rey , fe) PP? Bas aN is) CaN : { ? ? oO Ear on CORNELL OWivEnSrad Nee” THE Roswell P. Flower Library THE GIFT OF ROSWELL P. FLOWER FOR THE USE OF 1897 THE N. Y. STATE VETERINARY COLLEGE. Cornell University Library The farmer's veterinarian :a practical t Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. 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 Loa! b NH HH HK SH Be eH ew we oe POH HOO ON AME & bb non SO PN AKNRY DA -_ No 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 aASYOH V 40 NOLATANS HHL JO SANOF auog ayy09 _ sUOg Wia}sBq JeAOT ‘euog diajsuq seddQ samog [BslB}BeTT yoo IO snsie, BIqhL qaLof eBLS auog qsqGL 10 nwaz younsy, TIBL, Fo sauog IO B1qQo}19A [epnsy IO s#iqaaA [BIO sqly 10 23309 Qry aq) Jo saderteD AOQ(A 10 BUT auog ugjoD Wajs8q 1aAOT ureyseg raddQ WOUUBD JO suOg ZaBYg aauy 10 sndisy wus -a10,g JO euOg Io sNIpTy auog Wuy 10 sniauinyy aprld Japmoyg 10 Bpndsdg @1qo}129 A yeotaraD 10 sau0g HOON eouog a08y 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 a THE FARMER’S VETERINARIAN 22 NOLLSSDId UNV NOILV1INOUID Arayry [esi0g ioayty Fe ig AwWpyY [Bosag 1owadng EF Are1V [GeHOA GE Arayry [edivosyayy 1E AY [BIpey 1ows0g 0¢ WIA [BdiBoB}II_ [EUIIUT 63 UIA [BAIVIBJOJY [VUISUT FS AIBHY [BU oLays0g 13 400,q a4} 0} A[ddng snowed 9% wmne) &% auysayuy [[eus +3 waUy: JOPPBUA enuy 1% mood 29421 6} pus Aoupt UOTOD asIVT JT Ayvoraiyxe seddn ‘1aavT 9 umuopond ¢T youwos FT uaadS €L wssiydviq 71 epuny sy IL apuny WT OL ArayTY o1rovs0yy [euss3xq 6 esuny § BOY Joes L enssydosqy 9 Arayty pyolwy ¢ ured Ivinson Ff payoull, § 6 xutisyd % qo “SI “gl 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 AGO@ AHL HONOMBL SALVINOUID Goold AHL MOH SNVSUO TWNIWOday “3TOMINIAL _ |]... NaIOINLN3A NI Sa Td L437 LHOIM 40 NOLINGIYLSIC SAA Or “WAVD Y Wy. UN3A NOMA SOd/9 NINO HL OLN! NI3A / S S, ~_S \ OIL aH 40). =} QA SONVHLNG/ 2? is SS \ Ys S \\ y fe) e & S/ABSWNOW Ng “SAILIWIYLXA y, YOIMS.LNVY GNV GV3H SSN! Saluv Tava 40 by NOILNGIVLSIG ef) & i OK VLYOV YOIN3LSOd ‘S3LDAauLxXS YOIWSLSOd NI | “SONNT NISRIYV THdY¥2 ISBZINV TIdVd JO NOLLNGIMLSIO JO NOLLOSIYLSIC 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 ) F ‘ ; f m A + by > 4 / we Van, Ok 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 3 4 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 AN 3 3 % UNS 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 u NM OU) Yo, (} th iy Y LLY, Sols ai ; me a Mim ce i Hl / Hi iy nae A ai hy ae | i saline Hh an ly My Hh) a Uh as ) i Ui i He | ; ! Kin AG ‘ i sti ) ih Me Ht Ayith i QU Mh uit Hy 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 Sv I > = 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 FROALING®