatus.—This consists of
ovaries, oviducts, uterus or womb, and vagina in
the female; the testes, spermatic cords, seminal
vesicle and penis, together with various connecting
glands, especially prostate gland and Cowper’s
gland, in the male. In fowls there is no urinary
bladder, but the ureters open into the cloaca or
posterior part of the rectum. The vagina and
uterus are also wanting in fowls, the oviducts open-
ing directly into the rectum. The male copulating
organ is absent except in ducks, geese, swan, and
the ostrich.
CHAPTER II
Some Physiology You Ought to Know
A close relation exists between the soil, plant,
and the animal. One really cannot exist without
the other to fulfill its destiny. A soil without plant
or animal growth is barren, devoid of life. The
soil comes first; the elements contained’ in it and
_ the air are the basis of plant and animal life. The
body of the animal is made up of the identical
elements found in the plant, yet the growth of the
plant is necessary to furnish food for animal life.
The plant takes from the soil and from the air the
simple chemical elements, and with these builds up
the plant tissue which, in its turn, is the food of
the animal. \
_ The animal cannot feed directly from the soil and
r; it requires the plant first to take the elements
oad to build them into tissue. From this tissue
animals get their food for maintenance and growth.
Then the animal dies; with its decay and -decom-
‘position comes change of animal tissue; back to
soil and air again; back to single simple elements,
that new plants may be grown, that new plant tis-
sue may be made for another generation of animal
life.
Thus the plant grows out of the soil and air,
and the decay of the animal plant life furnishes
food for the plant that the plant may furnish food °
for the animal. Thus we see the cycle of life; from
the soil and air come the soil constituents.
Meaning of Plant Building—Before the single
simple elements were taken into the plant, they
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THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
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SOME PHYSIOLOGY YOU OUGHT TO KNOW 23
were of little value. The animal could not use
them for food, they could not be burned to furnish
heat, and they stored up no energy to carry on any
of the world’s work. What a change the plant
makes of them! So used, they become the source
of the animal food, and, as food, they contain five
principal groups with which the animal is nour-
ished. These five groups are the air, water, the
propia compounds the nitrogen_free compounds,
such as starch, crude fiber, sugar and ‘gums, and
the fat or ether extract, as it is called.
nel
DIGESTION OF THE FOOD
Before these different constituents of the plant
can be used as food for animals, they must be pre-
pared for absorption into the system of the animal.
This preparation takes place in the mouth, cesoph-
agus tube, the stomach, and the intestines, aided
by the various secretions incident to digestion and
absorption. Any withholding of any essential con-
stituent has its result in inefficiency or illness of
the animal.
Withhold ash materials, for instance, from the
food, or supply an insufficient quantity, and the
fact will be evidenced by poor teeth, deficient bone
construction and poor health in general. Let the
feeding ration be short in protein, and the result
will be shown in the flesh and blood. Let the car-
bohydrates and fat be withheld or supplied insuf-
ficiently, and energy will be denied and a thrifty
condition will not be possible.
The supply of these different constituents in the
proper proportion gives rise to the balanced d_ration ;
and is concerned in a treatise of this kind only if 86
far as it has to do with disease or health. For,
vo
cae
24 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
remember this fact: live stocx are ciosely associ-
ated with right feeding. If foods be improperly
prepared, or improperly supplied, or the rations
poorly balanced, with too much of one constituent
and too little of another, the effect will be manifest
in an impoverished condition of the system. That
means either disease, or disease invited.
Not only must these facts be considered, but
other matters given recognition also. The greater
part of the trouble of the stockman in the way of
animal diseases is due to some disturbance of the
digestive system, or to the water supply, or to ven-
tilation, or to the use to which the animal is put from
day to day. Attention to the details of digestion
has its reward in thrifty, healthy stock; a lack of
this attention brings trouble and either a temporary
ailment or a permanent disease.
Process of Mastication—Food is taken in the
mouth, where it is masticated by means of the teeth,
lips, cheeks, and the tongue. While the process of
mastication is taking place there is being poured
into the mouth large quantities of saliva, which
softens the food and starts the process of diges-
tion. The active principle of saliva is a soluble fer-
ment, called ptyalin, that converts the starch of
food into sugar:~~The amount of saliva that is
poured into the food is very great, being often as
much as one-tenth of the weight of the animal. This
ferment is active after the teeth have been formed,
which explains why it is not advisable to feed
much starchy food to children before their teeth
have begun development
The food, after being ground and mixed with the
saliva fluid, goes to the stomach. With the horse
and hog the stomach is a single sac not capable
of holding very large quantities of food; with the
SOME PHYSIOLOGY YOU OUGHT TO KNOW 25
cow and sheep, on the other hand, ve find a large
storehouse for holding food—a storehouse that is
divided into four compartments, the rumen or
paunch, reticulum, omasum, and the abomasum.
The first three communicate with the gullet by
a common opening. The cud is contained in the
first and second stomachs, and, after it has been
masticated a second time, it passes to the third and
fourth, and to the bowels, where the process of
digestion is continued.
Gastric Juice—From this it will be noticed that
DISEASED KIDNEY
The kidney of the hog is pictured here. As a rule it is
sually impossible to diagnose kidney troubles in hogs and
similar lower animals.
chewing the cud is an act in the process of diges-
tion; it refers only to rechewing the food so as to
get it finer and better ground for digestion. While
in the stomach the saliva continues the digestion
of the starchy matter and is assisted by the gastric
fluid that pours in from the lining of the stomach,
which converts the protein or albuminoids into
peptones. The fatty matter is not acted upon at
this point. There are three constituents of gastric
juice, which affect the changes in the food. These
are pepsin, rennet, and acid. With rennet you are
acquainted. Tt is used in the kitchen, in the mak-
ing of cheese, and is obtained from the stomach of
26 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
calves or other young animals. Pepsin, also ob-
tained directly from the stomach, is now a con-
spicuous preparation in medicine. The food, after
leaving the stomach, goes into the bowels and is
acted upon by secretions of the liver and pancreas
or sweetbreads. It should be noted in passing that
no Secretion enters the first three divisions of the
ruminant’s stomach. It is only in the fourth or
true stomach that the gastric juice is found.
The Stomach Churn—While food is in the
stomach it is subjected to a constant turning move-
ment that causes it to travel from the entrance to
the exit or intestines. When it passes into the small
intestines it is subjected to the action of bile
and pancreatic juices, which have principally
to do with the breaking up of the fat compourids.
Both resemble, to a certain extent, saliva in their
ability to change starch into sugar.
The secretion of the bile comes from the liver
and the pancreatic juice from the pancreas or
sweetbreads, and both are poured into the intestines
near the same point, so that they act together. The
ferments they contain act in the following ways:
They change starch into sugar, fat into fatty com-
pounds, they curdle milk, and convert protein com-
pounds into soluble peptones.
The process of digestion is finally ended in the
intestines, where absorption into the system takes
place. There is no opening at all from the bowels
into the body, but the digestive nutriment is picked
up by the blood when handed into the body from
the intestines by means of countless little cells
called villi, that line the walls of the intestines.
These villi cells have little hair-like projections ex-
tending into the intestines, which constantly move;
these protrusions, as they move about, catch on to
SOME PHYSIOLOGY YOU OUGHT TO KNOW 27
Ss
the digested nutriment, draw it into the cells them-
selves, where it is handed on to the blood, when it
is later on distributed to all parts of the body. You
can realize that an immense number of these ab-
sorption cells are present when the length of the
intestine is considered. In the ox the intestine is
neariy 200 feet long. After the nutriment is drawn
STOMACH OF RUMINANT
The four main divisions of the ruminant’s stomach are
pictured here. The first three divisions are the store-houses
for food until it is fully prepared for the fourth stomach or
abomasum.
from the food the undigested portions are voided
periodically as feces or dung.
Absorption of the Nutriment.—Digestion, there-
fore, is a dissolving process; food is admitted to
the system by means of cells. You remember that
28 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
all plant food first passes into a soluble state be-
fore it can enter the roots and be conveyed to the
parts of the plants that require additional food for
growth. In the case of plants the entrance is by
means of the root hairs. In the case of the animal,
entrance in the body is by means of the villi cells
that line the intestines. From this we see that
digestion is both an intricate and delicate process.
Any loss of appetite, any disturbance of the diges-
tion work, and any irregularity of the bowels bear
decided results, one way or the other, to the rest
of the system; and any disturbance of the body at
other points, although having no direct relation to
the digestion system, sooner or later affects the
digestion and in so doing causes additional trouble.
Directly affecting digestion may be improper
food, either liquid or solid; and over-exercise or
not enough of it may prove troublesome, for exer-
cise is clearly related to digestion. When the
digestion process is disturbed, air or gas may ac-
cumulate in the stomach or bowels and give rise to
colic or hoven. A watery action of the intestines,
due to inflammation or irritation, may lead to
dysentery and enteritis; or some obstruction like a
hair-ball or a clover fuzzy ball, or the knotting of
the intestines, may occur, temporarily or perma-
nently impairing digestion so seriously often as to
cause death itself.
CIRCULATION '
As water in the plant is the carrier of plant food
throughout the plant, so is blood the carrier and
distributor of food in the animal. When food is
absorbed, it either passes into the lymphatic sys-
tem or into the capillaries of the blood system.
SOME PHYSIOLOGY YOU OUGHT TO KNOW 29
If in the former, it is carried to the thoracic duct,
which extends along the spinal column and enters
one of the main blood vessels. If collected by the
capillary system, it is carried to the portable vein,
thence to the liver and finally to the heart, where
it meets with the blue blood collected from all parts
of the body
At this point, the blood contains both the nutri-
ment and the waste matter of the body. Before it
can be sent through the body again the waste ma-
terial must be thrown out of the system by means
of the lungs. This is accomplished by the heart
forcing to the lungs the impure blood with its im-
purities collected from all parts of the body and
also the nutriment collected from the digestive
tract.
The chief organs, therefore, of the circulatory
system are the blood and lymphatic vessels contain-
ing respectively blood and lymph. The only dif-
ference between these two materials is in the fact
that lymph is blood without the red-blood corpuscles.
The body, after all, really depends upon this lymph
for nourishment, since it wanders to all parts of
the body, surrounds all the cells in all of the tissues
and in this way carries to the cells the very leindis of
food that they need.
Lymph Passes Through Cell Walls.—The blood
vessels have no openings into the body at all. In
this respect the blood system is like the digestive
system; it is separate and distinct in itself. The
blood, however, does creep through the walls of the
blood vessels. In so doing the blood corpuscles
are left behind and lymph is the result.
The center of the blood system is the heart. It
is the engine of the body. Going out from’ it-is the
great aorta, which subdivides into arteries and
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SOME PHYSIOLOGY YOU OUGHT TO KNOW 31
farther away further subdivides until there is a
great network of little arteries; these in turn be-
come very tiny and take the name of capillaries.
Thus the red blood, by means of arteries and capil-
laries, is carried to all parts of the body. This
plan of distribution would not be complete unless
some way were provided for the return of the blood
to the heart and lungs for purification. And just
such an arrangement has been provided. Another
kind of network collects this scattered blood at the
extremities into separate vessels, which gradually
increase in size and finally empty their possessions
into the heart. These are the veins of the body,
and have to do with the impure blood of the body.
How the Heart Does Its Work.—The power back
of blood distribution is the heart. It is an auto-
matic pump, as it were, that sends blood to the
lungs and through the arteries to all parts of the
body. The heart is divided into four divisions:
the left and right ventricles and the right and left
auricles. The right auricle receives the blood from
the upper half of the body through a large vein
and the lower half of the body through another
large vein, and the blood from both lungs empties
into the left auricle through two left and two right
pulmonary veins. The large arteries of the heart
which carry the blood from the heart to the dif-
ferent organs arise from the ventricle.
The blood always flows in the same direction. It
goes into the auricle from the veins, and from this
into the ventricle. It then passes into the arteries,
then to the veins and then to the capillaries.
The action of the heart is very much like a force
pump; the dark blood flows into the right auricle,
which contracts; when this is done, the blood is
32 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
forced into the right ventricle; this in turn con-
tracts and forces the blood into the lungs, where
oxygen is taken on and carbonic acid gas and other
impurities are thrown off. From the lungs the
blood, now red and pure, passes into the left auricle
and thence into the left ventricle, from which it is
forced into the aorta to be distributed to all parts
of the body.
We now see the close connection existing be-
tween the digestive system and the circulatory
system. The digested food in the intestines is
gathered in by villi cells. The question can now
be asked, What do these cells do with this nutri-
ment or digested food? They pour it into the
absorbent vessels or lymphs, as they are called;
these in turn empty the assimilated stores of food
into larger and still larger vessels, which continues
until the whole of the nutritive fluid is collected
into one great duct or tube, which pours its con-
tents into the large veins at the base of the neck,
from whence it is carried into the circulatory sys-
tem, the very basis of which is the blood.
RESPIRATION
The dark and impure blood, after returning to
the heart, is sent to the lungs. It is, when collected
from the body, just before being sent to the lungs
dark, dull and loaded with worn-out matter. It
must now be sent to the lungs, where it may be
spread over the delicate thin walls of millions of
vesicles, to be exposed to the air, which is inhaled
by the acts of breathing. The blood gives off the
broken-down material and carbonic acid gas very
readily. It is both unpleasant and disagreeable,
-and the blood cells find it very unattractive.
SOME PHYSIOLOGY YOU OUGHT TO KNOW 33
The cells of the blood, however, have a great at-
traction for oxygen, consequently the cells absorb
oxygen with greediness, so that when the blood
returns to the heart it is fresh and bright and
ready to take its journey back over the body again.
This is done just about every three minutes. This
endless round continues until stopped forever by
death.
The relation existing between the animal and
plant functions is brought to light in another way.
When the plant was building tissue it released
oxygen and exhaled it into the air. At the same
time, by means of leaves, it gathered in the car-
bonic acid to use in plant building. Of course this
was got from the air. The animal in performing
its functions and in building its tissue inhales oxy-
gen from and exhales carbonic acid gas into the air.
Thus it is that animals take up what is unnecessary
to the plant and the plant uses what is waste and
poison to the animal.
CHAPTER III
The Teeth As An Indication of Age
When a colt is born the first and second tem-
porary molars, three on each jaw, are to be seen.
These are large when compared with the size of
those that later replace them. In from five to ten
days after birth the two central incisors or nippers
make their appearance. In three or four weeks the
third temporary molars appear, followed within a
couple of months by an additional incisor on each
side of the first two, both above and below. The
corner incisors appear between the ninth and
twelfth months after birth. This makes the full
set of teeth—twenty-four in number.
There is now no change in number, although there
is considerable change taking place all the time; the
incisor teeth, in rubbing against each other, are
more or less worn, giving rise to the expression
“losing the mark.”
The two molars present at birth remain until
the animal is about three years old, at which time
they fall out of their sockets by the protrusion of
the second set, or permanent molars.
This change from temporary to permanent teeth
takes place usually without difficulty and without
trouble. The permanent teeth push their way up
from below crowding those in view. While this
pushing and crowding is going on the temporary
teeth are losing ground, for the reason their roots
are being absorbed, and a time comes when the cap
only is left attached to the gums. This cap drops
34
THE TEETH AS AN INDICATION OF AGE 35
out and the new or permanent tooth soon is estab-
lished in its place.
LOSING OF TEMPORARY TEETH
According to the observation of Mayo, the tem-
porary incisors are replaced by permanent teeth
as follows: “The two central incisors are shed at
about two and a half years, and the permanent ones
are up ‘in wear’ at three years. The lateral in-
cisors are shed at three and a half and the per-
manent ones are up and in wear at four years. The
corner incisors are shed at four and a half and the
permanent ones are up and in wear at five.
“The molars are erupted and replaced as fol-
lows: The fourth molar on each jaw (which is
always a permanent molar) is erupted at ten to
twelve months; the fifth permanent molar at two
to two and a half years, and the sixth usually at four
and a half to five. The first and second molars,
which are temporary, are shed and replaced by per-
manent ones at two to three years of age. The
third temporary molar is replaced by a permanent
one at three and a half years. In males, the canine
or bridle teeth are erupted at about four and a half
years of age. At about five years of age a horse is
said to have a full mouth of permanent teeth.”
THE MARK IN THE TOOTH
Horsemen make use of the “ mark in the tooth”
for determining the age between five and eleven.
In examining teeth you observe that two bands of
enamel are to be seen; one exterior, that surrounds
the tooth, the other interior, which is termed the
casing enamel. It is this latter, or “date cavity,”
that is used to tell the age.
36 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
The mark in the tooth is occasioned by the food
blackening the hollow pit. This is formed on the
surface by the bending in of the enamel, which
passes over the surface of the teeth, and, by the
gradual wearing down of the enamel from friction,
and the consequent disappearance of it, the age can
be determined for a period of several years.
When a horse has attained his sixth year the
mark on the central or middle incisors or nippers
LUMPY JAW
The disease is caused by the ray fungus. The result is local
tumors in the bones and other tissues.
of the lower jaw will be completely worn off, leav-
ing, however, a little difference of color in the cen-
ter of the teeth. The cement which fills the hole
produced by the dipping in of the enamel will be
somewhat browner than that of the other portions
of the tooth, and will exhibit evident proofs of the
edge being surrounded by enamel.
At seven years the marks in the four middle in-
cisors are worn out and are speedily disappearing
in the corner ones. These disappear entirely at the
THE TEETH AS AN INDICATION OF AGE 37
age of eight; thus all marks are obliterated at this
age on the lower jaw; the surface of the teeth are
level and the form of the teeth changes to a more
oval form.
_ The marks on the upper jaw are still present,
since there has been less friction and wear on them.
At nine the marks disappear from the central upper
incisors, at ten from the adjoining two, and at
éleven from the corner teeth.
To tell the age of the horse beyond this period
is difficult and uncertain, except by those very
much experienced in performing the undertaking.
The shape of the teeth, the color and the condition
all enter into the determination but there is no
fast and fixed rules after the marks have disap-
peared.
TEETH OF CATTLE
Cattle have no incisor teeth on the upper jaw.
They have eight incisors on the lower jaw. Ac-
cording to Mayo, the temporary incisors are as
follows: “The central incisors or nippers are up
at birth, the internal lateral at one week old, the
external lateral at two weeks, and the corner in-
cisors at three weeks old. They are replaced by
permanent incisors approximately as follows,
though they vary much more than in the colt: The
central incisors are replaced at 12 to 18 months;
the internal laterals at about two and a half years;
the external laterals at three to three and a half
years; and the corner incisors at about three and
a half years. (In the horned cattle, a ring makes
its appearance at three years of age, and a new ring
is added annually Hiereaiten )
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38 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
TEETH OF SHEEP
Sheep, like cattle, have no incisor teeth on the
upper jaw. Like cattle, they have eight incisors
on the lower jaw when the mouth has reached full
age. The change of the teeth occurs as follows:
At birth the lamb has two incisors, followed by two
more very soon. At the end of two weeks two
more are out, making six incisors in all. At three
weeks of age two more have appeared, completing
the appearance of the temporary or milk teeth.
The permanent begin to replace the temporary
teeth between one and one and a half years. The
two central milk teeth are first replaced by two
longer and stronger teeth. The lamb is now known
as a yearling. ©
At two years the two teeth adjoining the central
incisors are replaced by permanent ones; at three
the two adjoining thése are replaced, making now
six permanent incisors.
Between four and four and a half the last two
permanent incisors appear and the sheep then has
a full mouth.
CHAPTER IV
Examining Animals for Soundness and Health
In purchasing farm stock, it is a good plan to deal
with reputable people only. Leave the horse trader
alone. He knows too many tricks, and if you are a
stranger to him you can be pretty certain that he
will try one on you—just for fun.
Fortunately farmers sell to strangers more fre-
quently than they buy of them, and when they
seek new stock they deal largely with breeders,
who, like themselves, are farmers and not given
to the tricks of low and disreputable methods;
nevertheless, every purchaser of stock should be
familiar with animal form and able to recognize
defects and faults when he sees them. This is as
much his business as to breed, raise or feed the
stock on his farm.
LOOKING THE ANIMAL OVER
Know what form you want; draft and speed
represent different types, so do dairy and beef.
With all classes of farm stock there are a few
points that are desirable in all stock. One of these
is width between the eyes. No animal of any
breed or class possessed of a narrow forehead is
at all perfect. A wide forehead is one of the abso-
lute beauties.
These are desirable characters of all farm
animals; they represent culture and refinement
and good breeding. The purchaser or breeder,
therefore, should not only know conformation, but
he should know quality.
39
40 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
SPECIAL TYPE IN HORSES
Our breeds of horses may be divided into three
general classes. Those used for speed, those for
draft and those with a mixture of the two—a gen-
eral purpose sort of horse. The speed or trotting
horse has its distinct type; it has been evolving
and developing through a long series of years.
Briefly, its conformation may be described as
follows: A wide forehead, fairly long head, a long
neck that is thin and agile, a narrow chest as you
look at it from the front, but very deep as you look
from the side, long sloping shoulders, rather long
back, a long horizontal croup, small barrel, fairly
long forearm, long cannon bones and feet that are
well shaped and perfect in every respect. Looking
at the animal from the side it should be as high over
the hips or higher than over the withers.
The draft horse, on the other hand, has a dif-
ferent conformation. There is not that elongation
of his parts, although there is a symmetry of parts
and of proportion. There should be the width
between the eyes; the clean, neat face; a graceful
neck, which should be shorter and more heavily
muscled than that of the speed horse. The chest
should be wide, both from the front and side, the
back short but heavily muscled, the croup strong
and not so horizontal as with the speed type, the
quarters heavily muscled and the cannon bone
short.
The feet should be as perfect as those of the
speed horse. In both types the knee should be
thick, deep, and broad and the hocks wide. The
narrow hock is not so well able to stand heavy
strain, consequently curb diseases readily follow
EXAMINING FOR SOUNDNESS AND HEALTH 4!
where the conformation shows narrow hocks. An-
other difference between the two types is found in
the muscles. The speed type throughout has long,
thin, narrow muscles—muscles that stretch a long
way and contract quickly.
With the draft horse it is different: the muscles
are shorter, but they are heavy; they are less quick
in their action, but they are more powerful. In
BAD ATTITUDES DUE TO CONFORMATION
In the first, the toes are turned out. The middle picture
shows in-kneed attitude and the third shows in-turned toes.
Whether standing or traveling, the appearance is unpleasant
and mitigates against the value of the animals.
both types good proportions are always desirable.
The width between the eyes should be as much or
more than one-third the length of the head. The
distance from the point over the shoulders to the
ground should be about equal to the distance from
the point over the hips to the ground; and in turn
this distance, whatever it is, should be about equal
42 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
to the length of the horse from the point of the
shoulder to the point of the buttock.
Looking at the horse in front if a line be dropped
from the point of the shoulder it should halve the
fore leg, the knee, the cannon, and the hoof. And
the width of the third hoof, if placed between the
two front feet, should give the attitude that is
desirable.
Looking at the horse from the rear, the same
attitude is to be observed. Of course, many horses
do not possess these qualities and proportions; and
because they do not is the very reason that their
beauty, efficiency, and value are less.
EXAMINING ANIMALS IN THE STABLE
In going into the stable look the animals over
quietly. Observe how they stand, breathe, eat, and
act generally. Are they nervous? Does one swing
his head from side to side? Does he kick, paw,
put back his ears, or does he have any of the other
common stable vices that are unpleasant and un-
desirable? As you look about and pass back and
forth, you will get the evidence of these stable
vices, if such are to be found.
Look particularly for cribbing, wind sucking,
kicking and crowding. Pawing is just as bad. If
you want animals with good stable manners pass
by those possessing these ugly faults. The next
step is to examine the animals individually; those
that “look good” to you. No doubt you will find
some that do not interest you for one reason or
another. These need no further attention, unless
you have overlooked some fact, in which case your
attention will likely be called to it.
EXAMINING FOR SOUNDNESS AND HEALTH 43
In making the individual examination, go up to
the animal in the stall, place your hand on the hip,
and gently press it. If no stringhalt afflicts the
horse, he will move over, allowing you to pass into
the stall. The same applies to the cow. If well
trained, she will make room for you by moving
over at the same time, if you do this on the proper
side, and she will put back her hind foot, as if she
were about to be milked.
This casual observation would not be possible
if force were used or the animal excited by loud
commands or by a whip or strap. The halter
teaches its lesson also. A heavy rope or leather
suggests that the animal has a pulling back vice,
a habit you want to avoid. Light halters for horses
and cattle are to be preferred to chains, heavy
leather, or ropes.
REAL TEST IS OUT OF DOORS
Now that you have seen all of the animals for
sale, ask the owner to lead them out of doors for
a more careful examination. In this you will
inspect the animal very carefully in order to be
certain of the conformation, defects, and blemishes,
and to acquaint yourself specifically as to health
and disposition.
Cast your eyes over the animal, front, side, and
rear. Pass around the animal, keeping some dis-
tance away. By so doing you can judge of type
and conformation, of proportions and attitudes; for
each of these is important. A beefy-looking cow, with
a thick neck, square body and small udder will not
suit you for milk. Neither will a cow with a long,
thin neck, open, angular body, thin thighs, and
44 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
heavy, deep paunch meet your needs if you are
seeking breeding stock for beef production.
If you are examining a horse, keep in mind the
purpose for which you are selecting. Remember
the long, thin neck, very oblique shoulder, long
cannon, long back, and long thin muscles are not
adequate for draft. On the other hand, if you want
a horse for road purposes, avoid the heavy muscles,
the short neck, the heavy croup, and the heavy
thighs. These mean draft—an animal for heavy
work.
SPECIAL TYPE IN CATTLE
The milk cow should have a very soft, mellow
skin, and fine, silky hair. The head should be narrow
and long, with great width between the eyes. This
last-mentioned characteristic is an indication of
great nervous force, an important quality for the
heavy milker. The neck of the good dairy cow is
long and thin, the shoulders thin and lithe and
narrow at the top. The back is open, thin, and
tapering toward the tail. The hips are wide apart
and covered with little meat.
The good cow is also thin in the regions of the
thigh and flank, but very deep through the stomach
girth, made so by long open ribs. The udder is
large, attached well forward on the abdomen, and
high behind. It should be full, but not fleshy.
The lacteal or milk veins ought also to be large and
extend considerably toward the front legs.
The beef cow is altogether different: she is
square in shape, full and broad over the back and
loins, and possesses depth and quality, especially
in these regions. The hips are even with flesh, the
legs full and thick, the under line parallel with
EXAMINING FOR SOUNDNESS AND HEALTH 45
the straight back. The neck is full and short, the
eyes bright, the face short, the bones of fine tex-
ture, the skin soft and pliable, and the flesh mellow,
elastic, and rich in quality.
In other words, a beef cow is square and blocky,
while the dairy cow is wedge-shaped and angular.
The one stores nutriment in her body; the other
gives it off. The one is a miser, and stores all that
she gets into her system; the other is a philanthro-
pist and gives away all that comes into her pos-
session.
It will be seen, therefore, that the two types are
radically different. This difference is due to breed-
ing, not to feeding, nor to management. If you
are seeking good milk cows, you must look for
form and conformation. If you are looking for
beef cows, you must also look for form and con-
formation, but of a different kind. With this
knowledge to back you up and to guide you, you
are now ready to make an examination of animals
that will meet your purpose.
GOING OVER THE ANIMAL IN DETAIL
Aiter making these general observations you are
now ready to examine the animal. Begin with the
head. How is the eye? Dull, weak, without
animation? If so, be on your guard. The good
eye shows brightness, intelligence, and it must be
free from specks. By placing the hand over the
eye for a few moments you will be able to detect
its sensitiveness to light. Do you find any dis-
charge of any kind from the eye? If so, some in-
flammation is present. Try to ascertain the cause.
The Nostril As An Index.—A large, open nostril
is desirable. Look for that character first. Now
46 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
observe the color of the lining. To be just right, it
should be healthy-looking, of a bright rose-pink
color, and it should be moist. A healthy nostril is
one free from sores, ulcers, pimples, and any un-
pleasant odor. Be careful here; an unscrupulous
dealer can very easily remove discharges and odors
by sponging and washing, and you may be deceived.
Looking In the Mouth.—Always look in the
mouth; you have the tongue, teeth, jaws, and
EWE NECK
The neck is one of the beauty points of the horse. In
purchasing animals look carefully to conformation and quality.
Let these also be guiding principles in breeding.
glands to see. Naturally, you, like every other
person, consider the teeth first; you want to be
certain of the age. This feature is discussed else-
where in this book, and all in addition that needs
to be said is in reference to the shape of the teeth,
EXAMINING FOR SOUNDNESS AND HEALTH 47
whether or not they are diseased or worn away
by age or by constant cribbing of the manger. Of
course these facts you will think of as you examine
the mouth.
Give the tongue a second of your time. If it is
scarred and shows rough treatment a harsh bit is
likely the cause, due to its need in driving and
handling.
Then give a thought to the glands while here.
Enlarged glands may indicate some scrofulous or
glanderous condition of the system.
Neck and Throat.—A beautiful neck and throat
is an absolute beauty in the horse or cow. The
skin should be thin, mellow, and soft, and the hair
not over thick nor coarse. Look for poll-evil at
the top of the neck and head. See if swellings,
lumps or hard places are to be found at the sides
of the neck, or underneath joining the throat. I
have found such very frequent with dairy cattle;
and cases are not unusual with horses.
Frequently scars are to be found on the sides or
bottom of the neck. These may be due to
scratches caused by nails, barb-wire or some sim-
ilar accident, and again they may have been caused
by sores, tumors, or other bad quality of the blood.
Body and Back.—Passing the side, look over the
withers for galls or fistula, the shoulders for
tumors, collar puffs, and swellings. Observe at
the same time if there is any wasting of the muscles
on the outside along the shoulder.
Now the back. Is it right as to shape? Do you
find any evidence of sores or tumors? Look for
these along the sides and belly. Now stoop a bit
and look under; do you find anything different
from what is natural? In males look for tumor or
disease of the penis; do the same with the scrotum,
48 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
and, in case of geldings scrutinize carefully to see
if they be ridgelings.
While making this examination, if the animal is
nervous and fretful, you can help matters along if
an assistant holds up a fore leg. Take the same
precaution when examining the hind quarters and
legs. By doing so, you will avoid being kicked and
can run over the parts more quickly and satisfac-
torily.
Before leaving the body observe if the hips are
equally developed, and the animal evenly balanced
in this region. Both horses and cattle are liable to
hip injury, one of the hips being frequently knocked
down. Make sure that both are sound and natural.
Fore Legs and Front Feet.—Now step to the
front again for a careful examination of the front
legs and feet. Starting with the elbow, examine
for capped elbow; now the knee. It should be
wide, long, and deep, and at the same time free
from any bony enlargements. The knees must
stand strong, too. Is the leg straight? Do you
observe any tendency of the knee to lean forward
out of line, showing or indicating a “knee sprung”
condition? Just below the knee, do you find any
cuts or bunches or scars due to interference of the
other foot in travel? Look here also for splints;
follow along with the fingers to see if splints are
present—on the inside of the leg.
Be particular about the cannon. The front should
be smooth—you want no bunches or scars. Just
above the fetlock feel for wind puffs; and note if
about the fetlock and pastern joints there are any
indications of either ringbones, bunches, or puffs.
Now look for side bones; if present, you will find
them just at the top of the hoof. They may be on
either side. Sidebones are objectionable, and are
EXAMINING FOR SOUNDNESS AND HEALTH 49
the lateral cartilages changed into a bony struc-
ture.
Give the foot considerable attention. The old
law of the ancients, “no feet, no horse,” is cer-
tainly true in our day. You can overlook many
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ANATOMY OF THE FOOT
The delicate nature of
the foot is readily recog-
nized when the various
parts are considered in their
relation to each other.
other imperfections and
troubles in the horse, but
if the feet are bad you do
not have much of a horse.
A good foot is well
shaped, with a_healthy-
looking hoof and no in-
dication of disease either
now or ever before.
See that the shape is
agreeable. A concave wall
is not to be desired, and
the heels are not to be con-
tracted. The wall should
be perfect—no sand cracks,
quarter crack, or softening
of the wall at the toe of
the foot.
Examine for Corns.—
These are both trouble-
some and cause much
lameness. A healthy frog,
uninjured by the knife or
the blacksmith or other
cause is very much to be
preferred.
Hind Legs and Feet—In examining these
regions give the hocks of the horse special atten-
tion. No defect is more serious than bone spavin.
You can, as a rule, detect this by standing in front
of the horse just a little to the side. If there is
50 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
any question about the matter, step around to the
other side and view the opposite leg. This com-
parison will let you out of the difficulty, as it is
very unusual that this defect should be upon both
legs at the same point and developed to the same
degree.
A spavin is undesirable for the reason that it
often produces serious lameness, which frequently
is permanent. As it is a bone enlargement, it is
something that cannot be remedied. If you are
seeking good horses, better reject such as have
any spavin defect.
In this same region between the hock and the fet-
lock curbs troubles are located. They appear at
the lower part of the hock, directly behind. You
can readily detect any enlargement if you will step
back five or six feet. The curb, while it may not
produce lameness, is altogether undesirable. It
looks bad; it shows a weakness in the hock region
and often is caused by overwork, consequently the
animal with curb disease is one that has not meas-
ured up to the work demanded of him.
Just above and to the rear of the hock the
thorough-pin disease appears, and just in front of
and slightly toward the inner side of the hock bog
spavin is sometimes to be found. Lameness may
come from either of these diseases. Small tumors,
puffs and other defects frequently show themselves
on the hind legs and the best way is to reject
animals having them. While some of these may
be caused by accident, the most of them are the
result of bad conformation, due to heredity, unim-
proved blood and bad ancestors.
EXAMINING FOR LAMENESS
Lameness comes from many causes; maybe from
EXAMINING FOR SOUNDNESS AND HEALTH SI
soreness, from disease or from wounds. And
lameness is hard to detect. Frequently it seems
to be in the shoulder, when in fact it is a puncture
in the foot. Again it may seem to be in the fet-
lock, but the trouble is in the shoulder or fore leg.
You must examine for lameness both in the stable
and out of the stable. If you find the horse stand-
ing squarely upon three feet and resting the fourth
foot, you should be suspicious. If you move the
horse about and he assumes the same attitude again
and still again, you can be certain that he is as-
suming that position because he wants to rest
some part of that member.
In testing out the horse for lameness, let no ex-
citement prevail. Under such excitement the horse
forgets his lameness or soreness for the time being,
and you do not note the trouble. A quiet, slow
walk or trot on as hard a road as possible is a
desirable sort of examination to give.
TESTING THE WIND
The free breathing of a horse may be interfered
with, and for two reasons. Roaring or whistling,
as it is called, is a serious disease of the throat, and,
at the same time, an incurable disease. The second
disease is known as heaves or bellows, and is also
a most serious disease, because it is also incurable.
By the use of drugs relief may be given tempora-
rily, but no permanent cure follows. Unscrupulous
dealers will resort to dosing for the time being, or
until a sale is made.
You should guard against this trouble, however,
for it is one of the most serious that a horse can
have. Upon this subject, Butler has the following
to say: “To test the wind and look for two seri-
ous conditions and others which may be present,
52 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
the animal should be made to run at the top of his
speed for some considerable distance—a couple
hundred yards or more. Practically this run or
gallop should be up hill, which will make the test
all the better. After giving the horse this gallop,
stop him suddenly, step closely up to him and listen
to any unusual noise, indicating obstruction
of the air passages, and also observe the movements
of the flanks for any evidence of the big double
jerky expulsion of the air from the lungs character-
istic of heavers.”
TESTING OF THE PACES
No examination is complete that does not make
a test of the paces. You want to know how fast
the horse can walk, how he trots or paces or how
he takes some other gait. Some horses make these
movements very gracefully; others very unman-
nerly. eT
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KIDNEY WORMS IN THE HOG
While worms are occasionally found in the kidneys, they do
not frequently cause disease or death.
this is to be done only a skilled surgeon should be
allowed to perform the operation.
LAMINITIS.—See Founder.
LICE.—Farm animals, especially those housed in
stables more or less infested with insects and
vermin, are commonly troubled with lice. Animals
in good health resist the insects, but those already
in a non-thrifty condition do not fare so well. Lice
cause a good deal of annoyance to farm stock, inas-
much as they bite the skin, suck out blood, and
thus cause considerable irritation. Lice can be seen
206 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
with the naked eye. Infestation, as a rule, takes
place in filthy quarters, and the best means of dis-
infecting such places is by the use of a spray of
kerosene. One of the best means of applying this
to hogs consists in rubbing posts, which are con-
stantly smeared with kerosene. In this way the
hogs are induced to treat themselves. Infected
hogs may also be treated by pouring the kerosene
directly over the infested parts, like the neck,
shoulder and back. Dipping tanks made of cement
or wood are frequently located in the run-yards, in
which is placed some disinfectant fluid. Hogs use
. these small tanks as wallows, and in this way they
disinfect themselves.
For horses and cattle a good remedy is made as
follows: Boil for an hour 8 tablespoonfuls of
arsenic, 8 tablespoonfuls of soda ash and 16 table-
spoonfuls of soft soap in two gallons of water.
After being prepared by boiling, add enough
water to make two gallons. When cool, wet the
animal all over with a little of it, using a brush
or currycomb to get it into the skin. Another
good remedy is made of boiling stavesacre
seeds, I part to 20 parts of water, for an hour
and let it simmer for another hour; then add
water to make it up to the original bulk. This
applied to the affected parts brings quick relief. It
is advisable to repeat the application in a week or
ten days, so as to catch any new lice from any eggs
that were not caught by the first application. A
very common treatment is secured by mixing a pint
of linseed oil, 8 tablespoonfuls of oil of tar, and 8
tablespoonfuls of sulphur. This is then rubbed on
the affected parts once a day for two days and
allowed to remain for a few days, after which it is
washed off with soap and water. In serious cases,
DISEASES OF FARM ANIMALS 207
the application should be repeated within a week
or so.
LIVER FLUKES.—These are parasites usually
found in the liver or its ducts. At times they are
present in great numbers, giving rise to a serious
disease called liver rot. When the fertilized eggs are
discharged in the excrement of diseased animals and
fall in fresh water they hatch out and are taken into
the body by sheep and cattle, either
in the food or drink. Ina short time
thereafter they have entrenched
themselves in the liver of cattle or
sheep.
A few liver flukes in an animal
causes little trouble, as the injury is
largely mechanical anyway. No
} peculiar symptoms are conspicuous
when only a few flukes are present.
The greatest damage is done when
hundreds of flukes develop in a sin-
gle individual. In these cases the
flow of the bile is checked. As a re-
sult the health becomes impaired and
the usual penalties of malnutrition follow. Swell-
ing of the jaws and diarrhcea are often noticed in
connection with the disease.
When the host is badly infected with the flukes
and in a badly run-down condition the trouble is al-
ways serious, and medicinal treatment is of little
real value. Tonics and good food may be given to
help along—but death usually follows. Salt is
helpful as the flukes are sensitive to it. If an
animal that has succumbed to the disease be ex-
amined, the liver will be observed to be fairly rotten
as a result of the inroads of the parasites.
LIVER FLUKE
208 THE FARMER'S VETERINARIAN
Treatment is in line of prevention only. Clean,
pure fresh water, free of the eggs or the parasites,
is necessary if the trouble is to be eradicated. The
old ponds, ordinarily filled with stagnant water,
should be drained. They harbor many bad para-
sites, and their harm is far beyond their value.
When water for sheep and cattle is taken from pure
streams or wells the trouble from liver flukes and
other parasites is reduced to a minimurr
LOCKJAW.—This disease, very frequently called
tetanus, is an infectious disease in which the body
muscles are spasmodically contracted or stiffened.
The muscles that move the jaw are frequently af-
fected and the animal is unable to open the mouth.
Because of this condition the disease is commonly
known as lockjaw.
The spread of the disease does not occur through
healthy animals coming in contact with animals
having tetanus, but by inoculation. The germ of
tetanus is present in the soil, manure and dust.
It enters the body by way of wounds, especially
punctured and bruised wounds. The injury may
result from stepping on a nail, and the germs are
planted in the deeper structures of the foot. Such
a wound usually has poor drainage, the horn of the
hoof closing the mouth or opening. Here the germs
grow and produce a poisonous toxin that is said
to be the most powerful produced by any bacteria.
This toxin acts on the nerve centers of the brain
and spinal cord, causing extensive spasmodic con-
traction of the body muscles.
Tetanus sometimes occurs in the absence of any
noticeable wound. It may be in such cases that
the seat of the infection is a slight abrasion of the
skin, or the lining membranes of the respiratory
and digestive tracts. The tetanus bacillus is a
DISEASES OF FARM ANIMALS 209
slender, spore-producing bacterium. The spore is
located at one end of the rod in the form of a round
head, that gives the organism a pin shape, hence
the name of pin bacillus. It is very resistant to
outside conditions and the action of the chemical
LOCKJAW
Note the rigid, tense position of the muscles.
disinfectants. It is because of its ability to resist
the action of disinfectants and the fact that it
develops best when protected or covered by the
tissues and wound secretions, that this disease so
often follows ordinary wound treatment.
From a few days to several weeks may lapse
from the time of infection with the germs until the
development of the stiffness and spasms. Some-
times the wound by which the organism has en-
tered the tissues has healed before the symptoms of
tetanus are manifested. In case the symptoms de-
velop a few days after the inoculation the disease
210 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
is severe or acute in form, and less violent or sub-
acute if the symptoms are manifested atter the
second week. The above statement does not hold
true in all cases, but it may be considered true in
a general way.
Of the domestic animals the horse is the most
commonly affected. The symptoms shown by this
animal are very characteristic. Any person that
has had the opportunity to see and examine a horse
suffering from tetanus should have no trouble in
recognizing the disease in other animals.
The Characteristic Symptom is the spasmodic
contraction of the muscles. This may vary in the
different individuals, depending on the susceptibil-
ity of the animal and the quantity of poisonous
toxin present in the system. There is at first a
slight stiffness of the muscles of the back, neck,
head, and limbs, and the animal is more nervous
than common. A noise in the stable or a slap with
the hand may increase the stiffness and contractions
temporarily. The contracted condition of the
muscles of the eye, are, perhaps, the most notice-
able early in the disease. These muscles pull the
eyeball backwards, the fatty cushion is pressed on
and the third eyelid protrudes, covering at times
from one-third to two-thirds of the front part of
the eye. In the severe form of the disease the
muscles feel hard, especially those of the back and
neck, and the animal moves with difficulty. In
addition to the muscular symptoms, the respiration
and pulse beats are quickened and the body tem-
perature higher than normal. The evidence of suf-
fering from the contracted condition of the muscles
is very marked, and, unless supported in some way,
the animal may fall to the floor. If the symptoms
develop a few days after infection, the animal
DISEASES OF FARM ANIMALS 211
usually dies. The acute form is very fatal, but in
the mild or subacute form the chance for making a
recovery is good.
Tetanus Is a Preventable Disease. It may be
largely prevented by the careful disinfection of
wounds, and the use of anti-tetanic serum. In most
localities the proper treatment of the wound is a
sufficient preventive measure, but in localities and
stables where the disease is common the anti-tetanic
serum should be used. Ordinary cleansing of a
wound, as practiced by most stockmen, is not suf-
ficient to destroy the bacillus of tetanus. The
wound must be carefully cleaned, disinfected and
prepared for healing. This should be kept in mind
when treating a wound, and instead of using an
agent that we know little about, we should secure
reliable information regarding the different commer-
cial disinfectants and methods of caring for wounds.
That class known as tar disinfectants is most com-
monly used. The better grade belonging to this
class should be used. -
If anti-tetanic serum is used, it should be injected
as soon after the injury has occurred as possible.
The injection is made hypodermically, usually be-
neath the skin on the side of the neck. Large doses
of anti-tetanic serum given after the symptoms have
developed may assist recovery. However, in the
severe form of the disease this treatment is uncer-
tain.
When the animal comes down with the disease,
it should be made as comfortable as possible. The
quarters should be roomy, quiet, clean, and well
ventilated. It is advisable to support the horse with
a sling unless the animal is worried or made nerv-
ous by it. This prevents his becoming tired and
falling down. We should give the animal the best
212 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
of care in the way of regulating the diet, etc., but
should avoid annoying it by our attention. Medici-
nal treatment is of little benefit and should be
given a secondary place. In fact, dosing the animal
with medicine, especially if large doses are given,
may do more harm than good in the treatment of
this disease.
LOCO DISEASE.—The word loco is a Spanish
word, and means crazy. Loco disease is a disease
of the brain and nervous system, especially of horses
and cattle, but may also affect other animals. It
results from eating any one of a number of poison-
ous plants called loco which grow upon the dry,
sandy prairies of some parts of the Western United
States.
In winter and early spring, when there is little
or no grass, some animals acquire an appetite for
this plant, and soon refuse all other kinds of food.
When addicted to the weed an animal loses flesh
rapidly, the eyesight becomes affected—often it has
no knowledge of distance—and frequently when
made to step over a board or rail will jump over it
as though it were several feet high. Later, in the
course of the disease, the brain becomes more
affected and the animal acts more or less crazy, at
times quite violent, at others depressed and dull.
Should the animal live through the first attack
it may linger for months or even years, but it
usually dies as a result of the attack. Frequently
some peculiar “foolish” habit follows the animals
through life. Some have a nervous fit when excited
or warmed up, others will not lead and some you
cannot drive at all. There is no cure for the
trouble. All that can be done is to prevent the
habit from being formed or by removing the animal
DISEASES OF FARM ANIMALS 213
from temptation and furnishing wholesome, nutri-
tious foo~
LUMPY JAW.—See Actinomycosis.
LUNGS, CONGESTION OF.—A filling of the
lungs with blood. This is very common with
horses in winter and is most frequently due to a
chill. Animals that have been put to heavy work,
or are in a weakened condition, are frequently sus-
ceptible if left standing in a draft while still warm.
Sluggishness is noticed, first followed by trembling
at the flank, heavy breathing; the pulse will be
noted as quick, but weak; a gurgling sound will
be noted if the ear is placed against the chest. The
best treatment is such as gives quick relief. If at
work, place the horse at rest at once in the stable
and cover with blanket. Have plenty of fresh air
admitted, but do not allow a draft to blow over the
patient. Assist circulation as much as possible by
rubbing of the legs and apply cold pad to the chest.
A mustard plaster applied over the chest is very
good. A good drench consists of alcohol in 2
ounce doses, well diluted in water; at the same
time another drench consisting of 4 tablespoonfuls
of sweet spirits of niter and 2 tablespoonfuls of
laudanum, mixed with a pint of water, is also very
good. If the conditions indicate that the lungs
are full of blood, add 10 drops of Fleming’s tincture.
of aconite to the drench. The drenches may be
given two or three hours apart until relief comes,
at which time quiet is advised, although a little
gentle walking for exercise is advisable.
From this time on treat the animal as a patient,
giving easily digested foods. A tonic consisting of
ground gentian root and nitrate of potash, half and
half, is excellent. Give a teaspoonful of this in the
feed three times a day.
214 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
LUNG FEVER—See Inflammation of the
Lungs.
LUNG WORMS IN LAMBS AND CALVES.—
It has been proven in years gone by that the com-
mon spirits of turpentine, when mixed with salt in
proportions of a gill of turpentine to four quarts of
common fine salt and placed in a covered box so
constructed that sheep and calves can get their
head in and eat the salt (yet the salt be protected
from the weather), will practically prevent an in-
fection. Some have advised the mixing of a half
pint of sublimed sulphur with the salt and turpen-
tine. There can be no objection to the sulphur
when added in the proportions named. This
remedy is not a cure but a preventive. In fact
there is no cure, as these worms are in the bron-
chial tubes and lungs, where no worm destroyer can
reach them directly. But when the lamb or calf
daily partakes of even a few drops of turpentine,
the whole system becomes, to an extent, infected
with the turpentine, and as the young worms come
into existence, their home in the lungs becomes a
very unhealthy home for them and they fail to
mature. In some cases mature worms have been
removed by injecting a mixture of turpentine,
chloroform and olive oil into the windpipe, using
about a teaspoonful of this mixture. Its effect is to
stupefy the worms that it touches, and they may
be coughed out by the suffering lamb or calf. The
fumes of burning sulphur has also been advised
by some veterinarians. But both remedies are as
liable to kill as cure, and are by no means always
successful. The farmer’s business should be to
prevent, not cure, diseases of this class; therefore
prepare the salt box.
LYMPHANGITIS.—An inflammation of the
DISEASES OF FARM ANIMALS 215
‘lymphatics, usually of the hind legs. Hence
the name “big legs.” It is the result of
too rich feeding, and too little work in many
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LYMPHANGITIS
This kind of inflammation is usually seen im the hind
legs. It is most frequent in heavy draft horses, or in coarse
plethoric individuals. It occurs most frequently after a short
pericd of idleness.
216 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
cases on the one hand, or of overwork and
insufficient food on the other. Lymphangitis often
follows other diseases like distemper, influenza, or
pneumonia, in which cases the system is weakened
and the lymphatics in abnormal condition. It shows
itself after a short period of idleness and rest. It
usually begins with a chill and a rise of tempera-
ture, which may be as much as 105 degrees, de-
pending on the intensity of the attack. One or
both hind legs may show swelling and be so stiff
and sore after standing during the night as to be
moved only with difficulty when the horse is taken
out of the stable in the morning. The horse in
moving seems able to bear little or no weight on
the affected leg. At the same time, the pulse is
full and throbby, respiration is fast, the bowels are
constipated and the appetite is lost.
In some cases the legs swell to an enormous size.
If the inflammation is not relieved in a few days,
the glands get badly diseased and blood poison may
result. The disease, however, if taken in time, is
easily treated. If it is caused by overfeeding, change
this; give more exercise. When the disease is first
noticed, give the horse 4 tablespoonfuls of aloes, 4
tablespoonfuls of carbonate of soda and 4 table-
spoonfuls of ginger. These should be dissolved in
a half pint of boiling water, then mixed with a half
pint of cold water, and then given as a drench. If
the pulse is fast, it may be made easier and slower
by giving 20 to 30 drops of tincture of aconite,
every couple of hours. A couple of tablespoonfuls
of nitrate of potash in the drinking water three
times a day will increase the urine. This is desir-
able to do in this disease. The leg should be
bathed for at least a half an hour and then dried
and a wash consisting of 2 tablespoonfuls of acetate
DISEASES OF FARM ANIMALS 217
of lead, 8 tablespoonfuls of tincture of opium, and
a quart of water should be applied to the legs. This
should be rubbed in well with the hand every hour.
In from 20 to 30 hours, a great change for the bet-
ter will be noticed the inflammation will have been
reduced; the pain will have disappeared and the
bowels will be loose and active.
From now on give general exercise at frequent
periods, during the day. In cases caused by over-
work or too little food or those following debilitat-
ing diseases, like influenza or distemper, the treat-
ment should be more stimulating; therefore, nutri-
tive foods and tonics are best. Good hay and oats
and other feed of a laxative nature should be fur-
nished.
A preparation, consisting of 4 tablespoonfuls,
each, of tincture chloride of iron, tincture of gen-
tian, and ginger in a pint of water three times a day
will be found both stimulating and nourishing. If
the disease has progressed so far that the legs
break and show that matter is formed, wash them
with warm water and follow with acetate of lead,
sulphate of iron and carbolic acid. Use 2 table-
spoonfuls of each in a quart of water and apply
twice each day. If the swelling hangs on use
Fowler’s solution of arsenic, 4 tablespoonfuls to a
dose in a bran mash once a day. Continue this for
four or five weeks. A salve made of 2 teaspoon-
fuls of iodide and 8 tablespoonfuls of vaseline should
also be rubbed on the leg twice a week.
MAD DOG.—See Hydrophobia. '
MAGGOTS.—The grubs of the ordinary flesh-
flies so common about stables and houses. The
adult fly deposits the minute larve in fresh meat,
in wounds, and frequently in dirty wool. These
become the maggots so well known about the farm.
218 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
The distress caused by these when present in a
wound is considerable, and they endanger life.
The best treatment is in line of cleanliness. Keep
old wounds clean by means of antiseptic washes
and tag the sheep that no filth and dirt may ac-
cumulate. If for any reason maggots are found,
open the infected part and remove, if possible, both
the maggots and sloughed tissue. Old sores or
wounds, if they will not lend themselves to com-
plete removal of the maggots, should be treated
with a solution of carbolic acid and water. On
some, turpentine can be used. Chloroform may be
sprayed on, or injected into the wound with almost
instant results. After the maggots are destroyed
follow up the treatment with a good disinfectant
until the wound has healed.
MALLENDERS.—An eruption of the skin above
the feet in horses. The disease at first is very much
like eczema. In time the watery fluid dries up and
the sore parts become covered with hard crusts
and scabs. The sore spots should be washed with
some good disinfectant and repeated frequently
enough to destroy the infection. A moderate purge
is advisable. See that only wholesome food is pro-
vided.
MAMMITIS.—Inflammation of the mammary
gland or udder. The disease is frequently called
caked bag and garget. In the last named, the milk
secretion is altered and appears as a thick or a
stringy fluid. Heavy milkers are most commonly
affected. The udder becomes swollen, hot and
somewhat tender just before calving. The swelling
may extend forward along the belly. It often gets
so severe as to require treatment. It is in-this
sense physiological. In a few days after calving,
as a rule, the swelling disappears and the normal
DISEASES OF FARM ANIMALS 219
condition is regained more quickly if the calf is
allowed to suck the cow. In the first stages bloody
milk is secreted and often pus is formed in one
quarter or more of the udder. The udder should
be carefully milked, cleaned, and, if the mifk ducts
are closed, it may be necessary to use a milk tube.
This should be used cautiously so as not to injure
the tissue of the udder and should be perfectly
clean before inserting, otherwise serious inflam-
mation may result. In bathing, use hot water for
15 to 20 minutes at a time, after which rub dry and
apply an ointment made by dissolving 3 tablespoon-
fuls of gum camphor and 4 tablespoonfuls of fluid
extract of belladonna to a pint of clean, fresh lard.
This ointment should be applied three times a day.
A more serious form of the disease is known as
contagious mammitis, and is due to invasion of the
gland by bacteria. In cases of this kind the in-
flammation is more extensive and the disorder calls
for more careful treatment. Since the milk con-
tains bad bacteria, it is necessary to destroy them
so as to prevent spreading of the disease. The
milker should have clean hands and should wash
them in a disinfecting solution before milking an-
other cow. The milk tube may be necessary in
withdrawing the milk. After the milk has been
removed from the udder, inject a solution of per-
oxide of hydrogen or dioxygen or a solution of
carbolic acid, I part to So parts of boiled water.
After the solution has acted for a few minutes, it
should be milked out. The external treatment for
contagious mammitis should be similar to that of
ordinary mammitis.
MANGE.—See Scab in Cattle.
MILK FEVER.—It is a remarkable fact that this
disease occurs most commonly in cows which
220 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
calved easily. This is explained by the fact that in
such cases the os uteri remains relaxed for a greater
length of time than it does in cases of difficult par-
turition. Milk fever generally occurs in cows
which are heavy milkers, and great eaters. Keep-
ing the animals in permanent stables, and feeding
large quantities of rich food while they are giving
no milk are predisposing causes.
The disease makes its appearance usually in from
24 to 48 hours after parturition. It seldom occurs
after the third day, and some authors state that it
has never been recognized before the starting of the
milk secretion. The most salient symptoms to the
average layman would, perhaps, be the anxious ex-
pression of the animal, bellowing and mounting into
the manger. Later they become very weak, stag-
ger and fall, and are unable to rise. The members
are usually extended in a rigid position. A rattling
or whistling noise is heard in case the larynx is
paralyzed. The feet, ears and horns feel cold tothe
touch. When a case is going to recover we see
improvement as early as the second or third day.
Recovery is usually complete at the end of from
two to five days.
Milk fever is one of the cases where the old
maxim, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound
of cure, is doubly applicable. If proper precautions
were taken a Iarge number of cases could be pre-
vented. Give the pregnant animals daily exercise,
and decrease their allowance of food
Treatment Very Simple.—Make the cow comfort-
able. Now give her a small dose of Epsom salts
from one-half to one pound, depending on her size.
This should be given as a drench. Animals af-
flicted with this ailment swallow with difficulty. Use
care that the drench does not get into the lungs.
DISEASES OF FARM ANIMALS 221
Perhaps the most satisfactory medical treatment is
to use what is known as the Schmidt treatment.
This is nothing more than injecting into the udder
a solution made by dissolving in one quart of clean
boiled water 3 teaspoonfuls of iodide of potash,
after stripping all milk from the udder. A very
satisfactory way is to get a rubber tube, attach it
to a common milking tube which is placed into the
teats in turn and pour the solution into the tube
by means of a funnel. By massaging the udder
the solution can be worked into each quarter in a
short time without difficulty.
In case iodide of potash is not available, inject
air into the udder after drawing out the milk. I
have known of many cases where air has been forced
into the udder by means of a bicycle pump, and the
animal recovered in a very short time. If the dis-
ease does not respond to the treatment with readi-
ness, repeat in a few hours, say, anywhere from
five to ten hours after. Cold water or ice on the
head is advisable. The use of stimulants is also
recommended. Whiskey can be given in doses of
ro to 15 tablespoonfuls and jamaica ginger 6 to 8
tablespoonfuls. Milk the cow frequently and mas-
sage the udder, bathing in hot water.
After the cow is on the way to recovery, with-
hold milk-stimulating foods for a few days and give
some tonic like gentian and nux vomica, half and
half, 2 or 3 tablespoonfuls two or three times a day.
MONDAY MORNING SICKNESS.—See Azo-
turia.
NASAL GLEET.—When a cold or simple
catarrh is neglected it may run into a chronic con-
dition giving rise to nasal gleet. A thin, bluish dis-
charge comes from the nose; and the membranes
of the nostrils, instead of being moist and pink in
222 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
color, take on a leaden hue. The coat at the same
time shows unthriftiness. In such cases the face
and head may swell because the accumulated ma-
terials fail to pass out. When these bunches are
tapped with the fingers, a dull sound is heard.
Treatment consists of isolating the animals and giv-
ing them good care, nutritious food and well-ven-
tilated quarters. A bucket, filled with boiling
water, in which a half cup of turpentine is placed,
and held under the nose to steam the nostrils and
face, is excellent. Any sort of blanketing that will
hold the steam about the head is very good to
have at hand at the time. For internal treatment
give a teaspoonful of sulphate of copper three times
daily in a small bran mash; following this drop the
copper sulphate and give 2 tablespoonfuls of
Fowler’s solution of arnica twice a day in the mash.
Should the bulges on the face become large, it will
be necessary to open them. Often a part of the
bone requires sawing out to get effective results.
In these severe cases it is best to have your veteri-
narian make the operation.
NAVICULAR DISEASE.—A disease of the
navicular bone and the structures surrounding it.
It is called “coffin joint lameness.” This bone is
situated at the back and inferior part of the coffin
joint, and acts as a pulley over which the flexor
tendon of the foot passes. Horses with upright
pasterns are most liable to it, as more weight is
thrown on this joint. Those shod with calkins on
their shoes, which prevent the frog from coming
in contact with the ground, therefore causing a
shock to this joint, are also very liable to it. Some
horses have hereditary tendency to this disease.
Nails penetrating too deep through the sole, or
anything that will cause inflammation of this joint,
DISEASES OF FARM ANIMALS 223
is likely to produce navicular disease. The most
prolific cause is bad shoeing. By degrees the in-
flammation in a chronic form extends to other
parts, causing a shrinking of the soft parts, result-
ing in contraction of the foot.
The lameness may appear suddenly and perhaps
immediately after the horse has been shod, and is
then usually thought to be the fault of nailing on
the shoe. It is likely in this case that the smith
has pared the sole and frog too thin, and that the
part has suffered from a bruise by the horse step-
ping on something hard. After a rest it may dis-
appear, to return after the next drive. Sometimes
the disease is of very slow progress in one or both
fore feet. The first thing that is noticed is that the
animal points its toe, and if both are affected, first
one, then the other. The animal may not be lame,
but it does not step out so well as it used to, and
by degrees the part gets more tender, until the
animal begins to go lame, and the lameness gradu.
ally gets worse. There is a form of this lameness
where the animal shows stiffness and lameness
when first taken out of the stable, but, after being
driven for a short distance, it passes off, and after
it stands for awhile it will start off lame again. If
this disease lasts for some time the muscles of the
chest and shoulders seem stiff and may shrink. This
has been called “chest founder” by horsemen.
This is brought about by the soreness of the feet.
The horse is afraid to step out, giving it the ap-
pearance of being stiff; the muscles of the chest
and shoulders will shrink from want of proper
action, caused by the feet being sore. If there is
heat and tenderness in the hollow of the heel or a
redness of the sole, and an absence of any other
disease of the foot or leg, we may consider with
224 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
almost a certainty that it is a case of navicular or
coffin joint lameness. The result is contraction of
the foot.
Take off the shoes, so that the frog will rest on
the ground, then poultice the feet with bran, made
up with cold water if it is a recent case, but if it is
of some months’ standing hot water is better than
cold; put the poultices into bags made a little
larger than the foot; put about two inches deep of
the bran mash into the bag, then put the foot in
and fill in all around as high as the fetlock, and tie
the bag above the fetlock and around the ankle to
keep it well on the foot. Wet this several times a
day and change it once daily. Continue this for
two weeks, and see that it is properly done; if not,
it will be of no service. Then blister the coronet
with cantharides 2 teaspoonfuls and lard 4 table-
spoonfuls. Repeat in three weeks, and give the
animal a long rest.
NITS.—See Bot Flies.
NODULAR DISEASE IN SHEEP.—Nodules
resembling those of tuberculosis found in the in-
testines of sheep, are due to the presence of para-
sitic worms. Profuse diarrhoea and a pronounced
anemic condition prevail. A post mortem exami-
nation of the intestines discloses the presence of
numerous nodules in the intestinal walls. If the
worm is present, no treatment is possible, for the
reason that any medicine that would affect the
worm would also affect the tissues and lead to
their destruction. Prevention, therefore, is the
only means of overcoming the disease. Sheep must
be kept off infested pastures, and infested pastures
must be plowed and given over to cultivated crops.
Give lambs only clean pastures to graze over. This
means crop rotation in connection with sheep hus-
DISEASES OF FARM ANIMALS 225
bandry. No feed that has been tramped over by
infected sheep should ever be supplied to lambs
or sheep not infested with the disease.
OBSTETRICS.—Difficult parturition is common
in some females. And frequently others, less
bothered as a rule with any difficulty at this period,
deliver their offspring only after great labor and
much difficulty. When such cases occur close
vigilance not only frequently hastens delivery, but
often saves the life of either the mother or off-
spring or both.
NATURAL PRESENTATION OF THE FOAL
In either of these cases delivery follows in the usual order
without delay or injury to the mother.
In many instances the trouble is seated in the
womb; the neck of the womb remains closed,
and even though long-continued and vigorous ef-
forts are made, the offspring does not arrive. In
cases of this kind assistance can be rendered which
quickly removes the difficulty. First oil the hand
and forearm and work the fingers into the passage,
gently pressing it open. If the womb does not
yield to this treatment saturate a sponge or cloth
with extract of belladonna and rub it around the
neck, leaving it thus for a little while. On remov-
ing the sponge the passage will open.
226 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
Manner of Delivery.—The natural position of the
fetus at birth calls for the fore feet forward with
the head resting on the knees. The fore feet, there-
fore, in a normal delivery, are first presented and
then the head. If the fetus is not unduly large,
the mother will likely force the delivery without
assistance. In case the struggle is extended gentle
assistance will be in order. This can be rendered
by a gentle pull on the legs and head. If this does
not bring the offspring, you can consider that some-
thing is wrong. However, do not be hasty, just
give time. Mares usually deliver in a few minutes
and cows often require an hour or so after labor
begins. If you conclude that something is wrong
oil the hand and arm. Shove the fetus back and
ascertain, if possible, the trouble. If this examina-
tion shows dropsy of the abdomen—water in the
belly—puncture the abdomen with a knife in order
that the fetus may be delivered. If the trouble is
with the head—water in the brain—puncture the
head that the water may run out, and then remove
the arm and hand. When the struggle pains come
on again, give a gentle pull and delivery will follow.
Frequently the position is changed. Sometimes
but one fore foot appears with the head, making it
impossible to deliver the offspring. When a case
like this occurs, shove the fetus back and bring
the unpresented leg forward where it belongs, and
then likely no further trouble will result. If the
legs are in proper place but the head turned back-
ward, it will be necessary to push the fetus back
into the womb and bring the head forward in posi-
tion. In case the head resists your efforts, adjust
a noose over the head, and while you work with
your hand inside, have an assistant gently pull on
the rope, in order to draw the head into the proper
DISEASES OF FARM ANIMALS 227
position. After the head and fore feet are put in
natural position, delivery will follow without fur-
ther difficulty.
When all four feet appear together it is neces-
sary to push the fore feet back into the womb just
as far as it is possible to force them. This done,
pull now on the hind feet and bring the fetus out,
hind feet first. It is always a mistake to attempt
delivery with the head first when delivery has pro-
ceeded as suggested in cases of this nature.
ABNORMAL PRESENTATION OF THE FOAL
Delivery is not possible in either of the cases here illus-
trated. Where such occur assistance must be rendered. See
article on obstetrics for treatment.
Where delivery is attempted with the hind legs
foremost, it is regarded as safe, provided the feet
come out as they should. If any difficulty is en-
countered, shove the fetus back, straighten the
legs, and then with the renewal of the labor strug-
gles assist the mother by a gentle pull on the hind
legs.
oes common presentation is where you feel
nothing but the tail, rump and hips. Adjust the
fetus for proper delivery by shoving the hind end
upwards and towards the front of the womb, then
slip the hand down and get hold of the foot of
228 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
the hind leg and lift upwards and backwards until
the legs are brought out into the passage. Now
repeat the work for the other leg and the job is
done.
It is always a good plan, after difficult partu-
rition, especially when any abnormal discharge ap-
pears, to wash out the womb with warm water in
which a little carbolic acid or creolin is placed.
Use this daily for a few days.
PALISADE WORM.—The worms are found in
the horse in two periods of existence. The mature
worms are usually found attached to the mucous
membrane of the intestinal wall of the large in-
testine, with the head sunk deep for the purpose of
sucking blood, which gives them the brown or red
color. The immature are found sometimes in the
same organs, in a small capsule covering, in small
pellets of manure, in cavities or cysts, varying in
size from a pin-head to that of a hazel nut, in the
walls of the intestines, and also in the arteries and
other structures of the body.
When present in the kidneys or in the arteries
leading to the kidneys, or in the surrounding tis-
sues, a horse is especially sensitive to pressure over
the loins. They have been known to cause paraly-
sis. When found in the brain, an animal, when
working, suddenly begins to stagger, the eyes be-
come fixed, and the horse shows many of the symp-
toms of “ blind staggers.” When the large arteries
of the abdomen are affected, and this is their favor-
able location in the circulatory system, the animal
is frequently subject to colic, which often results
in death. This is also the case when found in
great numbers in the intestines.
From a thorough investigation of a great many
cases, both before and after death, the conclusions
DISEASES OF FARM ANIMALS 229
are drawn that the parasite evolves a poisonous
substance (toxin), which, in many instances,
stupefies the brain or parts of the nervous system
of the horse, and in that way causes coma, paraly-
sis and death of the animal.
Prevention is the best treatment. Hay and fod-
der from swampy land are to be looked upon as
suspicious. Pastures which are subject to over-
flow should be avoided. Medicinal treatment con-
sists of a prolonged, careful use of some of the
essential oils or other vermifuges. The ordinary
spirits of turpentine has proved a fairly good com-
mon remedy. An ordinary animal will stand 8
tablespoonfuls of turpentine given in a pint to a
quart of raw linseed oil, thoroughly mixed. If the
animal is badly affected, the above dose may be
given night and morning for two or three days,
then omit for a week or two and repeat. The
remedy should be discontinued as soon as the
animal shows signs of irritation of the kidneys.
PARALYSIS.—A loss of power over some of the
muscles due to a disordered state of the brain or
nerves. This may result from disease or injury or
some irritation. In horses and cattle the hind-
quarters are not infrequently affected in this way,
the result of indigestion from constipation or from
attacks of colic. The animal shows weakness in
one hind limb, moving it with difficulty when the
opposite limb may then become affected. If the
attack is very severe, the animal falls on its
haunches and may not be able to rise. Tempera-
ture, pulse and respiration, all are rather normal.
Treatment should be directed to remove the cause
of the disease. When there is colic or constipa-
tion, give purges. A half teaspoonful of extract of
nux vomica, given in a pint of milk twice a day, is
230 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
very good. Pouring cold water from a height and
then immediately hot water sometimes greatly
strengthens the muscles and has its use in treat-
ing. Rubbing the parts with mustard stimulates
them, and in some cases good results. Paralysis
resulting from injury usually disappears as the part
returns to its normal state.
PARASITES.—These are living plants or
animals that live temporarily or continually in the
bodies of other plants or animals and draw their
nourishment from their host. It is doubtful if
there is a single farm animal that does not harbor
parasites at nearly all times during its life. There
may be many of these in the same individual at the
same time. Parasites may be harmful or not, as
the case may be. Parasites may be divided into
two classes—plant parasites and animal parasites.
The bacteria and molds are the most important
among the former, whereas in the latter certain
minute protozoa, certain forms of insects and cer-
tain worms are the most commonly met. Such
diseases as staggers, tuberculosis, and typhoid
fever are the result of bacterial diseases, while
Texas fever is an example of the protozoa class;
and then the insects and worms are types with
which we are all acquainted. When a disease is
caused by either, discussion will be found under
the name of that disease.
PARTURIENT APOPLEXY.—See Milk Fever.
PARTURITION, DIFFICULT.—See Obstet-
rics.
PERITONITIS.—An inflammation of the mem-
brane which lines the abdominal cavity and which
also invests the abdominal organs. It may be
caused from some exposure to cold after some
weakening disease. Some injury to the abdomen
DISEASES OF FARM ANIMALS 231
or belly may cause it, or it may start from some
inflammation that has attacked the stomach, liver,
intestines, or the spleen. When attacked, a slight
pain is felt and the animal lies down, stretches
himself, sweats freely, and moans. Then he rises,
walks about somewhat, and all the time breathes
heavy and shows much weakness. The pulse runs
up between 75 and 100 beats a minute. In time the
legs and ears get cold. A good treatment is a pint of
raw linseed oil, 4 tablespoonfuls of laudanum, and
1o drops of aconite. Mix these and give as a
drench. A mustard plaster for the abdomen and
something hot for the back are desirable. In two
hours, if the pain continues, give 4 tablespoonfuls
of laudanum and Io drops aconite in a pint of luke-
warm water. Use as a drench.
PINK EYE.—A contagious epidemic disease of
the horse affecting the animal all over and par-
ticularly the membranes of the air passages. There
is general debility, considerable cough, and a general
discharge from the nostrils. The transparent cover-
ing of the eyeball becomes inflamed. At times the
disease is very fatal, many horses succumbing to it.
It is most common in the spring.
One of the symptoms is the general weakness of
the animal. He hangs his head, and trembles; has
little appetite and appears cold. The eyes show
a watery discharge and later a starecoat. The pulse
at first is weak, but quick, and later rising to 80 or
90 beats a minute. At this stage the temperature
is high, around 103 to 105 degrees. The breathing
is accelerated to about 50 times a minute. The
bowels do not act, or act very poorly, and the urine
is very scanty. In treating, first isolate the animal
and disinfect the stables to prevent spreading. Any
of the common disinfectants will do.
232 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
Good nursing 1s necessary. Keep the horse
warm with blankets. Give him soft, nourishing
food. The eyes should be bathed three or four
times a day with hot water. A little boric acid,
say, a teaspoonful to a half pint of water, is good
to use as a wash for the eyes and nostrils. To
keep the kidneys active and to reduce the fever, give
a tablespoonful of nitrate of potash dissolved in
water two or three times a day. If the
horse is very weak, one-half glass of whiskey in a
pint of gruel three times: a day is stimulating and
helpful. It is better not to give any physic of any
kind. After recovery, the horse should be given
little or no work. A long rest of several weeks is
necessary.
PLACENTA.—The covering of the fetus, com-
monly called the afterbirth. As a rule, this comes
away with the birth of the offspring. Occasionally
in the cow it remains attached to the walls of the
uterus, and if not removed will cause trouble, if
not sickness and death. Soon after the birth of the
calf, if the afterbirth remains, decomposition sets in
and as a result the system is more or less poisoned.
The first symptoms observed are the offensive odor,
the reddish discharge and the decrease in the milk
flow.
If the afterbirth does not come away of itself,
assistance is necessary. Do this during the first
or second day, or the third day at the latest. To
remove the aiterbirth, tie up the cow and fasten
her in a way that she cannot jump around. Now
introduce the hand and arm, after careful washing
and disinfecting and oiling, into the uterus and
gradually and gently break the buttons or attach-
ments from the walls of the uterus with the fingers.
With patience these will come away and the whole
DISEASES OF FARM ANIMALS 233
membrane be removed. An occasional injection is
advisable. Use some good disinfectant in the
water, flush out thoroughly.
PLEURISY.—This disease occurs in the chest
cavity and is found inside the ribs and over the
lungs. It is caused very much in the same way as
inflammation of the lungs, like exposure to cold,
standing in a draft, and cooling when warm. Some
injury to the ribs may also cause the trouble.
In the early stages the animal is noticed to
shiver, the pulse is quick and strong, and there is
great pain. The breath is heavy, and this is noticed
as far back as the flanks. While the animal may
lie down, its disposition is to stand up most of the
time. There is an inclination to cough, but this is
suppressed, because of the pain occasioned by it;
therefore the cough really ends in a groan rather
than in a normal cough. The extremities of the
body become cold.
The best treatment endeavors to prevent the
disease from developing. Do just as you would in
a case of inflammation of the lungs. Mustard
plasters for the chest on each side are good. Keep
the body well covered, including the legs and neck;
have good ventilation in the stable, but keep the
patient out of any draft.
As soon as the disease is noticed, mix the follow-
ing in a pint of cold water, and give as a drench:
Ten drops of aconite, a half teaspoonful of bella-
donna and two tablespoonfuls of laudanum. These
should be given every two hours until the pain sub-
sides. If the animal seems to be weak, and needs
a stimulant, give 4 tablespoonfuls of spirits of niter
and a half glass of whiskey. This may be given in
a pint of cold water mixed with the gruel and given
as a drench three or four times a day.
234 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
At the same time use the following medicine to
improve the kidney action: One-fourth pound of
saltpeter or nitrate of potash and one-fourth of a
pound of gentian root. These are to be mixed well
together and a teaspoonful given three or four
times daily. Soft foods are desirable. A small
amount of water should be given frequently. Small
quantities at a time are preferable to large quantities
at infrequent intervals.
PLEURO-PNEUMONIA.—This is a very con-
tagious disease of cattle introduced in this country
from Europe. At one time it was a very serious
menace to the cattle industry. Thanks to the very
aggressive work of the United States Department
of Agriculture, the disease has, so far as is known,
been eradicated from this country. No cases of the
disease have been reported during the past dozen
years.
PNEUMONIA.—See Inflammation of the Lungs.
POLL EVIL.—A swelling or soreness at the top
of the head. Usually it is caused by an injury, like
bumping the head in a doorway, or from a bruise
made by the halter or bridle. It is first noticed by
a swelling or soreness, which frequently causes
trouble by forming an abscess; sometimes this
works down and even affects the bone. Treatment
is very simple if handled in time. Remove the
cause and then bathe with warm water and vinegar
twice a day and apply a liniment of some kind. If
the abscess is formed, it should be opened with a
knife at the lowest point to remove the matter.
From now on for a few days bathe the opening with
warm water in which has been added some carbolic
acid or creolin. If the case causes much trouble, you
had better consult a veterinarian, as bad cases fre-
DISEASES OF FARM ANIMALS 235
quently leave the neck stiff so that the animals are
not able to eat off the ground.
QUARTER CRACK.—See Sand Crack.
QUITTOR.—A name given to a fistulous open-
ing upon the heels and quarters of the coronary
band, and is caused by treads, pricks in shoeing,
bruises, and suppurating corns. Any injury which
will cause suppuration within the foot will usually
cause matter to form at
the coronet, and may re-
sult in quittor. The dis-
ease is indicated by a
swelling upon the coronet
where the hair and hoof
meet, great lameness, and
a discharge of thin or
thick curdy pus. There
may be one or a number
of small openings leading
y ” down into the sensitive
QUITTOR part of the foot. The
Fistulous wounds on any parts surrounding the
ally the result of a tread or uittor swell and become
pre eas eos wnems hard and take on an un-
healthy action and are
difficult to cure, and may be permanently diseased.
Clean the foot and put it into a bran poultice for
several days, then remove any horn that may be
pressing on the sore part. If it is at the heel re-
move the crust with a knife; if it is in front of the
hoof rasp it thin. Then probe the opening at the
top to find the depth and direction. Put a grain
of bichloride of mercury into tissue paper and roll
it into a cone and press it down to the bottom of
the opening. Treat all the openings in the same
way. Put the foot into a bag to protect it from
236 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
injury and let it alone for three days, tnen clean
out the openings and put in some more of the bi-
chloride of mercury, and so on for two weeks, or
until the parts become healthy and the hard swell-
ing has decreased; then make up a bath of chloride
of zinc one ounce, cool water one gallon; put the
foot into this twice a day for twenty minutes at a
time. As soon as the openings are healed blister
the coronet with the following: Mix 2 teaspoonfuls
of cantharides with 4 tablespoonfuls of lard; repeat
in two weeks if necessary. When it is time to put
on the shoe and work the horse, a bar’ shoe will be
best. If the animal has much fever in the early
stages of the disease give a dose of aloes, and follow
this by giving 2 tablespoonfuls of nitrate of potas-
sium twice a day in bran mash. Later in the dis-
ease give a teaspoonful of sulohate of iron once a
day in bran mash as a tonic.
RABIES.—See Hydrophobia.
RHEUMATISM.—A disease which affects the
muscles or joints, wandering from one part of the
body to another. It affects nearly all animals, in-
cluding the horse, ox, dog, hog, and sheep. Rheu-
matism of the muscles is usually due to catching
cold, while rheumatism of the joints is often due
to some micro-organism.
Stiffness, which usually comes on suddenly, is a
characteristic symptom. The animal may be able
to move only with great difficulty. The joints may
crack when moved, the affected muscles are hard
and painful to touch, the soreness may shift from
one part to another; and the animal sometimes
makes a quick recovery, only to be followed by
another attack in a short time or perhaps never
again. These symptoms may be associated with
a rise in body temperature and increased pulse.
DISEASES OF FARM ANIMALS 237
The disease may last for a long time or only for a
few days. In chronic cases the muscles decrease in
size in the parts affected. In the dog it is very
painful when caused to move and he will howl,
or even howl when he thinks he is going to be
moved. In sheep it seldom occurs except in young
lambs. Pigs are often affected in the legs or back,
sometimes becoming paralyzed in the hind legs.
Rheumatism of the Joints usually shows very
rapid swelling, increased heat, and is very painful.
The animal is often so lame that it will not put any
weight on the foot of the affected limb.
For horses and cows, treatment consists of local
applications of alcohol 50 parts and oil of mustard
I part, rubbing it in well; or spirits of camphor.
Give at the same time internally 1 teaspoonful of
potassium iodide twice daily and not to exceed 12
doses; or salicylate of soda 4 tablespoonfuls daily.
Keep the animal warm and in a well-ventilated
stable. Pigs or dogs, according to size, should be
given from 4 to 16 grains of salol, also using the
above local applications.
RINGBONE.—A growth of bone on the pastern
bone, just above the hoof. It causes lameness when
it interferes with the joint or the passage of any of
the tendons. Some horses are predisposed to bony
diseases from the least injury, while others are not,
and in selecting mares for breeding purposes the
former should be rejected. This disease results
from strains, bruises, or injuries to the cartilage of
the joints. When the membrane of the bone or
cartilage becomes inflamed there may be great
lameness for several months before any enlarge-
ment takes place, and it is somewhat difficult to
detect. The absence of other diseases of the foot,
with some heat in the pasterns, and soreness on
238 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
pressure or moving the joints indicates this dis-
ease. In other cases the enlargement may make
its appearance for some time before the horse be-
comes lame, and in some cases it may never cause
any lameness, but should always be looked upon
with suspicion, as in the majority of cases it sooner
or later causes lameness. Ringbone is more dif-
ficult to cure on the fore feet than on the hind
ones, as the pasterns are more upright on the former
than on the latter, and, besides, the horse’s fore
legs have to bear two-thirds the weight of the body.
The horse should have rest, and the shoes should
be removed and the foot pared level. If there is
heat in the part, keep it wet with the following
lotion by means of a bandage saturated with it:
Acetate of lead half an ounce and water one quart.
Continue this for a few days, then apply a blister
composed of cantharides 2 teaspoonfuls, biniodide
of mercury I teaspoonful and lard 8 tablespoonfuls.
Rub on a third of this with the fingers. It is not
necessary to cut off the hair if the blister is well
tubbed in. Let it remain on for 24 hours, then
wash off and rub on a little lard. Repeat every
second week until three blisters have been applied.
Keep the horse’s head tied while the blister is on
so that he cannot get his mouth to the part. The
horse should have a few months’ rest after this
treatment. If it does not cure the animal it is best
to have him fired by a qualified veterinarian.
RINGWORM.—This is common in the domestic
animals, especially in calves and young cattle, and
is contagious. It depends upon the presence of a
vegetable parasite, which develops and grows
rapidly when it finds a suitable place for develop-
ment. Ringworm may affect any part of the body,
but its favorite seat is around the eyes, the face,
DISEASES OF FARM ANIMALS 239
ears, and neck of cattle, and sometimes the back
and hindquarters.
A gray crust appears on the skin, and the hair
drops out. This keeps spreading in the form of a
ring until around the eyes, the side of the face, ears,
or neck may be covered with it. It appears in the
same way on the back, hips, and inside of the hind
legs. It does not seem to affect the health of the
animal, as it is found in the well-kept as well as
those poorly kept.
First remove the crusts by washing with warm
water in which one ounce of carbonate of potas-
sium has been put to every quart of water. A
brush should be used in washing the parts. Then
use the following: TIodine 2 teaspoonfuls and vase-
line 4 tablespoonfuls. Rub a little of this on with
a gloved hand. Repeat in three days. Or mix
carbolic acid 1 ounce with 2 ounces of alcohol and
apply a little of this to the parts with a feather once
or twice; this last is very effective.
ROARING.—A disease, due to the wasting of the
larynx; is characterized by loud, unnatural sounds
after any violent exertion. The disease sometimes
follows distemper and influenza or a local injury to
the throat. Once established the disease is incur-
able. In its early stages repeated light blisters may
help. A common blister can be made of a half tea-
spoonful of cantharides, a half teaspoonful of
biniodide of mercury and 4 tablespoonfuls of vase-
line or lard.
ROUP.—A disease of the mucous membrane in
fowls. It is of the nature of an inflammation, with
a discharge from the eyes and nostrils usually ac-
companying. Damp and unsanitary quarters favor
the development and spread of roup. It is clearly
a germ disease, and, therefore, contagious. It is
240 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
spread by means of infected quarters and fowls.
All discharges must be destroyed by disinfection,
and the diseased fowls quarantined off by them-
selves. The dead should be burned. Keep the
quarters light and airy; admit an abundance of
sunshine and fresh air. Feed wholesome, nutri-
tious food, that the poultry stock may ward off the
disease. The best treatment is that which pre-
vents spreading to healthy fowls. If an outbreak
occurs, disinfect thoroughly, liberally, and continu-
ously. Antiseptics administered about the head
will usually break up the disease. Creolin is good—
say, I part to 100 parts of water. Kerosene is also
recommended
In a sense, roup is the result of neglected colds.
The birds sneeze, and manifest their uneasiness as
animals do with common colds. A_teaspoon-
ful of pure carbolic acid to each gallon of drinking
water is an excellent preventive and can be pro-
vided at small cost.
SAND CRACK.—A crack found in any part of
the wall of the foot. The crack is due to over-
exertion. When the hoof is dry and hard and brit-
tle, the crack usually begins at the top and extends.
downward. Frequently the sensitive tissue creeps
into the crack, causing pain, and from which blood
frequently issues. When a crack is first seen, the
feet should be poulticed with linseed meal for a few
days. This will remove the inflammation and
soften the hoof. The next step will be to pare out
a piece of the hoof at the top, separating it com-
pletely from the coronary band a half inch or so
on each side of the crack down to the quick. Fill
this hole with tar. A bar shoe attached so as not
to rest on the wall where the crack is located is
very helpful.
DISEASES OF FARM ANIMALS 241
SCAB IN CATTLE.—Scab or itch, sometimes
called mange of cattle, is caused by a minute mite
that lives upon the surface of the skin, burrowing
into it. Other animals are not attacked by this
parasite, although a similar one does afflict sheep.
So long as cattle are. doing well on grass, no dis-
turbance is noticed. As soon, however, as they
l i LR IS
H I) hy ip
h \ i Ih
i A CATTLE BATH TUB
The tank here shown is used for dipping the cattle for
treatment of mange. The dipping tank is now generally used
throughout the West.
are placed on dry food and cold weather sets in,
the disease appears, and, if the cattle do poorly,
develops into a very aggravating form. Old
cattle are less troubled, the attacks being more
frequently on calves and yearlings and two-year-
olds out of condition. In the early stages the itch-
ing of the skin in the region of the neck or shoul-
ders is first noticed. This is indicated by the
242 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
animals digging at the skin with teeth and horns
and the constant rubbing against posts or barbed
wire or anything that may give relief at the time.
The disease gradually spreads along the back, sides
and outside of legs. In the early stages the coat
looks rough, the skin has a scurvy appearance. In
time, the hair comes off or is rubbed off, presenting
bald patches of thick, glazed and wrinkled skin. After
the hair comes off the parasites leave these regions,
seeking other quarters and then the hair grows in
again. There is a dejected and debilitated condi-
tion in animals thus afflicted and they fail rapidly in
flesh. Their appetites are poor and most of their
time is expended in scratching themselves.
Scab spreads rapidly through a bunch of cattle,
especially if they are not thrifty, and disseminates it-
self through a herd in four to six weeks. The thrifty,
vigorous animals resist the infection for some time,
but they gradually succumb. The disease is spread
by direct contact and by contact with infected quar-
ters. While the mites will live a week or ten days
in protected places, they are almost immediately
destroyed by direct sunlight. As soon as the disease
is discovered in a bunch of cattle, the infected
animal should be isolated and the infected quarters
and rubbing posts disinfected with a 5 per cent
solution of carbolic acid. Infected animals should
be well fed and cared for, and be salted with a mix-
ture of 1 pound of flowers of sulphur mixed with
10 pounds of common salt. External treatment is
necessary to affect a cure. If a large number of
cattle are affected, a dipping wash through which
the animals must swim in the dip is the best means
for destroying the mites.
The most efficient remedies, considering cost, are
the coal tar products advertised as dip solutions.
DISEASES OF FARM ANIMALS 243
A homemade dip that is both cheap and effective
for treating a small number of animals may be
made of 3 pounds of flowers of sulphur, 2% pounds
of unslaked lime, 15 gallons of water. In making
this unslaked lime into a thick paste, sift in the
sulphur and stir well. Put this mixture in a kettle
with, say, five gallons of water and boil for at least
half an hour—a longer time is better. When the
chocolate-looking mass settles, the clear liquid is
drawn off and water enough is added to make 15
gallons. The dip will be more effective if used
when warm, just a bit hotter than the normal heat
of the body. After the animals are dipped, they
should remain in the solution about two minutes.
This will be time enough to thoroughly saturate
the scabs and destroy them. A couple of ablu-
tions are required for complete eradication.
When no treatment is resorted to, the dip should
be applied with a scrubbing brush, cloth or sponges
and all scabs and crusts should be thoroughly
saturated. Warm sunny days are preferable for
this kind of work.
SEPTIC NAVEL INFECTION.—A diseased
condition at the attachment of the navel cord soon
after birth. It is a good plan just after birth to
apply some septic powder to the navel at the break-
ing point. If trouble arises, apply a solution of
carbolic acid, 1 part to 20 parts of water, after
using some hydrogen peroxide. A little iodoform
and alum, mixed half and half, make a good dust-
ing powder to use also.
SHEEP BOTS.—See Bot Flies.
SIDE BONES.—On either side of the coffin bone
there is a cartilage which may in certain cases be-
come hardened by deposits of mineral matters,
which may thus lead to lameness. Side bones are
244 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
situated on one or both sides of the leg and bulge
above the upper portion of the hoof. They may
be the result of inflamed conditions, bruises or
troubles like corns or hoof cracks. Slipping on
the stony pavement is a frequent cause, as well as
the great weight of the bodies in heavy horses. If
the wagon tongue
falls on the foot at
this point, the car-
tilage may be in-
jured and induce the
disease. The swell-
ing is first noticed
just above the hoof
or near the heel.
Lameness soon fol-
lows.
The treatment
usually recommend-
ed for side bones
consists in the free
use of cold foot
When the cartilages on_ either baths or cold water
side of the foot of a horse just at bandages for a week
the top of the hoof and close to the :
heel turn to bone, side bones are OF more. Tincture
iis Been, of iodine applied to
the swollen parts is very good. A blister ap-
plied after the water applications have been
made for a week or so, is used by many veteri-
narians. The blister is made of 2 teaspoonfuls of
cantharides mixed with 4 tablespoonfuls of lard. It
is rubbed in well with the fingers and allowed to
remain for 24 hours, when it is washed off and
applied a second time the following week. These
applications are continued until the lameness dis-
appears. If this does not bring permanent relief,
SIDE BONES
DISEASES OF FARM ANIMALS 245
then firing of the injured parts and several months’
rest will be necessary
SLOBBERING.—Some kinds of food cause an
unnatural flow of saliva. Fresh crimson clover hay
is one of these. Of course the continual flow of
saliva is undesirable and unpleasant. It is un-
natural and should be checked as soon as possible.
This can be accomplished by changing the feed and
then washing the mouth out with alum water. If
a change is not observed soon, give a good physic.
For horses use 8 teaspoonfuls of bitter aloes, a tea-
spoonful of common soda and a teaspoonful of
ginger. Mix these in a pint of water and give asa
drench. For cattle, dissolve a pound of Epsom
salts, a tablespoonful of common soda and a table-
spoonful of ginger in a quart of lukewarm water
and give as a drench.
SPASMODIC COLIC.—See Colic.
SPAVIN.—This disease, known in common
language as bone spavin, is an enlargement of the
hock joint similar to a ringbone about the coronary
joint. It may affect the hock joint in such a way
as to cement the small joints together, not caus-
ing lameness, and apparently no blemish, but the
free movement of the limb is impaired. Any con-
dition which favors sprains, such as fast driving
over hard or uneven roads, unequal paring of the
hoof, thus causing the weight to be unequally dis-
tributed in the joints, and severe labor in early life,
or blows, bruises, or any injuries to tendons, liga-
ments, or joints may cause spavin. In addition
to these causes may be mentioned sprains caused
by jumping, galloping, or trotting animals faster
than they are accustomed to; also straining by
starting a heavy load, slipping on an icy surface or
sliding on a bad pavement.
246 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
If the patient is examined before any bony growth
has developed, inflammation will be detected on
the inside of the hock joint at the junction of the
cannon bone and the joint. While in the stable
the horse prefers to rest the diseased leg by setting
the heel on the toe of the opposite foot with the
hock joint flexed. In traveling the patient is very
lame when first taken out of the barn, but after
traveling for a short distance goes sound. The
diseased leg is not lifted clear from the ground, but
nicks the toe in the middle of the stride, which is
very noticeable on a pavement. A strained horse
becomes very lame after being allowed to stand for
even a very short time, then moved again.
Preventive treatment consists in keeping horses’
feet trimmed properly, not overworking colts while
young, careful driving on hard or uneven roads,
and avoiding all injuries that are liable to strain
tendons, ligaments or joints of the limbs. Even
after a spavin has developed it may be cured by
proper treatment of the feet, and applying a fly
blister. The fly blister is prepared by mixing
thoroughly 4 tablespoonfuls of pulverized canthar-
ides, 4 tablespoonfuls of biniodide of mercury and
8 ounces of lard. The hair is clipped over the
spavin and the blister applied with considerable
rubbing. The horse’s head should be tied so as to
avoid his biting the part blistered. A second ap-
plication of the blister is to be used about a month
after the first. If blistering fails to cure the spavin,
point-firing may be resorted to. It is necessary to
“fire” rather deeply to secure good results, care
being taken not to fire into a joint. After firing, a
fly blister should be rubbed into the holes where
the hot iron has been used.
DISEASES OF FARM ANIMALS 247
SPAYING.—The removal of the ovaries to pre-
vent breeding. Cast the animal on her right side.
Give an anesthetic to prevent pain. When the
animal is unconscious, free the limbs sufficiently to
remove any pressure from the abdomen. Now
pinch up a fold of the skin in the left side, midway
between the prominent bone of the haunch or
pelvis, and the last rib, about 4 inches below the
backbone. Make an incision in the skin 5 or 6
inches long; now do likewise with the abdominal
muscles until the lining membrane of the abdominal
cavity is exposed. This membrane is then punc-
tured and an incision made as long as that in the
skin and muscles. Now kneel down in close contact
with the cow’s back and insert the arm, passing the
hand within the brim or cavity of the pelvis. By
so doing both ovaries can be secured and detached.
This ended, the operation of uniting the abdominal
muscles follows by means of stitches and sutures.
Great care is necessary in having the instruments
boiled and washed in antiseptics, and in having the
fingers, hands, and arms severely clean and well
saturated with a strong antiseptic solution. The
operation should be made out in the open where
neither dirt nor dust are to be found. Extreme
care about germs will remove much of the risk
associated with the operation.
In spaying a sow, she is laid on an inclined board
with the hindquarters up. The operator stands at
the back of the sow. The hair is first clipped from
the skin where the incision is to be made, high up
in the flank and midway between the haunch and
the last rib. The incision needs to be just large
enough to admit the two fingers. Ovaries are
located, pulled through the opening in the flank,
and removed by tearing off with the fingers. The
248 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
flank incision is then closed by the necessary num-
ber of stitches.
This operation is sometimes performed in mares.
But being rather uncommon the process is less
understood. In this case it is best to call your veteri- -
narian or someone in the community well skilled
in the operation. In all cases of spaying let severe
cleanliness be the rule and practice, from the very
beginning to the very end
SPLINTS.—Splints occur more commonly in'the
heavier breeds of horses than in those that are light
in the bone below the knee. It
is rare that splints occur any-
where except on the inside of
the front cannon bone, although
¥ they are sometimes seen on the
“\ outside of both the front and
fy hind legs. Any enlargement of the
bone occurring on the inside of the
leg between the knee and fetlock
comes under the name of splint.
The usual cause is concussion, that
is, the impact of the foot on the
hard road. It may be the result of
other causes, such as a blow, a
twisting strain or faulty conforma-
tion. Some animals are more liable
to splints than others. It is, after
all, to a certain extent, dependent
upon heredity. At first the splint is
hard to detect. If you notice a
young horse going lame while doing
road work, it is well to examine for
splints. While working there seems
to be no lameness at all, and when
standing there seems to be no pain,
DISEASES OF FARM ANIMALS 249
but when put to a trot the horse shows lameness
and may raise and lower his head.
If taken in time, a splint can be cured. The first
thing to do with an animal suffering from a splint
is to give the animal rest and place in such quar-
ters where there is a soft floor, preferably the
ground, and when so quartered one very frequently
effects a complete cure. The application of cold
water bandages acts well. If treatment of this sort
fails, apply a blister of red iodide of mercury, 1
tablespoonful to 2 tablespoonfuls of lard. This
blister should be applied with rubbing every day
from two to four days, or until the area is well
blistered. Then wait until the little scabs fall off,
and-if the animal is still lame, repeat the application
of this blister. To apply the blister, clip off the
hair over the enlargement and wash with vinegar
to remove grease, then rub in blister with ends of
fingers. Keep the animals tied short for two to
four days in order to prevent rubbing or biting the
leg. Four days after the last application of blister,
wash carefully with warm water and soap and over
it apply every day or so a little lard, to prevent dry-
ing and also to loosen the scabs.
SPRAINS.—Injuries to the ligaments of joints,
tendons, or muscles. They are caused by violence,
as twisting, or from over-exertion; also sprains are
often the result of overwork. If an animal is
worked until tired or exhausted he is unable to use
the proper muscle force, and more strain has to be
borne by the ligaments, resulting in sprains, which
often occur in young horses or even in old horses,
when put to work after long periods of rest.
Swelling, heat, soreness, and partial or complete
loss of the use of the part, which is shown by the
degree of lameness, characterize the disorder.
250 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
Sprains are most common in the legs, at the fet-
lock joint, in the tendons just back and above the
fetlocks, but may occur in any part.
The first and most important thing in the treatment
of sprains is rest, as sprains are a long time in mak-
ing a complete recovery. In the early stages, that
is, before swelling has taken place, applications of
cold water should be used, applications of hot
water, or hot packs of water, 1,000 parts, and bi-
chloride of mercury I part, are very good. This
will relieve the pain and reduce the swelling. Ap-
plications of liniments are also very good. Should
there be great heat and soreness in the part, it is
well to use cold applications. Never blister in the
early stages A blister may be used after the swell-
ing has gone down, and the part has become cold,
from two to four weeks after the injury occurred.
This should be followed by rest for some time after
all lameness has disappeared.
STAGGERS.—Staggers in horses is an affection
of the brain showing itself usually in one of two
forms—sleepy or stomach staggers and blind or
mad staggers. In the first form the stomach is at
fault. Sudden change of feed, moldy or dirty food
heavy work or fast driving right after a heavy meal
or severe exposure is liable to cause indigestion in
the stomach and this is reflected to the brain, caus-
ing the animal to act dull or sleepy, sometimes
showing symptoms of serious colic, with gas form-
ing from the fermentation of the food, frequently
resulting in death.
Blind or mad staggers is an inflammation of the
brain and may affect any of the lower animals.
In the beginning of this form the symptoms closely
resemble those in the stomach form, but as the in-
flammation progresses the animal becomes blind
DISEASES OF FARM ANIMALS 251
and violent and may roll, paw, kick, wander around
in a circle, usually going only one way, either to the
left or right, or it may walk or run in a straight line
as near as possible for hours at a time—paying no
attention to injuries received in its travels. In
either case the animal may be drenched once daily
with a quart of raw linseed oil or a pound of Glau-
ber salts, dissolved in water, which sometimes gives
relief.
Staggers in Sheep is mostly caused by the young
stage of a tapeworm which infests sheep dogs. The
dog eats the infected brain of the sheep and the
sheep eats the egg of the tapeworm after it has
passed through the dog. After the egg hatches in
the stomach of the sheep the young worm passes
through the bowels and other organs or tissues or
circulates through the blood and reaches the brain,
where it develops and causes an inflammation, re-
sulting in disease. It is most common in young
animals, rarely occurring in sheep after their second
year.
Prevention is about the only practical way of
handling this trouble. The grounds should be
thoroughly drained, allowing the animals only pure,
fresh water to drink. It may be necessary to change
pastures for a year or two. The brains of all sheep
killed and the heads of all dying with the disease
should be burned.
STOMACH AND INTESTINAL WORMS IN
SHEEP.—If a box of salt is kept covered in some
place frequented by the sheep, to which they are
allowed to help themselves, and if said salt is satu-
rated with spirits of turpentine in proportions of a
gill to every four quarts of salt, it will wonderfully
help to keep the worms from multiplying. It is
well, also, to have another box of larger size, where
252 THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN
sheep can help themselves at will, filled with
tobacco stems. These stems should be cut up in
inch lengths and from time to time a quantity of
wheat bran should be put on top of the stems.
When this is done the sheep soon instinctively
learn to use tobacco, and no young intestinal worm
or stomach worm, except the tapeworm, can stand
AU,’
Wer, wat
ately NR Nh Nace ‘ KN ny MU:
SSRN a ANP hee We aH
TWISTED STOMACH WORMS
A common attitude observed when sheep are afflicted
with twisted stomach worms. The animal loses in flesh, and
unless relief is found in time, dies. The parasite is shown
in the illustration.
the diet. This will not kill mature worms. It will
only prevent the worm family multiplying to the
extent of injuring the health of sheep.
But no sheep owner should feel wholly satisfied
by preventive treatment of stomach worms. Twice
a year the whole flock should be drenched with
some agent which will destroy the mature worms.
DISEASES OF FARM ANIMALS 253
There are two very inexpensive drenches which
will quite effectually do this. The one is gasoline,
the other coal tar creosote. The objection to gaso-
line is that it needs to be so extremely carefully
used or sheep will be killed by it. The dose is 1
tablespoonful (never more at one dose) to a mature
sheep; mix with not less than 4 tablespoonfuls of
raw linseed oil (never boiled oil); then add a half
pint of sweet milk. In giving, set the sheep up on
its haunches and shake the liquids well together
until the last minute it is administered, or the gaso-
line will separate and, if it enters the stomach in
the unmixed form, it will seriously injure and may
kill the sheep.
There is no direct vermifuge that will as effectu-
ally kill all species of worms in a sheep’s stomach
and intestines as will gasoline; yet the coal tar
creosote or the more refined class of sheep dips, if
given after a full 12-hour fast, before the flock is
turned to pasture in the spring, and again about
November, will destroy a large number of the
mature worms. All lambs born in April or May
should be drenched about August or September
following, to be certain of ridding them of worms
that may later cause their death. The dose of any
of the sheep dips is a dessertspoonful mixed in a
full pint of water.
STONE IN BLADDER.—See Concretions or
Calculi of Urinary Organs.
STRANGLES.—This trouble, commonly called
colt distemper, affects horses, and rarely mules and
donkeys. It is such an infectious disease that
nearly all horses contract the disease when colts
and usually remain immune to future exposures.
The cause is a very small organism or germ which
enters the system when a healthy colt comes in
254 THE FARMER'S VETERINARIAN
contact with a diseaséd one or when fed and
watered in infected vessels. The seat of trouble
is largely restricted to the respiratory organs, oc-
casionally causing difficulty in breathing, owing to.
swelling in region of throat or to accumulations in
air passages.
The symptoms start out with more or less slug-
gishness. The animal eats little, and does not
care to take much exercise. Lockjaw cjasinidord-g tactes od oes 208
Fowl! Cholera ...............-. 165 Loco Disease.............2..4. 212
Framework of the Body........ 13
Front a atand He avetnuaad - 48
Gastric Juic 25
Gastritis . ase. 166
Gentian s.seeiesc seeeens sends 75 Lymph ..: 7
Germs) 9 52 seas Gageiawior 6 eet 85 Lymphangitis ................ 214
Gid in Sheep.................0. 166 Lymph Through Cells.......... 29
Ginger ...... MAG DOB ii isicssiiie e281 Sscerentnatereh cee 217
Glanders Magcots ds ob epaavers dca ouster inane aa bud 217
Gravel or Dirt in Foot Maggots in Wounds............ 61
Grease Heel. | Mange «os s:sieiesiecs aid tein sie aied
Grub in the Head Mastication .
adhe aise cies coon je eis Sete nods ae Medicines ....
Hair Balls Medicines, ‘Administration of... 97
Heart, How it Works.......... 31 Medicines, Giving in a Ball..... 97
Heat Exhaustion.............. 178 Medicines, Giving in a Drench. . 97
Heaves; 263
Juarter CracKies eas ecnnexeseees 925 Vissuss, Bod vic. oeceeterwsena, 12
NUILCOR: «, o:acereieleaie a: aise es -eoaees 235 ‘Tooth, The Mark in.....-.-.... 35
RADIOS at ais: sci seers tee is. 0: 8s sayerenaveves. sar 236 «©Trichinosis ..........-+-.. ee 263
Reproductive Apparatus -22-.): 20 Tuberculosis............-..44, 264
Respiration .........-.+-+-0-- $2 Tumors ccusereryenngsayssyeae 268
Respiration, Taking the........ 95 ‘Tumors in Pigs After Castration. 268
Respiratory Organs............ 20 Turpentine .........-....---4. 79
Rheumatism .........-.-..0-5 236 Urinary Organs .............-5 20
RINGDONE 2 ieee. se seseo seas 237 — Warblesiiscaiaccieseag:iecrags ers 269
Ringworm ....-....-+++-esee- 238 Warts .......s.eeee -.. 269
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