Ww WAN ~ RAN
MON OMHRMHAMONY SIAN
SSS
LQ OHSWAnsss SR
sk
eS
SAAMUWOV
oa
4
ccnmaecentanemaeeen
‘
WS
a
\
NAA
PPI OO DOOD IIOP ER Speyer rr?
ttt ttt t{ tp,
SLpatt {ey
\
SS SHY
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.
+ ------- WVHA a OB MY ------
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
SEcTION oF DISEASED Lune; recent case of Lung Plague. Thin end
showed black hepatization; the centre, red hepatization; the thick end
interlobular infiltration. Several blocked vessels are shown.
ers et | Mn
fen BY. UH
THE FARMER’S
VETERINARY ADVISER
A GUIDE TO THE
PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF DISEASE
IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS
j
J
j
J
VY
By JAMES LAW
_ Professor of Veterinary Sctence in Cornell ne Veterinary Alumnus of the High
and Agricultural Society of Scotland; Fellow of the Royal College vis Re.
nary Surgeons of Great Britain ; Consulting Veterinarian to the Ni
York Agricultural Society; Member of the American Public.
Health Association ; Former Professor in the Albert Vet.
erinary College, London, and the New Veteri-
nary Coliege, Edinburgh ; Author of
General and Descriptive Anat-
omy of the Domestic
Animals, etc.
lie bi
EIGHTH EDITION {qo (¥V*
ITHACA
PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR
1887
(COPYRIGHT, 1887,
By JAMES LAW.
Right of Translation Reserved.
TROW'S
PRINTING AND BOOKBINDING COMPANY
NEW YORK.
PREFACE TO THE EIGHTH EDITION.
The “ Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser ” has been so favor-
ably received in America, Canada, and England that I feel
called upon to issue a revised edition, to cover the ground
over which Veterinary Medicine has advanced in the past
eleven years, since it was first published, and thereby to
continue to deserve the confidence hitherto accorded it.
The advances of the past decade have been marvelous
indeed, but most largely in the field of contagious diseases
and their prevention, and to meet this progress, I have in
the present edition added two complete chapters devoted
to this subject. The third chapter has also been consid-
erably enlarged by the introduction of additional plagues,
which either exist on the North American Continent or
are specially liable to be introduced through the ordinary
channels of trade. The changes in the remaining part of
the book are less extensive, but they will be found to add
materially to the fullness and clearness of the work as a
whole.
Some of the changes made may not be fully appreciated
at first sight by the average farmer, yet they were consid-
ered essential for two reasons, first, the adaptation of the
work to the purpose to which it has been largely put as a
veterinary text-book in agricultural colleges; and second, for
lv Preface to the Eighth Edition.
_ the education of the agricultural community in the need of
effective methods for stamping out animal plagues, a subject
which has been so ignorantly and ineffectively dealt with in
our legislative halls.
The author feels warranted in bespeaking for the revised
edition a continuance of those favors that have been so
freely accorded to its predecessors.
JAMES LAW, |
Cornell Unwersity.
Iraaca, March, 1887.
PREFACE.
This work is especially designed to supply the need of the
busy American farmer who can rarely avail himself of the
advice of a scientific veterinarian. The author is deeply sen-
sible of the low estimate placed upon Veterinary Medicine
and Surgery in the United States, and the necessity of
educating the public up to a better appreciation of its
value. We have a property in live stock estimated at
$1,500,000,000, and rapidly increasing in value, consisting
of at least six different genera of mammals, besides birds,
and therefore affording an almost unlimited field for the
practical exercise of humanity, political economy, and scien-
tific research in the pursuit of Veterinary Medicine. In
the Old World millions are saved yearly to each of the
Western European Nations in the exclusion and extinction
of animal plagues, and many instances can be adduced of
an intelligent veterinary supervision saving at the rate of
$30,000 per annum on a stud of 400 horses. But in the
Western Hemisphere, apart from the larger cities, the great
pecuniary interest in live stock is largely at the mercy
of ignorant pretenders, whose barbarous surgery is only
equaled by their reckless and destructive drugging. The
constantly recurring instances of absolute and painful poi-
v1 Preface.
soning, and cruel and injurious vivisections practiced under
the name of remedial measures are almost sickening to con-
template. To give the stock-owner such information as
will enable him to dispense with the unprofitable and peril-
ous services of such pretenders, and to apply rational means
of cure when he happens to be beyond the reach of the
accomplished veterinarian, is the aim of this book, and this,
it is confidently hoped, it will accomplish for all who will
intelligently study its pages.
To secure this object, and yet to place the book within
the reach of all, it was necessary to sacrifice all extended
discussion of diseased processes, and questions in pathology,
and therefore the reader who may discover deviations from
current opinions is requested to suspend his decision until
he has consulted the Author’s larger work, in which the
reasons for these positions will be given.
With this view of still further condensing the work, the
doses of medicines for the different animals are rarely given
in the text, but one or more agents are named as applicable
to every distinct stage or phase of the disease and species of
patient, and the reader must turn to the list of drugs given
at the end to find the amount required for each animal.
In doing this he must note particularly for what purpose
the agent is given and select. the dose accordingly, as the
effect of large doses is usually essentially different from that
of small ones. Thus common salt given in large doses to
cattle is purgative and reducing, while in small ones it is
alterative and tonic. Sulphur in large doses is laxative, but
in small ones alterative, expectorant, and diaphoretic. Oil
Preface. vil
of turpentine in large doses is purgative and vermifuge, in
‘sinall ones diuretic, stimulant, and antispasmodic. Atten-
tion must also be given to the age and size of the patient, as
more fully set forth in the Appendix.
Illustrations have been freely introduced to render the
text more lucid, and, being selected from those prepared
for the Author’s larger work, may be implicitly relied on.
In the list of contagious diseases are included not only
those that are habitually developed on American soil and
those already introduced from abroad, but also such as pre-
vail in Europe, and are liable at any time to be brought
into our midst by importation. It is no less imperative
that the American farmer should be forewarned of pesti-
lences that threaten him from abroad, than of those that
beset him at home. For all such affections the principles
that should guide us in preventing and extinguishing the
disease are concisely but clearly set forth.
_ All the important parasites are introduced, and their con-
ditions of life and individual metamorphoses in and out of
the bodies of domestic animals referred to, as well as their
migrations from man to animals and from animals to man
wherever such exists. The vast importance of animal para-
sites is only beginning to be realized in connection with
their frightful ravages in countries (England, Australia,
Buenos Ayres, Egypt, Abyssinia, Iceland, India, etc.) into
which they have been introduced, or where they have
been allowed to increase unchecked, and a concise state-
ment of their forms, habits, and results is therefore im-
peratively necessary for the protection of the stock-owner.
vill Preface.
This subject has accordingly been brought up to the date
of present observations, and though short enough for the
perusal of the busiest, it will furnish a sound basis for
the limitation and destruction of each of these noxious
pests.
JAMES LAW,
Cornell University.
Irnaca, ay, 1876.
CONTENTS.
INFLAMMATION AND FrEvER, . ; ‘ ‘ :
Contagious AND Epizootic Disrasrs, . ‘ ¢
Sprciric Contagious AND Epizootic Diskases, .
- Larcer Parasites, é
Dietetic anp Constitutional DisEasss,
DisEAsés OF THE Resprratory Oraans,
Haat,
Bioop-vEssELs AND LyMPHATICS,
DiGEstTIvVE ORGANS,
Liver,
PancREAS AND SPLEEN,
Urtary Organs,
OrGaANs oF GENERATION,
Mama (Upper) anp Trats,
Eyes, : : ;
Nervous System,
Peery
Sx Diseases, ; : ;
GENERAL Disrases or Bonss, Jomts, anD Muscizs,
SPECIAL Insuries or Bones, Jomts, AnD Musc.es,
DisEaseEs oF THE Foot,
Diszasep GrowrTas, :
Apprnpix: Action, Doses, Erc., or MEDICINES,
InveEx, ae ptr
THE
FARMER’S VETERINARY ADVISER.
CHAPTER I.
INFLAMMATION AND FEVER.
Inflammation. - Its phenomena. In vascular tissues. Changes in blood-
vessels ; in blood; in cells; in tissue; in function. Exudations, Migra-
tion of globules. Reparatory processes. Inflammatory fever. Inflammation
in non-vascular tissues. Deranged nutrition ; cloudy swelling ; exudations ;
cell multiplication ; cell migration ; formation of blood-vessels ; purpose of
eell multiplication. Exudations and effusions—serous, mucous, fibrinous,
bloody, croupous. Results of inflammation, Resolution. Delitescence.
Metastasis. New formations, plastic, aplastic. Suppuration. Pyogenic
bacteria. Pus, cells, liquid. Abscess, acute, chronic. Diffuse suppuration.
Fistula. Healing by first and second intention, Granulation. Granule
corpuscles and masses. Development of lymph into tissue. Degenerations
of new growths. Softening. Ulceration. Death by molecules. Gangrene ;
death of a part. Fever; definition; stages; symptoms; premonitory ;
chill ; reaction; defervescence, crisis, lysis, Temperature in health and
disease. Retention of water in system. ‘Tissue waste. The typhoid con-
dition. Types of fever. Treatment of inflammation and fever. Regimen.
General fever remedies. Bleeding—general, local; leeching, cupping.
Warm baths—in chill and hot stage, Cold baths. Diaphoretics. Laxa-
tives. Diuretics. Sedatives. Alkalies. Tonic refrigerants—in convales-
cence; in typhoid states. Local treatment of inflammation—cold, astrin-
gents, antiseptics, hot applications. Stimulating embrocations and lotions.
Blisters. Firing. Treatment of abscess.
INFLAMMATION.
Inflammation forms the essential part of so many diseases,
and a concomitant of so many more, that a brief. statement
of its features and phenomena appears desirable, even in a
1
9 The Harmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
condensed manual like the present. From the days of
Hippocrates inflammation has been recognized by redness,
heat, pain, and swelling, followed by resolutzon or indura-
tion, suppuration, or gangrene. Such a definition is, how-
ever, sadly insufficient in view of modern discoveries as to
the different phases of the inflammatory process. Redness
occurs in the transient blush, heat in the feverish system,
pain from simple passing nervous disorder, swelling from
dropsy, induration from the formation of tumors, and gan-
grene from the blocking of blood-vessels or other exclusion
of blood and the means of nutrition from a part, and in no
one of these cases need there be an element of true inflam-
mation. Perhaps no definition can be given which will
cover all the phenomena of inflammation.
INFLAMMATION IN VASCULAR TISSUES.
These phenomena, as seen in a transparent membrane like
the web of the frog’s foot or the mesentery may be stated
as follows: Ist. Disturbed cireulation evinced by contrac-
tion, quickly followed by dilatation with elongation of the
capillary blood-vessels, and a rapid, followed by a slow, and
even oscillating or backward movement of the blood within
them, branching redness. 2d. Zhe blood-globules become
sticky and adhere together and to the walls of the capilla-
ries so as to block them in points. 38d. Zhe fibrin of the
blood coagulates around these masses of globules, forming
points of complete obstruction, and constituting those minute
spots of deep redness which cannot be effaced, even for an
instant, by the pressure of the finger on inflamed skin. 4th.
The liquid parts of the blood ooze out in excess through
the capillary walls into the tissues, causing the swelling.
5th. Blood-globules and granules escape through the walls
of the vessels and degenerate into pus-cells or become the
centres for the growth of new tissue in the exudate. 6th.
The nuclet (cells) presiding over the nutrition, etc., have
Inflammation and Fever. =
their functions impaired or lost ; the inflamed skin in the
frog has its pigment-cells unchanged while all the body be-
side has changed color, the inflamed retina no longer sees,
the inflamed nose no longer smells, the inflamed mamma no
longer yields milk, the inflamed finger has no more the
proper sense of touch, and the inflamed cells that control
nutrition no longer build up the tissues amid which they
lie, but tend rather to a simple multiplication of their own
cell forms, as do the cells of the early growing embryo.
7th. In an extensive inflammation the large arteries pro-
ceeding to the diseased part have their coats abnormally
rigid, giving a harder beat to the pulse and determining a
more abundant flow of blood than in the corresponding ves-
sels of the healthy part. This doubtless results from the
disorder of the vaso-motor (sympathetic) nerves, and this
disorder is involved in the causation of the derangement of
the capillary circulation as well, since the cutting across of a
branch of these nerves going to a part promptly induces in-
flammatory changes in such part. This tendency to the
production of inflammation through nervous influence is
further shown in the extension to the other of a violent in-
flammation of one eye caused by a mechanical injury. Yet
the essential changes may be induced in the tissues by irri-
tants, though the nerves proceeding to the part have been
eut or the blood-vessels tied.
It is worthy of notice that in extensive inflammations
in otherwise healthy systems the circulating blood acquires
a great increase of fibrinogen (often doubled), and the blood-
globules become abnormally adhesive, so that before the
drawn blood has time to coagulate the globules adhere to-
gether in masses and precipitate toward the bottom, leaving
the upper layers of the clot of a dull yellow hue (buffy coat).
This is shown in the blood of the healthy soliped, but in
other animals it implies inflammation, apart from the condi-
tions of plethora, anemia, pregnancy, or over-driving. In
4 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
the horse suffering from inflammation the normal buffy coat
is increased. The blood of inflammation also coagulates
more firmly and contracting most toward the centre assumes
a cupped appearance on the surface.
These changes in the blood and nervous system are asso-
ciated with an increase of body temperature and other mani-
festations of fever proportionate to the extent and violence of —
the inflammation. Again, in both inflammation and fever,
the disease process may be of a strong type (sthenic), or of
a low type (asthenic, adynamic).
INFLAMMATION IN NON-VASCULAR TISSUES.
Inflammation in tissues unprovided with blood-vessels
may be observed in the irritated transparent cornea of the
eye, or the cartilage covering the ends of bones in joints.
Each when inflamed has its nutritive function impaired and
loses its clear, translucent aspect, so much so that in the case
of the eye one can no longer see into its interior. There
may be as yet no real thickening, and no film of exudation
formed on its surface. It is the pre-existing structures that
have become opaque by change in the process of their nutri-
tion. If a thin slice of this inflamed cartilage is treated
with picric acid and placed under the microscope it is found
that the nuclei within the cartilage-cells have become indi-
vidually larger, that the cells embedded in the cartilaginous
matrix are more numerous than is normal, and that, when
the inflammation is most active, even cell-walls are no longer
formed, but that a mass of rapidly multiplying nuclei is
taking the place of the solid transparent matrix. As in the
vascular tissue, so in the non-vascular, the power to build up
the sound tissue (cartilage, corneal tissue) has been tem-
porarily lost, while there is a mere growth of a cellular or
embryonic tissue at the expense of the pre-existing struct-
ure. . It remains to be added that in the inflamed cartilage
or cornea there is an abundant infiltration of wandering
Inflammation and Fever. 5
white blood-cells, which have escaped from the vessels in the
adjacent vascular tissue and made their way into the in-
flamed and softened cornea.
Thus in both types of inflammation, in the vascular and
non-vascular tissues alike, there is this abundant concentra-
tion of plastic cells (white blood-cells and tissue nuclei),
which assume for the time the functions of the cells of the
early embryo from which all the varied tissues of the future
animal are to be developed. -Hence these cells, which
grow so abundantly in inflamed parts with the size, form,
and functions of embryonic cells, are not inaptly called em-
bryonic cells, and the tissue, which they first form, embry-
onic tissue. These cells may be looked upon as the guardi-
ans of the system, charged with the duty of removing from
the part all noxious, useless, or extraneous matter, and build-
ing up new tissue to repair the breach resulting from the
injury. No sooner is the injury sustained than there is es-
tablished an increased flow of blood through the vessels of
the injured part (or through the nearest blood-vessels in
ease the injured structure has no vessels), the white globules
are delayed in the capillary vessels and passed through their
walls, and at the same time the tissue nuclei increase in size
and numbers, abandon their habitual work of building up
tissue, and together with the wandering blood-cells devote
every power to the removal of the irritant and the repair of
the breach. <A similar work is effected in an entirely natu-
ral way in the tail of the tadpole when developing into a
frog. Embryonic or lymphoid cells increase enormously in
the tail, feeding upon the tissues of the now superfluous
organ, and gradually absorbing and removing the whole
mass. So it is, too, in the case of offensive living organisms -
introduced into a tissue. When bacteria have been thus in-
oculated inflammation is at once set up, and the accumulat-
ing cells, if numerous enough relatively to the micro-organ-
ism, take the bacteria into their substance and gradually
6 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser. .
dissolve and digest them, thereby rendering the inoculation
harmless. If, however, the bacteria are too numerous or
too poisonous (in themselves or their products) to be thus
easily devoured, the opposite result ensues, the cells of the
blood and tissues sent to dispute their invasion are them-
selves destroyed, and there takes place the death and re-
moval of a circumscribed portion of tissue, an extensive
suppuration and abscess, a spreading gangrene or ulcer,
or a fatal general infection. A small dose of such bacteria
is devoured, removed, and rendered harmless by the de-
fensive work of these exudation-cells; a larger dose may
establish a temporary stronghold in the tissues, which is
finally circumscribed, loosened, and thrown off as a slough
by the active agency of the investing animal cells around it,
while a still larger dose conquers the defending army, and
extends its sway over the entire body with grave or fatal
effect.
INFLAMMATORY EXUDATIONS AND EFFUSIONS.
These vary much in different cases according to the grade
and stage of the inflammation, the part affected, and the
subject of the disease.
Ist. Serous Hxudations. These consist of the liquid ele-
ments of the blood, with only a limited amount of the
fibrine-forming element (fibrinogen), and consequently little
tendency to clot firmly. The effused fluid is distinguished
from the liquid of mechanical dropsy by the presence in it
of the fibrinogen, of albumen, of cells, and of nuclei. The
dropsical fluid does not coagulate unless heated, and con-
tains less common salt and phosphates than the inflamma-
tory effusion. Serous exudations are characteristic of the
early stages of inflammation, and of inflammations of serous
membranes (pleura, peritoneum, joints) in strong, vigorous
subjects. They are especially dangerous by reason of inter-
ference with the functions of organs by pressure, as with
Lnjiammation and Fever. v4
the dilatation of the lungs, the movements of the heart, the
movement of joints, or the integrity of the brain or spinal
cord. When the disease that caused them has subsided
they are usually speedily reabsorbed, though not invaria-
bly so.
2d. Mucous exudations are formed wherever mucus is
produced in health, as in catarrhs of nose, eyes, throat,
and other mucous membranes. They contain filaments of
precipitated mucin insoluble in acetic acid or alcohol, and
globular cells in all stages of change from the mucous to the
pus-corpuscle, the latter recognized by its bipartite or tri-
partite nucleus, manifested by contact with acetic acid.
3d. Fibrinous Hxudations. Inflammatory lymph. This
oozes out through the vessels in a liquid state and afterward
coagulates by reason of its contained fibrinogen or plasmin,
which exists ready formed, but in solution, in the blood.
It is the excess of plasmin which distinguishes this from the
serous exudation. The coagulation of plasmin may result
from the ferment globulin escaped from the blood-globules,
and it always coagulates promptly on contact with inflamed
tissues, probably from the presence of the same or an
allied ferment. If, on the other hand, the exudation es-
capes into a healthy cavity, and comes in contact with
healthy tissues only, it may, like blood in similar cireum-
stances, remain liquid for months. It is specially injurions
by enveloping organs (lungs, heart, bowels, iris) and hamper-
ing their movements, or by binding them to adjacent struct-
ures by false membranes. In coagulating it becomes first
fibrillar, then granular, and finally undergoes molecular dis-
integration (Cornil and Ranvier) or development into new
tissue (Paget). When organized it usually takes the form
of the adjacent tissue; in granulating wounds and between
serous membranes it is fibrous, and between the broken ends
of bones it is bony.
Fibrinous exudations are especially seen in a high grade
8 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
of inflammation, in connection with fibrous tissues and in
strong vigorous subjects.
Ath. Blood Exudations. As already stated, blood-globules
escape through the walls of the vessels in all inflammations,
though seldom in such quantity as even to stain the tissues.
Minute ruptures of the capillary vessels are not uncommon
with punctiform clots in the tissues, but extensive escapes of
. blood are usually indicative of a specially unhealthy type of
inflammation, usually associated with a specific and deadly
poison, as in anthrax, rinderpest, swine-plague, purpura
hemorrhagica. They are further most common from newly
formed vessels, which are yet soft and possessed of little
power of resistance.
5th. Croupous Hxudations. These are deposited on dis-
eased surfaces in the form of false membranes, composed
mainly of cell-elements, epithelium, and pus-corpuscles in a
thin network of fibrine, mucin, or both. To these belong
the membranous products of croup and diphtheria, and the
false membranes that appear independently of these poisons
on violently inflamed mucous membranes (croupous enter-
itis, etc.)
RESULTS OF INFLAMMATION.’
Resolution. This is the condition in which a slight in-
flammation, which has not advanced beyond the stage of
liquid effusion, has the exudate reabsorbed, and the blood-
vessels and tissues restored to their healthy condition. If
this occurs with extraordinary rapidity the term delztescence
is applied to it, and there is danger of its reappearance else-
where by reason of clots from the capillaries being suddenly
loosened and washed onward to block other capillaries in the
lungs or other distant organs. This occurrence of a sec-
ondary disease at a distance, when a first has suddenly sub-
sided, has been named metastasis, and is usually due to the
blocking of the capillaries by blood-clots.
Inflammation and Fever. 9
Inflammatory New Formations. Of the growths in
lymph there are two principal kinds: first, the plastic,
Sibrinous, granular, or moleculur ; and second, the aplastic,
croupous, or corpuscular. The first form tends to develop
into new structure, the second to disintegrate and decay.
The tendency to one or other form depends largely on the
strength or weakness of the system’s health, on the deficiency
or excess of corpuscles in the exuded fluid, and on the dis-
tance of the latter from living tissues and blood-supply.
Much also depends on the predisposition of the genus, the
tendency to suppuration in lymph being in a descending
series from horse, ass, and mule, through ox and sheep, to
dog, pig, and, finally, the bird, in which latter suppuration
is quite exceptional.
Suppuration. In inflammations of a high type, in those
occurring on the skin or mucous membranes in which there
is an extraordinary increase of nuclei and embryonal cells,
and in lymph thrown out in excess at one point, so that its
central parts are far from vascular tissue, the cell elements
undergo a rapid increase and degradation into pus-corpuscles,
and its solidified intercellular lymph undergoes granular
decay and liquefaction into the liquid of pus.
While the above conditions are favorable to the forma-
tion of pus, the process of suppuration must now be recog-
nized as an infective process due to the propagation of bac-
teria (mainly chain forms—Streptococcus pyogenes—and
eluster-groups—Staphylococeus pyogenes). These or other
bacteria are found in the pus of acute abscesses, and when
absent in chronic abscesses are to be considered as having
perished since the abscess was recent and active. Inocula-
tion of a rabbit with an excess of the pus of an acute abscess
produces general purulent infection (pyeemia) and early
death; from a medium dose an abscess is produced ; while
from a small dose there is no effect whatever. In the latter
ease the bacteria are overcome and devoured by the abun-
10 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
dance of vitally potent white blood-globules and tissue-cells.
This pus-forming action of these bacteria explains the great
difference in results in wounds exposed to the air and those
in the interior of the body and far removed from air and its
floating bacteria. A broken bone, with no wound in the
skin and little injury to parts around the fracture, is readily
repaired, without any formation of pus, if merely kept still
and immovable; whereas a broken bone, continuous with a
wound through the skin, always tends to form pus and is
extremely dangerous even to life. The tendency of every
open sore is to form pus on its surface, but this may be
arrested and prevented by a free use of disinfectants and a
covering which shall arrest and filter out the germs. Simi-
_ larly in an abscess the injection of disinfectants, without the
formation of any perceptible permanent opening to the outer
air, will put a stop to the pus-formation. The subjection of
an inflamed part to the control of these pus-forming bacteria
is dependent on the lowered vitality and power of resistance
of the inflamed tissues, and of the white cells of their circu-
lating blood. Healthy parts can successfully resist them,
though they are constantly present in surrounding air and
on objects, but in this, as in all other cases; of bacterial in-
fection, so soon as the tissue is injured, inflamed, and lowered
in its power of vital resistance, the pyogenic bacteria assail
it successfully. Hence, too, the more abundant exudations
of lymph, the centres of which are farthest removed from
the healthy tissues, and from the influence of their wztal re-
sistance, are the most prone to suppuration. That the germs
can make their way to such deep-seated exudations in the
substance of solid tissues is to be accounted for by their
gradual advance through the inflamed and weakened struct-
ures from the adjacent skin or mucous membrane, or in
some instances by reason of their presence in small numbers
in the blood. It is further noteworthy that those animals
in which suppuration does not occur readily are such as have
Inflammation and Fever. 11
a special power of resistance to some other organic poisons.
- Thus the hog, which is supposed to be proof against snake-
bite, is also, to a large extent, proof against the pus-forming
bacteria. For further notice of this subject see article on
Pyemia.
Pus. This isa white, or yellowish-white, creamy-looking
product, composed of a clear, transparent fluid, rendered
opaque by numerous floating pus-corpuscles. These pus-
corpuscles have the same size as the white globules of the
blood (gs5¢ to 3qyq inch) and are peculiar in that each
shows within it three or more nuclei, which become visible
on the addition of a drop of water or acetic acid. Each of
the common embryonal cells found in the inflamed tissue
contains two nuclei, the indication of the active increase
by division into two, but when the supply of nutriment is
checked the nuclei continue to divide, while the cells remain
unchanged, and thus every cell comes to contain several
nuclei in addition to fatty granules, and constitute pus-
corpuscles. .
When pus is formed in a well- eaatltnadl system and tis-
sue, the outer layer of the lymph is developed into a fibrous
sac inclosing the liquid pus and constituting an abscess. In
an unhealthy system, or when the inflammation depends on
some injurious poison, like that of erysipelas, this sac may
not be formed, and the pus, burrowing into and between dif-
ferent organs, destroys the connections and substance—d2f-
fuse suppuration. When an abscess has formed in soft
tissues its investing sac shrinks as it assumes the fibrous
character, and the confined pus being incapable of compres-
sion, presses the membrane outward on the side in which
the surrounding tissues are most loose and least resistant,
hence, usually, though not always, in the direction of the
skin, the soft tissues become absorbed and removed in the
track of the advancing pus; and, finally, the latter reaches
a surface and escapes. Thus, an abscess usually bursts
19 The Furmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
through the skin, but also, at times, through a mucous
membrane into the lungs, bowels, etc., or through a serous
membrane into chest, abdomen, ete. When an abscess is
formed in bone or dense fibrous tissues which press equally
on all sides, it may remain imprisoned for months and years
after all inflammation has subsided, constituting an endolent
or cold abscess. When the imprisoned pus is inclosed by thick
fibrous or resistant tissues at all points but one, it will make
its way along the narrow passage of yielding tissue, but as
the resulting outlet is constricted, long, and tortuous, the
contents cannot readily escape through it nor the walls of
the abscess contract so as to expel the confined pus, and the
latter goes on forming and discharging through the narrow
outlet for months or years. This is a fistwla or sinus.
Healing by Adhesion or First Intention. Whien a clean-
eut wound has the blood staunched and its lips brought to-
gether without exposure to the air (or contact with pyogenic
germs), they adhere at once and heal without pus or any
appreciable formation of new tissue. Here the lymph
thrown out on the cut surfaces agglutinates them, and the
cells, multiplying, form a thin layer of embryonic tissue
which gradually develops into a fibrous structure and re-
pairs the breach without any perceptible scar.
Healing by Second Intention. Granulation. When a
wound has caused destruction of tissue, or when a simple
incision is left exposed to the air, the breach is filled np by
new tissue through the process known as granulation. The
superficial layer of lymph thrown out on the raw surface
becomes oxidized and degenerates into pus, while the deeper
layers become solid, fibrillated, the seat of cell-growth, and
are finally transformed into a fibrous structure. New
blood-vessels form in loops in the developing lymph and
constitute the bright-red granulation-points which cover the
raw surface. The fibrous tissue into which the lymph is
transformed undergoes gradual contraction in development,
— Inflammation and Fever. 18
and thus, day by day, the edges of the adjacent healthy
skin are drawn in, so as to cover the wound more or less
perfectly, and a slight scar only is left when healing has
been accomplished.
Granule Corpuscles and Masses. This is another de-
generative transformation in lymph and, is seen mainly in
inflamed glands and brain- and lung-tissue. The cells found
in the exuded lymph are made up of granules ;g4,5, inch in
_ diameter, and besides these, large, irregularly shaped masses
of granules are extended along the capillary blood-vessels.
After the lymph has coagulated these granular masses soften
and liquefy preliminary to re-absorption and removal, and
the restoration of the tissue to a healthy condition. When
in excess this softens and disintegrates the tissues, leading
to permanent loss of substance.
Development of Lymph into Tissue. This is equivalent
to what takes place in the formation of the sac of the
abscess or of granulation-tissue. The liquid lymph in co-
agulating, becomes fibrillar, and the exuded cells and nu-
clei and those of the adjacent tissue, having an abundant
supply of blood and nutriment, multiply first as simple,
rounded embryonic cells, then deposit around them new
tissue, becoming elongated, spindle-shaped, branching, etc.,
and thus get imbedded in a fibrous material of their own
formation. These new formations are usually of a low type
of organization, like white fibrous tissue or bone, and hence,
although breaches in the higher structures like muscle,
nerve, gland, skin, are filled up, it is usually only by the
drawing together of the remaining healthy parts by these
new formations without the restoration of any of the origi-
nal tissue which has been destroyed. The cicatrix (scar),
alone is made up of new material.
Lymph developing in this way may undergo any degen-
eration to which normal tissues are subject. Thus it may
undergo black pigmentary (melanotec) degeneration, it may
14 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
become impregnated with lime-salts (calecfied), it may wither
up into a hard gelateniform or horny mass, or it may
undergo fatty degeneration.
Fatty degeneration is the most common form, and con-
sists in the excessive deposit of fatty granules, first in the
cells which are in excess or badly nourished, and next in
the adjacent tissue, the normal elements of which are re-
placed by fatty granules.
Softening is an almost constant result of inflammation.
The exudate infiltrates and separates the tissue elements, de-
stroying their cohesion; its liquefaction impairs this still
further, and the more or less perfect transformation of the
tissue into embryonic tissue entails the loss of its rigidity
and power of resistance. Thus the inflamed brain-tissue
may become a mere pulp, and the inflamed bane may be
cut with a knife.
Ulceration is closely allied to softening. On the surface
of a sore there is an excessive exudation of lymph, which
loosens and disintegrates the layer of lymph that is already
in process of development, and also a part of the tissue be-
neath. The cells in these parts fail to develop naturally
and to build up good tissue; they become fatty, die, and
together with the tissue in which they lie, break down and
pass off as a pulpy débris. Thus the sore constantly deep-
ens and widens, or at least refuses to contract and heal.
Gangrene or death of a part is another effect of inflam-
mation. It results usually from the cutting off of the blood-
supply through the obstruction of the blood-vessels; by the
pressure of excessive exudation in unyielding structures, as
in bone, or under the hoof; by implication of the inner
coats of the blood-vessels in the inflammation, when the
contained blood will clot and obstruct them; or by block-
ing with the blood-clots that have been formed at a dis-
tance and washed on in the blood-current to be arrested
when they reach vessels too small to admit them. Like
Inflammation and Fever. 15
suppuration, gangrene is associated with a micrococcous
growth. The dead mass remains as an irritant, and is
slowly separated by the formation around it of embryonal
tissue, granulations and pus. A second form is molecular
gangrene, in which the cells and minute elements of the tis-
sue die, and are cast off, leading to phagedenic (eating, ex-
tending) sores, as noted above under Ulceration. When
gangrene occurs on an exposed surface, that may be altered
from the normal color into shades of yellow, brown, green,
red, or black, according to the amount of blood and the
stage of decomposition, and may be cut without pain, if the
subjacent parts are not pressed upon; it may be soft, may
pit on pressure, may crackle under the hand from the
evolved gases of decomposition, and may be covered with
blisters ( phlyctene) with red, grumous liquid contents (moist
gangrene); again, it may be white, as after freezing, or it
may be dark-colored, dry, and horny, as from ergotism (dry
gangrene),
FEVER.
Definition. Whether occurring as an accompaniment
of inflammation or independently of it, fever is an un-
natural elevation of the temperature of the body, the direct
result of an excess of destructive chemical change in the
blood and tissues, and more remotely of disordered ner-
vous function.
Of all extensive inflammations fever is the constant result
and accompaniment, rising as the inflammation rises or ex-
tends, and subsiding as the inflammation subsides. It also
occurs as a distinct affection, as in all the infectious diseases,
as the result of a specific irritating poison in the system,
and then is the manifestation of the disease, while a local
inflammation may or may not be present as a special sec-
ondary feature of the malady or as an accidental complica-
tion.
16 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
Symptoms of Fever. Fever is marked by certain definite
stages, each of which has its own special manifestations.
In the cases due to a specific disease-germ, or contagium,
these are, however, preceded by a period of latency or in-
cubation in which no symptoms whatever are manifest, but
during this time the germ is rapidly multiplying in the
system, and it is only when it has gained a certain increase
that it disorders the nervous system, wastes the tissues,
raises the temperature of the body, and induces the other
phenomena of fever. The same may be said to hold in the
fever attending on inflammation. The slight and circum-
scribed inflammation is at first productive of no fever, and
it is only when it gains a certain extent that the nerves and
nutrition are disordered so as to bring about a feverish
condition.
Premonitory Symptoms. These usually last but a few
hours and are often entirely absent or unnoticed. There is
a lack of the customary vigor and spirit, an indisposition to
exertion, a loss of clearness and vivacity of the eye, a mani-
fest dullness, with hanging of the head, and frequent shift-
ing of the limbs as if fatigued. Appetite is less sharp and
~ ruminants chew the cud less heartily or persistently.
Cold Stage. These are soon succeeded by the chdlt,
rigor, or shivering jit, in which the hair, especially that
along the back, stands erect (staring coat), the skin is cold
and adherent to the structures beneath (hidebound), the ex-
tremities (legs, tail, ears, horns, nose) are cold, and the
frame is agitated with slight tremors, or even a shivering
so violent that a wooden floor or building is made to rattle.
The back is arched, the legs brought nearer together (crouch-
ing), the mouth is cool and clammy, the breathing hurried,
the pulse weak, and it may be rapid, but with a hard beat,
the bowels costive, and the urine higher colored than nat-
ural. The temperature of the interior of the body, taken
by a thermometer in the rectum, is already found above
Inflammation and Fever. 17
the normal, the excessive destruction of tissue having begun,
and the blood driven from the cooler surface, and accumu-
lating in the hot interior, at once favors tissue-change and
maintains the extra heat thereby produced. In cattle the
end of the tail is soft and flaccid from: this stage onward.
The cold stage lasts a few minutes or one or two days in
different cases.
Hot Stage. The hot stage appears as a reaction from
the chill, the contraction in the minute vessels of the skin
giving place to dilatation, so that the whole surface, including
the extremities, becomes hot and burning, but still dry and
parched. The burning is especially noticeable in the more
vascular parts, like the roots of the horns and ears, the muz-
zle or snout, the mouth, the hoofs, the bare parts of the
paws in carnivora, and the mammee (udder) in suckling
animals. ‘The mucous membranes lining the nose and mouth
become hot and red, the breathing freer, but not less rapid,
the pulse softer but accelerated, appetite (and rumination)
greatly impaired or lost, thirst great, costiveness increased,
urine diminished and of a higher color, the flow of milk
greatly impaired or entirely arrested, and the dullness and
prostration greatly increased.
The hot stage lasts longer than the cold one, usually per-
sisting until death or convalescence. It may alternate with
chills throughout the whole course of the illness, and in the
fever of inflammation the interruption of the hot stage
by a chill usually implies either a considerable extension of
the inflammation or the occurrence of suppuration.
Defervescence. The decline of the fever may take place
by a sudden reduction of the body temperature to the natu-
ral standard, or near it, and a sudden and general improve-
ment in the symptoms (crisis), or by a slow improvement
from day to day through a more or less tedious convales-
cence (lysis).
Natural Temperature. The body temperature of the
2
18 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
domestic animals is best taken by inserting the bulb of a
clinical thermometer three inches or more into the gut (ree-
tum) and leaving it there three minutes. After it has been.
used, the registering column must be shaken down to below
the natural temperature of the next animal on which it is to
be employed. The natural temperature is for the fowl,
107° F. to 110° F.; swine, 104° ; goat and sheep, 102° to
103°; cow, 101° to 102°; dog, 99° to 100°; horse, 99° to
99.6°. Ranging in the fields, at work, or under a summer
sun, it may be a degree higher than at other times. Female
animals in heat are two or three degrees above the natural,
and in advanced pregnancy and at parturition they may BIO
be two degrees higher.
Fever eee A temporary rise of one or two de-
grees is unimportant, but a permanent rise indicates fever.
A rise of ten or twelve degrees is usually fatal. A sudden
fall to or below the natural, unless with general improve-
ment in the symptoms, indicates sinking. A similar fall,
with a free secretion (perspiration, urination, relaxed
bowels) and general improvement in symptoms, betokens
recovery.
fetention of water in the fevered system is as significant
as the elevated temperature. The patient drinks greedily,
but all the secretions are arrested or diminished, and liquids
go on accumulating in the system. The sudden bursting
forth of secretions (especially sweating) implies that the fever
has, at least temporarily, given way.
The production of waste matters in the system is necessa-
rily proportionate to the amount of tissue destroyed. This
appears in the blood mainly as urea, the organic acid of
urine (hippuric in herbivora, uric in carnivora), together
with phosphates, sulphates, and chlorides. These thrown
off by the urine give it its high density. If not thus thrown
off, they remain as poisons in the circulation and bring about
that prostrate, sunken, debilitated condition which charac-
Inflammation and Fever, - 19
terizes the advanced stages of all severe and continued
fevers—the typhoid condition. This is not to be con-
founded with the specific typhoid fever, in which a special
‘fever-germ expends itself, mainly on the bowels, and that
runs through a regular course. The typhoid condition is
that state in which an animal system, already greatly weak-
ened by a severe disease, and perhaps further prostrated by
a specific disease-poison, is subjected to a species of poison-
ing by the retained chemical products of the waste of the
tissues.
Types of Fever. These are as characteristic as the types
of inflammation, and of the same kind. The strong type of
fever, which attends on an acute inflammation in an other-
wise healthy, vigorous system, is spoken of as a hegh or in-
jfiammatory fever. The weak type, which occurs in a
broken-down or debilitated system, or in connection with the
action of a specific disease germ, or with the saturation of
the system by waste chemical products, is known as low,
typhoid (better typhous), or adynamic fever. That form
which persists in the utterly debilitated system, where the
power of assimilation is practically lost, is known as hectic.
TREATMENT OF INFLAMMATION AND FEVER.
Treatment will be guided very largely by the type of the
attendant fever. If that is of ahigh type, with a hard, full,
rapid pulse, bright red mucous membranes, a clear eye, and
well-sustained strength in a strong, vigorous animal, what is
known as antiphlogistic (depleting, depressing) treatment is
admissible at the outset. But in many cases with a low
type of fever, a weak, rapid pulse, pallid, yellow, or livid
mucous membranes, a coated tongue, a dull or sunken eye,
much depression and prostration, swaying on the limbs in
walking, pendent head, ears, eyelids, and lips, and varying
and irregular temperature of the limbs, etc., such measures
are forbidden from the first, and tonics and stimulants are
20 The Farmer’s Vetermary Adviser.
demanded from the outset. Between the two extremes
there are many grades, which demand a judiciously adjusted
intermediate treatment. The general principles only of each
characteristic form of treatment can be here formulated, it
being understood that no two cases can be most advantage-
ously treated in precisely the same way ; but that according
to its special grade each case will demand its own specific
management applied according to the skill of the physician.
Legimen. An antiphlogistic diet will consist in a moder-
ate or very sparing amount of non-stimulating food of easy
digestion (wheat bran or oil-meal in warm, sloppy mash,
carrots, turnips, beets, potatoes, apples, pumpkins; fresh,
tender, green grass, or in winter a little scalded hay, may be
taken as examples). J2wminants should have no food
necessitating chewing of the cud; thus the roots, etc.,
should be pulped or boiled, and hay and even grass must be
interdicted until rumination is re-established. When food is
absolutely refused for days in succession, well-boiled gruels
of oat-meal, barley-meal, linseed-meal, bran, ete., may be
given from a bottle or by injection. Dogs and cats should
have only vegetable mush (unbolted flour, barley, or oat-
meal) with just enough beef-juice to tempt the animal to
eat a little. Milk with an admixture of oxide of magnesia,
or even lime-water, is often at once palatable and cooling.
Drink should be pure water, cool if kept constantly fresh
before the animal, but warmed to something Jess than tepid
if supplied only at long intervals, so that the thirsty patient
is tempted to drink to excess and chill himself. es¢ in a
clean, well-aired building, free from draughts of cold air
and with a southern exposure, is desirable, especially in
winter. The best. temperature is usually sixty degrees to
seventy degrees, especially in inflammations in the chest, and
extremes of temperature are to be avoided. Clothing will
depend on the weather. In warm weather it may be often
discarded, while in winter it should always be sufficient to
Inflammation and Fever. 21
obviate the access of chill and consequent aggravation of the
disease. Whenever the atmosphere can only be kept warm
at the expense of impurity, it is better to secure the comfort
of the patient by the requisite clothing than to subject him
to impure air. As the extremities are the first to suffer
from cold, loose flannel bandages to the limbs are often
imperative.
Ttemedies. General bleeding, a great resort of our fore-
fathers, has been long all but discarded from modern prac-
tice. To-day it is rarely resorted to, except to save from an
urgent and extreme danger, as in the plethoric cow merging
into parturient apoplexy, or the fat and overdriven horse,
gasping for breath and life, in general acute congestion of
the lungs. There are other cases of extensive acute and dan-
gerous congestions, especially in a strong, vigorous, and pleth-
orice patient, in which general bleeding is beneficial in ward-
ing off threatened death ; but as much sound, discriminating
judgment is necessary to its safe employment, it is better
for the amateur stock-owner to resort to less radical meas-
ures. When resorted to at all, the blood should be drawn
from a large orifice, in a full stream, to secure the desired
depressant effect with the smallest loss of blood, and the
patient should be kept especially quiet and apart from all
excitement which would tend to counteract the sedative
action.
Local bleeding is more extensively applicable than gen-
eral, as it usually effects the same purpose without the
permanently weakening effect. It acts in two ways, first,
by emptying and contracting the vessels in the skin over
the inflamed organ it solicits a sympathetic contraction of
the capillary vessels in that organ itself, and thus inaugu-
rates a progress toward recovery; and second, by so much
as it draws blood to the surface it diminishes the blood-
pressure on the deeper inflamed organ, and affords a better
opportunity for the restoration of the healthy circulation
99 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
and function. Local bleeding may be practiced by simple
searification or leeches, or better, by cupping with or with-
out scarification. To apply leeches, the skin must first be
shaved. To cup, it must at least be greased. As a cup,
an ordinary large drinking-glass may be used, the air con-
tained in it being driven out by a lighted taper, and then
the taper being withdrawn, the mouth of the cup is in-
stantly and accurately applied on the skin and held there,
until, as it cools, it draws up the skin within it and clings
like a sucker. A number of these may be applied accord-
ing to the extent of the inflammation, and, if desired, they
may be removed, the part scarified, and the eup reapplied.
The cupping usually effects more than a mere local attrac.
tion of blood; it very commonly causes a free circulation
in the whole skin, a generally diffused warmth, and even
perspiration. Thus we may secure the derivation of blood
from the inflamed part, the cooling of a large mass of blood
in the extensive cutaneous circulation, the cooling of the
entire system by the return of this blood internally, the
elimination of injurious waste matters through the skin,
the lowering of the febrile heat and tension, and a better
functional activity of all the organs of the body.
Similar good results are obtained from all remedies that
induce surface warmth and vascularity and a free secretion
from the skin.
Warm baths, for animals to which they can be applied,
abstract blood temporarily from the inflamed internal or-
gans, diminish the blood-pressure, and really cool the system,
beside securing elimination from the skin and other secret-
ing surfaces. They may be commenced warm (80° F.) and
gradually cooled down to 65° F. after the skin has become
freely active. In the larger quadrupeds, in which the warm
bath is practically impossible, the same revulsion of blood
and warmth to the skin may be secured by rags wrung out
of hot (almost scalding) water, wrapped tightly round the’
Inflammation and Fever. 93
body covered, with two or more dry blankets, and kept
tightly applied against the surface by elastic circingles.
The legs may be rubbed with straw wisps till warm, and
then loosely bandaged, or applications of red pepper, am-
monia, or mustard, may be made prior to bandaging. In
place of hot-water rags, bags loosely filled with bran, chaff,
or other light agent, heated to 110° F., may be applied
round the body, or, where it is available, a Turkish or
steam bath may be resorted to. These hot cutaneous appli-
cations, to produce glow and perspiration, are especially
valnable in the chill that heralds a violent inflammation,
and if that can be suddenly checked by this means the in-
flammation will often be warded off, or at least rendered
slight and easily controllable. After perspiring for half an
hour the patient may be gradually uncovered, rubbed dry,
and covered with a dry, warm blanket. If the skin is still
glowing, a slight sponging with cool or cold water may
beneficially precede the rubbing and drying.
Cold Baths. In cases of very high fever a full cold bath
(68° F.) may be employed for fifteen minutes, and repeated
as often as the temperature rises. In many cases of parturi-
tion fever in cows great benefit accrues from sponging the
body with cold water and allowing it to to evaporate from
the burning skin. In the extreme fever of heat apoplexy
(sunstroke), with a temperature of 110° F. and upward, a
strong current of cold water from a hose directed on the
head and body often gives the best results. In ordinary
fevers in large animals the cold pack will often serve a good
purpose. Wring a blanket out of water (cold or tepid, ac-
cording to the height of the fever and the strength and
power of reaction of the patient), wrap it round the body,
cover it with several dry blankets so that no part is exposed,
and keep the whole in close contact with the skin by elastic
circingles. . In fifteen minutes the skin should be glowing
and perspiring, and in half an hour the wrappings should
94 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
be removed, a little at a time, the parts rubbed dry and cov-
ered with a dry woolen blanket. It may be repeated as
often as the fever rises.
Diaphoretics. Besides these remedial methods of induc-
ing a revulsion and glow in the skin with perspiration, there
may be resorted to the medicinal diaphoretics. Among
these may be included copious drinks and injections of
warm water, acetate of ammonia, antimony, tpecacuan, or
pilocarpin, or one of the sedatives, aconite, veratrum, or
opium, etc. Many a threatened acute inflammation has
been to a great extent cut short and nipped in the bud—
the stage of chill—by warm clothing, active hand-rubbing,
and such an apparently unscientific nauseant as tobacco.
When the preliminary stage has passed and the hot stage
of the fever has set in, cooling and eliminating agents are
especially called for.
Laxatives. In many eases, and especially in those with
marked constipation or bowels loaded with indigestible ma-
terials, a laxative is beneficial. For the horse, aloes, or,
often better, sulphate of soda, and for cattle or sheep, the
latter, or Epsom salts, will at once remove an irritant, cool
the general system, draw off much blood and nervous energy
to the bowels, and secure a considerable depletion and
elimination from the intestines. For swine, dogs, and cats
castor-oil or salts may be used, and for fowls castor-oil. If
the mucous membranes are yellow, the tongue furred, and
feeces scanty, hard, and fcetid, a dose of calomel (horse or
ox, one drachm; sheep or pig, one scruple; dog, three
grains; chicken, one-half grain) with tartar emetic (horse or
ox, two drachms; sheep, twenty grains; swine, one-half
grain; dog, one-fourth grain; chicken, one-eighth grain)
may be given and followed in ten hours by one of the laxa-
tives named above.
Diuretics. In the absence of any manifest disorder of
the digestive organs, the laxative may be omitted and re-
Inflammation and Fever. 25
frigerant diuretics resorted to. Acetate of ammonia or po-
tassa, nitre, tartrate of potassa, carbonates of potassa or
soda, may be used along with sedatives. 2
Sedatwes. Of the sedatives, aconite, bromide of potas-
sium, veratrum, hyoseyamus, or chloral hydrate may be
used according to the special indications. As an example
the following may be prescribed for the horse: R. Nitrate
of potassa, two ounces; bromide of potassium, one ounce.
Mix. Divide into eight powders. Give one every six
hours.
Alkalies: vesolvents. When the organ inflamed is a
serous membrane in which dangerous adhesions or other
functional disorders are likely to occur from newly formed
false membranes, their formation should be counteracted as
far as possible by the free use of alkalies (carbonates of
soda, potash, or ammonia, nitre, iodide of potassium, muri-
ate of ammonia, etc.), and in the same conditions excessive
effusion should be controlled by free action on the kidneys.
Tonic Refrigerants. Later, when both inflammation
and fever have been somewhat reduced, temperature, breath-
ing, and pulse rendered more moderate, eye clearer, and
even appetite perhaps slightly improved, the sedatives may
give place to refrigerating tonics, such as mineral acids
(nitric, muriatic, sulphuric, or phosphoric), in combination
with bitters (quassia, cascarilla, calumba, gentian, salicin),
without as yet the suspension of refrigerant diuretics. Thus
for the horse the following: I. Pharmaceutical nitric acid,
two drams; infusion of gentian, ten ounces; nitrate of
potassa, two ounces. Dissolve. Give one ounce every six
hours. Of the newer refrigerants antipyrin is one of the
safest and best.
In Convalescence. When convalescence has fairly set in,
the fever has subsided, and there remains merely some de-
bility with a remnant of the inflammatory exudation to be
removed or organized into tissue, or when an abscess has
26 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
developed and burst, the tonics must be even more freely
given, the mineral acids may even give place to prepa-
rations of iron, and the diet must be made increasingly
liberal. But throughout the whole progress of the disease
the bowels should be carefully watched. Costiveness may
quickly undo all that has been gained, hence any indica-
tion of this should be met by laxative food (boiled flaxseed,
etc.), or, this failing, by injections or laxatives. Similarly, |
if a freer action of the kidneys seems to be necessary for
elimination of waste matters or to reduce fever, diuretics
should be continuously kept up.
TREATMENT oF ApyNAMIC INFLAMMATION AND Fever. In
treating low asthenic or adynamiec inflammation all de-
pression and depletion is to be carefully avoided. Even
laxatives must be employed with extreme caution. If ab-
solutely necessary it is best to give them in small (half)
doses and supplement their action by liberal injections of
hot water. Elimination of waste matter from the blood
and system is still to be sought, but it must be by st¢mulat-
ing diuretics (sweet spirits of nitre, carbonate, acetate, or
muriate of ammonia, digitalis), and direct stimulants and
tonics must be given from the first (ammonia, wine, strong
ale, whisky, brandy, ether, gentian, calumba, nux vomica).
For the horse the following may serve as an example:
fi. Sweet spirits of nitre, four ounces; sulphuric ether, two
ounces; tincture of gentian, ten ounces; digitalis, one dram.
Mix. Dose, two ounces in a pint of cool water four times
a day. When there is great debility and prostration, am-
moniacal and alcoholic stimulants must be given freely,
while if the fever heat rises very unduly the cooling diuretics
(citrate, tartrate, or acetate of potassa, or nitre, etc.), and
even sedatives (bromide of potassium, chloral hydrate, sa-
licin, salicylate of soda), must be resorted to. In weak or
prostrate subjects antipyrin may often be used with ad-
vantage, as in moderate doses it effectually lowers the tem-
Inflammation and Fever. 97
perature without decreasing the force of the circulation or
affecting the blood injuriously. If there is any indication
of a special depressing poison in the system, or of the ab-
sorption of septic or other noxious matter from a wound,
antiseptics (hydrochloric acid, or salicylic acid, sulphite of
soda, quinia, or chlorate of potassa) may be advantageously
added to the prescription. |
In these cases of asthenic inflammation, as in the ad-
vanced and debilitated stages of sthenic inflammation, the
diet should be as good as the patient can digest. Boiled
oats, barley, or flaxseed, rich, well-boiled gruels, and beef-
tea (even for herbivora) may frequently be resorted to with
advantage.
Local Treatment of Inflammation. In all forms of
superficial inflammation the local treatment occupies an
important place. The persistent application of cold (cold
water in a stream, ice-bags, freezing mixtures) will some-
times overcome the tendency to inflammation or arrest
it. This is especially sought when a violent inflamma-
tion (as in a wounded joint) threatens to destroy an im-
portant organ. If adopted it must be persisted in, as if
it is suspended too soon the reaction is likely to make
matters worse than ever. Cold astringent applications
have a similar tendency. Sugar-oflead, one-half ounce;
laudanum, one ounce; water, one quart, may be kept ap-
plied by means of a linen bandage. The water may often
be advantageously replaced by extract of wych-hazel. If
there is an exposed surface the lotion may be made slightly
antiseptic (carbolic acid, one dram; or sulphurous acid
solution, five ounces; water, one quart). Hot applica-
tions, fomentations, poulteces are nearly always appro-
priate, and when adopted should, like cold ones, be kept up
as continuously as possible. These soothe alike the super-
ficial and deeper parts, the latter through sympathy, pro-
ducing first a relaxation of vessels and tissues, and later a
98 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
contraction of the former attended by pallor of the surface.
They greatly favor suppuration when that is already inevita-
ble, though in other cases they may obviate it by checking
at an early stage the acute inflammatory process on which
it depends. Any bland agent that will retain heat and
moisture will make an excellent poultice, though flaxseed-
meal is the type of a soothing demulcent application. Very
slight inflammation may be successfully treated at the out-
set with a stemulating embrocation (alcohol or camphorated
spirit), yet in the more violent type of acute inflammation
all local excitants tend to aggravate the disease. In these
violent forms the activity of the disease should be first
abated by local soothing and general sedative measures, and
then the part over the inflamed organ may be safely
treated with a stimulating liniment or even a blister. In
such cases the liniment first acts as a derivative of blood
and nervous energy from the inflamed part, and later and
still more beneficially by securing in it a sympathetic heal-
ing process, like that set up in the skin. In raw sores
where inflammation has been set up the granulations may
become dropsical or excessive, bulging beyond the adjacent
skin as proud flesh. This should be repressed by touching
it gently with some mild caustic (lunar caustic), so as to pro-
duce a thin white film, and the remote cause of the inflam-
mation (often a local irritant) should be sought and removed.
In some unhealthy sores tending to excessive granulation,
the compound tincture of myrrh and aloes may be applied
daily with great benefit.
Llistering. In subacute and chronic inflammations and
in those acute forms in which the violence of the inflamma-
tory action has been already subdued by soothing measures,
blisters and other counter-irritants may be employed to
counteract the remaining inflammatory action. These act
primarily by drawing off blood and nervous energy from
the inflamed organ to the skin, and secondarily, by estab-
Inflammation and Fever. 99
lishing a sympathetic healing process in the diseased part,
simultaneously with the work of recovery in the skin, when
the blister has spent its action. But if applied above a part
which is still violently inflamed, it is apt to seriously agera-
vate that, through this same sympathy with the part suffer-
ing under the rising of the blister. In this way great
and irreparable injury is often done through the laudations
of particular blisters for the cure of given diseases, without
any reference to the stage or grade of such disease. The
value of a blister depends far more on the time of its appli-
eation than on the ingredients of which it may be com-
posed. A simple formula is as follows: Powdered can-
tharides, 2 drams; morphine, 2 grains; lard, 1 ounce. Mix.
Cut the hair close to the skin from the part to be blistered,
and rub in for two or three minutes against the direction of
the hair. The ointment must be rubbed in more energeti-
eally in winter than in summer, when the circulation in the
skin is freer and the oleaginous matters remain more liquid
and penetrating. For cattle, the addition of one dram
of oil of turpentine will usually be necessary. Jor sheep, a
mixture of equal parts of strong aqua ammonia and olive-
oil, well shaken together, and rubbed on the skin, will usu-
ally suffice. There is no need for removal of the wool.
Firing. This acts in nearly the same manner as a blister,
and demands similar caution in its application. It is es-
pecially available in subacute and chronic diseases of the
joints, bones, and tendons, and may be made more or less
severe according to the nature and obstinacy of the disease.
It is applied in points or in lines at intervals of one-half to
one inch, and penetrating one-third, one-half, or entirely
through the skin. The hotter the iron the less the pain,
but the greater the danger of destruction of the inter-
vening we by the excess of radiating heat. Hence the
contact of the heated iron with any one part must be
judiciously graduated to the heat of the iron and the deli-
30) The Farmers Veterinary Adviser:
cacy of the skin, and should never exceed a fraction of a
second. But it is only in the greatest extremity that the
stock-owner should himself undertake such an operation, so
that any lengthened description is superfluous.
Abscess. The treatment of abscess consists in warm poul-
tices (flax-seed meal, wheat-bran, boiled carrots) or fomenta-
tions in the early stages, to hasten and perfect suppuration,
and thus to dispose of the superfluous and injurious consol-
idated lymph, and prevent the threatened destruction of
tissue. The poultices should be put on warm (about 100° F.)
and replaced by fresh ones when they have become soured
or dry. Poulticing should be kept up without intermission
till the hard inflamed mass has become soft and fluctuating
in the centre, and, indeed, until this liquefaction has ex-
tended throughout its whole substance. If the abscess is
deeply seated, it may be desirable to continue it until the
superincumbent layers of tissue have become absorbed and
the pus is felt to be separated from the air only by an atten-
uated layer of skin. Then it is opened with a lancet or
sharp knife inserted in the centre of the thinnest part, where
the pressure of the advancing pus has pushed all impor-
tant structures aside, so that incision is made practically
without danger. The opening should be large, so that the
finger, previously dipped in a carbolic-acid solution (1 : 50) or
carbolated vaseline (1:20), may be introduced and its ex-
tent ascertained. Usually the opening will be sufficiently
low to secure a constant and free drainage of all pus subse-
quently formed from the walls of the abscess. If, however,
sacs exist beneath the level of the opening in which the pus
must collect, then the incision must be extended in a down-
ward direction until it will drain such sac or sacs. If this
would produce too large a wound, then a counter-opening
should be made leading downward and outward from the
lowest part of the sac. For this purpose a curved staff is
carried to the lowest part of the abscess, and pressed out-
Inflammation and Fever. 31
ward so as to project under the skin, and cut down upon
from without. In doing this important structures are largely
pushed aside, yet they may be left in the way of the incis-
ion, so that safety demands a knowledge of the parts to be
eut. More than one opening may be required from differ-
ent dependent sacs, though in other cases such sacs may be
made continuous, and be drained from one opening by
breaking down the partitions between them. Here again
there is danger, as arteries and nerves sometimes pass
through the centre of an abscess, and dangerous bleeding
or paralysis may follow their division.
If the lower or drainage-opening from an abscess is neces-
sarily small, or so compressed by adjacent structures as to
interrupt the free and constant flow of pus, a drainage-tube
of perforated caoutchouc, or a bunch of horse-hair or silk,
should be inserted to secure a perfect discharge. Such
agents should be clean and dipped in a solution of carbolic
acid (1:50) before insertion. -When the sac has become
obliterated by contraction of its walls the canal of discharge
may be allowed to heal gradually, from within outward, by
withdrawing the drainage-tube a little day by day, cutting
off the projecting portion, and allowing the canal to close
behind it.
When poultices appear insufficient to precipitate suppura-
tion, more stimulating applications may at times be adopted.
Blisters at times succeed, but there is a danger (especially
great in specific phlegmons like those of strangles) that they
“may drive back the inflammatory products to form in other
organs, perhaps deep-seated and vital ones. The common
domestic remedy of sugar and soap is more certain and safe,
or it may be replaced by a mixture of salt, soap, and crude
Canada balsam.
CHAPTER II.
CONTAGIOUS AND EPIZOOTIC DISEASES.
Their importance and classification. Germs the cause of plagues. Purely
contagious diseases preventible. Propagation of disease-germs outside the
animal body. General characters of micro-organisms causing disease. Form
inconstant in different media. Viability of bacterium and spore. What
they eat, breathe, and excrete. Alkaloids and ferments. Antagonism be-
tween bacteria and blood-globules and tissue-nuclei. Relative susceptibility
of blood, lymph, and solid organ. Effects of acid and alkaline media, of
light, electricity, heat, cold. Fecundity of bacteria. List of bacteria pro-
ducing animal diseases. Rendering animals insusceptible to a plague.
Direct cause of acquired immunity. Exhaustion theory. Antidotal theory.
Condensation theory. Vital resistance. Immunity by good hygiene; by
tonics and anti-ferments ; by a first attack ; by inducing a mild type of the
plague ; by inoculation of a closely related disease ; by inoculation of a
minimum amount of virus ; by arrest of the disease while still local—anti-
septic ; by inoculation in an unimportant organ ; by inoculation in the veins ;
by inoculation with germs weakened by passing through another genus of ani-
mal ; by inoculation with germs weakened by cultivation in special media 5
by inoculation with germs grown for long in free contact with air; by
inoculation with germs weakened by condensed oxygen ; by inoculation with
germs weakened by long rest in free air; by inoculation with the sterilized
products of germs. Advantages of the use of sterilized virus. Drawbacks.
Limitation of protection by sterilized products. Radical extinction of plagues.
Measures for extinction of a prevailing plague. To exclude an animal
plague from a country. Disinfection.
These are among the most important of the whole range
of diseases of animals, being the most destructive to the
animals themselves and in many cases to man, and being at
the same time, as a rule, preventible by a rigid adherence
to sanitary laws. Of their devastations we have the most
appalling accounts in the records of antiquity as well as in
Contagious and Epigootic Diseases. 33
recent times. In the time of Moses they ravaged Egypt
— until, says the record, “all the cattle of Egypt died ;” nor
- was man spared, for “ boils and blains” broke out on man
and beast.— Hz. LX. 3. At the siege of Troy the Grecian
army was decimated by a similar infliction, animals and men
_ perishing in a common destruction—Jliad. So it has been
down through the ages, the great extension of the plagues
being usually determined by general wars and the accumu-
lation of cattle drawn from all sources (infected and sound)
into the commissariat parks. In the first half of the
eighteenth century it is estimated that 200,000,000 head of
cattle perished in Europe in connection with the Austrian
wars. These plagues again entered Italy in 1793 with the
Austrian troops, and in three years carried off 3,000,000 to
4,000,000 cattle in that peninsula. More recently, rapid
railroad and steamboat traffic and extended commerce have
_ taken the place of war in favoring their diffusion. Free
trade between England and the Continent since 1842 has
cost the former $450,000,000 in thirty years, and as much as
$40,000,000 in 1865-66 during the prevalence of the Rin-
derpest. A similar importation cost Egypt 300,000 head of
cattle (nearly the whole stock of the country) in 1842, and
others have caused ruinous but unestimated losses in Aus-
tralia, Cape of Good Hope, and South America. On the
other hand, some of the most exposed countries of Europe,
Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Schleswig-Holstein, Olden-
burg, Mecklenburg, and Switzerland have long kept clear of
these plagues by the simple expedient of excluding all in-
fected animals or their products, and promptly stamping
out the disease by the slaughter of the sick, followed by
thorough disinfection, when they have been accidentally in-
troduced. Exclusively breeding districts, in Spain, Portu-
gal, Normandy, and the Scottish Highlands, into which no
strange cattle are ever imported, also keep clear of nearly
all of these destructive pestilences.
3
34 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
_ It is unquestionable that the animal plagues are propa-
gated, in Western Europe and America, only by the disease-
germs produced in countless myriads in the body of a dis-
eased animal and conveyed from that to the healthy. It
follows that the destruction of the infected subjects and the
thorough disinfection of the careass, manure, buildings, etc.,
is the most economical treatment of all the more fatal forms
of contagious disease in live stock. For the less fatal forms,
the most perfect separation and seclusion, and the thorough
disinfection of all with which they have come in contact
is still imperative.
To the first class of exotic maladies belong: Smadl-pom in
sheep and birds, the lung-plague or contagious pleuro-
pneumonia of cattle, the Leinderpest or cattle-plague, the
malignant disease of the generative organs in solipeds, and
malignant cholera in all animals. These demand separa-
tion, destruction, and disinfection. To the second or less
fatal class of exotic maladies belongs the Aphthous fever or
foot and mouth disease. This demands seclusion and dis-
infection.
Beside these maladies, that are foreign to our soil and
which are not to be feared except as the result of importa-
tion from abroad and subsequent transmission by contagion,
there is a very important class which, though perhaps not
generated in America, are widely disseminated over the
continent and spread by contagion. Among these may be
named: Glanders and farey, canine aes contagious
foot-rot, tuberculosis, bacillar anthrax, vibrionic (emphy-
sematous) anthrax, Texan-fever, swine-plague, influenza,
strangles, canine distemper, and perhaps the variola or pox
of horse, cow, goat, pig, and dog. All of these down to
swine-plague, like foreign contagious affections, demand
separation and disinfection, with destruction or not of the
diseased, according to the severity and diffusibility of the
particular malady. The remainder, from influenza onward,
Contagious and Epizootic Diseases. 35
are either too mild to warrant such measures, or too easily
spread to be satisfactorily controlled by them.
GERMS THE CAUSE OF PLAGUES.
Since the above was written the demonstration of the es-
sential causes of a number of these plagues in microscopical
vegetable ferments (microphytes) has practically opened a
new field in pathology, prevention, and treatment. When a
plague is found to be due to seed sown in a susceptible
animal system, such seed being not a product of the
animal body, but derived from a different kingdom (the
Vegetable), and introduced from without the economy, it
follows that every case of such disease implies that the body
of the animal victim has been seeded for that particular
crop as a field is for wheat, barley, or rye, and in both cases
alike the seed sown has come from a preceding crop and
a preceding sowing. The parallel may be put thus: Vo
seed = no wheat; no germ = no plague.
PURELY CONTAGIOUS DISEASES PREVENTIBLE WITH CERTAINTY.
The moment we apprehend the fact that a particular
plagne is essentially dependent for its existence on a specific
germ, we are compelled to the conclusion that it is quite
possible to prevent the spread of such a disease and to ex-
tirpate it from a country in which it has already gained a
foothold. If ata given date all English sparrows on the
American continent were destroyed, we would be rid of the
race until specimens were again imported. So witha plague
eaused by a vegetable germ ; let all plague-stricken animals
and all the living disease-germs be destroyed, and the plague
would be certainly abolished. Ordinary hygiene makes no
such radical extinction of a plague. Clean, airy, wholesome
surroundings retard the progress of a plague and favor the
production of a milder type of the malady, but they allow
the preservation of the germ, ready to resume all its pristine
36 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
violence when conditions are favorable. Asa field of wheat
suffers alike in quantity and quality from poor soil and lack
of cultivation, manure, rain, sunshine, and heat, but in spite
of all brings to maturity a seed for a future crop, so the
plague-germ languishes somewhat when the animal systems
and their surroundings do not favor its propagation, yet it
does not perish, but from the mild case it advances to the
more severe and deadly whenever the circumstances become
more favorable. As an instance of the obstinate vitality of
the disease-germ, we see that in an uninterrupted open-air
life, in a land of perpetual summer, the lung-plague of cattle
advanced more rapidly, proved more deadly, and defied
human control more successfully on the grassy plains of
Australia and South Africa than in any other part of the
globe.
No measure less radical than the destruction of every dis-
eased animal and its infecting products will furnish a
guarantee of the permanent extinction of plagues spread by
living vegetable germs only, but in all such plagues the de-
struction of the germ gives a perfect assurance of this re-
sult, and is the bounden duty of the Government.
PROPAGATION OF DISEASE-GERMS OUTSIDE THE ANIMAL BODY.
The absolute destruction of disease-germs and the extinc-
tion of the corresponding plagues is limited by the fact that
the germs of certain maladies live and increase out of the
animal body. Prominent among these may be named the
germs of anthrax, typhoid fever, yellow fever, and cholera,
which increase not only in numbers, but often in deadliness
as well, in sewers, cesspools, dung-heaps, filth-saturated
soils, and undrained impervious ground which is rich in de-
composing organic matter. Where a germ of a given plague
is permanently domiciled in a soil favorable to its preserva-
tion and growth it is manifest that the disposal of sick ani-
Contagious and Epizootie Diseases. 37
mals and the disinfection of their products will not eradicate
the disease from the locality. It must be also destroyed in
the soil as well, and fortunately this can sometimes be done
by thorough drainage, exposure to the air, and prolonged
and thorough cultivation.
Most of the disease-germs heretofore discovered have been
cultivated in carefully secluded glass vessels, in animal
liquids (soups, etc.), or on semi-solid organic bodies (pep-
tonized gelatine, etc.), showing very clearly the possibility
of survival outside the animal body. On the other hand, the
history of certain animal plagues (Rinderpest, lung-plague,
glanders, small-pox) furnishes no instance of the outbreak
of the disease without a pre-existing case as a direct cause,
but gives numerous examples in which, after the immunity
of a given country for a great length of time, a specific
plague has been imported from without and has thereafter
spread with almost unprecedented severity. In such cases,
even where the soil is favorable to the preservation and
multiplication of the germ, it is still necessary first to im-
plant the seeds, as it was necessary to go abroad for the
seeds of the thistle which now grows so luxuriantly in many
of our fields.
It follows that, instead of abandoning all effort for the ex-
tinction of plagues, the germs of which can increase in the
soil, ete., we should avail of every means of excluding their
seeds from our shores, or, if they have already gained a
foothold, we should prevent them from spreading and con-
taminating new soils, and thus multiplying the permanent
centers of infection.
GENERAL CHARACTERS OF THE MICROPHYTES CAUSING DIS-
EASE.
The germs that determine specific diseases in animals
nearly all belong to the lowest order of vegetable life, known
as, Bacteria, Schizophytes, Schizomycetes, or Microbia. As
88 The Farmer's Vetermary Adviser.
found in the animal fluids these may be distinguished
(after Du Bary) as follows:
I. Asporew. That don’t form Spores.
1. Cocci. Round or ovoid cells.
a. Micrococcus. Very minute round or ovoid cells;
singly, in chains, or in formless gelatinous
masses.
6. Macrococcus or “ Monas.” Larger round or ovoid
cells.
¢. Diplococcus. Cells in pairs.
d. Staphylococcus. Cells in groups.
e. Streptococcus. Cells in fine chains.
J- Sarcine. Cells in cubes of four or eight.
g. Ascococcus. Cells in larger irregular colonies or
groups.
IT. Arthrosporee. Form Spores—by segmentation.
a. Bacterium. Short rods.
6. Leptothrix. Rodlike cells remaining united in
very fine filaments.
e. Cladothrix. Filaments with apparent branching.
d. Spirochete. Long flexible sinuous filaments. —
ITI. Endosporew. Form Spores within the mother cell.
a. Bacillus. Filament short, straight, or bent; rigid,
with distinct joints.
6. Vibrio. Wavy, very flexible filament.
¢. Spirillum. Short spiral rigid filament.
Many microphytes are furnished with delicate mobile
filaments by which they move actively in spite of their
rigid forms, and whip into active motion small bodies (cells,
granules) in their vicinity.
The form and mobility of microphytes are by no means
constant. The rigid bacillus may, in different media out of
the body, grow out into long waving branches, forming
spores, and even into beautiful net-works. Organisms, too,
Contagious and Epizootic Diseases. 39
which at one stage of their existence are perfectly motion-
less, are at other stages endowed with powers of active
movement. The spores, like dried grain as compared with
the cereal plant, have a greatly enhanced vitality, can sur-
vive indefinitely without change, and in some ceases resist
even a boiling temperature for a length of time.
All bacteria live upon organic matter, and some use up a
large amount of oxygen by way of respiration—the awrobia
of Pasteur. Others can adapt themselves to a comparative
privation of oxygen, and some, it would appear, can live alto-
gether apart from the air, obtaining the oxygen necessary
to their existence from the decomposition of the nitroge-
nous animal or vegetable substances on which they feed :
These last are the anwrobia of Pasteur. A large class of
the air-breathing bacteria are mere scavengers (saprophytes)
feeding upon decomposing organic matters and resolving
their component parts into carbon dioxide and other simple
bodies which constitute food for plants. Thus they exer-
cise a most important function in nature, in transforming
into plant-food the products of vegetables and animals which
would otherwise accumulate in endless quantity. <A fer-
menting manure-heap or a decomposing carcass or plant is
a grand exhibition of this beneficent work, and the nitrifi-
cation in soils is equally the work of these invisible servants
of nature.
The products of bacteria growth are very numerous and
vary much with the species and the medium in which they
grow. The products of those growing in free air are, how-
ever, usually simple and comparatively harmless, while those
that have only a limited supply of air and that obtain their
oxygen by breaking up nitrogenous matters are usually, in
part at least, more complex in chemical composition and are
more likely to prove poisonous. Thus it is that disease-
germs increase in virulence and in their fatal power after
they have been grown for several generations in the tissues
40 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
of animals with a very limited supply of air ; and thus, too, it
is that some maintain and even increase their infectiousness
when grown in organic matter out of the body, but apart
from the action of the atmosphere; for example, in close
spaces beneath barn floors, in cesspools, closed drains, in
privy-vaults, in graves, in dense or clay soils, in marshy
ground, and in soils rich in organic matter and in which the
gases resulting from decomposition drive out the air. (See
Author’s article in New York Jfedical Record for June
18, 1881).
F liigge gives the following list of the chief products of bac-
teria: Spree as OO,, H, CH, HS, NH;; water ; sulphur ;
volutile bodies, such as trimethylamin, alcohol, famine acid,
acetic acid, butyric acid; jéxed acids, as lactic acid, malic
acid, succinic acid, oxalic acid, tartaric acid ; sulpho-acids, as
taurin, amides of the fatty acids, especially leucin, alanin,
etc.; bodies of the aromatic series, as tyrosin, phenol, cresol ;
reduction products, as indol, hydroparacumaric acid ; com-
plex molecules, as carbohydrates, pepton, hydrolytic fer-
ments; finally, coloring matters and poisonous alkaloid
substances.”
Of these the simplest bodies, at the head of which are
the gases, are especially the products of bacterial growth am
Sree air, and these, under the circumstances of their pro- |
duction, are usually harmless to the animal organism. The
more elaborate and complex bodies, however, represented
especially by the potsonous alkaloids and the hydrolytic
Jerments, are, par excellence, the product of bacteria growth
in albuminoid substances, and in comparative absence of air ;
and these are the products which are especially poisonous
to the animal organism. In attacking the animal economy,
and above all the living cells of the lymph, blood, and tis-
sues, the alkaloid and other poisons destroy their life, or at
least impair their vital powers, so that they can no longer
with sufficient force exercise their own protective power of
Contagious and Epizootic Diseases. 41
digesting and assimilating such organic matter as is pre-
sented to them, and in this weakened state they are readily
acted upon by the hydrolytic ferment of the bacterium and
reduced to a soluble product which the bacterium can take
into its substance and assimilate. This explains why so
many bacteria can grow in the animal tissues that can not
grow in the blood. In the solid tissue the cell is fixed and
immovable, and must sustain the whole force of the undi-
luted bacteria product (alkaloid and ferment). If at all
susceptible to these, it is therefore liable to succumb. But
in the circulating blood, the constantly moving liquid speed-
ily dilutes and weakens the bacteria poisons, so as to fre-
quently render them harmless, and meanwhile the bacteria
themselves are constantly assailed by new streams of the
digesting product of the blood-globules, and are nearly
always weakened or even digested by the blood-globules.
Hence, too, the preference shown by the disease-producing
bacteria for the lymphatic system over the blood. In the
lymphatic system the circulation is slow, especially in the
microscopi¢ net-works in which the lymphatics originate in
the tissues, and in the glands in which the lymph is delayed
and its cells multiplied. Here, accordingly, we have a con-
dition approximating to that of the cells in the solid tis-
sues. The comparatively stagnant lymph-cells in the radical
net-works and glands are attacked by the concentrated poi-
sons of the bacteria, no longer diluted and weakened by the
active circulation of liquid that takes place in the blood-
vessels, and the bacteria, living and multiplying at their ex-
pense, invade the surrounding tissue as well, and can per-
haps after a time carry their invasion even into the blood
with good prospect of success. It should be noted that
even in the solid tissues an attempt is made to meet and
conquer the invading army of bacteria. As soon as the
irritant products begin to act on the tissue, inflammation is
set up and large numbers of the white globules of the blood
49 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
are passed out of the vessels, into the affected tissue,
and meanwhile the original fixed cells of that tissue also
undergo a rapid multiplication, so that the inflamed part
soon becomes a centre of extraordinarily active cell-growth.
In many cases the defence is successful and the invading
bacteria are devoured or thrown off in a mass of pus, or in
a circumscribed slough. In others, the accumulating cells
which constitute the army of defence sink under the lethal
power of the bacteria products, and the bacteria invasion is
carried into the entire system.
That bacteria attack the vital powers in other ways is
undoubted. The production of the poisons above named,
by the decomposition of the albuminoid tissues of the body,
implies the destruction of these important tissues, the im-
pairment of function and of the strength, and, it may be,
death or long-standing debility. In other cases, as in the
case of the Bacillus anthracis, they abstract oxygen from the
red blood-globules, and reduce the blood to a venous con-
dition in which it can no longer nourish the body nor
maintain the vital functions, and hence speedy death is the
rule in that infection. In still other cases, illustrated again
by the Bacillus anthracis, the bacteria accumulate in the
lymph- and blood-vessels in such numbers as to block the
vessels and stop circulation in the part affected, and bring
about a corresponding train of evil consequences.
Wyssokowitsch found that, in case of a survival of bacteria
injected into the blood, they passed in part into the white
blood-globules, and were arrested mainly in the liver, spleen,
kidney, and marrow of bone; unless, indeed, the particular
germ had a predilection for a special organ. In these dif-
ferent organs they had passed into the cells (endothelial)
lining the capillary blood-vessels. He even attributes the
prolonged latency of certain contagious diseases to the lodg-
ment of the germs in an inactive condition for a length of
time in these endothelial cells. This, however, lacks con-
Contagious and Epizootie Diseases. 43
firmation, and is rather improbable, considering the assimi-
lating power of the animal cell.
It remains to be noted that other conditions than the
presence and absence of air (oxygen) affect the develop-
ment and pathogenic power of the bacteria.
Thus, as the animal fluids generally are alkaline (the secre-
tion of the stomach and contents of the large intestine ex-
cepted), the bacteria that live in them are those adapted to
an alkaline medium, and are at once debilitated or killed
by being placed in an acid medium. Hence, most patho-
genic bacteria, taken in with the food, are either killed or
rendered harmless by passing through the acid stomach, and
those only successfully run this gauntlet that are taken in in
the condition of spores, or that pass through during an at-
tack of gastric indigestion, when the acid is defective. For
the same reason these bacteria require, for their survival
out of the body, a medium (soil, fermenting heap) that is
naturally alkaline by reason of the presence of lime, or by
the artificial production of ammonia, which is so constant a
product of fermentative decomposition. The saturation of
the fermenting mass, therefore, with a powerful acid, not
only checks the alkaline fermentation but also usually disin-
fects the mass if infectious germs are present.
Light, too, has a marked influence on bacteria growth,
the disease-producing forms being especially those that
thrive in darkness, while their virulence is more or less im-
paired by exposure to sunlight. Hence the great value of
light as well asof oxygen as a means of purification and dis-
infection.
Hlectricity, too, has a potent influence on their develop-
ment, though it seems to act differently according to the par-
ticular kind of germ and the strength of the electric current.
Thus everyone knows the effect of a thunder-storm in rap-
idly souring milk, a process which is directly caused by the
Bacillus lactis ; and the rapid decay of vegetables, and even
44 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
of eggs, the result of the action of various bacteria, is equally
familiar. Yet Dubois shows that the effect of a strong
electric current is fatal to the ALtcrococcus prodigiosus.
Heat is another important agency. Each bacterium has
a given range of temperature within which its propagation
is most active. All excepting those that have produced
spores are destroyed by exposure to a high temperature—
from that of boiling water down. Different spores will re-
sist boiling for different periods.
Cold arrests the growth of bacteria, but does not neces-
sarily kill them, many reviving after prolonged freezing.
Plague-generating bacteria that are destroyed by cold pro-
duce those plagues which, like cholera, Texas cattle fever, and
yellow fever, do not survive the winter in northern latitudes.
The possibility of the action of bacteria for evil may be
deduced from their power of rapid increase in suitable sur-
roundings. They multiply their numbers by fission—one
enlarging and dividing into two, and thus some of them
can, under favorable conditions, double their numbers every
hour. A single bacterium increasing at this rate would, in
twenty-four hours, have produced 16,777,216. These, again,
multiplying at the same rate would, at the end of twenty-
four hours more, amount to 282,584,976,710,656. A single
Bacterium termo (of putrefaction), one-thousandth of a
millimeter in diameter and a five-hundredth of a millimeter
in length, would produce in forty-eight hours a sufficient
progeny to nearly fill a half-pint measure. The increase
attained in five days at the same rate is so enormous that
to state it would only arouse incredulity. The curious can
calculate it for himself, doubling the product every hour.
Fortunately for the world the bacteria cannot find such
opportunities for unrestricted increase, but they perish in
unlimited numbers by starvation, by the action of light,
heat, cold, oxygen, electricity, chemical poisons, by the ac-
tion of other living organisms, and even by preying on each
Contagious and Epizootie Diseases. 45
other, so that their numbers are generally kept within benef-
icent bounds. In the case, however, of those that can live
in animal and vegetable bodies, the limit is manifestly set
by the number of such susceptible bodies furnished ready
to be attacked. Hence the danger of a plague is always
proportionate to the number of live-stock susceptible to it,
and with continual intercourse between these there can be
no limit to the rapid progress, the extent, and the deadly
effects of the infection.
LIST OF DISEASE-PRODUCING BACTERIA.
The following is a partial list of the bacteria found in
diseased states in animals:
Micrococcus. Lvound or Ovoid Bacteria.
Micrococcus Vaccine in Cow-pox and Horse-pox.
= Variolee Ovinee in Sheep-pox.
* Ureze in Ammoniacal Urine (Cystitis).
es of Erysipelas.
. “ Ulcerative Endocarditis.
- “ Croupous Pneumonia in Horse (Pneumo-
coccus).
i “ Lung-plague in Cattle.
“ ‘“* Suppuration.
i “ Septic Wounds.
Ye “ Gangrenous Wounds.
= << Fowl Cholera.
me “ Diphtheria.
Diplococcus of Swine Plague.
Sarcina Ventriculi of Stomach.
“ Urine of Bladder.
Bacterium. Short Rods.
Bacterium Syneyanum (Cyanogens) in Blue Milk.
Kg Synzanthinum (Zanthogens) in Yellow Milk.
és (Hruginosum in Red Milk.
46 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
Leptothrix. Filaments of Connected very Small Cells.
Leptothrix Buccalis of Mouth and Carious Teeth.
& Vaginee of Generative Organs in Enzootic
Abortion in Cattle.
Bacillus. Straight or Bent Filaments.
Bacillus Anthracis in Anthrax.
“of Malignant Cidema in Horse.
4 “ Glanders.
* ‘Tuberculosis.
“ Septiceemia.
“ Swine Plague.
3 “ Carious Teeth.
“* Leprosy.
Vibrio. Linear, Wavy, Flexible Filament.
Vibrio of Emphysematous Anthrax (Black quarter).
«© Cholera (Comma Bacillus, Koch).
Spirilum. Spiral, Rigid Filament.
Spirillum of Relapsing Fever of Horse (‘‘ Surrz”).
“¢ Milk-sickness.
+ “* Gums and Teeth (Spirochzete Cohni).
RENDERING ANIMALS INSUSCEPTIBLE TO A PLAGUE.
So much has been done of late in the direction of pro-
tecting the individual animal against a contagious disease
by reducing its susceptibility thereunto, that it seems needful
to furnish a short general statement of the various processes
adopted to secure this, and their explanation.
Direct Cause of Acquired Immunity. It has long been
well known that for a certain class of contagious diseases a
first attack protects its victim for many years, or even for
a lifetime, against a second. This knowledge was availed
of in inoculating exposed animals with virulent matter from
a mild case of a dangerous disease (small-pox, sheep-pox),
Contagious and Epizootic Diseases. AV
and thus inducing a disease which, in the great majority of
cases, was slight and comparatively harmless. In the same
way children have been voluntarily exposed to the infection
of measles or scarlet fever when that particular disease was
prevailing in an unusually mild form, and by passing through
such mild form of the malady have been empowered to resist
the infection when at a later date the disease had assumed
a malignant and fatal type.
Of late years facts have accumulated which tend to
throw light on the real cause of such acquired immunity.
To comprehend these it is necessary to state one or two
fundamental truths.
1. A contagious disease is maintained and propagated in
an animal body, and from one animal to another, by the
multiplication and transference of a living organism, having
the property possessed by all living bodies of increase by
natural generation, of assimilation of food, and of the ex-
cretion of waste material. In a certain number of conta-
gious diseases these have been shown to be infinitesimal
cellular organisms (bacteria) allied to the ferments which
produce alcohol, vinegar, the carbonic acid which raises
bread, and the offensive liquids and gases of putrefaction.
It is not necessary to claim that all contagious diseases are
caused by bacterial ferments’; it is enough for our present
purpose to assume that every contagious disease is due to
the presence of a distinct microscopic living particle which
feeds, excretes, and increases by generation as do ferments.
The only other alternative, that it is due to a chemical
agent which acts injuriously on the tissues of the body, dis-
proves itself; for every chemical agent expends its power in
exercising such cheniical action, and can by no means re-
eruit its substance nor strength, but will act with greater or
less effect according to the amount originally applied, and
must be more speedily exhausted in exact ratio with the bulk
or the number of the animals attacked ; whereas the disease-
48 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
germ (contagium) constantly increases in quantity and force
with the increasing number of the susceptible victims upon
which it is allowed to operate.
2. Each particular kind of disease-germ has but a limited —
sway over the animal creation, one or more genera proving
completely insusceptible to it. Thus measles, scarlatina, and
mumps are peculiar to man, lung-plague to the ox, Rinder-
pest to ruminants, and strangles to solipeds. Other races
of animals have by nature a stronger resistance to each par-
ticular disease than the susceptible races acquire even by a
first attack.
3. This antagonism or power of resistance to a particular
disease is especially inherent in the living animal and in
different instances solutions or gelatinous compounds made —
from the bodies of insusceptible animals have been found
to support the life and multiplication of disease-germs that
were entirely harmless to the living animal.
4. In the life of bacterial ferments (and disease-germs)
there are two main considerations bearing on the question
of the causation of disease: a, The ferment abstracts from
the liquid element in which it lives the food elements
necessary for its nutrition and growth; and, 0, the ferment
throws out of its system into the liquid in which it lives
the waste products of its own bodily life. Thus the beer-
yeast consumes the sugar in the malt, and after using it for
its own nourishment, throws out into the liquid carbonic
acid and alcohol.
So it is with the disease-generating bacteria. They draw
upon the animal fluids for their food materials, thus ab-
stracting from the system materials that may be essential to
health, and they pour back into the animal fluids products
that may be injurious to health.
5. The disease-producing bacteria or other germs are liable
to be arrested in the capillary blood-vessels, the lymphatic
radical net-works of the different tissues and the lymphatic
Contagious and Epizootic Diseases. 49
glands, to block these passages to a greater or less extent,
and to derange healthy processes by obstructing the flow of
blood or lymph or by irritating the parts and producing
local inflammation.
These may serve as principles in the light of which to
consider the various theories of the mode of operation by
which a first attack gives immunity from a second. Four
hypotheses have been advanced to account for this immunity,
which may be considered seriatim.
a. The Exhaustion Theory. This assumes that in the
susceptible animal the disease germ finds its appropriate
food, which has been accumulating from birth, that it uses
up this and is starved to death when this supply has be-
come exhausted. The theory holds that the presence of
the living germ in the system causes the fever, that the
fever subsides when the germ dies, and that the disease
cannot again recur in the same animal because all the
- food of the disease-germ which it contained has been used
up. This view was naturally adopted by Pasteur, whose
chemical experience with beer and wine had accustomed
him to gauge the growth of the yeast by the amount of
sugar in the malt or grape-juice. It is, however, utterly
untenable as applied to the growth of a disease-germ in
an animal body. In the animal system the disease-germ
lives in a medium which is constantly changing, new food
material is taken in several times a day, this new food
is being continually built up into living tissues, and from
the living tissues so constructed waste materials are being
constantly abstracted and carried out of the body. Thenew-
born animal readily contracts a contagious disease, though
the whole period of its pre-existence from its inception in
the ovum does not exceed one month to one year in the dif-
ferent domestic animals; yet, after a first attack, it may live
for many years exposed at frequent intervals to the same
contagion, and never again submit to its malign influence.
4
50 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
Is it conceivable that in these many years of active life and
nutrition this same animal system has been unable to elab-
orate even a fraction of that particular food which was so
abundantly produced in the first short year or months of
its existence? But this is not all. If the muscles or other
tissues of this animal, rendered insusceptible by a first attack
of a given disease, are boiled and made into a soup, it sup-
ports the life of the specific germ of that disease, and even
secures its rapid increase. It follows that there is no lack
of food in the living body for this germ which finds such a
fertile field in the soup made from its elements.
b. The Antidote Theory. This supposes that some
chemical substance is produced during the progress of the
disease which is laid up in the living tissues of the animal
body, and acts as a direct poison to the germ. This,
adopted by Klebs and Klein, has, like the first-named
hypothesis, a basis in the action of ferments in simple
chemical solutions out of the animal body. Bread that
has risen once or twice under the action of yeast is raised
less effectually on each successive occasion, though more
flour is added every time. So with many other ferments;
their growth is rendered less active in proportion to the
accumulation of their own chemical products in the liquid
in which they are. But the germ is not killed by the ac-
cumulation of its chemical products; it remains alive and
active so long as it finds food in its surroundings. Were it
otherwise, it is not conceivable that these chemical products
should remain in the tissues for years in a soluble condition,
in which alone they would be taken in by the germ, so as
to poison it. If entirely insoluble they might remain in
the tissues indefinitely, like the particles of charcoal in the
tattooed skin, but they could not affect the composition of
the animal fluids nor hinder the growth of any germs
in these liquids. If, on the contrary, they were soluble in
these animal fluids, they would, like other dissolved pro-
Contagious and Epizootic Diseases. 51
ducts,- be carried to the kidneys, skin, bowels, etc., and
thrown out of the system in a few days or weeks, so that
the system would be no longer protected by them against
- anew attack. But aside from this, as seen under our last
heading, a soup made of the tissues of an animal which has
been protected by a first attack of a given disease will
readily support the life, growth, and reproduction of the
germ which is the cause of that disease. This is conclusive ;
for the infusion of the tissues will contain the chemical pro-
ducts which were the alleged cause of the destruction of
the germ.
e. The Condensation and Filtration Theory. Tous-
saint found that during an attack of anthrax the lymphatic
glands were congested and swollen, and that on the sub-
sidence of the disorder the exuded matter which caused
the swelling, developing into fibrous tissue, contracted upon
the lymphatic ducts in such glands, compressing them and
lessening their calibre, so that he supposed they no longer
admitted the passage of the germs (bacteria) of the disease.
This view was thought to be supported by the absence of
bacteria in the fcetus in many instances where the dam had
perished from the disease, the filtration having presumably
been effected by the placenta. But, as I have shown else-
where, the foetus partakes of the nature of carnivorous ani-
_ mals which are insusceptible to many germs producing disease
in the herbivora. The filtration theory becomes untenable
when we consider that the lymph-corpuscles, which are in-
comparably larger than any lethal bacteria, continue to find
their way through the constricted tubes of the glands, so
that there can be no insuperable obstacle to the passage of
the germs as well. Again, this condensation of the glands
would not prevent the development of a local anthrax sore
in the skin in the seat of inoculation, yet a first attack usu-
ally prevents the subsequent formation of the local disease
as well as of the general infection. The resistance to the
59 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
SSS SSS SSS
germ is inherent in every tissue of the body, and not merely
in those parts that must be reached through an indurated
gland. Finally, this condensation of the gland, caused by
the infection of one disease, gives no protection against that
of a second. If the protection were due to a mere mechani-
eal obstruction, then the immunity acquired by an attack of
one disease would extend to all others having germs of
equal size; whereas, with rare exceptions (cow-pox and small-
pox), no one contagious disease is vicarious of another.
(D) Tue Virat Resistance Tureory. This hypothesis
assumes that the living cells and nuclei of the blood and tis-
sues of the body, having once been subjected to the attack
of a specific disease-germ, acquire a power of tolerance or
resistance of that particular germ or its products which pre-
vents them from readily succumbing a second time to its
evil influence.
The habit of tolerating an injurious agency without harm
is a matter of common experience. Exposure to the sun
after long seclusion in-doors blisters the face and hands, but
after continued exposure and tanning, it has no such effect.
Rowing, hoeing, or chopping will at first blister the hands,
but after some experience it only hardens and strengthens
them. The boy’s first cigar or pipe of tobacco sickens him,
while the practised smoker can consume the poison from
morning to night. So with the drinker, the opium-eater,
the victim of the chloral-habit, and the arsenic-eater. Hach
of these comes to take with impunity that which would have
proved fatal in his early experience.
So it is with the morbid products of the life of a disease-
germ. Coming for the first time in contact with the living
cells and nuclei of the body, they prove more or less potent
poisons, whereas later these can bear their presence with
comparative impunity. But in both cases alike the power
of resistance is limited. It is quite possible by an overdose
to kill the smoker, the drinker, the opium-eater, the chloral-
Contagious and Epizootic Diseases. 53
guzzler, or the arsenic-eater. Equally possible is it, by an
excessive dose of a specific disease-poison, to lay the best
protected system under the fatal influence of that disease.
There is no such thing as conferring absolute immunity.
Hence the occasional occurrence of a second attack of small-
pox, or other plague, on occasions when the disease has be-
come unusually virulent, or acts on a specially depressed
system.
But this cannot be the whole measure of the antagonism.
Were it to rest here the multiplication of the disease-germ
might be as great as before, the system might become satu-
rated with these germs, and trouble would inevitably come
from the exhaustion of the blood and animal fluids of their
oxygen, the blocking of capillaries, etc. The germs and their
products would tend to increase till the vital resistance was
overcome, and a fatal result might ensue. The important
feature of the resistance is that it prevents the survival and
increase of the germs introduced into the body. In the pro-
tected animal system, therefore, there is not simply a vital
insusceptibility of the cells and nuclei to the action of the
chemical products of disease, but there is in addition an
active antagonism between the living animal cell and the
living disease-germ. ‘There is a certain similarity between
the bacterial ferment and the plastic animal cell, in that both
are engaged in taking in and using up organic matter for
their own nourishment, or, inthe case of the animal cell, for
the building up of tissue. ach finds in the other organic
matter by the devouring of which it can support its own
life. Each would feed upon the other but for the vital re-
sistance offered by its antagonist. If one is killed, or has its
vitality depressed as compared with the other, the latter will
destroy and devour it. If, then, the nuclei of the tissues
have had their vitality lowered by the action for the first
time of the poisonous chemical products of the disease-germ,
they meet the attacks of that germ at a disadvantage, for a
54 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
time the germ triumphs in the struggle for existence, and a
grave or mortal disease is the consequence. When, how-
ever, the animal cells and nuclei are inured to the action of
this disease-poison by a former attack, they have acquired
an insusceptibility to it, and in spite of it retain all their
native vitality and vigor, so that the disease-germs which
are introduced fall easy victims to the devouring animal
cells.
This position is further sustained by the fact that many
virulent liquids, introduced in small amount into the blood,
quickly perish, whereas if introduced into the tissues they
survive, multiply, and generate disease. In the blood, the
attacking party of disease-germs is confronted in rapid
succession by the endless myriads of actively moving blood-
globules, and in the resultant struggle the countless num-
bers of strong animal cells triumph, and the invading dis-
ease-germs are devoured. When the disease-germ is planted
in the tissues the case is reversed. Here the animal cells
(nuclei) are immovably fixed in the tissues which they serve
to build up, so that the whole force of the invading germs
is thrown upon a few. The poisonous chemical products |
(ptomaines) lower their vitality, so that they can no longer
successfully resist the morbid germs, and the latter increase
rapidly, pour their depressing products onward through the
lymphatic vessels into the blood and system at large, and
finally debilitate the whole, so that the germ finds no effec-
tive resistance at any point, not even in the blood itself.
Thus the disease, which is at first local, becomes general, be-
cause the animal cells at the point where the virns was im-
planted, had not the power to resist the depressing influence
of the germ products, and the germ was allowed to increase
in numbers and force.
Another consideration sustains this theory. The protec-
tion conferred upon a system by a first attack of a disease-
germ is to be trusted even where the diseased processes
Contagious and Epizootic Diseases. 55
have been strictly local. Thus a vaccination on the arm
protects the whole system against a second occurrence of the
disease. A single malignant pustule on the hand fortifies
the whole body against anthrax. -A swelling no larger
than a peach, caused by the insertion of lung-plague virus
on the tip of the tail, protects the lungs from attack as if
the first manifestation of the disease had been in the lungs
themselves. This is the more remarkable, that the intro-
duction of lung-plague virus into the blood causes no local
disease in the lungs nor elsewhere. The germs introduced
into the tail caused disease in the tail, but none in the
lungs, and as the germs could only reach the lungs by pass-
ing through the blood, and as the blood is destructive to
these germs, it follows that the germs could never have
reached the lungs, and that the vital resistance conferred
upon the lungs by this inoculation in the tail must have
been secured by contact with the chemical products of the
growth of the germ, which were thrown into the blood and
carried to the lungs and the whole body continuously
through the whole progress of the disease.
Still another fact favors this view. With some disease-
germs (chicken-cholera), dilution of the virus till you can
guarantee that no more than one or two germs are intro-
duced into the sore by inoculation secures a local and non-
fatal in place of a general and lethal disease. The small
number of germs introduced have no advantage in point of
force over the living nuclei with which they are brought in
contact in the tissues, and in the resulting struggle the tissue
elements triumph and the germs are destroyed. Yet here
again the general system is protected against a subsequent
attack of the disease, the inoculated germs having diffused
enough of their chemical products (ptomaines) through the
body to secure this before they died.
This hypothesis of acquired vital resistance and antago-
nism meets the case at every point, and of the four theories
56 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
named is the only one that makes full explanation of the
phenomena.
We can now proceed to intelligently consider the different
modes of seeking immunity from contagious diseases.
I.—IMMUNITY BY GOOD HYGIENE.
We have seen above that the animal system is conquered
by any contagious disease in ratio with the debility of the
living animal cells and their feeble power of resistance.
The system, therefore, in which these cells are weak from _
living in impure air, damp buildings, darkness, on poor or
deficient food, on foul water, from overwork, from old-
standing or debilitating disease, from excessive drains on
the vitality, as heavy milking, etc., is more ready to suc-
cumb to the attack of a disease-germ than is one in the
strength of the most vigorous health. So it is with the
individual that has descended from weak or debilitated
ancestors, or from such as were too young and imperfectly
developed, or too old and worn out. Hence it is that all
that contributes to robust health favors the resistance to
contagious disease. But this resistance is extremely limited
in its scope. Weconstantly see the strongest and healthiest
men and animals fall under the blight of a plague, while
their weak and debilitated compeers that have already
passed through this affection successfully resist. In many
eases, too, the unusual vigor of an animal system, while
failing to completely throw off the disease-germ, yet modi-
fies the affection so that it passes in a milder form. This
may save the individual, but it does not hinder the multi-
plication of the germs and the propagation of the plague.
The robust system, like a barren field, produces a stunted
crop of disease-germs, a crop, however, which is amply suf-
ficient to keep the contagion constantly progressing from
animal to animal, and from herd to herd.
Contagious and Epizootic Diseases. 57
' I1.—IMMUNITY BY TONICS AND ANTIFERMENTS.
The use of tonics is based on their tendency to produce
a more vigorous health. Like good hygiene, therefore,
they will sometimes assist in warding off infection, or in
rendering the resulting attack more mild. A long course
of sulphate of iron will do much to fortify against lung-
plague, and is not without influence even on rinderpest ;
but a certain number of victims suffer after all, and too
often the plague continues to extend.
The free use of sulphites, bisulphites, and hyposulphites
was long ago shown by Polli to counteract the dangers of
inoculated septicaemia, and has undoubtedly the effect of
retarding the growth of certain disease-germs within the
animal body, but at best they but mitigate the disease and
do not prevent the progress of the infection to other
animals.
I1l.— IMMUNITY BY PASSING THROUGH THE PLAGUE BY
EXPOSURE.
In a country where a deadly animal plague is generally
prevalent, a measure of security is sometimes secured by
passing the young and comparatively valueless through the
disease. Those that die are but a trifling loss, while the
survivors resist this plague for their whole life-time. This
has been especially adopted in lung plague.
IV.—IMMUNITY BY INOCULATION FROM A MILD TYPE OF THE
PLAGUE.
Before the days of Jenner this was employed for small-
pox, and to the present time it is largely resorted to for
sheep-pox. Sheep in good health, inoculated from a mild
case of the disease, usually have the pox in a mild form;
nearly all recover, and the flock is thereby preserved.
58 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
V.—IMMUNITY BY INOCULATION FROM A CLOSELY RELATED
DISEASE.
This was inaugurated by Jenner, who observed that the
Gloucestershire milkers who contracted cow-pox never suf-
fered from small-pox, and to-day his beneficent method is
followed all over the civilized world. No two other dis-
eases have been yet shown to be vicarious of each other.
VI.— IMMUNITY BY INOCULATION WITH A MINIMUM AMOUNT
OF VIRUS.
This consists in diluting the virus in water or saline solu-
tion of the density of the blood, until the drop or drops in-
oculated contain but one, or at most two germs (bacteria).
Dr. Salmon has employed this extensively in chicken-cholera
producing a local slough only, followed by recovery and
subsequent immunity from the disease.
VIL.—LIMITATION OF LOCAL DISEASE BY ANTISEPTICS AND
' CAUSTICS.
Jenner recognized that an excessive inflammation in the
seat of vaccination could be cut short by the caustic appli-
cation of the sulphate of zinc or nitrate of silver. In the
light of to-day we can recognize in these, antiseptics which
destroyed the living germs in the seat of inoculation and
prevented their further increase. Similarly, in all those af-
fections that are for a time limited to the seat of superficial
infection, the general infection may be prevented by the
application of caustics or antiseptics to the affected part.
This applies to local anthrax, septic poisoning, inoculated
lung plague, and even canine madness, and in proportion to
the chemical products thrown off into the system before the
local disease was arrested will be the measure of protection
from a future attack.
Contagious and Epizootic Diseases. 59
ViIlI.—_ IMMUNITY BY INOCULATION IN AN UNIMPORTANT
ORGAN.
This has been especially resorted to in lung plague after
the mode of Willems, of Hasselt, Belgium. The liquid
exudate from the diseased lung, recently attacked and still
gorged with an uncoagulated liquid, is inserted into the tail
near the tip. In fifteen days, on an average, it becomes in-
flamed, swollen, and it may even slough, but after recovery
the system is fortified against the disease. Inoculated else-
where in the body where there is an abundant connective
tissue beneath the skin it is usually fatal, but in the tail, with
its dense texture and deficiency of lymphatic tissue, it rarely
extends to dangerous dimensions.
IX.—IMMUNITY. BY INOCULATON IN THE VEINS.
In 1879 Burdon-Sanderson inoculated cattle with tne lung-
plague virus by injecting the same into the veins, without
any contact with the adjacent tissues. The inoculated cattle
showed no special disorder, but when afterward inoculated
in the tissues with fresh virus they proved to be entirely in-
susceptible of it. Later, Galtier adopted the same measure
with the saliva of canine madness, injecting it into the veins
_of rabbits and sheep with no direct evil result, and the sub-
jects afterward resisted the infection by inoculation in the
tissues. Lussano long before, and Pasteur later, made in-
travenous injections in dogs, but with the result of inducing
rabies. The method, then, must havea very limited appli-
cation, being restricted to such disease-germs as do not sur-
vive in the blood. It is utterly inapplicable to diseases in
which the blood is habitually infecting, such as syphilis,
glanders, tuberculosis, rabies in dogs, anthrax, ete.
60 The Farmer's Vetermary Adviser.
X.
IMMUNITY BY INOCULATION WITH GERMS MODIFIED BY
ANOTHER GENUS OF ANIMAL.
In 1878 Burdon-Sanderson and Duguid inoculated anthrax
on guinea-pigs for several generations of the poison, and
from the guinea-pigs inoculated several cattle, all of which
passed through a mild form of the disease and without ex-
ception recovered in five days. The same cattle, afterward
inoculated with very virulent anthrax fluids, again sickened,
but in no case with a fatal result. These experiments were
repeated and confirmed by Greenfield a year later.
In 1879 I inoculated swine-plague matter on a lamb and
arat and conveyed the infection from these animals back to
pigs, the latter taking the disease in a mild form, and show-
ing the characteristic lesions on post-mortem examination
after the recovery had been well advanced. As a first at-
tack protects against a second, we assume that these pigs had
been rendered insusceptible.
In 1884 Pasteur inoculated the virus of canine madness
on monkeys, and inoculated it from the apes back on rabbits
and dogs, producing in the latter a non-fatal disease which
protected the system against a second attack.
This method is doubtless capable of very great extension
in other plagues.
XxI.—IMMUNITY BY INOCULATION WITH GERMS GROWN IN DIF-
FERENT LIQUIDS OR SOLIDS.
It is well established that ferments produce different pro-
ducts and assume varied forms as grown in different liquids.
So with disease-germs. In 1878 I found that the virus of
swine-plague preserved in wheat-bran was constantly fatal,
and in 1880 that similar virus cultivated in previously steril-
ized milk, egg albumen, and urine, respectively, produced
only mild attacks, which protected against the usual infec-
tion. .
Contagious and Hpizootic Diseases. 61
XII. —IMMUNITY BY INOCULATION WITH VIRUS GROWN IN FREE
% CONTACT WITH AIR.
The same principle operates in this as in the last method,
the bacterium or other germ living in free contact with air
acquires the habit of using more oxygen than it can secure
in the animal tissues, and when transferred to these it grows
in a sickly manner and is easily thrown off by the living
animal tissues. This is largely operative in slowly disin-
fecting buildings freely open to the air, infected yards, parks,
and other open places, while it determines that virulent
matters closely shut up in sewers, manure-heaps, cess-pools,
close areas under floors, compact, water-logged, or filth-satu-
rated soils, or indeed wherever the air cannot freely reach it,
retain their infecting qualities for a much longer time, and
at times, as in cholera, yellow fever, and typhoid, have
them materially enhanced in potency. In my experiments
with swine-plague and septic matters I invariably found
that material the most deadly which had been grown in
closed flasks with a very limited supply of air, while that
which was grown in thin layers and with free access to air
steadily lost in potency, and finally produced a disease so
mild that it could be resorted to as a means of preventing
losses in herds.
XTII.—IMMUNITY BY INOCULATION WITH VIRUS WHICH HAS
BEEN EXPOSED TO COMPRESSED OXYGEN.
This is based on the same principle with the last, only in
place of a lengthened exposure to the oxygen in the air
there is a temporary exposure to pure oxygen under extra
pressure. Chauveau has especially labored in this field, and
found that, by carefully graduating the pressure and the pe-
riod of exposure, he could secure such debility or lessened
potency in the germs as would determine a mild and nop-
62 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
fatal disease, which would prove vicarious of the more severe
form.
One drawback to this method is that, if applied to a virus
which has been some time removed from the system and has
produced spores, the latter still retain their potency.
XIV.—IMMUNITY BY INOCULATION WITH VIRUS WEAKENED BY
RESTING INACTIVE (STARVED) IN FREE CONTACT WITH AIR.
This is the far-famed method of the brilliant Pasteur.
He began his work on the virus of chicken-cholera, setting
aside his cultures of the virus in vessels unfurnished with
any more food for their nourishment and freely exposed to
the air. After a sufficiently long exposure he found that
the virus had lost somewhat of its deadly character, and
after a three months’ rest it could be inoculated on healthy
fowls without a fatal result, and proved protective against
another attack of the disease. Later, with anthrax virus
cultivated in chicken-soup at 41° C., so that it would not pro-
duce the unimpressible spore, he produced by delay a debil-
ilated virus which could be safely inoculated on healthy
sheep and cattle, and would protect them from a second at-
tack. Later still the method has been successfully applied
to canine madness and other diseases. The one great draw-
back to the method is the fact that, though the individual is _
preserved, yet the virus is multiplied in its system and scat-
tered in the surroundings, ready to resume its virulence at
any time under favorable circumstances. Pasteur himself
has secured this reversion to the deadly type by inoculating
the weakened virus of fowl-cholera on the chick, and sue-
cessively on older and older animals. It is easy to conceive
how a diffusion of germs, by a general inoculation with the
weakened virus, may become the means of starting many
new centres of deadly infection.
Pasteur’s system is therefore not one that can be adopted
Contagious and Hpizootic Diseases. 63
with any confidence for the extinction of an animal plague;
the highest good that can be expected from it is the protec-
tion of the system of the particular animal inoculated, against
an ordinary attack of the disease. The living germs are,
however, propagated in the system of the animal operated
on, and unless the animal and all its products are carefully
secluded for a time sufficient to allow of the escape of the
germs from the system, and unless such escaped germs are
suitably disinfected, each protected animal may start a new
foeus of infection and plague. In connection with this it
is not a little suggestive that, since the general adoption
of the Pasteurian method for hydrophobia in France, the
disease has become unusually prevalent in that and neigh-
boring countries, and though nearly all the subjects inocu-
lated by M. Pasteur have escaped the disease, the num-
ber of people dying from hydrophobia in a given time has
in no way decreased, even in France (Colin).
The truth is that the Pasteurian inoculation should be
surrounded by greater safeguards than even its author has
yet appreciated the need of. While the great majority of
those bitten by rabid animals may, by its adoption, be pro-
tected against rabies, they cannot safely be set at large im-
mediately after, as practised by Pasteur, but should be quar-
antined until time shall have assured us of the destruction of
the potent virus introduced into their system, and should, with
all their belongings, be disinfected before final liberation.
- In the case of herds, too, the same precaution is imperative,
and on no account should animals kept on uninfected lands
be inoculated with these less potent germs as a preventive
against the more potent germs to which they are to be sub-
sequently exposed in an infected pasturage. Such a course
would only be the sowing of a previously wholesome soil
with a deadly seed which would be preserved and intensi-
fied in any portion of that soil favorable to its maintenance
and increase. ‘The extensive adoption of Pasteur’s method
64 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
of protection against anthrax has undoubtedly been the
means of planting that deadly disease on many soils hitherto
wholesome and safe, and this evil cannot fail to be extended
wider and wider, so long as the method is pursued in the
present indiscriminate manner.
For animals pastured on fields that are already infected,
Pasteur’s protective inoculation against that infection may
be safely allowed, but for those on fields as yet uninfected,
but of a nature favorable to the preservation of that poison
when planted, such inoculation must be unequivocally con-
demned. In such a case the animals should be housed for
inoculation, or confined on a porous soil which will not pre-
serve the germs, and should only be set free when all dan-
ger, from living germs within their bodies, has passed, and
after a perfect disinfection.
XV.—IMMUNITY BY INOCULATION WITH STERILIZED PRODUCTS
OF A CONTAGIOUS DISEASE.
As we have already seen, in the development of bacte-
ridia, whether in or out of the animal body, there are two
distinct bodies, diving and dead, the multiplication of the
living germ and the increase of its chemical products. Thus
the beer-yeast (saccharomyces cerevisiz), growing in a sweet
organic fluid, like malt, multiplies its own numbers enor-
mously, but it also produces an amount of carbon dioxide
and alcohol proportionate to the amount of sugar origi-
nally present in the liquid. So the disease-germ, operating .
in the animal body, not only increases its numbers but
elaborates a variety of chemical products of which a solu-
ble digestive ferment and a poisonous organic alkaloid
(ptomaine) are especially important as attacking the integ-
rity and life of the tissues. Apart from these chemical poi-
sons the living germ probably could not destroy the vital-
ity of the blood-globules and tissue-cells (nuclei). It is their
place to rob the living tissues of their vital power of resist-
Contagious and Epizootic Diseases. 65
ance, and to digest and dissolve them in preparation for
their consumption by the ravenous bacteridia. in their
turn the well-nourished bacteridia produce the ferment and
poison in increasing amount, and thus the strength of the
invading germs is increased relatively to the waning power
_ of vital resistance in the body until the whole economy is
_ fatally invaded and the victim perishes.
The overwhelming action of these chemical products is —
seen in the sudden death which ensues when a large dose of
virulent fluid is thrown into the body, no time being
allowed for the development and increase of the living
germs. On the contrary, when a small dose only is intro-
_ duced, illness is delayed much longer until the germs have
had time to multiply and produce their chemical products,
_ and death, if it occurs at all, is at a much later date. Some
_ germs, when thrown at once into the veins, produce no dis-
ease at all, but are destroyed by the ferments of the vital
fluid and the myriads of living blood-globules with which
they are brought rapidly into contact, and over the whole
body of which their chemical products can exercise no ap-
preciable effect. Yet the virus of lung-plague or of black-
quarter, deadly when introduced into the tissues but harm-
less when thrown into the blood, have, nevertheless, in the
latter case, the effect of conferring upon the entire system
the power of subsequent resistance to the same poison, so
that if later introduced into the tissnes it rests innocuous.
Again, in the animal that has passed through a non-recurring
contagious disease without dying, a similar exposure to the
same poison later is harmless. This cannot be due to a
greater vigor of constitution, for the system, permanently
weakened by a first attack of a plague, still fails to contract
the same disease on exposure to even a more potent virus.
It can only be that the system has learned by its previous
experience to resist the organic poison which proved so
hurtful to it before.
66 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
Acting on this suggestion, I, in 1880, inoculated two pigs —
with swine-plague liquids, after I had sterilized them by ~
heat, and had the satisfaction of seeing developed but a —
slight and temporary fever only. Later I] repeated the —
inoculation with sterilized liquids, and finally exposed the —
same animals to contact with pigs sick with swine-plagne, |
and to repeated inoculations with virulent liquids which —
proved fatal to unprotected pigs, yet they successfully re- —
sisted all such exposures. 3
Since that date I have availed myself of the same method —
for lung-plague in cattle, having first carried it out on ten —
experimental cases in 1881, which subsequently successfully
resisted all my inoculations with fresh virus that proved
fatal to unprotected animals used as test cases, and were
finally sent, to the number of six, into infected premises in
Brooklyn, N. Y., and Baltimore County, Md., but came —
through all without showing a sign of illness. Since that —
time I have successfully inoculated with sterilized lung-plague
virus a considerable number of cattle that had been exposed
to the contagion, or were to be, with, in the main, thoroughly
satisfactory results. In two cases only were the results
unsatisfactory, in the first, where the inoculating matter had
been taken from a lung which did not show a sufficiently
active development of the lung-plague lesions, and in the ~
second, where no thermometer could be had marking over
120° F., so that the sterilization remained incomplete and
living germs were inoculated. '
Similarly Toussaint inoculated against anthrax in 1880:
I tested it on two herds, in July, 1884, and in 1885.
In the first herd one heifer was left without inoculation as
a test case, and in two days she died of anthrax, while the
remainder of the herd, twelve in number, successfully
resisted. The second, a large herd, escaped without a loss.
In these cases the virulent liquids were heated to 160° F.,
and even higher, for an hour, and when time permitted this
Contagious and Epizootic Diseases. 67
was repeated some time later. The inoculations were made
at least twice, with intervals of one or several days.
The results in the case of the swine have been criticised
mainly, it would appear, because similar attempts on pigeons
proved unsatisfactory, unless a greater number of inocula-
_ tions with the sterilized virus were resorted to. Such criticism
is, however, entirely unwarranted. 1st. Results obtained
in one genus of animals will not necessarily be secured in
another genus. 2d. No acquired immunity is absolute, not
even though it may have been secured at the expense of a
violent attack of the disease. In every case a large dose of
powerfully virulent material will cause the best protected
system to succumb. All such protection is only relative,
and the fact that my inoculated pigs were unharmed by ex-
posure to infection and by inoculations with fresh virulent
liquids that proved fatal to other and unprotected pigs,
sufficiently attests that I was working on the right principle,
which even my critic and follower in the same line of exper-
iment has found satisfactory in his own hands. He need
not begrudge me the mead of priority in the work of estab-
lishing this great principle as applicable to swine-plague.
Superiority of Principle of Protection by Sterilized
Virus. In comparing the method of protection by sterilized
virus with the other inoculation methods, its great superiori-
ty becomes at once manifest. With the single exception of
Jenner’s inoculation of a harmless disease (cow-pox) to protect
against a deadly disease (small-pox), all other inoculation
‘methods consist in the introduction into the animal system
of the living germs of the disease which it is sought to pro-
tect against. They are, one and all, but the production of a
mild form of the disease in question. Fundamentally, they
are but a return to the pre-Jennerian principle of inoculating
from a mild case of small-pox, to protect against a deadly —
form of the same disease. They all result in the multipli-
cation of these weakened germs by myriads in the animal
68 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
system, and too often in their distribution on surrounding
objects, where they may be preserved indefinitely to infect
other susceptible animals. As in the case of all germs, there
is the certainty of reversion to the original deadly type when-
ever the medium in which they grow is favorable to such
transition. Pasteur himself has shown this to be the case,
when his weakened anthrax virus is passed through a suc-
cession of young guinea-pigs ; and what is true of one germ
is true of all in this respect. All have the power, within
given limits, of adapting themselves to varying conditions
of life. That the weakened virus (misnamed vaccine) has
the power of reversion to the deadly type is assured to us
by the fact that already a change of culture has robbed it of
its deadly potency without destroying its life; it has merely
acquired a new habit of life, and the recurrence to the origi-
nal habit is just as certain under a reversal of the condi-
tions. Nothing, then, short of the absolute seclusion and
disinfection of the inoculated animals, and their habitations
and belongings, will render such inoculations reasonably
safe. With the use of sterilized virus, on the other hand,
all such possibilities of diffusion of the disease-germ are en-
tirely done away with.
ist. No living germ is introduced into the animal sys-
tem.
2d. No multiplication of germs can occur on nor in the
animal.
3d. The inoculated animal can convey no living germs to
surrounding objects.
4th. The material inoculated agrees with ordinary chem-
ical poisons in affecting the system only in ratio with the
dose. It has no power of self-multiplication, with conse-
quent augmentation of its power for evil.
5th. The dose can be graduated as easily and safely as
can a dose of morphia.
6th. By a succession of small doses we can keep up the
Contagious and Epizootic Diseases. 69
effect on the system, without at any time endangering life
2 eee ee Oe | AD eee Ce
by any sudden increase of germs, and their deadly products
within the body.
7th. The inoculated animal may be kept throughout
among the uninoculated, or may be sent at once to any part
of the country to mingle with other, stock without a shadow
of risk to such stock. It carries no living germ.
8th. Neither the inoculated animal nor its surroundings
_ is in any need of seclusion during the process, as there is no
living germ present which visitors may carry away with
- them.
9th. Neither inoculated animals nor their surroundings
are in any need of disinfection before contact with suscepti-
ble animals can be allowed.
Drawbacks to the Method of Protection by Sterilized
Virus. 1st. The main objection to the method is the neces-
sity of keeping up a constant cultivation of the germs in
their virulent form. This must be done either in living
animal bodies or by means of culture-fluids and solids out
of the body. In either case we must maintain a centre of
infection to supply the inoculating material, and there is al-
ways the risk that germs escaping from such centres will
start new outbreaks of the plague.
2d. Such cultures must be conducted with the greatest
care, as, alike in and out of the animal body, there is always
the liability that the germ may change its habit somewhat,
lose its potency, and produce an ineffective virus only, lack-
ing in either quantity or quality. Even if grown out of the
animal body, therefore, a continuous chain of test cases, in
inoculated animals, must be kept up to test the efficacy of
the cultures. This makes the centres for culture extremely
dangerous centres of infection.
3d. Extreme care is requisite in the sterilizing of the virus,
as the slightest failure here is fatal to the procedure, and
unless the precautions are extreme there is the strongest
70 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
probability of the conveyance of germs on instruments or on
the person and clothes of the operator or his assistants.
4th. Then, too, as the practice is often called for in herds,
among which the plague in question has already appeared,
there is always the probability of the presence of germs on.
the surface of the animal inoculated, and unless the skin is
first thoroughly cleansed and disinfected (say with chloride
of mercury, 1 to 1,000 water) such germs are liable to be car-
ried in with the instrument and deposited in the tissues.
5th. In all such infected herds, too, a given number of
animals will usually have the germs already in their sys-
tems, and in such cases the sterilized virus, weakening the
vital resistance of the blood and tissues, will too often con-
tribute to intensify the already implanted disease.
6th. With a general application of the principle it would
inevitably happen that blunders would be made by the
owners and others as to the precise nature of the disease to
be prevented, and thus the products of one plague would
be inoculated to prevent the irruption of another, and in
the consequent failure the whole system would receive un-
merited discredit. To avoid this, and in the absence of the
requisite skill for diagnosis, the virus should be obtained
from one of the victims in the herd, and prepared with all
due precaution on the spot. In such case a failure would be
unlikely, unless the subject furnishing the virus showed only
an imperfectly developed type of the malady, or unless two
diverse maladies existed in the same herd at the same time.
7th. Another obvious precaution is to take virus only
from typical cases of the disease to be prevented, and not
from those which show any defect in development (as the
chemical products are then liable to be wanting in strength)
nor from advanced nor complicated cases (in which there
may be superadded germs of other poisons and other deadly
products). Thus in the advanced stages of disease the
propagation of septic germs is not at all uncommon.
Contagious and Lpizootic Diseases. 71
. Limitation of Protection by Sterilized Products.
While it is evident that there is a large field as yet uncul-
tivated in which the fruits of this method may be gathered,
yet there are obvious limitations to its application, some of
~ which may be shortly stated.
ist. A certain number of animal plagues will recur in
the same system at frequent intervals. Thus aphthous
fever not unfrequently attacks the same herd twice in the
course of a single year, and the same apparently holds
with some forms of equine influenza. It would be folly,
therefore, to expect any permanent protection from inocu-
lating the chemical products of these diseases.
9d. A certain number of infectious diseases cannot be
said to have any limit set to their duration. Thus tuber-
culosis and glanders may go on for a life-time, the inflamed
and embryonic tissue produced under the influence of the
poisonous products of the germ furnishing continual acces-
sions of new food for the slowly developing germ, and thus
determining a constant extension of the colonies of bacilli.
It is absurd, therefore, to expect protection by the use of
the chemical products ‘in these cases.
3d. It may turn out that the ptomaines of given dis-
eases are volatile and would be dissipated by heat, so that
the final sterilized product will be deficient in the essential
element in which its preventive virtue resides. In the
inorganic kingdom we have the alkali ammonia volatile at
ordinary temperatures, and it would not be surprising if in
the organic kingdom a certain number of alkaloids should
also prove volatile. In such cases the product sterilized by
heat would be useless.
4th. It is not at all improbable that chemical or physical
changes may be effected by heat in the ferment or alkaloid
produced by a disease-germ, as egg albumen is coagulated.
Here again the method would be at fault.
5th. In other methods of sterilization similar difficulties
G2 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
would at times be met with. Thus the life of the germ
may be destroyed by oxygen under a pressure of three
atmospheres, but in too many cases it is to be feared such
intensified oxygen would oxidize the chemical products, and
thus rob them of all their virtue.
In cases where these limitations are found to operate,
there may perhaps still be devised, in the future, other
methods of sterilization which will not affect the chemical
condition nor virulent potency of the disease-products, and
thus the grand principle of prevention by sterilized products
may receive a much wider application than can be effected
by the methods of sterilization by heat or compressed
oxygen.
Radical Extinction of Animal Plagues. The public
appreciation of preventive medicine is still at a very low
ebb. It has been aptly said, people will give “ millions for
cure, but not a cent for prevention.” It is imcomprehensible
how, year after year, and generation after generation, we
can see the human race dying off from preventable diseases,
and yet with true fatalism accept it all as the inevitable.
It is astounding to contemplate the thousands of tons of
quack remedzes, so called, which mankind yearly swallow,
for maladies chargeable only on their own ignorance or.
neglect of available means of prevention. Still more
astounding is it to see the plagues of animals imported into
a new country, and by the most criminal negligence allowed
to acquire a general prevalence, when the prompt sacrifice
of one animal, or one hundred, or one thousand, could at the
different stages have put a final end to the contagion. Yet
all radical measures for the extirpation of animal plagues
are habitually treated with neglect or active opposition ;
the advocate of such measures is told that “his duty is to
cure, not kill,” and his reasoning is scouted as the “ logic
of the pole-axe.” And all this not by the common people
alone, but by those whose position would entitle us to expect
Contagious and Epizootic Diseases. %3
from them better things. The editors of powerful news-
papers, who can surely never have given five minutes’
sober and intelligent consideration to the question, join in
this cry, and quite recently Mr. Clare Sewell Read, M.P.,
in an agricultural address, bewails that “ veterinary science
can only advise them to kill.” Now in view of all that is
set forth above, our readers must see that all this talk is but
the fruit of ignorance and slander, and that for the plagues
of animals we are to-day in a better position to offer pre-
ventive measures than is the practitioner of human medi-
cine for the pestilences of man.
It is true that we cannot exercise omnipotence and extin-
guish infection with a word, nor can we mail to any point
a much desired, and very generally believed in, panacea,
which will cure the victims of all contagia from ringworm
to rinderpest. But we can in suitable cases procure such
conditions of life and such power of resistance in the animal
economy as will render the assaults of given plagues harm-
less.
As veterinarians, however, and as citizens, it is not for us
to advocate especially those measures which would protect
the individual animal or the individual herd at the cost of
danger to the herds around them, when more radical, and, in
the end, cheaper measures can be availed of to obviate all
necessity for these partial and dangerous methods of pro-
tection. Veterinarians have been freely slandered for an
alleged desire to feed Juxuriantly from the public treasury.
The wonder is rather that more of the profession have not
pandered to the public prejudice, and advocated and engi-
neered public culture establishments from which the vari-
ously modified virus could have been sent out everywhere
at a handsome profit. Have our detractors ever thought
of how many millions it would cost yearly to inoculate the
hogs of the United States as a protection against swine-
plague? And of how many millions more it would cost to
rie The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
inoculate against each of the other animal plagues now exist-
ing in the land? The radical and thorough extinction of
these plagues, which, to their credit be it said, the better
class of our veterinarians have consistently advocated, has
for its purpose the speedy removal from the land of all need
for preventive measures apart from those aimed at the pre-
vention of renewed importation of infection, and such ex-
tinction is therefore the only method that looks toward the
lessened remuneration of veterinarians as a body. In the
face of these facts does not their consistent advocacy of ex-
tinction of contagion savor more of public-spiritedness than
of the selfishness so slanderously attributed ?
For the instructed and high-minded veterinarian the ques-
tion is mainly one of political economy. Itissimply a ques-
tion of how we can, at the cheapest rate and in the shortest
period, rid ourselves for ever of our pestilential enemy, and
at once abolish all future loss and worry coming from this
source. There is only one answer: By the prompt and
remorseless extinction of every germ of contagion. We
need make no account here of the saéredness of life. The
killing of an infected and infecting animal is not murder.
We entertain no such feelings concerning the tens of thou- |
sands of animals that die daily under the knife of the
butcher, and the lives of which might have been prolonged
with safety to others. Why should we hesitate to sacrifice
the few, whose systems are multiplying by inconceivable
myriads the germs that are so deadly to others of their race,
and which in the ease of several plagues are now costing the
country more every year than it would take to exterminate
them once for all? The question is essentially one of dol-
Jars and cents. The only moral elements that enter into it
are the questions of the remuneration of the stockowner for
the animals expropriated for the public good, and the pro-
tection of the public at large from the consumption of dis-
eased and often dangerous meat and milk. The last ques-
Contagious and Epizootic Diseases. rit
tion is more effectually met by thorough extinction of pesti-
lence than by any other method, and the indemnity of the
owner in no niggardly spirit is a simple matter of justice
on the part of the nation toward the citizen.
Measures for Extinction of a Prevailing Plague. It is
not within the province of this book to treat fully on the en-
tire subject of veterinary sanitary administration, yet it
seems desirable that the public at large should be made ac-
quainted with the leading principles that must guide such
administration. The measures will necessarily vary with.
each animal plague, and to some extent according to the nat-
ure of the local animal industry, yet some general princi-
ples must dominate in all cases, and these may be stated un-
der separate headings.
Setting aside the preliminary discovery of the plague in a
State or district toward which investigations must often be
made on the merest suspicion, in a country where move-
ment is so free as with us, and in which the plague in ques-
tion already exists, we may note those fundamental meas-
ures that look especially toward extinction.
Ast. The infected district must be proclaimed.
2d. All movement of animals susceptible to the plague
in question must be temporarily stopped in the infected dis-
trict.
3d. All mingling or contact 2 separate herds of suscepti-
ble animals within said district must be put a stop to.
4th. All exposure of susceptible animals on public high
ways or on unfenced pasturages must be vigorously inter-
dicted.
5th. Insusceptible animals mingling with suspected herds
must be prohibited from passing into other herds of suscepti-
ble animals.
6th. Attendants on suspected herds must be rigidly kept
from all other susceptible animals. Visitors except such as
attend officially must be excluded from all suspected herds.
"6 The Farmers Veterinary Adviser.
7th. Markets or fairs in infected localities must not be
held.
8th. The expiration of the period of incubation will lead
to the development of cases of disease, and wherever these
appear the herd must be even more rigidly segregated.
9th. In the case of deadly contagia the whole herd should
be at once condemned, appraised at not less than two-thirds
their sound value, and promptly slaughtered. The carcases
of animals that show no disease after death may be sold as
human food, in the case of certain diseases, but not in all.
To making such into canned food there is no objection.
Hides should only be removed after a prolonged steeping in
solution of chloride of lime. The carcases of the diseased
are best destroyed by fire, or disinfected by boiling, but they
may, when necessary, be deeply buried in a dry, porous soil,
where the free circulation of air will secure an early disin-
fection.
10th. The building, utensils, yards, ete., with which the
infected herd has come in contact must be subjected to a
thorough disinfection. (See below, Disinfection.)
11th. The infected buildings must be left empty until all
danger has passed. This may entail thorough aeration for
several months after disinfecting applications have been
made.
12th. Hay, fodder, feed, litter, etc., in infected buildings
should be destroyed.
13th. Manure from infected places must be burned or dis-
infected with chloride of lime.
To exclude an Animal Plague from a Country. 1st. °
Prohibit all importation of animals susceptible to the plague
in question, and of their products.
2d. Disinfect the surface of all imported animals of a
genus insusceptible to the plague, but that may have cohab-
ited with those that are susceptible.
3d. Disinfect all blankets, or other clothing and utensils
Contagious and Lpizootic Diseases. re
imported with such animals, the clothing of their attendants,
and the clothing of all emigrants who have had to do with
susceptible aioe
Ath. In place of absolute prohibition, as called for in No.
1, susceptible animals must be imported under careful re-
strictions, including a quarantine after arrival for a period
equal to the longest known zncubation of the plague which
it is desired to exclude.
5th. Prohibit the importation of baled hay, straw, or other
farm product, in the preparation or removal of which the
domestic animals are usually employed, or which is usually
stored in buildings beside the dwellings of such animals.
These headings are only given as illustrative of the gen-
eral principles which must be carried out in such cases. In
putting them in practice they must be elaborated materially
in various directions. But in thus elaborating and adminis-
tering them no laxity and no exceptions must be admitted.
In many of the concerns of life a blunder or neglect results
in an immediate loss, the extent of which can be at once seen
and the after-effects of which are mdi. But in dealing with
the invisible but unspeakably prolific bacteria of animal
plagues, a blunder is quite likely to prove fatal, and anything
like laxity is almost of necessity the road to failure and ruin.
It is in this respect that the man of business usually fails.
The dealer demands that live stock shall be examined at a
particular point and a certificate of health shall be given if
no disease is discovered. The magistrate carries out the law
an (what he calls) its spireé (2), ignoring its letter, and undoes
everything which it was designed to effect. The legislator
insists that his constituent and supporter has selected his
stock with extreme care, and that there can be no danger in
making the quarantine merely nominal in his particular case.
The city magnate finding that his animals from an infected
locality cannot be admitted to a public sale, makes a ficti-
tious sale to some one outside in order that his stock may
Was
78 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
ostensibly come from another district and thus gain admit-
tance. The agents of great live stock interests are sent into
Congress and to foreign lands to deny point-blank the ex-
istence of animal plagues that are simply notorious in their
prevalence. The patriotic citizen demands the appomtment
of two or three microscopists to examine and certify to the
soundness of our meat-products in a centre where many
thousands are butchered daily and where a whole army of
microscopists could not satisfactorily carry out such work.
In no other field of human activity isa most thorough know-
ledge of the subject and a most unbending and impartial
administration demanded than in this.
DISINFECTION.
Disinfection cannot be treated fully in theshort space that
can here be given to it, yet the general principles and some
of the more potent of the agents employed may be noticed.
The first and main object in disinfection is to secure per-
fect cleanliness. From the buildings, cars, loading banks,
ships, quays, yards, manure-pits, drains, cesspools, harness,
clothing, utensils, etc., all decaying organic matter should be
removed, by scraping, washing, emptying, etc., as such decom-
posing organic matter is the food which sustains and pre-
serves the disease-germs out of the body. Even the water
and air must be carefully seen to, since in close places they
are usually charged with invisible particles of organic matters
in a state of decay, the most suitable field for the growth of
contagious principles. These, too, tend to purify themselves
in a free circulation of air, and ventilation may be largely
relied upon for this purpose, unless the deleterious supplies
are too abundant from some adjacent putrid accumulation,
as dung-heaps, cesspools, leaky drains, or soil saturated with
filth. Purity of the surroundings kills many contagious ele-
ments on the principle of starvation.
Contagious and Epizootic Diseases. 79
Some disinfectants operate by destructive oxidation of the
infecting material. Simple aeration often acts thus, and
much more when the aérial oxygen is combined in the form
of ozone, so abundant after thunder-storms, and developed to
a lesser extent by camphor and some of the essential oils.
Ozone is, however, rapidly used up in filthy stables, in cities,
and in connection with decomposing organic matters gen-
erally.
A much more prompt, thorough, and reliable oxidizing
disinfectant is rrrE. Burnie is the best of all disinfect-
ants. Rotten and filth-saturated wood-work, infected ma-
nure, fodder, litter, and even the infected carcases of animals
may be safely disposed of in this way. It may be used in a
plumber’s charcoal stove placed in all parts of a stable in
succession, or over the opening of a drain, or as a lamp in
the ventilating outlet of an infected building.
Certain oxygen-bearing agents, like running, rippling, or
falling water, and inert powders (charcoal, plaster-of-Paris)
which condense oxygen on their surface, and bring it into
closer contact with the adjoining germs and their products 5
also chemical agents which liberate oxygen (chlorine gas,
chloride of lime, permanganate of potassa, peroxide of
hydrogen, iodine, bromine, hyponitric acid, bichromate of
potass a, etc.), are more or less effective in the same way.
Other agents act on the germs in different ways, such as by
abstracting the oxygen requisite to the life of the germ, by
coagulating its albuminous substance and otherwise. To
this class belong the fumes of burning sulphur, the salts of
zine, iron, manganese, copper, and mercury, also carbolic and
cresylic acids, creosote, thymol, menthol, and allied agents.
Among these none holdsa higher place than chloride of
mercury, but its highly poisonous nature forbids its general
use. In its place chloride of lime may be confidently and
safely used in the proportion of four ounces to every gallon
of a lime whitewash. Such a preparation has the advan-
80 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
tage of showing clearly the extent of its application, insur-
ing that no part shall be missed, and thus it becomes even
amore certain disinfectant than the more potent salt of
mercury. As a powder it may be sprinkled on floors,
yards, manure-heaps, and in drains, cess-pools, ete.
For dairies, in which the smell of the chloride of lime
will injure the milk, chloride of zine may be substituted.
Chlorine gas, set free by pouring sulphuric acid on com-
mon salt, with a slight admixture of black oxide of man-
ganese, is one of the most effective purifiers of the air of
buildings. Doors and windows should be closed, though
light is beneficial to its action. The salt and black manga-
nese should be placed in a bowl in the centre of the floor,
and the operator, taking a full breath, should pour in the
sulphuric acid and retreat outside the door before taking
another breath. The gas is a violent and suffocating irri-
tant, and if inhaled is promptly fatal.
Sulphurous acid gas, obtained by burning sulphur in a
metal pot, may be fairly started, then left in the centre of
the room and all outlets closed for from five to ten hours.
The same precautions are necessary as with chlorine, for
though it is somewhat less irritating it is equally suffocating.
Both gases will act on solids as well as on the air, and to
make sure of their action the air and surfaces should be
charged with moisture. Perfectly dry germs will often
survive, whereas moist ones are quickly destroyed. Hence,
a current of steam may be sent into the building, or all
exposed surfaces may be watered before the gas is set free.
Some disinfectants act by merely changing the physical
condition of organic matter, and thereby destroying the
vitality of the living germ, without any chemical abstraction
from, or addition to, its constituents. Thus heating to the
boiling-point (212° F.) coagulates albuminous matters and
destroys infectious principles generally. But it must be
prolonged for a variable time, according to the size of the
Contagious and Epizootic Diseases. Q1
object, to allow of the heat penetrating to all parts alike.
In the case of germs which have formed resting spores, it
may be further needful to repeat the boiling on several
successive days, time being allowed in the interval for the
development of the spore into the more destructible bac-
terium. Clothing may be heated in an oven to 800° F., or,
safer, boiled, and even the prolonged application of hot
_ transparent steam, directed from a hose upon wood-work,
etc., previously well cleaned, is found effectual.
Some poisons, like those of Texas fever, cholera, and
yellow fever, are destroyed by freezing, while the majority
are merely imprisoned in the ice, but resume their evil work
as soon as they are thawed out.
Carbolic acid may also be used in occupied buildings,
being allowed to evaporate from shallow basins, alone or
mixed with ether or alcohol, from saturated rugs hung up
at intervals, or from cloth-lined ventilating inlets, kept
saturated with the acid, or, finally, it may be diffused
through the air of a building by an atomizer. It is, how-
ever, rather an antiseptic than a germicide, preventing the
propagation and increase of germs, while it really fails to
kill them. Carbolie and cresylic acids may also be used
for disinfecting solids and liquids, being poured into drains
or sprinkled on the floors, walls, and other parts of the
building. For the latter purpose the strong acid may be
diluted with one hundred times its weight of water. The
cheap impure acid is usually preferred for dung-heaps,
yards, and other outside purposes but is disagreeable indoors.
Coal-tar and wood-tar, from their contained carbolic acid
and allied products are also good for out-door uses.
The following are especially applicable to solids and
liquids:
Chloride of lime sprinkled on floors, yards, dung-heaps,
ete., or applied to walls, wood-work, etc., or poured into
drains, as a solution of $1b. to a gallon of water.
82 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
Chloride of zine is equally efficient but more expensive,
and chloride of aluminium (choralum) is somewhat less
potent.
Sulphate of iron (copperas) is one of the most efficient
and cheapest disinfectants for drains, manure, floors, yards,
etc., and may be applied either in fine powder or in solu-
- tion.
The sulphate of copper and zine and perehloride of tron
are efficient, but much more expensive.
Saturated solutions of caustic potassa and soda are
satisfactory for wood-work, harness, and utensils, but they
are useless if diluted. Lzme is useful in graves by absorb-
ing the water and uniting with the organic debris, but
is very unsatisfactory as a general disinfectant.
Permanganate of potassa promptly changes putrefying
organic matter, rendering it sweet and wholesome, but it is
questionable how far it can destroy living organic germs,
of which many of the contagious principles are composed.
The same remarks apply to charcoal, animal and vegetable,
and to earth, especially that containing a considerable pro-
portion of clay or marl.
CHAPTER IIL.
SPECIFIC CONTAGIOUS DISEASES.
Variolain animals. Horse-pox. Cow-pox. Sheep-pox. Goat-pox. Swine-
pox. Dog-pox. Bird-pox. Aphthous fever, foot-and-mouth disease. Rinder-
pest. Lung-plague. Contagious pleuro-pneumonia. Strangles. Influenza.
Typhoid or biliousfever. Canine distemper. Asiatic cholera. Swine-plague.
Hog-cholera. Texas fever. Canine madness, rabies. Bacillar anthrax.
Vibrionic anthrax. Pyzemia. Septiceemia. Bird-cholera. Chicken-cholera.
Actino-mycosis. Milk sickness. ‘‘The trembles.” Glanders and farcy.
Venereal disease of solipeds. Tuberculosis. Quebra-bunda. Beri-beri.
VARIOLA IN ANIMALS.
HORSE-POX. *
This is identical with cow-pox, being indistinguishable
when inoculated on men and cattle. It most frequently at-
tacks the limbs, but may affect the face or other part of the
body. There is usually some little fever, which, however,
passes unnoticed by the owner. Then swelling, heat, and
tenderness supervene, commonly in a heel, and firm nodules
form, increasing to one-third or one-half inch in diameter,
the hair bristles up, and the skin reddens unless previously
colored. On the ninth to the twelfth day a limpid fluid
oozes from the surface and agglutinates the hairs in yellow-
ish scabs, on the removal of which a red, raw depression is
seen with the scab fixed in its centre. In three or four days
the secretion ceases, the scabs dry up, and the parts heal
spontaneously. It is easily transmitted from horse to horse,
to man, or to cow. No treatment is required beyond weak
astringent lotions (carbolic — 1 dr., water 1 quart) or
bland ointments.
84 The Farmers Veterinary Adviser
COW-POX.
This is the same disease appearing in the cow. There is
a preliminary slight fever, usually overlooked, succeeded by
some diminution and increased coagulability of the milk and
the appearance of the pox on the udder and teats. The ud-
der is hot and tender for a day or two, then little pale red
nodules, about as big as peas appear, growing to three-
fourths to one inch in breadth by the eighth or tenth day,
acquiring liquid contents, and often a central depression on
the summit. The liquid in each pock is contained in
several distinct sacs and cannot be all extracted without a
succession of punctures on different parts. It contains a
micrococeus. The liquid, at first clear, changes to yellowish
white (pus) and soon dries up, the whole forming a hard
crust which is gradually detached. On the teats the blisters
are early ruptured and raw sores form, often proving very
obstinate, and even leading to inflammation of the udder,
abortion, or death.
Treatment is scarcely ever demanded further than to ob-
viate sores on the teats. A mild laxative of Epsom salts is,
however, usually desirable. The teats may be smeared with
an ointment formed of an ounce each of spermaceti and al-
mond oil, and half a drachm of myrrh. Milking-tubes may
be necessary to avoid injury by drawing the teats.
In many localities the disease appears in all newly calved
heifers on particular farms, in which case it would be well
to purify the barns by a thorough disinfection.
SHEEP-POX.
Though unknown in America there is no improbability
of this disease reaching us through importations of sheep,
hides, or wool. Like small-pox of man, it is only known as
a contagious disease. The cncubation or latent period of
Specifie Contagious Diseases. 85
the poison, after it enters the system, is from three to six
days in summer, and from ten to twelve in winter. Then
there is loss of appetite, dullness, dropping behind the flock,
and stiffness of the hind parts. This is followed by trem-
bling, increased temperature, very manifest on the bare and
delicate parts of the skin on which the eruption usually
takes place, loss of appetite and rumination, costiveness, red,
weeping eyes, a discharge from the nose, and the appear-
ance of red patches inside the limbs and along the abdomen.
Soon minute red points appear and increase to papules, with
a firm base extending into the deeper parts of the skin.
These are flat on the summit (rarely pointed or indented),
and become pale or clear in the centre, from the effusion of
liquid beneath the scurf-skin, with a red margin. With the
appearance of the eruption the fever moderates, but in-
creases again in three or four days with the development
and irritability of the vesicles. These may remain indi-
vidually distinct (discrete), in which case the attack is mild,
or they may run together into extensive patches (confluent),
when the result is likely to be serious. The pocks will even
appear on the visual, digestive, or respiratory mucous mem-
brane. The eruption passes through the same course of exu-
dation, suppuration, drying, and dropping off as in cow-pox.
The duration of the disease is three weeks or a month.
The mortality in the milder forms may not exceed seven
per one hundred, in the more severe it may destroy almost
the whole flock. But the losses of lambs by abortion, of
wool, sight, hearing, hoofs, digits, flesh, and general vigor
often render recoveries anything but unmixed blessings.
The germ is a micrococeus.
Treatment. Keep in cool, dry, well-aired and littered
sheds, shelter from rain, and feed roots, or, if very weak,
oat- and bean-meal gruels, with a drachm of saltpetre to
each sheep. Common salt may be supplied to be licked,
and the drinking-water may be slightly acidulated with
8
86 | The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
vinegar. The bowels should be opened by injections of
milk-warm soapsuds, or 3 oz. sulphate of soda if necessary.
Avoid heating agents. In the advanced stages support by
quinia, gentian, nitric acid, and nutritious gruels, even
animal broths. The pustules may be treated with the
ointment advised for cow-pox, or, if unhealthy, with weak
solutions of chloride of zine.
Prevention. Nothing short of general infection will
justify the treatment of this disease. It should be excluded
from our country by the most stringent supervision over
the importation of sheep and their products, and when it
does appear should be promptly stamped out by the de-
struction and disinfection of the sick and the purification
of all with which they have come in contact. Inoculation
as a measure of prevention is unwarrantable except in the
case of wide-spread infection, a contingency which ought
never to arise in this country.
GOAT-POX.
This is a rare and mild affection, with an eruption on the
udder and teats closely resembling that of Cow-pox. It
has been thought to be spontaneous in the goat, but is
known to be derived from sheep suffering from Sheep-pox.
It follows a mild course and requires the same care as Cow-
pox. Seclusion or destruction and disinfection are, how-
ever, imperative when danger is likely to arise for sheep.
SWINE-POX.
This is more frequent than Goat-pox. It is communica-
ble to man and goat. Young pigs are thought to be most
liable. The eruption appears inside the forearm and thighs,
and is usually preceded by considerable fever. It is dzserete
or confluent like Sheep-pox, and the severity corresponds.
Specific Contagious Diseases. 87
The duration of the mild forms is twelve to fifteen days.
Treatment is similar to that of Sheep-pox and the same
precautions should be taken to prevent its dissemination.
DOG-POX.
These animals sometimes contract Small-pox or Sheep-
pox, and have been supposed to have their own specific
form besides. The young suffer most frequently and se-
verely. There is the usual preliminary fever, with an
eruption on the sides and belly passing from pimples to
vesicles and pustules, and finally drying up into crusts which
drop off. The eruption may be discrete or confluent, the
latter being very fatal. Similar preventzve measures are
demanded, as in the other forms of pow.
BIRD-POX.
Birds seem susceptible to different forms of variola, hav-
ing contracted the disease from man in some cases, and in
others conveyed it to the sheep. Chickens failed to con-
tract Cow-pox in the experiments of Roll and myself. It
has proved very fatal in chickens, but very slightly so in,
pigeons, turkeys, and geese. The eruption appears mainly
on the head, under the wing, on the tongue, or in the
pharynx. In fatal cases death ensued in four or five days.
Treatment would rarely be desirable, the great point being
to stamp out the malady by destroying the diseased and
disinfecting the place.
APHTHOUS FEVER. FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE.
A contagious eruptive fever, attacking cloven-footed
animals and communicable to other warm-blooded animals,
including even man. Its special feature is the eruption of
blisters in the mouth, on the udder and teats, and on the
88 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
feet. It is only known as communicated by contagion,
whether in Western Europe, in Great Britain and Ireland,
where it was introduced in 1839-42, or in North and South
America, which it reached in 1870 by imported stock.
. Like the other animal plagues it follows in the track of
great armies and in the channels of commerce. The con-
tagion does not readily spread on the air, a river or common
road being often sufficient to limit it, but no poison is more
certainly transmitted by contact, direct or through the
medium of human beings, tame or wild animals, fodder,
litter, manure, clothing, drinking-troughs, etc., etc. Milk
is one of the most frequent sources of contagion to pigs,
dogs, and even to infants, producing the most dangerous
intestinal irritation and diarrhea.
Symptoms. The poison may remain latent in the system
for one or two days, or, in exceptional cases, perhaps as many
as six. Then there is onennee of the coat or shivering, in-
creased temperature, dry muzzle, hot red mouth, teats, and
interdigital spaces, lameness, inclination to lie, and shrink-
ing from the hand in milking. The second or third day
lesion arise on any part of the whole interior of the mouth,
one-half to one inch in breadth, or on the teats and between
the digits about one-half inch across. Saliva drivels from
the mouth, collecting in froth around the lips, and a loud
smacking is made with the lips and tongue. Swine champ
the jaws. Sheep and swine suffer more especially in the
feet, often losing the hoofs or even the digital bones, a con-
tingency not unknown in neglected cattle.
Among the consequences may be named the loss of milk,
inflamed udders, blind teats, a habit of vicious kicking,
abortions, permanent lameness, and a lengthened incapacity
for the dairy, for feeding, or work. If well cared for the
disease passes in fifteen days, leaving no ill consequence, ex-
cepting the poison hidden away in the building. The aver-
age loss in flesh is $5 to $10; in dairy cows it is much more.
Specific Contagious Diseases. 89
Treatment. A laxative (Epsom salts) ; astringent mouth-
wash (borax and tincture of myrrh 1 oz. each, water 1 qt. ;
or carbolic acid 1 dr., honey 2 0z., vinegar 1 pt., water 1 pt.) ;
a lotion for the teats (carbolic acid 4 dr., glycerine 10 oz.) ;
and a dressing for the feet (oil of vitriol 1 0z., water 4 oz.,
- to be applied with a feather after cleaning the space between
the hoofs by drawing a cloth through it). After dressing,
tie up the feet in a tar bandage. The hind feet are easily
dressed if two men raise each separately with a long, stout
fork-handle passed in front of the hock. In dressing the
feet all detached horn should be removed and a poultice
applied if inflammation runs high. Soft cold mashes or
thinly sliced or pulped roots are the best food throughout.
Prevention. Importation of diseased animals should be
sufficiently guarded against. Diseased stock should be
rigidly secluded from all but the necessary attendants, who
ought to be disinfected on leaving the enclosure. Wild ani-
mals, even birds, should be excluded. Every place where
the diseased have been should be closed for a winter or dis-
infected, the milk should be buried in a safe place, or boiled
and given to pigs; manure, infected litter, etc., may be burned,
or disinfected, removed, and ploughed under by horses. No
diseased animal should be moved until fifteen days after full
recovery, and it should first be sponged over with a carbolic-
acid wash.
RUSSIAN CATTLE-PLAGUE. RINDERPEST.
A contagious fever of cattle communicable to other rumi-
nants and characterized by a general congestion of the mu-
cous membranes, but, above all, those of the stomach and
intestines, and an excessive growth and shedding of the
superficial layers of cells on the skin and mucous mem-
branes. It is only propagated by contagion, at least, out of
the Kirghiz steppes and Kherson district in Southern Rus-
sia, but spreads farther on the air than Aphthous Fever.
8*
90 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
Symptoms. Incubation lasts about two days until the
temperature of the body is elevated, or four daysuntil the ap-
pearance of outward signs of illness. By this time the
mouth, inside the lips, on the dental pad of the upper jaw,
or around the gums of the lower front teeth, shows minute
white elevations, like the aphtha of the mouths of children,
calves, and lambs suffering from thrush (muguet). This may
be exceedingly slight and transient, but is most characteristic.
The other mucous membranes, (eye, vulva, rectum, nose)
show a more or less dark flush, and concretions may ap-
pear around these and on other parts of the skin, especially
the teats. These are solid aggregations of epithelial cells,
not vesicles nor pustules. In twenty-four hours they undergo
fatty softening and are easily detached, leaving small pink
erosions, and by the sixth day a great part of the mouth and
muzzle may have become raw, and the surrounding mucous
membrane of a deep red. About the fourth day the skin feels
greasy, and dullness and impaired appetite and rumination
appear. In cows the milk is diminished, is richer in cream,
and even slightly coagulable. Urine becomes scanty and of
a high color and density. These signs increase until the
sixth day, when the mouth is often raw, saliva drivels, appe-
tite and rumination gone, bowels relaxed, the dung passed
with much straining and pain, the everted gut appearing of ©
a deepred or port-wine hue, the ears are drawn back, head
pendent, eyes half-closed and watery, back arched and often
insensible to pinching, abdominal muscles tense and resist-
ant, and there is a peculiar check in the act of expiration,
the breath being suddenly arrested with a flapping sound
and concussion of the entire body, to be exhaled a second or
two later with a grunting noise. Sighing and whistling
sounds are heard in the chest and it becomes unnaturally
drum-like to percussion. A sudden lowering of temperature
is usually the precursor of death, which happens on the
seventh or eighth day.
ns ee
Specific Contagious Diseases. O1
Nervous symptoms appear in some outbreaks, with de-
lirium, butting, shivering, and tenderness of the loins, while
in the milder cases the peculiar eruption may be almost
altogether confined to the skin.
The symptoms in other ruminants are essentially the
same as in the ox, and in the peccary there is sufficient re-
semblance for recognition.
The mortality out of its native habitat usually amounts to
forty per cent. and upward.
Treatment. The treatment of this plague should be
legally prohibited under all circumstances. All the at-
tempts of the different schools of medicine and of empiri-
cism have only increased its ravages, while nations and even
countries and districts that have vigorously stamped it out
and excluded it have saved their property.
Prevention. The advent of this plague should be pre-
vented by a sufficient supervision of our ports and fron-
tiers and a quarantine of stock. If admitted, the victims
should be ruthlessly destroyed, deeply buried, and all places
and things with which they have come in contact disinfected
in the most perfect manner.
THE LUNG-PLAGUE OF CATTLE, CONTAGIOUS PLEURO-PNEUMONIA.
A specific contagious fever of cattle, with extensive ex-
udation into the chest and lungs containing a micrococcus.
Like the other plagues already noticed this is only known
in Europe and America as a contagious disease. Its impor-
tation into the different countries of Europe has always
been traceable to the introduction of diseased beasts or their
products. The assertion of the immortal Haller, more than
a century ago, that it is propagated by contagion, has re-
ceived the amplest confirmation in recent times. It invaded
Ireland in 1839-40 by Dutch cattle, England in 1842 by
Irish and Dutch cattle, Sweden and Denmark in 1847 by
99 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
English stock, and later again by English and Dutch, Nor-
way in 1860 by infected Ayrshires, Oldenburg in 1858, and
Schleswig in 1859, in each case by Ayrshires, the Cape of
Good Hope in 1854, Australia in 1858 by an English cow,
Brooklyn, L. I., in 1848 by a Dutch cow, and again in 1880
by an English one, New Jersey in 1847 by English stock,
and Boston, Mass., by Dutch cattle in 1859. In Sweden,
Norway, Denmark, Oldenburg, Schleswig, Massachusetts,
and New Jersey it was stamped out, in the last.case by the
importer, Mr. Richardson, sacrificing his whole herd and
voluntarily assuming the loss, but in the other places named
it was left to itself and spread disastrously.
Symptoms. The period of latency of the poison in the
system is from four to six weeks, and in exceptional cases
perhaps three or four months, or as short as ten days. In-
creased temperature of the body usually appears a week
or two before other symptoms. ‘Then there is a slight
cough, erection of hair along the back, sometimes shivering
and always tenderness of the back to pinching, the animal
crouching and groaning. Soon breathing and pulse become
accelerated, bowels costive, urine scanty and high-colored,
milk diminished, appetite impaired, rumination irregular,
nose alternately moist and dry, and legs and horns cold and
hot. If in the field, the sick leave the herd. The cough
increases in harshness, depth, and painfulness, and all the
symptoms are aggravated until the animal stands in one
posture, with head extended on the neck, mouth open, and
every breath accompanied by a loud moan. From the
earliest stages the ear applied to the sides of the chest de-
tects an absence of murmur over particular parts of the
lung, or lungs, with a line of crepitation (fine crackling)
around it, and occasionally rubbing, wheezing, and other
unnatural sounds. On percussion over the silent parts the
natural resonance is found to have given place to dullness,
and the animal winces and groans. Other peculiar sounds
Specijic Contagious Diseases. 93
may follow later, into which we cannot enter here, and
exhausting liquid discharges from the bowels and kidneys,
tympanies and abortions are frequent results. Death may
take place early, from suffocation, when both lungs are
involved, or may be delayed six weeks or more. Slight
attacks, common in the Northern States in winter, may
only cause a few days of fever, but usually leave encysted
masses of dead, diseased tissue in the lungs, that render the
apparently recovered animal dangerous to others for long
after.
The percentage of deaths and permanent destruction to
health is fifty or sixty, or when all the more susceptible
animals have perished it may be reduced much lower.
Treatment. This disease is much more amenable to
treatment than rinderpest, but to preserve the sick is no
less reprehensible, as the poison is more subtle, more dif-
fusible through the atmosphere, is hidden unsuspected for
a greater length of time in the body of its victim, and
when manifested is far more liable to be mistaken for other
diseases (pneumonia, pleurisy, bronchitis). No treatment
should ever be allowed, except in perfectly secluded build-
ings, far from roads, where no strange men or animals can
get access, and in a constantly disinfected atmosphere.
In the early stages, refrigerant and diuretic salts (liquor
of the acetate of ammonia, nitre, bisulphite of soda) with
-aconite may be given; injections of warm water or mild
laxatives (Epsom salt), used to regulate the bowels, and
blisters applied to the sides of the chest (mustard and oil
of turpentine). Later, when prostration sets in, stimulants
(sweet spirits of nitre, wine, aromatic ammonia, etc.) and
tonics (gentian, cinchona, cascarilla, boneset, sulphate of
iron or copper, mineral acids, etc.) are called for. Anti-
septics are useful, especially such as can be inhaled in the
air (sulphur Patong earbolic acid vapor or spray) and thus
reach the seat of disease.
94 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
The hydropathic treatment, by a rug wrung ont of water
applied next the skin and covered by several dry ones kept
closely applied by elastic surcingles for an hour and fol-
lowed by a cold douche and active rubbing till dry, has
proved very successful, but demands intelligence, enthusiasm,
and activity on the part of the attendants. The pack is
repeated as often as the temperature rises.
Prevention. Importation should only be allowed from
countries free from the plague, in ships that have carried
no suspected stock for at least three months, and after
inspection and, if thought necessary, quarantine at the
port of entry. But the disease already exists in New
York (Connecticut), New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania,
Maryland, Virginia, Illinois, and District of Columbia.
This ought to be rooted out by measures executed by the
central government and defrayed out of the public treasury.
Little good must be looked for from isolated action by
States, counties, townships, or individual owners; the dan-
ger threatens the entire country, and for the general safety
all must pay. It is absurd to expect the unfortunate pos-
sessor of sick animals to beggar himself for the public
good. There should be destruction of the sick, partial re-
muneration of the owners, thorough disinfection under pro-
fessional supervision, and the most perfect control and con-
stant inspection of all suspected herds and places until the
malady has been eradicated from the land. ‘This is the
most insidious of all our animal plagues, the one which
now most urgently presses for active interference, and which,
if neglected, will bring a terrible retribution in the future.
Inoculation, as a preventive, like medical treatment, 13
suicidal unless where a country is very generally infected,
and in this case even sterilized virus should be used. (See
Lung Plague in Appendix.)
Specific Contagious Diseases. 95
STRANGLES. DISTEMPER IN YOUNG HORSES.
A specific fever of young solipeds, usually attended with
swellings and formations of matter between the bones of
the lower jaw, or elsewhere in groups of lymphatic glands.
Causes. Early age, change from field to stable, from
grass to dry feeding, from idleness to exciting work, the ir-
ritation of teething, and, above all, change of locality and
climate. Repeated attacks will occur in the same horse
under the influence of the last-named cause. Exposure to
cold and wet, impure air, sudden thaws, ete., contribute to
hasten its development. Lastly, contagion is a common
cause, and, in some cases, the malady may even be conveyed
to man.
‘Symptoms. The disease is often preceded by a period of
unthriftiness, staring coat, loss of condition, dullness, and
languor. Then there appear cough, redness of the nasal
membrane, and watery flow from the nose and eyes, slaver-
ing, accelerated breathing and pulse, costiveness, scanty
high-colored urine, and increased thirst. Soon a swelling
rises between the bones of the lower jaw, hot, tender, and
uniformly rounded and smooth, at first hard with soft,
doughy margins, later soft and fluctuating in the centre
from the formation of matter. Water is often returned
from the nose in drinking and food dropped after chewing.
The throat may even be closed so as to make breathing
laborious, difficult, and noisy, or quite impossible. With
rupture of the abscess and escape of the matter, relief is ob-
tained and a steady recovery may usually be counted on.
Irregular Forms. The swelling may harden in place of
softening, and maintain the disease for an indefinite time,
or it may disappear and be followed by the formation of
matter in other and more vital organs. Thus matter may
form in the groups of lymphatic glands about the shoulder,
96 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
groin, the roots of the lungs, the mesentery, the brain, ete.
Sometimes no swelling nor suppuration takes place beyond
the discharge from the nose, while at others a pustular erup-
tion on the skin is the manifestation of the disease.
The disease may be over in ten days, or, in cases of indolent
action in the swelling, it may be protracted for months. If
properly treated, the regular form generally does well, but
the ir7egular is fatal in proportion to the vitality of the
organ affected. In protracted cases and in those subjected
to impure air and weakening treatment, dropsical and san-
guineous swellings in the dependent parts of the body (pur-
pura hemorrhagica) is a frequent result.
Treatment. Sustain the strength of the patient by abun-
dance of soft, nourishing mashes and pure air, and promote
the formation of matter between the jaws by fomentations,
poultices, and steaming of the nostrils. A poultice may be
applied by a square of calico with holes for the ears and
eyes, tied down the middle of the face and sewed up a little
at the chin to prevent any from dropping out. Bran or
oil meal may be used along with hot water. Steaming
may be done by feeding hot bran mashes from a nose-
bag hung on the head. When matter points it should be
freely evacuated with the lancet, and the poultices con-
tinued to complete the softening. If suffocation is threat-
ened, the windpipe must be opened in the middle of the
neck and a tube inserted to breathe through.
Medicine is rarely required. Yet costiveness may be
counteracted by warm water injections, and weakness by
stimulants (muriate and carbonate of ammonia) and tonics
(gentian, calumba, willow-bark). Complications must be
treated according to their nature.
INFLUENZA.
A specific epizootic fever of a low type associated with
inflammation of the respiratory mucous membrane, or less
Specific Contagious Diseases. 97
frequently of other organs. It has prevailed at intervals
over different parts of the world in man, horses, dogs, and
even cats.
Causes. Nothing can be definitely stated as to the pri-
mary cause of its development, as all peculiar conditions of
soil, voleanic action, atmospheric electricity, aerial moisture
or dryness, density or levity, season, temperature, winds,
calms, ozone, and antozone fail to account for its appearance.
The great American epizootic of 1872 was preceded and ac-
companied in Michigan by an excess of ozone, but the excess
did not determine its appearance in other States, which it
invaded by a gradual progress and with a rapidity propor-
tional to the celerity, of communication. Again, insular and
sequestrated places escaped, as Prince Edward’s Island,
(frozen out), Vancouver’s Island (quarantined), Key West,
Hayti, St. Domingo, Jamaica, La Paz, by the non-importa-
tion of horses (Cuba suffered through imported American
horses). It stopped at Panama, where there is no horse
traffic, owing to the state of the country. (See the author’s
report to Government, and report of New York Board of
Health.)
Symptoms. The disease comes on suddenly with extreme
weakness and stupor. There is often pendant head, half-
closed, lustreless eyes, great disinclination to move, with
swaying gait, and cracking joints. Appetite is lost, mouth
hot, clammy, bowels costive, urine scanty and high-colored,
pulse accelerated and weak (sometimes hard), a cough, deep,
painful, and racking comes on, crepitation or harsh blowing
sounds are heard in the chest, and the membrane of the nose
assumes a bright pink or dull leaden hue. The ears and
limbs are alternately cold and hot, the hair rough, the skin
tender and frequently trembling.
Soon the nose discharges a white, yellowish, or greenish
matter, and the animal may recover, or an increasingly heavy
breathing, depth and painfulness of cough, and changed or
9 6
98 The Farmers Veterinary Adviser.
absent respiratory sounds in the chest, with dullness on per-
cussion show that the lungs are seriously involved. Thus
there may be the symptoms of pneumonia, pleurisy, bron-
chitis, hydrothorax, pericarditis, hydropericardium, ete.
Clots sometimes form in the heart, modifying the heart-
sounds and proving rapidly fatal.
In other cases the abdominal organs suffer, and with great
torpor, stupor, tension and tenderness of the abdominal
walls there are colicky pains, ardent thirst, coated tongue,
yellowness of the membranes of nose and eyes, yellow or
reddish urine, costive bowels and dung in pellets thickly
coated with mucus.
Sometimes rheumatic swelling and tenderness take place
in the muscles and joints of the limbs, and may even last
for months. At others, paralysis or delirium will ensue, or,
finally, severe inflammation of the eyes.
Treatment. Overcome costiveness by injections of warm
water, or by one-third the usual doses of linseed oil or aloes.
Give mild febrifuge diuretics (liquor of acetate of ammonia,
spirit of nitrous ether), with anodynes (extract of bella-
donna), and when fever subsides or great prostration comes
on, stimulants (nitrous ether, aromatic ammonia, carbonate
of ammonia) and even tonics (gentian, calumba, quassia).
Counter-irritants (ammonia and oil, equal parts, mustard,
ete.) may be used from the first to the throat, sides, or ab-
domen, according to the seat of the inflammation.
Soft mashes, roots, or green food, pure air, without
draughts, and warm clothing are essentials of treatment
throughout.
If the abdominal organs are the main seat of disease,
supplement the medicines above named by demulcents (slip-
pery elm, mallow, boiled linseed) and anodynes (opium,
hydrocyanic acid) with, in some cases, a gentle laxative
(olive oil). Mervous symptoms may demand wet cloths to
the head, blisters to the sides of the neck, purgatives, unless
Specific Contagious Diseases. 9G
contra-indicated, and bromide of potassium. The rheu-
matic complication must be treated like ordinary rheuma-
tism, with colchicum, salicin, salicylate of soda, propylamine,
acetate of potassa, turpentine, warmth, counter-irritants, etc.
TYPHOID, GASTRIC, OR BILIOUS FEVER.
This strongly resembles the abdominal form of influenza
and sometimes occurs in the same place at the same time.
It also appears independently in horses weakened by shed-
ding their coats in spring and autumn, in those kept in a
hot, close, impure, and unwholesome atmosphere, fed insuffi-
ciently or on badly-preserved, musty, or otherwise injured
aliment, supplied with water containing an excess of decom-
posing organic matter, fed irregularly, subjected to over-
work, etc. Finally it proves contagious in confined, insalu-
brious buildings, and to a less extent, in those that are
wholesome and well aired. Some unknown, generally acting
influence makes it more virulent at one season than at an-
other.
Symptoms. ‘There are a few days of dullness and lassi-
tude followed by the general signs of fever: Staring coat,
shivering, alternate heat and coldness of the surface, rest-
lessness, hot, dry mouth, and elevation of the internal tem-
perature of the body. There is a yellowish tinge of the
mucous membranes, costiveness, colicky pains, full, tense,”
tender belly, passage of a few dark, hard pellets of dung
covered with a mucous film, urine scanty, reddish, and de-
positing a sediment, pulse rapid and weak, and there may
or may not be sore throat, excited breathing, and discharge
from the nose. In the more favorable cases, signs of im-
provement are noticeable in eight or nine days, and a per-
fect recovery is made. In the unfavorable, the pulse be-
comes small, weak and rapid (eighty to ninety per minute),
the mouth hotter, more clammy, and covered by yellow-
100 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
ish, brownish, or greenish blotches, the abdominal walls
more tender, the bowels more irritable, sometimes with a
fetid diarrhoea, and the strength is rapidly exhausted. The
head is constantly pendant, the eye sunken, the expression
of the countenance stupid and haggard, and the stupor or in-
sensibility may become so great that pinching or even prick-
ing of the skin may pass unnoticed by the animal. Death
usually takes place from the tenth to the twentieth day.
Treatment. English veterinarians rely much on calomel,
and with a firm, full pulse, not too rapid, a general warmth
of surface and extremities, a bright eye, cheerful counte-
nance, whitish, foetid dung, and much yellowness of the eye,
nose, or mouth, a few doses of calomel (10 grs.) and opium
(30 grs.), repeated twice daily, may be useful in stimulating
the liver and throwing off injurious agents from the blood.
But it is to be avoided when there is a weak, rapid pulse
and great prostration and debility, and in no case should it
be given over two or three days, or until the system is satu-
rated with the drug. Severe costiveness may be obviated
by 2 or 3 drs. of aloes and a drachm of calomel, or by
a daily dose of 2 or 3 ozs. of Glauber’s salt until relax-
ation occurs. Soft feeding and copious injections of warm
water must be continued to maintain the bowels in a healthy
state. A drachm each of chlorate or nitrate of potassa
and muriate of ammonia may be given three or four times
daily with the water drunk, or in case of great dullness
and debility an ounce of oil of turpentine, sulphuric ether,
sweet spirits of nitre, or carbonate of ammonia may be
given as well. Great tenderness of the belly may be met
by persistent hot fomentations and mustard poultices, and
if necessary by half-drachm doses of opium. Tympany i is
treated by hand rubbing and by aromatic ammonia or oil
of peppermint. During recovery 3 or 4 ozs. of tincture
of gentian or cinchona may be given twice daily with mu-
riate of iron and stimulants. Feed throughout on soft
Specific Contagious Diseases. 101
bran mashes, sliced roots, boiled oats or barley, green
grass, oil-cake, etc., giving from the hand if necessary.
Secure pure air and water, cleanliness, warm clothing, and
general comfort until restored to health. ,
CANINE DISTEMPER.
A specific fever of the young domestic carnivora, affect-
ing the respiratory organs, and it may be the abdominal
viscera, the brain, the muscular system and joints, or the
skin. One attack usually protects from a second.
Causes. Connected, like strangles, with domestication,
it is most severe on pet dogs kept in hot, close rooms, on
spiced food, or confined in kennels. Change of climate,
teething, and contagion are other causes.
Symptoms. Dullness, peevishness, loss of appetite, dry
nose, watery eyes, elevated temperature, increased pulse
(110 to 120), sensitiveness to cold, shivering, cough and
glairy or yellowish discharge from the nose. The cough
becomes paroxysmal and is often followed by vomiting, the
matter not being licked up again, the breathing is disturbed,
and the chest-sounds on auscultation and percussion imply
disease there. The animal is weak, debilitated and ema-
ciated, and diarrhcea, ulceration of the mouth, and nervous
symptoms usually precede death.
The complications are marked by symptoms of bronchi-
tis, pneumonia, enteritis, hepatitis, conjunctivitis, phrenitis
and skin-disease. Diseases of the brain (cramps, convul-
sions, chorea, paralysis) and skin-eruption are exceedingly
common in the advanced stages. The eruption is peculiar,
consisting of small blisters, containing often a reddish or
purple fluid.
Treatment. A warm, comfortable bed, pure air, and a
milk, or bread and milk diet are important. The diet should
not be so exclusive in dogs having had animal food only.
g*
102 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
A mild emetic (antimonial wine) or a slight laxative
(castor oil) may be followed by tonics (gentian, quinia),
febrifuges (saltpetre), and expectorants (ipecacuanha), with
perhaps an anodyne (belladonna). As fever subsides, tonics
must be given freely (wine, quinia, sulphate of iron, Fow-
ler’s solution). In all the various complications treat as for
the different diseases, but avoid weakening remedies, and
keep up tonics, stimulants, and a nutritious diet.
MALIGNANT CHOLERA. ASIATIC CHOLERA.
This attacks the domestic quadrupeds and birds simul-
taneously with man, and has been produced experimentally
by feeding the dried bowel discharges. These were found
to increase in virulence for several days then to decrease
(Sanderson). The germ is a curved (comma) bacillus.
Symptoms. Muscular cramps, great prostration, partial
loss of motor power and excitability, great lowering of the
body temperature (80° F.), deathly cold, bloodless extremi-
ties, viscid tardily-flowing blood, and lastly, violent abdom-
inal pains and fluid bowel dejections, often having the
specific rzce-water appearance.
Treatment. The disease is mainly important as propa-
gating a poison so fatal to the human being, hence the
most perfect disinfection of all bowel dejections is imper-
ative, together with the seclusion and burial of the sick
‘and dead. As an example of current treatment may be
nained, aromatics (oil of anise, oil of cajeput, oil of juni-
per, tincture of cinnamon), stimulants (ether); and acids
(sulphuric acid), mixed and given every quarter of an hour.
In the early stages add opium to check diarrhea. To
overcome surface coldness and collapse, use hot fomenta-
tions, rubbing, inhalation of nitrite of amyl; to sheath
the intestines, demulcent drinks (linseed tea, mallow,
slippery elm), and to meet other states according to in-
Specifie Contagious Diseases. 108
dications. Every separate case would demand special
treatment.
SWINE-PLAGUE. HOG-CHOLERA.
A specific contagious fever of swine, attended by conges-
tion, exudation, blood extravasation, and ulceration of the
membrane of the stomach and bowels, by liquid fcetid diar-
rhoea, by general heat and redness of the surface and by the
appearance on the skin and mucous membranes of spots
and patches of a scarlet, purple, or black color. It is fatal
in from one to six days, or ends in a tedious, uncertain re-
covery. The germ is in some epizootics a diplococcus, and
in others a bacillus, implying two distinct diseases.
Symptoms. Incubation ranges from a week or fortnight
in cold weather to three days in warm. It is followed by
shivering, dullness, prostration, hiding under the litter, un-
willingness to rise, hot, dry snout, sunken eyes, unsteady
gait behind, impaired or lost appetite, ardent thirst, in-
creased temperature (103.2° to 105° F.) and pulse. With
the occurrence of heat and soreness of the skin, it is suf-
fiised with red patches and black spots, the former disap-
pearing on pressure, the latter not. The tongue is thickly
furred, the pulse small, weak, and rapid, the breathing ac-
celerated and a hard dry cough is frequent. Sickness and
vomiting may be present, the animal grunts or screams if
the belly is handled, the bowels may be costive throughout,
but more commonly they become relaxed about the third
day and an exhausting feetid diarrhcea ensues. Lymph and
blood may pass with the dung. Beforé death the patient
loses control of the hind limbs and is often sunk in complete
stupor, with muscular trembling, jerking, and involuntary
motions of the bowels. The lymphatic glands swell in all
cases.
Causes. It is propagated by contagion, though faults in
diet and management may prove accessory. The poison
104 The Lurmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
will blow half a mile or more on the wind, and is with diffi-
culty destroyed in hog-pens, fodder, ete.
Treatment ought not to be permissible, unless in a con-
stantly disinfected atmosphere. Feed well-boiled gruel of
barley or rye, or, in case these raise the fever, corn-starch
made with boiling water; give to drink fresh cool water,
slightly acidulated with sulphuric acid. For the early con-
stipation give a mild laxative (castor oil, rhubarb) and in-
jections of warm water, following up with fever medicine
(nitrate of potassa and bisulphite of soda). If the patient
survives the first few days and shows signs of ulceration of
the bowels (bloody dung, tender belly), give oil of turpentine,
fifteen to twenty drops night and morning. J ollow up with
tonics, and careful soft feeding.
Prevention. Kill and bury the diseased; thoroughly
disinfect all they have come in contact with; watch the
survivors for the first sign of illness, test all suspicious sub-
jects with the thermometer in the rectum, and separate from
the herd if it shows more than 108° F. , destroying as soon -
as distinct signs of the disease are hss Feed vegetable
or animal charcoal, bisulphite of soda, carbolic acid, or sul-
phate of iron to the healthy, and avoid all suspected food,
places, or even water which has run near a diseased herd.
All newly purchased pigs should be placed at a safe dis-
tance, in quarantine under separate attendants, until their
health has been proved.
TEXAS FEVER.
A specific fever, rising in the low, malarious grounds of
the States bordering on the Gulf of Mexico, and communi-
cable to the cattle of the elevated lands of the same and
other States in a more fatal form. It is characterized by
enlarged spleen, profound changes in the blood, escape of
the blood-elements into the substance of the various tissues
Specific Contagious Diseases. 105
and with the urine causing bloody discharges from the kid-
neys, yellowness of the mucous membranes and fat, great
prostration and debility.
Symptoms. There seems to be an incubation of four or
five weeks, ending in elevated temperature (103° to 107°)
and followed in five to seven days by dullness, languor,
drooping head till the nose reaches the ground, arched back,
hind legs advanced under the belly and bent at the fetlocks,
cough more or less frequent, muscular trembling about the
flanks, jerking of the neck muscles, heat of horns, ears, and
general surface (limbs cold, in exceptional cases) and im-
paired appetite and rumination. Soon weakness compels
lying down, by choice in water, eyes are glassy and fixed,
secretions lessened, dung hard and coated with mucus, or
with clots of blood, and the urine changes to a deep red or
black and coagulates on boiling. The mucous membranes
are of a deep yellow or brown, that of the rectum, seen in
passing dung, is of a dark red, as in Rinderpest.
All these symptoms become aggravated, weakness be-
comes extreme, and the patient dies in a state of stupor, or
sometimes in convulsions.
The disease usually passes unnoticed in the Texan cattle,
but is exceedingly fatal in Northern beasts.
Contagion takes place through the bowel discharges, and
roads, pastures, water-courses, etc., become efficient bearers
of the virus. It is destroyed at once by frost, and has never
been satisfactorily demonstrated to be conveyed from one
Northern animal to another. Sucking calves rarely suffer.
One attack does not protect against another. There is a
strongly refrangent micrococcus in the bile and blood. Det-
mers has also found a bacillus.
Prevention. It should be enforced by United States law
that no Gulf-coast cattle should be moved north excepting
after the first frosts of autumn, or before the last frosts of
spring. Then would the traffic be safe for all the North.
106 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
The time would vary for the different States, but the ear-
lier or later traffic for the extreme North should be by direct
route without intermediate unloading. A general restric-
tion of this sort, with the expense levied on all the States,
would be more economical and satisfactory than a supervision
by each State of its own frontier.
Treatment should never be called for. It may, however,
be resorted to with less danger than in the case of a true
plague. In some cases emollient drinks and enemas, soft
food, and stimulating fever medicines have been followed:
by recovery. Chlorate of potassa, nitre, iodide of potassium,
and carbolic acid have evidently been of advantage. Wet-
sheet packing, as for Lung-fever, should be beneficial, and
refrigerant or stimulating diuretics (digitalis, nitre, or ni-
trous ether), according to the indications of the particular
case. Peculiarities in different cases would demand a vari-
ation of treatment. The diet throughout should be of soft
mashes, and a return to ordinary fibrous aliment made slowly |
and carefully, patients being liable to be cut off by gastro-
enteritis.
CANINE MADNESS. RABIES (HYDROPHOBIA).
A specific bacteridian disease of the genus canis (dog,
wolf, fox) and the cat, and transmissible by inoculation to™
all the domestic animals and to man. It is marked by dis-
orders of intellectual, emotional, and nervous functions, al-
tered habits, irritable temper, optical delusions, spasms of
the muscles of the eyeballs and throat, paralysis, and more
or less fever.
Causes. Inoculation by bite is the usual (almost invari-
able) cause, yet cases arise also from other channels of con-
tagion. Season, climate, abuse, privation of water, improper
food, muzzling, etc., have no effect further than they serve
to produce a febrile state and hasten the development of
Specific Contagious Diseases. 107
the disease when the seeds are already implanted in the sys-
tem. A constantly increasing mass of testimony points to
the conclusion that the restraint of an ungovernable sexual
desire is one cause of the development of the malady, and
it is even supposed that the maternal instinct has had a sim-
ilar effect after the puppies have been removed. Males
chiefly suffer, partly, no doubt, from their special liability
to common accessory causes, but mainly because the rabid
dog is far more likely to bite a male thana female. Dowdes-
well finds a micrococcus in the brain and spinal cord.
The poison is resident in the saliva and blood, but not
always in the milk. The saliva of rabid herbivora, om-
nivora, and men is equally virulent with that of carnivora,
though in all animals it varies in intensity according to
the stage of the disease. Of animals bitten by a violently
rabid dog nearly all contract the disease, whereas among
men the proportion is five to fifty-five per cent. This ap-
parent immunity is largely due to the cleaning of the teeth
on the dress before they reach the skin.
Incubation varies in degs from five to eighty days, the
majority showing symptoms thirty to forty days after the
bite; in the horse fifteen to ninety days (usually thirty) ;
in cattle twenty to thirty days; sheep twenty to seventy-
four days; swine twenty to forty-nine days. In man it
ranges about the same, exceptional cases extending over
years being manifestly instances of disease resulting from
fear, a common occurrence in the human being.
Symptoms. Inthe Dog. Any sudden change of habits,
or instincts—dullness, restlessness, watchfulness, tendency
to pick up and swallow straws and other small objects, con-
stant desire to smell or lick the anus or generative organs
of themselves or others, to lick a stone or other smooth,
cold object, to rub the throat or chops with the fore paws,
silent endurance of pain, rubbing or licking of a scar, the
seat of the bite, liability to sudden passion and attempts
108 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
to bite at sight of another dog or cat, may be looked on as
very suspicious, if rabies exists in the country. Soon the
characteristic howl is omitted. The voice is hoarse, low,
and. muffled, and there is one loud howl, followed by three
or four more, successively diminishing in force and uttered
without closing the mouth. Some dogs appear unusually
fond of their owners and fatally inoculate them by licking
their hands and face. Others turn the head and eyes as if
following imaginary objects and snap as if at flies. Bark-
ing without object, a constant searching, or tearing of wood,
etc., to pieces, a seeking of darkness and seclusion and a
disposition to resent disturbance, or a pilgrimage of several
days’ absence from home are among the most common pre-
cursors of the disease.
Furious Rabies. Following some of the above symptoms
there is a redness and fixed glare in the eyes, squinting,
rolling of the eyes after fancied objects, more frequent
howling, and increasing irritability with a tendency to
worry all animals that come in their way, the respect for,
and immunity of former friends being lost in the violence
of a paroxysm. ‘The victim can no longer rest, but under-
takes long journeys at a slouching trot, ready to fly at all
that cross his path, especially if they make any noise or
outery. Ile may die during one of these journeys, or re-
turn dirty, careworn, and sullen, with the rabid glare in his
eye and ready to resent any interference. Hach paroxysm
of violence or wandering is followed by a period of depres-
sion and torpor proportionate to the preceding excitement,
during which dark and seclusion are preferred, though any
disturbance will arouse to violence. From the fourth to
the eighth day paralysis sets in, first in the hind limbs, then
in the jaw and the whole body, the certain precursor of ap-
proaching death.
Paralytic Rabies. In this case paralysis with dropping
of the lower jaw is shown at the outset, and gradually ex-
Specific Contagious Diseases. 109
tends to the whole body. The animal cannot bite, eat, nor
drink, rarely barks, and dies early.
Lethargic (Tranquil) Rabies. Palsy of the jaw is less
marked, but there is complete apathy, the patient remain-
ing curled up in one position, and is not to be roused by
any effort. He becomes daily more emaciated and dies in
ten to fifteen days.
In addition to these typical forms there are others hold-
ing an intermediate place. The furious form is especially
common in bulldogs, hounds, and the less domesticated
varieties, the paralytic and tranquil in the house and pet
dogs.
Popular Fallacies. I name these because of the evil re-
sults of entertaining them. 1. Mad dogs have no fear of
water (hydrophobia). On the contrary, they swim rivers,
plunge their noses in water or lap their urine without hesi-
tation. 2. Appetite is not lost, only depraved, and the
stomach after death is found to contain an endless variety
of improper objects. 3. There is rarely froth at the mouth,
though saliva may run from it when the jaw is paralyzed.
4. The taal tis not carried between the legs but is rather
held erect during a paroxysm.
Foxes and wolves have symptoms like those of the dog,
the animals losing their natural shyness or fear, and attack-
‘ing man and beast indiscriminately. Cats attack with claws
and teeth, flying at the face and hands, and utter hoarse
lond cries, as in heat. The horse bites, kicks, neighs, draws
_ his yard, rolls his eyes, jerks his muscles, and dies paralyzed.
The mischievous propensity distinguishes from delirium.
The oz is restless, excitable, everts the upper lip, grinds
his teeth, bellows loudly and as if in terror, scrapes with
his fore feet, and butts and kicks all who approach.
There is jerking of the muscles and finally paralysis.
Sheep are similarly excited, show sexual appetite, stamp,
butt, and bleat hoarsely. They die paralytic. Swzene are
. 10
110 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
excitable, restless, grunt hoarsely, champ the jaws, bite in-
truders, tear objects to pieces, gape, yawn, become weak
and die paralytic.
Recoveries are extremely rare.
Treatment. This can only be warranted in the lower
animals in hope of discovering a curative method for man,
and then with extreme precautions and in iron cages.
Theoretically, vapor baths, with sulphites and antispas-
modics (datura, atropia, chloral-hydrate, etc.), would
promise the best results. The boasted curative agents have
all broken down when tried on well-marked cases in the
lower animals, in which diseases of the imagination are not
to be looked for.
Prevention. When bitten, at once check the flow of
blood from the part, in the limb by a handkerchief or
cord with a piece of wood through it twisted tightly around
the member a little higher than the wound,—in other parts
by sucking, or by cutting open the wound to its depth and
squeezing or wringing as if milking to keep up a free flow
of blood, soaking it eae lng in warm water if available.
Drinking Teereiils to excess will also retard absorption. But
as soon as caustics can be had apply them thoroughly to all
parts of the wound, making sure that its deepest recesses
are reached. The compression by handkerchief or fingers
should not be relaxed until this operation is completed. A
hot skewer, nail, or poker serves admirably, and if at a
white heat is less painful. But oil of vitriol, spirit of salt,
nitric acid, caustic potassa or soda, butter of antimony,
chloride of zine, nitrate of silver, blue stone, copperas, in-
deed any caustic at hand should be at once employed. The
wound should be thoroughly cauterized, though some time
has elapsed since the bite, as absorption does not always
take place at once.
All dogs should be registered, taxed, and furnished with
a collar bearing their own and their owner’s names and
Specific Contagious Diseases. gi
that of their residence. During the existence of rabies in
a country all dogs found at large unmuzzled should be de-
stroyed. Suspected dogs should be shut up under super-
vision for three months unless rabies is developed earlier.
Dogs that have bitten human beings should be similarly
shut up for a week to test the existence of the disease or
otherwise.
Pasteur’s method of rendering the system insusceptible
is by preserving the spinal cord of a rabid animal in a
sterilized bottle, with free access of air, but protected against
all germs by a filter of sterilized cotton-wool, until inocula-
tion with its substance is no longer fatal. Beginning with
this, say twelve days old, he inoculates his patient and the
following day he operates again using virus which has been
kept one day less, and so on daily, using the progressively
stronger virus until he has inoculated with that of the full
strength. A number of recent failures have led him to
adopt his intensive method, by which. this series of inocula-
tions is practically repeated several times. That the process
is generally protective must be acknowledged, as otherwise
all his subjects must have died of the last and strongest
virulent injection, whereas less than one per cent. have ac-
tually perished. On the other hand, to laud such protection
as constant and absolute is to contradict all that we know
of acquired vital resistance to specific disease-poisons, and
is to contradict the results of Pasteur’s own inoculations.
Add to this that a constant succession of cases must be kept
up to obtain the requisite amount of virus of the different
required potencies, and that after the inoculations the sub-
jects carry away in their bodies the most virulent virus
that Pasteur has been able to produce, to the danger of any
other susceptible animals with which they may come in
contact, and the method must be held to be pregnant with
danger. It is a notorious fact that since Pasteur began in-
oculating rabies has become extraordinarily prevalent in
1i2 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
France and England where his protected animals have
mostly gone.
Galtier found that in rabbits and sheep protection with-
out visible disease was secured by injecting the rabid saliva
into the veins without contact with the tissues.
Fernandez shows, from extensive statistics and numerous
experiments that dogs bitten by vipers are proof against
rabies.
I have had the following results with rabid brain matter,
sterilized and diffused in water: English terrier had three
injections of twenty drops each on successive days, then in-
oculated with virulent matter on the brain; proved fatal,
but death delayed till the twenty-fifth day instead of the
sixteenth. Two rabbits had three hypodermic injections of
one drachm each on successive days; afterward inoculated
with virulent brain matter, but resisted for nine months.
One rabbit after four injections of one drachm each of steril-
ized rabid brain matter, inoculated with fresh rabid brain
matter, but survived nine months. Three control rabbits
inoculated with fresh rabid brain matter, one on the brain,
and two hypodermatically, all died of paralytic rabies, the
first on the sixteenth day, the second on the seventy-second,
and the third on the one hundred and eightieth day. In-
oculation of any kind, however, which demands the propa-
gation of the germ is not to be commended.
BACILLAR ANTHRAX.
A contagious disorder, prevailing in rich, damp localities,
in herbivora and swine, and communicable by inoculation
to other animals and to man. It shows itself in many dif-
ferent forms, all characterized by extreme changes in the
chemical and vital properties of the blood, breaking down
of the blood-globules, extravasations of blood or albuminous
fluids in different parts of the body, with a tendency to
Specific Contagious Diseases. 13
gangrene, yellow or brown mucous membranes, enlarge-
ment or even rupture of the spleen (milt), and a very high
mortality. The germ isa bacillus viable out of the body
in damp soils, ete.
Causes. Itis propagated by contagion but tends to die
out when produced in this way only. It is transmitted by
contact with the blood, liquid exudations, portions of the
diseased carcase, fat, skins, hair, wool, bristles, feathers, and
bowel evacuations, and rarely or not at all through the at-
mosphere. Simple contact of these matters with the healthy
skin of a susceptible subject is at times enough to produce
the disease. ‘The virus is most potent when received from
an animal still living or only recently dead, and yet may be
preserved for months in all conditions of climate, tempera-
ture, and humidity.
Eating of the flesh of animals killed while suffering in
this way has often conveyed the disease despite the cooking
to which it was subjected. Fifteen thousand of the inhab-
itants of St. Domingo once perished in six weeks from this
cause, and a whole family was poisoned a few years ago in
Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The Tartars perish in great num-
bers from eating their anthrax horses. Mosquitoes and other
insects with perforating apparatus to the mouth help to com-
municate it, as nearly all cases in man occur on exposed parts
of the body, and inoculation of the insects’ stomachs has
eaused the disease.
Its preservation in a locality is determined: 1. By fl the
rich surface soil abounding in organic matter, and the im-
pervious subsoil preventing natural drainage. 2. The fre-
quent inundations of banks of rivers flowing through level
countries and the drying up of ponds and lakes leaving much
organic deposit in their basins. 3. A continuation of warm,
dry weather, which favors organic emanations from such
places as the above. 4. A condition of the system of the ani-
mal predisposing to the reception and growth of the poison,
10*
114 The Harmer’s Veterinary Adviser. .
_ and consisting in the loading of the blood with plastic or
waste organic matter, as in overfed plethoric animals, in
those making flesh most rapidly, in the young and rapidly
growing, in those rendered unhealthy by overwork, impure
air, unsuitable food or water. 5. Sudden chills when the
poison is already present ; hence, extreme variations in the
temperature of night and day. 6. A close, still atmosphere. »
General Characters. In the typical cases the blood is
black, tarry, and incoagulable, and in all it shows broken-up
globules, and microscopic rod-like bodies, bacillus anthracis,
3.5 w (45y inch) long, and one-fourth as broad. The spleen,
lymphatic glands, and liver are enlarged, the mucous mem-
branes of the stomach and intestines are usually reddened,
thickened, and softened, and any other part of the body may
be the seat of bloody or albuminous effusion with a tendency
to death, decomposition, the extrication of gases in the tis-
sues and acrackling sound when handled. When it com-
mences in one point on the surface (malignant pustule) there
is first an unhealthy eruption of minute blisters, which burst,
dry up, and become gangrenous, while new blisters appear
around as the unhealthy action spreads.
Divisions. The bacillar anthrax may be manifested by
external disease, or swelling, or without such appearances.
To the first class belong the carbuncular erysipelas of sheep
and swine, malignant sore throat of hogs, gloss-anthrax or
black-tongue, one form of black- -quarter or bloody murrain,
the boil-plague of Siberia, and the malignant pustule of man.
To the second belong all those forms of the disease in which
there are the specific changes in the blood, with engorge-
ment of the spleen, blood-staining, and exudations into inter-
nal organs, only.
ANTHRAX WITH EXTERNAL LESIONS.
(A) Iy Horsrs.—(1) Siberian Boil-plague. This is un-
questionably an anthrax disease, and though named from
ee aS
Specijie Contagious Diseases. 115
Siberia is not unknown in other lands. <A slight shivering
and fever are followed by a swelling on the udder, sheath,
breast, throat, or elsewhere, which rapidly increases, some-
times to the size of an infant’s head. At first soft, it hard-
ens, assuming a yellow, bacon-like appearance, with red
streaks and spots. The animals die in twelve or twenty-four
hours, rarely surviving three days. The blood is in the
state so characteristic of anthrax, with bacteria, enlarged
spleen, and sanguineous effusions. In catéle similar tumors
appear, mainly on the throat, neck, or dewlap, in sheep and
goats on the bare surfaces and in pgs around the throat. In
all cases the disease, when conveyed to man, produces the
blue-pox (malignant pustule). At the outset all cases prove
fatal ; later, recoveries occur under the local use of cold water,
or the hot iron or other caustics pushed to the depth of the
tumor, and mineral acids internally.
(2) Anthrax with Diffused Local Swellings ; Typhus.
This is usually confounded with the purpura hemorrhagica,
which occurs in weak conditions of the body, as a sequel of
debilitating diseases (influenza, bronchitis, pneumonia, etc.).
Our limits forbid extended treatment, hence the general
symptoms will be named, and the observer left to distinguish
the two diseases according to their origin, communicability,
and prevalence.
Symptoms. Shivering, lassitude, stupor, impaired appe-
tite, whitish discharge from the nose, accelerated pulse and
breathing, costiveness with slimy dung or scouring, high-
colored, odorous, or bloody urine, swellings the size of a
walnut or closed fist on different parts of the body, or a
continuous swelling beneath the chest and belly, or extreme
engorgement of the limbs or head. These are at first hot
and tender, and easily indented with the finger, but soon be-
come hard, the skin gets rigid and exudes drops of a yellow
serum or pure blood. They may render the patient unable
to walk, see, feed, drink, urinate, or breathe, according to
116 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
situation. The mucous membranes become swelled, puffy,
dusky or yellow, with red spots and streaks, and a viscid,
bloody, and finally fcetid discharge flows from the nose.
Breathing may become labored and quick in connection with
- exudations into the chest, or violent colics may supervene
from effusions in the abdomen. With internal effusions
death ensues in forty-eight hours, with external only, the ef-
fects may last for weeks or months before ending in recovery
or death. In the latter case the swellings may suddenly dis-
appear to reappear elsewhere, they may subside permanently
in connection with free action of the bowels or kidneys, or they
may slough, leaving extensive and sluggish sores and scars.
(B) In tom Ox.—(1) Black Tongue ; also in the Horse.
This is manifested by the eruption of blisters, red, purple, or
black, on the tongue, palate, and cheeks, increasing individ-
ually often to the size of a hen’s egg, bursting, discharging
an ichorous, irritating fluid, and forming unhealthy sores
with more or less tumefaction. There is a bloody discharge
from the mouth, active fever sets in, and death ensues in
twenty-four to forty-eight hours.
(2) Black-quarter ; Bloody Murrain. This is some-
times anthrax, with extensive engorgement of a shoulder,
quarter, neck, breast, or side. It is most frequent in young
and rapidly thriving stock, attacking first the finest of the
herd or those thriving most rapidly, and runs its course so
quickly that its victims are usually found dead in the field as -
the first indication of anything amiss. If seen during life
there are the general symptoms of plethora, fever, with halt-
ing on one limb, stiffness, and excessive tenderness of some
parts of the skin, to be promptly followed by swelling of
such parts, with yellow or bloody oozing from the surface.
These swellings become firm, tense, insensible, and even cold,
and if the subject survives may finally slough open and leave
large, unsightly, and inactive sores. Recoveries are the ex-
ception and too often slow and tedious. f
Specific Contagious Diseases. 1G
(C) In Suerr.—Carbuncular Erysipelas. This strongly
resembles black-quarter of cattle. Like that it attacks the
finest of the flock and the bodies of its victims are found
dead in the field. There is first halting on a limb, then a
red or violet swelling, beginning inside the leg and rapidly
extending over the body. The feeling, appearance and
course of the swelling agree with those of black-quarter
and death occurs in a few hours, or in exceptional cases in
two days. 4
(D) In Swrve.—These suffer from Anthrax of the Mouth,
_ comparable to black-tongue, carbuncular erysipelas, like
that of the sheep, pharyngeal anthrax, and tumors about the
throat, which sometimes, at least, have the anthrax char-
acters.
(1) The Carbuncular Erysipelas has been constantly con-
founded in systematic veterinary works with swine-plague,
but is a distinct disease, being derivable from other anthrax
patients and communicable to other genera of animals and
to man, whereas hog-cholera is mainly confined to swine.
(2) Malignant Sore-throat ; Pharyngeal Anthrax. This
is perhaps the most frequent form of the disease in swine,
often appearing to arise from eating the carcasses or ex-
eretions of other anthrax animals. There is active fever
with redness and swelling of the throat, neck, breast, and
even the fore limbs. This is at first hard, elastic, warm,
and tender, but becomes purple, cool, insensible, and pits on
pressure. There is loss of appetite, retching, vomiting,
purple patches and black spots on the eyes, snout, and skin,
difficult breathing through the mouth, livid tongue, de-
creasing temperature, great weakness, and death in one or
two days.
(3) In the guttural tumors the swelling is cireumscribed
to the size of a kidney-bean or egg, on one or both sides
of the throat, extending to involve the throat generally,
causing vomiting, difficult breathing and swallowing, the
118 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
general symptoms of anthrax, and death from suffocation
often under twenty-four hours. It attacks pigs of five or
six months. :
(E) In Dogs anp Cats.—These suffer when they have eaten
the carcasses of anthrax victims. The disease usually lo-
calizes itself in the mouth, throat, and digestive organs,
giving rise to bloody vomiting and purging, with high fe-
ver and often death.
(F) Breps suffer from the primary disease. and more
frequently from eating the debris of anthrax victims. The
susceptibility of birds is slight, but may be easily developed
by a chill or other cause of low vitality and lessened power
of resistance. In addition to the fever, characteristic
swellings appear mainly on the comb, beak, and feet.
(G) In May.—Walignant Pustule. There is itchiness of
the affected part, with a minute red spot, increasing in
twelve or fifteen hours to the size of a millet-seed, bursting
and drying with a livid appearance in thirty-six hours.
Next day a new crop of vesicles surround the seat of the first
and pass through the same course, to be succeeded by an-
other and still wider ring. The whole is surrounded by a
puffy, shining swelling, the central dry part passes through
the shades of red, blue, brown, and black, becomes gan-
grenous and insensible and in case of recovery is sloughed —
off. At first the disease is quite local, but as it advances a
violent fever sets in, which too often proves fatal.
Bacillar Anthrax without External Swellings.
Apoplectic Form. In all animals there is a form in which
the victim is cut off after a few minutes’ illness, with or
without discharge of blood from the natural openings of
the body and before time has been allowed for any of
those changes in the blood and internal organs which char-
acterize the disease. These are often to be distinguished
from apoplectic seizures and sunstroke only by their occur-
Specific Contagious Diseases. 119
rence simultaneously with other forms of anthrax and in
the same places.
Anthrax Fever in Horses. Vigorous health is replaced
by dullness, muscular weakness, stupor, hanging on the
halter, leaning on the side of the stall, if at work unsteady
movement, colicky pains, lying down and rising, turning
the head toward the flank. The hair is dry and erect, the
hide tense, and may even crepitate on handling; the skin
trembles or sweats about the ears, elbows, or thighs. The
eyes and nose assume a yellow or reddish or brownish-
yellow tinge, with oftentimes dark red or black spots. The
pulse is weak, the heart’s impulse behind the left elbow
strong, breathing labored or quick and catching. A frothy,
bloody fluid may appear at the nose. The bowels are costive,
-the dung covered with mucus, or loose with streaks of blood.
The rectum, everted, is of a dark red and puffy. Great
weakness comes on and the patient dies in convulsions or
during the subsequent calm. Death usually occurs in
twelve to twenty-four hours.
Anthrax Fever in Oxen; Splenic Apopleay. The*patient
ceases feeding and ruminating or does so irregularly, trem-
bles, has partial sweats, staring coat, varying heat of the
body, arched back, quarters rested on the stall or fence,
or lies with the head turned to the flank. A high tem-
perature (105° to 107°) precedes the outward symptoms by
hours or days. The eye is sunken, dull, watery, with the
shades of brown and yellow, and dark spots, remarked in
the horse; breathing hurried, heart’s action violent, pulse
weak, loins and back tender or even crepitating, urine
bloody, bloody liquids escape from nose, anus, or eyes, and
the dung is streaked with blood. As the disease advances
the temperature of the body decreases and the patient dies
in convulsions or quietude, or makes a rapid recovery. The
fatal result usually takes place in from twelve to twenty-
four hours. |
120 The Farmer's Vetermary Adviser.
Anthrax Fever in Sheep; Blood-striking; Braxry. Is
very promptly fatal, the dead and already feetid carcasses
being usually found in the morning though the flock was
apparently well at night. The black, tarry blood brighten-
ing very slowly on exposure, the enlarged spleen and mesen-
teric glands, the red, puffy, softened membrane of the
bowels, and the bloody and gelatinous exudations show the
true nature of the disease. When seen during life there
are signs of plethora, fever, red eyes, costiveness, bloody,
mucous dung, bloody urine, colicky pains, unsteady gait,
breathlessness when driven, flattened fleece, deep-sunken
eyes, stupor, convulsions, and speedy death. Many cases
of so-called braxy are not communicable to other animals,
hence not genuine anthrax.
Anthrax Fever in Swine. There are dullness, thirst, in-
appetence, a tardy, unsteady gait, hot, pendent ears, droop-
ing tail, deep, dull brownish-red eyes, hurried breathing,
small pulse, violent heart’s action, and tense, tender abdo-
men. Nervous tremors, twitching, or cramps come on, the
body cools, bloody urine is passed and sometimes bloody
dung. Dark or black spots appear on the skin and mucous
membranes, as in hog-cholera, and if the animal survives,
these are sloughed off, often leaving sores. If swelling
appears externally it is often a herald of improvement.
Anthrax Fever in Birds. There is inappetence, ruffling
of plumage, sinking of the head in the shoulders, feetid
diarrhoea, drooping, trailing wings, tenderness to the touch,
muscular weakness, unsteady walk, inability to perch, livid
or black comb and wattles. Sometimes the feathers drop
off and swellings appear about the head, throat, or feet.
Treatment of Bacillar Anthrax.
This is unsatisfactory, owing to the rapidly fatal action
of the poison. The first cases usually die, the later ones
may often be treated with fair success.
— Specific Contagious Diseases. Por
General Treatment. In very plethoric subjects bleeding
may prove beneficial at the outset, but in advanced stages,
in poor and weak subjects, and in those with feeble con-
stitutions, like sheep, it is to be strongly condemned. Act
on the bowels, kidneys, and skin to eliminate the poison
(sulphates of soda, or magnesia, acetate, nitrate, or tartrate
of potassa, common salt, oil of turpentine). Sponge with
cold water and rub actively till dry. Rub with camphor-
ated spirit or oil of turpentine. Give tonics (quinia, sali-
cin, etc.), antiseptics (mineral acids, nitro-muriatic acid,
tincture of the muriate of iron, chlorate of potassa, car-
bolic acid, bisulphite of soda, tincture of iodine, iodide of
potassium, biniodide of mercury, salicylate of soda, bichro-
mate of potassa). In the Genesee outbreak of 1875 I had
admirable results from the use of nitro-muriatic acid sixty
drops, bichromate of potassa three grs., and chlorate of
potassa two drachms, twice daily by the mouth, and two or
three drachms of a saturated solution of sulphate of quinia,
lodide of potassium and bisulphate of soda injected at
equal intervals beneath the skin. Of fifty very sick oxen
only four died.
In the advanced and weak conditions stimulants (alco-
hol, turpentine, ether, valerian, angelica, camphor, etc.),
are useful.
Local Treatment. This is very successful with inocu-
lated forms of the disease (malignant pustule, boil-plague,
gloss-anthrax, malignant sore throat) if employed before
the poison has passed into the system and produced fever.
For these, free cauterization, and especially with the anti-
septic caustics (crystallized carbolic acid, the mineral acids,
chloride of zinc, chloride of iron, sulphate of iron or cop-
per, tincture of iodine), is successful. But the whole dis-
eased tissue must be reached, and in the case of the
tongue the blisters must be first laid open and. the agent ap-
plied in small quantity with a brush, or more freely in a di-
11
$29 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
luted condition. In some external cases the hot iron is used
with advantage. Such treatment may still be applied to
circumscribed tumors accompanied by the fever, being fol-
lowed by poultices to encourage suppuration.
For extensive engorgements use astringents (cold water,
vinegar, etc.), weak antiseptic lotions, and, above all, in-
jections with a hypodermic syringe of antiseptics (diluted
tincture of iodine, diluted carbolic acid—1-100, ete.). The
hypodermic treatment is equally applicable to the cireum-
scribed tumors, but we must saturate their whole substance,
otherwise absorption of the poison will lead to general dis-
order.
Prevention. 1. Drain the soil thoroughly. 2. When a
soil cannot be drained, soil the stock in-doors or on other
pastures rather than graze them. 3. Remove the stock
from pastures known to be dangerous as soon as summer
heat and dryness of the soil favor malarious emanations
(late summer and autumn). 4. Shelter the stock at night
and secure the shade of trees or sheds during the day,
when, after a hot, dry season, there comes an extreme
difference between the day and night temperature. 5. Se-
cure abundance of pure water, avoiding such as is stag-
nant or putrid. 6. Keep always in good thriving condi-
tion, and avoid sudden accessions of plethora. Artificial
feeding in dry times is often necessary to secure this, or,
in case of an over-luxuriant pasture, seclusion in a barn-
yard for four or five hours a day. Sheep may be shut
up on moonlight nights, to prevent feeding, in dangerous
localities. 7% Overwork, exhaustion, close-aired buildings,
ill-health, or whatever tends to load the blood with waste
matter should be avoided. 8. Exposed animals may havea
little nitro-muriatic, sulphuric, or carbolic acid daily in the
water orfood. 9. Diseased animals must be separated from
the healthy. ° 10. Carcasses, secretions, dung, litter, etc.,
of diseased animals should be burned or otherwise per-
Specific Contagious Diseases. 123
fectly destroyed. Buildings, yards, sheds, ete., occupied by
the diseased should be thoroughly disinfected. Pastures
should be abandoned for that season, and graves fenced
safely from trespass for two years. 11. None but the at-
tendants should approach the diseased. 12. Before hand-
ling, cauterize all raw sores on hands or face with lunar caus-
tic and wash the hands in a weak solution of carbolic
acid both before and after. 138. Shut up all dogs, cats,
and pigeons. 14. Never allow the flesh or milk to pass
into consumption.
By way of prevention I have had excellent results from
two hypodermic injections, at intervals of a week, of a drachm
of the diseased blood or exudate, after it had been exposed
for an hour to a temperature of 150° F. Pasteur’s method
of injecting the weakened virus is only permissible on soils
already charged with the poison. Hlsewhere it endangers
the permanent implanting of the germ in new soil.
Visrionic ANTHRAX. EmpuysemAatous ANTHRAX. Brtoopy
Mourrain. Minzsranp-Empenysem. CHARBON SymMp-
TOMATIQUE.
From the time of Chabert till recently this has been
classed with bacillar anthrax, but is now shown to depend
on a v2brzo or motile rod, shorter and broader than that of
anthrax, rounded at its ends and furnished with a clear re-
frangent nucleus near one end (rarely in the middle, though
there may be two, one at each end of a long vibrio). The
nucleus is easily mistaken for a micrococcus, as the filament
has the same index of refraction with the surrounding liquid.
In its active movements too it often presents but one end,
and thus appears spherical.
The germ is fatal to guinea-pigs, and in large doses to
cattle, sheep, and goats, but can be inoculated with difficulty
only on rabbits, horses, and asses, while dogs, cats, swine,
and chickens successfully resist it,
124 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
It is further distinguished from bacillar anthrax, in that
animals insusceptible to that by reason of a previous attack
or inoculation are not thereby rendered exempt from vibri-
onic anthrax.
The blood is not usually infecting, as it rarely contains
the germ save in the advanced stages. The vibrio is found
above all, in the liver, but also in the lymphatic glands,
spleen, kidney, lung, and intermuscular connective tissue
when the seat of the exudate.
The disease is ushered in by high fever and much depres-
sion, followed in a few hours by a swelling on some part
of the body, at first soft and doughy, but soon crackling
under pressure from the formation of gases under the skin.
The ear laid on the swelling detects a fine crepitating sound
caused by the bursting of fine bubbles of gas. The surface
may be the seat of blisters with reddish contents, or it may
discharge drops of a bloody or straw-colored serum which
concretes on the surface, and the swelling, at first hot, may
finally become cold and the skin dry and leathery should
the animal survive. The skin may, further, crack open or
slough off, together with part of the tissue beneath, forming
an indolent, unhealthy sore. More commonly the fever
advances rapidly, with rapidly increasing weakness and de-
bility, and death ensues in a period varying from six hours
to two days.
It is only in the mildest cases that treatment can be of
any avail, and then it need not differ materially from that
advised for bacillar anthrax. The early appearance of the
general fever would suggest the prompt use of internal
antiseptics (salicylate of soda, iodide of potassium, quinia,
‘pbichloride of mercury, biniodide of mercury, bichromate of
potash). For the local swelling, too, the free use of acid
astringents (acetic, or hydrochloric acid) largely diluted,
and antisepties superficially and by hypodermic injection is
to be recommended. Internally tincture of muriate of iron,
— Specific Contagious Diseases. 195
four drachms, every four hours, and locally equal parts of
tincture of iodine, aqua ammonia, and oil of turpentine
(Dr. Phares) is very successful.
By way of prevention specific care should be given to
the young and plethoric as the most susceptible. Keep-
ing always in good condition and avoiding sudden acces-
sions of plethora proves very beneficial. No less useful is
the maintenance of free action of bowels and kidneys, by
a moderate ration of flaxseed or other laxative. The
avoidance of night frosts alternating with hot noons, of un-
wholesome or insufficient food, of impure water, or, indeed,
of any cause of debility is desirable. On infected soils the
avoidance of damp grass, by seclusion in houses at night, or
even by soiling the cattle altogether, may be resorted to.
Antiseptics (copperas, carbolic acid, sulphites of soda or
lime, and iodide of potassium) may be useful.
It is a common practice on infected lands to insert a seton
through the dewlap of each of the young cattle, with the
view of preventing undue plethora. The beneficial result
is probably rather due to the fact that the germ is planted
in the wound, where, in connection with active suppuration,
it produces a mild infection only, the germs remaining con-
fined to the sore, and the animal recovering enjoys a subse-
quent immunity. <A similar protection may be secured by
inoculation with a weakened specimen of the virus, or still
better, by the virus that has been sterilized by heat.
PYHMIA. PURULENT INFECTION (BLOOD-POISONING ¢).
It has long been known that in connection with wounds
which have become unhealthy or suddenly dried up, a se-
vere general fever often sets in, accompanied by the devel-
opment of abscesses in different parts of the body and early
death. It is now known that suppuration is usually or al-
ways associated with the presence in the seat of its forma-
tion of bacteria, and that, when secondary abscesses appear
126 The Farmers Veterinary Adviser.
in different parts of the body, these micro-organisms are
constantly found in such parts. Why all suppurations do
not produce this general infection is not well understood,
but there is doubtless a varying power of resistance in dif-
ferent subjects, and a varying potency of the alkaloids and
other poisons produced by the bacteria under slightly dif-
ferent conditions of life. The frequent formation of ab-
scesses filled with these micro-organisms in the deepest and
most solid tissues of the body, is evidence enongh that they
may exist in an apparently healthy system and only operate
for serious evil under certain conditions of local or general
debility. The poison acquires greater potency when grown
in the body apart from air, as in the generative passages
after parturition, ete.
There are various micro-organisms in the different forms
of suppuration, all of a spherical form, though one is ar-
ranged in form of a chain.
Kranzfeld, who has experimented largely on the subject,
describes, first, those found in groups—Staphylococeus Pyo-
genes (aureus, albus, and citreus), and second, the chain form,
Streptococcus Pyogenes. The swelling and suppuration
caused by the ,érs¢t-named type tend to appear in the seat
of injury, while those due to the second tend to affect
the nearest communicating lymphatic glands. Both may
cause general infection, the abscesses from the jirst appear-
ing by preference in the internal organs, and those from
the second in the joints, marrow of bones (Osteo-myelitis)
and serous membranes.
Symptoms. If following on an external wound, the ac-
cess of fever is usually coincident with a drying of the wound
and a dark-red, glistening, unhealthy appearance of its sur-
face. A chill is constant, and following this the body tem-
perature is high and variable, the breath strong or mawkish
in odor; the tongue red, furred ; the teeth covered with in-
crustations; the eye sunken, hopeless; there may be diar-
Specific Contagious Diseases. 127
rhea or bleeding from the nose, and soon there are indica-
tions of the formation of the secondary abscesses in the
lymphatic glands, joints, bones, or internal organs. Pyzmia
does not at once follow a surface wound, but usually appears
a week or two later, after suppuration has been freely estab-
lished.
Treatment, Prevention. The treatment of pyzemia is so
generally unsatisfactory that attention should rather be
given to prevention. At the same time antiseptics (sulphate
or muriate of quinia, salicylate of soda, hyposulphite of soda,
benzoate of soda, etc.) may be given, together with elimi-
nating diuretics, and stimulants. Secondary abscesses should
be opened, and dressed with antiseptics. Its prevention is
to be sought mainly in avoidance of injuries, and in the
maintenance of a pure antiseptic atmosphere, for surgical
patients especially. Filthy stables, with close, polluted cavi-
ties under the floor, rotten woodwork and soft brick charged
with all manner of septic products, is but an invitation to
this class of diseases (pyzemia, septicsenria, erysipelas, sep-
tic puerperal fever, etc.), while perfect cleanliness, pure air,
and antiseptic dressings for wounds are the best antidotes.
A dressing of carbolic acid (1 part to 50 parts of water or 1
to 15 of vaseline), or of bichloride of mercury (1 part to
5,000 water), covered by a thick layer of absorbent cotton
also charged with the same dressing, and dried, may fail to
exclude germs from the wound, but will rarely fail to retard
their growth and keep them from attaining a dangerous
development.
SEPTICHMIA. SEPTIC INFECTION (BLOOD-POISONING).
This is the exact counterpart of pyeemia, the tissue or the
system at large being poisoned by the entrance of septic
bacteria or their poisonous products. Like pyzemia, also, it
is not dependent on one invariable micro-organism, but in
different cases depends on distinct gerins, giving rise to more
128 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
or less variable symptoms. It is, therefore, in its causation
not one disease, but rather a group of allied diseases, and
this is one reason why one attack will not necessarily pro-
tect against a second.
Among the micro-organisms may be named a micrococeus
of septicemia in rabbits, fowls, rats, and guinea-pigs ; a mi-
crococcus from the mouths of certain men, fatal to rabbits ;
two bacilli of septiceemia in the mouse, 1.6 w (¢gipp inch)
and 1 mw (ss4z¢ inch) in length. It is clear that different
germs are present in different cases and in different animals,
and that a germ proving fatal to one genus of animal is
often comparatively harmless to another genus. Asin the
case of pyzemia, ill-health, an impure condition of the blood
and animal fluids, foul, close atmosphere, overcrowding of
patients, and a special potency of the poison, from previous
growth in given media, and above all in the animal body,
strongly conduce to an attack.
Septiceemia may appear at any time, from the moment of
the infliction of a, poisoned wound to any stage of its pro-
gress, whereas pyeemia occurs only after the onset of suppu-
ration. Again it may remain exclusively local or it may
produce at once general fever with little local inflammation
and destroy the patient in two to four days. The differ-
ence depends largely on the varying strength of the poison
and on the difference in the power of resistance in different
individuals. The local form affects, especially, the lym-
phatic vessels, giving rise to local, boggy, dark-red swelling,
and in white, delicate skins to a branching redness, lead-
ing along the lines of the lymphatics and veins. It appears
to be generally through these lymphatics that the poison
enters the blood to produce the constitutional disease,
whereas in micrococeus pyzemia the distribution appears to
take place mainly through the veins, and in the substance
of minute floating blood-clots.
Septiczemia usually sets in without a chill, but sequent to
—
us
oF
Specific Contagious Diseases. 129
a putrid state of the wound. The body temperature runs
_ very high, lowering, sometimes even to the natural, especi-
ally in the morning, but only to rise again, and it becomes
abnormally low only in the last stages. ‘The wound becomes
of a dark red with dirty grayish spots and black edges.
The breath is mawkish or fetid, the mouth dry, thirst ar-
dent, skin moist but without free perspirations, mucous
membranes dusky yellow ; expression of countenance dull,
listless, stupid, heartless, and there is much muscular weak-
ness or lethargy. A very offensive, watery diarrhoea is a
_marked symptom ; and vomiting may occur in pigs and car-
nivora.
There is no tendency to secondary abscesses, and after
death there may be little change, save enlarged, engorged
spleen, softened liver, and an incoagulable condition of the
blood. The blood of pyzemia coagulates firmly.
Though occurring separately pyeemia and septiceemia often
co-exist, when the symptoms of both diseases are combined.
Treatment is not satisfactory in the general disorder,
though it consists in support by antiseptic tonics (quinia,
salicin) and alcoholic stimulants. The mineral acids (mu-
riatic, nitro-muriatic) are also febrifuge, and general anti-fer-
ments (salicylate of soda, hyposulphite of soda, etc.) may
be resorted to. Nourishing feeding, and pure air are, above
all, important.
For the wound, lotions of antiseptics—hyposulphite of
soda, permanganate of potash, carbolic acid, chloride of zine,
chlorinated soda, boro-glycerine, ete.—may be freely used in
the form of lotion on sterilized cotton.
Prevention is essentially the same as for pyeemia, which
see. In no case should an operation be performed on a
subject in a low state of health, as the system is then much
more open to attack, and no surgical patient should be kept
in an impure atmosphere.
(For Erysipelas see Skin Diseases.)
130 The Farmers Veterinary Adviser.
BIRD CHOLERA. CHICKEN CHOLERA.
This is one of the most destructive of our indigenous ani-
mal plagues, and causes greater losses in the United States
than can be well conceived of, considering the relatively low
value of the individual animal. ‘The susceptibility is not
confined to chickens, though, as usually seen, it proves espec-
ially destructive to these. By inoculation Renault conveyed
it in fatal form to pigeons, ducks, geese, and parrots, and
during its prevalence ina district we frequently see dead
thrushes and other wild birds manifest victims of the same
infection. Renault and Toussaint have conveyed it in fatal
form to rabbits; and the latter, supported by recent German
observers, considers it identical with rabbi septicemia, so
that rats and mice must be added to the susceptible list.
Renault inoculated both dog and horse, with fatal result, but
Toussaint found that in horse, ass, dog, and sheep inocula-
tions produced local swelling and abscess with much consti-
tutional disturbance, but the blood did not become virulent
and recovery ensued.
The germ is a slightly ovoid microcoecus found in the die
charges and in the blood. It is evident that infection may be
conveyed by birds, wild and tame, by rabbits, rats, and mice.
In the summer season it is also propagated by insects.
Symptons ; Course. Inoculation is variable, averaging
five to eight days, and proving shortest in winter.
The bird becomes dull, listless, trails its wings, drags its
limbs, sits a great deal, head sunken between the wings, and
feathers ruffled. It seeks sunshine, and if several suffer they
huddle together for heat. Temperature rises to 109°.
Appetite is lost, but thirst continues, and abundant yellowish
or yellowish-green discharges are passed, with in some cases
a whitish flow from the bill and nostrils. The comb and
wattles become flaccid, and of a dark livid or blue color,
at first in spots and later throughout, weakness and prostra-
es ee
i
”
“4
Specific Contagious Diseases. 181
tion advance rapidly and death ensues after two or three
days of illness. In the later stages of an epizootic, the
deaths are delayed by several days and a considerable pro-
portion recover.
Treatment is not satisfactory, though the use of antisep-
tics (sulphuric, benzoic, or salicylic acid, chloride of lime, car-
bolic acid) in the water may be resorted to.
Prevention has not been secured through inoculation with
sterilized virus, but can be attained by using virus so diluted
that but one or two bacteria are inserted under the skin
(Salmon), or by the use of virus that has rested inactive in
free air for three to five months (Pasteur). In either case
a small slough forms in the skin and muscles around the
puncture.
The simplest and cheapest preventive is sulphuric acid of
a strength of not less than 60 drops to the pound of water
(1-150) freely sprinkled on the buildings, yards, and feed-
ing-grounds. When the range is too extensive to sprinkle
thus, restrict it till it can be, and on the subsidence of the
outbreak keep up the restriction, or remove the fowls to new
land.
ACTINOMYCOSIS.
This is a parasitic disease of animals and man, caused by
the growth in the bones or soft tissues of a fungus which
grows in tufts, consisting of cells converging to a central
stem, like the seeds of a composite plant (daisy), and appear-
ing on section to radiate, and hence the name—Actinomyces
—star fungus.
The individual tufts may reach the size of a small pin’s
head, and reflect a yellowish color in the midst of a pinkish
or dirty white soft exudate. The tufts are further extremely
hard,-so that they cannot be cut in slices for the microscope
until they have been softened in a weak acid.
The fungus usually invades the interior of the jaw-bone,
upper or lower, or the soft parts adjacent (tongue, cheeks,
132 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
face, throat) but is also found in the Jungs and other inter-
nal organs. About the head it seems to start from slight
sores of the gums or mucous membrane or cavities by the
side of decaying teeth and to extend slowly into the solid
tissues. The affected jaw-bone swells out into a large rounded
mass, and the outer dense bone becoming absorbed before
the advancing soft growth within, the diseased mass finally
reaches the surface and gives rise to running sores. This
was formerly known as “lump-jaw” or “ osteo-sarcoma”’
but the presence of the gritty yellow granules in the open
sores betrays the true nature of the malady. When the
tongue is attacked the growth takes place as a rounded hard
swelling which has given rise to the name of wooden tongue.
As it advances it approaches the surface and forms a raw
ulcerating sore in which the yellow tufts may be found. At
times the whole face may be involved, the lips and nostrils
becoming thick, firm, rigid, and comparatively immovable,
and the mucous membrane as well as the skin is swollen so
that breathing is snuffling and difficult. Around the throat
it forms similar hard resistant swellings, more or less round
as it invades especially the glands. In the lungs the deposit
causes modification or loss of the respiratory murmur over
circumscribed areas, with cough and expectoration, but un-
less the yellow tufts can be found in the expectoration the
exact nature of the disease may escape recognition.
Prevention.—As the fungus appears in grass and grain
fed animals in omnivora and carnivora, no precautions as to
diet can be suggested, except the avoidance of very coarse
fibrous food likely to wound the mouth or throat, and of hard
flinty corn and other seeds likely to cause injury to the teeth.
Vegetation grown on pastures where the disease prevails
should especially be avoided. J have known the affection
recur in three generations of cattle on the same soil. Dis-
eased teeth and ulcerated gums which might form a seed-
bed for the germ should be extracted, filled, or healed. Fi-
Specific Contagious Diseases. 133
nally the badly diseased should be promptly destroyed and
burned or boiled, as they are necessarily important propa-
gators of the poison. The burning of mangers, racks, and
other woodwork that may harbor the germ is an obvious
necessity, and the saturation of floors with carbolic acid or
chloride of lime may be resorted to.
Treatment.—This is only advisable where the disease is
local and superficial. In the parts about the mouth, and
even in the jaw-bone, the diseased masses may be scooped
out with a knife and the cavities stuffed with iodized carbo-
lic acid. ‘This we have known to succeed even where the
enormous jaw-bone was hollowed out in many great cavities
opening alike externally and into the mouth.
MILK sickness. ‘‘ THE TREMBLES.”
A specific infectious disease peculiar to some unimproved
agricultural districts in Ohio, North Carolina, and other
States, usually occurring in cattle, and communicable
through meat, milk, and cheese to warm-blooded animals
generally. A spirillum existing in the blood has been de-
scribed as the specific germ.
Symptoms. In cows in full milk the disease is said to
be productive of scarcely any constitutional disorder, the
poison being eliminated by the milk and proving very fatal
to the consumers. In cattle that do not yield milk, and in
other animals, the symptoms are torpid bowels, trembling,
great muscular weakness, swaying in the walk, inappetence,
drooping head and eyelids, utter listlessness and stupidity,
some fever, and rapidly advancing debility and marasmus.
In man the moral sense is practically abolished as a mani-
festation of the general hebetude, and after death the large
intestines are found blocked with dry concretions not unlike
sawdust.
The malady has been attributed to rhus and other vege-
table poisons, and to nickel among the mineral products,
12
134 The Farmers Veterinary Adviser.
but the conveyance of the affection through a quantity of
milk so small as that used in a coffee-cup, and the trans-
mission of the disease through successive subjects, argues
the multiplication of a living organism in the system.
The malady usually disappears with the clearing of the
forest and cultivation of the soil, and is chiefly important
in that the meat, milk, butter, or cheese furnished by the
infected animals may be sold and shipped to distant parts
of the country to find human victims in the large cities un-
less due care is taken to prevent it.
GLANDERS AND FARCY.
A specific bacteridian disorder originating in solipeds,
and transmissible by contagion or inoculation to dogs, cats, _
goats, sheep, swine, rabbits, and men. Glanders is char-
acterized by a peculiar deposit with ulceration on the mem-
brane of the nose, and in the lungs, ete., and farcy by
deposits of the same material and ulcerations of the lym-
phatics of the skin. Each has its acute and chronze form.
The acute form usually results from inoculation, or in weak
and worn-out systems. Besides the common cause—conta-
gion—overwork, exhausting diseases, and impure air are
especially injurious. The specific germ is a bacillus.
Symptoms of Acute Glanders. Languor, dry, staring
coat, red, weeping eyes, impaired appetite, accelerated pulse
and breathing, yellowish-red or purple streaks or patches
in the nose, watery nasal discharge, with sometimes painful
dropsical swellings of the limbs or joints. Soon the nasal
flow becomes yellow and sticky, causing the hairs and skin
of the nostrils to adhere together, and upon the mucous
membrane appear yellow elevations with red spots, passing
on into erosions and deep ulcers of irregular form and
varied color, and with little.or no tendency to heal. The
lymphatic glands inside the lower jaw, where the pulse is
felt, become enlarged, hard and nodular, like a mass of peas
Specific Contagious Diseases. 135
or beans, and are occasionally firmly adherent to the skin,
the tongue, or the: jaw-bone. The lymphatics on the face
_ often rise as firm cords. An occasional cough is heard and
auscultation detects crepitation or wheezing in the chest.
The ulcers increase in number and depth, often invading the
gristle or even the bone, the glands also enlarge but remain
hard and nodular, the discharge becomes bloody, fetid, and
so abundant and tenacions as to threaten or accomplish suf-
focation, and the animal perishes in the greatest distress.
Symptoms of Chronic Glanders. This is characterized
by the same unhealthy deposits and ulcers in the nose,
varying extremely in size and number, often, indeed, situ-
ated too high to be seen; by the same viscid discharge, but
usually much less tenacious than in the acute form; by the
same hard, comparatively insensible nodular glands on the
inner side of the jaw-bone; and a cough, which, however,
is much more rare. Excepting at the very outset, the ani-
mal usually appears to be in the best of health, with the
apparently insignificant drawback of the nasal discharge,
and hence he is often kept and used till he contaminates a
number of horses or even men. The case is easily recog-
nized unless where the ulcers are invisible or the enlarged
glands removed. It is sometimes needful to inoculate a use-
less animal to decide as to the nature of the malady. It usu-
ally proves fatal to the inoculated animal in about ten days.
Symptoms of Acute Farcy. The premonitory symptoms
resemble those of acute glanders, of which it is but another
manifestation. The local symptoms consist in thickening
_of the lymphatic vessels, which feel like stout cords, painful
to pressure; and the formation of rounded inflammatory
swellings (farcy-buds) along the course of these corded
lymphatics. There follow ulceration of these buds, raw
sores, discharging a glairy, unhealthy pus, and dropsical
engorgement of the limb or other part affected. It is usu-
ally seen to follow the line of the veins on the inner side of
136 The Lurmers Veterinary Adviser.
the hind or fore limb, but may appear on any part. The
cording usually extends from the feet toward the body, and
is most likely to be confounded with dymphangztis, in which
the swelling begins high up in the groin. It usually proves —
fatal, becoming complicated with glanders before death.
Symptoms of Chronic Harcy. This may follow the acute
form or come on insidiously. First there is some swelling
of a fetlock, usually a hind one, and a round, hard, nut-like
mass may be felt, which gradually softens, bursts, and dis-
charges the characteristic serous or glairy matter. The
lymphatics leading up from it meanwhile become corded,
and farcy-buds appear along their course. Or the round,
pea-like buds appear first on the inner side of the hock, or
on some other part of the body, soften, burst and discharge
before any cording of the lymphatics can be felt.
By-and-by, dropsical swellings appear in the limbs and
elsewhere, at first soft and removable by exercise, later, hard ._
and permanent. Sometimes the farcy-buds fail to soften,
but remain hard and indolent for months.
Glanders in the dog is a comparatively mild affection, but
as deadly if it is conveyed back to the horse or to man.
Glanders in man presents the same general symptoms as in
the horse, and need not be further described.
Treatment of Glanders. The acute disease is fatal. The
chronic form occasionally appears to recover, though more
commonly the symptoms are covered up to reappear when-
ever the animal is put to hard work. The treatment of
glanders in all its forms and of acute farcy with open sores
should be legally prohibited, because of the danger to man
as well as animals.
For glanders the most successful agents have been ar-
seniate of strychnia (5 grs.), bisulphite of soda (2 drs.),
biniodide of copper (1 dr.), cantharides (5 grs.), with vege-
table tonics, sulphate of copper (6 drs. in mucilage), sul-
phate of iron (4 drs.), chloride of barium, copaiva, cubebs,
Specific Contagious Diseases. Le
ete. Pure air and rich food are perhaps even more impor-
tant. To the nose may be applied sulphur fumes, fumes of
burning tar, carbolic acid solution in spray, etc. The en-
larged glands may be treated with astringent solutions, and
later with iodine injections, or may even be excised with
the knife.
Treatment of Chronic Farcy. Active local inflammation
may demand a purgative (aloes), diuretics (iodide of potassi-
tn), with warm fomentations or astringent lotions, exercise,
and a soft, non-stimulating diet. In the absence of such
- indication use the tonics advised for glanders, choosing in
the order named. ‘The corded lymphatics and unbroken
farcy-buds may be blistered or rubbed with iodine or mercu-
rial ointment. The raw sores should be treated with caustics
(carbolic acid, nitrate of silver, corrosive sublimate, chloride
_ of zine, or even the hot iron). Use iodine, diuretics, exer-
_ cise, rubbing, etc., to reduce the swelling, and feed liberally.
Prevention. 1. Destroy all glandered horses, and all
with acute farey and open sores, and bury deeply. 2.
_ There should be a high penalty attached to the exposing of
_ glandered horses in public places. 3. Suspected animals
_ should be secluded under veterinary supervision until they
can be pronounced sound, or destroyed. 4. The stable,
manure, litter, harness, clothing, utensils, ete., with which
the diseased has come in contact should be thoroughly dis-
infected. 5. Neither strange animals nor men should be
admitted, and attendants should disinfect before leaving.
6. Horses should be protected as far as possible from ex-
hausting work, chronic wearing-out affections and above all
impure and rebreathed air.
VENEREAL DISEASE OF SOLIPEDS.
This is a curious disease of unknown origin, existing in
Arabia, North Africa, and Continental Europe, bearing a
strong resemblance in many points to Syphilis, and prop-
12*
138 The HKarmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
agated by copulation. I name it here because of the
probability of its importation with European or Arabian
horses. (It is already reported in Percherons, in Hlinois
and Montana.)
Symptoms. From one to ten days after copulation, or
in the stallion sometimes after some weeks, there is irri-
tation, swelling, and a livid redness of the external organs
of generation (in stallions the penis may shrink), followed
by unhealthy ulcers which appear in successive crops, often
with considerable interval. In mares these are near the
clitoris, which is frequently erected, with switching and rub-
bing of the tail ; in horses on the penis and sheath. In the
milder forms there is little constitutional disturbance and
the patients recover in a time varying from a fortnight to
two months. In the severe forms the local swelling in-
creases by intermittent steps. The vulva is the seat of
a deep violet congestion and extensive ulceration, pustules
appear on the perineum, tail, and between the thighs,
the lips of the vulva are parted, exposing the irregular,
nodular, puckered, ulcerated, and lardaceous-looking mu-
cous membrane, abortion ensues, with emaciation, lameness,
paralysis, and death after a wretched existence of five
months to two years. In horses swelling of the sheath
may be the only symptom for a year, then there may follow
dark spots of extravasated blood, or swellings of the penis,
the testicles may swell, a dropsical engorgement extends
forward beneath the abdomen and chest, the lymphatic
glands in different parts of the body may swell, pustules
and ulcers appear on the skin, the eyes and nose run, a
weak and vacillating movement of the hind limbs gradually
increases to paralysis, and in a period varying from three
months to three years death puts an end to the suffering.
It is needless to speak of treatment. This disease ought
to be stamped out at once, as its insidious nature enables it
to spread to the great destruction of stock.
Specific Contagious Diseases. 139
TUBERCULOSIS. CONSUMPTION. PINING.
This is a specific bacteridian affection, due to a bacillus, and
characterized by a specitic deposit of cells, large and small,
in a special network, but without blood-vessels. It is situ-
ated by preference in the groups of lymphatic glands, or in
the microscopic gland-like tissue of the different organs, and
may be seen in all stages, from the simple redness and con-
gestion in which the deposit is only commencing, through
the solid grayish tubercle to the soft yellowish, cheese-like
mass resulting from the softening of the latter. There are
also the open cavities (vomice) resulting from their rupture
and discharge of the tuberculous matter, and chalky masses
from the deposit of earthy salts within them. They may
be no larger individually than a millet-seed (miliary tuber-
culosis), or in the chest of cattle one may measure a foot
long and five or six inches in thickness. They are most
common in eattle, especially heavy milkers, with long legs,
narrow chest, attenuated neck and ears, and horns set near
together. Fowls and swine with a corresponding conforma-
tion are next in order of liability, while horses, dogs, and
sheep are comparatively exempt. Oft-repeated experiment
has shown that tubercle is communicable to healthy animals
by inoculation, or by eating the raw, diseased product, and
that it is superinduced in any predisposed individual by set-
ting up a local inflammation. It has also been transmitted
by the warm, fresh milk, but probably only when the dis-
ease has invaded the mammary glands; in many experi-
ments, including those conducted by the author, the milk
has proved harmless. Close, badly-aired buildings (as town
cow-sheds) are among the most prolific causes of the disease,
as are also changes to a colder climate, to a cold, exposed
locality, or from a dry to a low, damp, undrained region.
Finally, any cause which tends to wear out the general
health tends to tuberculosis in a predisposed subject.
140 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
Tubercles may be developed in any part of the body, as
the lungs, their serous covering, the membrane supporting
the bowels, the coats of the intestines, the throat, the spleen,
the liver, the pancreas, the ovaries, the kidneys, the bones,
especially the ends of long bones, and in rare cases, the
muscles and connective tissue.
Symptoms vary according to the seat of the deposit, yet
there is a constitutional condition common to all, and the
lungs are almost always involved in the later stages, giving
rise to a great similarity of symptoms. The disease may be
acute but is usually chronic. The onset is insidious and
easily overlooked, tubercles being often found in animals
killed in prime condition, and I have seen them in parturi-
tion fever, which is always attributed to plethora. There is"
some dulness, loss of vivacity, tenderness of the withers,
back, and loins, and of the walls of the chest, occasional dry-
ness of the nose, heat of the horns and ears, want of pliancy
in the skin, slightly increased temperature (102°), weak,
accelerated pulse, mawkish breath, stiffness of the limbs,
wandering perhaps from one to another, slight, infrequent,
dry cough, and blue, watery milk, often abundant but with
cheesy matter, fat, and sugar decreased and soda and potassa
in excess. The lymphatic glands about the throat are often
manifestly enlarged. Swellings of the joints may appear,
or a murmur harsher than natural may be heard over the
lower end of the windpipe or in the chest. With deposits
in the abdomen and especially in or near the ovaries of ©
cows the desire for the male is often constant (bullers), though
conception and the completion of gestation are usually im-
possible. Working oxen are easily overdone and become
visibly emaciated from day to day. As the disease advances
the eyes sink in their sockets and lose all animation, the
skin is hidebound, harsh, dry, and scurfy, the hair dull, dry
and erect, the membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth of a
pale, yellow, bloodless aspect, though often streaked with
as a
Specisic Contagious Diseases. 141
pink vessels, a whitish discharge often takes place from the
nose, and with it an increased repulsiveness and often dis-
tinct foetor of the breath ; if the bowels are involved scour-
ing is common, and if the bones, swelling and lameness in-
crease. Exhaustion with profuse perspiration and labored
breathing occur on the slightest exertion, the appetite fails,
tympany follows each meal, and the milk is at once poorer
and lessened in quantity. The cough increases, becomes
rattling, the discharge profuse, fetid, mixed with cheesy-
like or chalky particles, crepitating, wheezing, gurgling
and other abnormal noises are heard in the chest, and
percussion shows dulness in particular parts with wincing.
All of the symptoms become steadily aggravated, and the
animal usually perishes from the difficulty of respiration
or the profuse fetid diarrhea. In cases affecting the
bones, the patient may be unable to stand, and the bony
prominences may make their way through the skin or
even crumble under the pressure thrown upon them. If
the tubercle is deposited in liver, pancreas, or kidneys, there
are symptoms of disease of these respective organs.
Recoveries sometimes ensue in connection with healing of
vomice or calcification of the tubercles in strong subjects,
but more frequently the disease progresses to a fatal issue.
Treatment. This is unsatisfactory as being rarely suc-
cessful, and even then in preserving an animal which is dan-
gerous as a breeder for producing a progeny predisposed to
this disease, and for slaughter and dairy purposes as possi-
bly conveying the malady to man.
The most promising course is to secure dry, pure air,
sunshine, a genial temperature, rich and easily digestible
food, containing abundance of fat (linseed, corn, beans,
peas, potatoes), a course of tonics (linseed or cod-liver oil
in small doses, sulphate of iron, hypophosphite of iron,
quinia, gentian, ete.), and antiseptics (fumes of burning
sulphur, bisulphite of soda, sulpho-carbolate of iron, ete.).
142 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
Prevention. This would include drainage, shelter of pas-
tures by trees, avoidance of changes to cold or damp locali-
ties, a warm, sunny location for farm buildings, suitable
feeding and watering, the prevention and cure of all debili-
tating, and especially chronic diseases, protection against
overwork, or excessive secretion of milk ona stimulating but
insufficiently nutritious diet, securing young, undeveloped
animals against breeding and milking at the same time, re-
jection of tuberculous subjects from breeding, the prompt
removal of all such animals from pastures or bilge used
for the healthy, and the thorough disinfection of all places
where they have been kept.
The flesh and milk of tuberculous animals are always to
be viewed with suspicion, but this poison, like others, can
be destroyed by the most thorough cooking.
QUEBRA BUNDA. BERIBERI.
This affection of horses is said to have been developed in
the island of Marajo, in the mouth of the Amazon, as the
result of the slanghter of the immense herds of predatory
wild horses, and the decomposition of the carcasses under
the tropical sun. It has extended to the adjacent mainland,
and might easily be imported in the bodies of cheap Bra-
zilian horses. It has even been thought to be identical
with the Beriberi of man, in which case its introduction,
and domestication in our Gulf States would appear to be a
still more imminent contingency. The main symptoms of
the malady are a progressive paralysis of the hind limbs,
which renders the animal absolutely and permanently worth-
less. The Portuguese name, given above, means literally
broken buttock. Our principal danger consists in the pos-
sibility of the germ being implanted and perpetuated in
the rich alluvial soils of our semitropical Gulf States, and
the consequent destruction of the equine races there, as they
now are cut off in Brazil.
CHAPTER IV.
LARGER PARASITES.
Parasites—their numbers. Tapeworms. Tzenia Coenurus. Coenurus Cer-
et ralis and their effects, Staggers, Turnsick, Gid, Sturdy, Water-brain in
calves and lambs. Tzenia Echinococcus, Echinococcus Veterinorum (Hom-
inis), Echinococcus disease. Tzenia Solium. Cysticercus Cellulosa, Para-
sitic measles in swine. Tzenia Mediocanellata, Cysticercus Mediocanellata,
Parasitic Measles in cattle. Tzenia Expansa, tapeworm in sheep and cattle.
Lard Worm, Kidney Worm of hogs. Eustrongylus Gigas, Kidney Worm.
Trichina Spiralis, Trichinosis.
PARASITES.
The domestic animals harbor no less than two hundred
species of parasites which will be found treated in the au-
thor’s larger work, but the limits of the present book will
restrict us to a few of the more injurious. For convenience
of reference most of these are noticed in connection with
the organs (skin, bowels, liver, air-passages,) which they
infest, and here we will only name such as having a more
general diffusion through the body cannot well be referred
to any one organ.
TAPE-WORMS.
These are flat-bodied worms made up of small segments
joined end to end, and when full grown varying in length
from one inch to one hundred feet. The narrow end ter-
minates in a small globular head furnished with circular
sucking discs, and a proboscis usually encircled by one or
more rows of hooklets. From the other end the ripe seg-
ments are continually detached and expelled from the
body, and may be recognized as little, white, flattened,
144 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
oblong objects progressing over soil and vegetables by a
worm-like movement, and depositing an endless number
of microscopic eggs with which they are literally filled.
Some tape-worms are estimated to lay as many as 25,000,-
000 eggs. . Taken with the food or water into the body of
a suitable host these eggs open and set free an ovoid six-
hooked embryo, which bores its way through the tissues
until it reaches that organ or tissue which is the natural
habitat of its species in the young or larval state and there
encysts itself. It may survive indefinitely or even die in
this situation or if its host is eaten by a carnivorous ani-
mal it may develop in its bowels into a mature tape-worm
and reproduce its species as before. Fortunately nearly
all the eggs perish from failing to be taken into the body
of a suitable animal in which they can develop into the
eystic form, or this peril escaped, because the first animal
host is not devoured by the right species of animal in
which the young cystic worm can grow into its mature
tape-worm form. But from the enormous fecundity of
these tape-worms in eggs it is manifest that there may be
scarcely any limit to their increase when the different ani-
mals which form their hosts in the cystic and mature con-
dition abound together in the same locality.
STAGGERS. TURN-SICK. GID. STURDY. WATER-BRAIN IN
LAMBS AND CALVES.
The Tenia Conurus of the bowels of the dog, a tape-
worm of one to three feet long, has its cystic form—Cenu-
rus Cerebralis—in the brain and spinal cord of sheep and
cattle, giving rise to nervous disease, varying much in
character according to the exact site of the cyst.
Symptoms. Great nervousness and fear without appar-
ent cause, or dullness, stupor and aberration of the
senses, and disorderly muscular movements. ‘The sheep
is found apart from the flock with red eyes, dilated pupils,
blindness and unsteady gait, but with a tendency to move
restlessly in one direction. Left to itself, it neglects tc
Larger Parasites. 145
eat or drink and wastes daily. But, if well-fed and ex-
citement avoided, it may even gain flesh. If the cyst is
situated on one side of the brain, the lamb turns to that
side, moving in a circle and making a beaten track. The
limbs on the opposite side of the body act in a disorderly
manner, being partially paralyzed. If there is one on
each side of the brain, the sheep will turn to one side or
the other, according to the relative activity of the para-
sites at any given moment. When the cyst is directly in
the median line, the sheep elevates its nose and advances
in a straight line until stopped by some obstruction.
When located in the back part of the brain, (cerebellum),
Fig. 1.
Fig. 1—Coenurus Cerebralis. Showing the sac with its many heads (re.
duced). Also a single head magnified.
the host lifts its limbs in a jerking, uncertain manner, sets
them down in a hesitating way, stumbles perpetually, falls
and struggles for some time ineffectually in its efforts to
rise. If ‘Situated in the spinal cord, difficult breathing and
paralysis are marked symptoms. The disorders are often
extreme at first, and afterwards undergo a temporary im-
provement, the remissions and aggravations being proba-
bly due to the varying activity of the parasite at different
periods. Simple tumors, maintaining a steadily increasing
pressure rarely give rise to such intermittent symptoms.
The ccennrus mostly affects sheep under two years old
10
' 146 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
and those that are out of condition. Yet the finest ani-
mals, kept for show, will sometimes suffer. So it is in
cattle, the young, weak and ill-thriven are the most ex-
posed, but all may suffer. For the same reason, poor,
damp and exposed localities suffer more than the rich,
dry and sheltered.
Prevention. Destroy the dogs, or, if they must be kept,
deny them sheep’s heads until cooked. Examine them at
frequent intervals and expel all tape-worms by vermifuges,
(oil of turpentine, male-fern, kousso, areca nut, etc.)
Keep the young sheep at all times in good, thriving con-
dition. Drain all wet pastures, shelter exposed ones.
Treatment. In rare cases, spontaneous recovery may
follow rupture of the cyst in connection with a blow on
the head or a fall. Hogg passed a long knitting wire
through the nose into the brain, and Youatt advises a
small trocar for the same purpose. But the cyst is more
easily punctured and extracted through the upper part of
the skull. In advanced cases, the internal pressure of
the cyst has sometimes caused absorption of the bones —
and the formation of a soft spot on the upper part of the
skull. This should be laid open with a sharp lancet or
penknife, just enough to introduce a trocar and cannula
one-eighth inch in diameter, through which the liquid
may escape slowly. The animal may be turned on
its back to complete the evacuation, but held firmly so
that no struggling can take place. As the cyst is emptied,
a membrane will be found projecting through it, and
should be slowly drawn out. This is the parasitic cyst,
and from its inner surface will be found projecting one
hundred to two hundred little elevations like pin-heads,
each representing the head of a tape-worm and being ca-
pable of development into the mature parasite if swal-
lowed by a dog. The wound should be covered with a
pitch plaster and a leather hood, and the patient placed
in a dark, quiet, secluded box, on soft, laxative diet for a
week.
Larger Parasites. 147
—o
If the bones are not softened the point to be perforated
must be ascertained from the symptoms. If the sheep
turns to one side, open a little in front of the correspond-
ing ear’and about half an inch from the median line of
the skull. If the head is elevated and the walk straight
forward without much terror or disorderly movement, open
at the same level but in the median line. If there is awk-
ward, hesitating movement, much terror, flurry and
stumbling, open in the median line further back. A flap
of skin is to be dissected up from the bone, large enough
to admit a trephine one-eighth inch in diameter (in an
emergency a gimlet will do) with which the bone is to be
perforated. After this the cannula and trochar is used as
above advised.
If more than one cyst should be present the operation
may require repetition, and with care recoveries often en-
sue. A bag of ice on the head may remove symptoms
but does not kill the worm.
ECHINOCOCCUS DISEASE.
The Tenia Echinococcus, a tapeworm of the dog, not ex-
Fig. 2.
Fig. 3.
Fig. 3—Portion of cyst and heads of Echinococcus.
ceeding one inch in length, lives in its cystic form as
148 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
Echinococcus (E. Hominis, E. Veterinorum), in the most
varied internal organs of men and animals. As the cystic
form of this parasite has the power of increasing its num-
bers almost indefinitely, and growing into enormous mul-
tilocular cysts, it becomes extremely injurious and even
deadly to its brute, and, above all, to its human victims.
One-sixth of the human mortality in Iceland has been at-
tributed to this parasite, and a fatal case in a child has re-
cently come under my notice inTompkins Co.,N.Y. Many
of the cysts of water found in the liver and other internal
organs of the domestic animals are specimens of echino-
coccus, and that they are not more frequently fatal may be
attributed largely to the shortness of the lives of animals
raised for slaughter. They may inhabit almost any organ
(liver, lungs, spleen, abdominal walls, kidneys, brain, eye,
etc.,) and the symptoms will vary accordingly.
Treatment. Spontaneous recovery may take place from
death or rupture of the sac. Otherwise the true nature
of these fluctuating tumors can rarely be recognized, but
if they should, they may be punctured with a very fine
needle-shaped nozzle, the liquid evacuated with a syringe,
and compound tincture of iodine injected into the sac.
Prevention. Destroy all superfluous dogs. Keep others
from slaughter-houses and deny raw flesh and especially
offal. Examine frequently and if segments of tape-worm
are passed, clear them away with vermifuges (see gid).
Burn the dung of all dogs suffering from tape-worms, the
contents of evacuated hydatids and all offal containing
cysts.
Fig. 4—Head of Tzenia Solium, magnified. Cobbold.
The bladder-worm of pork, (Cysticercus Cellulosa, Vig.
Larger Parasites. 149
5), is the immature form of a tape-worm of man, ( Tenia
solium), and is only caused by pigs having access to hu-
Fig. 5.
man excrement, or to places near privies, etc., from which
the segments of the human tape-worm may travel. The
cysts, respectively about the size of a grain of barley, are
found in the muscles, in the loose connective tissue be-
tween them and under the skin, in the serous membranes,
in the eye, under the tongue, in the brain, etc., of swine.
They are also found in this undeveloped form in the mus-
cles, brain, etc., of man, causing disease and death. To
man the parasite is usually conveyed by eating under-
done pork, or in the cystic form he receives it as the
egg in his food (salads, etc.,) and water.
Symptoms. In pigs the cysts can usually be seen under
the tongue or in the eye. In man there are the general
symptoms of intestinal worms and the passage of the ripe
segments. Other symptoms may attend the presence of
the cysts according to the organ which they invade. Thus
when passing into the muscles there are pains and stiffness
resembling rheumatism, when into the brain, coma, stupor,
imbecility, delirium, but when they have once become en-
eysted they may continue thus indefinitely without further
injury.
Treatment. ‘The cysts scattered through the body are
beyond the reach of medicine.
Prevention. Human beings harboring tape-worms should
be compelled to take measures to expel them, Their stools
should be burned or treated with strong mineral acids.
Swine should be kept far apart from all deposits of human
excrement; no such manure should be used as a top-dress-
150 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
ing on pastures open to swine, or on land (market gardens,
orchards, etc.,) devoted to the raising of vegetables to be
eaten raw. Avoid raw meat, especially pork, even if
salted and smoked, and underdone meat and sausages,
also well-water from gravelly soils in the vicinity of habi-
tations.
MEASLES IN CATTLE.
This consists in the presence in the muscles of cattle,
especially young ones, of a cystic parasite two to four lines
in length, (Cysticercus Mediocanellata) which as a mature
tape-worm (Tenia Mediocanellata) inhabits the human
Fig. 6.
Fig. 6—Head of Tzenia Mediocanellata, magnined.
bowels. Whenthe eggs were given experimentally to calves
they caused stiffness, wasting and death in three weeks.
Or improvement began at the end of a fortnight and ter-
minated in apparent recovery, the live cysts of course re-
maining in the muscles and ready to develop into their
adult form when eaten by man.
Under prevention and treatment might be repeated what -
is stated under measles of swine, merely substituting the
word cattle for pigs. The current practice of eating raw
beef ham is especially reprehensible.
TAPE-WORM OF SHEEP AND CATTLE.
Tenia Expansa is the name of this worm, which causes
great loss in some localities in America, as well as in Aus-
tralia, Germany, ete. Its cystic form is unknown, there-
fore we can only check its increase by watching what
Larger Parasites. . 151
sheep pass the ripe, detached segments, shutting them up,
expelling the worm by vermifuges (oil of turpentine in
milk, male-fern, etc.,) and burning both it and the sheep’s
droppings.
LARD-WORM OF THE HOG.
This worm (Stephanurus Dentatus ) is from one to one and
Fig. 7.
Fig. 7—Stephanurus Dentatus ; a, male; d, female; c, head, magnified. Wer
rill.
three-fourths inches long by one-thirteenth inch broad,
and is found in almost all parts of the body of swine. It
Fig. 8.
is frequent in the liver, kidney and the fat about the spare-
152 #$The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
rib, but has been found in the air-passages, the heart, the
veins, the mesentery and elsewhere. In many cases no
impairment of the health is observed. But irritation of
important organs like the kidney or liver may lead to weak-
ness of the hind parts, diarrhcea, or even blood-poisoning
and sudden death. It seems not improbable that the at-
tacks of this worm in the liver may produce a disorder
which is confounded with Hog Cholera. Its presence in
the kidney may sometimes be recognized by the existence
of microscopic eggs in the urine. The same results from
another worm—Lustrongylus Gigas. But without the ob-
servation of such eggs weakness of the hind parts cannot
be ascribed to the kidney-worm.
Treatment is unsatisfactory. Small doses of salt and oil
of turpentine may be given with no great hope of success.
The favorite dose of arsenic only escapes killing the hog
because he rejects it all by vomiting. If beneficial at all
it must be in small doses, one-eighth to one-sixth grain, so
that it may be taken up into the system.
-Prevention is to be sought by keeping the healthy and
diseased apart, and especially by raismg young pigs apart
from the ground occupied by the old.
TRICHINA SPIRALIS.
This worm, which is capable of being reared in all the |
domestic animals, is especially common in man, the hog
Fig. 9.
Fig. 9—Adult Intestinal Trichina Spiralis, magnified.
and the rat. Trichine are almost microscopic, vary-
Larger Parasites. 153
ing from one-eighteenth to one-sixth inch in length, yet
they are among the most deadly worms known. The ma-
ture and fertile worm lives in the intestines of animals, the
immature in minute cystsinthe muscle. The latter can only
Fig. 10.
Fig. ro—Muscle Trichina encysted, magnified.
reach maturity and reproduce their kind when the animal
which they infest is devoured by another and they are set
free by the digestion of their cysts. When thus introduced
into the bowels they grow and propagate their kind, giv-
ing rise to much irritation for the first fortnight, diarrhea,
enteritis or peritonitis. ‘The symptoms caused by their bor-
ing through the bowels and into the muscles last from the
eighth to the fiftieth day. There are violent muscular
pains like rheumatism but not affecting the joints, a stiff,
semiflexed condition of the limbs and sometimes swellings
on the skin. In man the affection is often mistaken for
rheumatism or typhoid fever, in the lower animals the
symptoms are usually less marked but are the same in kind.
There are loss of appetite, indisposition to move, pain
when handled and stiffness behind. If the patient sur-
vives six weeks recovery may be expected because the
worms no longer irritate after becoming encysted in the
muscle.
Treatment. In the first six weeks, but especially for the
first fortnight, use laxatives and vermifuges. Glycerine,
benzine, Dippel’s animal oil, chloroform, alcohol and pic-
ric acid are fatal to them in about the order named.
Prevention. Never eat underdone meat. Trichina sur-
154 The Farmers Veterinary Adviser.
vive 140° F. Hams thoroughly smoked or salted for three
months are safe. Slightly smoked hams and those steeped —
in creosote or carbolic acid are most dangerous. Pigs should
not be kept near slaughter-houses, and especially should the
waste of these places be forbidden them. Such hog-pens,
indeed all piggeries, should be kept scrupulously clean and
clear of rats and mice. The carcasses of swine fed near
slaughter-houses or where rats abound should be subjected
to a thorough microscopic examination before passing into
consumption. Whenever a case of trichinosis occurs in a
human subject the pork should be traced to its source if
possible, and the pigs reared in the same place killed and
subjected to prolonged boiling. The rats and mice should
be eradicated and the hog-pens and manure burned.
CHAP RE, V.
DIETETIC AND CONSTITUTIONAL DISEASES
Ergotism. Goitre. Rheumatism. Acute Anasarca. Purpura Heemor-
thagica. Anzemia.
ERGOTISM.
From time immemorial animals and men have suffered
from eating the cereal grains which have been attacked
with ergot. ‘This was especially the case when agriculture
was in its infancy, for then a damp, cloudy season would
cause this affection to spread after the manner of a plague.
The same holds still to a less extent, and in the New
World as well as the Old. Not only the ergot but even the
smut of maize will bring about untoward effects. These
results may be divided into three categories according as
the poison acts on the brain producing convulsions, paraly-
sis or profound lethargy ; on the womb tending to abortion ;
or on the extremities causing dry gangrene.
Symptoms of the Nervous Form. Unsteady gait, a great
tendency to lie down and to remain in a torpid state little
conscious of what is passing around, loss of lustre of hair
or feathers, coldness of skin, dilatation of the pupils of the
eyes, and dullness of the special senses mark the early
stages. This may go on to paralysis or deep lethargy
without any active nervous excitement. Or paroxysms
supervene, during which the special senses become more
acute, the animal very excitable, and twitching of the mus-
cles or spasms like those of lockjaw or epilepsy convulse
the patient. Then there is a relapse into the former stupor
and drowsiness, with palsy of the hind limbs or knuckling
156 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
forward at the fetlocks. Death may ensue in a few hours
or days, or the affection may become chronic, the patient
remaining with variable appetite, but getting no good of
his food, with spasms of the pharynx, vomiting or diar-
rhoea. He usually passes off in a convulsion.
Symptoms of the Abortion Form do not differ from those
of abortion from other causes. (See Abortion).
Symptoms cf the Gangrenous Form. Nervous symptoms
may or may not usher in the disease. Then follow swell-
ing, heat and tenderness of the extremities, usually the
hind feet but sometimes the fore, or the tail, ears or roots
of the horns. Lameness usually first draws attention to
this condition. Soon the extremity becomes cold, insen-
sible, of a deep brownish-red appearance and dry, hard or
almost horny. The swelling, heat and tenderness persist
higher up, but the lower part is dead including even the
bone up to a given point, At this level a red, circular
crack appears in the skin separating the dead from the
living, and if the patient should survive long enough the
whole gangrenous part drops off.
Tt usually occurs in winter from the dry hay fodder but
is distinguished from frost-bite by implicating the deep as
well as the superficial parts and attacking the feet in pref-
erence to the more exposed tail and ears.
Treatment is only successful in the mildest cases, and
the earliest stages. Change to wholesome diet, including
plenty of roots or potatoes. Clear offensive matter from
the bowels by laxatives, and give tonics (cinchona, gen-
tian,) stimulants (ammonia, valerian, angelica, musk,) and
antispasmodics (opium, chloral-hydrate, chloroform, or
nitrite of amyle). Use soft, warm poultices containing
camphor.
Prevention. Ergoted hay, known by the black, spur-like
growths out of the husks, should be withheld, or fed only
in limited quantity in conjunction with roots and potatoes.
Be careful in selecting seed clear of ergot. Seed may be
protected to a large extent by sprinkling with a strong
Dietetic and Constitutional Diseases. aie
solution of blue-stone or bisulphite of soda before sowing, .
and drying with quicklime. Contaminated soil should be
used for other crops. Drainage, and cpen sunshine are
conducive to healthy growth. Hay from affected pastures
must be cut early, before it has run to seed.
GOITRE.
This is a diseased enlargement of the thyroid body, sit-
uated beneath the throat, and is common in animals and
in man wherever the water is charged with the products
of magnesian-limestone. Hence, its frequency on the
limestone formations of New York and Pennsylvania.
Weakness, from any disease, poor feeding, abuse, over-
work, etc., aggravates the affection. In solipeds there
are two distinct swellings, one on each side, but in other
animals and, above all, in swine, the swelling is single and
in the median line. At first it is soft and even doughy,
but afterwards it is firm, tense and resistant, and if cut into
may even be gritty. In lambs it may form a great en-
gorgement from the jaw to the breast-bone, and the whole
produce of the year may be still-born or die soon after
birth.
Treatment. Give rain-water and use iodine freely,
both internally, on an empty stomach, and over the swell-
ing. Persist in this for months. Weak solutions of iodine
may be thrown into the tumor by a hypodermic syringe,
or the nutrient blood-vessels may be tied.
The destruction of lambs by goitre may be obviated by
giving the ewes rain-water, good feeding and plenty of ex-
e1cise in the open air during the winter.
RHEUMATISM.
This is a peculiar form of inflammation attacking the
fibrous structures of the body (muscles, tendons, joints,
bursz, etc.,) and dependent on a constitutional predispo-
sition transmitted from parent to offspring. It often
shifts from place to place, rarely results in suppuration,
158 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
and shows a great tendency to implicate fatally the valves
and other fibrous structures of the heart. Besides the
constitutional predisposition, it owes its development to
accessory causes, such as cold and wet, cold draughts, and
disorders, especially those of the digestive or respiratory
organs which load the blood with abnormal and probably
acid elements.
Symptoms. Acute Form. Dullness, languor or indispo-
sition to move is followed by extreme lameness in one or
more limbs, and heat, swelling and tenderness of a joint,
tendon or group of muscles. If this tenderness moves
from joint to joint or muscle to muscle it is very charac-
teristic. The swelling is at first soft and afterward hard
and resistant ; it may fluctuate from excess of synovia in a
joint, but rarely from the formation of matter. With the
onset of the inflammation comes active fever, with full,
hard pulse, increased temperature, hot, clammy mouth,
dry muzzle, hurried breathing, costiveness, and scanty,
high-colored urine, sometimes with a neutral or even acid
reaction. Cattle often remain down and refuse to rise.
If the disease extends to the heart, the pulse has a sharp,
often intermittent or irregular beat, and one or other of
the heart sounds may be accompanied by a hissing or
sighing murmur. (See diseases of the heart.)
Chronic Form. This resembles the acute, excepting that
it is less severe, usually unattended by fever, and may
even appear only on exposure, and disappear in the warm
sunshine. It is liable to induce fibrous and even bony en-
largements, and in cattle suppuration, especially about the
joints, and in such cases the disease is more stable and
less inclined to shift from place to place.
Treatment. Give a laxative (horse, aloes; ox or sheep,
Epsom salts; pig or dog, castor oil,) with anodynes
(opium) if pain is extreme, and follow up with alkalies
(bicarbonate of potassa or soda; acetate of potassa or
ammonia; cream of tartar,) and diuretics (colchicum, mu-
riate of ammonia, nitrate of potassa). Sudorifics (hot
Dietetic and Constitutional Diseases. 159
room; warm clothing; rugs wrung out of boiling water
closely applied to the skin and covered with dry; bags of
dry grain, bran or sand ; rubbing with hot smoothing-irons
over a thin covering; hot air or steam baths; aconite;
acetate of ammonia; guarana, etc.,) are in the highest de-
sree beneficial. Some agents, like propylamine and muri-
ate of iron, have been very serviceable in certain hands,
Local treatment consists in the application of warmth,
etc., as above indicated, and also blisters (strong aqua
ammonia and olive oil) which may be applied several
times a day and the inflammation followed up as it re-
cedes from structure to structure.
ACUTE ANASARCA. PURPURA HAUMORRHAGICA.
The affection to be described here is altogether different
in its nature from the dropsies which result from obstruc-
tion of veins, in phlebitis, or because of pressure by a dis-
eased structure, as also from those dependent on suppres-
sion of the secretion of urine, on heart-disease or a watery
state of the blood with deficiency of blood globules. It is
not at all inflammatory nor of the nature of malignant an-
thrax as is generally assumed. It is exceedingly common
after influenza and other affections of the respiratory organs,
in ill-ventilated stables where animals are compelled to use
rebreathed air, and in very open, cold barns where they
are liable to be chilled after being heated at work. Sud-
den excessive lowering of temperature or exposure to cold
rain or wind storms, especially when hot and perspiring,
are efficient causes by reason of the sudden check to the
secretions of the skin. The disease is much more fre-
quent under the extreme vicissitudes of temperature of the
Northern States than in the more equable climate of the
ritish Isles.
Symptoms. The disease is manifested abruptly by ap-
pearance of tense, painful, rounded or diffuse swellings on
the nose, lips, face, neck, inner sides of the limbs, belly or
indeed anywhere over the body. These tend to enlarge,
160 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
to run together and to gravitate downwards into the limbs
and the lower parts of the trunk, where they form extend-
ed, tolerably smooth swellings, pitting on pressure and
subsiding abruptly into the sound skin at their upper mar-
gins. The membrane lining the nose usually shows dark
blood spots and patches, ineffaceable by pressure, even at
this early stage, sometimes indeed before any swelling of the
skin, but always asthe disease advances. Similarspotsmay
be seen on the skins of white animals. The urine is usu-
ally dense, thick, ammoniacal and often brownish-red.
Shivering often marks the period of effusion but there is
at first little change of pulse, temperature, breathing or
appetite. As the swellings increase, the animal becomes
unable to see, to eat, or even to move, almost, and breath-
ing may be carried on only with the greatest difficulty,
through the swollen and closed nostrils. Transverse
cracks and yellowish liquid oozing, appear in the bends of
the joints; little blisters with yellowish or bloody con-
tents rise, especially in the hollow of the heel behind the
pastern, and, bursting, continue to discharge. Yellowish
serum or dark blood may ooze from the general surface of
the swelling; patches of skin die, drop off and leave un-
healthy, weak sores with a serous discharge; the exuda-
tions may even soften the muscles, and loosen and detach
the tendons from the bones leading to turning up of the
toe or other distortions. Sometimes the superficial swell-
ings suddenly subside, and unless a critical diarrhcea or
diuresis occurs, serous infiltration of some internal organ
like the lungs or bowels is apt to ensue, cutting off the pa-
tient suddenly, with great oppression of breathing or vio-
lent and persistent colicky pains, and, at times, a bloody
foetid diarrhea.
The symptoms and dangers vary with the seat of the
effusion. The result is most favorable when this is under
the skin, the main danger then being from suffocation, ex-
tensive death and sloughing of skin, and softening and de-
tachment of tendons and ligaments. Unless improvement
Dietetic and Constitutional Diseases. 161
is shown by the third or fourth day the disease will usually
last over twelve or fourteen days, and the resulting sores
even for months.
Prevention. Keep in strong, vigorous health, and avoid
the various causes (exposure, etc.,) known to precipitate
the malady. Drainage of damp localities is not without
its influence. Lastly, avoid weakening treatment in dis-
eases of the respiratory organs, especially such as are at-
tended with a low type of fever like influenza, and, above
all, avoid exercising such animals to fatigue, or exposing
to inclement weather.
Treatment. Give a mild laxative (olive oil, linseed oil,
_ aloes,) and follow up by diuretics (sweet spirits of nitre, oil
of turpentine, buchu, nitrate of potassa,) carefully gradua-
ted in amount to the strength of the patient, and use
freely agents calculated to increase the viscidity of the
blood (tincture of muriate of iron 1 dr., chlorate of potassa
2 to 4 dr., bichromate of potassa 4 grain,) with bitter
tonics (quinia, cascarilla, camomile,) and, if necessary to
moderate suffering, anodynes (belladonna) or in very pros-
trate conditions stimulants (alcoholic liquors, oil of tur-
pentine). Locally, the swellings should be often bathed
with tepid lotions of tincture of muriate of iron, carbolic
acid, or chloride of zinc diluted so as to be non-irritating.
Astringent solutions should be assiduously employed
about the head, and, if suffocation is threatened, tubes of
gutta-percha may be inserted in the nostrils to keep them
open. Tracheotomy is to be avoided if possible, together
with scarifying of the swellings, because of the risk of un-
healthy sores resulting.
Modified Forms. The mild forms of this affection have
been described as scarlatina, the distinction being based
on the punctiforn vature of the blood-staining, the sever-
ity of the sore-throat and the more moderate exudation.
But there is no contagion nor, indeed, anything that seems
to warrant the distinction claimed. This form may be es-
pecially benefited by poultices and counter-irritants to the
11
ty
162 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
_—
throat, by the inhalation of warm water vapor, and by as-
tringent electuaries (chlorate of potassa, 2 oz. ; vinegar, 2
oz.; linseed meal, 5 oz. ; syrup, sufficient to form a pasty
mass. Smear one-eighth of the mass on the back teeth
twice a day). Otherwise, the treatment is the same as for
purpura.
ANAEMIA.
This term is used to imply a deficiency of red globules
in the blood, a result which may be determined by a vari-
ety of causes described in other parts of this work. Among
these may be named: worms, profuse bleeding, excessive se-
eretions from the udder, kidneys, bowels, etc., chronic dis-
eases of digestion, or of the mesenteric glands, feeding on
aliment deficient in some essential element, on what has been
grown on poor, sandy soils, restriction for a length of time to
one kind of food, starvation, diseases of the jaws or teeth,
damp, dark, badly-aired buildings, seclusion from sunlight,
etc. Some cases, however, are not traceable to any defi-
nite cause, and it appears that they set in and progress, in
spite of good hygienic arrangements, and in the absence
of any obvious disease of structure.
Symptoms. Great and increasing paleness of the mu-
cous membranes, and in white animals of the skin (paper
skin); lack of fullness or roundness of the veins; slow,
weak pulse; heart’s beat slow and heard with difficulty,
but excited to palpitation when the patient is subjected to
violent exertion; there is great lack of life and energy,
and hurried breathing, perspiration and fatigue are easily
induced. As the blood becomes poorer all these symp-
toms are aggravated, movement becomes unsteady, the
hair or wool is easily detached, appetite fails, the dung is
passed in small quantities and very hard, and a very clear
urine of a low density is secreted in excess. In the ad-
vanced stages the pale, dull, sunken eye, the puffy appear-
ance of the membrane of the eyelids, the dropsical swell-
ings beneath the jaws or body or in the limbs, the inability
Dietetic and Constitutional Diseases. 163
or disinclination to rise, the staggering gait, the hurried
breathing becoming quick and wheezing on the least exer-
tion, and the palpitations are highly characteristic. Towards
the end the urine may pass involuntarily or diarrhea may
supervene. Death sometimes occurs early, before there is
much emaciation, and horses will even die in harness.
Prevention. Avoid everything calculated to reduce the sys-
tem unduly. Severe depletive treatment of disease (bleed-
ing, purging, diuretics,) should only be resorted to under
necessity. Hard work, excessive yield of milk, etc., can only
be warranted under a rich, abundant food, and in an animal
of great powers of digestion and assimilation. Regularity in
feeding, watering and work are essential.
The effect of a spare diet, even in idleness, must be care-
fully watched, as well as a long-continued feeding on one
variety of plant. If evil effects are shown there should be
a prompt change to natural hay or grass, consisting of a
variety of plants grown on a dry soil, and a liberal supply of
grain.
in cases due to parasites or other removable cause, atten-
tion to these is manifestly the first step to prevention.
Treatment. After removal of the causes, support by nour-
ishing, easily-digested food in small bulk to avoid exhausting
the powers of the stomach. Ground oats, barley, oil-cake,
and a little natural hay may be especially mentioned, though,
for weak subjects, thick, well-boiled gruels and beef tea
(even for herbivora) may be resorted to. Tonics are all-im-
portant (iron, gentian, quassia, cascarilla, cimchona, common
salt, pepsin,) but should be given in small doses to the weaker
subjects. Iron and gentian, given as tinctures, are espe-
cially useful. In extreme cases, health may be speedily re-
vived by the transfusion of blood from a healthy animal. In
all cases, the patient should be allowed rest in a dry, warm,
well-aired place, and should have light, sunshine, and groom-
ing,
CHAPTER VI.
DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS.
General causes of diseases of the breathing organs. Physical examination
of these organs :—Auscultation, percussion. Bleeding from the nose. Nasal
Catarrh. Cold in the head. Collection of matter in the nasal sinuses. Abe
scess of the false nostril. Abscess in the guttural pouches. Tumors in the
nose, Malignant catarrh of cattle. Sore-throat. Croup. Roup. Diphthe-
ria. Chronic roaring, Bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis, Glander heaves,
Acute congestion of the lungs, Pneumonia. Inflammation of the lungs.
Pleurisy. Inflammation of the membrane lining the chest. Pleuro-pneu-
monia. Broncho-pneumonia, Broncho-pleuro-pneumonia, Hydro-thorax,
Water in the chest. Pneumo-thorax. Air or gas in the chest. Abscess of
the intercostal spaces. Dropsy of the lung. Apoplexy of the lung. Pleu-
ro-dynia. Rheumatism of the walls of the chest. Asthma in dogs, Heaves.
Broken-wind. Bleeding from the lungs. Hzmoptysis. Parasites in the
upper air-passages. Grub in the head. Larva of Céstrus Ovis, Pentasto-
ma Tzenioides. Parasites in the lower air-passages. Lung-worms of sheep,
etc. Lung-worms of horses and cattle. Gape-worm of fowls, Verminous
pronchitis in calves, sheep, swine and birds. :
DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS.
These are of the first importance in domestic animals
alike as regards their frequency and the mortality and
other serious consequences they entail. In young horses
especially they are far more common and more destructive
than any other class of diseases. Among the general
causes of diseases of this class of organs the following may
be stated in brief: 1. The great extent of the respiratory
surface in the lungs = 200 to 500 square feet. 2. The ex-
treme tenuity and delicacy of the membrane covering this
surface, protective cells (epithelium) being almost wanting
in the air cells, contrary to what exists on every other mu-
cous surface in the body. 3. The extraordinary work te
Diseases of the Respiratory Organs. 165
which the lungs are subjected in the rapid paces and se-
vere efforts made by the horse. 4. The close, impure air
of the stable in contrast to the clear bracing air of the fields
to which the colt has been accustomed. 5. The effect of
the hot relaxing air of the stable is not only on the lungs
directly but on the skin with which the lungs and all in-
ternal organs so closely sympathize. 6. The heats and
chills, and violent nervous excitement to which young
horses are subjected in passing into training and work.
7. The changes of locality, feeding and management to
which young horses are subjected on leaving the breeder.
8. The variable weather and sudden, extreme changes of
spring and autumn. 9. The susceptibility which results
from the want of habitude of bearing extreme heat and
cold, and which tells especially at the above seasons. 10.
The draughts of cold air to which animals are often sub-
jected, and particularly when warm and perspiring. 11.
The frequent exposure to cold drenching rains, night dews
and the like, after the excitement and ected consequent
ona hard day’s work. 12. The arrest of circulation through
the lungs owing to imperfect eration of the blood when an
animal out of condition is driven at a pace beyond his
power of endurance.
Modes of Physical Exploration of the Respiratory Organs.
Auscultation and percussion are the most essential. The
first is the application of the ear alone or with a stetho-
scope to the surface over some part of the respiratory or-
gans (nose, throat, windpipe, chest,) to listen to the natural
- sounds of breathing and to detect any unnatural change
or absence of these sounds. The natural sounds must be
studied on the healthy animal, and then the different mod-
ifications followed on the diseased. In general terms there
is a blowing sound to be heard in health over the nose,
throat, windpipe, and between the upper and middle
thirds of the chest. In the rest of the chest is a soft, rus-
tling murmur which has been compared to the gentlest
zephyr stirring dry leaves. Just behind the left elbow iz
166 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
horses this murmur is absent and replaced by the sounds
of the heart. Between the upper and middle thirds of the
chest it mingles with the blowing sound anteriorly, but is
unaccompanied by that over the few last ribs. Percussion
consists in drawing out the resonance of any part by strik-
ing it gentle taps with a hard object, the blows falling per-
pendicularly to its surface, and of a force proportioned to
the depth of the organ itis meant fo sound. Thus, for the
surface, the gentlest taps with the tip of the finger are
wanted, while for the centre of the chest in large animals,
the closed fist may be advantageously used. For inter-
mediate depths the four fingers and thumb may be brought
together, in a straight line at their tips, and the surface
tapped with this. When a cavity, enclosed by a hard
bony surface, such as the nose, is being sounded, it is well
enough to tap this direct, but if the surface is soft, as in
the chest of fat and fleshy animals, a hard, solid body
should be pressed firmly upon it and the taps delivered
upon this. As the different parts of the right hand may
be used for delivering the taps, so may the two middle fin:
gers of the left hand be employed to compress the soft
parts and receive them. The front of the fingers should
be applied against the surface and the hard bony backs
turned out to receive the taps. If percussion is made over
a hollow space, like the nose or windpipe, the sound’ is
drum-like ; if over an open, spongy tisste, like the lung, it
is much less so but still full and clear, but if over a solid
body, like the thigh, it is dull, dead, or quite wanting in
resonance. Behind the left elbow such dull sound is met
with in the horse and, to a less extent, in cattle; and on
the last ribs on the right side in cattle, sheep and pigs a
similar dullness is found in accordance with the position
of the liver. Any increase, diminution or loss of reso-
nance over particular parts thus becomes of great value as
indicating the healthy or unnatural state of the parts.
But the observer must learn this matter by experience on
the healthy and diseased. These hints are merely thrown ~
out to make what will follow intelligible.
Diseases of the Respiratory Organs. 167
BLEEDING FROM THE NOSE.
Bleeding from the nose is rather rare in animals, an*
usually results from disease or injury to the mucous mem
brane or to violent exertions in coughing, sneezing, draw-
ing heavy loads uphill, or with a tight collar, and espe:
eia‘ly in animals with a plethoric habit.
Symptoms. Bleeding in drops (rarely in a stream) from
one nostril only, accompanied by sneezing, and without
frothing or sour odor. Bleeding from the lungs comes
from both nostrils, is bright-red, frothy and accompanied
by a cough. Bleeding from the stomach also comes from
both nostrils, and is black, clotted, sour, and attended by
retching.
Treatment. Tie the head short up to a high rack or beam,
vover head and neck with bags of ice or rugs wrung out of
cold water, and blow matico powder or strong alum water
in spray into the nose during inspiration. In obstinate
cases, the nose may be plugged with pledgets of tow, tied —
with a soft cord by which they may be withdrawn when
the bleeding subsides. Both nostrils must not be plugged
in horses unless tracheotomy has first been performed.
Internally, may be given gallic acid, acetate of lead, per-
chloride of iron or ergot of rye.
NASAL CATARRH. COLD IN THE HEAD.
This results from the general causes above mentioned
and from irritant gases, vapors, etc.
Symptoms. Sneezing, redness and watering of the eyes,
and redness of the membrane of the nose which is at first
dry, afterwards discharges a clear watery fluid and finally a
yellowish-white muco-purulent matter. In mild cases
there is little or no fever, in the more severe fever may
run high.
Treatment. In mild cases rest in a clear, airy, warm
building with suitable clothing and warm bran mashes is
all that*is necessary. In the more severe steam the nose
as for strangles, and slightly charge the air with the fumes
168 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
of burning sulphur, give warm water injections or even
a mild laxative, (horse, ox or sheep, Glauber salts; dog or
pig, castor oil), followed by refrigerant diuretics (nitre,
acetate of potassa, etc.). If debility ensues feed well and
Fig. 11.
Fig. 11—Syphon for injecting the nose.
give tonics (gentian, etc.,) and stimulants (spirits of nitrous
ether). Chronic discharges may usually be promptly
checked by injecting the nose with a weak astringent
solution (sulphate of zine $ dr., glycerine 1 oz., tepid
water 1 gt.) This is thrown in with a syphon having one
arm sixteen inches long and the other leaving that at an
angle of 45°, three and a half inches long and narrowing to
half an inch at the pomt. The short limb is inserted into
the nostril, having first been passed through a hole in the
centre of a piece of sole leather intended to prevent the
return of the fluid from the nose. The adaptation is
perfected by pledgets of tow, and the head being brought
into a vertical position the liquid is poured into the long
end of the syphon until it rises in that nasal chamber
and escapes by the opposite nostril. One or two such in-
jections are usually sufficient.
COLLECTION OF MATTER IN THE NASAL SINUSES.
This is common after severe colds in the horse; and as
the result of blows on the forehead or horns in oxen, of
injuries from the yoke, ete. ; in sheep from grub in the
head (larva of @strus Ovis); in dogs and hoes from the
pentastomata, and in all animals eee diseases of the upper
back teeth.
Symptoms. A more or less constant dict? from
Diseases of the Respiratory Organs. 169
the nose, foetid if long retained, and above all if from a dis-
eased tooth, a dullness on percussion on that side of the
face between the eyes or just beneath the eyes, and occa-
sionally heat, tenderness and even swelling of these paris,
especially below the eye.
Treatment. 'Trephine the bone to one side of the
median line of the forehead, in the interval between the
eyes, and again, an inch above the end of the bony ridge
which extends down beneath the eye, and wash out daily,
at first with tepid water and finally with the injection
recommended for the nose. In the case of parasites
these must be rinsed out. Sometimes a slight collection —
of this kind will recover under injections for the nose
and the persistent use of sulphate of iron or copper,
or other tonic. If there is a diseased tooth it will be
recognized by the dropping of food half-chewed, by
the swelling and tenderness around the fang of the
tooth and by the intolerable foetor which clings to the
fingers when a balling iron has been placed in the mouth
and the tooth examined with the hand. Such a tooth
must be extracted with large forceps, if already loosened,
or if not, an opening should be made upon its fang with a
trephine and the offending tooth driven out with a punch
and mallet. But there is much danger of injuring impor-
tant vessels and nerves unless the operator is thoroughly
conversant with anatomy.
ABSCESS OF THE FALSE NOSTRIL.
This is common in young horses and appears as a slowly
increasing, inactive, tense, round swelling in the outer
part of the nostril. It is so firm as to feel solid but col-
_ lapses at once when opened. Itshould be laid open from
within the nose along its whole length and plugged with
tow till the raw edges have skinned over.
ABSCESS IN THE GUTTURAL POUCHES.
These are two cavities situated above the throat and pe
170 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
culiar to solipeds. Each has a small opening at its ante-
rior part through which any liquid within them can esczepe
only when the head is depressed. Hence a collection o}
matter in these sacs, consequent on a sore throat, escapes
and is discharged through the nose intermittently when
the head is down drinking, or still more in grazing or nib-
bling roots. The discharge comes from both nostrils and
there may or may not be swelling beneath the ear. Many
such cases will recover if sent to grass or fed from the
ground and treated with some of the tonics recommended
for chronic catarrh or glanders. But should these fail the
sac must be laid open, setoned and washed out daily with
2 weak astringent lotion. This operation requires the
most accurate knowledge of the parts to avoid the many
important structures in the region. (See the author’s lar-
ger work.)
TUMORS IN THE NOSE.
Tumors of almost every kind grow in the nose and must
be removed by surgical means.
MALIGNANT CATARRH OF CATTLE.
This appears mainly in cold, damp, marshy situationg
where the vitality is impaired, or in unusual seasons. It
the cold early summer of 1875 I met with it in cows
in several marshy places. Low, damp river-bottoms are
most subject to it and probably it is due to deleterious
agents taken in with the food and water as well as to chills
and exposure.
Symptoms. A slight diarrhoea may be followed by cos-
tiveness, the dung being black, firm and scanty. The
hair is rough and erect, shivering ensues, the head is de-
pressed, the roots of the horns and fcrehead hot, eyes
sunken, red, watery, with turbidity in the interior and in-
tolerance of light, muzzle dry and hot, mouth hot with
much saliva, the membranes of mouth, nose and vagina
bluish-red, pulse rapid, impulse of heart weak, breathing
Diseases of the Respiratory Organs. wel
hurried, cough, urine scanty and high-colored and surface of
the body alternately hot and cold. In twenty-four hours
all the symptoms are aggravated, the nose discharges a
slimy fluid, the forehead is warmer, and duller on percus-
sion, the mouth covered with dark-red blotches from which
the cuticle soon peels off leaving raw sores, appetite is
completely lost, dung and urine passed with much pain
and straining and there is general stiffness and indisposi-
tion to move. From the fourth to the sixth day ulcers
appear on the nose and muzzle, swellings take place be-
neath the jaws, chest and abdomen, and on the legs, the
skin may even slough off in patches, a foetid saliva drivels
from the mouth and a stinking diarrhcea succeeds the cos-
tiveness. Death usually ensues from the eighth to the
tenth day, preceded perhaps by convulsions or signs of
suffocation. The disease strongly resembles the Russian
Cattle Plague but is rarely contagious.
Treatment. Clear out the bowels by a laxative (olive
oil and laudanum), following this up by slightly stimulat-
ing diuretics (sweet spirits of nitre, liquor of acetate of
ammonia,) with antiseptics (chlorate of potassa, bichro-
mate of potassa, hydrochloric acid). Wet cloths may be
kept on the head, the mouth and nose sponged with very
weak solutions of carbolic acid, and only soft mashes and
sliced or pulped roots allowed.
SORE-THROAT.
This may be confined to the larynx or upper end of the
windpipe (laryngitis), or the pharynx or membranous
pouch through which air and food both pass at the back
of the mouth (pharyngitis), or the whole may be involved
(laryngo-pharyngitis). 'There are, besides, the sore-throats
connected with specific diseases (croup, diphtheria, in-
fluenza, strangles, distemper and purpura).
The causes of simple sore-thrvat are the same as those
of nasal catarrh. Bots in the throat may cause it ir
horses.
172 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
Symptoms. The nose is raised and protruded, the heac
being carried stiffly and more in a line with the neck than
usual, and there is swelling of the throat or beneath the
roots of the ears. There is cough, hard in laryngitis, and
dry and husky in pharyngitis, and, later, loose and gur-
cling in both diseases. With laryngitis there is much ten-
derness to touch, and, in the early stages, a loud, harsh
blowing sound which may become loose and rattling as
the disease advances. With pharyngitis there is a little
tenderness, but difficulty in swallowing, chewed morsels
being often dropped again and water rejected through the
nose.. The discharge from the nose is more glairy than in
nasal catarrh or bronchitis, and on its appearance the act-
ive fever usually subsides in great part. If there is much
redness of the membrane of the nose, and high fever, the
case is likely to be severe, and the same is true of cases with
a painful, paroxysmal cough.
In Chronic Sore-throat there may appear to be general
good health, but a cough comes on in paroxysms when the
patient comes into the cold air, drinks cold water, eats dry
oats or dusty hay or undergoes active exertion. There are
also more or less tenderness and wheezing or rattling in
the throat, and sometimes slight swelling.
Treatment. Rest in a clean, dry, airy stable or box.
Clothe warmly and flannel bandage the legs if cold or
tending to shiver. Tie a rug or sheep-skin with wool in
around the neck. Steam the nose as for strangles. Unless
the fever and pulse are low or the affection of an influenza
type, a laxative is usually beneficial (horse, aloes; ox
and sheep, Glauber salts; dog and pig, castor oil ;) following
up with nitre or acetate of potassa in the water, and ano-
dynes as electuaries. Solid extract of belladonna 4 drs. ;
tannic acid 1 dr.; bisulphite of soda 4 drs.; honey or
syrup 5 oz.; mix. Dose—horse and ox a piece as large as
a hickory nut; sheep one-fourth, dog one-tenth of this bulk,
thrice daily. To be smeared on the back teeth and swal-
lowed at leisure.
Diseases of the Respiratory Organs. 173
In most cases, a thin pulp, made with mustard and
water, should be well rubbed in around the throat as soon
as the bowels respond, and covered up for two hours, but.
in the most severe, this may be preceded for a day or twe
by a linseed poultice. The diet throughout must be
green, soft mashes or roots.
CROUP.
Especially seen in young animals (calves, lambs, foals,)
in cold and damp or high exposed localities. The symp-
toms are those of severe sore-throat (laryngitis) coming on
very suddenly with hard croupy cough and dry wheezing
breathing, worse at one time than another or heard only
at particular times of the day (morning, night,) when
spasms of the larynx come on. But the most characteris-
tic symptom is the formation of albuminoid false mem-
branes as white films or pellicles in the throat, and which
are discharged in shreds on the second or third day.
Fever runs very high, pulse ninety to one hundred, tem-
perature 107°, and even higher.
Treatment. Give a warm, well-aired building, with
water-vapor set free in the atmosphere, if possible ; warm
clothing, a laxative (sulphate of soda) with antispasmodic
- (laudanum, aconite, chloral-hydrate, lobelia); follow up
with small doses of sulphate of soda, chlorate of potassa
and antispasmodics, giving each dose in well-boiled linseed
tea, slippery elm or marsh-mallow. Blister the neck ac-
tively (mustard, with or without oil of turpentine,) and, if
necessary, Swab out the throat with a solution of nitrate
of silver ten grs., water one oz., applied by a small sponge
immovably tied on a piece of whalebone. In the worst
cases suffocation must be obviated by opening the wind-
wipe in the middle of the neck and inserting a tube to
ereathe through. In horses a ring must not be completely
cut across, but a semicircular piece cut out of each of two
adjacent ones. Sometimes stimulants (wine whey, car-
bonate of ammonia,) and tonics (gentian, cinchona,) must
oe used to sustain the failing strength.
174 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
CROUP OR ROUP IN FOWLS.
Causes. Probably similar to those acting on quadrupeds.
Exciting diet (wheat, buckwheat, oats,) seems at times in-
jurious. Newly-arrived fowls are most liable to contract it,
yet it does not always seem contagious in the ordinary sense,
but rather inherent in soil, locality or conditions of life.
Symptoms. Dullness, sleepiness, neglect of food, ruffled
feathers, unsteady walk, quickened breathing, with a hoarse
wheeze, and an occasional loud crowing noise. On the tongue,
at the angle of union of the beak, or in the throat appear
yellowish white films (false membranes) firmly adherent to a
reddened surface, and raw sores where these have been de-
tached. The nostrils may be completely plugged with swell-
ing and discharge so that breath can only be drawn through
the open bill. The inflammation may extend along the wind-
pipe to the aerial cavities and lungs, or along the gullet to
the intestines. In the first case, death may take place from
suffocation, and in the second, from diarrhcea, and as early
as in twenty-four hours. Toward the end of an outbreak,
the malady may last twenty days and still prove fatal. False
membranes may form on other distant parts of the body, but
especially the comb, wattles, eye, or on accidental sores.
Treatment. Disuse raw grain, and feed on vegetables,
and puddings made of well-boiled oat, barley or Indian meal.
Dissolve carbonate or sulphate of soda, or chlorate of potassa
freely in the water drunk, remove the false membranes with
a feather or forceps and apply to the surface with a feather
the nitrate of silver lotion advised for croup in quadrupeds.
If diarrhcea supervenes, give a teaspoonful of quinia wine
thrice a day. It is all-important to change the run of the
chickens for a time at least.
DIPHTHERIA.
This is seen in calves, pigs, horses, rabbits, mice, rats, kit-
tens, guinea-pigs, hens and ducks. It is undoubtedly con-
tagious, yet one attack does not protect against a second. In
the false membranes, blood, and internal organs (spleen, liver,
kidney, etc.) are found spherical and rod bacteria (strepto-
Diseases of the Respiratory Organs. 175
coceus and bacillus), which convey the disease to susceptible
animals after a number of artificial cultures (Loeffler).
Though not always inoculable from one genus to another,
ee are many cases of such interchange, accidental and ex-
perimental, and in these man has reciprocated freely with the
lower animals. The special potency of the poison, the re-
ceptivity of the subject, and the unwholesome condition of
the surroundings have much to do with the result. Close,
filthy pens, and want of care, strongly predispose. The poi-
son is easily carried in milk.
Symptoms. Sudden illness, with sore-throat and extreme
weakness and stiffness of back and loins. The pig moves
slowly and crouchingly with raised head, open dry mouth,
hoarse nasal grunt, livid tongue, and red pooled throat <i
Beers aries of ort membranes. The eyes are
dull and sunken, and the appetite gone. In a few hours all
the structures of throat and nose are involved, there is much
swelling and threatened suffocation and shreds of false mem-
brane are coughed up. The patient remains down, sits on
his haunches, or leans on the fence and usually perishes in
a fit of coughing. In other genera there is violent sore-
throat (at first often without fever), swelling of throat and
glands, difficult swallowing and breathing, and later cough-
ing up of false membranes. The false membranes also ap-
pear on superficial sores, while in some cases the poison acts
especially on the internal organs. Muscular pains, weakness
and paralysis often follow.
Treatment. Must be early to succeed, hence, examine the
throat for false membranes in all cases of sore-throat in pigs,
holding the animal with a noose around the upper jaw. If
white patches are seen, apply at once and freely the nitrate
of silver lotion advised for croup, and repeat as often as may
seem necessary to keep the diseased growths in check. Tinct-
ure of muriate of iron, with as much chlorate of potash as it
will dissolve, may be diluted in water to a strong astringent
wash and given every hour. The bowels may be freely
opened by a purgative, and tincture of the muriate of iron
and nitre given thrice a day in a tablespoonful of cold water.
176 The Harmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
Great attention must be given to the comfort and to secure
pure air, and soft, easily-digestible food for some time.
CHRONIC ROARING IN HORSES.
This is a wheezing, whistling, or hoarse rasping sound
made in the upper part of the windpipe (larynx) in breath-
ing and especially when excited. It is usually due to pa-
ralysis and wasting of the muscles on the left side of the
larynx and which open the channel for the air, and in such
cases the noise is only made in drawing airin. But any
obstruction in the large air-tubes will give rise to roaring, |
heard most commonly in both inspiration and expiration.
Thus palsy of the nostrils, fracture and depression of the
bones of the nose, tumors in the nose, throat, windpipe or
bronchi, false membranes extending across’ the air-passages,
dropsical swelling about the throat, and in stallions undue
accumulations of fat, may give rise toit. Inthe typical form
with palsy of the laryngeal muscles the animal grunts
(groans) when led up to a wall and a feint is made to strike
him on the ribs. If galloped up a steep hill or over a newly-
plowed field, or even for some distance on level ground,
the roaring is strikingly brought out. The same holds
good if made to draw a heavy load or one with the wheels
dragged.
Treatment. In incipient cases with simple thickening of
the mucous membrane, benefit may arise from swabbing out
the larynx with nitrate of silver solution, as reeommended
for croup, or firing the skin over the throat with a red-hot
iron. But if the muscles are wasted and fatty these means
will be fruitless, and we must look to mechanical or surgical
measures for help. Pads attached to the nose-band of the
bridle, and so arranged that they will lie on the false nostrils
and check somewhat the ingress of air, will enable many
roarers to do moderate work with comparative comfort. In
the worst cases, in which the animal is rendered useless,
tracheotomy may be performed and the animal made to
breathe through a tube inserted in the middle of the neck.
Or finally, the larynx may be laid open with the knife, and
-
Diseases of the Respiratory Organs 10%
the flap of gristle (arytenoid), which is drawn in, valve-like,
over the opening by the current of air, cut off.
Some cases of roaring due to feeding on vetches (Za-
thyrus Sativa or Cicera) may be cured by changing the
feed, and giving some doses of nux vomica. Others due to
dropsical effusions appear intermittently and may be bene-
fited by tonics and iodide of potassium, with hard, dry feed-
ing and exercise. Tumors and other mechanical obstructions
must be removed with the knife.
Finally, roaring is often hereditary in horses with a nar-
row space between the jaws and thick, short neck, with badly
set on head, and such should be rejected for breeding pur-
poses.
BRONCHITIS.
Inflammation of the large air-tubes within the lungs. It
may be looked upon as an extension downward of nasal ca-
tarrh or sore-throat and frequently supervenes on one or the
other of these. Otherwise it owns the same general causes
with these affections. It may also attend on influenza,
strangles, contagious pleuro-pneumonia, distemper in dogs,
tuberculosis, and parasitic diseases of the lungs.
Symptoms. In mild cases there are dullness, impaired
appetite, hot dry mouth, red membrane of nose, accelerated
pulse and breathing, and a cough at first hard but becoming
soft and rattling as discharge is established from the nose.
Such may recover in a few days without treatment.
In severe cases there is dullness, inappetence, hot dry
mouth, increased temperature, rapid pulse, labored breath-
ing with loud blowing sounds over the lower end of the wind-
pipe and behind the middle of the shoulder-blade. The
cough is dry, hard, sonorous, and painful (barking), often
occurring in fits and seeming to come from the depth of the
chest. Percussion detects no change of resonance at any
part of the chest, as in pnewmonia. The membrane of the
nose has a dark red or violet hue, varying in proportion to
the general implication of the bronchial tubes and especial-
ly the smaller ones, and there is drowsiness and drooping
of the head in the same ratio,
178 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
From the second to the fourth day a whitish discharge
sets in from the nose, the cough becomes soft and rattling,
the noise over the windpipe and behind the shoulder-blade
less harsh and blowing, but with a slight rattle from burst-
ing bubbles, and the symptoms of fever abate. From this
time improvement dates, and recovery may be complete in
two or three weeks.
Solipeds stand obstinately throughout the disease, other
animals may lie. There is no tenderness on punching the
ribs, as in plewrisy.
Treatment. Rest in a warm, dry, airy building, clothe
warmly, bandage the limbs in cold weather and give warm
sloppy mashes of wheat bran. <A laxative is often useful but
if there is weakness, small pulse, prostration or any yellowish
tinge of the mucous membranes, is to be rejected and warm
water injections used in place to move the bowels. Give
frequent diuretics (nitre, sweet spirits of nitre), anodynes
(belladonna, lobelia, aconite), and expectorants (liquor am-
monia acetatis, oxymel of squill, gnaiacum, ipecacuanha, anti-
mony, muriate of ammonia). The nose should be frequently
steamed, as if for strangles, and inhalations of sulphur fumes
mixed with the air, and not too strong, may be added.
' Mustard or other blisters should be applied to the sides of
the chest, and repeated if any renewed access of disease
seems to demand it. When fever has nearly subsided and
there is left only a white discharge from the nose tonics
should be used. (See those recommended for glanders.)
When there is much prostration and weakness, stimulants
(aromatic ammonia, carbonate of ammonia, wine, etc.,) may
be required, even in the early stages.
GLANDER HEAVES. CHRONIC BRONCHITIS IN HORSES.
This arises from the same causes as the acute disease and
often follows it. It is characterized by a frequent weak
wheezing, husky, almost inaudible cough, often occurring in
fits; a white discharge from the nose, with white flocculi,
like buttermilk; great shortness of breath in exertion; and
a mucous rattle in the lungs. Percussion shows increased
Diseases of the Respiratory Organs. 179
resonance over the lower and posterior borders of the lungs.
The right side of the heart may be enlarged and easily felt
beating behind the right elbow.
_ Treatment is not very satisfactory in cases of old standing.
Feeding should be mainly of soft mashes, roots and other
laxative agents, but never bulky. Linseed, oat, barley or corn
meal may be given wet and hay replaced by corn-stalks or _
good fresh grass. Finally give tonics, mainly arsenite of
strychnia, or sulphate of iron or copper and tannic acid.
Muriate, carbonate or benzoate of ammonia is often valuable.
ACUTE CONGESTION OF THE LUNGS IN HORSKS.
This is always the first stage of Pnewmonia but may oc-
cur in a sudden and fatal form from overexertion in fat or
otherwise ill-conditioned horses. An animal that has stood
idle in the stable or has been rapidly fattened for sale, when
taken out and driven or ridden at the top of his speed soon
hangs heavily on the bit, slackens his speed, and if not stopped,
staggers and falls; or the exertion is passed through but the
animal is seized when returned to the stable. He then stands
with dilated nostrils, quick, labored, convulsive, wheezy
breathing, extended head, staring bloodshot eyes, agonized
expression, deep red or blue nasal membrane, and rapid, weak
pulse often almost imperceptible at the jaw. Auscultation
detects a loud respiratory murmur and the finest possible
erepitating sound. The heart is felt behind the left elbow
beating tumultuously and the limbs are cold, though perspira-
tion may break out at different parts of the body. If blood
is drawn it flows in a dark, tarry-looking stream and the
lungs after death might be compared to a dark-red jelly.
Treatment. Remove girths, saddles, and whatever may
hamper breathing, turn the head to the wind, give an active
stimulant (alcohol or alcoholic liquors, ammonia or any of
its compounds, oil of turpentine, ether, sweet spirits of nitre,
ginger, pepper), the first that comes to hand, in a full dose,
following up with warm water injections and active hand-
rubbing. In extreme cases prompt relief may often be ob-
tained by bleeding from the jugular, but this should not re-
180 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
place the measures already advised but should be added to
them. An excellent resort when available is to wrap from
head to tail in rugs wrung out of hot water and cover thickly
with dry ones, the limbs being meanwhile actively hand-
rubbed to bring the blood to this part of the skin which the
rug cannot reach.
If the patient survives and does not at once entirely re-
cover the case becomes one of pnewmonza.
PNEUMONIA. INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS.
Causes. The same as in other acute diseases of the chest.
Also the result of overexertion and acute congestion, or of
parasites in the lung. Lobular pneumonia has a micrococeus.
Symptoms. If not following an acute congestion as above
described there is shivering, more or less severe according to
the gravity of the attack, and usually a dry cough. This is
followed by hot skin, with increased temperature, quick but
deep labored breathing and a full but oppressed rolling
pulse, redness of the membranes of the eye, nose and mouth;
the cough is deep as if from the depth of the chest but not
so hard nor so painful as in bronchitis. The horse always,
and the ox, in bad cases, obstinately stands with legs apart,
elbows turned out, nose extended and usually approached to
a door or window. In cattle expiration is generally accom-
panied by a moan. With the fever there is costiveness,
high-colored, scanty urine, in cattle, heat of horns and ears
and dryness of muzzle, and hide-bound. Auscultation de-
tects a very fine crackling (crepitation) over the affected
part of the lung or there may be an area of no sound en-
circled by a line of crepitation and beyond that by the nor-
mal murmur slightly increased. Or over the dull spot the
blowing sounds from the larger tubes or the beating of the
leart may be detected. Percussion causes flinching or even
groaning when the affected part is reached ; the space where
sound was wanting in auscultation sounds dull and solid and
the remainder of the chest retains its healthy resonance.
There is no tenderness on merely pinching the spaces be-
tween the ribs. By auscultation and percussion the increase
Diseases of the Lespiratory Organs. 181
or decrease of solidification (hepatization) of the lung may be
followed from day to day excepting in the parts covered by
the thick, muscular shoulder. In this way aggravation and
improvement can be noticed. A yellowish or whitish dis-
charge from the nose comes on as the disease advances.
_ Treatment. Give a pure, dry, airy box with windows
or doors turned to the sun or away from the direction of
prevailing winds, clothe warmly, and flannel-bandage the
limbs, or even rub them with ammonia and oil. The hot
rugs advised for congested lungs may be applied, and
when removed let it be done a little at a time, and the part
rubbed dry and covered by a dry blanket. Or a mustard
poultice may be applied to the sides of the chest. Large
injections of warm water and drinks of warm gruel may
also be given. A laxative is often beneficial in the more
active forms of the disease, but should be given cautiously
as in bronchitis, and rejected when there is low fever, and
much depression. Neutral salts (nitre, acetate of potassa,
bicarbonate of soda,) should be given with sedatives (bella-
donna, henbane, tincture of aconite, digitalis or white helle-
bore; in pigs and dogs, tartar emetic), or if there is much
prostration, or when the fever has in the main subsided,
stimulant diuretics (sweet spirits of nitre, liquor of acetate
of ammonia,) repeated three or four times a day. The
sides should be blistered with a pulp of the best ground
mustard in water, or Spanish flies, or in cattle and swine,
mustard and turpentine, and the blister may be repeated
with advantage in protracted cases. When in severe cases
the blister refuses to rise, the skin may be first warmed
with rugs wrung out of boiling water and then the applica-
tion of the blister made. Or a hot shovel held near the
blistered surface may determine an active flow of blood to
the skin and the rising of the blister. When well risen the
surface must be kept soft by sweet oil or fresh lard to favor
healing. In chickens it is advised to open the bowels by a
teaspoonful of castor-oil, and shake one-twelfth grain of
tartar emetic on the tongue twice a day. If very weak or
prostrate give a teaspoonful of sherry thrice a day.
182 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
PLEURISY. INFLAMMATION OF THE MEMBRANE LINING THE
CHEST AND COVERING THE LUNGS.
This is common in all domestic animals and particularly
in cold, exposed localities, which suffer at the same time
from rheumatism. Otherwise it owns the general causes
of chest disease.
Symptoms. Shivering, followed by heat of the skin and
even of the limbs, and partial sweats of the surface, un-
easy movements, pawing and sometimes looking at the
flanks, lying down and rising. If one side of the chest
only is involved that fore limb is often advanced in front
of the other. The pulse is rapid, hard and incompressible,
and the breathing highly characteristic. It is hurried,
carried on chiefly by the abdominal muscles, and has the
inspiration short and suddenly checked, while the expira-
tion is slow and prolonged. This character of the breath-
ing may be well observed with the ear placed on the false
nostril, on the windpipe. or on the side of the chest.
There is a prominent ridge on the abdomen from the outer
angle of the hip bone to the lower ends of the last ribs.
By handling the spaces between the ribs a point is
reached which is exceedingly tender, the patient flinching
and even groaning when it is touched. The ear applied
to the same spot detects a soft, rubbing sound during the
movements of inspiration and expiration. There is at
first no other change in auscultation or percussion., The
animal often changes his posture or place as if seeking
an easier position, and emits a short, hacking, painful
cough. There is much less redness of the nose than in
pneumonia or bronchitis, less heat of the expired air and
no nasal discharge.
In twenty-four to thirty-six hours effusion ensues in
the cavity of the chest, the rubbing sound ceases, the
catching breathing and ridge on the belly disappear, the
pulse becomes soft, the anxiety of countenance passes
away, and the patient may begin to feed as if well. But
soon the pulse loses its fullness, and gains in rapidity,
Diseases of the Respiratory Organs. 183
breathing becomes labored and attended with a lifting of
the flank and loins, the nostrils are widely dilated, the
nose protruded, the elbows turned out, the skin sweats,
and there may be signs of imminent suffocation. Auscul-
tation detects no sound over the lower part of the chest up
to a given horizontal line, and up to the same level there
is dullness on percussion. This shows the extent of wa-
tery effusion. The pulse becomes weak, with a peculiar
thrill at each beat, the limbs and lower aspect of the
chest swell, the patient moves unsteadily and falls sud-
denly to die.
In other cases the effusion is re-absorbed and a good
recovery is made. In others it ceases to increase but fails
to be taken up and remains as a cause of short wind; it
may even give off gases, in which case a gurgling sound
may be heard in the chest, or a sound as of drops falling
into a half-empty barrel, after the patient rises from the
recumbent position. In other cases still there remain
false membranes attaching the lung to the inner sides of
the ribs, or enveloping the lung in whole or in part, and in
either case impairing respiration.
Treatment. Give the same general care as in bronchitis
and pneumonia. In the early stages of chill treat as for
congested lungs. Later give a laxative (horse, aloes; ox
and sheep, Glauber salts; swine and dogs, castor-oil,)
following it up with neutral salts (nitre, acetate of potassa,
liquor of the acetate of ammonia,) in full doses, and ano-
dynes (digitalis, aconite). These may be used in the
fullest doses after effusion has taken place, and in weak
subjects stimulants (sweet spirits of nitre, ether, alcoholic
liquids, tincture of gentian,) should be added. Iodide of po-
tassium may also be given internally and tincture of iodine
rubbed on the chest. If from exposure use salicylate of
ammonia.
In very severe cases, a large linseed poultice may be applied
over the chest, or it may be shaven and subjected to dry cup-
ping, or an active blister may be applied as for pneumonia.
184 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
If there is extreme effusion threatening suffocation the
liquid must be drawn off by a small cannula and trocar
(see Tlympany) inserted at the anterior border and near
the lower end of the ninth rib, the skin having first been
drawn aside to form a valvular wound, and great care
being taken to prevent the entrance of air. The liquid
should be drawn off only in part at first to avoid shock,
and the operation repeated in a day or two. Itshould be
followed by tonics (sulphate of iron, tincture of gentian,)
stimulants (sweet spirits of nitre) and diuretics (iodide of
potassium).
PLEURO- PNEUMONIA, BRONCHO-PNEUMONIA, AND BRONCHO-
PLEURO-PNEUMONIA
Are common complications of the three diseases, bronchitis,
pneumonia and pleurisy and their respective symptoms
and treatment may be inferred from the description of the
uncomplicated affections.
HYDROTHORAX. WATER IN THE CHEST.
Beside the effusion of liquid into the cavity of the chest
in pleurisy, dropsical effusions may take place into it in
connection with weak, bloodless conditions, as in flukes in
the liver, disease of the heart, enlarged bronchial lym-
phatic glands and other morbid states. The symptoms re-
semble those of hydrothorax following pleurisy, only there
is no fever, and there are the indications of those other
diseases on which it is dependent. The treatment is es-
sentially the same after the morbid condition which has
caused the effusion has been removed. If that is incur-
able neither can this be remedied.
PNEUMOTHORAX. AIR OR GAS IN THE CHEST.
This often attends on hydrothorax when the contained
liquid has undergone some decomposition. More fre-
quently it is the result of a wound penetrating the walls
of the chest with its edges pressed inward so that they ad-
Diseases of the Respiratory Organs. 185
mit the air from without while the chest is dilating, but
close like a valve when it is contracting. A little thus
entering with each breath and none escaping, the lung
is soon compressed into a small solid mass against the
lower end of the windpipe. The same may happen from
a broken rib having torn the surface of the lung even
without any external wound. A little air escaping from
the lung with each respiration the cavity soon becomes
filled and the lung compressed and collapsed.
Treatment is limited to the prevention of the introduc-
tion of air through an external wound, should such exist;
the relief of pain by opium and other anodynes; the man-
agement of the resulting pleurisy on ordinary principles;
and the drawing off of the accumulated air by a needle-
like tube and aspirator, or even by a small cannula and
trocar. Spontaneous recovery often takes place, the
wound being closed by inflammatory exudation and the
air absorbed. In cases dependent on decomposition of
the products, both gas and liquid should be drawn off and
a weak solution of carbolic acid (one part to two or three
hundred water) thrown in, in small quantity.
ABSCESS OF THE INTERCOSTAL SPACES.
This occurs especially in the horse as a result of pleu-
risy, a diffuse swelling appearing at some part of the walls
of the chest, tender and pitting on pressure, and, finally,
softening in the centre, bursting and discharging a yellow-
ish or whitish matter. The patient should be well fed,
and poultices or warm fomentations continuously applied
to the part until there is softening in the centre, when it
may be freely laid open. Continue to support the patient
by nourishing food, stimulants and tonics.
DROPSY OF THE LUNG.
This is mainly a result of valvular and other diseases of
the heart. To percussion and auscultation it gives nearly
the same symptoms with pneumonia, but there is an ontire
186 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
absence of fever. The coexisting heart-disease also
serves to reveal its true nature. Its cause being usually
incurable, it terminates fatally in the majority of cases.
Treatment must be altogether directed to the disease of
the heart.
APOPLEXY OF THE LUNG.
In the lower animals extravasation of blood ito the
substance of the lung is usually the result of profound al-
terations in that liquid as in Malignant Anthrax, Purpura
Heemorrhagica, Typhoid Fever or Intestinal Fever. A por-
tion of the lung tissue gives way and the blood escaping
raises the membrane covering it (pleura) from a half to
three inches above the natural level. The extravasation
has the appearance of a fine jelly and often preserves the
shape of the pulmonary lobules—a cone with the apex
turned in. Being usually a complication of another dis
ease,treatment must be = to that rather than the
local lesion.
PLEURODYNIA.
This is a term applied to rheumatism of the muscles be-
tween the ribs, which bears a strong resemblance to pleu-
risy. It may be distinguished by the coexistence of rheu-
matism in other parts and by the comparative absence of fe-
ver, cough, rubbing sounds and effusion. Treat it like
other forms of rheumatism.
ASTHMA IN DOGS.
A spasmodical affection of the circular muscular fibres
of the bronchial tubes, occurring in paroxysms with irreg-
ular intervals and associated with corpulence and disordered
digestion, distended or ruptured air-cells, mucous dis-
charges from the air-passages and dilatation of the right
side of the heart.
Causes. Usually in pet dogs pampered with highly sea-
soned articles of food, in excessive quantity, and deprived
Diseases of the Respiratory Organs. 187
of exercise. A change of food or temperature, a smart
walk or run or indeed any exercise will bring it on.
Symptoms. Corpulence is a constant condition at the
outset though the subject may be emaciated and worn out
in the advanced stages. A slight cough becomes frequent,
hard and sonorous, with habitually labored breathing ag-
gravated at intervals so as to threaten suffocation. Then
the patient stands with open mouth, pendent tongue and
staring eyeballs panting for breath and having his condi-
tion rendered still more threatening by every change of
position or cause of excitement. ‘The frequency and se-
verity of the attacks serve as a means of estimating the
danger of the patient. In the intervals between these
paroxysms may be noticed signs of indigestion, in a varia-
ble appetite, perhaps vomiting, a tumid tympanitic (bloated)
abdomen, constipation and piles. The skin is dry, harsh
and bald in patches, the teeth covered with tartar and the
breath foetid.
Treatment. 1. During a paroxysm. Cause to inhale
ether, chloroform, the fumes of burning stramonium or
of burning paper which has been steeped in a strong so-
lution of nitre ; or one or two teaspoonfuls of laudanum
with 2 oz. castor-oil may be thrown into the gut as an in-
jection. Or if there is reason to suspect overloading of
the stomach shake a grain of tartar emetic on the tongue.
2. In the intervals between the paroxysms. Check any ex-
isting bronchitis or pneumonia as advised in the earlier
pages of the book, and restrict to a very moderate diet of
oat meal or corn meal mush, with skim-milk or buttermilk.
Exercise well but in no case for three hours after feeding.
Give a laxative of castor-oil twice a week. Wash fre-
quently with soap, drying afterward by rubbing, and brush
daily. A daily sedative (stramonium, tartar emetic,) is
beneficial, but in advanced stages and weak conditions,
vegetable tonics (quinia, gentian,) will be demanded
ae
188 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
HEAVES. BROKEN WIND.
This is closely allied to asthma, but is more continuous
in its symptoms, and less paroxysmal.
Causes. Overfeeding on clover hay, sainfoin, lucern and
allied plants: on chaff, cut straw and other bulky and in-
nutritious food. In Arabia, in Spain, and in California
where there is no long winter feeding on hay, and in our
Territories where clover is not used, heaves is virtually
unknown ; it has advanced westward just in proportion as
clover hay has been introduced as the general fodder for
horses, and it has disappeared in England and New En-
gland in proportion as the soil has become clover sick and
as other aliment had to be supplied. The worst condi-
tions are when a horse is left in the stable for days and
weeks eating clover hay, or even imperfectly cured, dusty
hay of other kinds, to the extent of thirty pounds and up-
wards daily, and is suddenly taken out and driven at a
rapid pace. Violent exertions of any kind, and diseases
of the lungs are also potent causes. It is mainly a disease
-of old horses but may attack the colt of two years old.
Finally, horses with small chests are most lable and thus
the disease proves hereditary.
Symptoms. There is a double lift of the flank with each
expiratory act, there being first a falling in of the abdom-
inal walls and then, after a perceptible interval, a rising
of the posterior part of the belly to complete the emptying
of the chest; also a short, dry, weak, almost maudible
cough, followed by a wheeze in the throat, and occurring
in paroxysms when violently exercised, when brought
from the stable into the cold air, or after a drink of cold
water. The breathing is accompanied by a wheezing noise
above all evident when the patient is excited by work, or
when the ear is applied on the side of the chest. In-
digestion is also a prominent symptom and manifested
by. a ravenous appetite, even for filthy litter, by the fre-
quent passage of wind from the bowels, and often by
swelling and drum-like resonance of the abdomen. When
2
.
Diseases of the Respiratory Organs. 189
starting on a journey the subjects pass dung very frequently
at first and after traveling some distance may go much
better. Their muscular systems are soft and flabby and
they run down rapidly in active work. Frequent aggrava-
tions of the symptoms may be seen in connection with
overloaded stomach, costiveness, a hot close stable, a
thick muggy atmosphere, or a very severe day’s work.
The symptoms may be temporarily masked or hidden
by restriction in diet, abstinence from water and the use
of sedatives, but there remains an unnatural action of the
nostrils, and a full drink of water, and above all a free
supply of water and hay will bring back the symptoms in
all their intensity.
Treatment. Turning out on natural pastures or feeding
cornstalks or other laxative food will relieve, and even
cure mild and recent cases. Feeding on dry grain with
carrots, turnips, beets, or potatoes and a very limited
supply of water will enable many broken-winded horses to
do a fair amount of work in comfort. Hay should never be
allowed except at night and then only a handful clean
and sweet. The bowels must be kept easy by laxatives
(sulphate of soda 2 or 3 oz.), the stable well aired, and
sedatives (digitalis, opium, belladonna, hyoscyamus, stra-
monium, lobelia,) used to relieve the oppression. Ha
white discharge from the nose coexists tonics should be
given as for chronic bronchitis, to which wild-cherry bark
may be added. ‘Tar water as the exclusive drink is often
useful and a course of carminatives (ginger, caraway,
cardamoms, fennel, foenugrec,) may be added with advan-
tage. But nerve tonics and above all arsenic in 5 grain
doses daily, and continued for a month or two, are espe-
cially valuable.
No broken-winded horse should have food or water for
from one to two hours before going to work.
BLEEDING FROM THE LUNGS.
May occur in any of our domestic animals as a result of
190 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
excessive plethora, overexertion, disease of the heart or
tuberculosis. If in limited quantity, the blood comes from
the nostrils and mouth of a light red and frothy and with
coughing. If in greater amount it may fill the bronchial
tubes and cause death suddenly by suffocation without
much escape by the nose.
Treatment. When brought on by severe exertion per-
fect rest.and quiet will check. Keeping the head elevated,
cold applied to the head and neck, iced drinks acidulated
with vinegar or mineral acids, are useful. Opium benefits
by checking the cough, and in obstinate cases acetate of
lead, ergot of rye, matico, tincture of muriate of iron, or
oil of turpentine may be given internally three times a
day. Remove costiveness with Glauber salts and keep in
a cool airy place at rest for at least a fortnight.
PARASITES IN THE UPPER AIR PASSAGES.
The Gru IN THE Heap of Sheep is the larva of a small]
gadfly (distrus Ovis) which deposits the live embryo on the
Fig. 12. Fig. 13.
Fig. 12—Cistrus ovis, Clark. Fig. 13—Larva of ditto.
margin of the nostril, whence it creeps up into the nasal si
nuses. It stays there during the winter and spring, often
proving harmless but sometimes causing much irritation,
redness of the nostrils, and a white, muco-purulent dis-
charge, with dullness and stupor from sympathetic disease
of the brain. To prevent the attacks of the fly the sheep
should be fed salt from two-inch augur holes bored in a
log, the surface of which is smeared with tar, so that they
get a dressing every time they partake. A less satis-
Diseases of the Respiratory Organs. Tot
factory method is to turn up a furrow in the pasture so
that the sheep may push their noses into the ground when
attacked.
Treatment. Place in a warm building to tempt the
larvee from the sinuses and introduce snuff, solutions of
salt, vinegar or tobacco, weak solutions of turpentine, etc.,
into the nose to kill them or cause their expulsion by sneez-
ing. For such as remain in the sinuses the only success
ful treatment is to trephine the bones of the face between
the front of the eye and the median line of the face, or
just in front of the root of the horn should that be present.
The sinus is then to be syringed out freely with tepid
water until the parasites are washed out.
The PENTASTOMA TENIOIDES is a species of acarus which
Fig. 14,
Fig. 14—Pentastoma Tzenioides,
lives in the nasal sinuses of horses and dogs, and in the
mesenteric glands of sheep and other herbivora. If pro-
ductive of much irritation in the nose it must be expelled
by a current of water after trephining the sinus.
PARASITES IN THE LOWER AIR PASSAGES.
The most common are the different forms of round
worms which in certain animals (lambs, calves, pigs,
birds,) may assume the dimensions of a plague and cause
enormous yearly losses to a country.
The sheep, goat, dromedary and camel harbor two round
worms in their air passages and lungs: the small Stron-
gylus Filavia, a thread-like worm of one to three and one-
192 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
half incbes long, and S. Ru/fescens of considerably greater
length. The calf, horse, ass and mule have the Strongylus
Micrurus of from one and one-half to three inches long. —
The pig, the Strongylus Elongatus of eight lines to one
and one-half inches long. Finally the bird (hen, turkey,
pheasant, black stork, magpie, hooded crow, green wocd-
Fig. 15.
Fig. 15—Strongylus Filaria, male, enlarged. When adult, should be at
least ten times the length for this thickness.
pecker, starling, swift, etc.,) have the Syngamus Trachealis,
male one-eighth inch, and female one-half to five-eighths
inch in length, always found united together, so that the
male appeais like a process from the neck of the female.
The Strongyli in their mature condition inhabit the air
passages within the lungs but they may be reproduced
either in or out of the body. In the first mode the female
worm creeps into an air cell and there encysts her-
self and produces eggs or young worms already hatched,
or she dies and the myriad eggs, hatching out amid the
debris, the young worms finally migrate into the adja-
cent air passages, grow to maturity and reproduce their
kind. In the second mode the impregnated female worm
is expelled by coughing, and perishes in water o1 in
moist earth or on vegetables, and the eggs, escaping from
her decomposing remains, may lie unhatched for months
or even a year, or, in genial weather, may rapidly open
and allow the escape of the almost microscopic embryo
worms. These, in their turn, may live an indefinite
length of time in the water, or moist-soil, or on vegetables,
and only begin to grow to their mature condition when
taken in by a suitable host with food or water. This is
true of those of the sheep, goat and camel, of that of the
ox, horse and ass, and of that of the pig. Only those of
Diseases of the Respiratory Organs. 193
the sheep, once introduced into the system, will maintain
their place in the lungs for the whole lifetime of the host,
though no more young worms should be taken in. That
of the ox, etc., on the other hand, is more likely to be ex-
pelled, and, therefore, often infests its host but for a lim-
ited period.
The Syngamus of the bird has probably the same history
out of the body, but this has not been so carefully studied.
_ Within the chest the Strongyli live in the small terminal
air passages in their young or embryo state, in the larger
air tubes when mature, and in cysts in the lung substance
when laying their eggs or when about to die that the eggs
may be set free and hatched. In the air passages they
give rise to bronchitis, in the lungs to pneumonia and
deposits resembling tubercles but distinguishable under
the microscope by the presence of the elliptical eggs and
the embryo worms.
The Syngamus of birds inhabits the air passages and
gives rise to bronchitis.
In all cases the parasites are most fatal to the young.
Although old animals continue to harbor them they prove
much less destructive and are often unsuspected.
SYMPTOMS IN CALYES AND FOALS. VERMINOUS BRONCHITIS.
HOOSE. HUSK.
These are essentially those of bronchitis, with the dif-
ference that the whole herd is affected and mucus
coughed up, containing worms either singly or rolled up
in bundles. There is at first only a slight rather husky
cough repeated at irregular intervals. There follows dry
staring coat, embarrassed breathing and advancing ema-
ciation. Soon the cough becomes frequent, paroxysmal
and suffocating, with expectoration of mucus and worms.
Or the cough is soft, loose and wheezing, and the patient
is weak, hide-bound, with sunken eyes and pale, thin or
puffy membranes, dropsical swellings beneath the jaws,
chest or belly, and no appetite ; the sufferer may be found
13
194 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
apart from its fellows in a corner or under a tree, covered
with flies and sinking rapidly into extreme debility and
death. Intestinal worms (in cattle, Strongylus Radiatus,
Sclerostomum Hypostomum, Ascaris Lumbricoides, Tceme
Expansa, ete., in foals, Sclerostomum Equinum, S. Tetra-
canthum, Ascaris Megalocephala, Oxyuris Curvula, etc.,)
usually coexist to a most injurious extent, causing diar-
rhoea and other irregularities of the bowels.
In the worst cases death may result ten or fifteen days
after the onset, though more commonly it is delayed two
or three months and recovery may take place.
Prevention. In localities and countries to which the
disease is new the parasites should be killed out by the
continuous medical treatment of the diseased animals, or
if necessary their destruction, and the separation of all
horses, asses, mules and cattle, from the infested pasture
or its vicinity and from any stream of water running
through or close to it; as well as from all fodder, roots,
grain, etc., grown on such land, for several years after.
In infested localities calves and foals should never be
pastured on land recently occupied by older stock of the
same kind or allowed access to water used by such stock.
Sheep, goats or pigs may be safely fed on such land.
Avoid overstocking. Drain the land to clear off pools or
wet spots. Keep the young stock from infested or sus-
pected pastures while wet with dew and rain, and from
clover and allied plants which by their moisture are liable.
to harbor the worm. Suspected beasts should be kept
apart from the healthy and from healthy pastures until
subjected to thorough and continuous treatment. The
carcasses of the dead should be very deeply buried, or
better, the lungs and windpipe removed and burned to
ashes. All exposed animals should be well fed on a diet
including dry grain, and should be allowed salt to lick at
will, this being destructive to the young worms.
Treatment. Feed liberally on linseed cake, rape cake,
cotton cake, roots, maize, oats, beans or other sound nu-
Diseases of the Respiratory Organs. 195
———— <=
tritious diet to which may be added a mixture in equal
parts of sulphate of iron, gentian and ginger, in proportion
of four ounces to every ten calves of three months. To
destroy the intestinal worms, give every morning, fasting,
a tablespoonful of table salt or an equal amount of oil of
turpentine shaken up with milk. For the lung parasites,
place the affected animals in a close building and burn
pinch after pinch of flowers of sulphur on a piece of pa-
per laid on an iron shovel, until the air is as much charged
with the fumes as they can bear without coughing vio-
lently. The administrator must stay with them in the
building to avoid accidents and keep up the application
for half an hour at a time. It should be repeated several
days in succession, and at intervals of a week for several
weeks, so as to kill the young worms as they are hatched
out in successive broods, and not until all cough and ex-
citement of breathing have passed should the animal be
considered as safe to mix with others or to go on a healthy
pasture.
SYMPTOMS IN SHEEP, GOAT AND CAMEL. VERMINOUS BRONCHITIS.
These are the exact counterpart of those in the calf.
There is a short, dry, sonorous cough, with a frothy dis-
charge from the nose containing worms or their eggs, loss
of appetite, rapid wasting, diarrhcea, shedding or drying
and flattening of the wool, excessive thirst and irregular
or depraved appetite, there being a disposition to eat
earth. In the advanced stages the cough becomes very
harassing and death may ensue from suffocation. Intes-
tinal parasites (Strongylus Contortus, S. Radiatus, S. Fili-
colis, Sclerostomum Hypostomum, Teenia Expansa, and per-
haps Sclerostomum Duodenale,) are even more numerous
and injurious than in calves.
Prevention. All the measures advised for the disease in
calves will apply equally well here, with this proviso, that
the parasites only affect sheep, goat, dromedary and camel,
so that they only must be kept apart, while infested past-
196 The Farmers Veterinary Adviser.
ures may be safely grazed by cattle, horses, asses ot
mules. Nathusius obviated the attacks by keeping the
early lambs in sheds and boxes until May, and the late
ones until autumn, and by feeding in the same places on
roots and hay in wet weather. Abundant dry feeding and
a free access to salt are especially desirable.
Treatment. This is precisely the same as for calves.
The tonic mixture (iron, ginger and gentian,) may be giv-
en to the extent of two ounces to every ten three months
lambs daily. For the intestinal parasites, a teaspoonful
each of salt and oil of turpentine may be given in milk
every second day, before eating if possible. Fumigate
precisely as for the calf.
SYMPTOMS OF VERMINOUS BRONEHITIS IN PIGS.
Rayer and Bellingham supposed these parasites to be
harmless to pigs, but my experience agrees with that of
Deguileme, that they will accumulate in such numbers as
to cause bronchitis and death. The symptoms are essen-
tially the same as in other animals—the coughing up of
worms and eggs being the only reliable evidence of the
disease.
Prevention and treatment are essentially the same as for
lambs and calves.
SYMPTOMS IN BIRDS. GAPES.
Young turkeys or chickens a few days old frequently
open the mouth wide and gasp for breath, sneeze and
make efforts at swallowing. These movements become
more constant and severe, breathing is oppressed and
wheezing, and the little patients grow languid and dispir-
ited, droop and die. It is especially prevalent on old-es-
tablished farms with large flocks of fowls.
Treatment. 'The worms may be partly removed by a
feather stripped of all its plumes except at the tip, or still
better by a horse-hair twisted up so as to have a very fine
loop. The mouth being opened the feather or hair is
Diseases of the Respiratory Organs. 197
passed into the opening seen in the middle of the tongue,
pushed to the lower end of the windpipe, turned round
several times and withdrawn, when a few worms will be
found attached. It may be repeated at intervals and is
still more effectual if the instrument is first dipped in oil,
salt water, or a weak solution of carbolic acid, tobacco cr
sulphurous acid. The treatment is only partially success-
ful as it fails to remove worms lodged in the bronchial
tubes or air sacs. Cobbold made an incision in the wind-
pipe and extracted the worms with forceps, while Bartlett
succeeds with turpentine (or, better, camphorated spirit)
Fig. 16.
Fig. 16—Syngamus Trachealis, Gape-worm, nat. size, and enlarged.
smeared on the neck and which is of course inhaled. A
removal from the contaminated ground, the supply of pure
water (boiled if necessary) and an abundance of nourishing
diet are essential elements of treatment.
Prevention. Burn all the worms extracted from the air
passages. Keep fowis from ground and houses which are
known to be infested, until they have been soaked ina
strong solution of salt or with crude carbolic acid or pe-
troleum. Suspected water must be withheld or boiled.
Avoid all green food from an infested locality. The car-
casses of the dead must be burned. Young fowls may be
raised safely indoors on the worst infested farms.
CHAPTER VIL. -
DISEASES OF THE HEART.
Frequency in different animals. Generalsymptoms. Palpitation, thumps
Displacement of the heart. Cyanosis. Enlargement, hypertrophy. Wast-
ing, atrophy. Dilatation. Pericarditis, inflammation of the heart-sac. En-
docarditis, inflammation of the lining membrane of the heart. Carditis, in.
flammation of the structure of the heart. Chronic disease of the valves.
Fatty degeneration of the heart. Tumors and parasites of theheart. Rupt-
are of the heart.
These are much more common in domestic animals than
is generally supposed. Though protected in animals from
the strain consequent on the upright position of man and
excessive mental efforts, the heart suffers from the severe
physical exertions of dogs and horses and in all animals
from its contiguity to diseased lungs and pleure, from the
increased force necessary to propel the blood through the
lungs or general circulation when disease offers mechan-
ical obstructions, and above all from the settling of rheu-
matism on its valves and other fibrous textures. Dairy
cows suffer greatly from pins, needles and other sharp-
pointed bodies swallowed with the food and afterward di-
rected toward the heart by its movements. High-bred
oxen, sheep, pigs and even pampered horses are very sub-
ject to fatty degeneration of the muscular substance of the
heart and consequent dilatation of its cavities.
GENERAL SYMPTOMS OF HEART-DISEASE.
1. The pulse in full grown animals at rest may be set
lown as follows per minute :—horse 36 to 46; ox 38 to 42.
or in a hot building or with full paunch, 70; sheep, goat
;
Diseases of the Heart. 199
and pig 70 to 80; dog 80 to 100; cat 120 to 140; goose
110; pigeon 136; chicken 140. In old age it may be five
less in large quadrupeds and twenty or thirty in small
ones. Youth and small size imply a greater rapidity:
The new-borr foal has a pulse three times as frequent as
the horse, the six-months colt double and the two-year
old one and a quarter. It is mcreased by hot, close build-
ings, exertion, fear, a nervous temperament and pregnancy.
In large quadrupeds there is a monthly increase of four to
five beats per minute after the sixth month. Independently
of such conditions a rapid pulse implies fever, inflamma-
tion or debility. The force of the pulse varies in the dif-
ferent species in health, thus it is full and moderately tense
in the horse; smaller and harder in the ass and mule;
full, soft and rolling in the ox; small and quick in sheep;
firm and hard in swine; and firm and with a sharp (quick)
beat in dogs and cats. In disease it may become more /re-
quent, slow, quick (with sharp impulse), tardy (with slow,
rolling movement), full, strong, weak, small (when thread-
like but quite distinct), hard (when with jarring sensation),
soft (when the opposite), oppressed (when the artery is full
and tense but the impulse jerking and difficult as if the
flow were obstructed), jerking and receding (when with
empty, flaccid vessel it seems to leap forward at each beat),
intermittent (when a beat is missed at regular intervals),
unequal (when some beats are strong and others weak), 7r-
regular (when without any distinct intermission for a pe-
riod equal to an entire beat the intervals between success-
ive beats vary in length). Beside these a peculiar thrill
is usually felt with each beat in very weak, bloodless
states.
1 The pulse may be felt wherever a considerable artery passes over a super-
ficial bone: thus on the cord felt running across the border of the lower jaw
just in front of its curved portion: beneath the bony ridge which extends up. -
ward from the eye: in hozxses inside the elbow: in cattle over the middle of
the first rib or beneath the tail: in dogs in a groove running down the inne
side of the thigh.
200 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
Of these the jerking, intermittent, unequal and irregular
pulses are especially indicative of heart-disease. The
jerking pulse is associated with disease of the valves at
the commencement of the great aorta which carries blood
from the left side of the heart, and is accompanied by a
hissing or sighing noise with the second heart sound.
The intermittent pulse implies functional derangement of
the heart but not necessarily disease of structure. The
unequal and irregular pulse is met in cases of fatty degen-
eration, disease of the valves on the left side, cardiac dila-
tation, ete. A retarded pulse in which the beat of heart
and pulse follow each other with a perceptible interval
implies imperfect closure of the valves at the commence-
ment of the aorta, or an aneurism on the aorta. <A venous
pulse seen in the jugular veins in the furrow near the
lower border of the neck attends imperfect valves between
the auricle and ventricle on the right side of the heart, or
congested lungs but may exist in health.
Palpation. The application of the hand over the chest
behind the left elbow will detect any violent and tumultu-
ous beating, irregularity in the force of successive beats, ete.
Auscultation. The ear applied to the same part will
detect a slight rubbing sound with each heart-beat in the
early stages of pericarditis. It will also detect any mod-
ification of the heart sounds. In health each beat of the
heart is characterized by two distinct successive sounds,
the first somewhat dull and prolonged, the second short,
sharp and abrupt. The first sound is simultaneous with
the contraction and emptying of the ventricles, the closure
of the valves between the ventricles and auricles and the
flow of blood into the arteries. The second corresponds
to the completion of these acts, the recoil of blood in the
arteries and the closure of the valves between them and
the heart. The following table will show the significance
of the various superadded sounds (blowing, sighing, purr-
ing or hissing murmurs,) to any one who will acquaint
himself with the course of blood through the heart:
Diseases of the Heart. 201
BLOWING. HEART SOUNDS.
' Narrowing of the
auriculo - ventricular
orifice. Clots or
growths on the
valves.
sautbat toward thz base of { Narrowing of the
| |
Blowing murmur
before the first
sound.
the heart. Heard along the, opening of the aorta.
large arteries.
Blowing murmur
with the first sound.
Narrowing of the
pulmonary artery, or
imperfect action of
the auriculo-ventric-
ular valves.
Double Haine sound heard { Imperfect action
Strongest toward the left of
the heart. Not heard over the
great arteries.
Blowing murmur
with the second over the great arteries at each< of the valves at the
sound. heart beat. opening of the aorta.
Blowing murmur ¢ Double rushing sound in the Aneurism (dilata-
after the svond acters” with each beat of the} tow of the aorta.
sound, heart.
Besides these the second sound may be doubled in hy-
pertrophy of one ventricle of the heart.
The sounds are like whispered who, awe, ss, or 7, very
low but exceedingly characteristic.
Other Symptoms. Besides the fever attendant on in-
flammatory affections there are characteristic phenomena
present in the chronic form of heart-disease. These are
shown at rest or only developed under exercise. ‘There are
habitually cold extremities, dropsies in the limbs, and be-
neath and within the chest and abdomen, difficult breath-
ing especially during exertion, unsteady gait when hurried,
vertigo, partial paralysis or cramps of the limbs. In most
cases there is sluggishness, dullness and a tendency to lay
on fat. Patients may be lively when at rest, but flag at
work and are liable to sudden fainting or death.
PALPITATION. THUMPS.
This is sudden violent convulsive beating of the heart
not connected with structural disease. Palpitations also
accompany most acute diseases of the heart. The func-
tional disorder comes on very ebruptly, usually under
202 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
some excitement, has perfect intermissions, is manifested
by abrupt knocking and visible jerking of the abdomen
with the heart-beats, by regularity in force and intervals
of successive beats, and by the absence of redness of the
mucous membranes, abnormal sounds of the heart and
dropsy of the limbs. If connected with structural heart
disease it comes on more slowly, is constant though ag-
gravated at intervals, with a heavy, prolonged or irregular
and unequal impulse of the heart, with red mucous mem-
branes and dropsy of the limbs. The first form is bene-
fited by gentle exercise, stimulants and tonics, the latter
ageravated by them. Some excitable horses and dogs
suffer under any cause of fear, and pigs as a result of
many acute diseases, (inflammations, intestinal worms, etc.)
Treatment. Quiet, avoidance of all excitement, and
sedatives (digitalis) thrice a day will usually arrest. Then
the weak excitable condition should be overcome by exer-
cise, tonics and substantial feeding. In structural dis-
eases these must be attended to as well.
DISPLACEMENTS OF THE HEART.
These are not very infrequent in the newly-born, the
heart being sometimes lodged altogether out of the chest.
There is no remedy.
COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE TWO AURICLES. CYANOSIS.
This is the natural condition before birth, but some-
times the directing of the blood through the lungs fails to
secure its closure, or some obstruction to the circulation
in these organs (tuberculosis, congestion, ete.,) leads to
its reopening and the arterial and venous blood mix. The
blood being equally unfit for nutrition and the mainte-
nance of animal heat, there is surface coldness, staring
coat, puny growth, blue mucous membranes, and op-
pressed breathing and irregular heart’s action when sub-
jected to exertion. A murmur usually precedes the first
heart sound. The subjects die young or prove worthless
Diseases of the Heart. 208
when mature. Nothing can be done to remedy unless the
disease is due to some remediable affection of the lungs.
ENLARGEMENT (HYPERTROPHY) OF THE HEART.
This is a simple increase of the muscular substance and
may be confined to one side of the heart or to one ventri-
cle. It is usually caused by some obstruction to the cir-
culation through the arteries, or in horses or dogs by ha-
bitual violent work.
Symptoms. The heart’s beats are more forcible and
prolonged and the interval of silence shortened ; the pulse
is full and rolling; the first sound is low, muffled and pro-
longed, the second sound unnaturally loud, and sometimes
repeated if one ventricle only is affected ; the heart sounds
may be heard over an unusually large area, the lungs be-
ing sound, and the dullness on percussion is equally ex-
tended. The pulse is usually regular and if excited to ir-
regularity or intermission soon returns to its normal stand-
ard if the patient is left at rest.
Pure hypertrophy rarely implies imminent danger and
many hard-worked horses survive to an old age with
ereatly enlarged hearts. Butif associated with dilatation,
impaired strength, livid mucous membranes, blowing mur-
murs with the first heart sound, and paroxysms of diffi-
cult breathing it may prove fatal at any time.
Treatment. If possible remove the obstacle to the cir-
culation. ‘Then adopt a restricted, gently laxative diet,
perfect rest in fattening animals or only light work in
horses, and the daily use of digitalis or aconite, unless
there is extreme dilatation. Arsenic is also given with
benefit, but in advanced cases, or those due to irremedi-
able obstruction, no treatment is of any avail.
WASTING (ATROPHY) OF THE HEART.
_ This is much less frequent than hypertrophy. It may
be due to compression of the heart and its nutrient vessels
by effusion into the pericardium, or the formation of false
204 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
membranes, or it may coexist with a general wasting anc
imperfect nutrition of the body. .
The Symptoms are the opposite of those of hypertrophy.
There are the general signs of chronic heart-disease, but
percussion which gives satisfactory results only over the
breast-bone and in carnivora gives almost the sole reliable
symptom—a decreased area of dullness. Little can be
done to relieve, and that little directed to the removal of
its causes. By keeping fattening animals quiet yer may
be preserved for slaughter.
DILATATION OF THE HEART.
This like hypertrophy usually results from some ob-
struction to the circulation, but especially from a sudden
extreme obstruction, whereas hypertrophy results from a
slowly increasing obstacle. It is also exceedingly common
in cases of fatty degeneration in overfed stock (cattle,
sheep, pigs).
Symptoms. Loss of appetite, spirit and endurance,
faintness and difficulty of breathing on the slightest exer-
tion, habitual coldness of the limbs, dropsy, unsteady
gait, venous pulse, palpitations, weak tremulous heart
impulse, murmur with the first sound, small weak irregu-
ular and often intermittent pulse, and lividity of the
membrane of the nose.
Treatment. Unless the causes can be put a stop to in
the early stages no treatment will be satisfactory. Ar-
senic is sometimes useful in horses. Fattening animals
should be kept very quiet and their progress hastened if
possible.
PERICARDITIS.
This is inflammation of the fibrous covering of the
heart and its reflection on the pleure, and is due to similar
causes with diseases of the lungs. It is also induced by
influenza, pleuro-pneumonia, rheumatism, and wounds
with sharp-pointed bodies (pins, needles, nails, broken
ribs, etc.)
Diseases of the Heart. - 205
Symptoms. General fever, staring coat, hot dry mouth
(muzzle, snout,) dilated nostrils, excited, difficult breath-
ing, double lifting of the flank with each expiration, the
formation of a ridge on the abdomen as in pleurisy, ten-
derness when pinched or percussed behind the left elbow
(in ruminants and small quadrupeds over the breast-bone),
a rubbing sound with each beat of the heart and the im-
pulse of the heart strong. Soon, effusion takes place, the
rubbing sound is lost, the impulse of the heart and its
sounds are weakened and the area of dullness in percussion
is increased. ‘This dullness does not maintain a horizontal
line along the chest as in hydrothorax, but is like an in-
verted cone and changes its position with a change of pos-
ture which is easily effected in small animals. Difficulty
and oppression of breathing, protruded nose, staring eye-
balls, pinched, haggard countenance, venous pulse and
obstinate standing mark the advanced stages. Dropsies
of the limbs and other dependent parts are also frequent.
A painful cough is sometimes though not constantly pres-
ent throughout the disease. Death may ensue in five
days to three weeks, or the disease may become chronic
or end in recovery.
The chronic form is seen in the ox without any preced-
ing acute attack. There is slight fever, oppressed breath-
ing aggravated by exertion, weak, irregular, intermittent
pulse, distant heart sounds, absence of respiratory mur-
mur, dullness on percussion over an increased, cone-like
area behind the left elbow, venous pulse and general
dropsy.
Treatment. In the preliminary shivering, treat as for
congested lungs. Later, bleeding may sometimes be ben-
eficial in strong subjects by relieving extreme difficulty of
breathing and high nervous excitement. Usually it would
be injurious. Give a purgative (horse, aloes; ox and
sheep, Glauber salts; dog and pig, castor-oil.) foment the
walls of the chest and envelop in a large mustard poultice
until the skin is well thickened, moderate the heart’s ac-
206 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
tion by digitalis four times a day and follow the action of
the purgative by diuretics (nitre, acetate of potassa, etc.)
Ointment or tincture of iodine may be applied to the walls
of the chest. In cases of extreme danger from effusion
the liquid should be drawn off with cannula and trocar
or needle-like tube, as in hydrothorax, the puncture in the
horse or ox being made between the cartilages of the fifth
and sixth ribs.
In case of rheumatic complication use alkalies, colchi-
cum, acetate of potassa and other agents advised for rheu-
matism.
ENDOCARDITIS.
Inflammation of the serous membrane lining the cham-
bers and covering the valves of the heart.
Causes. Inflammation of the valves in connection with
undue strain in severe exertions or obstructions to the flow
of blood, the rheumatic constitution or certain other un-
healthy states of the blood.
Symptoms. The general symptoms resemble those of
pericarditis. There are besides, violent but unequal im-
pulse of the heart against the left side, accompanied by a
metallic tinkling, a blowing murmur with the first, or even
the second sound, as soon as the contraction of the valves,
or the clots formed on them, render them insufficient to
close the orifices, and, if the disease exists on the right
side of the heart, venous pulse, general venous congestion
and dropsical swellings. The pulse, at first strong and
sharp, becomes weak with the imperfection of the valves,
in marked contrast with the continued strong impulse of
the heart. The patient may perish from obstruction to
the heart’s action by clots on the valves, or from such
clots carried on with the circulation and blocking arteries.
at a distance; or diseases of other organs may supervene
from the latter cause, or a recovery may take place with
or without permanent alterations which render the valves
unable to close their respective orifices.
Diseases of the Heart. 207
Treatment is in the main the same as for pericarditis,
rest, laxatives, sedatives and blisters being mainly relied
upon. As there is less danger from effusion diuretics need
not be pushed to the same extent. In rheumatic cases,
adopt antirheumatic treatment, and in case of clots on
the valves use iodide of potassium and alkalies.
CARDITIS.
Inflammation of the muscular substance of the heart
can only take place to a limited extent in connection
with endocarditis and pericarditis, or with punctures from
sharp bodies and the like. Were the entire organ involved
death would be prompt. ‘The symptoms are those of acute
heart-disease generally, modified by the exact seat of the
injury, and treatment need not differ materially from that
adapted to the two diseases just described.
CHRONIC VALVULAR DISEASE.
With the general symptoms of chronic heart-disease,
there are blowing murmurs as described in the table under
auscultation of the heart. This is a very common result of
endocarditis and is irremediable. Yet affected cattle,
sheep and pigs may often be prepared for the butcher by
liberal feeding and perfect quiet.
FATTY DEGENERATION OF THE HEART.
This is most frequent in high-bred stock (Shorthorns,
Berkshire and Essex pigs, Leicester and Southdown
sheep,) but may exist in any pampered animal. Some-
times it is complicated by degeneration of the entire
muscular system, especially in pigs. There are the gen-
eral phenomena of chronic heart-disease and dilatation, and
the condition is irremediable, though it rarely kills animals
kept in perfect quiet.
RUPTURE OF THE HEART.
If from severe exertion this usually takes place through.
208 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
the fibrous structure at the base of the ventricles connect-
ing them with the large arteries. If from a fall or violent
concussion the muscular walls usually give way, when found
in a relaxed condition, or the laceration happens at the
point of connection with the veins (vena azygos). Perfo-
ration from ulceration is seen in cows in connection with
sharp-pointed bodies that have been taken into the stom-
ach. Death is sudden in all such cases.
OTHER HEART-DISEASES.
The heart is further subject to a great variety of dis-
eased growths and deposits and to parasites—Lchinococcus,
Cysticercus Tenuicollis (sheep and calf), Cysticercus Cellulosa
and Tvichina Spiralis (pig), Rainey s Cysts (cattle), and
Filaria Immitis (dog).
CHAPTER VII
DISEASES OF BLOOD-VESSELS AND LYM-
PHATICS.
Wounds of arteries—punctured, cut, torn. Arteritis, inflammation of ar.
teries. Embolism, plugging. Aneurism, dilatation. Wounds of veins.
Phlebitis, inflammation of veins—circumscribed, diffuse. Varicose—dilated
veins. Lymphangitis, inflammation of lymphatics. Weed. Poisoned and
irritated wounds.
DISEASES OF ARTERIES.
WOUNDS OF ARTERIES.
Punctured wounds are rarely dangerous, as the walls
quickly close and the few drops of blood which escape
help to plug the orifice ; but there is danger of inflamma-
tion and plugging of the vessel, and cold or warm fomen-
tations with rest are desirable.
Cut wounds, if only implicating the outer coats, soon
heal and are rarely followed by dilatations asin man. If
all the thickness of the wall is incised the result will be
according to the direction. If in a line with the course of
the vessel there is little risk and slight pressure will usu-
ally check bleeding. If transverse or oblique the elastic-
ity of the walls of the vessel holds the orifice open and
bleeding is severe, the blood flowing in jets and of a bright
red color. If cut completely across, the arterial coats re-
tract and curl within themselves and in small vessels will
often close the opening.
To check bleeding the end of the vessel may be sought
and tied, or a piece of silver wire may be passed through
to the soft parts beneath it by the aid of a curved needle,
14
210 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
and tied over a cork placed on the surface of the skin. It
may be untwisted and drawn out in twenty-four hours.
Or a pad of tow may be made with a sharp firm point and ~
cradually increasing to a considerable bulk (graduated
compress) and tied over the wound with the narrow point
pressing on the vessel. Or the orifice may be seared with
an iron at a dull red heat.
Tearing, stretching, twisting, and scraping through arteries
usually lead to retraction of their coats and complete clos-
ure and these measures are sometimes adopted to check
hemorrhage.
ARTERITIS.
Inflammation of an artery may be external or internal
according as it affects the fibrous sheath or the inner ln-
ing membrane. In the external inflammation there may be
little danger, even if matter is formed, as the vessel will
continue to transmit the blood so long as its inner coat is
sound. But in internal inflammation the blood coagulates,
layer after layer, on its inner surface until the channel be-
comes impervious. This may cut off the blood entirely
from the part to which the artery was distributed, leading
to loss of power and substance, and in the case of the
limbs to a lameness, which comes on whenever the animal
is exercised, and increases with the exertion, but disap-
pears with a short rest of ten or twenty minutes. Or —
small clots may be loosened from the mass and passing ©
on block smaller trunks, causing circumscribed inflamma-
tion at distant parts.
Causes. Over-stretching of arteries. Plugging by clots
from the heart in endocarditis, or from inflamed. veins.
Wounds, parasites, ete.
Symptoms. Loss of muscular power and coldness of
the parts beyond the seat of plugging, extreme tenderness
over the line of the vessel at the inflamed point, and
sometimes general fever.
Treatment. Perfect rest, warm fomentations, laxatives,
“ ba
Diseases of Blood-vessels and Lymphatics 211
_ fhorse, ox and sheep, linseed oil or Glauber salts ; pig and
dog, castor oil,) and afterward diuretics and sedatives.
The persistence of the plugging and lameness must be
met by patience, the animal being turned into a small
_ yard or paddock where he can take gentle exercise and
live well, until the collateral vessels have had time to en-
large and carry on the circulation. Three or four months
will sometimes secure a tolerable recovery.
DILATATIONS OF THE ARTERIES. ANEURISMS.
These are mostly seen in the horse among domestic an-
imals, and even in him much more rarely than in man.
The causes are generally severe strains in the vicinity of
an artery, or over-stretching of the vessel itself. They
are also common in the mesenteric arteries of horses from
the presence of immature worms (Sclerostomum Equinum)
in the circulating blood. Injuries to the walls of the ves-
sels are much less lable to be followed by aneurism than
in man, because of the greater plasticity of the blood, and
_ the speedy formation of a covering of coagulable lymph.
They are soft, fluctuating, pulsating tumors, effaceable by
pressure, but reappearing at once. Being usually situated
internally, treatment can rarely be adopted. But when
superficial, compression has been most successful alike in
the horse and dog. It is needless to recount the many
other modes of treatment for such an unusual affection.
DISEASES OF VEINS.
WOUNDS OF VEINS.
These give rise to the escape of a dark red blood in a
steady stream. This is commonly to be arrested by pin-
_ ning up the lips of the wound evenly, taking hold of each
_ by one-eighth inch and tying them together by a little
_ tow, twisted round the two ends of the pin in the form of
the figure 8. Or several pins may be placed near each
other and the tow twisted round them and from pin to pin
in the same manner. Veins may be tied but this risks the
212 The Farmers Veterinary Adviser.
occurrence of dropsy unless you know that there is a free
circulation by other collateral trunks. They may be com-
pressed for a time until the wound is closed with lymph,
a simple pad and compress being used, or the silver wire
and cork as advised for arteries.
PHLEBITIS. INFLAMMATION OF VEINS.
This usually results from opening a vein with a rusty
fleam or lancet, making the incision at the dilated part,
just above a valve, pulling out the skin in inserting the pin
so as to cause a flow of blood into the tissues beneath, leay-
ing hairs or other irritants in the wound, or pinning the
lips awry.
Symptoms. Swelling of the wound, gaping and redness
of the lips, and the formation of a hard painful cord along
the line of the vein in an upward direction where the blood
is necessarily stagnant and in contact with the clot al-
ready formed. The exudation may be fibrinous with a
tendency to contraction and obliteration of the vein, or
suppuration may occur, in which case the matter must es-
cape externally. Clots may be detached and washed on
to plug the arteries in the lungs, and rouse pneumonia,
or perfect recovery may take place with loss of the vein,
and a tendency to swelling of the part from which it comes,
when that is in a dependent position.
Treatment. If from an inflamed wound after bleeding,
take out the pin, remove hair, pus, clotted blood or other
irritant, and foment with warm water. Then rub in, at an
inch distant from the wound and along the course of the
hardened vein, an active blister (Spanish flies 2 drs., lard
1 oz.,) and tie the animal to the two sides of the stall, so
that he cannot rub the part. If a vein is lost in the neck,
never again turn out to grass.
DIFFUSE PHLEBITIS
Resulting from an irritated or poisoned external wound,
or in the womb after parturition, is usually fatal, the clots
Diseases of Blood-vessels and Lymphatics. 213
forming on the inflamed lining membrane being washed
on in greater or less amount, to set up inflammation in the
lungs and elsewhere.
DILATED (VARICOSE) VEINS.
These are common over the distended hock joint in bog
spavin and I have seen them in the posterior tibial and
other veins but they are rarely or never injurious.
ENTRANCE OF AIR INTO VEINS.
If veins are opened in the lower part of the neck or else-
where in the vicinity of the chest the suction-power may
draw in air in such quantity as to work the blood in the
heart into a frothy mass, and block the minute vessels in
the lungs, causing sudden death. There is heard a gurg-
ling sound as it enters the vein and afterward tumultuous
heart’s action and a fine squeaking sound in the lungs,
while the animal falls ina faint. The danger is not so
great as is usually supposed, as it takes several quarts
suddenly introduced to kill a horse. Care is requisite,
however, to close promptly all large veins opened in the
vicinity of the chest.
DISEASES OF THE LYMPHATICS.
LYMPHANGITIS. INFLAMMATION OF THE LYMPHATICS.
This occurs in two forms, one a constitutional disease
and the other a simple local affection due to irritation of
a wound or the absorption of poisonous matter.
CONSTITUTIONAL FORM. WEED. SHOT OF GREASE.
This is seen mainly in heavy lymphatic fleshy-lcgged
horses, kept at hard work on heavy feeding, and in the
midst of this left in the stall for two or three days without
any exercise or change of feed. Thus it is common on
Monday morning or after one or two stormy days that
have kept the horses indoors. It is the result of a
sudden access of plethora, but it may occur in similar
214 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
circumstances in over-worked and rather reduced horses.
Tn either case it is due to an accumulation in the blood of
deleterious products that should have been worked off by
exercise.
Symptoms. There is shivering to a variable extent, but
very severe in the worst cases, greatly accelerated breath-
ing, rapid hard pulse, general fever and stiffness in one or
both limbs. Examination high up in the groin, by the
side of the sheath or udder, detects enlargement and
great tenderness of the inguinal glands, the patient usu-
ally raising and drawing out his limb till he seems ready
to fall over on the other side. Soon the shivering gives
place to the hot stage, the surface burns and sweats, and
the limb swells, the swelling extending cord-like down the
course of the vessels on its inner side, and its lower part
becoming the seat of an excessive exudation, which may
fill it up to the body, and of two, three, or four times its
natural size. If allowed to go on, abscess, sloughing and
unhealthy sores may result, the patient may perish, or the
fever may subside leaving the limb permanently thickened
to almost any extent, and correspondingly lable to future
attacks.
Treatment. Mild cases may be entirely restored by
giving the animal a fair amount of exercise. In those
that are somewhat more severe, a smart purgative (aloes
6 to 8 drs.) must be given, warm fomentations applied
continuously to the limb, and walking exercise enforced as
soon as the patient can be made to move. The purgation
should be followed up by active diuretics (nitre, iodide of
potassium,) and when the inflammation has somewhat
subsided tincture of iodine may be applied over the swol-
len glands. In the worst cases in vigorous plethoric
subjects a prompt effect should be secured by a free bleed-
ing from the jugular, until the pulse is softened, and the
same treatment followed out as in other cases. Diet
should be light and laxative (bran-mashes, roots, scalded
hay, etc.,) and the water given with the chill off.
For the chronic thickening of the leg, regular feeding
Diseases of Blood-vessels and Lymphatics. 215
and exercise, a bandage smoothly applied from the foot up
when in the stable, the application of tincture of iodine
every four days to the limb, and the internal use of tonics
(iron, Peruvian bark, columba, gentian, nux vomica, etc.,)
and diuretics (iodide of potassium, liquor of acetate of
ammonia,) will be beneficial. Some use veratrum.
LOCAL FORM.
This results mainly from wounds, bruises (saddle or
shoulder scalds), from injuries of unyielding parts (pricked
foot, tendon or fascia,) and above all from the absorption
of putrefying animal matter or other poison by these ves-
sels. -The same occurs from the specific poisons of gland-
ers, farcy, etc. There are slightly swollen cords (red in
white skins) extending along the course of the lymphatics
and veins from the point of irritation or poisoning; nod-
ular, painful enlargement of the lymphatic glands along
their course, and more or less surrounding pasty swelling,
or even erysipelas. It may go on to abscess or diffuse
suppuration, it may leave induration of the glands, or
even the vessels and surrounding parts, or a perfect re-
covery may be made.
Treatment. Rest, a purgative, and astringent lotions
(acetate of lead 1 dr., opium } dr., carbolic acid 1 dr., wa-
ter 1 qt.) If the inflammation runs very high it may be
expedient to use warm poultices to hasten suppuration.
In case it arises from a poisoned wound, cauterize the
sore thoroughly with lunar caustic or crystallized carbolic
acid, and keep the affected parts wrapped in cloths con-
stantly wet with a saturated solution of bisulphite or hy-
posulphite of soda, and enough carbolic acid to give a
sweetish taste. The bisulphite may also be taken inter-
nally. In case of suppuration, open early and freely with
the lancet. If the affection becomes chronic and threat-
ens permanent induration use iodine ointment or tincture,
well applied bandages, giving an equable pressure, and
even blisters. Iodide of potassium, or in weak subjects,
iodide of iron may be given internally.
CHAPTER IX.
DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS.
Their frequency and gravity in different animals. Stomatitis. Inflamma-
tion of the mouth,—of the palate,—of the gums,—of the tongue. Thrush,
Aphthous Stomatitis. Mercurialism. Warts on the lips. Laceration of the
tongue. Cysts under the tongue. Tumors of the mouth. Cancroid of the
lips. Cancer of the tongue. Supernumerary teeth. Wolf-teeth. Parrot-
mouth. Crib-biting, wind-sucking. Displaced teeth. Overgrown and une-
ven teeth. Carious teeth. Disease of the membranes of theteeth. Tartar
on teeth. Dentition-fever. Salivation, slobbers. Salivary calculi. Salivary
fistula. Inflammation of the parotid gland. Choking. Stricture and dila-
tation of the gullet. Impaction of the crop. Tympany in cattle. Hoove.
Bloating. Overloaded paunch. Impaction of the third stomach. Gastritis
in cattle. Indigestion in oxen. Indigestion in calves, lambs and foals.
White scour. Acute gastric indigestion in the horse. Acute intestinal indi-
gestion in the horse. Windy colic. Impaction of the large intestines in
horses. Chronic indigestion—catarrh of the stomach and bowels in horses.
‘Vomiting. Depraved appetite. Foreign bodies in the stomach and intes-
tines. Spasmodic colic. Acute hemorrhagic enteritis. Acute muco-enteri-
tis. Croupous enteritis. Inflammation of the rectum. Diarrhoea, scour-
ing. Dysentery. Obstruction of the bowels,—impaction, invagination
volyulus, etc. Hernia,—diaphragmatic, mesenteric, umbilical, inguinal, fem
oral, ventral, vaginal. Eversion of the rectum. Piles. Fistula in anus.
Imperforate anus. Peritonitis. Ascites. Gastric and intestinal parasites.
DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS.
The importance of these diseases in the domestic ani-
mals follows an ascending series from the carnivora,
through the omnivora and solipeds to the ruminants.
The small capacity of the digestive organs in carnivora
(dog and cat), the completion of the greater part of the
digestive process in the stomach, and the facility with
which vomiting is accomplished sufficiently account for
their comparative immunity. Pigs stand next in these re-
Diseases of the Digestive Organs. 217
spects and last come the herbivora with their enormously
long and capacious digestive organs, the slow digestion as
_ the food passes through the bowels and the difficulty o1
impossibility of getting quit of irritating agents by vomit-
ing. In the ox and sheep there is the further complica-
tion of the four stomachs, the first three of which are lit-
tle more than macerating and triturating cavities, and in
which an enormous bulk of food is continually stowed
away. From their rapid collection and swallowing of food
poisonous, irritating and unnatural objects appear more
liable to be taken in by oxen, while horses suffer more
from hurried feeding and from hard work immediately
after feeding. Horses, too, suffer much from faults in wa-
tering, as excess of cold water when hot and fatigued,
causing stomachic and intestinal congestions, an excess
after feeding grain, washing that on undigested to ferment
in the bowels, etc. Again, all of the herbivora are espe-
cially subject to digestive disorders from food that is un-
naturally grown, or spoiled in harvesting, so that in unfa-
vorable seasons affections of the stomach and bowels may
spread like an epizootic.
INFLAMMATION OF THE MOUTH.
Causes. Mechanical and chemical irritants. There
may be wounds, bruises, injuries with bit or twitch, irri-
tant vegetables, scalding food, snake and leech bites, stings
of insects, injuries from ropes tied round the lower jaw
and tongue, from giving “weak lye” and other irritants,
especially to the horse, which can resist swallowing liquids
as long as he chooses, from pricks with thorns, needles
and other sharp-pointed bodies, from cutting, decay, over-
growth or irregularity of the teeth, from rough dragging
upon the tongue, from the use of mercury and other sali-
vating drugs, from parasitic growths, and from some spe-
cific fevers (aphthous fever, Rinderpest, etc.)
Symptoms of General Inflammatior of the Mouth. Difii-
sulty.in taking in food and water; swollen, rigid tender
218 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser
‘lips and cheeks ; red membrane of the mouth; slavering ;
saliva often foetid; swelling between the bones of the
lower jaw; the formation of blisters or sores inside the
mouth ; and sometimes swelling of the glands beneath the
ears. Abscess or even gangrene may result.
Treatment. Remove the cause whether irritants in food,
drugs, sharp bodies lodged in the tissues, injuries by the
bit, twitch or otherwise. If injured by lye, wash with
weak vinegar; if by acids, with calcined magnesia, lime
water or bicarbonate of soda; if by caustic salts, white of
ege, boiled linseed, slippery elm or the gluten of wheat
flour. Give the same agents as a draught. If from
the bite or sting of venomous animals apply ammonia
to the part and give it internally. In all the severer
animal poisons the wound should be cauterized (see ca-
nine madness). In simple inflammations open the bowels
by injections of warm water with soap or other laxa-
tives, or, if it can be done, give a mild laxative (olive
oil). Wash the mouth frequently with cool astringent
lotions (vinegar and water; vinegar and honey; borax,
alum or tannic acid, honey and water; water slightly
sweetened with carbolic acid, etc.) Have fresh cool water
constantly present to drink at will, and feed with boiled
gruels, or soft mashes cold, or pulped or thinly sliced
roots. Poultices beneath the throat and lower jaw are
often very useful. If erosions and ulcers appear touch
them repeatedly with a feather dipped in a solution of 10
grains lunar caustic to 1 oz. distilled water. I fluctna- -
tion shows the presence of matter lance at once. If
sloughing takes place wash with a solution of permanga-
nate of potassa 1 dr., water 1 pint. If there is much swell-
ing keep the head tied up.
CONGESTED PALATH. LAMPAS.
A red swollen state of the soft parts behind the upper -
front teeth, attendant in young animals on shedding of the
teeth, or in older ones on digestive disorder. The taking
Diseases of the Digestive Organs. 219
in of food may be painful and awkward from the tender
palate projecting beyond the teeth.
Treatment. Feeding hard unshelled Indian corn has
often a good effect. Scarify slightly with knife or lancet,
for half an inch back from the teeth. Follow with astrin-
* gent lotions if necessary. If with costiveness or disorder
of the stomach give a dose of physic.
INFLAMMATION OF THE GUMS.
If connected with the shedding and cutting of teeth, re-
move those that hang partly detached and scarify the
eums. For the other causes—diseased teeth and mercurial
poisoning—see below.
INFLAMMATION OF THE TONGUE.
There are the signs of general inflammation of the
mouth, with great difficulty in taking in food, chewing and
drinking, and a swollen red tender state of the tongue
which often hangs out of the mouth.
Treatment. Search carefully for any sharp irritant
body that may have penetrated the organ and remove it.
Support the tongue within the mouth in a bag with tapes
tied behind the ears. Otherwise treat as for general in-
flammation of the mouth.
THRUSH OF THE MOUTH. APHTHOUS STOMATITIS. MUGUET
Is mostly seen in sucking animals. In addition to the
signs of ordinary inflammation, there appear on the lips,
cheeks and tongue, firm white patches, which on micro-
scopic examination show the presence of a vegetable
growth (oidium albicans). Wash the mouth frequently
with a solution of bisulphite of soda or even of borax.
MERCURIALISM.
Inflammation of the mouth, ulceration of the gums,
loosening of the teeth and free salivation were formerly
common results of the abuse of mercurials but are now
220 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
fortunately rare. There is likely to be disorder of stomach
and bowels, loss of appetite, bloating, rumbling in the
belly, badly digested, foetid stools and great languor and
depression. Use washes containing tincture of iodine or
chlorate of potassa, and iodide of potassium internally.
WARTS ON THE LIPS
Are very common in dogs. Remove with scissors and
cauterize the roots thoroughly with a pointed stick of lunar
caustic.
LACERATION OF THE TONGUE.
Causes. Especially common in horses from hard bits,
nooses of ropes, or rough dragging with the hand. The
lacerated tongue may hang from the mouth. Sew up the
wound with catgut previously softened in water; feed
thick gruels only, and wash out the mouth frequently
with a lotion of permanganate of potassa. Any dead por-
tion must be removed with the knife, but it must not en-
croach on the living. The whole organ may often be
saved when almost entirely torn off.
CYSTS UNDER THE TONGUE.
These are tense elastic rounded swellings and are easily
remedied by a free incision with the knife.
TUMORS IN THE MOUTH.
These mostly grow from the gums and tongue, and may
attain the size of the closed fist in the horse. Small ones
may be removed with scissors, the larger with the ecraseur.
CANCROID OF THE LIPS. CANCER OF THE TONGUE.
The former of these attacks the angle of the mouth in
horses and cats as an eroded unhealthy sore with hard
thickened margins; the latter appears in horses and
cattle as an increasing hard swelling with unhealthy open
sore and giant cells. It should be excised when very
limited. Later it is incurable.
Diseases of the Digestive Organs. 221
SUPERNUMERARY TEETH.
In the case of nippers or grinding teeth these should be
extracted or pinched out as they are liable to injure the
gums, palate, cheek or tongue.
Wolf-teeth cannot be looked on as superfluous, being
natural and harmless. They are insignificant teeth situ-
ated directly in front of the upper, and less frequently of
the lower grinders. Being present during the shedding
and cutting of the teeth, when recurring inflammation of
the eyes is most frequent, they are in very bad odor with
people who cannot see the distinction between the mere
coincidence and the cause and effect. They are useless,
however, and may be extracted without injury, though if
broken they may irritate the gums.
PARROT MOUTH.
Abnormal length of the upper jaw may lead to mordi
nate length of the upper front teeth which project over
the lower like a parrot’s bill. If this interferes with graz-
ing the extra length should be removed with a saw or with
tooth-shears. But parrot-mouthed horses usually do well
fed in-doors.
CRIB-BITING.
This is a distortion rather than a disease of the teeth,
these being worn away on their anterior edge so as to
show more or less of the yellow dentine in place of the
clear pearly enamel. It is associated with the serious vice
of wind-sucking (swallowing), and eructation, which leads
to tympany, digestive disorder, and rapid loss of condi-
tion. The horse seizes the manger or other solid object
with his teeth, arches and shortens the neck and makes a
grunting noise. The w/nd-sucking may, however, exist
without crib-biting. It may be learned by standing idle
near a crib-biter, and alway goes on to disease and loss of
condition. Lin
Treatment. Smear the front of the manger with aloes
222 The Farmer's Vetermary Adviser.
or othe: bitters. Cover all exposed woodwork with sheet-
iron. Place a small revolving roller above the front of the
manger so that the teeth may at once slide off. Apply —
the muzzle shown in the adjoining cut. In pure wird-
Fig. 17.
Fig. 17—Muzzle for crib-biter.
suckers a strap may be tied tightly round the upper part
of the neck, though at the risk of inducing roaring.
DISPLACED TEETH.
Though loosened and partially displaced, teeth will
often grow firm if at once replaced in their sockets and
the animal fed for some time on soft mashes. If they
cannot be returned to their natural situation they should
be at once extracted, as any faulty direction will be a
source of after trouble.
OVERGROWN AND UNEVEN TEETH.
The teeth of herbivora are liable to become overgrown
into sharp hurtful processes along the outer margin of the
upper grinders or the inner border of the lower, because
the lower jaw is always narrower than the upper. In old
animals and those having broken teeth, extensive over:
— Diseases of the Digestive Organs. 223
growth will ensue from the absence of wear. In other
cases a tooth is displaced and failing to meet with a tooth
in the other jaw gets overgrown, cuts the soft parts and
sets up disease of these or of the jaw-bone. There ensue
the usual symptoms of disease of the teeth, with swelling
of cheek or tongue, tumefaction of the jaw or evera run-
ning sore, or a foetid discharge from the nose. The over-
crown teeth must be reduced with the tooth-rasp, cut with
Fig. 18.
Fig. 13—Tooth-rasp.
tooth-shears, or with a guarded tooth-chisel.
CARIOUS TEETH.
Caries is quite common in the grinding teeth but rare in
the incisors.
Symptoms. Slow, careful mastication, and dropping
from the mouth of half-chewed food (hay, green fodder,)
which, impelled by hunger, the animal takes in but fails to
swallow. Greedy swallowing of soft food, indigestions
and colics from imperfectly chewed aliment irritating the
stomach and bowels. The presence in the dung of undi-
gested grain which has been swallowed whole. Un-
thrifty, staring coat, hide-bound, pale mucous membranes,
weak pulse, weakness, emaciation, and liability to sweat-
ing, and swelling of the legs are marked features. The
‘more specific symptoms are: swelling of the jaw-bone
over the diseased fang or even a running sore if in the
lower jaw, the accumulation of partially chewed food
around the tooth, and especially between it and the cheek,
tenderness of the tooth when touched or gently tapped
with the finger, the presence of a black spot on some part
of its surface, or of an excavated channel, leading from
the wearing surface down to the fang, or between tho
224 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
tooth and the jaw-bone, this cavity being filled with putrid
elements and giving out a most offensive and persistent
odor. In some cases the tooth is broken in pieces,
In examining the mouth draw out the tongue and turn it
up between the jaws, or better keep the jaws apart with a
balling iron. If the diseased tooth belongs to the upper
jaw and is behind the first grinder there may be a very
foetid discharge from the nose, which with its attendant
nodular enlargement of the glands beneath the jaw have
led to the destruction of many such horses as glandered.
Treatment. When there is much inflammation of the
gums clear out the cavity of the tooth with the aid of a
bent flattened wire and a syringe with bent nozzle, feed
soft bran mashes only, and give a dose of laxative medi-
cine (horse, aloes; ox or sheep, sulphate of magnesia; dog
and pig, jalap ;) lance the gums and protect from cold for
a few days. When inflammation is less severe, scrape
from the diseased cavity all black, softened or diseased
tooth, and plug it with gutta-percha softened by heat,
moulded into the cavity and hardened by a stream of cool
water. If there is a tender spot from exposure of the
nerve this should first be deadened by caustic (crystallized
carbolic acid and powdered opium). Where the destruc-
tion is too great to allow of success by stuffing, the tooth
must be extracted, and the cavity syringed out after each
meal, until it heals up, and then filled with gutta-percha to
prevent the adjacent teeth deviating from their proper di-
rection. If very loose, the grinding teeth of large quadru-
peds may be extracted with large tooth forceps, but if at all
firm an opening must be made over the fang and the tooth
driven into the mouth with a malletand punch. This oper-
ation requires accurate anatomical knowledge, especially
in young animals. In small animals the teeth may be re-
moved by ordinary dentist’s forceps. After the removal of
a tooth in herbivora the opposing teeth on the other jaw
must be occasionally cut or rasped down to prevent injury
from overgrowth.
bo
Le
Ct
Diseases of the Digestive Orguns.
DISEASE OF THE MEMBRANES OF THE TEETH.
The membrane surrounding the fang or that lining the
pulp cavity may become the seat of disease. There may
be loosening, suppuration or shedding of the tooth, devia-
tion from its true direction so that the outer edge of the
upper grinder or the inner edge of the lower may get
overgrown and injurious, or a hard deposit may fill up the
_ pulp cavity, or surround the fang wedging it into its socket
and setting up disease and swelling of the adjacent jaw-
bone. These conditions may often be relieved in the
early stages by soft feeding, protection from cold, lancing
the gums, a dose of physic, and daily sponging of the
gums with tincture of myrrh.
DENTINAL TUMORS.
These occur from the action of any irritant applied to
the tooth ivory. Some years ago I removed a large mass
of this kind attached to the second upper temporary
grinder of the horse. It is usually necessary to remove
the teeth from which they grow.
TARTAR ON TEETH.
This is common in dogs and may be removed by a
wooden probe with a small pledget of tow dipped in water
rendered slightly acid with spirit of salt.
DENTITION FEVER.
Considerable irritation and fever often attend on the
eutting of the teeth in animals. Horses are most liable to
suffer in the third year when they cut four front teeth and ©
eight back ones, and in the fourth year when they cut
four front, eight back, and four tushes. Cattle suffer less
and mainly from the second to the third year. One of
the first grinders which come up at this period is some-
times entangled with the crown of its predecessor, causing
much loss of appetite and condition and fcetid breath,
Pigs usually cut thirty-six teeth from the sixth to the
15
226 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser. |
twelfth month and are most liable to suffer at this age.
Puppies and kittens suffer even to convulsions, between
the third and the sixth months. The temporary tushes
should always be extracted if not shed before the perma-
nent ones come up.
The redness, swelling and tenderness of the gums in
such cases may extend to the throat, causing fits of cough-
ing, and retained temporary teeth are to be sought for and
removed. Otherwise treatment consists in a slight lancing
of the gums, washing with tincture of myrrh, using soft
food, keeping the bowels open, and avoiding hard work in
horses and dogs.
SALIVATION. SLOBBERS.
This is often a symptom of some other affection (aph-
thous fever, dumb rabies, epilepsy, stomatitis, pharyngitis,
dentition, caries and other diseases of the teeth, wounds
and ulcers of the mouth, gastric catarrh, etc.,) or caused
by irritant food and drugs (rank aqueous rapidly-grown
grass, musty mow-burnt fodder, lobelia, wild mustard,
colchium, pepper, garlic, ginger, irritants, caustic alkalies,
acids and salts, and the compounds of mercury used in-
ternally and externally). Mercurials are especially hurtful
to cattle. Paralysis of the lips will cause a free flow of
saliva, as will also irritation with the bit, and especially
from chemical agents attached in bags to the bit.
Symptoms. Free discharge of saliva in stringy filaments
or frothy masses, frequent deglutition, creased thirst
and disordered digestion. For mercurial salivation see
stomatitis.
Treatment. Discover and remove the cause, use astrin-
gent washes as advised for stomatitis, and give access to
cold water. In obstinate cases give a course of tartar
emetic, opium, chlorate of potassa, or iodide of potassium.
Rub the glands beneath the ears and between the jaws
with iodine ointment
* ie oat
Diseases of the Digestive Organs. 227
SALIVARY CALCULI.
These are small concretions of earthy and organic mat-
ter usually around some foreign body (a grain of oats o1
barley, or a particle of sand) which has accidentally en-
tered the canal. They obstruct the ducts and give rise
to the feeling as of a tense elastic cord extending round
the border of the lower jaw and upwards on the side of
the cheek, or forward along the inner side of the jaw-bone.
The pea-like concretion may be felt at the anterior end of
the cord, and if there is more than one they may be made to
rattle on each other. Sometimes matter forms and bursts
and the concretion may be felt in the depth of the wound.
Difficulty in chewing and swallowing, and indigestions
arise from the lack of saliva.
Treatment. Pass the calculus onward to the mouth by
manipulation with the fingers, or this failing lay open the
duct and extract it from within the mouth if possible.
If it must be opened through the skin, first shave the part,
make a small incision with a sharp knife, extract the mass
_ and cover the wound with layer after layer of collodion,
allowing as little exposure to the air as possible. Allow
no food whatever for twelve hours and then only soft
mashes and gruels until healing is completed. ;
SALIVARY FISTULA.
This is found wherever a wound penetrates a duct of
any of the salivary glands. It is especially liable to oc- -
cur from opening abscesses in strangles and from wounds
about the lower jaw.
Symptoms. A free discharge from the wound during
feeding, of a clear, slightly glairy liquid, especially abun-
dant where the food is dry and fibrous. Chewing is slow,
difficult, and carried on on the opposite side of the mouth
only. Digestion and general health are gradually im-
paired.
Treatment. If recent, shave the edges of the wound,
bring aceurately together and cover with collodion, layer
228 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
after layer, until strong enough to prevent it from burst-
ing open. — If of older standing, a smart blister over and
around the wound will often close it. Should this fai,
the edges must be made raw by paring and the wom.d
firmly closed by carbolated catgut or twisted suture. If
the channel between the wound and the mouth has be-
come impervious, a new one must be made and kept open
by a thread passed through it and retained by being fixed
to a flat button outside and in, until the walls are no
longer raw and likely to adhere. Then the thread is to be
withdrawn and the external wound closed by stitching,
blister or collodion.
Tn all such cases the patient must be tied to both sides
of the stall, high up, so that he cannot possibly rub the
wound, and diet must be restricted absolutely to soft
mashes and gruels.
Tn obstinate cases a forcible injection into the duct of
the gland of a solution of 2 grs. lunar caustic in 1 oz. of
alcohol, will usually destroy its secreting power.
INFLAMMATION OF THE PAROTID GLAND.
This gland, situated behind the ear, is lable to inflam-
mation from mechanical injury and obstruction of its duct,
as well as in strangles and other specific diseases.
Symptoms. A hard but painful tumefaction beneath
the ear, with more or less soft doughy feeling at its mar-
gins, stiff carriage of the head, slow difficult chewing, and
more or less general fever.
Treatment. First remove any obstruction in the duct
or mechanical cause of irritation, then purge (Glauber
salts), wash the mouth with weak solutions of vinegar or
chlorate of potassa, and cover the affected gland with a
soft poultice, with a little sugar of lead added. Feed soft
cool mashes and sliced or pulped roots only, and when
the bowels have settled give cooling diuretics (nitrate of
potassa). If matter forms let it approach the surface and
point before opening, to avoid cutting any of the ducts
Diseases of the Digestive Organs. 220
and establishing a fistula. If it gets hard and insensible
use iodine externally and internally.
CHOKING.
This is especially common in cattle feeding on rovts,
potatoes, apples, pears and the like, because of the habit
of jerking up the head to get the object back between the
erinders. Pieces of leather, bone, etc., chewed wantonly
often slp back in the same way. Horses suffer mainly
from badly shaped balls or sharp-pointed bodies, dogs
from bones. Ravenous feeders will choke on dry chaff,
cut hay, etc., being imperfectly mixed with saliva, and the
same will happen in cases of diseased teeth or salivary
fistula or calculus.
Symptoms of pharyngeal and cervical choking. When the
object is arrested in the throat or neck there is great dis-
tress, staring eyes, slavering, violent coughing with expul-
sion of dung or urine, continuous efforts at swallowing,
and in cattle tympany of the first stomach, which may
suffocate the animal in fifteen or twenty minutes. I have
seen an animal die in five minutes when the object was
lodged directly over the opening of the windpipe. In
horses there is in addition an occasional shriek, and wa-
ter returns by the nose when drinking is attempted. In
omnivora and carnivora retching and vomiting are promi-
nent symptoms. A careful examination along the furrow
on the left side of the neck will usually detect the offend-
ing object.
Symptoms of thoracic choking. If the object is lodged
in that part of the gullet which lies within the chest,
cough, slavering and gulping may be absent, but there
are efforts at regurgitation and the discharge of liquids
by the mouth (in horses the nose). This, with the inabil-
ity to swallow solid food, is very characteristic. Tympany
is usually slight, and there may be tremors at intervals.
Symptoms of choking with finely divided dry food. These
ure the same as for solid masses, according to the situa-
230 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
= —
tion, but in addition there is in the groove on the left side
of the neck, a diffuse soft yielding swelling, provided the
obstruction is situated above the chest.
Treatment. Sharp-pointed bodies lodged in the throat |
must be carefully sought for and extracted. Solid object
in this region can usually be withdrawn with the hand
Have the animal held with the head elevated into a line
with the neck and the mouth held open with a balling
iron ; then the tongue being drawn out with the left hand,
the right is passed through the mouth into the throat and
the middle finger hooked over the offending body so as
to withdraw it. If lodged still lower it may often be
worked up into the throat by pressure beneath it with one
hand in each furrow along the lower border of the neck.
A vigorous jerk at the last seconded by the action of the
pharynx will often lodge it in the mouth, but if not it is
easily extracted as above advised.
Should this fail and tympany prove threatening lose no
time in gagging the animal. A smooth roller of wood
two inches in diameter is tied into the mouth by cords
carried from its ends around the top of the head—behind
the horns in cattle. Swelling never increases dangerously
with this applied, and in a few hours the obstruction
usually passes on.
More prompt relief may be obtained by using a probang
of leather or other material with a spiral spring wire in-
ternally, the whole two-thirds of an inch in diameter, six
feet long, and with one end enlarged to one and a half
inches in diameter and cup-shaped. This is oiled and
the head having been brought into a line with the neck,
the balling iron introduced and the tongue drawn out,
the cup-shaped end is introduced and pushed on until the
obstruction is reached. Steady pressure must be kept up
on this for a few seconds, when it will yield and should be
- passed into the stomach by introducing the probang to its
whole length. If it resists leave the animal for an hour
or two gagged, and try again. In the horse the probang
Diseases of the Digestive Organs. 931
cannot be safely passed without casting, and it should
never be passed on until by examination in the furrow on
the side of the neck, the operator has ascertained that it
has entered the gullet and is clear of, and above the
windpipe. For the small animals the probang must bs
made correspondingly small.
The use of whips and such like objects is very repre-
hensible as being liable to tear the gullet. An effective
probang may be constructed out of a piece of stiff new
rope, a few of the bundles of the end of which have been
opened out and tied back so as to form a cup-shaped
extremity. After being used this may be hung up straight
on several nails driven into the wall and will be ready
for the next occasion. ~
In choking with finely divided food the probang only
packs it firmer, and gagging and time will rarely dislodge
it. Pour water or well-boiled gruel down, and seek by
manipulation to break up the mass and allow it to pass on
little by little. Instruments have also been devised for
extracting the obstructing mass. Failing otherwise, the
gullet must be laid open, the offending matter extracted,
the wounds sewed up, and the animal fed for a time on
liquids only.
Horses are sometimes choked by eggs given by foolish
grooms. ‘These may be punctured with a needle and then
crushed between two solid bodies on different sides of the
neck.
Prevention. Besides the more obvious resort of with-
holding dangerous articles, the mere tying down of the
head will prevent choking in cattle feeding on turnips,
apples, etc. A loop of rope fixed to the ground is to
be hung over the horn when such food is supplied. Solid
food should be to a large extent withheld for a week after
the relief of choking, until the slight irritation or inflam-
mation has subsided.
232 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
STRICTURE AND DILATATION OF THE GULLET.
These usually coexist, the first giving rise to the second,
because of habitual accumulation of food above the nar-
row part. The narrowing results from mechanical injury
in choking, etc., or from the presence of a worm (spirop-
tera) which lives in galleries on the mucous membrane.
The symptoms are the formation of an extended diffuse
soft swelling along the furrow on the left side of the neck,
when the animal feeds or drinks, and the subsidence of
this swelling during abstinence. The only permanent
treatment is by bougies or probangs passed daily, begin-
ning with those that will just pass the stricture, and using
them larger as the former ones begin to pass easily. The
food must be restricted to soft mashes and gruels.
Cattle are usually slaughtered when attacked in good
condition.
IMPACTION OF THE CROP IN BIRDS.
Symptoms. Want of appetite, dullness, sinking of the
head between the wings, ruffled plumage, and enormous
and firm distension of the crop, easily recognized when
the bird is handled.
Treatment consists in pouring down tepid water and
moulding the crop so as to force its contents a little at a
time back into the mouth. This failing, cut the crop open,
empty it, sew up the wound, and dal gruels or soit
mush for a few days.
TYMPANY OF THE FIRST STOMACH IN RUMINANTS. HOOVE.
BLOATING.
Causes. Itis especially common in weak, ailing, or under-
fed stock when put on rich luxuriant food, especially green
food, in spring. Some food is dangerous, such as clover
(white and red) ; green food covered with dew or hoar frost,
soaked by inundations or drying after a shower; diseased
or frosted potatoes or turnips (roots or tops) ; partially
ripened but uncured grain and crowfoots and other acrid
Diseases of the Digestive Organs. @a38
plants. It may be caused by overloading the stomach
with sound fodder, by the presence of hair-balls and other
foreign bodies in the stomach, by fever, choking, stricture
or parasites in the gullet, tuberculosis, etc.
Symptoms. Swelling of the whole left
Fig. 19. side of the belly, often rising above the
level of the hips and backbone, tense and
elastic recoiling at once when pressed in,
and drum-like on percussion. There is
great difficulty of breathing, distended nos-
trils, bloodshot eyes, open mouth, driveling
of saliva, occasional belching of gas with
loud noise, and frequent passage of dung
—=., andurine. The patient stands to the last
’ and falls to die with ruptured diaphragm,
I||| or stomach, congested lungs and profound
nervous shock.
Treatment. Gagging is alleged to suc-
ceed as in choking, but I have not tried
it. Dashing a bucket of cold water on the
body may give temporary relief by condens-
ing the gas and favoring eructation. The
hollow probang passed into the storaach
as for choking will allow the escape of
the gas. In urgent cases the paunch
must be punctured with the first instru-
ment that comes to hand, and the open-
ings in the stomach and the skin kept in
apposition until the gas flows out. The
most suitable instrument is a cannula and
trocar at least six inches long which may
be plunged without fearinto the leftsideina
downward and inward direction, from a
Fig. 19 —Trocar and point equidistant from the hip bone, the
penne. last rib and the lateral processes of the
backbone. The trocar being withdrawn the cannula
may be tied in and left for hours or days. In the absence
234 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
of these a pocket-knife may be used, and should be kept
in the wound until a large quill can be obtained and held
in its place. A smaller trocar like that used for hydro-
thorax in horses is suitable for sheep and goats.
When urgent cases have been relieved in this way, and
in milder cases without any such surgical resort, antifer-
ments and antacids must be given; aromatic spirit of am-
monia, (ox 3 oz., sheep 1 oz.,) crystalline sesquicarbonate
of ammonia (ox 1 oz., sheep 3 drs.,) oil of turpentine, (ox
2 oz., sheep % oz. in oil, milk or eggs well mixed,) whisky,
brandy or gin, (ox 1 to2 pts., sheep 4 pt.,) ether, pepper,
ginger, oil of peppermint, etc., in full doses, wood tar (ox
2 oz., sheep 4 0z.,) carbolic acid or creosote, (ox 2 drs.,
sheep 4 dr. in a pint of water,) sulphite, hyposulphite or
bisulphite of soda, (ox 1 oz., sheep 2 drs.,) chloride of lime
or chlorate of potassa. Antacids (potassa, soda, ammonia,
and their carbonates ; soapsuds and lime-water,) check the
fermentation by neutralizing the acidity. Care should be
taken to see (by tasting) that they are not used in too
strong and irritating solutions.
A dose of physic is usually necessary to clear off the
offensive food, and should be accompanied by a stimulant
(sulphate of soda and ginger).
Chronic tympany due simply to indigestion may be
remedied by careful dieting and a course of tonics, (foenu-
grec, oxide of iron, carbonate of soda and common salt in
equal parts, nux 7omica 2 drachms to every pound of the
mixture. Dose: ox 1 0z., sheep 2 drs., daily in food).
For chronic tympany due to foreign bodies in the paunch
see below.
OVERLOADED PAUNCH.
This differs from the last in that the paunch is over-
loaded, overstretched and paralyzed by excess of solid food,
rather than gas. Rich, tempting and unusual food (lus-
cious grass, clover, lucern, vetches, tares, beans, peas,
egrain,) is especially dangerous, as is food which ferments
Diseases of the Digestive Organs. 239
with the formation of a fine frothy mass, (potatoes, espe-
cially diseased or frosted ones,) food containing a narcotic
or paralyzing principle, (green Indian corn, partially
ripened wheat, barley, oats, beans, peas, tares and grasses, )
bulky, dry, fibrous, innutritious aliments, (aftermath mixed
with old withered stems of a former growth, hay that has
ripened before being cut, dried sedges and rushes, stalks
of ripened beans, peas, etc.,) and finally musty, rusty or
otherwise injured hay. Salivary fistula or obstruction
and worn or diseased teeth may contribute to it.
Symptoms. Develop more slowly than in tympany.
There is dullness, sluggishness, raised back, hurried breath-
ing, and frequent moaning. The abdomen swells, espe-
cially the left side, but it hangs downward, has no absolute
drum-like resonance on tapping, and pressure leaves a
temporary indentation. As the disease advances there is
the same difficult breathing as in tympany, frequent pas-
sage of dung and urine, stupor and finally suffocation or
death from nervous shock. If due to green food, diarrhea
usually precedes death, and a spontaneous cure may be
effected by this or by vomiting, but only in rare cases.
Treatment. In the first stages give stimulants and anti-
ferments, as for tympany, with active but not irritating
purgatives to unload the stomach. A pound each of
Epsom and Glauber salts, 2 oz. oil of turpentine, and 4
drachm of nux vomica will be a suitable dose for an ox, to
be followed up by stimulants, and in seven hours, if no
relief, by asecond dose of the same strength. If drum-like
resonance at the upper part of the left side shows the
pressure of free gas, draw it off by puncturing, and dash
cold water over the body to encourage contraction of the
paunch. Give active stimulants every two or three hours.
If there is no sign of improvement but rather stupor
and sinking, the only hope is in opening the stomach in
the left side where it is punctured in tympany, enlarging
the opening until the hand can be introduced, having two
assistants hold the edges of the wound in the stomack
236 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
against those in the skin, taking out at least two-thirds of
the contents of the paunch, sewing up the wound in the
stomach with the edges turned in, and that in the skin,
and keeping on a little gruel and soft mashes for a week.
This operation can be performed standing, the right side
of the animal applied against a stone wall, and the nose
held by bull-dog pincers or even by the fingers. It usually
succeeds if resorted to early enough.
IMPACTION OF THE THIRD STOMACH. DRY MURRAIN. GRASS
STAGGERS.
A dry baked state of the contents of the manifoldsis found
in all feverish conditions, in torpid or inactive states of the
paunch, with impaired or suspended rumination, in case of
feeding on dry, fibrous, indigestible elements (bleached with-
ered hay or that which has been over-ripened, or a mixture
of fresh and dry grass in autumn,) on a sudden change to the
over-stimulating fresh grass of spring, on smutty maize,
cornstalks or wheat, on a deficiency of water, or a sudden
change from soft to hard water, or on taking lead into the sys-
tem in a metallic condition or otherwise. The most rapidly
fatal cases result from green food, over-ripe but uncured
grain, vetches, or rye-grass, and from lead poisoning. Breed-
ing ewes when fed grain become impacted, stupid, delirious.
Symptoms. Slight cases may be marked by failure to
chew the cud regularly when recovering from a fever, a poor
appetite, dry muzzle, dull eyes, spiritlessness, quickened
breathing with a moan at intervals roused at any time by
forcibly punching the closed fist beneath the short ribs on
the right side. Ifit has lasted several days the fist pressed
into the left side may detect the contents of the paunch col-
lected in hard masses, and tympany is likely to be present.
The dung is usually scanty and hard, but in cases occurring
from fibrous or irritating food, this costiveness is preceded
by more or less diarrhoea. The beast leaves its fellows,
reclines on its left side, with the head in the right flank,
and tends by-and-by to show palsy of the hind limbs,
drowsiness and stupor, or delirium and convulsions.
Diseuses of the Digestive Organs. 237
In the more acute cases, death may ensue in six hours.
The animal is found apart, lying with his heaf in his
right flank, with red fixed eyes, eyelids half closed, and
much drowsiness and stupor though he may still feed when
raised, pulse and breathing accelerated, bowels loose o1
torpid, hardness and tenderness under the right short ribs,
and muscular tremors. Later the eyes glare, the patient
seeks relief in motion, in a straight line or to one side
regardless of obstacles, and pushing against obstructing
walls or fences till teeth or horns are broken, bellowing
loudly and in a terrific manner all the time.
Treatment. For the simpler forms give strong purga-
tives, (sulphate of soda, ox 1 Ib., sheep 6 oz. with common
salt, molasses and croton,) stimulants (ginger, carbonate of
ammonia,)and abundance of water or watery fluids. The
stimulants may be repeated at intervals of three hours,
and accompanied by injections of warm water. If no re-
lief is obtained in twelve hours, repeat the purgative and
ii any tenderness of the right side exists, blister it with
mustard and turpentine (for sheep use ammonia and oil).
If the kidneys act profusely, change the purgative, giving
castor or linseed-oil. ven after free action of the bowels
itis usually necessary to feed green food, roots or soft
mashes, to give all the water that will be taken, and even
to add slight laxatives to insure the perfect breaking up
of all the impaction.
In the acute forms of the disease with irritation of the
stomach the blandest purgatives only (linseed, olive, or
eastor-oil,) must be used with nux vomica, injections and a
blister on the right side over the short ribs, and cold water
or ice-bagsto the head. Should the victims become deliri-
ous, fasten to a strong post round which they can move, or
to a ring fixed in the ground. When recovery ensues, fol-
low up with a course of bitt . tonics, (gentian, willow bark
nux vomica, boneset, etc.)
238 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
GASTRITIS IN OXEN.
3
The acute impactions of the manifolds are usually com-
plicated with congestion, and the chronic impactions lead
_to it. Inflammation also results from over-stimulating
food, (spring grass, clover, tares, green corn, etc.,) from
dry heating aliment, (excess of corn meal, linseed cake,
rape cake, cotton cake,) from wild mustard and other ir-.
ritants, from poor, hard, fibrous food, from suspension of
rumination during prolonged hard work, and from min-
eral and vegetable irritants.
Symptoms. In mild cases, from heating or poor food,
there are dullness, moaning, trembling, straining and fre-
quent passage of dung in small quantities, hot, clammy,
slightly reddened mouth, dry muzzle, sharp accelerated
pulse, fullness and tenderness of the belly, and the pres-
ence of solid masses of food in the paunch as felt on the
left side when pressed with the fist.
The more active forms, resulting from green food or ir-
ritants, are manifested by the same symptoms as acute
impaction of the third stomach, with the addition of a
tense abdomen, not dependent on the paunch, increasing
tenderness, and increased temperature of the body. There
may be diarrhoea or costiveness or one after the other,
and it may end in stupor or convulsions. °
Treatment. In the milder forms give a quart of Hisesea
or olive-oil and 2 drs. Dover’s powder. Even Epsom or
Glauber salts may be used with drachm doses of hyoscy-
amus or belladonna as often as may be requisite to keep
down violent suffering. Give all the water the patient will
drink, adding a little decoction of linseed, slippery elm or
mallow; also frequent injections of warm water, and warm
fomentations to the abdomen followed by a blister. Brain
symptoms must be treated as advised under impaction of
the third stomach. Follow up with a course of tonics
after relief is obtained.
a
Diseases of the Digestive Organs. 939
INDIGESTION IN WORKING OXEN FROM DRINKING COLD WATER.
This occurs in hard-working oxen, coming from a dusty
road in a hot day and drinking to excess. There are vio-
lent colicky pains, uneasy shifting of the hind limbs, lying
down and rising, looking at the flanks, and a fullness and
vurgling on the right side of the abdomen. It may pass
in half an hour to an hour with a free watery diarrhoea.
Treatment consists in exercise, walking or trotting, and a
stimulating draught—pepner, ginger, fennel, caraway,
peppermint, ammonia, alcohol and the like.
INDIGESTION IN CALVES, LAMBS AND FOALS. WHITE SCOUR.
This may result from a great variety of causes, such as
withholding the first (laxative) milk after parturition,
feeding new-born calves on the milk of old calved cows,
bringing up foals or lambs on cow’s milk, working, over-
driving or otherwise exciting the dams, feeding unwhole-
some food to the dams, allowing too long intervals be-
tween the meals of the young, bringing up on hand on
cold or soured milk or farimaceous food, keeping in damp
unwholesome pens, or the accumulation of pellets of hair
in the stomach.
Symptoms. Irregular (impaired or even ravenous) ap-
petite, swollen, tender, drum-like abdomen, sour eructa-
tions, profuse foetid white watery diarrhoea, white or gray-
ish fur on the torgue, dry, scurfy, unthrifty skin, and rapid
emaciation.
Treatment. Give a dose of 1 to 2 ozs. castor-oil (4 for
lambs) with a teaspoonful of laudanum. Then with each
meal give a tablespoonful from a bottle of sherry in which
1 of the fresh fourth stomach of a calf has been steeped.
Or with this give a carminative (1 oz. tincture of cinna-
mon) with an antacid (prepared chalk or magnesia 1 dr.)
and soothing or anodyne agents (gum Arabic, bismuth,)
with, it may be, an astringent (tincture of kino or catechu
1dr.) If there is much tenderness of the abdomen ap-
ply a pulp of mustard and water. If yellowness of the
a $e
mucous membranes and white, very foetid dung, give 2
grs. calomel and 5 grs. chalk twice daily. In all cases
give fresh, warm, wholesome milk thrice a day, with sev-
eral spoonfuls of lime-water added to each meal. In
some instances the tone of the stomach may be greatly
restored by a tablespoonful of tincture of gentian twice
day.
ees should be sought in breeding only vigorous
families, sheltering properly, and feeding the milk of the
dam or of a healthy nurse unaltered by faulty feeding or
excitement, or by standing. When a foal must be brought
up on cow’s milk, dilute with one-third its bulk of warm
water, sweeten with sugar and add lime-water. For the
carnivora use only the upper third of cow’s milk.
ACUTE GASTRIC INDIGESTION IN THE HORSE. TYMPANY.
This results from sudden filling of the stomach to excess,
from suspended digestion in connection with hard work
immediately after a meal, from the washing on of un-
digested food, from a full drink after a feed of grain, from
certain indigestible and easily fermented aliments, such as
cause tympany in the ox, from irritant plants, and from
nurried swallowing of hot cooked food.
Symptoms. These appear just after feeding and are at
first those of simple colic, (see Spasmodic Colic) soon
followed by fullness and tension of the belly, a drum-like
sound when it is percussed, quickened, deep, oppressed
breathing, dullness and increasing stupor. The pain is
continuous though of varying intensity, there is no dispo-
sition to eat or drink, draughts administered tend to
ageravate the symptoms, the sufferer yawns, places his
fore feet apart, arches the neck drawing in the nose toward
the breast, and in exceptional cases, may obtain relief by
belching gas, or even by vomiting, the food escaping
mainly through the nose. More commonly the occurrence
of vomiting implies rupture of the stomach and presages
death. The pulse then becomes rapid, weak and soon
Diseases of the Digestive Organs. 241
imperceptible, and the countenance very haggard and de-
jected. In the advanced stages the animal is usually sunk
in stupor, and rests his head on the manger or pushes it
against the wall, while in some instances nervous move-
ments of the lips and limbs occur. « .
Treatment. Give early, full doses of aromatics, stimu-
lants and tonics, (tincture of pimento or gmger, oil of
peppermint, aqua ammonia, ether, alcohol, chloral, peppers,
nux vomica, ete.,) rub the belly, and if relieved, follow up
with a dose of physic. Alkalies are sometimes useful, as
in the ox. Warm water injections and walking exercise
should also be given. The stomach of the horse cannot
be safely punctured, hence the affection is too often fatal.
When relieved give easily digested food frequently in small
quantity, until the stomach has regained its tone. When
horses bolt their food give a little hay to appease hunger
; before allowing grain,
ACUTE INTESTINAL INDIGESTION IN THE HORSE.
TYMPANITIC COLIC.
Due to the same causes as gastric tympany, this often
complicates that, and is complicated by it, the disease
being named according to the predominance of the
gaseous evolution in stomach or bowels. When the
bowels are mainly implicated, there is greater hope, as
medicines may be passed through the stomach and taken
up from the gut so as to affect the system, and the gas
may even be drawn off with a small cannula and trocar
from the large intestines which occupy the lower part of
the abdomen. The puncture should be made where the
resonance is clearest and most drum-like. The symptoms
closely resemble those of tympanitic stomach, only there
is more passage of dung and flatus, and the treatment only
differs in the greater freedom with which liquids may be
poured into the stomach and the possibility of drawing off
the gas through a cannula.
16
2492 The Farmer's Vetermary Adiser.
IMPACTION OF THE LARGE INTESTINES IN HORSES.
This results from overfeeding, especially on grain,
(Indian corn, wheat,) from hard, fibrous, indigestible food
taken in excess to make up for the deficiency of quality ;
from imperfect preparation of the food in diseases of the
teeth, jaws or salivary glands ; from insufficiency of water, —
and eminently from want of exercise.
Symptoms. Considerable impaction may last for a time
without any sign, and the disease finally shows itself sud-
denly as a violent colic. More commonly transient colics
come on after meals for several days in succession. There
are pawing with the fore feet, uneasy movements, or kicking
of the belly with the hind, lying down and rising at short
intervals, turning of the nose toward the flank, and the
frequent passage of wind and of dung, the latter a few
small pellets at a time. There is special fullness and
tension of the right side of the belly, dullness on per-
cussion, solid resistance when pressed, and if the soaped
hand is introduced through the last gut the solidly im-
pacted bowels are usually to be felt. The pressure of
these on the bladder often causes frequent discharges of
urine. A favorite position is one with the fore limbs
stretched forward and the hind backward.
Treatment. In mild cases and in the early stages give a
laxative diet (roots, soft bran mashes, oil meal, cornstalls,)
and two or three ounces of Glauber salts daily in the food.
In the more severe, give aloes, physostigma, gentian and
nux vomica, and in case of tympany, carbonate of ammonia
or peppermint; relieve pain by hyoscyamus or belladonna,
and follow up with frequent injections of warm water, and
frictions and fomentations of the abdomen. The aloes
should not be repeated under twenty-four hours, but if
there is evidence of their having passed off by the kidneys
they may be replaced by linseed or olive-oil. The action
of the bowels may be deferred three or four days without
a fatal result whereas too much medicine will often cause
rupture of the gut in front of the impaction.
see
Diseases of the Digestive Organs. 243
Prevention should be sought by a more laxative diet, by
a liberal supply of water, by exercise, or even by daily
doses of 1 or 2 oz. of sulphate of soda in the food. The
addition of 2 drachms of powdered gentian and 10 grs. of
nux vomica will often restore lost tone to the bowels.
CATARRH OF THE STOMACH AND BOWELS IN HORSES.
This is a form of chronic indigestion resulting from
faults in diet, as regards quality, quantity and regularity:
from a habit of bolting food; from starvation and hard
work; from a sudden access of rich food; from the irrita-
tion of worms; from congested or torpid liver; from
impaction of the bowels or from any irritant in the food.
Symptoms. Unthrifty appearance, rough coat, hide-
bound, irregular or capricious appetite, dullness at work,
_emaciation, tucked up belly, clammy, furred tongue, irreg-
ularity of the bowels, diarrhcea alternating with constipa-
tion, hard balls of imperfectly digested dung covered with
a film of mucus, foetid sour odor of stools, and an inclina-
tion to lick the white walls or fresh earth.
Treatment. A carefully regulated and easily digested
diet, (green food, sound hay, ground oats, roots,) moderate
regular exercise, a clean, warm, comfortable stable, rock
salt to lick at will, and a course of tonics, (gentian with nux
vomica, white bismuth, and sulphate of soda,) morning and
evening. Change from one tonic to another as they seem
to lose their effect. Slippery elm, boiled linseed, mallow,
etc., are often useful in checking irritation.
VOMITING.
This is common in carnivora and pigs but exceedingly
rare in cattle, and still more so in horses, asses and
mules. It may be due to a great variety of causes, as di-
rect irritation of the stomach by food, poison, congestion or
inflammation, disease of the brain, or of some other organ,
which profoundly affects the system, or which like the
throat or gullet has intimate nervous relations with the
244 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
stomach. It is therefore mostly a symptom of other dis-
eases, and in many cases of gastric irritation is a means
of relief. When due to direct irritation of the stomach
favor it by giving tepid water freely. When emptied, the
stomach may be soothed by ice, iced water, prussic acid,
creosote, carbolic acid, bismuth, nux vomica, lemon-juice,
camphor, ete. Gum and albumen may often be given to
sheath the irritated organ, and a blister may be placed
on the pit of the Scone:
DEPRAVED APPETITE.
Seen in dyspeptic horses, eating earth, lime, etc., in rabid
dogs swallowing all sorts of things, and in cows eating
chalk, earth, sand, gravel, wood, Teather, iron bolts, and
articles of clothing, hair, bones, lead, ete. In many cases
what is begun as a habit is continued as a disease, the
foreign bodies in the stomach deranging the digestion and
keeping up a morbid craving. Pregnancy, tuberculosis,
and a deficiency of phosphates in the soil and food are
occasional causes in cows. The habit should be checked
by keeping tempting objects out of reach, dealing with
tuberculosis and chronic gastric catarrh as advised under
those heads, with a deficiency of phosphates, by an
abundant artificial feeding on sound grains and a course
of tonics, and with indigestible bodies in the stomach, by
a careful feeding to prepare the beast for slaughter, or that
failing by opening the paunch on the left side and remov-
ing the offending agent (see impacted paunch).
FOREIGN BODIES IN STOMACH AND INTESTINES.
These may be taken in by accident with the food or
may be deposited from it in the form of calculi or con-
cretions.
Cattle suffer much from sharp-pointed bodies like nee-
dles, pins, nails, etc., taken with the food, and afterward
making their way to the heart which they penetrate, causing
sudden death, or in more favorable cases making their way
Diseases of the Digestive Organs. 945
through the walls of the abdomen and escaping. Blunt
objects remain in the paunch and honeycomb-bag, causing
much or little irritation according to size ornumber. The
1aost varied objects are often found in cattle slaugh-
tered for beef and in good health, nails, coin, shot, solder,
buttons, and hair-balls, are among the most common. I
have known fifteen hair-balls from three to six inches in
diameter in the paunch of a healthy fat heifer. In sucking
calves, in which they form in the true stomach, they cause
ep psia, diarrhoea, and emaciation.
Sheep suffer from wool-balls, from the fine hairs of clover
and other aliments, and from collections of sand BE gravel
when fed turnips from damp soil.
Swine have balls of bristles im the stomach iad large
intestines.
Horses have concretions of phosphate of lime, with
smooth stony surface; of ammonia-magnesian phosphate
with rough crystalline structure; of the fine hairs from
the surface of the oat with a fine velvety surface; and of
two or more of those mixed in one calculus. These are
formed equally in the stomach and large intestines.
Dogs have hair-balls mainly in the large intestines, as
well as marbles and other objects picked up in play.
These foreign bodies may exist without any manifest
result, or they may cause tympany in cattle and sheep
after every meal, vomiting in dogs and pigs, acute indiges-
tion in the horse, and in all animals in which they are
lodged in the intestines, obstruction of their passage, and
violent colics which recur frequently, and usually cut the
animal off sooner or later.
In ruminants the offending bodies may be removed from
the stomach by a surgical operation, but in others little
can be done beyond giving anodynes (opium, belladonna,
stramonium, etc.,) to relieve pain and spasm and await
the result. A dose of physic would carry off the smaller
ealculi but would be dangerous in the large. But these
cases can rarely be recognized until after death, and are
246 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
necessarily classed with a number of others, (invagination,
constriction, etc., of the bowels,) in which there is irreme-
diable obstruction, and which end sooner or later in death.
SPASMODIC COLIC. BELLY-ACHE.
This term is loosely used to designate all conditions in
which there is pain in the belly, whether from disease of
liver, pancreas, urinary organs, generative apparatus,
stomach or bowels, and whether caused by nervous irrita-
tion, inflammation, improper position, strangulation or
compression by adjacent organs, obstruction by foreign
bodies, etc., etc. The present remarks will be confined to
that which is more purely nervous and which results from
spasmodic contraction (cramps) of the bowels.
Tn certain susceptible states of the system a slight idi-
gestion, without impaction or tympany, the taking of indi-
gestible matters that would have been harmless at another
time, a drink of ice-cold water when perspiring and exhaus-
ted, a chill rain or dew will cause spasms and the most
excruciating agony.
Symptoms. The attack is sudden, the horse paws,
moves uneasily, kicks at the belly, looks at the flanks with
anxious countenance, dilated nostrils and glaring eye,
crouches with semi-bent limbs for a few seconds and then
throws himself down with a prolonged groan. He rolls,
lies on his back, sits on his haunches and may get up,
shake himself, take to feeding and appear quite well.
Another fit comes on in ten, fifteen, twenty or thirty min-
utes, and after each there is a period of freedom from pain,
with natural pulse and breathing. This with the reckless
manner in which he lies down, and the entire absence of
tenderness of the abdomen, or of elevated temperature,
serve to distinguish from other bowel diseases, especially
inflammation. Hach succeeding attack may be less severe
until they cease, or they may increase in severity and the
disease merge into acute tympanitic indigestion or enteritis,
In cattle there are similar symptoms with uneasy shift-
Diseases of the Digestive Organs 2a
ing of the hind limbs, kicking with the upper one when
down, twisting of the tail and moaning. It rarely lasts
over an hour or two.
Dogs cur] themselves up to rest, but move uneasily or
moan, and with the more violent pains start up with a
sudden yelp, move around for some time and lie down
until the next spasm comes on. The eye is bright, the
nose cool and moist, the pulse natural, and the appetite
retained.
Treatment. In all animals alike, a laxative (aloes, horse;
linseed-oil, cattle and sheep ; castor-oil, pigs and dogs,) is
the safest treatment as it soon relieves the spasm and
carries off any irritant that may have contributed to main-
tain it. It is usually desirable to add an anodyne (bella-
donna, hyoscyamus, opium, aconite, chloral-hydrate,)
to relieve the pain until the laxative is absorbed, and a
stimulant anti-spasmodic (carbonate of ammonia, sweet
spirits of nitre, ether,) to quiet the nervous excitement.
Copious injections of warm water with or without anodynes
and anti-spasmodics are not to be neglected, neither is
quiet walking exercise. If the affection appears purely
spasmodic the laxative may be withheld until two doses
of anodynes and anti-spasmodics have been given at in-
tervals of half an hour, but should these fail, give the
opening medicine at once, and then only enough of the
other agents to moderate excessive pain until it has had
time to be absorbed. Complete relief may be looked for in
three or four hours.
ACUTE HEMORRHAGIC ENTERITIS.
This is very common in hard-working horses in some
localities and is also seen in cattle, sheep, swine and dogs.
It may follow unrelieved obstruction of the bowels, espe-
cially if these have been treated by powerful opiates and
stimulants or dangerously ivritant purgatives. To these
must be added excessive fatigue, heavy, hurried feeding,
and drinking iced water, exposure to a cold draught, chill
248. The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
rain, or cold sponge when exhausted, a sudden change to
dry grain feeding, to new oats or hay, to rank, rapidly-
grown clover or grasses, or to musty food.
Symptoms. When not supervening on indigestion or ob-
struction of the bowels its onset is sudden. The patient
stamps, paws, looks at his flank, moves from place to place,
walks crouchingly, lies down, rolls, acts in short as in spas-
modie colic, but there is a more careful lying down, there is
no intermission to the pain, the face continues pinched and
anxious even if the beast stands quiet for a few seconds,
the eye remains fixed and glazed, the pupils dilated, the
breathing hurried and catching, the pulse rapid, and be-
coming smaller and weaker, the temperature unnaturally
high, the surface covered with sweat and often cold, and
the limbs and ears deathly cold. The abdomen is usually
tender. As the disease advances the animal may become
still but all the other signs are worse. Others become
reckless and dash about peeling and injuring themselves
and imperiling those aboutthem. The bowels are confined
and in the advanced stages the pellets passed may be
stained with blood. Death may ensue in from three to
twenty-four hours after the onset.
Treatment. If seen at the outset give a mild laxative
(olive-oil) with an anodyne (hyoscyamus). Bleeding from
the jugular vein may give prompt relief if the pulse is still
fulland strong. But neither of these can be ventured upon
except at the very outset, and therefore in the great major-
ity of cases are to be avoided. Apply hot fomentations to
the belly by a blanket wrung out of water nearly boiling,
rub the limbs with ammonia, mustard or turpentine, and
give injections of warm water containing anodynes (bella-
donna, hyoscyamus, opium, aconite, tobacco, etc.).
If the soft, weak, rapid pulse bespeaks already existing
effusion, avoid bleeding and laxatives, give one or two
drachms of opium by mouth, or better one or two grains
sulphate of morphia injected under the skin, repeating as
often as may be requisite to moderate suffering and keep
Diseases of the Digestive Organs. 249
the bowels inactive, accompanying this by hot fomentations
and counter-irritants.
In case of improvement feed linseed or oatmeal gruels,
boiled linseed, or very sloppy bran mashes only, and in
small amount, for several days. If the bowels continue
confined give four or five ozs. olive-oil, or three or four ozs.
Glauber salts once or twice a day.
But prevention is especially to be sought in such a rapidly
fatal disease. Regularity and sufficient frequency of feeding,
in moderate quantities at a time and of good quality, and a
gradual instead of a sudden change of diet, are important.
When new hay or grain, or heating agents like maize or
wheat are fed, one feed daily should be replaced by a sloppy
bran mash, or one or two ounces of common or Glauber salts
added. Avoid full draughts of cold or iced water when
sweating and exhausted, and of an water after a meal of
grain.
ACUTE MUCO-ENTERITIS.
All the domestic animals are subject to this form of in-
flammation, chiefly of the mucous membrane of the bowels.
The causes are mainly the same as those of hemorrhagic
enteritis acting on a less susceptible subject, or with lessened
force. These may be named exposure, sudden extreme
changes of weather, coarse, dry, fibrous, musty or otherwise
irritant indigestible food, abrupt changes of diet, impure,
stagnant or putrid water, too much water after feeding, or
iced water when fatigued and perspiring, drastic or oft-
repeated purgatives, suppressed perspiration, sand in the
food, parasites and the various mechanical obstructions (cal-
ceuli, impactions, invaginations, hernia). Cattle, sheep and
swine especially suffer during the vicissitudes and extremes
of spring, summer and autumn, and the latter from want
of water to drink and wallow in. Ewes in lamb in New
York perish in great numbers when fed grain. Best con-
fine to clover hay. Succulent roots or fruits may be
given judiciously. Among dogs the young suffer most and
those kept on animal food, or that bathe in rivers when
950 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
heated with the chase. Chickens contract it from faults
in feeding and watering, but especially from exclusive
feeding on grain and deficiency or impurity of the water.
Symptoms. In the mildest forms are fever, increased —
temperature, thirst, scanty, high-colored urine, costive
bowels, the small masses of dung covered with a film ot
mucus, tender belly, small, quick, hard pulse, yellowish-
red eyes, hot clammy mouth, furred tongue with redness
along the edges, tip and lower surface, impaired appetite,
dull sluggish habit, loss of flesh, unthrifty skin, and slight
colics after meals.
In the more severe forms all these symptoms are in-
creased in severity, appetite gone, dullness and depres-
sion extreme, head carried low, gait unsteady, breathing
excited, a ridge on the tender abdomen as in pleurisy,
and more frequent colic, with pawing, uneasy shifting of
the limbs, kicking at the abdomen, looking at the flanks
and lying down and rising. Diarrhoea may set in and
herald recovery, or it may become profuse, bloody and
fatal.
In addition to these general symptoms catile and sheep
have impairment or loss of rumination, frequent belch-
ing of gas, foetid breath and tenderness mainly of the
right side of the abdomen. When due to acrid and irri-
tant plants, the back is arched, abdomen tense and tucked
up, constipation obstinate, tongue often purple, and the
urine high-colored or even bloody. It may prove fatal
after a fortnight’s sickness. In swine the affection is usu-
ally mistaken for Intestinal Fever which indeed it strongly
resembles, but without the ineffaceable black spots on the
skin and mucous membranes, and without a contagious
principle. In dogs much dullness, drowsiness, restless-
ness, with tucked up, tense, very tender abdomen, violent
constipation and very painful and difficult passage of
dung are added to the general symptoms. Vomiting is
common in dogs and pigs. Chickens lose appetite and
vivacity, droop the head, raise the feathers, move slug-
Diseases of the Digestive Organs. 251
gishly, scour, strain violently, and show much tenderness
of the abdomen when handled.
Treatment. At the outset give a laxative (horse, aloes
ox or sheep, Glauber salts; or for all animals olive-oil ;)
with anodynes (belladonna, hyoscyamus, Indian hemp,)
in a mucilage of slippery elm or gum Arabic, and repeat
these mucilages and anodynes as may be needful to quiet
the suffering. Mild cases may be successfully treated by
small daily doses of sulphate of soda with abundance of
mucilage, and tonic doses of gentian and nux vomica.
Give injections of hot water, with anodynes, and apply fo-
mentations, or in small animals poultices, followed by
mustard or other counter-irritants to the belly as in hem-
orrhagic enteritis. When profuse diarrhcea sets in give
freely of mucilaginous and starehy drinks, with quinia,
gentian, nux vomica or other bitter and opium. The diet
must be restricted to well-boiled mucilaginous gruels, and
in the case of herbivora, sloppy warm bran mashes.
The treatment of diseased chickens is not always satis-
factory, but the whole flock should have mush, vegetables
and boiled potatoes, with clear pure drinking water to
which may be added cream of tartar or Glauber salts, 1
oz. to every quart.
CROUPOUS ENTERITIS.
This occurs in cattle, horses, sheep and dogs, and may
be considered as a modification of the other forms of en-
teritis and produced by similar causes. The symptoms.
may approach those of either of the two forms of the dis-
ease already described, the suffering being extreme and
lasting, or violent but short, and followed by dullness, de-
pression, fever, and tenderness of the belly. If the ani-
mal survives long enough the false membranes are passed
in great, white, friable masses or shreds. In its earliest
stages a laxative will often alter the condition of the mem-
brane and contribute to a prompt recovery. Later treat
as in enteritis. Saline laxatives (sulphate of soda or mag:
952 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
nesia) and bitters (nux vomica, gentian, quassia, quinia,)
are especially indicated when the membranes are separat-
ing. If resulting from mercurial poisoning, give chlorate
of potassa and iodide of potassium.
INFLAMMATION OF THE RECTUM.
The last or straight gut often suffers exclusively in horses
and dogs in connection with the impaction of hardened
dung, or calculi, and in oxen with a certain conformation
from the introduction of air. Dung is passed in long cyl-
indroid masses with great straining and pain, or cannot
be passed at all. In the dog it is covered with mucus,
pus or even blood. The everted gut is of a deep red color,
thickened, infiltrated and hot. Rupture may ensue if it is
notrelieved. Treat by emptying the gut with the oiled hand
or finger, give a spare laxative diet (bran mashes, roots,
gruels,) frequent injections of warm water containing some
mucilage and olive-oil, and an occasional purgative (olive
or linseed-oil).
In high-rumped oxen, cut the muscles on the upper
surface of the tail and tie it down until healed.
DIARRHGA. SCOURING.
This is a frequent discharge of semi-liquid or liquid
dung from the bowels without griping or violent straining.
Tt is a symptom of disease rather than an independent
malady, as it may arise from almost any irritant in the
bowels. Among its common causes may be named a full
drink followed by active exertion; feeding soft, aqueous,
rapidly-grown green food; cooked food for hard-working
horses ; many irritant and acrid plants; spoiled potatoes,
turnips, apples, etc.; stagnant, putrid water; undigested
matters in the bowels from imperfect mastication or di-
gestion ; impaction of some part cf the bowels; worms,
etc. It may occur from irritants secreted from the blood,
as in the case of purgative agents accidentally taken in
with food or water, and the morbid elements of certain
Diseases of the Digestive Organs. 253
fevers (Rinderpest, Texan-fever, hog-cholera, lung-fever.)
Lastly, a reflex irritation from the skin as in exposure to
chilling rains, night-dews, or damp stalls, or to hot damp
puildings, seasons or localities. Horses are especially
liable to superpurgation if worked or supplied with ice-cold
water during the operation of a dose of physic.
Symptoms. These may be slight as in the frequent
pulpy evacuations of animals fed exclusively on roots, or
severe, as in the excessive and almost constant discharge
of a dark-colored liquid mixed with mucus. Slight diar-
rhoea does not affect the appetite, nor interfere with
improvement in condition, but in the severer forms there
is loud rumbling in the abdomen, loss of appetite and
condition, rapid, small, weak pulse, hurried breathing,
pallid mucous membranes and weakness even to unsteady
gait. Distension of the belly, with pawing and other signs -
of abdominal pain may appear in bad cases. In horses it
is often followed by inflammation of the feet.
Treatment. Unload the bowels by linseed, olive, or
castor-o1l according to the patient, adding laudanum, and
follow up by mucilaginous (linseed, gum Arabic, slip-
pery elm,) or starchy draughts or even injections with or
without laudanum as may seem required. In prolonged
and obstinate cases astringents (kino, catechu, oak bark,
tannic acid, nitrate of silver,) with tonics (gentian, cin-
chona, salicine, nux vomica,) and carminatives (campho-
rated spirit, ginger, peppers, caraway, fennel, etc.,) may
have to be employed. But in no case should astringents
or opiates be used until the irritant has been carried off
by a laxative, and usually a change of diet is needful to
prevent a second attack. In acute or obstinate cases
dry rubbing or a blister to the belly may be useful, and
perfect rest must be enjoined.
DYSENTERY. BLOODY-FLUX.
This is a morbid process approaching inflammation ot
the mucous membranes of the large intestines, and leading
254 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
to the formation of ulcers. It occurs in cattle, horses,
swine and dogs, may be enzootic on certain rich impervi-
ous soils, or even epizootic.
Causes. Those of diarrhoea acting with greater energy ;
the emanations from marshy inundated soils, or from
carcasses ; putrid, stagnant or iced water; musty, putrid
or otherwise altered food ; overexertion in excessive heats ;
or even a contagium.
Symptoms. The acute form comes on suddenly with
symptoms of acute intestinal catarrh. The dungis passed fre-
quently with straining and is semi-liquid and feetid. Later
it is quite liquid with mucus, blood and shreds of false mem-
branes or sloughs, intolerably offensive, and passed with
still more pain and straining. Later still, the same painful
straining fails to bring away anything, though the red,
infiltrated and excoriated rectum may protrude. At length
the discharge again reappears more repulsive than ever
and passes involuntarily. Appetite is gradually lost, but
thirst increases. Fever exists at first with staring coat
and even shivering, hot fevered mouth and accelerated
pulse, but this is less marked as the disease becomes
chronic. Then there is extreme emaciation, cold limbs,
dry, cracked muzzle, hide-bound, scurfy, unhealthy, lousy
skin, often covered with flies, deeply-sunken pallid eyes,
and involuntary liquid putrid discharges. Death may
occur in three or four days or the disease may be pro-
tracted for months.
Treatment. Rub the belly actively and apply mustard,
or in small animals give a warm bath. Give a mild laxa-
tive (olive-oil, Glauber salts,) with calmative (Dover's
powder, laudanum). After the laxative has operated give
daily Dover’s powder with ipecacuanha, or sal ammoniac,
or should these fail to improve the discharge, astringents
jkino, catechu, gall-nuts, oak bark, black currant bark,
walnut leaves, tormentilla, rhatany, etc.,) with tonics (quinia,
nux vomica, salicine, cascarilla, carbonate or sulphate of
iron, sulphate of copper, nitrate of silver). Small doses
‘Diseases of the Digestwe Organs. 255
of oil of turpentine, copaiva, creosote or carbolic acid
often act beneficially on the diseased mucous membrane.
The same agents may be given as injections in mucilagi-
nous fluids. Diet must be bland, easily digested, and fed
little at a time. Mashes of wheat bran, or flour from the
whole grain of wheat, barley or oats, and fresh pulped or
cooked roots may be given to the herbivora; and farinas
made into puddings, with just enough juice of meat to in-
sure their being eaten, to the carnivora. Fresh raw meat
without fat, beaten to a pulp in a mortar will often agree
when nothing else will, The drink should be mixed with
a little boiled linseed, gum, slippery elm or barley water.
OBSTRUCTION OF THE BOWELS.
Under this head may be considered all cases of com-
-plete obstruction of the bowels excepting those of the na-
ture of hernia or rupture. It will include blocking of the
gut by hardened dung, calculi, and foreign bodies swal-
lowed; invagination or the slipping of a portion of gut
into what is adjacent, like the drawing of a finger of a
glove into itself; volvulus, or the rolling on itself of a por-
tion of intestine with its connecting membrane until noth-
ing can pass through it; strangulation of an intestine by
another rolled round it, by a tumor hanging by a long
pedicle, or by a band of false membrane formed in some
pre-existing inflammation and gradually contracting; tu-
mors formed within a gut; and in steers the strangulation
of a loop of intestine in a pouch in the right flank formed
by contraction on the spermatic cord in castration.
The symptoms of complete obstruction are those of se-
vere spasmodic colic, but without the intervals of complete
freedom from pain. It differs also from enteritis in that
there is no rise of temperature at first. The dung may
be abundant at the outset but as the disease advances is
- more or less completely suppressed, the portion of intes-
tine behind the obstruction having been emptied. The
horse often secms to obtain a partial temporary relief by
256 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
sitting on his haunches or lying on his back, and will retch,
though vomiting is rare, unless the stomach is ruptured. If
the obstruction is in the pelvic flexure of the large bowels
it may be felt by the hand introduced through the rectum.
In ruminants the preliminary colics may be followed by
quietude, but there remain extreme lassitude, depression,
sunken eye and dry hot muzzle, and even stupor or coma.
In cattle the hand introduced into the rectum will detect the
mass of the overdistended bowel above the obstruction. It
may also ascertain the existence of a pouch imprisoning the
gut in the right flank and may even pull it out and relieve.
In dogs violent colic may be absent, but there is much de-
pression, inappetence, vomiting of bile or feeces, arching of
the back, tucking up of the belly, the passage with much
pain and straining of mucus-covered feeces, and later, strain-
ing without any passage, while the overloaded gut may
easily be felt through the walls of the belly.
Treatment. In most cases of absolute obstruction nothing
can be done except to relieve the pain by anodynes (opium,
belladonna, stramonium, Indian hemp, etc.,) and give nutrient
injections. The obstruction may often be kneaded through
the rectum. Liquid above the obstruction may be drawn off
through a fine tube. Jnvagination, volvulus or gut-tie, when
their presence is ascertained in ruminants, pigs or dogs,
would warrant an incision through the walls of the abdomen
and an attempt to rectify with the hand. In eattle the
opening must always be made in the right flank, the left
being occupied by the paunch. The wound must be after-
ward carefully sewed up and the animal prevented from
rubbing it. (ut-tie may often be remedied by manipula-
tion with the hand in the rectum, or even by the simpler
expedient of jumping from a bank about two feet high,
though if due to adhesion of the cord to an intestine the
abdomen must be opened and the band cut.
HERNIA, RUPTURE. BURST.
Hernia is understood to mean the displacement of some
Diseases of the Digestive Organs. 257
internal organ through a natural or unnatural opening.
Of abdominal organs the bowels and omentum are those
that most commonly protrude, though the womb often es-
capes in bitches. According to the structure through
which the organ passes the hernia is named :—into the
chest, diaphragmatic or phrenic ; through the omentum or
mesentery, omental, mesenteric ; through the navel, umbilical;
into the scrotum, inguinal or scrotal; through the femoral
arch to the inner side of the thigh, femoral; through an
artificial opening in the walls of the abdomen, ventral,
through the relaxed walls of the vagina, vaginal.
Diaphragmatic Hernia may occur from violent muscular
efforts, from the violent shock of a heavy abdominal organ
on the midriff in leaping or from laceration with a broken
rib or other offending body. ‘The worst cases are sud-
denly fatal from suffocation. In others there is a sudden
access of difficult breathing with gurgling sounds on aus-
cultating the chest. In still others, with a smaller rupture,
the rumbling in the chest may be absent but there is vio-
lent, continuous colic and rapid prostration as in obstruc-
tion. In the slightest forms there is only an extra lifting
of the flanks as in heaves. Treatment is useless, though
rest and anodynes will allow a slight case to merge into
the chronic form.
Mesenteric and Omental Hernia give rise to complete ob-
struction of the bowels and can rarely be recognized nor
remedied.
Umbilical Hernia is common in horses, dogs and very
young ruminants. It is usually congenital but may result
from violent straining, running or jumping. The swelling
is very manifest and when handled its contents are found
to move on each other, to gurgle and to pass back in a
mass when pressed.
Treatment is often needless, the sac becoming effaced
with growth. If not, make a soft pad for the navel and
attach it to elastic bands passing round the body and fixed
in their turn to others extending back from a collar round
17
258 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
the neck. Or in slight cases blister the sac severely and
repeatedly; or apply wooden clamps over the skin close up
to the belly, having first perfectly returned the protrusion,
and let them be worn until they drop off.
Inguinal Hernia occurs in the male quadruped of any age,
as the sac containing the testicle remains continuous with the
abdomen throughout life. It is rare but by no means un-
known in the castrated animal. It may exist without any
other symptom than an unnatural swelling of the scrotum, the
contents movable on themselves, the thickening extending up
to the abdomen, and the whole disappearing suddenly and in
a mass when pressed. Or these signs may be associated with
the violent and continuous colicky pains of obstruction. In
all cases of colic in entire males the possibility of hernia
should be borne in mind and an examination made.
Treatment is very varied, in difficult cases requiring ana-
tomical knowlege and attention to many minutize which can-
not be given here. Yet in many cases the hernia may be re-
turned by simple pressure with the hand, with or without the
other hand inserted into the last gut and carried down to the
internal inguinalring. If the patient is thrown on his back
with his hind parts well raised the return will be greatly
facilitated. In pigs and dogs castration should be resorted to,
the gut being first returned and held back by pressing upon the
canal in front of the testicle, and finally the wound in the skin
sewed up. Or the testicle covered by its sac may be stripped
to pass the bowel back into the abdomen and then tied tightly
with a carbolated cord. For particulars of treatment of the
various forms of inguinal hernia see the author’s larger work.
Femoral Hernia in bitches rarely demands or receives
treatment.
Ventral Hernia is easily distinguished from other swell-
ings of the abdominal walls by the movable gurgling con-
tents entirely returnable into the abdomen by pressure.
Though often masked by surrounding inflammation these
characters can usually be recognized. Treatment is most
successful just after the injury is sustained, as after the
Diseases of the Digestive Organs. 259
margins of the wound have become insensible they will
not contract and heal. Return the protrusion, throwing
the animal on its back and quieting with opium, ether or
chloral if necessary. Then cover the opening with pads
and cover with a strong sheet wound round the abdomen
and laced tightly along the back. Keep the sheet in posi-
tion by bands carried from its anterior border to a collar
round the neck. Adjust and pad it carefully day by day
until all swelling and tenderness subside.
Vaginal Hernia must be treated like eversion of the va-
gina.
EVERSION OF THE RECTUM.
The rectum protrudes naturally in passing dung but re-
-turns immediately. If it remains and swells it demands
interference. Poorly-kept animals (dogs, pigs,) are liable
and it may be caused in all from violent straining in work,
parturition, constipation, diarrhcea or dysentery. The
protrusion may be confined to a mucous fold at one side
of the anus or the entire gut may protrude to the length
of several feet. If recent it is little altered, but if old, is
red, thick, softened or even ulcerated. The protrusion
must be emptied, cleaned and returned, the oiled finger or
arm (according to size) being introduced into the gut and
through the constriction of the anus and the other hand
used to strip it off from this. The head of the patient
should be turned downhill and straining prevented by
pinching the back. In small animals with old protrusions
the part may have to be cut off close to the anus and a
few stitches passed through the edges to keep them in ap-
position. When returned a truss should be applied as for
everted uterus or vagina and a spare, laxative diet allowed,
nourishing or not according to the needs of the patient.
PILES.
These are dilatation of the veins on the inner and outer
sides of the anus, with exudation and fibrous thickening
260 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
of the surrounding connective tissue to form rounded
swellings. They are reported in all domestic animals but
are especially common in dogs. Melanotic tumors in
horses are often confounded with them. They are gener-
ally connected with torpid, inactive liver and an aggra-
yated costiveness, straining and the presence of irritants
in the large intestines. Dogs draw the anus along the
ground as in intestinal worms, pass hardened, blood-
streaked dung, with much straining, pain and sharp cries,
and present around the anus bluish tumors which bleed
freely if wounded and are connected with the terminal end
of the gut that hangs out through the opening. The gen-
eral health rarely suffers much. In other animals there
is itching, switching and rubbing of the tail with the char-
acteristic tumors and much straining and difficulty in pass-
ing dung. Treat by mild laxatives (sulphate of soda and
common salt, 3 ozs. daily for the large and 20 to 30 grains
for the small quadrupeds; or podophyllin in one-fifth the
usual doses, daily). Give moderately of laxative, easily-
digested food and maintain tone by bitters (aux vomica).
Locally bathe with tepid solutions of opium, stramonium
and astringents (sugar of lead, alum, tannin, sulphurous acid,
benzoated oxide of zine ointment). Check bleeding by solu-
tions of sulphate of iron or matico. It is sometimes neces-
sary to remove with the ligature, or clamp and hot iron.
FISTULA IN ANUS.
This is a communication between a suppurating sore and
the terminal part of the rectum. There are usually two
openings, one into the gut and the other close beside the
anus. The rational treatment is to remove any foreign
body or other cause of irritation and then passing an india
rubber cord through the canal, to bring the end from the
internal wound out through the anus and, stretching the
rubber, to tie both together after which by its elasticity it
slowly cuts its way through, while the wound steadily
heals behind.
Diseases of the Digestive Organs. 261
IMPERFORATE ANUS.
This is not uncommon in young animals and may be
relieved by a tree incision as soon as*the accumulation of
dung in the end of the rectum furnishes a firm pad on
which to cut. The incision must be made in the centre
of the firm muscular ring that should have encircled the
opening, and which may be easily felt. In mares sponta-
neous relief is often obtained by a rupture into the vagina.
Tf the gut as well as the opening is wanting, there is no
remedy.
PERITONITIS.. INFLAMMATION OF THE LINING MEMBRANE OF
THE ABDOMEN.
This occurs in all domestic animals and may be limited
to a particular part or may be general. It is mostly
caused by mechanical injuries, as wounds of the abdom-
inal walls—surgical or otherwise, or by rupture of an ab-
scess, of the stomach, intestine, bladder or womb. It
may also result from sudden changes of weather, chills
from exposure to excessive cold, to frigid showers or dews
or to a wet bed after perspiration and fatigue. This is of
course most frequent in horses and oxen. Similar expos-
ure to cold is a common cause of peritonitis after wounds
of the abdomen, as in castration.
Symptoms. If very circumscribed there may be simply
slight colic, worse at one time than another, with acute
pain when the affected part is pressed. When more gen-
eral there is shivering followed by a hot stage, colic, stiff-
ness of the hind limbs, especially in the smaller animals,
swelling, tension and great tenderness of the abdomen,
constipation, or in rare cases, watery or even bloody diar-
rheea, complete loss of appetite, vomiting in animals capa-
ble of this act, quick, catching breathing and rapid hard
pulse, becoming softer, weaker and smaller when serous
effusion takes place. Hffusion is further attended by a
relief from the colics and tenderness, a more sunken eye,
pallid mucous membranes, deeper breathing, and a more
262 The Farmei’s Veterinary Adviser.
pendent belly with a sense of fluctuation when it is hand-
led. In ruminants the right side is especially tender and
the animal stands erouching with its four feet near to-
gether. The wound of the abdomen a completes
the list of symptoms.
Treatment. The abdomen may sometimes be cupped
or leeched with advantage, though warm fomentations or
poultices, (or even warm baths for small animals) followed
by mustard poultices, are more generally applicable.
Then the preparations of opium may be given in full and
frequent doses to allay pain and keep the bowels inactive.
Well-boiled gruels may be given frequently as injections,
as what is thrown on the stomach is usually vomited or
lies unabsorbed. During recovery great care must be
exercised in feeding. Decoctions of linseed, or well-boiled
eruels of oat, barley or rye-meal should gradually give
place to soft warm bran mashes and finally to hay and
ordinary food. The carnivora may have beef tea. Ano-
dynes (opium, prussic acid,) may be given to relieve pain
and diuretics (nitre, digitalis, sweet spirits of nitre, etc.,)
employed to remove the effusion. ‘Tonics (oxide of iron,
gentian, cinchona, etc.,) may be demanded and occa-
sionally mustard poultices to remove tenderness.
ASCITES. DROPSY OF THE ABDOMEN.
This may be a result of peritonitis, of obstruction to
the flow of blood through the intestinal (portal) veins as
in diseased liver, spleen, pancreas, mesenteric glands,
valves of the heart, etc., or finally it may depend on an
unduly watery state of the blood as in certain parasitic
aud other disorders.
Symptoms. Distended (pot) belly, loose and pendulous,
with hollow flanks, or if the liquid is more abundant,
rounded and tense. Fluctuation is easily felt if pressure
is made at two different points, and percussion elicits a
dull dead sound in place of the normal drum-like reso-
nance of the bowels. The urine is scanty, appetite and
Diseases of the Digestive Organs. 963
digestion impaired, breathing deep and excited, condition
poor and getting worse, hair dry, rough, erect and often
shedding, and swellings appear along the lower part of
the body into the limbs and chest.
Treatment. Find out and remove if possible the true
primary cause. When that has ceased to act employ
purgatives, but especially diuretics (digitalis, oil of tur-
pentine, iodide of potassium, squills, colchicum, nitre, etc.,}
in as full doses as the strength will permit, with tonics
(sulphate of iron, gentian, nux vomica,) and apply tinct-
ure of iodine over the abdomen. The liquid may be drawn
off with a fine cannula and trocar, one-half only being
extracted at a time, and the flaccid walls at once sup
ported by a tight bandage encircling the body.
GASTRIC AND INTESTINAL PARASITES.
Larva or Insects.—Bots. These are the larva of four
different species of gadjly that pester horses in summer
Fig. 20. Fig. 22.
Fig. 20—Bot-fly. Céstrus Equi.
Fig. 21.
Fig 22—Bots hooked on the mucous
Fig. 21—Bot. Larva of Céstrus. membrane of the stomach.
and autumn, gluing their little white ovoid eggs on the
long hairs beneath the jaws, on the breast, shoulders and
fore limbs on which the empty shells may be carried
through the winter. When the horse licks himself the live
embryo is extracted from the egg and swallowed or in the
264 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
ease of those beneath the jaws they fall into the food and
are devoured with it. By the aid of the hooks around
their heads they attach themselves to the mucous mem-
brane mainly of the left half of the stomach but often also
of other parts such as the right side of the stomach, the
duodenum or small gut leading from the stomach, and the
throat. There they steadily grow in the winter and in
spring pass out with the dung, burrow in the soil and are
transformed into the gadfly. The disturbance they cause
depends on their numbers and the portions of the canal
on which they attach themselves. In the throat they
produce a chronic sore-throat and discharge from the nose
which continues until the following spring, unless they are
previously extracted with the hand. In the left half of
the stomach which is covered with a thick insensible cuti-
cle they do little harm when in small numbers, hence
Bracy Clark supposed them to be rather beneficial in
stimulating the secretion of gastric juice. When very
numerous and above all when attached to the highly
sensitive right half of the stomach or the duodenum they
seriously interfere with digestion, causing the animals to
thrive badly, to be weak and easily sweated or fatigued,
and even determining sudden and fatal indigestions. This
last result is especially liable to occur in spring or early
summer, when the bots are passing out in great numbers
and hooking themselves at intervals to the coats of the
sensitive bowels in their course. They will sometimes
accumulate in such numbers as actually to block the pas-
sage. They even attach themselves to the skin outside
ihe anus causing the animal to go awkwardly, to switch his
tail and give other signs of extreme discomfort until the
tail is raised and the offender discovered and removed.
Alleged perforations of the stomach by bots are usually
ruptures, the result of indigestion.
The irritation caused by their presence is not easily
distinguished from other forms of indigestion and colic.
It may be tympanitic or not, accompanied or not with
Diseases of the Digestive Organs. 265
diarrhcea, and of the most variable intensity. If occurring
after a period of abstinence when the worms are presum-
ably hungry, or if in spring or early summer, if the bois
are found passing with the dung, if the horse turns up his
lip as if nauseated, and if the margins of the tongue are red
and fiery there will be so much more corroborative evi-
dence. .
Treatment. In cases of irritation following abstinence
give potato juice, gruels, etc., to feed and quiet the bots,
adding some anodyne (opium, hyocyamus,) or mucilagin-
ous agents (gum Arabic, boiled linseed, mallow, slippery
elm,) if it appears necessary.
We cannot certainly kill the bots in the stomach, as they
will resist the strongest acids and alkalies, the most irrespir-
able and poisonous gases, the most potent narcotics and
mineral poisons, empyreumatic oils, etc. Oil of turpentine,
earbolic acid, bryony, ether and benzine have been relied on
by different practitioners but none of them are quite sat-
isfactory. Jt seems probable that these like other vermi-
fuges will act best in autumn or early winter before the
larva has acquired his hard, horny coat of mail, and at
this time accordingly they may be given with more con-
fidence. The azedarach (pride of China) grown around
stables in the South to protect from bots, probably acts in
this way, if at all, being cropped and swallowed by the an-
imals while the bots are still white, soft and permeable to
liquids.
The colics are to be treated by anti-spasmodics (tobac-
co, stramonium, laudanum, etec.,) and mild laxatives, and
the animal must be well fed to support him under the
drain and to keep the parasite gorged, lazy and non-irri-
tating. In summer when the bots are coming away their
exit may be precipitated by a good dose of physic.
Prevention. ‘Trim off the long hairs of the jaws, breast,
shoulder and fore limbs and apply a little oil daily to pre-
vent the eggs from adhering. Or brush off the eggs with
soap-suds daily before they have had time to hatch in the
266 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
sun. A piece of cloth extended across beneath the jaws
is often employed to protect this part. |
RaT-TAILED MAGGOTS the larve of helophilus are also found
in horses’ intestines but are not known to be injurious.
Fig. 23.
Fig. 23—Helophilus.
INTESTINAL WORMS.
These are arranged in four classes: 1. The tape-worms,
consisting of flat bodies made up of a succession of seg-
ments or links, with a narrow neck and small head, and
divided into tape-worms proper, which are round-headed,
and bothriocephah, which are flat-headed with lateral
openings ; 2. the jlukes, soft-bodied, flattened, leaf-like or
ovoid worms, with digestive organs and a variable num-
ber of sucking dises ; 3. the thorn-headed worms, with long
rounded bodies and retractile snouts furnished with
hooks by which they attach themselves to the mucous
membrane, but neither mouth nor digestive canal; 4.
lastly, the round worms which differ from the last in the
absence of a protractile, hooked snout and the pos-
session of mouth and digestive canal. The horse
harbors in his intestinal canal at least three tape-
worms and seven round worms; the ox, two tape-worms,
two flukes and five round worms; the sheep, one tape-
worm, one fluke and seven round worms; the pig, one
thorn-headed worm and five round worms; the dog, thir-
teen tape-worms, one fluke and five round worms; the eat,
five tape-worms, three flukes and three round worms ; the
rabbit, one tape-worm and three round worms; the goose
and duck, nine tape-worms, seven flukes, one thorn-headed
worm and seven round worms; the chicken, four tape-
worms, two flukes and seven round worms; and the tur-
key and pigeon, at least two round worms each. Of these
Diseases of the Digestive Organs. 267
eighty-cight worms of the digestive organs it is useless to
attempt any description in a work of the present limits, so
that our attention must be mainly confined to their symp-
toms and treatment. For further information the reader
is referred to the author’s larger work or to those of
Leuckhart, Diesing, Dujardin, Baillet, Cobbold and other
helminthologists.
The transformations of tape-worms have been already
referred to under parasites, and those of flukes under dis
Fig. 24. Fig. 25.
Fig. 24—Sclerostomum Equinum. Fig. 25—Oxyuris Curvula.
Mature and young forms, nat. size. 1 Female; 2 male, nat. size.
eases of the liver. 'The thorn-headed worms lay their eggs
within the body of their host, and these being passed with
the dung are swallowed by crustaceans in which they en-
cyst themselves and develop the characters of the adult
worm in miniature, but remain very minute and fail to at-
{ain their full size till their host is swallowed by another
animal. Among domestic animals ducks and pigs harbor
these, probably because of their carnivorous appetite. The
round worms mostly live in their young and immature con-
dition, out of the body, in water or moist earth or on veg:
268 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
etables (see lung-worms, verminous bronchitis,) but some are
exceptions, like the common pin-worm of the horse (Scler-
ostomum Equinum) which lives in pill-lke masses of
dung, in little pouches and closed cysts of the mucous
Fig. 26. Fig. 27.
#ig. 26—Ascaris Megalacephala.
membrane of the large intestine and in dilatations of the
blood-vessels, especially the arteries of the bowels. This,
with two other common pin-worms of the horse (Scleros-
tomum Tetracanthum, Oxyuris Curvula,) are each about
Diseases of the Digestive Organs. 269
an inch in length and all inhabit the large intestine in their
adult condition, sometimes becoming so numerous in a
district as to cause an epizootic. Another round worm
(Ascaris Megalacephala) about six inches long is very cam-
mon in the horse’s small intestine.
Cattle suffer less from intestinal worms, but the follow-
ing are not infrequently injurious, especially to calves.
The long tape-worm (Tenia Expansa), Ascaris Bovis (like
a common earth-worm), the hair-headed worm (Tricoceph-
Fig. 29. 7 Fig. 31.
S=
Ffg. 29—Head of Echinorynchus
Gigas.
Fig. 30—Spiroptera Strongylina; Fig. 31—Ascaris Suilla.
a, nat. size; 4, tail enlarged.
alus Affinis), the Sclerostomum Hypostomum and Stron-
gylus Radiatus.
Sheep suffer severely, especially from the long tape-
worm, Sclerostomum Hypostomum, Strongylus Fillicollis,
S. Contortus, Dochmius Cernuus and Tricocephalus A ffinis.
The thick portion of the body of the last is about an inch
long, the other round worms are mostly under an inch and
a half. The tape-worm is usually three feet or under, but
is alleged to gain a length of twenty, thirty and even one
hundred feet.
270° The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
Swine suffer severely from a thorn-headed worm (Echin-
orynchus Gigas) from three to eighteen inches long; a
hair-headed worm (Tricocephalus Crenatus) a little
smaller than the ruminant’s; an ascaris (A. Suilla) like
that of ruminants ; the Sclerostomum Dentatum, three to
five lines in length, and the Trichina Spiralis, one-eight
eenth to one-sixth inch long.
lig. 82. Fig. 34.
Fig. 32—Head of Dog’s Tape-worm (T. Cucumerina). Larval form in the
dog-louse (Trichodectes Cani). Fig. 33—Head of Dog’s Tape-worm (T.
Marginata). Fig. 34—Cyst of same (Cysticercus Tenuicollis) infests rumi-
nants, Omnivora, etc. Fig. 35—Ascaris Marginata, nat. size. Fig. 36—
Ascaris Mystax, nat. size.
Tn addition to the tape-worms mentioned in the general
articles on parasites, the dog suffers much from others, as
from the following round worms: Ascaris Marginata, two
to four inches long; Spiroptera Sanguinolenta, one and
one-half to three inches long; Strongylus Trigonocepha-
Diseases of the Digestive Organs. 271
lus and Dochmius Trigonocephalus, each under one-hait
inch; and Tricocephalus Depressiusculus, the thick part
of which is about one-half inch. One worm of the cat,
Ascaris Mystax, one to three inches long, deserves men-
tion because of its being harbored also in the human intes-
tine.
General Symptoms of Intestinal Worms. These are
shown when worms are present in large numbers, when
they attach themselves to the mucous membranes or when
they bore through these to reach other parts. There are
general signs of ill-health, poor condition, pot-belly, hide-
bound, a scurfy, dry state of the skin, often with itching,
irregular and usually voracious appetite, foetid breath, di-
arrhoea alternating with costiveness, the passage of mu-
cus with the dung, slight, colicky pains with tympany, es-
pecially in the morning before feeding, a puffy swelling
and itchiness of the anus, which is often surrounded with
a fur of dried mucus, and above all, the passage of the worms
or their eggs.
In the horse there is often a tendency to elevate the up-
per lip and to rub it against wall or manger, to lick earth
or lime, or to shake the tail or rub out the hair about its root.
There may, though rarely, be severe flatulent or spasmodic
colic, enteritis or peritonitis.
In cattle there are advancing emaciation, depraved or va-
riable appetite, impaired rumination, colics, tympanies
and fcetid: breath.
Sheep lose appetite, scour, suffer from thirst, wasting,
bloodless eyes, clapped, unhealthy or shedding wool, a
desire to eat earth, itching anus shown by frequent shak-
ing of the tail, and finally dropsical effusions in the chest
and belly and beneath the lower part of the body. They
become dull, hopeless-looking and leave the flock.
Swine beside the general symptoms have unusual vorac-
ity, and yet lose flesh, cough, scour, start from rest or
sleep with a sharp cry, scream excessively just before
feeding, have colicky pains, tender abdomen and vomiting,
and many even suffer from palpitations (thumps), vertige
or convulsions.
Dogs suffer from eoedaaete appetite, wasting, itchy
skin, staring coat or loss of hair, indigestions, colies, oc-
casional scouring or vomiting, foetid tee, and ioe
anus shown by their frequently licking it or drawing it
along the ground. Like swine they may show irritable
temper, starting without cause, palpitations, vertigo or
convulsions.
Treatment. This may be divided into the administration
of agents to kill the worms, of purgatives to carry off them
and their eggs, and of tonics to overcome the weakness and
the accumulations of mucus in which they live and thrive.
The diet for herbivora should be grain in summer, or in
winter sound natural hay salted, with carrots, turnips or
beets, and, in the horse at least, some of the more nutri-
tive grains (oats, barley, beans, corn, linseed cake, etc.,)
ground or unground. Pigs may also have green food,
roots, a liberal supply of grain, and if available, buttermilk.
Dogs may have salt meat with soups and milk.
Before giving a vermifuge let the bowels be cleared out
by a purgative (horse, aloes; ox or sheep, Glauber salts ;
swine, dog or chicken, castor-oil). It should also be
given fasting before the morning’s feed and, if the worms
exist in the large intestines, by injection as well as by the
mouth.
A great list of vermifuges may be mentiae some de-
structive to intestinal worms in general; others particu-
larly adapted to specific parasites; while some that are
safe and efficacious for one class of patients would prove
poisonous to another.
One class destroys worms by the mechanical irritation of
- their skin and perhaps their intestinal canal. It includes
iron filings, granulated tin or tin filings, very finely pow-
dered glass, and cowhage. These are given in doses of
1 oz. to the large quadrupeds, 1 dr. to sheep and swine,
or 1 scr. to dogs, made into a ball with linseeed meal
Diseases of the Digestwe Organs. 273
and syrup. They may be repeated daily for a week and
followed by a smart purge.
Bitters (quassia, cinchona, gentian, wormwood,) are
often beneficial though mainly acting as tonics. For
worms in the last gut a concentrated solution as an in-
jection acts well.
Among the more direct vermifuges are: Common salt
allowed to be licked at will (must not be mixed in large
amount in the food of swine or chickens) ; oil of turpen-
tine ; calomel; tartar emetic with sulphate of iron, for six
mornings running, and followed by a purge; empyreu-
matic oils, and especially those coming off at a slightly
lower temperature than creosote and carbolic acid; azed-
arach; Spigelia marilandica (pinkroot); santonine; sul-
phuric ether; asafcetida; tansy; savin, etc. These are
general vermifuges and may be used especially for the
round worms.
For tape-worms use areca nut; kousso; root of male
shield-fern ; pomegranate root bark; kameela; pumpkin
seeds; ailanthus glandulosa; or oil of turpentine. In
every case the agent should be given fasting, it may even
be repeated at the end of four hours and should be
followed by a smart purge. For weak animals areca nut
is especially suitable.
A course of tonics (sulphate of iron, gentian, columba,)
should follow with sound nourishing diet and pure water.
In the case of the Sclerostomum Equinun, it will usually
be needful to repeat the treatment at short intervals to
oll the young worms which have escaped because of their
being buried in the mucous membrane.
Prevention is to be sought by measures advised under
lung-worms, especial attention being given to sound roure
ishing food and pure water.
18
CHAPTER X.
DISEASES OF THE LIVER.
Effects of deranged functions of the liver. General symptoms and causes,
Saccharine urine, Diabetes Mellitus. Blood-poisoning from imperfect oxida-
tion of albuminoids, Azotemia, Azoturia, Enzootic Hzmaturia, Spinal
Meningitis. Red-water in cattle, sheep and pigs. Wood Evil. Jaundice,
Icterus, the Yellows. Congestion of the liver. Rupture of the liver. In-
flammation of the liver, Hepatitis. Chronic inflammation of the liver.
Results of hepatitis. Gall-Stones, Biliary Calculi. Fatty degeneration.
Tubercle. Cancer. Hypertrophy. Atrophy. Parasitic diseases of the
liver. Liver-rot, Fluke-disease. Fasciola Hepatica. Distomum Lanceo-
latum.
Only now, when the functions of the liver are being
more fully discovered, do we begin to apprehend the full
importance of its various disorders. Formerly this organ
was supposed to have exhausted its functions in the secre-
tion of bile, and the various modifications and impaired
discharge of this product together with inflammation,
morbid growths and degenerations circumscribed the list
of hepatic diseases. But the recognition of the formation
of glycogen and cholesterine in the liver, together with urea
and other less perfectly oxidized nitrogenous bodies which
pass into the blood in place of being discharged with the
bile, points to the liver as the chief local seat of various
disorders such as diabetes, cholesterine plugging of ves
sels, blood-poisoning from imperfectly oxidized albumi-
noids, and urinary calculi.
General Symptoms. These may be stated shortly as
follows: obesity, sluggishness, irregular bowels, the dung
being abundant, liquid and deep yellow or orange from
Diseases of the Lwwer. 275
excess of bile in active congestions of the liver, or on the
contrary there may be costiveness, with light-colored,
foetid, imperfectly digested stools in cases in which bile is
not secreted or is debarred from entering the bowels by
some mechanical obstruction ; lameness in the right fore
limh, or even in one or more of the remaining members,
without any observable local cause; cramps and even
paralysis in the severer cases with poisonous products
thrown into the blood ; a tardy pulse sometimes not more
than half its natural number; yellow or orange color of
the eyes and other visible mucous membranes, and of the
urine in cases of obstructed bile-ducts or intestines with
reabsorption of bile, or in destruction of blood-cells by
taurocholic acid and other products abnormally present in
the blood ; tenderness or groaning when the last ribs are
pinched or struck with the closed fist; a yellow or orange
fur may sometimes be seen universally diffused or in cir-
cumscribed spots on the upper surface of the tongue ; the
presence in the urine of deep brown or reddish granular
deposits replacing urea is another sign of liver disorder.
Obstructed circulation in the liver causes congestion of the
portal vein, engorged spleen, intestinal catarrh, effusion of
blood on the bowels, piles, dropsy of the abdomen, and
swelling of the hind limbs. These may therefore be at-
tendant symptoms.
The conditions in which animals live may further assist
our decision in suggesting an efficient cause. The fat, idle,
overfed and pampered stock are especially subject to liver
disease, and more particularly if kept in close, hot, damp
buildings or climates, or supplied with putrid water or
unwholesome food. Thus the pampered family horse, the
idle farm horse during our long winters, the high-bred ox,
sheep, and pig in which everything has been sacrificed to
secure excellence as meat producers, the pet dog, and the
Brahmas, Cochins and other plump hens of Asiatic ex-
traction, present frequent examples of liver disease. The
stabled animal is more subject to it than those running at
276 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
pasture, and the subject liberally fed on dry fodder than
that nourished on succulent green food. Then the deni-
zen of the warm latitude and damp miasmatic soil is more
liable than others.
SACCHARINE URINE, DIABETES MELLITUS.
Very rare in the lower animals but has been seen in
earnivora (dogs), omnivora (monkeys), cattle and even in
the horse. Temporary sweetness of the urine is not dis-
ease, but if permanent it may be referred to excessive
production of glycogen in the liver which is probably
always enlarged (Bernard) ; or less frequently to the fail-
ure of the liver to transform the sugar of the food into
glycogen ; or it may be from disease of the medulla oblon-
gata (apoplexy) or of some part which exerts an irritant
reflex action on the base of the brain. It has been pro-
duced experimentally by giving alcohol, ether, chloroform,
quinia, ammonia, arsenic, phosphoric acid, and woorali.
Symptoms. Rapid loss of condition, scurfy, unthrifty
skin, costive bowels, indigestion, ardent thirst, and exces-
sive secretion of urine of a high specific gravity—horse
and ox, 1060; pig, goat and sheep, 1030 and upward.
The tests for sugar are: 1. taste; 2. fermentation when
yeast is added and the whole allowed to stand in a warm
temperature; 3. the addition to a little of the urine in
a test-tube of a few drops of solution of blue vitriol, and
a considerable excess of potassa, and boiling the liquid for
a moment when if sugar is present there is a deposit of the
yellowish-brown suboxide of copper.
Treatment. Rarely successful. The best results are to
be expected in cases in which an active cause, such as dis=
ease of the liver, lungs or brain, can be recognized and
kept in check or cured. Thus with liver disease, laxatives,
alkalies, pure air and water, green or otherwise laxative
food, and cupping, mild blistering or even leeching over
the spare-ribs, may be beneficial. In lung disease the
treatment must correspond to its nature, whether inflam-
Diseases of the Liver. 207
matory, tuberculous or otherwise. Tonics and stomachics
are almost always demanded. All the bitters, tincture of
iron, the mineral acids and carbonate of soda have been
used with profit. Opium, which checks the excretion of
sugar, is injurious by impairing digestion. Lactic acid has
repeatedly succeeded at the expense of a severe attack of
rheumatism. Free secretion from the skin is beneficial
and should be encouraged by warm clothing, baths and
climate. Diet should be mainly albuminous, such as bran
mashes and gruels, peas, beans, vetches, flesh deprived of
fat, ete.
BLOOD-POISONING FROM IMPERFECT OXIDATION OF ALBUMINOIDS.
AZOTGEMIA. AZOTURIA. HAHMOGLOBINURIA.
Variously described in the books as disease of the kid-
neys and spinal cord, this is really due to disease of the
liver which fails to effect the transformation of albumi-
noids into urea, and entails an accumulation in the gland
and in the circulating fluid of partially oxidized products,
such as leucin and tyrosin, which pass off in variable
amount by the kidneys. It attacks almost exclusively
horses which have stood idle in the stable for a few days,
on good diet, and are. then taken out and subjected to ac-
tive exertion. :
Symptoms, etc. These are very variable. In the mild-
est forms there is only some lameness and muscular trem-
bling in a particular limb, without apparent cause, brought
on by sudden exertion and attended by a dusky-brown
color of the membranes of the eye and nose and some
signs of tenderness when the short ribs are struck. This
may be entirely cured by a course of gentle laxatives (pod-
ophyllin, 1 scr.) and diuretics (colchicum, muriate of am-
monia, taraxacum, nitre,) and a gradual inuring to work,
beginning with the slightest exertion and increasing day
by day as the condition improves. The worst forms come
on during or after driving, it may be not more than one
278 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
hundred yards, the fire and life suddenly giving place tc
anxiety and despondency, the subject seems to be in vio-
lent pain, the flanks heave, the nostrils are dilated, the
face is pinched, the surface is drenched in perspiration,
the body trembling violently, the limbs weak, so that they
sway and bend, while the animal walks crouchingly behind
and soon goes down unable to support himself. If urme
is passed it is high-colored, dark brown, red or black, and
is usually thought bloody, but it contains neither clots nor
blood-corpuscles, its color being due to the imperfectly
oxidized albuminoids mixed with an excess of urea. When
the patient is down the limbs and whole body are still
conyulsed at intervals, but are beyond the control of the
animal, showing the poisonous effect on the nervous sys-
tem. The pulse is variable but high and the temperature
of the body normal at first, though it rises slightly if the
animal survives. Death may ensue ina few hours or days,
or improvement manifested at any period may go on to
complete recovery. The blood is dark, diffluent, clots
loosely if at all, and smells strongly. In some cases of re-
covery a partial paralysis of the hind limbs or wasting of
the crural nerve and muscles above the stifle will some-
times persist for a time, showing structural nervous disease.
Prevention is to be sought by regular daily exercise. In
the case of horses which have had a period of absolute
repose, submit to walking exercise only, at first, and in-
crease this day by day until they have attained good, hard
condition.
Treatment. Clear out the bowels and unload the por-
tal vein and liver by active purgatives. Podophyllin $
drachm, aloes 4 drachms, may be given by the mouth, and
copious injections of soap-suds with oil or salts by the
anus until the bowels respond, in which case a favorable
termination may be hoped for. Drachm doses of bromide
of potassium may be given frequently to calm nervous dis-
order, and when the bowels have responded half drachm
doses of colchicum and drachm doses of muriate of
Diseases of the Liver. 279
ammonia three times a day. Warm fomentations to
the body, but especially to the loins, are beneficial, alike
in soothing irritation in the liver, spinal marrow and kid-
neys, and in securing a free perspiration and the elimina-
tion of morbid matters by the skin. They may be replaced
by a newly removed sheep-skin applied with the fleshy
side in, and followed by a mustard poultice. When the
appetite returns the diet must be of sloppy mashes and
moderate in quantity.
In case the paralysis persists after the acute symptoms
have subsided, treat as for functional paralysis.
WOOD EVIL. RED WATER OF CATTLE, SHEEP AND PIGS.
Under this name we designate a malady generally de-
scribed as bloody urine (hematuria), but as the liquid does
hot usually contain blood globules or clots, and as the
fiver is almost invariably enlarged and softened and the
blood elements are largely destroyed, it must be conceded
that the affection is more intimately associated with disor-
der of the hepatic functions than of any other. The cause,
which may be stated as feeding on irritant and unwhole-
some food, is such as is calculated to disorder the digest-
ive organs and liver. The blood seems to suffer second-
arily, though it is by no means disproved that other blood-
forming functions beside those of the liver are involved. -
The blood itself is usually thin, watery and comparatively
Aincoagulable, with a deficiency of fibrine, albumen and red
globules—the last named elements being smaller than nat-
ural and irregularly notched around their margins. The
urine varies in color from a simple reddish tinge through
the various shades of red and brown to black. It contains
albumen and various albuminoid agents, excess of urea,
cholesterine and phosphates, implying hepatic disturbance
and destructive changes taking place in the blood.
This is essentially a disease of unimproved localities
and attacks animals fed too exclusively on products of
such land, which are naturally stimulating to the digest-
280 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
ive organs and liver. Turnips and other saccharine roots,
though perfectly safe from ordinary soils, are dangerous
from these, and in the natural meadows and woods the
young shoots of resinous trees (conifer) and the acrid
plants of the ranunculus, colchicum and asclepias families,
etc., are held to produce it. Its prevalence in woods and
uncultivated meadows has procured for it in almost all
European countries some name equivalent to wood disease.
An important element in the causation is the existence of
soil rich in organic matter and soured by the stagnation
of water owing to a clay or otherwise impervious subsoil.
Cows are very susceptible just after calving and often per-
ish.
Symptoms. Dullness, languor, weakness, especially of
the hind limbs, trembling, surface coldness, staring coat,
dry muzzle, hot mouth and horns and diminution of the
milk which is white and frothy and may throw down a red-
dish sediment. Appetiteis lost, thirst ardent, pulse small
and weak, beats of the heart tumultuous, amounting to palpi-
tation in the parturient cases, bowels at first relaxed after-
ward costive, abdomen tender, urine passed frequently in
small quantity and often with suffering. Colicky pains
are often a marked symptom when the irritation of the
bowels is extreme. Delirium even will set in in bad cases
and death usually supervenes on a state of extreme pros-
tration.
Prevention may be sought in thorough drainage; in
restricting the allowance of objectionable food and supple-
menting it with sound dry grain and fodder; in the avoid-
ance of damp, woody and natural meadows in spring until
there is a good growth of grass, and in the rejection of hay
from faulty pastures containing an excess of acrid plants.
Treatment. At the onset of the disease nothing succeeds
better than a free evacuation of the bowels and depletion
of the portal vein and liver by an active purgative. When
there is no abdominal pain or other sign of inflammation
of the bowels, salts or any other active purgative will suf-
Diseases of the Liver. 281
fice, but with colic and tenderness of the abdomen, we
must restrict our choice to olive-oil, and other bland ma-
terials. In advanced and weak conditions, decoctions of
linseed should be resorted to. The animal is to be sup-
ported by diffusible stimulants and iron tonics, with chlo-
rate of potassa, and the bowels sheathed and protected by
infusions of slippery elm, or mallow, decoctions of linseed,
eggs, milk or mucilage; diet should consist of linseed decoce-
tions, well-boiled packs bran mashes, and other nutritive
and easily digested food.
JAUNDICE. ICTERUS. THE YELLOWS.
This name is given to that condition in which the visi-
ble mucous membranes, the skin—if white—the urine and
the tissues are stained yellows orange or brown by bile
coloring matter. It is only a symptom of various disor-
ders, but is so specific in its characters that the name bids
fair to be retained for the state. It is not caused as once
supposed by the non-secretion of bile from the blood, but
by the re-absorption of bile already secreted.
This absorption may be determined by various cases.
1. Obstruction of the bile duct, by gall-stones, parasites,
foreign bodies entering from the gut, fibrous or spasmodic
stricture of the duct, inflammation or ulceration and swell-
ing of the mucous membrane of the canal, or the intestine
near the opening, tumors or overloaded intestines. 2.
Obstruction of the bowels which hinders the discharge
of the bile. 3. Diminished fullness of the capillary ves
sels of the liver from partial mechanical obstruction of
hepatic artery or aorta. 4. Excessive secretion of bile in
congested states of the liver.
Jaundice may also result from imperfect metamorpho-
sis of the re-absorbed bile, as in certain fevers (anthrax,
Texan-fever, hog-cholera, purpura hemorrhagica,) in
blood-poisoning, (septic matter, snake venom, phospho-
rus, mercury, copper, antimony, chloroform, ether, car-
bonic acid). It may farther result from the breaking down
282 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
of red blood-globules and liberation of their coloring mat-
ter to stain the blood and textures. This may be caused
by excess in the blood of water, bile acids (taurocholates)
alkalies, nitrites, ether or chloroform. Jt may result from
freezing, burning, (140° F.) and frictional and induction
currents of electricity. It is noticeable that the coloring
matter in the blood of solipeds is very easily dissolved
and that of carnivora only with difficulty. Hence the
frequency of a dusky or jaundiced appearance of the mem-
branes in horses and its comparative harmlessness, as
contrasted with similar conditions in the dog. It is further
probable that the re-absorbed bile acids are transformed
into bile pigment in certain states of the blood.
Symptoms. General coloration of all the tissues, but
especially the mucous membranes of a yellow, or over
large veins of a greenish hue, and also of the urine. When
there is obstruction of the bile duct, the dung is devoid
of bile, foetid and often clayey in appearance, but if from
other causes it may retain its natural color and odor.
Other symptoms may appear dependent on the nature
of the attendant disease, or the poisonous action of the
bile acids, and of various diseased products on the blood,
while the coloration itself seems to be comparatively harm-
less.
Treatment. 'This will depend on the nature of the cause.
As a general rule what favors the action of the bowels,
the free elimination of the bile, and depletion of the portal
vein and liver will counteract the jaundice. Small daily
doses of podophyllin, (horse and ox I ser.) with one or
more ounces each of Glauber, Epsom, and common salt,
as may be needful, will often act very efficiently. Or aloes,
jalap or calomel, may replace the podophyllin. Taraxa-
cum may be given either in diuretic or purgative doses, or
a herbivorous patient may be turned out on a pasturage
of dandelion; succulent spring grass indeed is sometimes
all that is needed. Diuretics are useful in effecting elim-
ination of the pigment, the carbonates and acetates of po-
Diseases of the Liver. 283
tassa, soda and ammonia being especially good. Bittex
and other tonics are often valuable in conteracting that imn-
pairment of tone which favors congestion and swelling of
the stomach, intestine and liver, otherwise the treatment
must correspond to the nature of the cause when that can
be ascertained.
CONGESTION OF THE LIVER.
This is common in horses in warm climates, where
luxuriant grasses (plethora) and hot seasons strongly pre-
dispose. Hence, in the Southern States, and especially in
localities which are moist as well, and where malarious
emanations exist, it may be looked for, but it is also seen
in pampered idle animals kept in hot close stables any-
where. Rich food and the comparative absence of waste by
exercise and breathing throw too much labor on the liver,
which is rendered lable to clogging and congestion. Among
the immediate exciting causes may be named sudden
changes of temperature, emigration from a cold to a warm
damp region, chills in cold dewy nights after hot days,
sudden exertion when unfitted for it by long rest and bad
condition, exertion under intense heat of the sun, and blows
on the region of the liver, particularly on the young.
Venous congestion from imperfect action of the heart
valves is a cause of hepatic congestion, at once predispos-
ing and exciting.
Symptoms. ‘These strongly resemble the severe forms
of poisoning, by imperfectly elaborated liver products, the
two conditions being often coexistent and mutually de-
pendent on each other. There are the sudden prostration,
dull sunken eyes, pinched anxious face, excited breathing
and pulse, trembling, swaying limbs, perspiration, sighing,
and violent colicky pains with frequent looking at the flank,
lying down and rising. Striking the last ribs with the fist
causes flinching, groaning, or even attempts to kick or
bite, and some jaundice and furring of the tongue are often
seen. When fainting ensues, this with the pallid mucous
284 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
membranes and quick, weak pulse, imply rupture of the
liver and extensive loss of blood. In the slighter attacks
the symptoms are correspondingly mitigated.
The attack may subside and end in complete recovery,
or blood effused into the substance of the liver may be
slowly absorbed, or organized into fibrous material, or
may determine extensive and fatal softening of the liver,
or finally the patient may perish in a fainting fit from rupt-
ure of the liver and loss of blood.
Treatment. At the outset a free bleeding will often ob-
viate effusion of blood and rupture and check the disease.
It must never be resorted to, however, when faintness, a
weak, small pulse or a small stream from the orifice im-
plies already existing effusion. Quiet, mustard poultices
or other derivatives applied to the limbs and saline pur-
gatives (1 Ib. sulphate of soda) by the mouth, and as in-
jections will prove valuable in directly depleting the
portal system and liver. Cold water or ice to the last ribs
will often serve to check effusion already begun. The
sulphate of soda may be kept up in small doses (1 to 4
ozs. daily) and a mustard or other blister may be applied
over the region of the liver. During treatment the animal
must have the purest air and, as food, soft bran mashes
and roots. After recovery feed moderately on sound, eas-
ily digested food, keep in pasture or airy stable and never
neglect moderate exercise even for a day.
INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER. HEPATITIS.
Due to the same causes as congestion but much less fre-
quent. In dogs, beside the general causes we must ac-
knowledge the influence of sharp-pointed bodies swallowed
in wantonness, and splinters of bones which perforate the
stomach and liver.
Symptoms. At first those of slow congestion already
referred to. As active inflammation sets in there is less
violent pain and excitement and more fever. The pulse
is accelerated, the breathing quickened, especially in in-
Diseases of the Liver. 285
flammation of the liver capsule, the region of the last ribs
is very tender to a blow (on the right side only in rumi-
nants), the mouth hot and clammy, tongue furred, mucous
membranes more or less dusky or yellow and the heat of
the body raised by 2° or upwards. The bowels may be
at first loose, yellow and bilious but soon are confined,
the small pellets of dung being covered with a yellowish
mucus and this state may again give place to a mucous
diarrhea. Appetite is usually completely lost, emaciation
advances rapidly, blood spots and patches appear on the
visible mucous membranes, and the legs, especially the
hind ones, swell or stock. Great nervous atony, convul-
sions or even delirium may appear toward the last.
In dogs there is great dullness and muscular weakness,
inclination to lie constantly, unsteady gait, dusky or yel-
low membranes, furred tongue, prominence of the last ribs
- on the right side and tenderness along them and their
cartilages. When the disease is fully developed the tumid
edge of the liver may be felt behind the last rib and the
costal cartilages. A brownish, mucous diarrhoea succeeds
to the preliminary constipation. Great nervous prostra-
tion and stupor usually precede death. The disease is
very fatal in dogs but may merge into the chronic form
with ascites or end in a perfect recovery.
Fowls, especially the less lively birds, suffer much from
hepatitis when well fed and kept in a small poultry-yard.
They may die suddenly of effusion of blood on the liver
without any previous signs of illness, or they may droop
for some days or even weeks prior to death. Any change
in the habits of closely confined, plethoric fowls should
lead to suspicion of liver disease. Ruffled feathers, sink-
ing of the head between the wings, sluggishness in run-
ning or feeding, drooping in a corner alone, with a with-
ered brownish appearance of the comb and jaundice of
the skin are especially to be noted,
Treatment. Bleeding is rarely beneficial and we must
rely mainly on depletion from the portal system and liyey
286 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
by purgatives, or counter-irritants and change of habits.
A pound of sulphate of soda may be given at once to the
larger animals, or an ounce to a shepherd’s dog and an
equivalent amount by injection. Podophylhn, aloes, etc.,
may be used instead. Friction, with loose bandaging of
the limbs, with or without excitation with mustard or am-
monia and cupping, or in small animals leeching over the
region of the liver or mustard poultices are demanded.
After the bowels have been freely opened smaller doses of
Glauber salts or cream of tartar may be given daily to
keep up a free action of the bowels, and throughout the
diet must be soft (mashes, roots, green food,) and restricted
in quantity. Taraxacum with bitter tonics (Peruvian
bark, gentian, columba, gelsemium, etc.,) will be useful
during convalescence, and when the herbivorous patient is
well enough to be pastured in a field well stocked with
dandelion this may be resorted to. In carnivora and
swine ipecacuanha and guaiacum are useful in favoring free
elimination by the bowels and skin.
Fouls attacked usually die, but the morbid state in which
the disease takes its origin may be counteracted in the re-
maining fowls by a free range, by cabbage, cooked pota-
toes, turnips and other vegetable food in place of grain,
and a small quantity of salt and Glauber salts in the food
or water. Excess of common salt is poisonous.
CHRONIC INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER.
This is seen especially in horses and dogs, the liver often
attaining an enormous size or undergoing fibrous degen-
eration (cirrhosis). It is attended by the same symptoms
as the acute form, but these are less urgent and dropsy of
the belly and legs is a common result.
It is to be treated in the same manner as the acute form
but less energetically, mild laxatives with bitters daily and
above all a free range in the open air; for herbivora,
sound, juicy pastures and in case of malarious soil or im-
pure water, a change even for a few miles to a higher lo-
cality.
Diseases of the Liver. 987
+
RESULTS OF INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER.
Beside recovery there may be effusion of blood with soft-
ening, granular softening, abscess and fibrous induration.
These if not promptly fatal give rise to wasting diseases
with general symptoms of liver disorder, but into these
our space will not permit us to enter. (See the author’s
large work.)
GALL-STONES. BILIARY CALCULI.
These are especially common in oxen when subject to
the dry feeding of winter but are found in all domestic
animals, often in great numbers. They occur as round
masses, angular masses when they have lain in contact, or
as incrustations on the walls of the ducts of which they
form distinct casts. They often fail to cause manifest
disorder, but if they obstruct the ducts there is acute spas-
modic pain in the abdomen, with all the signs of colic,
tenderness over the last ribs, and more or less jaundice.
The attacks are liable to recur as new calculi are displaced,
and the general health suffers. Carnivora vomit, and in
all diarrhoea may set in if relief is not obtained. Sheep
generally have incrustations when affected with flukes
(liver rot).
The formation of these calculi may usually be prevented
in herbivora by allowing a fair amount of exercise and
succulent food, and they nearly always disappear in cattle
turned out on therich grasses of spring. Beside these meas-
ures their removal may be sought by the daily use of carbon-
ate and sulphate of soda and common salt, with abundance
of good water and exercise. During the attacks give anti-
spasmodics, lobelia, belladonna, hyoscyamus, chloral-hy-
drate, ete., and keep up hot fomentations perseveringly to
the loins and abdomen. Chloral-hydrate and chloroform
dissolve cholesterine calculi.
OTHER AFFECTIONS OF THE LIVER, fatty degeneration, tuber-
cle, cancer, hypertrophy, atrophy, are manifested by the
general symptoms of hepatic disorders, but space torhids
further notiee of them here.
288 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
PARASITIC DISEASES OF THE LIVER.
LIVER-ROT. FLUKE DISEASE.
This affection is most destructive to sheep, of which it
has destroyed as many as from one to two million head
in England alone in certain years. It is immediately
determined by the presence in the gall ducts of two flat
leaf-like parasites—the Fasciola Hepatica and the Disto-
mum Lanceolatum—the first 3 to 1 inch in length, the
Fig. 37.
4
iy
Fig. 37—-Fasciola Hepatica. Fig. 38—Distomum Lanceolatum.
second 4 lines. These. inhabit the gall ducts of all the
domestic animals, of many wild animals and even of man,
but in most of these they do little harm. The eggs of
these parasites laid in the gall ducts cannot be developed
there, but pass out with the bile and dung, hatch in pools
of fresh water in which the embryo floats until it finds
a mollusk, in which it encysts itself and becomes a brood
capsule developing many new embryos within it; these
embryos may form new brood capsules and thus increase
their numbers materially, or if swallowed by a mammal
along with its food or water they develop into the mature
Diseases of the Liver. 289
flukes, inhabiting the bile ducts and reproducing them-
selves only by eggs. The necessity for these intermediate
generations, and the fact that they can only take place in
fresh water and in fresh water mollusks, points to thorough
drainage as the most efficient means of limiting the ravages
of the parasites.
In small numbers they do little harm and as they can-
not multiply within the body their presence may be of no
consequence, but when present in large numbers they be-
come most destructive. In certain damp lands stocked
with these parasites sheep cannot live, no matter how
well fed, and cattle often perish as well. A single in-
fested sheep brought on such damp lands will speedily
stock them, as infested German rams did the colony of
Victoria in 1855.
Symptoms. Sheep may thrive unusually for a month or
two, but soon they begin to lose flesh and waste with
a rapidity that is surprising. The skin and the membranes
of the nose and eyes become soft and puffy, the naturally
bright pink vessels of the eye become yellowish, dark, or
even quite imperceptible, the whole eye assumes a yellow
tinge, the skin is pale, bloodless, deficient in yolk or oil,
dry and scurfy. The wool loses its brilliancy and comes
out easily when pulled. The muscles waste, the animal
is razor-backed, the hip-bones project, and the flank becomes
sunken, the belly pendent and the back drooped from
dropsical effusion. Similar effusions take place in the
chest beneath the abdomen and breast-bone. and under
the lower jaw. The head is no longer carried erect, the
expression of the face is haggard and hopeless, the appe-
tite capricious, thirst ardent, and there is occasional
diarrhcea. Examination of the dung detects myriads of
microscopic eggs 4, inch in diameter.
Treatment. Almost all the tonics of the pharmacopeeia
have been employed with more or less effect, but all usu-
ally fail when many parasites have gained access to the
19
290 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
system. The following is a good example of a tonic mixt-
ure :
Linseed, rape, pea, oat, barley, or unbolted wheat
flour, 40 lbs.
Powdered gentian or anise seed, 4“
Common salt, 4“
Sulphate or oxide of iron, hes
Give half a pint daily to each sheep.
In all treatment it is essential to remove from the in-
tested meadow to a perfectly dry pasture or salt marsh on
either of which the eggs of the fluke will perish. To turn
on a wet fresh pasture is merely to stock that with the
parasites.
Prevention. Keep sheep on high dry pastures or salt
marshes where the fluke cannot live out of the body.
Feed salt daily if flukes exist to however limited an extent ;_
this is fatal to the young flukes and will destroy most of
them as they aretakenin. Thorough drainage of infested
pastures will make them wholesome. This may fail when
land is subject to inundations, and in this case such land
should be devoted to raising hay or other crops. Keeping
the sheep off the infested fields at nights and until the
dews leave the grass in the morning will go a long way
towards protecting them. In some instances of the intro-
duction of this parasite into a new country the contami-
nated sheep should be destroyed and the infested pasture
with a wide area around it proscribed from being grazed.
For other parasites of the liver, see general article on
‘* PARASITES,”
CHAPTER XI.
DISEASES OF THE PANCREAS AND SPLEEN.
Diseases of the pancreas: inflammation, degeneration, calculi, ete. Dis
eases of the spleen: tuberculous, cancerous, glanderous, inflammatory, con
gestive, apoplectic. Hypertrophy, Atrophy, Lymphadenoma, Leukzemia.
DISEASES OF THE PANCREAS.
Though subject to a variety of diseases as shown by the
existence of abscess, tuberculosis, sarcoma, melanosis, can-
cer, calculi and worms (Sclerostomum Equinum) after
death, this organ is so deeply seated and the result of its
disorder so little manifest, that its pathological states usu-
ally pass without recognition during life. One symptom
* only is characteristic—the passage of much undigested fat
with the dung. The fatty aliment is mainly emulsionized
by the pancreatic juice, and its presence in the stools un-
changed may be held to imply suppression of that secre-
tion. If this condition coincides with general fever, col-
icky pains, and tenderness behind the last rib on the right
side, inflammation of the gland may be suspected ; if with
sharper colic but without fever, obstruction of the pancreatic
duet by calculi will be suggested.
Inflammation should be treated on general principles by
laxatives, blisters to the right side of the abdomen an¢
spare diet; Calculi by antispasmodics and fomentations
as for gall-stones; and simple suppressed secretion by sul-
phuric ether.
DISEASES OF THE SPLEEN (MILT).
These are if possible even more occult than those of the
292 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
pancreas. And yet this organ is involved in nearly all
diseases of the liver, in specific fevers due to a poison in
the blood, and in disorders of the lymphatic vessels. Ob-
structed circulation through the liver sends the blood
back on this organ and over-distends it almost to rupture.
Advanced tuberculosis and cancer rarely fail to show
secondary deposits here. Glanders sometimes shows the
same tendency. Anthrax and anthracoid affections and,
to a less extent, other specific fevers, lead to enlargement
and even rupture of the spleen, in connection with the
long retention of the blood and disease poisons in its ve-
nous cavities. Of particular diseases the spleen suffers
from wasting in starved animals, from extraordinary in-
crease in the highly fed, and from changes of structure
such as glandular degeneration and enlargement (lymphade-
noma). cx. of these diseases, and notably the latter,
are associated with an excess of white globules in the
blood, (leukemia) which condition revealed by the micro-
scope may assist in diagnosis.
We can do little for these affections besides giving at-
‘tention to the general health, by tonics and a sound hy-
giene.
CHAPTER XII.
DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS.
General causes and symptoms. Examination of the urine. Diuresis, Di.
abetis Insipidus, Polyuria. Bloody urine, Hzematuria. Simple inflamma.
tion of the kidneys, Nephritis. Bright’s disease, Desquamative Nephritis
- Albuminuria, Albuminous urine. Spasm of the neck of the bladder. Paraly-
sis of the bladder. Inflammation of the bladder, Cystitis. Inflammation
of the Urethra, Gonorrhea, Gleet. Stricture of the Urethra. Eversion of
the bladder. Urinary Calculi, and gravel, Stone in the kidney, ureter, blad-
der, urethra and prepuce,—in horses, cattle, sheep, pigs and dogs.
Diseases of the urinary organs are not infrequent in the
domestic animals, though less prevalent than in man.
They prevail above all in certain localities, as: on the
magnesian limestones, in company with goitre, on lands
abounding in diuretic or resinous plants or water, in damp
regions where fodder is secured in a wet, musty condition,
where it is fed covered with hoar-frost, or where frequent
cold rains and winds repress the perspiration and throw
undue work on the kidneys. Feeding to excess on ali-
ments rich in phosphates of lime and magnesia—bran,
beans, peas, vetches, etc..—the habitual privation of wa-
ter, injudicious dosing with diuretics, diseased heart and
lungs which throws the blood back on the veins and de-
termines passive congestion of the kidneys, diseases of the
liver which interfering with the oxidation of albuminoids
predispose to urinary deposit, and finally mechanical in-
juries to the loins or pelvis all tend to induce various
urinary diseases.
General Symptoms. With most acute inflammations
there is a stiff straddling gait with the hind limbs, the
294 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
loins are tender, as ascertained by pinching on the spines
or the transverse processes of the backbone, there is less
difficulty experienced in backing than when there is sprat:
or fracture of the back or loins, and the animal is mor<
likely to lie down though it costs an extra effort to rise,
Shere is straining to discharge urine, which is passed in
excess, in deficiency, in jets, in dribblets only, or not at all.
_‘n the larger animals the bladder and its excretory duct
urethra) are easily and satisfactorily examined by the
band introduced through the rectum or vagina and any
tenderness, flaccidity, swelling, over-distension or foreign
agent (stone) is easily made out. In the smaller breeds
of horses and cattle even, the kidneys may be reached in
this way and any heat, swelling, tenderness, ete., perceived.
Then brain disease, dropsies and skin eruptions are com-
mon results of urinary disorder.
Examination of the Urine. But a certain class of urin-
ary diseases are only to be made out by examination of
the urine. Beside the modifications of quantity and flow
already referred to, this may be altered : Ist, in color, as
white from saline deposits, brown or red from blood clots
and coloring matter, or from imperfectly oxidized albu-
minoids, yellow or orange from bile or blood pigment, pale
or variously tinted from vegetable colors taken with the
food: 2d, in density as measured by a hygrometer (urin-
ometer), the natural urine being in the horse and ox 1030
to 1060, pig and goat 1010 to 1012, dog 1020 and cat 1058 :
83d, in chemical reaction, acidity or alkalinity, as ascertained
by blue litmus or red test-papers (healthy herbivorous
urine is alkaline, turning the red papers blue unless after
prolonged abstinence or a flesh diet ; carnivorous and om-
nivorous urine is acid excepting when confined to a vege-
table diet) : 4th, in organic ingredients, as when it contains
albumen (coagulable by boiling or by strong nitric acid or
in the horse giving the liquid a ropy consistency), sugar,
blood, bile, cylindroid microscopic casts of the uriniferous
tubes or the eggs or bodies of worms: 5th, in is salts,
Diseases of the Urinary Organs. 295
which may crystallize out in the system or at once after
the liquid is discharged, or after cooling, or finally may
have to be precipitated by chemical reagents.
DIURESIS. DIABETES INSIPIDUS. POLYURIA.
Excessive secretion of urine. This may occur in any
animal from agents, medicinal or alimentary, which un-
duly stimulate the kidneys. The horse, however, is the
nost frequent sufferer, being more than any other animal
subjected to reckless dosing by those about him with pri-
vate nostrums and much advertised quack preparations,
and to the exclusive use of musty and injured hay and
erain. Musty hay, grain or bran is perhaps the most
common cause, the noxious agent being probably the
cryptogams produced on this damp, heated fodder. Musty
oatmeal will even affect the human being. New oats,
very watery food like the refuse of distilleries, and cooked
food, seleniteous waters, acrid diuretic plants in the pas-
tures or hay, exposure to extreme cold and wet, and ex-
cessive thirst consequent on feeding salt or on irritation
of the stomach are other causes. Whole flocks of sheep
sometimes suffer at once from acrid plants eaten.
Symptoms. Frequent—often almost constant—passage
of a very pale-colored urine in large quantities and of low
specific gravity, insatiable thirst, rapid falling off in con-
dition and spirits, sluggishness and weakness at work and
perspiration on the slightest exertion. The discharges
are comparatively inodorous and more like water than
horse’s urine, and contain little solid matter though the
quantity of solids passed in twenty-four hours is in excess.
The skin becomes rough and hide-bound and all the signs
of ill-health set in, though the animal may suffer and sur-
vive for months or even a year. More commonly he dies
early of exhaustion, or glanders supervenes and kills the
patient.
Treatment is very successful in the early stages. Stop
the use of faulty food and drugs and give dry wholesome
296 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
hay and grain with no suspicion of newness or mustiness.
Give a decoction of flaxseed freely with the water drunk,
with phosphate of iron 2 drachms, Peruvian bark 4
drachms and iodide of potassium 2 drachms daily. Cre.
osote may often be added with advantage.
BLOODY URINE. HAIMATURIA.
This occurs after sprains of the loins or blows on this
region, with stone in the kidneys, urinary passages or blad-
der, cancer, tubercle or even abscess of the kidney, etc., or
lastly some poisoned condition of the blood, as in malig-
nant anthrax. Acrid diuretic plants, cantharides, May-
bugs, etc., are occasional causes. When bleeding occurs
from local irritation or in a tolerably healthy state of the
blood it is partly at least in the form of clots and fibrinous
easts of the uriniferous tubes, about one-hundreth inch in
diameter, and cntangling blood-globules. If from _poi-
- soned and disintegrating blood, there is a diffuse colora-
tion with hematine, with perhaps fragments of blood-
globules, but rarely perfect ones, clots or casts, and a sim-
ilar oozing of blood is liable to take place at other parts
£ the body. The blood-coloring matter is easily distin-
guished from bile by chemical tests. It is less easily dis-
tinguished from the brownish-red albuminoids which es-
sape by the kidneys in Azotemia. Beside the passage of
blood there may be the general signs of urimary disorder,
but these are not constant. When gravel coexists gritty
masses pass with the urine or collect on the hair of the
prepuce.
Treatment. Remove the causes, give comfortable, dry
lwellings, sound food, mucilaginous drinks (linseed tea,
nallow, gums, elm, etc.,) and acid astringents (tincture of
chloride of iron, sugar of lead, vinegar, buttermilk and oak
bark). In profuse discharge cold water may be applied tc
the loins, while in inflammatory cases a sheep-skin or
poultice may be first used and followed by a mustard
plaster. (See AZor#MIA AND RED-WATER).
ice)
“I
Diseases of the Urinary Organs. 2
NEPHRITIS. SIMPLE INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS.
Causes. Blows or sprains in the region of the loins,
stone in the kidneys, use of diuretics to excess, musty
fodder, irritant or acrid plants in hay, too extensive blis-
ters of Spanish flies, paralysis of the spinal cord.
Symptoms. A variable but often very high fever, heat
or even swelling of the loins, tenderness often extreme
beneath the bony processes about six inches from the
spine, a stiff, straddling gait with the hind limbs, little
marked in chronic cases but so severe as to amount almost
to helplessness in the worst, the loins arched, progression
difficult and attended in some cases by groaning, there is
looking at the abdomen and colicky pains, more severe at
one time than another. If the patient lies down it is with
caution. In males there are alternate retraction and de-
scent of the testicles, and in all there is likely to be frequent
passages of urine in small amount, of a very high color and
density, and containing fibrinous casts of the kidney tubes ~
one-hundreth of an inch in diameter, and sometimes blood
or even pus. The bowels are costive and there is a rapid
pulse, an elevated temperature and excited breathing.
The legs tend to swell uniformly from the foot up, and
swellings may appear under the chest or belly, or even in
internal cavities.
General ill-health, with stocking of the legs, casts in the
urine and some tenderness of the loins to pressure, may
be all that is seen in the chronic cases.
Treatment. In acute cases, with strong pulse and ro-
bust patient, an immediate advantage may be gained by
bleeding, but this is rare. Give a laxative of olive-oil or
ray; linseed-oil, or in case of necessity of Glauber salts or
aloes, accompanying this with an anodyne, (opium, bella-
donna, tobacco,) throw anodyne and mucilaginous injec-
tions into the rectum, and cover the loins with a fresh
sheep-skin, the fleshy side in, or with a soothing poultice or
fomentations, following this up in six or eight hours by a
mustard poultice. Mucilaginous drinks may be given
298 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
freely, but diuretics are to be sedulously avoided and
warm clothing used to favor sweating and thus relieve the
kidneys of work. Laxatives and anodynes must be ra.
peated as may seem necessary and finally a course of
bitter tonics may be allowed.
ALBUMINURIA. BRIGHT’S DISEASE. DESQUAMATIVE NEPHRITIS.
This consists in inflammation of the kidneys, acute or
chronic, with degeneration and shedding of the epithe-
lium from the kidney tubes.
Symptoms. More or less awkwardness of gait behind,
and tenderness of the loins, in some cases indisposition to
lie down, thick, gelatinous, ropy urine, with microscopic
casts of the kidney tubes, containing much spherical
epithelium and granular matter. The urine coagulates in
part in whitish flakes when boiled, or under the action of
corrosive sublimate, acetate of lead or nitric acid. The
general health suffers and the patient dies sooner or later
of uremia with dropsy, or of some other affection which
has been aggravated by the impaired vitality and the
excess of the elements of urine in the blood.
Treatment is not always satisfactory, though a certain
proportion recover. Avoid exposure to cold, keep in a
warm box and warmly clothed. Keep the bowels acting
freely by a restricted diet of warm bran mashes, etc., or
even by laxatives. Give tonics (phosphate of iron, quinia,
willow bark,) and mineral acids and use mustard appli-
cations to the loins. If the kidneys fail to act, do not
give diuretics, but use cupping over the part, or hot fo-
mentations with water, or better still a strong infusion of
digitalis.
Albuminous Urine, which is always ropy in horses, is ne
proof of the existence of Bright’s disease, but is an attend-
ant on nearly all extensive inflammations of important
organs, on rheumatism, fevers and certain poisoned con-
ditions of the blood.
Diseases of the Urinary Organs. 299
SPASM OF THE NECK OF THE BLADDER.
Causes. Prolonged retention of urine in mares at work
or in horses hard driven. Chill when heated. Nervous
irritation. Is a common attendant on severe colic and
gives way when that is relieved. Males suffer most fre-
quently.
Symptoms. Frequent attempts to urinate, which prove
ineffectual or secure a dribbling only after much pain and
straining. There may be anxious looking at the flank
and uneasy shifting of the limbs, or in cattle twisting of
the tail. There is tenderness in the back part of the ab-
domen in the median line below. The hand, oiled and
introduced into the rectum, will feel the distended blad-
der, with its firm dense neck and no enlargement either
there or backward in the urethra, as from stone.
If unrelieved the bladder becomes immoderately dis-
tended and finally bursts, especially in ruminants. This
is followed by tenderness of the abdomen, febrile symp-
toms, dullness and languor, and if the bladder is exam-
ined it is found to be flaccid and tender. Perforation of
the lower part of the abdomen with the nozzle of a hypo-
dermic syringe allows the escape of urine, easily recog-
nized by its odor.
Treatment. Spreading fresh litter under the horse will
sometimes induce staling. If not, use antispasmodics in-
_ troduced by the rectum or even by the mouth (opium,
laudanum, belladonna or hyoscyamus extract, tobaccc
smoke or solution, chloral-hydrate, lobelia, prussic acid,
cyanide of potassium, etc.) Solutions of any of these
agents may be rubbed on the perineum. Sometimes the
spasm will give way under gentle pressure on the bladder
with hand or finger in the rectum. Finally, all other
measures failing, the urine may be withdrawn with a well-
oiled catheter. This should be 4 inch in diameter for
the horse, } inch for the bull and a line for the dog. Con-
trary to the usual statement a small catheter may be
passed in the bull when the penis is sufficiently extended
300 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
to efface the S-shaped bend of the penis. In the mare
the spasm may be overcome by the insertion of one or
two fingers through the opening which is found in the
median line of the floor of the passage about four inches
from the external orifice. In the cow care is required to
enter the central orifice as there is a blind sac on each
side. .
PARALYSIS OF THE BLADDER
May occur from excessive over-distension, in connection
with lock-jaw or rheumatism which prevents stretching to
stale, with cystitis implicating the muscular coat, spasm
of the neck of the bladder, or decomposition of the urine.
It is attendant on disease or injury of the terminal part
of the spinal cord, on broken back, etc., and is then asso-
ciated with palsy of the tail and it may be of the hind
limbs.
Symptoms. If the neck is involved the urine dribbles
away constantly, without straining, is discharged in the
sheath and runs down inside the thighs causing irritation
and inflammation in both. If the neck is unaffected the
urine accumulates in the bladder, causing over-distension,
irritation and rupture. The urine decomposes, setting
free ammonia which softens and dissolves the epithelium
and establishes the worst type of cystitis.
Treatment. In cases of broken back or disease of the
spinal cord attention must be given to that and, if reme-
diable, the urine must be drawn off frequently with a cath-—
eter to prevent over-distension and injury to the bladder.
Tn local paralysis, or after the spinal cord has recovered,
apply a blister (mustard) between the thighs beneath the
anus or vulva or over the back part of the belly inferiorly.
Give belladonna extract (1 to 2 drachms), cantharides (1
to 8 grains) or nux-vomica (4 drachm for large herbivora).
Use electricity.
INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER. CYSTITIS.
Causes. Abuse of diuretics, acrid diuretic plants in
Diseases of the Urinary Organs. 301
the food, the application of blisters (Spanish flies, turpen-
tine,) over too extensive surfaces, prolonged retention and
decomposition of urine, irritation from stone in the blad-
der, etc.
Symptoms. If confined to the mucous membrane urine
is passed frequently, painfully, in small quantities, with
more or less floating mucus and flat, microscopic, fibri-
nous shreds of exudation entangling columnar or scaly ep-
ithelium. The bladder is very tender to the touch and
if the finger is passed into it in the female its neck and
walls are felt to be thickened, sometimes enormously.
There are colicky pains, frequent looking at the flanks, un-
easy movements of the hind feet or twisting of the tail.
The gait is stiff and straddling. There is fever, usually
slight. Jf the muscular coat is involved there is disten-
sion of the bladder, and if the neck participates the urine
escapes involuntarily. If due to unrelieved stone that will
be found on examination.
The case is most hopeful if due to irritants or some clearly
removable cause.
Treatment. Remove the cause, whether food, drugs,
blistering agents on the skin, stone, gravel or retained and
decomposed urine. Give spare, soft, aqueous diet with
mucilaginous agents (linseed decoction or tea, slippery
-elm, gums, etc.,) laxatives of olive or linseed-oil, soft pure
water at will, and mucilaginous and anodyne injections
into the bladder (gum Arabic 1 drachm, opium 1 drachm,
tepid water 1 pint). Blisters may be used in paralysis.
In severe cases these may be preceded by fomentations.
Finally, when the acute symptoms have subsided, small
doses of stimulating diuretics (copaiva, cubebs, juniper,
buchu,) will often serve to tone up the mucous membrane.
INFLAMMATION OF THE URETHRA. GONORRH@A. GLEET.
Causes. Like cystitis this may depend on irritants in
the urine, taken by the mouth or applied to the surface,
excessive copulation, connection with a newly-delivered
302 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser
female or one that has otherwise contracted a vaginal dis-
charge, mechanical injury to the penis in serving females,
irritation from the passage or arrest of small stones or
gravel.
Symptoms. Swelling and soreness in the sheath and
penis, pain in urinating, the liquid coming in jets and fre-
quently arrested because of the suffering. In dogs there
is continual licking of the organ and soon a creamy pus
drops from the orifice.
Treatment. If before the discharge of pus, give a laxa-
tive and foment the parts with warm water. Wash out
any gravel. If after suppuration, use soothing or astrin-
gent injections (permanganate of potassa, acetate of lead,
sulphate of zinc or nitrate of silver, 2 grains to 1 oz. water).
Tonics and stimulating diuretics may be finally needed as
in cystitis. A soft restricted diet is demanded.
STRICTURE OF THE URETHRA.
Usually a result of local irritation :—gravel, strong as-
tringent injections used in the early stage of gonorrhoea or
the healing of ulcers formed when that disease is neg-
lected.
Symptoms. Great difficulty in urination, the liquid es-
caping in a fine siream and with pain. Frequent painful
erections.
Treatment. Passing, daily, catheters of gradually in-
creasing sizes, beginning with one just large enough to
enter with gentle force.
EVERSION OF THE BLADDER
Can occur only in the female, from severe straining in
irritation of the urinary organs, and especially after the
organ has been rendered torpid or paralyzed by over-dis-
tension, severe parturition or otherwise. The animal
strains violently and a red, tumid, rounded mass appears
from between the lips of the vulva. On examining its
surface near the neck the two orifices of the ureters may
be detected with the urine oozing from them in drops.
Diseases of the Urinary Organs. 303
Treatment. Wash with milk-warm water containing
laudanum, and return, pressing the centre of the mass in-
ward so as to correct the eversion. The main difficulty
will be met in returning it through the contracted neck of
the bladder, and if the eversion has lasted long encugh to
determine inflammation and softening great care will be
requisite to avoid tearing the coats. Should straining be
so violent as to threaten renewal of the eversion a truss
may be applied as advised for eversion of the womb.
* URINARY CALCULI AND GRAVEL. STONE.
These vary in chemical composition with the genus of
animal and especially with the nature of the food. In
herbivora the urine normally contains a large amount of
the carbonates of lime and magnesia and of oxalate of lime,
a small quantity of silica, sulphate and phosphate of lime,
ammonio-magnesian phosphate, hippuric acid and some-
times uric acid, besides the more soluble alkaline salts.
Carnivora, on the other hand, have an excess of phosphate
of lime and magnesia, of sulphates and chlorides, more
uric acid than the vegetable feeders but a minimum amount
of carbonate and oxalate of lime and silica. The omnivora
occupy an intermediite position, the salts of the urine va-
rying with the frequent changes in the food.
The nature of the food determines the excess of particular
salts in the urine and their precipitation in the form of
crystals.
These carbonates of lime and magnesia which make up
te bulk of most urinary calculi in horses and ruminants
are due to the large amount of vegetable acids (citrates,
tartrates, malates, acetates, etc.,) in plants. These becom-
ing further oxidized are transformed into carbonic acid
which unites with the magnesia or lime present in the
blood.
Oxalate of lime is due to imperfect oxidation of the veg-
etable acids, oxalic acid containing an equivalent less of
oxygen than carbonic acid. It appears in excess in cer-
304 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
tain diseases of the lungs or other conditions which inter-
fere with respiration.
Silica enters the system as silicate of potassa in food
and water and especially in cyperacezea, horsetails, oat-
straw, oat-meal, etc. It is displaced as silica whenever it
comes in contact with a stronger acid.
Phosphates enter the system in bran, in beans, peas, ©
and the leguminous seeds generally, in oil-cake and rape-
cake, or (the carnivora) in the flesh and bones. When
present in undue amount in a given quantity of urine they
tend to crystallize out, but when a large amount of phos-
phate of magnesia is present, it is only necessary that the
urine should be retained longer than usual in the bladder
and that decomposition should set in with evolution of am-
monia, to have the insoluble ammonia-magnesian phos-
phate at once thrown down.
Sulphate of lime is derived from sulphates in the water
or the oxidation of sulphur contained in the albuminoid
principles of food.
Urea, Uric Acid, Hippuric Acid, Creatine, Creatinine,
Kiestine, Leucin, Tyrosin, ete., are all nitrogenous elements,
derived from the waste of muscle and gelatinous tissues,
or from albuminoid matters in the food. Urea is to be
looked on as the healthy product of such decomposition,
while uric and hippuric acids, etc., are products in which
the process of oxidation has stopped short, leaving the
products in a less soluble condition and more liable to
crystallize out of the urine. Impaired breathing from dis-
eased lungs or otherwise and imperfect action of the liver,
whether from local disease in that organ or from feverish
states, with impaired functions generally, are therefore
among the causes which strongly predispose to urimary
calculi.
Beside these a certain amourt of mucus, fat, coloring
matter and even blood enter into the formation of urinary
calculi.
Accessory Causes. To the above named causes favoring
Diseases of the Urinary Organs. 305
the formation of urinary calculi, may be added all such as
favor concentration of the urine. Thus scarcity of drink-
ing water, excessive loss of liquid by the bowels or skin,
(diarrhoea, dysentery, etc.,) dry winter feeding on hay and
grain, feverish states in which little urine is secreted, and
hard waters appear to have this effect. The last named
cause is not generally credited by physicians but its coin-
cidence with the prevalence of stone is exceedingly com-
mon.
Mode of Formation. The first requisite is that some
solid body should exist as a nucleus around which layer
after layer is crystallized, and hence the stone is always
composed of a series of concentric layers. The nucleus
may consist in a particle of mucus, fibrine or blood, a
erystal deposited from over-saturated urine, or even a for-
eign body introduced from without. I have seen a large
calculus in the kidney of a deer formed around a piece of
wood which must have penetrated the kidney and broken
off, while the wound by which it entered had healed up.
Appearance. Caleculi vary much in character but the
most marked varieties are the smooth stones formed by
carbonates, oxalates, phosphates and silica, and the
rough jagged crystalline specimens of ammonio-magnesian
phosphates.
Renal Calculi. Those found in the kidney are usually
moulded in the pelvis, though I have found many like
small lentils in dilatations of the microscopic tubes in the
substance of the gland. Cattle fed on dry hay and grain,
during winter, rarely want small yellow crystalline masses
in the pelvis. Hven when so large as to distend the pel-
vis and weigh several ounces they are not always incom-
patible with good health and aptitude to fatten. When
so large or rough as to produce manifest disorder, this
appears as irritation of the kidneys, tender loins, stiff
straddling gait, etc., with the passage of microscopic crys-
tals, and perhaps blood or pus in the urine. In cattle and
sheep the salts from the concentrated urine usually crys-
20
306 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
tallize out on the hairs around the opening of the sheath.
All species of domestic quadrupeds suffer.
There is no satisfactory treatment and the great object
is to prevent their formation by the measures named
below.
Urecral Calculi. These are lodged in the small canals
which convey the urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
They are usually formed in the pelvis of the kidney and
being washed on with the urine are arrested in the ureter.
The symptoms are more violent than those of renal cal-
culi, since the flow of the urine is checked and the ureter
and pelvis of the kidney are over-distended, while the kid-
ney itself undergoes inflammation and, if the animal sur-
vives, is finally removed by absorption, the opposite kid-
ney meanwhile enlarging and doing the work of two. The
colics and general symptoms are like those of nephritis.
The elastic distended ureter may sometimes be felt with
the oiled hand introduced through the rectum. Like re-
nal calculus this is usually irremediable. Antispasmodics
will sometimes succeed by relaxing the duct and allowing
the accumulated urine to pass the obstruction onward.
They are best given by injection into the bowel. If ne-
phritis sets in the treatment must correspond.
Cystic Calculus. Stone in the Bladder. Seen in all do-
mestic animals.
Symptoms. Frequent straining to pass urine, which
escapes in dribblets, in jets checked by a sudden arrest,
or not at all. Blood in clots, and microscopic crystals
or calculi usually pass with the ure. Examination with
the oiled hand in the rectum will detect the rounded mass
in the bladder, especially if itis partially filled with water.
In the female it may be struck by a smooth metallic
sound, or even touched with the finger.
Treatment. By breaking the stone into small pieces
which may pass with the urine (lithotrity), or by extrac-
tion whole after dilatation or cutting of the passages (lith-
otomy). Lathotrity is effected with the lithotrite of the
Diseases of the Urinary Organs. 307
—_—__—_—
surgeon and is only applicable to the female quadruped,
in which extraction is usually easy and safe. A. pair of
long, round-bladed tongs like a glove-stretcher may be
used to slowly dilate the neck of the bladder, after which
the warmed and oiled forceps, the blades of which should
be broad enough to cover the stone, are introduced and the
stone being seized is slowly withdrawn by gentle oscillating
movements. The injection of a little warm water into an
empty bladder will greatly facilitate the seizure of the
stone. The male is operated on standing or thrown on
his right side. A catheter is passed up the urethra to the
point where it bends forward over the hip bones and an
incision about two inches long made down upon this in
the median line. If the stone is small the forceps may
now be introduced and the calculus withdrawn as in the
female. If too large for this the passage must be dilated
with a probe-pointed knife, guided by a grooved director
or the index finger, the incision being carried obliquely
between the point of the hip-bone and the anus. The
stone once removed the opening may be stitched up and
treated like any ordinary wound. In the ox a catheter
should be passed as a guide in cutting, as the thickness of
the erectile tissue over the arch of the hip bone and the
small size of the urethra render the operation far more
difficult than in the horse. (For further particulars see
the author’s larger work).
Urethral Calculi. Stone in the canal by which urine is
discharged from the bladder. In horses these are found
in the terminal end of the urethra and its papille on the
glans penis. In the bull and ox in the S-shaped bend of
the penis just above the scrotum, and in the ram in the
same situation or, more frequently, in the vermiform ap-
pendix at the point of the penis. In horses the straining
is violent and constant, in cattle and sheep it is little
marked, but the tail is slightly raised and the accelerator
urine muscle is seen contracting just beneath the anus as
in ordinary urination. Examination along the course of
308 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
the urethra will detect one or more hard nodular enlarge-
ments at the S-shaped curve or elsewhere. If more than
one are present, they may be made to grate on each other.
Treatment. Tf in the papilla or vermiform appendix,
try to extract by manipulation. Should this fail, slit open
the duct, or in the ram cut off the appendix. If higher
up it must be cut down upon, through the skin, and ex-
tracted. In cattle it is desirable to first pull the penis
backward or forward so that the incision may clear the
scrotum with its excess of areolar tissue and fat.
PREPUTIAL CALCULI. STONES IN THE PREPUCE OR SHEATH.
In oxen and sheep urinary salts often crystallize out on
the hairs and may even block the passage somewhat. They
are easily removed by manipulation or with scissors. The
accumulations of sebaceous matter, in the bilocular cavity
on the end of the penis or in the sheath of the horse, some-
times receive this name. They are best removed by
thorough washing with soap and warm water, and the
parts may then be lubricated with sweet-oil.
SAND-LIKE DEPOSIT OR SOFT MAGMA IN THE BLADDER.
This is frequent in the horse, the spherical granules of
carbonate of lime and magnesia remaining apart instead
of becoming agglutinated into a stone. Its mildest form
is shown in the passage of a white matter at the comple-
tion of the act of urination. When accumulated so as to
fill half of the bladder or more, this comes away in large
amount and is found within the sheath and on the inner
sides of the thighs, for the urine escapes involuntarily and
continuously. :
Treatment. Wash out the bladder by pumping water
through a catheter by means of Reed’s stomach pump or
a syringe, then shake it up with the hand introduced
through the rectum and allow the muddy liquid to flow
out through the catheter. Repeat this until the bladder ig
emptied and the water comes away clear.
Diseases of the Urinary Organs. 309
Prevention. The next point is to prevent its forming
anew by measures calculated to obviate urinary calculi in
general. Correct any fault in feeding—excess of beans,
peas, bran, etc.,—and any disorder in the liver functions.
Give abundance of soft water, encouraging its ingestion by
a fair supply of salt, let the food be aqueous, consisting
largely of roots, especially carrots, and give daily in the
drinking water 1 dr. caustic soda or potassa, or common
ashes from hard wood. A course of bitters should also be
piven (cascarilla, columba, willow bark, gentian, quassia,
or others).
CHAPTER XIII
DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION.
General causes. Inflammation of the testicle. Dropsy of the scrotum,
Hydrocele. Water stones. Tumors of the sheath. Disease of the penis.
Ulcers of the penis. Castration of males. Evil results of castration.
Strangulated cord. Swelling of the sheath. Phymosis. Paraphymosis.
Tumor on the spermatic cord. Castration of females. Castration of male
birds. Abortion. Difficult parturition. Premature labor pains. Induration
of the neck of the womb. Twisting of the neck of the womb. Polypus in
the vagina. Wrong presentations, deformities, etc. Maxims for assisting in
difficult parturition. Anterior presentation with head or fore limb turned
back. Posterior presentation with one or both hind limbs turned back.
With water in the head or abdomen. Disorders following parturition.
Flooding. Retained afterbirth. Leucorrhcea, catarrh of the womb or va-
gina. Eversion of the womb or vagina. Jnflammation of the womb, Metri-
tis. Parturition fever, milk fever, parturient apoplexy.
Are mostly confined to breeding and dairying districts.
They are largely obviated by castration and the virgin
condition. Amongst the principal causes may be men-
tioned mechanical injuries, excitement and irritation ac-
companying coition, gestation, parturition, over-officious
or ill-directed assistance in delivery, a very rich or poor
diet, tuberculosis, poisons, (ergot, savin, rue, cantharides,
etc.,, sympathetic irritation from excessive milking, from
disease or injury of the mammary glands, of the urmary
organs or of the rectum.
INFLAMMATION OF THE TESTICLE.
Occurs mainly from external injury, though it may be
roused by excessive copulation, or by glanderous deposit
or other diseased process in the organ. The animal moves
Diseases of the Organs of Generation. 311
stiffly and with a straddling gait, and the testicle is en-
larged, tender and frequently drawn up and dropped down
again. It is to be treated with a dose of purgative medi-
cine, restricted soft diet, fomentations with warm water,
and smearing of the bag in the intervals with extract of
belladonna, laudanum or some other anodyne. Should
fluctuation announce the formation of pus, make an open-
ing with a sharp knife to evacuate it, while if destruction
of the gland is threatened castration must be performed.
HYDROCELE. DROPSY OF THE SCROTUM.
Usually associated with water inthe abdomen. Distin-
guished from scrotal hernia by not passing back with a
sudden movement but with a steady current and gradual
diminution. The same treatment is needed as in ascites.
WATER STONES.
In geldings a considerable accumulation of water often
takes place in multilocular cavities connected with the
still pervious inguinal canal, which may be emptied by
compression, the water returning to the abdomen with a
continued thrill. They often disappear in winter to reap-
pear the following summer. Though not injurious they
may be removed by cutting down on the cavities and
dissecting out the sacs.
TUMORS OF THE SHEATH.
_These are easily removed by twisting them off. Some,
however, bleed freely and these should have a stout waxed
twine tied firmly round their necks and be then twisted
or allowed to drop off. If bleeding occurs after removal
seize the bleeding orifice with forceps and tie with a waxed
thread.
DISEASE OF THE PENIS.
Small warty growths may be cut off with scissors or
knife and the part cauterized with lunar caustic. The
312 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
soft condylomatous growths which occur in dogs may be
treated in the same way. But when the large cauliflower-
like masses are associated with hardening of the whole
end of the organ, it must be amputated behind the indu-
rated portion. The subject should be prepared by laxa-
tive diet, and, having been thrown, the yard is withdrawn,
washed, and cut through gradually, beginning at its upper
part and tying the arteries as they are reached. On
reaching the urethra at the lower part of the yard it is to
be dissected out, and cut across so as to leave it ? of an
inch longer than the rest. Considerable bleeding from
the venous cavities may come on a few hours later, and
especially in hot weather, but may be easily controlled by
dashing cold water between the thighs or stuffing the
sheath with tow saturated with tincture of matico or muri-
ate of iron.
ULCERS OF THE PENIS.
These may arise from accumulation of sebaceous matter
but more frequently from the irritant discharges in a
female recently delivered or suffering from leucorrheea.
They may be treated with a lotion such as the following :
—sugar of lead, 1 dr.; carbolic acid, 60 drops; chloral-
hydrate, 1 dr.; water, 1 pint.
CASTRATION OF MALES.
Numerous modes of castrating the male are followed,
but in all the essential points are the removal or destruc-
tion of the testicles and the prevention of bleeding from
the spermatic artery which is always found in the ante-
rior portion of the cord. In small animals (pigs, lambs,
calves, dogs, cats,) the testicle is seized so as to render
the skin tense, and. a free incision with knife parallel to
the median line sets it free at once. The knife is now
passed between the middle and posterior parts of the cord
and. the latter cut through. The anterior portion is then
twisted and finally torn through, the upper part being
Diseases of the Organs of Generation 313
held by the finger and thumb of one hand while traction
is made by the other. In the colt and old horses and
bulls the structures are so tough that the cord must
be seized by two pairs of pincers in order to accomplish
satisfactory twisting.
Clamps (sticks) are very generally employed in horses,
the important considerations being that the wood shall be
tough and unyielding, that they shall be grooved to give
greater security of hold, that they shall be tied together
with well twined inelastic cords, and that when applied
they shall be squeezed together with pinceis, while the
end is being tied, that the included tissues may have their
vitality destroyed.
The other methods of tying, searing and scraping the
artery, etc., cannot be described here, though one plan
will succeed as well as another if properly done. For
these and eastration of cryptorchids (originals, rigs,) see
larger work.
‘EVIL RESULTS OF CASTRATION.
STRANGULATED Corp. When the cord is left unduly
long and the wound in the skin small, it may be strangled
by the swelling and contraction, giving rise to intense
sufferg and high fever. The beast walks with a stiff
gait, and the end of the cord is felt red and tense, protrud-
ing from the wound which grasps it tightly. All that is
necessary is to enlarge the orifice with a knife and push
up the cord to give permanent relief.
SWELLING OF THE SHEATH may occur, and especially in
the young, from unhealthy states of the system, or from
premature closure of the wound and imprisonment of mat-
ter. In all such cases reopen the wound with the fingers
and apply fresh lard to prevent a second adhesion. It is
a good plan to apply lard to the wounds in castrating to
obviate adhesion. Next foment the parts continually with
warm water to hasten the formation of matter. When a
314 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
free cream-like discharge is established the swelling will
rapidly subside.
Puymosis AND ParapHymosis. In such cases the penis
may be imprisoned within the sheath or protruded and
swollen so that it cannot be withdrawn. It may be nec-
essary to incise the sheath or scarify the penis and ap-
ply cold water and other astringents, with manipulation to
return the protruded organ.
Tumors ON THE SPERMATIC CorD. This results from
rough handling in castrating, from strangulation, or from
inflammation consequent on the presence of irritants in the
wound or exposure to cold. It may grow for years with-
out disabling the animal ; its growth may cease, leaving aa
inconsiderable thickening on the cord ; it may acquire the
size of a large udder of a cow, and contract numerous
vascular adhesions to surrounding parts; or it may extend
up through the inguinal canal into the abdomen, as felt
on examination through the rectum.
Treatment. Those confined to the end ot tne cord may
be removed like the testicle in castration. Those that
have contracted adhesions to the thigh and sheath may
still be removed with care, each vessel being tied as it is
reached. But when the adhesions are very extensive and
the tumor very large it is almost impossible to do this,
and in the case of extension of the disease into the abdo-
men nothing can be done beyond partial destruction of the
mass with caustics.
CASTRATION OF FEMALES.
In small animals this is done through the flank; in large,
more conveniently through the vagina. The animal is
stretched on its left side, the fore limbs and head being
firmly secured and the hind limbs extended backwards.
The hair is shaved from the flank a little below the angle
of the hip-bone, and an incision made from above down,
extending to an inch in the pig or bitch, or sufficient to in-
troduce the hand in the heifer. Then with the finger or
Diseases of the Organs of Generation. 313
hand, as the case may be, the womb is sought, backward
at the entrance of the pelvis in the interval between the
bladder and the straight gut. Being found, one horn o
division is drawn up through the wound until its end is
exposed with the round mass of the ovary adjacent. The lat-
ter is seized and cut or twisted off according to the size of
the animal. Then the next horn and ovary are brought
out and treated in the same way. The womb is now re-
turned into the abdomen, and the skin accurately sewed
up. Evil results are rare, though peritonitis may ensue
from rough handling or exposure, and abscess or calcifica-
tion of the wound is not unknown.
Cows are castrated by making an incision through the
superior wall of the vagina just above the neck of the
womb, and inserting two fingers, by which the ovaries are
withdrawn and twisted off with a torsion instrument.
Space will not allow of a fuller description in this work.
CASTRATION OF MALE BIRDS.
The bird is placed on its back with the left leg pressed
against the abdomen and the right one stretched back-
wards and outward, an incision is made inside this thigh
large enough to admit the finger, which is directed toward
the back at the point of union of the last ribs with the
backbone. There the testicles are felt in contact with
each other and are separately detached with the nail and
extracted through the wound. If lost in the abdomen
after detachment there is no matter, they will adhere to
the peritoneum and become absorbed. Lastly the wound
in the skin is carefully sewed up with a fine thread.
ABORTION.
This consists of the expulsion of the foetus before it can
live out of the womb, but in the lower animals the term
has been indiscriminately used for cases of premature
parturition as well.
Ci uses. Blows or pressure on the abdomen, slips, falls,
316 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
riding of animals in heat, diseases of the abdominal organs,
(tympanitis from wet, frosted or musty fodder, inflamma-
tion of the bowels, diarrhcea, poisoning by irritants taken
with the food or otherwise, renal calculi or other diseases
of the kidneys or bladder,) stalls too much inclined back-
ward, overfeeding, plethora, hot, damp, relaxing stables,
severe muscular exertion after long rest, exhausting feed-
ing for milk at the expense of the system, breeding at too
early an age, proximity to or contact with slaughter-houses
or dead and decomposing animal matter, especially the
abortion discharges of other animals, drinking putrid
or iced water, disease, deformity or death of the foetus,
feeding on ergoted grasses or smutty wheat or corn, and,
finally, the presence in the passages of a microscopic veg-
etable parasite (leptothrix vaginalis) which is easily trans-
ferred from one animal to another so as to procure abor-
tion.
Symptoms. In the early stages of gestation abortion
often takes place without any warning and is only ascer-
tained by the animal again coming in heat. Later the
preliminary signs and progress may be those of an ordi-
nary parturition, or in other cases a whitish muco-purulent
discharge may take place from the vulva for some time
before abortion occurs. A filling of the udder and a loose,
flaccid condition of the external generative organs often
furnish premonitions.
Prevention. Treatment. Avoid the various causes above
named when found to exist. Especially should attention
be given to secure a diet and regimen which shall obviatein-
digestion, to eradicate from the hay-fields all irritant plants,
to feed a certain amount of roots in winter to obviate urin-
nary calculi, to cut meadows subject to ergot before they
run to seed, or better still to plow them up and put under
a rotation of other crops, to feed roots with ergoted hay or
smutty corn if these must be consumed, to let the system
be somewhat developed before breeding and not to milk
too heayily the first year, to give pure air and water
Diseases of the Organs of Generation. 317
and wholesome buildings, and, finally, to use anti-septics
on the discharges and to keep all sound animals apart
from the diseased or their products. A beast abort-
ing, from whatever cause, should be allowed to run over
several periods of heat before she is served again. When
abortions have broken out in a herd good results have fol-
lowed a course of chlorate of potassa in $ oz. doses daily.
When the beasts are plethoric benefit has been derived
from bleeding or a bare diet with occasional mild laxatives.
When run down by poor feeding or by early breeding and
‘feeding for milk, a course of tonics (phosphate of soda,
sulphate of iron, gentian and ginger,) has proved beneficial.
When the discharge and other premonitory symptoms ap-
pear laundanum may be given in large and repeated doses
to quiet the system and keep the tendency in check.
Quiet and seclusion are no less essential. When the
abortion becomes inevitable it must be allowed to proceed
or assistance given if necessary as in parturition.
DIFFICULT PARTURITION.
Parturition is easy in most of the lower animals, the
wedge-like outline of the foetus when normally presented
with the long head extended between the fore limbs ren-
dering it an affair of mechanical simplicity. The same is
true of the presentation of the two hind feet. If left to
nature the passages are prepared by the relaxation of the
ligaments of the pelvis and falling in on each side of the
croup; they are then gently and equably dilated by the
advancing soft and elastic water-bags; and then if the
back of the foetus is turned toward the back of the mother
so that the curvature of its body may correspond to that
of the pelvis, the process is rarely difficult or protracted.
Danger arises mainly from parturition being precipi-
tated before its natural period, from unnatural conditions
of the passages, from distortions of the foctus or from turn-
ing back of one or more members so as to impair the reg-
ularity of the wedge and to increase the bylk posteriorly.
318 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
PREMATURE LABOR-PAINS.
Caused by excitement of travel, goring or riding by thei
fellows, blows and other mechanical injuries, violent pur-
gation or diuresis, diseases of the digestive or urinary or-
gans or womb, ergoted grasses, etc. If there is no relax-
ation of the pelvic ligaments and falling in at the side of
the rump, no enlargement of the vulva, no dilatation of the
neck of the womb nor any enlargement of the bag, place
in a secluded place and keep quiet by repeated doses of
opium. The pains will usually subside. Even if other-
wise apparently prepared the closed neck of the womb
will demand similar rest and anodynes, though a little
solid extract of belladonna may in this case be smeared
round the neck ofthe womb to favor relaxation.
INDURATION OF THE NECK OF THE WOMB is often errone- ©
ously supposed to exist in these cases, but such a conclu-
sion need not be reached until the quieting treatment has
been followed for one or two days without success and the
neck of the womb remains rigid, nodular and gristly.
Being fully convinced that the closure is due to disease it
may be dilated by passing in a narrow-bladed, blunt-
pointed (probe-pointed) knife and cutting to the depth of a
quarter of an inch in four directions, upward, downward,
to the right and left. Then the hand may be introduced
with fingers and thumb drawn into the form ofa cone and
the passage gradually dilated. Or the sponge tents ee
by the physician may be employed.
TWISTING OF THE NECK OF THE Womb so that the lower
surface of the organ comes to look upwards or to one side,
is a curious form of obstruction hitherto only seen in the
cow. It may be surmised when labor-pains continue
without any appearance of water-bags, and conclusive evi-
dence is furnished by the neck of the womb being closed
and thrown into spiral folds. Place the patient with its
head uphill to relax the twisted neck and introducing
the hand into the womb, seize the foetus and press it
against the uterine walls, while one or two men roll the
Diseases of the Organs of Generation. S38)
cow on its other side in the same direction in which the
twist has taken place. If the womb is not distended by
decomposition of a dead foetus, nor attached to adjacent
parts by inflammatory exudations the untwisting is easily
effected, though several successive attempts may be requisite
to secure it. Suddenly constriction around the wrist gives
way, the water-bags enter the passage and delivery is easy.
Potypus iw THE Vagina. A tumor growing from the
walls of this passage is another obstacle to parturition. By
examination its point of attachment is found, and it should
be slowly twisted off or, better still, removed by an ecraseur,
an instrument with a pitch-chain which is gradually tight-
ened so as to cut through the parts without loss of blood.
Drorsy or Woms or ABDOMEN, AND OvERDISTENDED
Buiapper are further obstacles.
WRONG PRESENTATIONS, DEFORMITIES, ETC.
Maxims For AssisTine In Dirricutt Parturition. Never
interfere too soon. Let the water-bags burst spontaneously
when they have fulfilled their purpose of dilating the pas-
sages. Ifthere is no mechanical obstacle, let the foetus
be expelled by the unaided efforts of the mother. Never
insert the arm for any purpose without first smearing it with
oil or fresh lard. When the water-bags have ruptured
and the pains have continued for some time without any
presentation, examine. When one fore foot only and the
head, or both fore feet without the head, or the head with-
out the feet, or one hind foot without the other appears,
examine. Whatever part is presented should be secured
by a cord, with a running noose, before it is pushed back
to search for the others. In searching for a missing
member the dam should be placed with her head down
hill and if reeumbent should be laid on the side opposite
to that on which the limb is missing. Even if the missing
member is reached do not attempt to bring it up during a
pain. Violent straining may be checked by pinching the
back. If the passages have lost their natural lubricating
320 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
mucus, smear them and the body of the foetus thickly with
lard before attempting to extract. In dragging upon the
foetus apply force only when the mother strains, and pull
slightly down toward the hocks as well as backward. If
under the necessity of cutting off a limb, first skin it from
near the foot and leave the skin attached to the trunk.
Neyer cut off a member in the middle, but in the case of
fore limb bring away the shoulder-blade, orin the hind
the thigh-bone.
HEAD OR FORE LIMB TURNED BACK. Secure the presenting
limbs with ropes having a running noose drawn tightly
round the fetlock, or the head with a noose round the lower
jaw, or still better round the neck behind the ears, then
pushing them back secure the missing part and bring it into
position. In searching for the missing parts it is well to
follow those already presented. The left arm will usually
answer best for a limb at the left side of the womb, and
the right arm for the right. Reaching the shoulder, the
hand may be slid down to beneath the elbow and that
joint bent so as to bring the knee up; then the hand is
slipped past the knee to the shank and by a similar move-
ment, pushing back the upper part of the limb and pull-
ing forward the lower, the foot is brought up and secured
with a noose. All are then brought forward and delivery
is easy. In order to bring up the missing part it is often
needful that an assistant shall push back the body of the
foetus after the limb has been seized. The assistant may
stand with his back to that of the operator and introduce
his left arm along by the operator’s right or vice versa.
Or a smooth round pole like a fork-handle may be intro-
duced and planted in the breast of the foetus as a means
of pushing it back. In either case the pressure should be
slightly upward toward the back of the foetus so as tc
bring up the breast and fore limb toward the passage.
The missing head may be turned back on either side,
downward upon the breast or upward upon the back.
First ascertain its position, then if it cannot be reached by
Diseases of the Organs of Generation. 891
pulling the limbs forward into the passage, push back the
body in such a way as will favor the advance of the head.
If the ear is reached the head may be pulled by it, till the
socket of the eye can be gained, and the body being still
pushed back the nose can soon be seized and brought up.
Often it is necessary to insert a hook into the eye socket
or between the branches of the lower jaw, so that more
force may be exerted. The ring in this case should be
turned at right angles to the hook, and a cord passed from
the hook side of the ring, to the opposite, and then knot-
ted so that the greater the force applied the firmer it will
hold.
PRESENTATION OF ONE HIND LIMB ALONE is recognized by
examining it as far up as the hock, which cannot possibly
be mistaken for the knee. The same principles are ap-
plied here. Noose the presenting limb, and pushing back
upon it and the buttocks, bring up first the hock and then
the foot, bending all the jomts to their utmost. In the
cow success can usually be counted on, but the long hind
shanks of the foal often prove an insuperable obstacle, and
it becomes needful to cut the hamstrings and, leaving the
hock bent, to straighten out the limb above this and
extract in this position.
PRESENTATION OF THE BUTTOCKS is to be recognized by
the rounded mass, with the tail and beneath it the anus
and perhaps the vulva. The process of extraction does
not differ from that last described, but in very powerful
mares the pains may be so violent and constant that it is
impossible to bring up even the hocks, and the limbs have
to be separated at the hip-joint and extracted separately,
after which the trunk will come easily.
DOUBLE HEADS AND BODIES AND SUPERFLUOUS LIMBS have
to be removed on the same general principles, but space
forbids their further notice here.
WATER IN THE HEAD is often an insuperable barrier tc
delivery, to be easily recognized by manual examination
21
322 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
and as readily relieved by plunging a knife through the
membranes and evacuating the liquid.
WATER IN THE ABDOMEN is equally frequent and to be
obviated in a similar manner.
DISORDERS FOLLOWING PARTURITION.
Froopine. Bleeding from the walls of the womb.
Mostly after a too hasty parturition in which the uterine
walls are exhausted and fail to contract; or when the
womb has suffered violence in extraction of the foetus.
Symptoms. Bloodless pallor of the mucous membranes,
coldness of the surface, weakness, weak pulse, with or
without palpitation of the heart and discharge of blood
from the vulva. The hand introduced into the womb
finds that organ soft, flaccid, dilated and filled with liquid
or clotted blood. :
Treatment. Apply cold water or bags of ice to the lois
and external genital organs, remove the afterbirth and
clots with the hand and, if necessary, inject cold water,
acids (vinegar, dilute mineral acids,) astringents (sugar of
lead, tannin, matico, alum,) into the womb, and give small
doses of acetate of lead or ergot of rye by the mouth. In
desperate cases a large sponge soaked in tincture of the
muriate of iron may be introduced into the womb and
emptied by squeezing. If the patient is sinking it may
often be saved by transfusion of blood from another
animal.
RETAINED AFTERBIRTH. Causes. Premature parturition,
poverty of condition, too hurried delivery and failure to
establish subsequent contractions, adhesions, the result of
pre-existing inflammation in the womb, ete.
If not removed it rots away piecemeal, a portion remain-
ing and putrefying in the womb, causing writation, dis-
charge, rapid loss of condition and milk and in some cases
absorption of putrid matter and poisoning.
Treatment. Various methods are followed. 1. Attach
a pound weight to the mass, so that the constant tugging
Diseases of the Organs of Generation. 323
may stimulate the womb to contraction and expulsion of
the afterbirth. 2. Seize the mass close up to the vulva
between two pieces of wood and dragging gently move it
from side to side to titillate the passages and stimulate the
womb to contraction. 3. Give a dose of physic (Glauber
or Epsom salts) with aromatics (ginger, pepper, copaiva,
cardamoms, caraway, etc.) 4. The most satisfactory
method is to remove it by the hand, in twelve to twenty-
four hours after parturition, before the neck of the womb
has closed so as to forbid the introduction of the arm. In
cows the protruding membranes are gently pulled upon by
the left hand while the right is introduced into the womb
and the connecting cotyledons or placentule of the mem-
branes are, one by one, squeezed out from their connec-
tions with those of the womb. ‘The process may be slow,
as fifty such connections may demand separation, but
patience will be crowned with final success, the great
points being to tear nothing and to bring up and separate
the last portions as perfectly as the first.
Prevention. In poverty-stricken animals much may
often be done by warm sloppy food for a week or two
prior to parturition.
Levcorri@a. CATARRH OF THE WomB or Vaaina. This
often results from retained afterbirth or violence done in
parturition, but may occur independently of both or even
in the virgin animal. There is a whitish discharge from
the vulva, foetid if from retained afterbirth, with rapid
falling off in flesh and milk, in spirit and appetite. The
subjects can rarely be impregnated.
Treatment. Introduce a catheter into the womb, draw
off the contained fluid, wash out with tepid water intro-
duced through the tube, and inject one of the following
solutions: 1 drachm of sulphate of zinc, sulphate of cop-
per, acetate of lead, permanganate of potassa or carbolic
acid, or 4 drachm chloride of zine, dissolved in a pint of
water and five ounces of glycerine added. This injection
should be repeated daily until the discharge ceases. <A
324 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
course of tonics should accompany this treatment (sal-
phate of iron 2 drachms, pepper 1 drachm, ginger 4
oz., gentian $ oz. daily.
EVERSION OF THE VAGINA OR Wom. ‘The former may oc-
eur before parturition or even in the virgin state, the lat-
ter only after parturition. Hot, relaxing stables and regi-
men and too great a slope of the stalls backward are among
the causes of the first, violence in parturition or in the
removal of the afterbirth, of the second. Digestive and
urinary disorders are further causes. The everted vagina
forms a simple rounded mass easily distinguished from
the bladder by the absence of
the ureters, and from the womb
by that of the two divisions or
horns, and in the case of rumi-
nants by the cotyledons. Zreat-
ment is simple: Adjust the slope
of the stall, making the hinder
part the higher ; obviate costive-
ness, diarrhoea or any other
source of irritation; and adjust
a rope truss as follows: Take
two ropes, each more than
double the length of the animal,
bend each double and intertwist
Hi. 30 Hope truss for everted them at this bend so as to cir-
cumscribe an oval opening a
little larger than that of the vulva; this having been ad-
justed to this orifice the two upper ends are carried
around the rump, crossed over each other repeatedly in
their passage along the back and finally tied to a collar
previously placed around the neck; the lower ends are
carried down between the thighs, one on each side of the
udder, and forward on the sides of the abdomen and chest
to be fixed to the collar. It may be made as tight as
seems necessary and will tighten with every effort at strain-
ing so that eversion becomes impossible. It may be made
Fig. 39.
Diseases of the Organs of Generation. 325
more secure by attaching the ropes to a surcingle as well.
This truss must of course be removed when true labor-
pains come on.
In eversion of the womb give a full dose of chloral,
raise the hind parts, place the womb on a sheet, wash it
with warm water and laudanum, wrap it tightly in a linen
bandage, beginning at the free end, then press that free
end inward and so with the successive parts till the whole
has been introduced into the abdomen. Remove the loos-
ened bandage and apply the truss.
INFLAMMATION OF THE WOMB.
Causes. Lacerations, bruises and other injuries in par-
turition or in removal of the afterbirth, exposure to cold
or wet after parturition, retained afterbirth, etc.
Symptoms. Two or three days after parturition a shiv-
ering fit, colicky pains, looking at abdomen, plaintive cries,
twisting of the tail, shifting of the hind feet, tenderness of
loins and abdomen, arching of the loins, vulva red and
swollen, frequent straining with foetid discharge, the hand
introduced into the womb finds both its neck and body
dilated with fluid contents, the belly becomes tense and
swollen, there is grinding of the teeth, insatiable thirst
and loss of power over the limbs. The pulse and respira-
tion are accelerated and the temperature of the body
raised. It may end in poisoning of the blood with pus or
absorbed putrid matters, or in gangrene, or if recovery en-
sues it may be perfected in two or three weeks. Peritoni-
tis and enteritis frequently coexist and are equally fatal
at this period.
Treatment. Wash out the womb, as in leucorrheea, with
chlorine water or a solution of chloride of lime, perman-
ganate of potassa or carbolic acid, adding a solution of
gum Arabic, glycerine and laudanum to render it more
soothing. Give an active purgative (in the cow sulphate
of soda 1 lb.) and follow this up by tincture of aconite four
times a day, and nitrate of potassa and chlorate of potassa
826 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
once daily. A blister should be applied to the right flank
(mustard and oil of turpentine in cow or sow, mustard
alone for other animals). In case of prostration, weak
pulse, stupor, etc., a free use of wine, quinine, camphor
and general stimulants must be made, with antiseptics
(chlorate of potassa, carbolic acid, sulpho-carbolates or
bichromate of potassa).
PARTURITION-FEVER IN COWS. MILK-FEVER. PARTURIENT
APOPLEXY.
Causes. Plethora, costiveness and the susceptibility at-
tendant on parturition. It attacks mainly heavy milkers,
animals in full flesh that have been well fed just before
and after calving, and have been delivered easily with
little loss of blood or nervous expenditure. It is most
frequent in the hot season when the grass is most luxuri-
ant and nutritive, but may occur at any season in the best
class of cows.
Symptoms. Dullness, languor, uneasy movements of
the hind limbs, a full, bounding pulse, red eyes, hot head
and horns; soon the cow becomes weak on its limbs, un-
able to rise, lays the head back on the flank or dashes it —
on the ground, breaking the horns if the surface is hard,
and struggles convulsively with its limbs. The surface
may now be bedewed with perspiration, the eyes red,
fixed or rolling convulsively, the pupils dilated, the heat
of the head still greater and the pulse quicker and weaker.
Sensation is completely lost, the skin may be pricked at
any point without the slightest response and the eyeball
touched without causing winking. Neither dung nor urine
is passed, the intestines and bladder being also the seat
of paralysis or torpor.
In one form of the disease the heat of the head, delir-
ium and violence may be almost entirely wanting, the
prominent symptoms being the fever, accelerated pulse
and breathing, elevated temperature, loss of power over
the limbs, paralysis of sensation, inappetence, torpor of
Diseases of the Organs of Generation. 327
bowels and bladder. Both forms are exceedingly fatal,
almost all attacked within two days after calving perish-
ing, and a large proportion of those taken ill during the
first week.
Prevention. Spave diet (starvation in the plethoric) for
a week before and after calving, an active purgative (Ep-
som salts) to act as soon after calving as possible, plenty
of fresh, cool air, milking, if necessary, before calving and
thrice daily after. In the full flush of grass it is needful
to keep plethoric parturient subjects in-doors, upon dry
hay with plenty of salt and water, or on a very bare past-
ure. Hven if attacked a week after calving they usually
recover.
Treatment. If the animal is seen before it goes down,
bleed four or six quarts from the jugular, but never after
the pulse has lost its fullness and hardness; apply ice-
cold water, bags of ice or a solution of an ounce each of
nitre and sal ammoniac in a quart of water to the head
round the base of the horns, give a powerful purgative,
(2 Ibs. Epsom salts, $ oz. carbonate of ammonia, $ dr.
uux yomica,) apply friction to the limbs, draw the milk off
at frequent intervals and repeat the ammonia and nux
vomica every four hours. The nux vomica may be re-
placed by strychnia, 1 grain with 2 or three drops of vin-
egar in a teaspoonful of water and injected under the skin
twice with four hours interval, or ergot of rye may be used
instead. The fever may often be materially reduced by
enveloping the whole body in a sheet wrung out of cold
water, and covering up with one or several dry ones ac-
cording to the season.
In the second or torpid form of the disorder there is
often no call for cold applications to the head, while pur-
gatives and nux vomica are especially demanded.
CHAPTER XIV. |
DISEASES OF THE MAMM (UDDER) AND
TEATS.
Bloody-milk. Blue or viscid milk. Congestion and inflammation of the
mammary glands, Garget, Mammitis. Impervious teat. Sore teats, Scabs,
Warts. Simple and cancerous tumors of the glands.
BLOODY-MILK.
Causes. Blows on the udder or commencing inflamma-
tion from any other cause; heat or rut; a sudden acces-
sion of rich food, causing local congestion with increased
flow of milk; the consumption of acrid plants (ranunculus,
hydropiper, resinous shoots, etc.,) and the conditions which
give rise to red-water. The milk may have a red sedi- |
ment from feeding madder, logwood and other agents.
Treatment. If from congested glands, a saline laxative
followed by nitre, restricted diet and bathing with cold
water. If from acrid plants, withhold them, give a laxa-
tive to clear away any yet retained in the stomach and
follow up with small doses of nitre and acetate of lead.
Jf from partial congestion, with a somewhat nodular state
of the gland and but little heat or tenderness, rub daily
with compound tincture of iodine mixed with three times
its bulk of water. Milk carefully and gently.
BLUE OR VISCID MILK.
Due to cryptogams in this liquid. Remove from the
vicinity of decomposing animal matter, withhold food o1
water containing vegetable germs and administer, daily
bisulphite of soda (2 drs., cow).
Diseases of the Mamme (Udder) and Teats. 329
CONGESTION AND INFLAMMATION OF THE MAMMARY GLANDS.
GARGET. MAMMITIS.
Causes. Blows‘on the gland, lying on a cold or sharp
stone, sores on the teats, leaving the milk unduly long in
the bag (hefting), standing in a current of cold air, expos-
ure in cold showers or inclement weather, rich milk-mak-
ing food too suddenly supplied, indigestion, or indeed any
derangement of the general health is liable to produce this
disease in an animal in full milk. Ewes often lose their
bags or their lives from sudden weaning of their lambs,
or cows from neglect in milking. Some aliments, like
cotton seeds, are dangerous.
Symptoms. There may be simple warm, hot, tense
(caked) bag, or there may be a circumscribed nodular
mass in the centre of the bag. In severer cases there is
lameness on the affected side, a red, hot, tense painful
gland, with no secretion or only a bloody clotted mass.
These cases come on with violent shivering, high temper-
ature, strong rapid pulse and quickened breathing, dry
nose, costiveness and suppression of urme. They may
end in abscess, induration or gangrene, or a perfect re-
covery may ensue.
Treatment. In mild cases with no fever and little pain,
rub well with camphorated spirits or weak iodine oint-
ment or with plenty of elbow-grease. Milk thrice a day and
rub for a considerable time on each occasion. If unequal
to active rubbing put a good hungry calf to the udder.
In the severe cases, if seen in the shivering fit, give a
strong cordial (ginger, pepper, whisky, brandy, gin or ale
in several quarts of warm water) and envelop from head
to tail in a thick rug wrung out of water as nearly boiling
as possible, covering all with several dry blankets and
binding firmly to the body; give copious warm vater in-
jections and bring if possible into a sweat. When this
has lasted half an hour uncover gradually, rub dry and
cover with a light dry wrapping.
If the disease has advanced further and there 1s already
330 T he Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
active inflammation in the gland, foment continuously with
warm water or support in a poultice containing boric acid,
cutting holes for the teats, adding a little belladonna to re-
lieve the pain. Give an active purge (salts) and follow up
with aconite and nitre. Draw off the milk frequently, using
a milking tube if the act is very painful. If the discharge
Fig. 40.
Fig. 40—Milking Tube. .
smells sour inject a weak solution of carbonate of soda
and permanganate of potassa (5 grains of each to 1 oz. of
water). Ifthe gland becomes hard and indurated, rub with
iodine ointment or mercurial ointment, not both. If mat-
ter forms, open with the knife. If gangrene ensues, use
lotions of carbolic acid or chloride of lime. Many sheep
do well with a coating of tar on the gland. In the ad-
vanced stages nourish well and give tonics (sulphate of
iron, gentian, columba).
IMPERVIOUS THAT.
From concretions from the milk, which are freely mov-
able in the teat and up into the gland. From polypus in
the teat hanging by a band from the mucous membrane
and hence movable only in narrow limits. From thicken-
ing of the mucous membrane and contraction of the walls
of the duct to absolute closure. From the formation of a
membrane across the duct of the teat. From closure of
the external orifice of the teat effected in the healing of a
sore.
Treatment. Concretions may be extracted by manipu-
lation or with a grooved director, the teat having been
first relaxed in a warm solution of belladonna. Polypi
are removed by making a free incision through the teat,
twisting off the tumor, accurately sewing up the wound
Diseases of the Mamme (Udder) aid Teats. 331
and milking for some time with a tube. The obliteration
of the duct by contraction of its walls or by a membra-
nous growth is to be met by a bistuori caché (a knife one
Fig. 41.
Fig. 41—Bistuori Caché.
line in breadth hidden in a groove of a sharp-pointed
handle, but which can be pressed out of its case so as to
cut to any extent desired) and a silver or gutta-percha
teat tube to be kept tied in the newly made channel until
it heals. It is well to leave these surgical operations un-
til the milk is dried up. A simple instrument is in use
by dairymen, consisting of a steel probe flattened out to
two lines at one extremity and with finely sharpened
point. ;
SORE TEATS. SCABS. WARTS.
Sores, chaps and scabs on the teats are to be treated
by soothing applications. One ounce each of spermaceti
and almond-oil melted together will often suffice. Or 5
grains each of balsam of Tolu or Peru may be added.
Or a solution of 5 grains of sugar of lead or chloral-hy-
drate and 4 oz. each of glycerine and water. But no plan
will succeed without gentle milking, with dry teats, espe-
cially in winter, or in bad cases without the use of a milk-
ing tube. Warts are to be removed by the knife, scissors
ard caustic.
Simple and Malignant Tumors of the mammary glands
are met with in all species of domestic quadrupeds and
demand removal with the knife.
CHAPTER XV.
DISEASES OF THE EYES.
Trichiasis. Torn eyelids. Superficial inflammation of the eye. Simpie
ophthalmia. Conjunctivitis. Parasites on the eyes. Specks or films on the
eye. Ulcers of the transparent cornea. Tumors of the transparent cornea,
Enzootic ophthalmia in cattle and sheep. Internal ophthalmia. Inflamma-
tion of the deep structures of the eyeball. Iritis. Choroiditis. Retinitis.
Recurring ophthalmia. Periodic ophthalmia. Moon-blindness. Cataract.
Palsy of the nerve of sight. Amaurosis. Glass eyes. Glaucoma. Cancer,
Staphyloma. Worms in the eye.
TRICHIASIS.
Turning in of the eyelashes ; a common cause of inflam
mation. Snip off the offending hair with scissors.
TORN EYELIDS.
Should be accurately brought together and held by col-
ludion, which is to be laid on with a brush, layer after
layer, until strong enough to hold safely. If this is not at
hand bring together with a quilled suture—the stitches,
with carbolated thread or catgut, being tied round two
quills lying on the respective flaps, so as to prevent puck-
ering of the edges and to secure even healing. If the lips
are brought “oe accurate apposition and stitches placed
closely eee the quills may be discarded. To prevent
rubbing of the healing and itching eye, turn the animal
round in the stall and tie short to the two posts so that
the head cannot reach either. Feed from a bag hung in
front and cut open half way down to admit the nose.
Diseases of the Eyes. 833
SUPERFICIAL INFLAMMATION OF THE EYE. SIMPLE
OPHTHALMIA. CONJUNCTIVITIS.
Causes. Blows with whips, etc., hay-seed, chaff, dust,
lime, thorns, etc., in the eye ; standing in a current of cold
air; irritant emanations from dung and urine ; obstruction
of the lachrymal duct with swelling at the inner angle of
the eye and hardened mucus in the orifice of the duct as
seen in the floor of the chamber of the nose ; in horse and
ox, the presence of a worm—/ilaria lachrymalis—inside the
eyelids ; and in pigs of the measle bladder-worm—cysticer-
cus cellulosa—in the fat around the eye.
Symptoms. Red, sore, watery eyes, with or without
fever according to the severity of the attack, soon followed
by a bluish or white film or opacity extending no deeper
than the surface of the transparent part of the eyeball.
The swelling of the eyelids may extend to the hollow above
the eye, fillmg it up. There is no suffering or winking
when brought into a bright light, nor any undue contrac-
tion of the pupil as compared with healthy eyes. If for-
eign bodies are present they will be detected by exami-
nation.
Treatment. Hay-seed, chaff, etc., may be removed with
a pair of small forceps, with the point of a lead pencil, or
with the head of a pin covered with a soft handkerchief.
Lime and sand may be similarly removed or washed out
with a fine syringe. Thorns may be picked out with a
needle, the animal having been first thrown and the eye
fixed with the fingers or by putting the patient under the
influence of ether or chloroform. Or if not too deep they
will slough out of their own accord in a day or two. The
patient must be protected from cold or any other apparent
cause of illness, should take a dose of physic, and have
the affected eye covered with a cloth constantly wet with
a solution of 1 dr. sugar of lead or sulphate of zinc, 10 grains
morphia and 1 pint water. It is often best to use it tepid
but if used cold it should be maintained so.
334 The Farmers Veterinary Adviser.
WHITE SPECKS AND CLOUDINESS OF THE EYE.
These are the results of inflammation and if confined to
the transparent outer coat of the eye may usually be re-
moved by touching them daily with a feather dipped in a
solution of 3 grs. nitrate of silver in an ounce of distilled
water. Such an application should never be made while
the part is still inflamed and the eyelids swollen and red,
as it will then be painful and injurious. It will usually
fail to remove the speck when that consists in a thick
cicatrix following an ulcer, or when red vessels are seen
running across it.
ULCERS OF THE TRANSPARENT CORNEA.
These also follow inflammation and are to be recognized
by the visible breaks or abrasions in the surface layers of
the transparent coat of the eye. Apply the same agent as
for specks but of double or treble the strength, and improve
the general health by a liberal diet and a course of tonics
(sulphate of iron, nux vomica, cinchona).
TUMORS OF THE TRANSPARENT CORNEA.
These, if not of a cancerous nature, nor connected with
the vascular colored curtain which encircles the pupil
(the iris), may be removed with the knife or scissors, the
part touched with a stick of nitrate of silver, and a lotion
like that used for simple ophthalmia applied on a cloth. -
ENZOOTIC OPHTHALMIA IN CATTLE AND SHEEP.
This affection attacks one or several herds or flocks in a
locality, at any season and without Apparent cause, ex-
cepting proximity. The symptoms are those of simple
ophthalmia, but of a severe type, with much fever and
complete clouding of the eye from exudation into the
whole thickness of the transparent cornea, followed by
ulceration, and sometimes perforation of this membrane,
loss of the humors of the eye, and permanent blindness.
Treatment. Separate the sound from the diseased and
Diseases of the Eyes. aoa
from the pastures or buildings where the malady has ap-
peared. Give the affected strong purgatives (salts) fol-
lowed by diuretics (nitre), place in a dark, quiet, dry
building, and keep a cloth over the eye saturated with a
solution of a drachm each of nitrate of silver and carbolic
acid and 10 grs. of morphia to a quart of distilled water.
Blisters may be applied to the cheeks or behind the ears
(Spanish flies 2 drs., lard # oz., for cattle; twice the
amount of lard for sheep; rub well in). The resulting
ulcers may be treated in the ordinary way.
INTERNAL OPHTHALMIA. INFLAMMATION OF THE DEEP STRUCT-
URES OF THE EYEBALL. IRITIS. CHOROIDITIS. RETINITIS.
Causes. Severe blows or other forms of local irritation ;
extremes of darkness and light ; exposure to a draught of
cold air, to a storm; various constitutional disturbances,
especially those of the digestive organs.
Symptoms. Like those of superficial ophthalmia, but
with more fever, constitutional disturbance, accelerated
pulse, loss of appetite, increased heat of body, and above
all with retraction of the eye into its socket, pro-
trusion of the haw from its inner angle over its surface,
closure of the lids and contraction of the pupil when
brought into the light, and the presence of a turbid liquid
behind the transparent cornea, with white floating flakes,
and a yellowish or whitish deposit at the bottom of the
chamber. The brilliant reflection of the iris or curtain
is also largely impaired. As the disease advances a white
speck or cloud appears in the lens, behind the pupil and
iris.
Treatment. Place in a dark building with pure, dry
air, purge (cow, salis; horse, aloes; dog, castor-oil,) and
follow up with febrifuges (nitre, digitalis ; in dogs or pigs
tartar emetic); apply alternately by means of a rag over
the eve a lotion of 20 grs. acetate of lead, 20 drops extract
of belladonna and 1 quart water, and one of 20 grains
sulphate of zinc, 20 drops of tincture of (physostigma)
336 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
Calabar bean, and 1 qt. water, changing twice daily ; blis
ter the face or neck as for enzootic ophthalmtia.
RECURRING OPHTHALMIA. PERIODIC OPHTHALMIA.
MOON-BLINDNESS.
Attacks solipeds only.
Causes. Hereditary predisposition; breeding in damp, |
cloudy, foggy or marshy localities ; keeping in damp, close,
ill-conditioned stables; the irritation about the head at-
tendant on teething; clogging the digestive organs by
feeding wheat or maize without salt or sulphate of soda
the presence of worms in the intestines ; whatever lowers
the general health, and the general causes of iritis.
Symptoms. Like those of internal ophthalmia with, in
many cases, increased tension and hardness of the eyeball,
- and its deeper retraction into the orbit. The main differ-
ence is in the liability to recur, at intervals of three weeks,
a month or more, if the exciting causes have not been
removed, until the subject is left blind. In the intervals
between the attacks the transparent coat of the eye retains
a hazy bluish cloudiness around its border, the iris is
wanting in its normal lustre, the anterior chamber has
often a slight deposit at its lower part, and the upper eye-
lid is bent at an unnatural angle about one-third of its
length from the inner angle. After two or three attacks
a cataract remains.
Prevention. Avoid, for breeding purposes, all horses
belonging to an affected family; all localities that are
damp, foggy, cloudy or relaxing; as well as ill-appointed
stables. Maintain good health and condition by sound
feeding, watering, housing, grooming and exercise. When
threatened remove to a drier and more bracing climate.
Treatment. As for iritis. Some cases, like rheumatism,
are benefited by colchicum and the free use of alkalies
(carbonates or acetates of potassa or soda). Those that
present increased tension and hardness of the eyeball
should be early treated by iridectomy which can, however
Diseases of the Eyes. 337
only be undertakén by the surgeon. All cases should
have a course of tonics (oxide of iron, nux vomica, ginger)
as soon as the violence of the fever has abated, and should
be submitted to a regimen calculated to improve their
condition so as to ward off a new attack. Recovery from
a particular attack may be expected in from 6 to 10 days,
and this contributes to sustain the reputation of such ri-
diculous resorts as knocking out the wolf teeth, and such
injurious ones as cutting out the haw (hooks).
CATARACT.
This is the most constant result of internal ophthalmia,
though it may occur from other causes, such as diabetes or
uremia. ‘The condition is opacity of the lens, and may
be recognized as a white speck, or a white fleecy cloud
filling, in the worst cases, the whole of a widely dilated
pupil. It is best seen with the animal looking out of the
stable door, and with a dark background. A still more
satisfactory examination can be made with a lighted taper
ina darkroom. Three images of the taper are reflected,
(1) from the surface of the eye (cornea), (2) from the an-
terior surface of the lens, and (8) from the posterior sur-
face of the lens. The two anterior are upright, the pos-
terior is inverted. If either of the two posterior images
is changed into a diffuse white haze in passing over any
part.of the pupil it implies an exudation into that part of
the lens—a cataract. Haziness of the large anterior im-
age is only caused by opacity of the cornea.
Treatment. Newly formed cataracts will sometimes
elvar up, by absorption, under such treatment as is adopted
for inflammation, but the rule is that an opacity of the
lens once found, is permanent. In cattle and sheep the
lens may be extracted or depressed as in man, but in the
horse such an operation would be worse than useless, as
without spectacles he could never see things in their right
form or position, and would become an incorrigible shyer,
Better leave him blind. Cases not due to recurring oph-
Qa
338 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
thalmia may be benefited in the long run by applying a dro
of phosphorated oil (phosphorus 2 grs, almond-oil, 1 0z.,)
to the eye, daily, for several months.
PALSY OF THE NERVE OF SIGHT. AMAUROSIS. GLASS FYKS.
Causes. Congestion, tumors, dropsy, or other disease
of the brain. Injury to the nerve of sight by pressure or
otherwise. Inflammation with exudation into the retina.
Excess of light. It may be symptomatic from overloaded
stomach, from bloodlessness, and sometimes from gesta-
tion.
Symptoms. yes unnaturally clear from wide dilatation
of the pupils. Failure of the pupils to contract when ex-
posed to light or sunshine, or to dilate in darkness. The
subjects do not wince when a feint is made to strike them
unless the hand produces a current of air. The animals
step high to avoid obstacles and have very active ears,
which are constantly exercised to make up for lack of
sight.
Treatment. If due to removable cause stop this, then
blister the cheek or behind the ear, as for ophthalmia, and
give nerve stimulants (strychnia, nitrate of silver, etc.)
Among the other affections of the eye are Glaucoma, the
true nature of which can only be ascertained with the
ophthalmoscope ; Cancer which demands the skill of the
anatomist for removal; Staphyloma or vascular tumor of
the cornea ; Worm in the eye (Filaria Oculi) which is to be
extracted by skillful puncture; ete.
CHAPTER XVI
DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM.
Gencral causes. Epilepsy. Falling Sickness. Chozea, St. Vitus’s Dance,
St. Guy’s Dance. Vertigo, Megrims in horses. Locx-jaw, Trismus, Teta-
nus. Convulsions, Fits. Sleepy Staggers, Coma Somnolentum. Apo-
plexy. Inflammation of the Brain, Phrenitis, Encephalitis, Cerebral Men-
ingitis. Inflammation of the spinal cord, Myelitis, Spinal Meningitis. Ep-
idemic Cerebro-spinal Meningitis, Cerebro-spinal Fever. Enzootic Myelitis
in sheep. Trembling, Hydro-rachitis. Paralysis. Loss of sensation or
voluntary motion. General Paralysis. Paraplegia, Palsy of the hind limbs.
Hemiplegia, Palsy of one lateral half of the body. Facial Paralysis. Other
local palsies. Stomach Staggers, ‘‘ Loco,” and Acute Lead Poisoning. Sun-
stroke.
The frequency of these affections bears some relation
to the development and activity of the great nerve centres
and especially the brain. They are often symptomatic
of other diseases, the irritation being conveyed along the
nerves to the nerve centres so as to derange their func-
tions ; at other times they have their origin in these cen-
tres themselves. Among common causes may be named:
exposure to intense heat-or cold, especially with a dry
parching atmosphere; excess of light; deranged or ex-
cited circulation, as in loss of blood or plethora, obstacles
to the return of blood from the head, by the jugular veins,
or imperfect supply from thickening of the cranial bores ;
the influence of poisons, pressure, etc.; severe overexer-
tion; digestive, hepatic and urinary disorders, and para-
sites.
EPILEPSY. FALLING SICKNESS.
This is seen in dogs, cattle, horses and pigs in about
the order named. It usually exists independently of any
340 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
observable change of brain structure. Thus, in dogs it
follows distemper, or depends on teething, worms in the
stomach or intestines, or acari (pentastoma) in the nasal
sinuses. In pigs indigestible substances in the stomach
may determine it. Brown-Sequard showed how it could
be developed at will in Guinea-pigs by tickling the neck
and has even produced it in the human subject. In all
animals it may be looked on as, generally, a reflex act.
Abscesses, tumors, etc., of the brain have been found in
certain instances in horses, and the malady has super-
vened on a severe fright and chase, or a broken horn or
other injury to the head in cows. Probably in these
cases the disease of the brain has rendered it more sus-
ceptible to the impression coming from a distant part of
the body. The disease has proved hereditary in cattle.
Symptoms. Sudden loss of sensation and voluntary
movement, with convulsive contraction of the muscles of
the trunk and limbs. The patient may or may not appear
dull or stupid for some time, but the attack is always sud-
den, the victim crying, falling to the ground, stiffening all
over, with clenched jaws, frothing at the lips and fixed
red eyeballs. The attack may last for one or several min-
utes, after which the muscles relax and the animal be-
comes conscious but retains considerable dullness or lan-
guor for a day or more. The attacks are more or less fre-
quent according to the activity of the exciting cause.
Treatment. Remove the causes—worms or other irri-
tants in the intestinal canal or elsewhere :—in excitable
plethoric animals restrict diet and give more exercise ; in
the bloodless, feed highly and give iron and bitters; in
dyspeptic pigs give sound food and bitters (gentian, quas-
sia, camomile, boneset, serpentaria, myrrh,) with iron.
In excitable stallions castration is usually needful. During
the attack inhalations of chloroform or ether, or the in-
jection of these agents or of chloral-hydrate will serve to
eut short the attack. If dependent on irritation of some
known part of the surface, attacks may be obviated by
Diseases of the Nervous System. 341
cutting the nerves proceeding from this part, or better by
light firmg with an iron at a red or white heat.
CHOREA. ST. VITUS'S DANCE. ST. GUY’S DANCE.
Mainly seen in the dog and horse. Occurs in subjects
debilitated or worn out by disease, as in dogs by distem-
per. There is no constant structural change in the brain,
Lut the occurrence of the disease as a consequence of
exhausting disorders and the excess of urea, etc., in the
urine, may be taken as implying an altered state of the
blood, and of the processes of sanguification.
Symptoms. Momentary spasms of the voluntary mus-
cles, leading to jerking of one or more limbs, of the head
or of the entire body. This continues without intermission
in sleep as in waking, and, by wearing the subject out,
increases the disorder. In the horse it occurs mainly in
the hind limbs, but will also attack the fore, and tempora-
rily the muscles of the body.
Treatment. e-establish health and vigor by abundant
nourishment, open air exercise, tonics (sulphate and car-
bonate of iron, cascarilla, quinia,) cold baths, rubbing dry
afterwards, and strychnia. Nerve sedatives (chloral-hy-
drate) may be given to check or moderate the spasms.
VERTIGO. MEGRIMS IN HORSES.
An equine disease characterized by sudden and tempo-
rary loss of sensation and voluntary motion, with trem-
bling, and it may be champing of the jaws, but without the
general spasms of epilepsy.
Causes. Brain disorders such as tumors, congestions,
effusions, etc., or modified circulation from compression
of the jugular veins, or disease of the heart. Plethora is
a frequent cause in the young.
Symptoms. The animal drawing a load, especially up-
hill, with a tight collar, driven hurriedly in extreme heat,
or in a strong glare of sunshine or snow, suddenly hangs
on the reins, slackens his pace, staggers a little perhaps,
342 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
and if not stopped drops in harness, first, it may be,
starting to one side, or rearing up so as to fall back over
the driver. If stopped on the first sign of failing, the
attack may usually be warded off. If it has taken place,
the loosening of the harness and a few minutes rest will
generally bring the animal round, so that he can get on
his legs, but he remains nervous and excitable for several
days.
Prevention. Treatment. In plethoric young horses im-
prove the condition by restricted diet and regular increas-
ing exercise, or turn out to grass for a time. ,Give an
occasional laxative and diuretic. Avoid tight or badly
fittmg collars or whatever presses on the veins of the
neck. Shelter the top of the head from the direct rays of
the sun by a sunshade. Wear a wet sponge constantly
between the ears when at work. When the premonitory
symptoms appear, stop, slacken the collar, cover the eyes,
apply cold water or ice to the head and neck; blood may
even be drawn from the palate, the temporal artery or
the jugular vein. This should be followed by an active
purgative (aloes, Glauber salts,) and nerve sedatives
(chloral-hydrate, bromide of potassium). A laxative diet
must be kept up for some time or a run at grass allowed.
LOCK-JAW. TRISMUS. TETANUS.
This consists in persistent (tonic) cramps of the volun-—
tary muscles. When confined to those of the face it is
trismus or lock-jaw, when general tetanus.
Causes. Wounds, especially of unyielding structures,
like the foot, the firm fibrous layers covering the limbs,
shoulder or croup, or the bones (tail). Wounds implicat-
ing large sensory nerves, or enclosing rust, gritty matters,
or castrating clamps, or subject to chafing as between the
thighs, are occasional causes. In other cases exposure
to cold or wet or a continual dropping on some part of
the body is the cause. Im still others it appears without
any obvious reason, though probably from internal lesions,
Diseases of the Nervous System. 343
It is remarkable that it rarely occurs until wounds are
well advanced in healing. In lambs it has been observed
in connection with overfeeding of the ewes on trefoil,
grain, etc., as well as from exposure.
Symptoms. General stiffness; hardness of the affected
muscles; protrusion of the haw, from the inner angle of
the eye, over the ball, becoming more marked if the
animal is excited, as by jerking up the head; in the worst
cases the head is elevated and carried stiffly, the tail
raised and trembling; the legs directed slightly outward
like four immovable posts, and in walking are lifted almost
without bending; the animal cannot le down, or if he
gets down, rouses the spasms fatally in his struggles to
rise; the bowels are always torpid; the breathing is
excited and in bad cases stertorous; and though the
spasms never give way they occur in paroxysms, which are
easily roused by movement, the presence of strangers,
loud talking, banging of doors, rustling of straw or any
other noise or commotion. It usually proves fatal by the
cramps of the muscles of the throat (larynx) and chest.
Treatment. Secure perfect quiet in a dark box, safely
locked from curious observers; place slings beneath the
patient so that he can stand clear of them or rest in them
at will; remove straw or other source of excitement; feed
very soft bran mashes or thick gruels, from such a level as
does not require any dropping of the head to reach them ;
give a strong dose of purgative medicine (horse, aloes;
sheep, ox, sulphate of soda or magnesia; swine, dog,
eastor-oil), following this up by antispasmodics thrice daily
(belladonna, prussic acid, chloral-hydrate, lobelia, tobacco,
physostigma, ete.), or these may be given by injection, or
chloroform, ether, or nitrite of amyl by inhalation. If it
does not excite the animal too much, give a steam bath,
or a thorough perspiration with hot rugs, covered with
dry ones. The bowels must be kept open by small
doses of powdered croton seeds or podophyllin mixed
with solid extract of belladonna and smeared on the back
344 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
teeth as often as may be necessary. A bad case will
require six weeks to acquire complete ease of movement.
CONVULSIONS. FITS.
Seen most frequently in young dogs and cats during
teething and in bitches at the period of parturition or
when reduced by suckling a large litter. In dogs or pigs
they are common from indigestion or intestinal worms,
and will occur in all animals from disorders in the brain
or poisons in the circulation. The symptoms are those ot
sudden agitating spasms of one or more parts of the body,
usually protrusion and redness of the eyeballs, and froth-
ing from the mouth, with complete insensibility. T'reat-
ment consists In removing the causes as far as ascertained ;
lance inflamed gums; expel worms or irritating matters
from stomach and bowels; correct dyspepsia by good
feeding, air, exercise, lodging, and by tonics (bitters, iron,
etc.) The convulsions may be checked by such agents as
ether or chloral-hydrate given by inhalation or injection.
SLEEPY STAGGERS. COMA SOMNOLENTUM.
A chronic disease of horses characterized by drowsiness
with impaired consciousness and voluntary movement,
without fever. It may be associated with pressure on the ©
brain by tumors, soft or bony, but above all by serous
effusion. Increase and decrease of the brain, and thick-
ening of its membranes are other occasional concomitants.
It appears to be at times connected with deranged blood-
forming processes, as in diseases of the right heart, lungs
and liver, or with defective elimination, as in kidney dis-
orders.
Symptoms. Sleepiness, listlessness, want of life and in-
telligence, a stupid demented look in the eye. drooping
lids, unsteadiness in the gait, perhaps only seen in turning
or backing ; in worse cases the patient will twist the legs
over each other in walking straight, or will even rest the
head or haunches on manger or stall. The bowels are
Diseases of the Nervous System. 345
torpid. The symptoms are like those of stomach staggers
without the abdominal disorder.
The animal may recover so as to work well in winter,
while utterly useless in summer, and this state may last
for several years. A complete recovery is rare and yet it
is occasionally seen, everything depending on the struct-
ural changes existing. But even in the incurable cases
the progress may be retarded by treatment.
Treatment. In hot weather keep in a cool well-aired
place, or in the open air in the shade. Give soft laxative
diet, free access to cold water and an occasional purgative
(sulphate of soda). A course of tonics (iron, nux vomica,
gentian,) and diuretics (digitalis, iodide of potassium,
bromide of potassium,) are often useful. Blisters may be
applied to the neck or limbs if there seems to be effusion.
The correction of any existing disorder in the lungs, liver
or kidneys, will increase the prospects of cure; when
well enough to use, such horses should wear a breast-strap
in place of a collar, and should not be overdone. They
should never be used for breeding purposes.
APOPLEXY.
Sudden loss of sensation and voluntary motion from
effusion on the brain, and associated with a turgid condi-
tion of the blood-vessels of the head and neck.
Causes. It occurs in plethoric animals during exertion,
in those suffering from softening of the brain, the result
of plugging of the vessels with fibrinous clots, of concus-
sion, congestion, etc. The symptoms are congestion of the
head, dullness, heaviness, followed by complete paralysis,
sensory and motor, loud stertorous breathing, and dilata-
tion of the pupils.
Treatment. In the early stages, before the patient is
paralyzed, apply cold water or ice to the head, bleed from
the temporal artery (just behind the eye) or the jugular
vein, keep perfectly quiet, and freely open the bowels.
346 T he Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN. PHRENITIS. ENCEPHALITIS.
CEREBRAL MENINGITIS.
This is seen in all domestic animals but especially in
horses, oxen and sheep. Among the causes may be men-
tioned: blows on the head with concussion of the brain
or fracture of the cranial bones; plugging of the vessels
in the brain by clots formed in diseases elsewhere ; in-
fection of the blood with pus or putrid animal fluids;
sudden changes of temperature; exposure to extreme heat
or cold; the over-exertion of plethoric animals; alcoholic
poisoning from feeding spoiled products of distilleries ;
congestion from a tight collar, loss of jugular, or diseased
heart; sympathetic nervous disorder from indigestion ;
the growth of tumors or parasites in the brain; feeding
on ergoted grasses or smut.
Symptoms. If the brain substance alone is involved
there is usually dullness, stupor, and palsy, sensory and
motor: if the membranes covering the brain, there is
more violence, delirium, irregular movements, pawing,
stamping, champing the teeth, and partial or general con-
vulsions. In either case there is trembling, elevated
temperature, excited pulse and breathing, heat about the
upper part of the head, injected glaring eyes, rolling or
set, extreme excitability and violent trembling even when
just roused from stupor. The patient will sometimes bore
the head against an obstacle, or rest his haunches on any
object within reach. The violence is not necessarily con-
tinuous, but usually occurs in paroxysms, leaving intervals
of stupor and comparative quiet. During the paroxysm
the subjects may cry: horses neigh, cattle bellow, sheep
bleat, pigs squeal and grunt. During the periods of
stupor the pulse and breathing are usually slow, and this
applies also to those cases im which the disease has
merged into a condition of vertigo, coma or paralysis.
Treatment. Apply ice or cold water to the head, give
injections of turpentine and oil, a strong purgative (horse,
aloes and croton; sheep, ox, Glauber salts and croton
Diseases of the Nervous System. 347
pig, croton beans,) with chloral-hydrate and ergot; bleed
from the temporal artery and jugular vein, and follow up
with diuretics and sedatives (nitre, bromide of potassium).
The animal should be kept in a cool airy stall. If paral-
ysis follows, treat as for that disease.
INFLAMMATION OF THE SPINAL CORD. MYELITIS.
SPINAL MENINGITIS.
The causes are similar to those of phrenitis. The dis-
ease may show itself by paroxysms of convulsions, with
exalted temperature, increased circulation and rapid
breathing, finally merging into paralysis; or it may be
manifested at once by palsy without previous spasms, but
with coldness, and usually dryness, of the paralyzed part,
though the anterior part of the body may be bathed in
perspiration. There may be tenderness on striking the
spines in the affected region of the back, and there is
great pain and unsteadiness in any attempt at movement
even though the patient may be able to stand. There is
ne redness of the urine as in azotemia.
Treatment. Apply cold water or ice to the affected
part of the spine; cup or leech, if this can be done; purge
as in phrenitis, adding ergot of rye or chloral-hydrate. As
improvement sets in blister the back (cantharides, mus-
tard, etc.,) and give diuretics, chloral-hydrate, bromide of
potassium, ergot of rye. Care must be taken to turn the
patient often if unable to stand, giving a soft dry bed, and
to draw off the water frequently with a catheter unless it
is passed spontaneously.
EPIDEMIC CEREBRO-SPINAL MENINGITIS. CEREBRO-SPINAL
FEVER.
Inflammation of the substance and covermgs of the
brain and spinal cord in horses, sometimes prevailing
widely in stables or cities, from some cause acting gener-
ally. The true cause is unknown, though in many cases
debilitating conditions, like unwholesome food or water,
348 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
overwork, sudden exposure to intense heat or suddenly
induced plethora will serve as immediate excitants of the
morbid process. It is peculiar to no season but has not
been recognized in Europe.
Symptoms. These are varied according to the case.
Some are seized abruptly with cramps of the voluntary
rouscles, especially those of the neck and hind limbs,
which soon give place to general palsy—motor and sen-
sory. In other cases the onset is slow. There may be
trembling, dullness and lassitude for some hours or days,
or there may be some local paralysis, like that of the
throat or lips, incapacitating the animal from swallowing
liquids, or causing profuse slavering. But sooner or later,
in all cases alike, paralysis sets in and the animal is barely
able to support itself, or, if worse, lies prostrate on his side
with limbs extended and flaccid. If the case is to prove
fatal, coma #nd complete stupor usually precedes death.
If recovery ensues, appetite is often preserved throughout
and restoration of the general health precedes the disap-
pearance of the palsy, sometimes by several months. The
pulse throughout is little varied being usually slow and
soft at first, and weaker and more rapid as the disease
advances. Breathing, at first little affected, becomes deep
and stertorous as coma sets in. The surface temperature
is cool and that in the rectum usually natural. The bow-
els are generally costive and the urine unchanged and
may pass involuntarily. Tenderness of the spine may
sometimes be detected by percussion and will guide to
the precise seat of local disease.
Treatment. The disease is very fatal, though varying
much in successive outbreaks. Excepting in cases of
complete paralysis and coma the patient should be placed
in slings and have what laxative food (bran mashes, roots,
etc.,) he will take. Cold lotions (nitre and sal-ammoniac)
or bags of pounded ice and bran should be applied to the
spine, and hand-rubbing and mustard or other stimulating
embrocations. to the limbs. Copious injections of warm
Diseases of the Nervous System. 349
water may be thrown into the rectum, containing in solu-
tion aloes or other purgatives. Opium or chloral-hydrate
may be given to relieve extreme pain or spasm, but the
agents which are especially demanded in the early stages
are bromide of potassium and ergot of rye. These may
be used as injections or, still better, subcutaneously, the
first in strong solution, the last as ergotine. When swal-
lowing is perfect they may be administered by the mouth.
When the acute symptoms have passed, stimulants (am-
monia, ether, alcoholic fiuids,) and tonics (quinia, casca-
rilla, boneset, etc.,) may be given and blisters (mustard,
Spanish flies,) applied along the spine. The remaining
palsy must be treated on general principles. (See Paral-
ysis).
ENZOOTIC MYELITIS IN SHEEP. TREMBLING. HYDRO-RACHITIS.
The true cause of this affection is unknown, but it has
prevailed, especially on newly limed land which has un-
dergone a great temporary increase of fertility. In some
parts of Scotland its prevalence is circumscribed by the
windings of a river (Tweed) and without any ostensible
cause; or it is fatal on one slope (south) of a hill while
the opposite escapes; or again it prevails on the richest
table-lands. It attacks mainly lambs or sheep under 13
years old and proves very fatal, often destroying the en-
tire offspring of the year.
Symptoms vary somewhat. Many lambs appear para-
lyzed when dropped, either in the hind or fore extremities
or both, others are attacked a few days or weeks later.
Sometimes the head or entire body is drawn to one side
by tonic spasm, in other cases there is spasmodic move-
ment of the limbs in progression (louping-ill). There is
usually much apparent stupor and drooping ears, but the
patient is easily startled and in its efforts to escape will
tumble headlong. A nervous trembling is frequent and
there is tenderness or itching of the loins or croup.
Treatment cf the lambs would be on the same general
350 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
principles as in inflammation of the spinal cord in other
animals but will rarely pay. Prevention is to be sought
by keeping breeding ewes and young sheep from newly
limed land; by using none for breeding under two years
old, and, by close attention to food, water and shelter, to
secure good health during pregnancy.
PARALYSIS. LOSS OF SENSATION OR VOLUNTARY MOTION.
Loss of voluntary motion is known as Motor paralysis,
loss of sensation as Sensory paralysis or ANESTHESIA. Pa-
ralysis is also peripheral when it occurs from injury to the
nerves (chilling, tearing, cutting, pressure, inflammation,
degeneration, ete.,) and central when it arises from injury
to the great nerve centres, the brain and spinal cord.
Sensory and motor paralysis may exist independently of
each other, and loss of sensation on one side of the body
may coexist with increased sensitiveness on the other.
An injury to one side of the brain usually paralyzes sen-
sation or motion on the opposite side of the body. Injury
to the lower part of one lateral half of the spinal cord,
paralyzes motion on the same side of the body behind the
lesion ; while an injury to the upper part of one lateral
half of the cord paralyzes sensation on the opposite side
behind the hurt, and in a small adjacent part of the same
side, while the rest of this side behind the lesion is ren-
dered more sensitive. Space forbids our following further
the indications furnished by the nature and seat of the
paralysis, as to the probable lesions in the central nervous
system; this must be left for a larger work.
GENERAL PARALYSIS.
Paralysis of the face, trunk and extremities, but with-
out the implication of the muscles of respiration, may
arise from pressure on the brain, or as a reflex action from
distant organs (impacted stomach, constipation, preg-
nancy, etc.,) and may not be incompatible with life. If
from section or cutting of the spinal cord in front of the
Diseases of the Nervous System. . 351
fifth neck-bone (broken neck, pithing,) it is promptly
fatal by abolishing respiration.
PARAPLEGIA. PALSY OF THE HIND LIMBS.
This is a common form of paralysis resulting from
broken back or loins, or it may be reflex from disordered
digestion, etc. (in horses, cattle, dogs). It may also occur
from tumors or parasites in the spinal cord, from bony
swellings the result of sprains, from inflammation and
softening of the cord, and from lolium temulentum (dar-
nel), and the newly ripened seeds of its allies, lolium
linicola (flax rye-grass), and lolium perenne (perennial rye-
erass). The chick vetch, millet, ergot and various blood
poisons (taurocholic acid, leucin, tyrosin, urea, etc.,) have
a similar action.
HEMIPLEGIA.
This consists in paralysis of one lateral half of the
body, to the exclusion of the other, usually as the result
of some disorder of one side of the brain or spinal cord.
It occurs in all animals but less frequently than paraplegia.
FACIAL PARALYSIS.
This sometimes occurs from a continuous current of
cold air striking on the side of the face, but also from
bruises behind the eye and joint of the jaws, by a badly
fitting bridle, a collar, or apparatus commonly used for
breachy horses. Cows suffer from similar injuries from
stanchions. Finally it may result from disease of the
brain or middle ear.
Other local paralyses, such as of the ear, eyelids, lips,
tongue, larynx, tail, etc., result from corresponding causes.
Treatment for paralysis. Our first object must be to
remove the cause, whether this consist in digestive, urinary
or uterine disorder, in congestion, inflammation, or press-
ure on the brain or nerves. When a nerve is cut across,
we must wait for its reunion. When the cause is irre.
352 The Larmer’s Vetermary Adviser.
movable the paralysis is necessarily incurable. In cases of |
inflammation we must proceed as advised for inflammation
of the brain or spinal cord. Then apply cold douches and
friction to the paralyzed part, followed by a blister. lis-
ters may also be applied to the neighborhood of the nerve-
centre presiding over the part. In some cases the application
of the hot iron lightly is beneficial. A current of electricity
directed along the course of the nerve or through the para-
lyzed muscles may be repeated daily with the best results ;
or nerve-stimulants (nux vomica, strychnia, nitrate of silver,
etc.) may be given twice daily, commencing with small
doses and gradually increasing them until twitching or
slight cramps of the muscles are seen; then stop their ad-
ministration for a few days, and resume with half the
former doses. Never continue when the system is affected,
as shown by muscular jerking. In some cases of local paral-
ysis (retina, etc.) excellent results are obtained from sub-
cutaneous injections of strychnia.
STOMACH STAGGERS AND ACUTE LEAD POISONING.
These are affections commencing with functional stomach
and brain disorder, and leading to congestion and inflamma-
tion of the great nerve-centres, and deserve a special notice.
The stomach staggers of horses and cattle usually arise
from eating particular articles of food, such as the different
forms of rye-grass, millet, vetches, tares, ete., when ripen-
ing and not yet cured. A poisonous principle exists, which,
in the case of the Lolium temulentum, has been separated as
an extract, and administered with fatal effects to horses,
cattle and dogs. It acts by paralyzing the stomach and
congesting the brain. Cattle will suffer similarly from the
very rich vegetation of spring, from the dry, irritating fibrous
grass mixed with the aftermath, or from a sudden change
from soft to hard water. In Southern Kansas, Indian Ter-
ritory, and New Mexico, the “loco” plant produces a simi-
lar nervous disorder with an increasing fondness for the
plant, and finally death.
Diseases of the Nervous System. 858
Symptoms. The first effect is drowsiness, the horse be-
ing sluggish at work and falling asleep while eating or drink-
ing, or the ox leaving his fellows and lying down with his
head on his flank, his eyelids semi-closed and his pupils
dilated. The bowels continue to move, passing undigested
matter and wind, the abdomen is full and the seat of fre-
quent rumbling, and the appetite is retained, so that the
torpid stomach is still further over-distended. This state
of things may continue for several days, and is followed by
imperfect control over the limbs, hind or fore, so that the
subject sways unsteadily in walking, and leans his head on
the manger and his quarters on the stall, when in the stable.
Sometimes paraplegia is the first sign, dr owsiness being ab-
sent throughout. The drowsiness in time gives place to
restless and involuntary actions, jerking of the head, champ-
ing of the jaws, pushing the head against the wall, move-
ments of the limbs, walking in a circle or straight forward
regardless of obstacles, springing or dashing violently about,
convulsions, etc. These periods of violence or delirium oc-
cur in paroxysms, leaving intervals of comparative, though
not absolute, quiet and stupor. If not carefully secured
the animals often kill themselves during one of these parox-
ysms. ‘The pulse and breathing are slow at first, but accel-
erated in the later stages.
ACUTE LEAD POISONING in cattle results from eating red or
white paint (often the refuse of paint-pots, which has lain
for years in the soil), sheet lead, spent bullets, etc., or from
drinking from dishes which have held sugar of lead, or of
soft water that has run through leaden pipes or stood in
leaden cisterns. The symptoms are usually indistinguish-
able from those above described, the preliminary dullness
and drowsiness merging into active delirium, with reckless
dashing about and violent bellowing.
Treatment in all cases consists in stopping the foes
of the poison and carrying off from the bowels any that
still remains there. Double the usual amount of purga-
tive medicine must be given, with stimulants, their action
23
B54 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
favored by injections and the brain symptoms kept in
check by applying cold water or ice to the head, as well as
by bromide of potassium. In lead poisoning sulphate of
magnesia or soda are the appropriate purgatives, and 34
oz. sulphuric acid should also be given in two pints of
water to precipitate in an insoluble form any lead that
may still be retained. If later there is a suspicion of lead
being retained in the system give iodide of potassium.
Should paralysis persist when the active symptoms have
passed away, treat that on general principles.
SUN-STROKHE.
This is especially common in horses in the hot months
and in the large cities, but is seen in cattle and sheep as
well, when exposed to the full glare of the sun. Among
the causes which co-operate in its production may be
mentioned foul, badly aired stables, tight collars or girths, .
overwork in hot weather, heavy milking in cows, obesity,
poor, unwholesome food, and indeed any health-deterio-
-ating condition. Horses are usually attacked while being
speeded, or at heavy draught work, in a collar, and ex-
posed to the direct and reflected rays of the sun, as in
a valley, on a hillside or in the streets of a city.
Symptoms. Sometimes without any observed premoni-
tory sign the horse will suddenly stop in harness, droop
his head, prop himself out on all four limbs, pant vio-
lently, fall, and after some convulsive movements, die in a
state of coma, marked by stertorous breathing. In other
cases the attack is slower, the horse flags in gait, responds
very imperfectly, if at all, when urged, hangs on the bit,
may perspire freely, or have a dry burning surface, and
becomes unsteady on his limbs. If still urged he falls,
but if allowed will stand with legs extended, head low
and stretched out, nostrils dilated, superficial veins
distended, eyes ‘protruded and red, pupils contracted,
breathing rapid and wheezing or deep and stertorous, the
pulse quick and weak, and the heart-beats tumultuous.
Diseases of the Nervous System. 855
This is followed by prostration, a state of unconsciousness,
palsy or convulsions and death. If recovery ensues it is
followed by dullness, uncertain movements of the limbs,
drowsiness or other sign of brain disease.
Treatment. Douche the head and neck with cold water,
and make the same application to the whole body, unless
the weakness of the patient forbids this. Throw stimula-
ting injections into the rectum (ammonia, or oil of turpen-
tine and oil). If the convulsions are aggravated by the
douche use injections of chloral-hydrate instead. Apply
frictions and mustard embrocations to the limbs and the
sides of the neck, especially when unconsciousness and
coma come on. Improvement may be expected when the
pupils dilate, and above all when consciousness returns.
A failing pulse should be met with stimulants by the
mouth and rectum. To prevent sun-stroke much may be
done by keeping in vigorous health, avoiding ill-aired
stables, using breast-straps in place of collars, and wear-
ing a sun-shade and a small wet sponge on the top of the
head.
PARASITES IN THE BRAIN. See Parasites.
CHAPTER XVIL
SKIN DISEASES.
Classification. General Causes and Treatment. Congesticn of the skin,
Chafing, Chilling, Irritants, Sun’s Rays. Congestion with Pimples, Papules.
Inflammation with Blisters, Vesicles. Inflammation wlth Pustules. Inflam-
mation of horses’ heels, Swelled Legs, Cracked Heels, Grease, Grapes,
Scratches. Inflammation of the skin with nodular swellings, Tubercles,
Surfeit, Urticaria. Scaly skin disease, Pityriasis, Mallenders, Sallenders,
Scratches. Boils, Furuncles. Nervous irritation of the skin, Neurosis,
Prurigo. Warts. Callosities, Black-pigment Tumors. Epithelial Cancer.
Parasitic skin diseases. Common Ringworm. Tinea Tonsurans. Honey-
comb Ringworm, Favus. Diffuse Baldness, Tinea Decalvans, Parasiti¢
Pityriasis. Parasitic Grease. Contagious Foot-rot. Mange. Scab. Itch.
Scabies, Acariasis. Ticks. Ixodes. Warbles, Larva of the Gadfly. At-
iacks of Flies, Maggots. Sheep-tick. Melophagus Ovinus. Fleas. Lice.
Erysipelas. Wounds—cut, punctured, bruised, torn, puisoned. Burns.
Scalds.
Skin Diseases will be considered under the following
heads :
1. Diseases due to general causes and embracing all the
grades of inflammatory action :—congestion—a red pointed
eruption (papules)—a similar eruption with minute blis-
ters (vesicles)—the formation of larger hemispherical blis-
ters (bulle)—the formation of pus in these vesicles (pust-
tles)—the formation of round nodular transient swellings
(tubercles)—the excessive production of scales or dan-
druff (squamous)—pustules with circumscribed sloughing
of the deeper layers of the skin (boils).
2. Diseases manifested by deranged sensation—Neurosis.
3. Diseased growths—warts—callosities—epithelial can-
cer, etc.
f Skin Diseases. 357
}
4. Pavasitic diseases,—vegetable and animal.
5. Diseases connected with a specific poison— different
forms of variola (pox)—measles—scarlatina—erysipelas
-—malignant pustule, etc.
6. Wounds. Burns. Scalds.
General causes. These are exceedingly varied. Many
gases are the result of simple local irritation, as chafing,
radiating heat, cold and wet, chemical and mechanical irri-
tants, or the presence on the skin of parasitic plants or
animals. A large class is due, however, to disorders of
internal organs with which the skin is in sympathy, or
that have failed to transform or throw off elements that
prove cutaneous irritants by their presence in the blood,
or when being excreted abnormally through the skin.
Disorder of the liver, stomach, bowels, kidneys and lungs,
are especially apt to act in this way. Sometimes skin
disease is a mere symptom of general ill-health.
General treatment. The first object is to discover and
remove the cause; then if the disease is of an inflamma-
tory nature and acute, soothing agents may be applied to
the irritated skin—fomentations with tepid water, oxide
of zine powder or ointment, starch, lycopodium, spermaceti
and almond-oil, solutions of sugar of lead, sulphate of zine,
or carbolic acid, collodion, ete. Give internally cooling lax-
atives (sulphate of soda, tartrates or citrates of soda or
potash,) and diuretics (acetate of potassa or ammonia,
carbonate of potassa or soda). In weak states tonics are
often wanted whereas in plethoric subjects depletion is
equally essential. A cool, clean, airy stable and cleanli-
ness of the skin are all-important.
Tf the disease is not so recent or the acute symptoms
have been subdued, a more stimulating class of local ap-
plications are in order: ointments of iodine, sulphur,
mercury, nitrate of mercury, tar, oil of tar, oil of turpen-
tine, oil of cade, etc., may be used. Supersedents too
may be given internally: sulphur, antimony, arsenic, mer-
cury, Dunovan’s solution, are examples.
G
=
358 The Farmer's Veterinary Advise
ek eee
CONGESTION OF THE SKIN. Wate
Simple redness, heat and tenderness with no dark color
nor eruption. This may coexist with all the different
forms of inflammatory eruption according to the degree
of irritation at different points.
It occurs: From chafing, in the axilla, between tlie
thighs, in the heels or under the harness in hot weather ;
from chills after being wet, in the heels of horses and on the
teats of cows exposed to wet in winter ; from hardened mud
in the space between the hoofs in cattle, sheep and pigs;
and from the sun’s rays in white-faced or white-limbed
animals.
Treatment. If the surface is only tender, wash clean,
and apply a solution of table salt, sugar of lead (4 oz. to
1 qt.) or a little camphorated spirit. If the surface is
abraded (raw) use bland powders (oxide of zine, starch,
lycopodium,) wool, collodion, glycerine 1 oz. aloes 20
grs., or, if it can be kept covered, sulphurous acid solution
and glycerine (equal parts), laxatives, diuretics or tonics
must be used according to the indications. It is all-
important to avoid further irritation. Light, well-fitting
harness must be used, and the stuffing taken out and the
part beaten down where necessary, to avoid pressure on a
sore. Zine fittings to the top of the collar are often very
serviceable. So too, must exposure of affected heels to
damp or mud, and the wetting of teats in milking, be care-
fully avoided. Lotion, sugar of lead, opium, camphor.
CONGESTION WITH SMALL CONICAL PIMPLES. PAPULES.
In this case there is an eruption of finely-pointed pim-
ples without any watery exudation or blister. Itis usually
itchy and even painful, and by reason of rubbing may go
on to exudation with great thickening of the skin, bleeding,
scabs and open sores. Horses, especially, suffer in spring
and autumn at the time of shedding the coat, the eruption
often confining itself to the neck, shoulders and limbs.
On turning back the Lair on parts which are itchy or sore,
Skin Diseases. 359
but that have not suffered from rubbing, the nature of the
eruption will be seen, especially if a slightly magnifying
glass be used. The affection usually gives way readily
under the use of weak alkaline washes (carbonate of soda
1 dr, water 1 pint,) or soap-suds, a restricted laxative
diet and gentle laxatives.
INFLAMMATION WITH VESICLES.
In this form of skin disease papules are crowned with
little blisters, so small and pointed as to require a mag-
nifying glass to make them out distinctly (eczema), or as
large as a small pea and rounded (herpes, bulle). These
forms are common in horses and dogs, and to a less extent
in ruminants, especially in connection with disorders of
digestion. Highly stimulating food, clipping and hot
weather are particularly favorable to their development.
Boiled food, diseased potatoes, green food or any change
of diet may cause them. One form of this affection is
induced by a too extensive use of mercury to the skin.
Cattle suffer from eating the refuse of distilleries and
gardens, garbage from kitchens, etc.; sheep are attacked
after exposure to cold rains. Old horses suffer from an
inveterate form in connection with bad food and want of
grooming and wholesome stabling. In dogs too, it be-
comes inveterate and chronic, the whole skin being de-
nuded of hair and of a bright scarlet, with the character-
istic eruption mixed with cracks, sores and scabs (red
mange). In the milder forms, dogs suffer mainly inside
the thighs or on the scrotum; horses suffer under the
harness and especially at the root of the mane and under
the saddle, but the eruption may spread over the whole
body ; cattle suffer on the limbs, especially the hind, but
not exclusively so.
The other eruptions are often mingled with the vesicles,
the hairs become bristly, and as the skin is broken by
rubbing, a bloody or straw-colored exudation concretes
in scabs and mats the hair together, while elsewhere ex-
tensive raw sores appear.
860 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
Treatment. Give a saline or oleaginous laxative, and
follow up with acetate of potassa or other alkaline agents
in the drinking water. If there are signs of disordered
liver give small doses of podophyllin to keep the bowels
slightly relaxed; if debility, bitter tonics. A restricted
non-stimulating diet, (herbivora, mashes, roots, ete.; car-
nivora, bread and milk, oatmeal porridge, etc.,) pure air,
cleanliness and skin washes of carbonate of soda or
potassa containing a few drops of carbolic acid will prove
valuable. In dogs this last agent should be omitted.
Tn all forms of chronic and inveterate eczema the scabs
should be soaked in oil for a few hours and removed by
washing, after which more stimulating applications may
be resorted to:—ointments of sulphur, iodine, iodide
of sulphur, sulphuret of potassium, mercury, nitrate of
mercury, ete., with or without alkalies. In some cases a
few drops of oil of vitriol in a quart of water, will much
relieve the itching and pain. In others the same end
must be sought by adding prussic acid or cyanide of
potassium in small amount, great care being taken to
prevent the patient from licking it. Internally, use su-
persedents—arsenic, with or without iodide and bromide
of potassium ; or small doses of Dunovan’s solution may
be resorted to in bad cases.
INFLAMMATION WITH PUSTULES.
This differs from vesicles in this, that the elevations on
the skin have the scarfskin raised by the formation below
it of a white, purulent matter, in place of clear liquid.
The prominent forms are those with large pustules (ec-
thyma), and those with small (impetigo). The hair stands
erect, and scabs form on the surface covering the sores,
especially after rubbing. Even if not rubbed they dry up
in scabs whick soon fall off.
Horses suffer mainly at the root of the mane, on the
neck, the rump, and on the lips and face, especially if
white; cattle and sheep, especially the young, are at-
Skin Diseases. 861
tacked on the lips and other delicate parts of the skin
(vulva, etc.,) and pigs and dogs on any part of the body.
Causes. It is often chargeable on some disorder of
digestion as the result of unwholesome food or a sudden
change of food, as from dry to green, or from one kind
of pasturage to another. In young animals (foals, calves,
lambs, kids, pigs,) it appears to be an occasional result of
heated or otherwise unwholesome milk. Vetches affected
with honey-dew have produced it in white horses or in
white spots of those of other colors; and buckwheat has
affected white sheep, pigs, goats, etc., in the same way.
It may, however, arise from habitual exposure to cold and
wet, local irritation, as from rubbing, etc., or from dis-
order of other internal organs.
Treatment consists in softening the crusts with oil,
washing them off with soap-suds, and applying soothing
or gently astringent agents to the part (spermaceti and
olive-oil, benzoated oxide of zine ointment, lime-water,
sugar of lead lotions, etc.) When it attacks the root of
the mane cut off the hair, and if the pain is excessive
foment or poultice until the eruption comes to a head when ©
some of the above agents may be applied. When the
pustules have burst and show little tendency to healing,
this may often be hastened by touching the sores with a
pointed stick of lunar caustic, or a weak solution of this
agent (2 grs. to 1 oz. water) may be lightly painted over
the part. The internal treatment consists in the adminis-
tration of laxatives followed by bitters (gentian, quassia,
boneset, cascarilla, willow bark, etc.,) and diuretics. In
obstinate or long-standing cases the same treatment may
be followed as in chronic eczema.
INFLAMMATION OF THE HEELS IN HORSES. GREASE.
The skin in the region of the heel is so vascular and so
abundantly provided with oil-glands, and is so frequently
exposed to irritants, wet, cold, mud, filth, etc., that a special
notice of its inflammatory condition seems demanded.
862 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
The causes are a lymphatic constitution, with a tendency to
stocking of the legs; a weak circulation, diseased heart,
liver or kidneys, with swelled legs ; washing the heels with
caustic soap; leaving them wet and muddy when put in
the stall; currents of cool air striking on the heels:
irritant fumes from accumulated dung and urine; soaking
of the heels in putrid pools in the straw-yard ; standing in
snow, or in the slush of melting snow; and besides, any
of the constitutional causes of other skin diseases. To
these might be added horse-pox, foot-mange, and an erup-
tion associated with a vegetable parasite, but we must leave
these to be considered with specific and parasitic diseases.
Symptoms. We find all grades of inflammation in the
heel: Ist, Simple swelling with dry heat, tenderness and
great lameness from inability to stretch the skin and
bring the heel to the ground: 2d, Transverse cracks or
chaps more or less extensive: 3d, A pinkish-white foetid
discharge from the surface with oftentimes some modera-
tion of the lameness: 4th, The eruption of pustules of
variable size: 5th, The formation of fungous growths
(grapes), over the affected surface, of a size from a pea to
a cherry, red, angry and covered with a foetid discharge.
This last form often invades the frog constituting canker.
The same occurs in sheep as the result of long continued
irritation to the skin of the coronet, and is the worst form
of non-contagious jfoot-rot. 6th, A sixth form of the affec-
tion (scratches) is much more common in our light Ameri-
can horse, exposed in the deep mud of spring, and con-
sists in minute excoriations, becoming covered with thin
scabs which remain tender and troublesome for an in-
definite length of time.
Treatment. The prime essential is to avoid the cause,
whether exposure to filth, cold, wet, local irritants, low
condition, or disorder of some internal organ or function.
If the inflammation runs high a cooling laxative (Glauber
salts, aloes,) and mild diuretics (nitre, iodide of potassium,)
should be given, unless contra-indicated by low condition
Skin Diseases. 363
or debility. ‘Tonics (iodide of iron) should be conjoined
with gentle diuretics for weak patients, and the food should
be cooling (in part green or roots). Gentle pressure from
a bandage evenly applied from the foot up, is beneficial.
In simple inflammation, without eruption or discharge,
apply cloths wet with a weak solution of sugar of lead or
other astringent, and in winter cover these with a dry
bandage to prevent freezing. Or a poultice may be ap-
pled with a little sugar of lead lotion on the surface.
When cracks have appeared, apply a similar lotion with
the addition of a few drops of carbolic acid or grains of
chloral-hydrate (enough to give it an odor) ; or sulphurous
acid solution, water and glycerine in equal proportions,
covering promptly and perfectly with a bandage; or,
glycerine and aloes, etc.
In case of discharge or pustules the lotion may be
made with chloride of zinc or lime in place of sugar of
lead, or finely powdered charcoal may be sprinkled over
the poultice ; carbolic acid or chloral will be equally in
place.
When fungous growths appear more active measures
are demanded. Strong carbolic acid may be applied to
them individually, or better, pledgets of tow, saturated
with tincture of the muriate of iron, should be bound on
by a tight bandage extending from the hoof up. Or the
growths may be snipped off with scissors and the muriate
of iron applied ; or they may be individually strangled by
a stout thread tied round their necks, or cut off with the
sharp edge of a red-hot blacksmith’s shovel, a cool one
being held beneath to protect the skin. Then apply any
one of the antiseptics above mentioned.
Scratches are among the most obstinate forms of the
affection because not severe enough to demand the seclu-
sion of the horse from wet, mud and snow. In feeding
the subjects of this affeetion avoid all buckwheat, maize or
other heating agents, and if it proves obstinate resort to
the various internal remedies advised for chronic eczema
364 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
Locally use benzoated oxide of zinc; glycerine and aloes ;
camphorated spirit and chloral; the same with a few
drops of tincture of chloride of iron, ete. When irritation
subsides and the scales drop off, leaving a healthy-looking
surface, smear with a bland ointment (spermaceli and
almond-oil).
CUTANEOUS INFLAMMATION WITH NODULAR SWELLINGS.
TUBERCULES.
The most remarkable example of this is what is known
to horsemen as swfeit, by veterinarians as urticaria. It
occurs in spring and autumn in horses, cattle and pigs,
and is at once connected with moulting and sudden changes
of food or of weather. With some fever, there appear on
different parts of the body swellings varying in size from
a pea to a walnut, and often running together so as to
form extensive patches, which will close the nostrils, eye-
lids or lips, and put a stop to feeding or even threaten
suffocation. ‘There is little pain or tenderness and the
swellings are very transient, appearing and disappearing
on different parts at short intervals.
Treatment consists in clearing out the bowels by a pur-
gative (horse, aloes; ox, salts; pig, oil or jalap,) and fol-
lowing this up with bitters (gentian, etc.,) and diuretics
(nitre, carbonates of soda and potassa).
SCALY SKIN AFFECTIONS. PITYRIASIS.
These are exemplified in the scurfy, scaly affections
which appear in the bend of the knee (mallenders) and
hock (sallenders) and on the lower parts of the limbs, by
scratches, and by a scaly exfoliation and shedding of hair
of the mane and face of old horses, and of different parts
of the body in cattle. Some of these like mallenders, sal-
lenders and scratches may commence as papules or vesicles,
while the scaly affection of the face is often connected
with a vegetable growth, but this form is distinguished by
extreme tenacity, and a gradual progress from its point of
Skin Diseases. 865
origin ; that which is dependent on constitutional causes
is more diffused. They depend on the general causes of
skin diseases ;—heating, unsuitable diet, sudden changes,
imperfect grooming, heats of summer, disorders of the
lungs, bowels, liver or kidneys, on oxalic acid in the blood,
and some constitutional causes. Beside the scurfiness
and loss of hair, the itching is often so extreme as to ren-
der the subject almost unmanageable, and useless for
work.
Treatment. A moderate laxative diet consisting in part
of roots (carrots and turnips,) the free administration of
alkalies (carbonate of potassa or soda, etc.,) and if still
inveterate, a prolonged course of arsenic will be requisite.
Locally use mercurial ointment or, if extensive, sulphur or
tar ointment, etc.
BOILS. FURUNCLES.
These are too well known to need description. They
consist in circumscribed inflammation of the deep layers
of the skin, with pustule and sloughing of a limited part of
the fibrous tissue. They are not uncommon on the legs of
horses, and if a number appear in succession are a source
of great trouble.
Treatment. While still a esta inflamed nodule they
may often be arrested by incising crucially with a sharp
knife and applying cold water bandages. Or apply a
poultice or thick wet cloth to bring quickly to a head. If
the resulting sore is indolent or unhealthy touch with ni-
trate of silver. The free internal use of alkalies (carbonate
of soda) sometimes checks their production.
NERVOUS IRRITATION OF THE SKIN. NEUROSIS. PRURIGO.
This is often seen in horses that are overfed on grain
(especially the more stimulating varieties) and hay, and
that have close, unwholesome stables. Hot weather is
also a cause. Though occasionally associated with pim-
ples or even vesicles, the irritation is found to be equally
366 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
severe on parts devoid of eruption, yet the integument
tends to become thickened and rigid as the disease per-
sists. The irritation may be slight or so severe that the
harness cannot be kept on. It must not be confounded
with rubbing of the tail from pin-worms.
Treatment. Purge, put on restricted diet, with roots
wash the skin with soap and water, and apply water
slightly soured with oil of vitriol. If this, with carbonate
of soda internally, fails to cure, a long course of arsenic is
demanded.
WARTS. CALLOSITIES. CANCER. BLACK PIGMENT TUMORS.
Warts are to be removed by scissors and the part burned
with some caustic (lunar caustic if near the eye, butter of
antimony, blue-stone, chloride of zine, ete., elsewhere).
Or they may be destroyed by tying a thread tightly round
the neck of each, or by the use of the hot iron.
CALLOSITIES are common under the saddle (sitfasts). A
circumscribed portion of skin, the seat of a former chafe,
has become thickened and indurated to almost horny con-
sistency. The skin around the edges is inflamed, raw
and angry. It can usually be loosened by a poultice, so
as to be easily removed by a sharp knife, after which it is
to be treated as a common sore.
Buiack Piament Tumors (Melanosis) are exceedingly
common in gray and white horses, attacking the black
parts of the skin (anus, vulva, udder, sheath, lips, eyelids,
etc.,) and though sometimes cancerous are often quite
harmless, and should always be removed with the knife.
EPITHELIAL CANCER is not common in the lower animals
but is seen in the lips of horses and cats. Here again the
knife is the best remedy.
PARASITIC DISEASES OF THE SKIN.
COMMON RINGWORM. TINEA TONSURANS.
This is common in horses, cattle, dogs and cats, as well
as in man, and is readily transmitted from one to the
Skin Diseases. 3867
other. Itis especially common in winter or spring, and
occurs as round bald spots on the face or elsewhere
covered with white scales, and surrounded by a ring of
bristly, broken hairs, or split hairs with scabs around the
roots and some eruption on the skin. Soon this ring of
broken hairs is shed and a wider bristly ring is formed.
Among the naked eye characters the breaking and splitting
of hairs in the ring, and the perfect baldness of the central
Fig. 42.
Fig. 42—Hairs with spores of Trichophyton Tonsurans. From the horse.
—MEGNIN.
part are the most significant. Chloroform bleaches the
affected hairs, while the sound ones are unaffected. The
microscopic appearances are the presence in the hairs and
hair follicles of a vegetable parasite (trichophyton tonsu-
Tams.)
Treatment. Shave the hairs from the affected part, or
better, pull them out with a pair of pincers and paint with
tincture of iodine, or a solution of corrosive sublimate (40
grains to 1 pt. of water), or of bisulphite of soda (4 oz. to
1 pt.)
HONEY-COMB RINGWORM. FAVYUS.
Common in cattle, dogs, cats, rabbits and chickens, as well
as in children (scald-head). It shows the same general ap-
pearance of baldness advancing from a centre, which is
described above, but a cup-shaped yellowish scab results
which has obtained for it the name. The parasite (Acho-
rion Schonleini) appears to be but another form of the
fungus of ringworm affected by its conditions of growth
and especially by the weak or unhealthy condition of the
host. Zvreat as for common ringworm.
Fig. 48.
Fig. 43—Hair with spores of Achorion Schénleini, from the horse. -MEGNIN
DIFFUSE BALDNESS (TINEA DECALVANS). PARASITIC PITYRIASIS
Two other forms are seen in the horse, one attacking
any part of the body, and recognized by the agelutination
of five or six hairs together in a white crust, and the other
attacking the heads of old horses, and characterized mainly
by the scurfy product. Both are exceedingly inveterate,
though not attended with excessive itching, and demand
the persistent use of tincture of iodine or corrosive sub-
limate lotions in order to effect a cure.
Fig. 44—Microsporon Adouinii from Parasitic Pityriasis in the horse.—
MEGNIN.
In all those cases the harness, brushes, combs and wood-
work must be washed with a solution of caustic potassa or
soda, and then wet with iodine ointment or a solution of
corrosive sublimate, otherwise all treatment may be fruit-
less. Horse blankets should be boiled for a length of
time.
Skin Diseases. 869
a
PARASITIC GREASE. CONTAGIOUS FOOT-ROT IN SHEEP.
In inflammation of the horse’s heel, attended with
fungus-like growths (grapes), a vegetable growth is often
present and seems to be a main cause of the disease.
The contagious foot-rot in sheep presents the same appear-
ance of the skin, and is presumably due to a similar para-
site. With or without an abrasion, the matter from a
diseased foot produces in the healthy one swelling, excori-
ation and fungous growths round the top of the hoof, as
well as an excessive growth, softening and loss of cohesion
of the horny elements below.
- ig. 45 —Oidium Batracosis from parasitic grease. —-MEGNIN.
Treatment consists in laying bare the diseased surface,
and applying active caustics and parasiticides. Pare the
horn to the quick and apply tow soaked in tincture of
muriate of iron, butter of antimony, solution of blue-stone
or nitrate of silver, bind up firmly, and repeat the dressing
daily. All overgrown horn must be carefully removed,
and means taken to prevent irritation from dried mud, ete.
MANGE. SCAB. ITCH. SCABIES. ACARIASIS.
These names among others are given to diseases of the
skin caused by acari. Of parasitic acari there are three
principal species : Sarcoptes, which burrow in canals in the
seariskin and are difficult to find and eradicate, and derma-
tophagus and dermatocoptis which live on the surface or
among the scabs and are more easily disposed of. Another
24.
370 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
Fig. 46—Sarcoptes Equi. Female. Fig. 47—Dermatophagus Equi. Female.
Fig. 48—Dermatocoptes Equi. Female. Fig. 49—Dermanyssus. (Ifen
louse.) Fig. so—Gamasus of Fodder. Fig. 51—Demodex.
Skin Diseases. 371
species—demodex—inhabits the sebaceous glands of the
skin in sheep and dog and causes much irritation with
acne-like eruption. Among acari occasionally parasitic
may be mentioned : the dermanyssus (misnamed hen louse),
the gamasus of musty hay, and the leptus (misnamed jigger
in the Western States), all excepting the last living on the
surface and easily discovered. Lastly a tyroglyph is acci-
dentally parasitic on all domestic animals.
Of the sarcoptes there is one species lives on the horse,
which will temporarily inhabit the skin of man; a second
is peculiar to the goat; a third is common to dogs and
swine, a fourth to cats and rabbits and a fifth to chickens
horses and foxes.
One species of dermatophagus lives on the heels and legs
of horses, another on the tail, neck, etc., of cattle, and a
third on the pastern, limbs, and less frequently the trunk,
of sheep.
Of dermatocoptes there is also a particular species for
each of these animals—horse, ox and sheep—though usu-
ally confounded with each other. These are the most
common causes of mange and from their non-burrowing
habits are most easily disposed of.
Accessory causes. Though the reception of the acarus
is the one essential cause of mange, yet others conduce to
its speedy diffusion—as poor condition, filth and warm
seasons. Some acari, like the dermatophagi, may even
seem to suspend operations in winter and cause little or
no trouble until the following spring.
Symptoms. We must state these in general terms,
throwing the whole class into one group. There is intense
uncontrollable itching, aggravated by hot weather or build-
ings, and by perspiration. If the affected part is scratched
the animal shows his gratification by moving his body as
if rubbing, and especially (in horses) by a nibbling move-
ment of the lips. In sheep the wool is torn off, and white
tufts hang on the dark surface of the fleece. The skin is
thickened and rendered rigid by ext-lation into its sub-
372 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
stance, as well as by the accumulation of crusts on the
surface. «In fine skins, like that of the sheep, there is a
distinct papular eruption, and in all there are excoriations
and even deep sores and ulcers from the incessant and
desperate rubbing. The bare patches are less absolutely
so than in ringworm, for hairs still adhere at intervals
and though the hairs may be broken they show less brit-
tleness or tendency to split up. But the one reliable sign
is the presence of the acarus, which may often be rec-
ognized by the naked eye when a little of the scurf is
placed on a plate of glass and closely watched. The
scabs will be seen to move and a little observation will
enable one to detect the almost invisible insect. A low
magnifying power is a great help. To find the sarcoptes
it may be necessary to expose the skin to the warm rays
of the sun, to detach a crust and tie it for twelve hours on
the skin of the arm, when the acarus will be found in the
centre of a pale red papule and may be removed with a
needle.
The dermanyssus may not be found on the skin unless
the subject is examined in the stable at night. They are
large and easily detected when bright crimson, from being
gorged with blood. There is always the suspicious prox-
imity of chickens or their dung, the latter swarming with
gray acari.
The demodex living in the hair follicles of dogs, causes
loss of hair and prominent red nodules (acne) while the
sebaceous matter squeezed from the follicles contain spec-
imens of the acarus.
The sarcoptes of chickens attacks the comb, wattles and
feet, causing great irritation.
Treatment is local, though nourishing food, cool clear
air, clean dry buildings, and the avoidance of crowding or
exertion are important auxiliaries. By soap-suds, pre-
ceded if necessary by oil, break up and remove the scabs
and crusts; then apply thoroughly with a brush, oil of tax
L oz., whale-oil 20 oz., or $ lb. each of tar and sulphur,
Skin Diseases. 878
and 1 lb. each of soap and alcohol. For sheep with heavy
fleeces baths are very efficient. The following example
will neither stain the wool nor materially endanger the
sheep. Tobacco 16 lbs., oil of tar 3 pints, soda ash 20
lbs., soft soap 4 Ibs., water 50 gallons: Boil the tobacco
and dissolve the other agents in a few gallons of boiling
water, then add water to make up to fifty gallons, retain-
ing a temperature of about 70° Fah. This will suffice for
50 sheep ach sheep is kept in the bath three minutes,
two men meanwhile breaking up the scabs and ae
the liquid into all parts of the skin. When taken out he
is laid on a sloping drainer and the liquid squeezed out of
the wool and allowed to flow back into the bath. A second
Fig. 52.
Fig. 52—Ox-Tick.—VERRILL.
and even a third bath may be necessary in inveterate
eases. For newly shorn sheep oily applications are better,
being less liable to be washed off by rains. One part of
oil of tar to 40 parts castor-oil or lard will usually suffice,
but sulphur may be added if desired. The common use
of mineral poisons, and especially the compounds of mer-
cury for sheep dips, must be strongly deprecated.
Tn all cases an essential part of the treatment is to dress
with similar agents, or with a strong solution of caustic
potassa, all harness, brushes, combs and wood-work, and
to subject blankets to prolonged boiling. In pastures,
dress every rubbing post, tree, stump, stone, or wooden
fence, or change the field.
374 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
TICKS. IXODES.
These are common on stock in some parts of the coun-
try and may be picked off or dressings applied as for
acari.
LARVA OF GADFLY. WARBLES.
These may be found in little rounded tumors the size
of hazel-nuts, on the backs of cattle in winter and spring,
each tumor having a hole in the centre through which the
grub may be seen or extracted. A second species attacks
sheep as well as cattle, while a number of others in dif-
ferent countries, but eypecially in the tropics, live in the
skin of man and a variety of animals. Where gadflies
Fig. 53. Fig. 54.
Fig. 53—Céstrus Bovis.
Gadfly of ox.—CLARK. Fig. 54—Larva of same. Warble.
abound, animals are greatly terrified and injured by their
attacks. The best treatment is to examine all cattle in
spring and squeeze out and destroy the grubs found in
their backs, enlarging the openings with a knife when
necessary. This cuts off the supply of flies for the coming
year and a universal practice of this might be expected to
kill them out. |
ATTACKS OF FLIES (DIPTERA). MAGGOTS.
The attacks of flies are often very troublesome and even
fatal to stock. Many agents such as oil, infusions of wal-
nut leaves, rue or wormwood, are used to drive them off
but with only partial success. To protect the heads of
sheep a mixture of camphor, turpentine and asafcetida is
very effectual.
Skin Diseases. oO
Sheep suffer much in some localities from the larva of
the blowfly, laid on any damp or dirty part of the skin, as
on the tails and thighs when scouring. In such neighbor-
hoods the existence during summer or autumn of a dark
wet spot on the skin, of a white tuft of wool, or of wrigglin,:
of the tail will demand immediate attention.
Treatment. Clip off the wool and filth, pick off all
maggots and apply oil of turpentine or of tar 5 oz.,
camphor 1 dr., asafcetida $ dr.; dilute carbolic acid or
kerosene may be used in the absence of anything else.
To prevent the attacks use the sheep dip advised for scab,
or cut off the dirty wool and apply carbolic acid 1 part,
water 50 parts. :
SHEEP-TICK. HIPPOBOSCA (MELOPHAGUS) OVINA.
This is a dipterous insect degraded by the non-develop-
ment of its wings. Itis best met by the dips advised for
Fig. 55.
Fig. 55—Sheep-Tick with egg. Magnified.
scab. It is especially important to dip lambs, after affected
ewes have been shorn, as the insects migrate to the young
where they find more wool to shelter them.
FLEAS.
These, like the hippoboscida, are wingless diptera. We
have a variety each for the dog, cat, hen and dove, and in
tropical America the pulex penetians or Chigoe which:
burrows under the skin and there lays its eggs to be
hatched out in the flesh. Persian Insect powder is one of
376 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
the best agents to dust over the animals as well as over
carpets, rugs, ete., on which they have lain; or wash with
the yolks of eggs and a teaspoonful of oil of turpentine to
each egg; or a mixture of an ounce of oil of anise-seed and
ten ounces olive-oil may be rubbed over the body and
washed off with soap six hours later. Sprinkle the soil
Fig. 56—Cat Flea. Enlarged.—VERRILL.
where the animals roll with quicklime, carbolic acid, or
petroleum ; deluge kennels and roosts with boiling water
and afterward paint the cracks with oil of turpentine ; dip
mats or rugs in boiling water, and litter the buildings with
fresh pine shavings.
LICE.
These are degraded wingless hemipterous insects.
There are two kinds: blood-suckers (heematopinus), with
narrow head and long trunk-like sucking tube; and bird-
lice (trichodectes), with very large, broad head, and no
sucking tube, but biting jaws.
Of the blood-suckers there is one species each for :—
horse and ass; horse and ox; ox; goat; swine, and dog
and ferret.
Of bird-lice there is a species each for :—horse and ass ;
ox and ass; sheep; goat; dog; cat; duck, and goose;
two for the peacock; three for the turkey; four for the
pigeon; and five for the hen.
Skin Diseases. Bun ib
Fig 57—Hematopinus of Horse and Ass. Fig. 58—Hzematopinus of Ox.
Fig. 59—Hzematopinus of Calf. Fig. 60>—Hzematopinus of Dog. Fig.
61—Hematopinus of Pig. Fig. 62—Trichodectes of Horse.
They may be safely treated by sprinkling with powdered
wood ashes or by rubbing with sulphur ointment or whale-
oil, with water saturated with petroleum or kerosene, or
with a solution of sulphuret of potassium or lime (4 oz. tc
1 gall. water). Clean the buildings, clothes, etc., as for
fleas.
= >= Sool
378 The Farmers Vetermary Adviser.
Fig. 63 —Trichodectes of Ox. Fig. 64—Trichodectes of Sheep. Fig. 65 -
Trichodectes of Dog. Fig. 66—Goniodes Stylifer of the Turkey.
ERYSIPELAS.
A specific, diffuse, spreading inflammation of the skin,
often involving the loose connective tissue beneath, ard
sometimes the internal organs, associated with fever, an
unhealthy state of the blood, and usually a poison by which
it may be communicated to another animal with broken
skin.
Causes. An unhealthy (septic, etc.,) condition of the
atmosphere, the presence of impurities in the blood, from
foul air or food, plethora, exhausting work, debilitating
diseases, disorders of the liver, kidneys or other blood-
forming or purifying organ, or the absorption of putrid
Skin Diseases. 879
matters from a sore or other diseased surface. Sheep,
horses and swine fed on green or even harvested buck-
wheat are liable, and all animals kept in close, filthy,
unhealthy places or in the vicinity of accumulations ol
decomposing animal and vegetable matters. Sudden sup-
. pression of an habitual discharge, heating food, and new
grain and forage are occasional causes. But probably all
of these do little more than lay the system open to the
attack which would otherwise be escaped. - More direct or
exciting causes we find in local irritation,—as exposure to
a hot sun (newly-shorn sheep), chafing inside the elbows
or thighs, the presence of rancid fats on the skin, injuries
from the harness, bites of insects, etc., burns, scalds,
wounds, dropsies of the limbs, and above all the keeping
of patients with open sores where there is excessive ema-
nation from decomposing organic (especially animal)
matter, or the dressing of erysipelatous and healthy sores.
with the same sponges.
Symptoms. There is usually a preliminary fever, loss of
spirit and appetite, heat of the skin, accelerated pulse and
breathing, constipation, high-colored, scanty urine, and
elevation of the temperature of the rectum, soon followed
by a diffuse, hot, tender, shining, itching swelling, spread-
ing from a wound or other seat of irritation or even on a
previously healthy skin. In white skins the redness is
very deep, the shade being darker according to the gravity
of the case, and disappearing under the pressure of the
finger only to reappear quickly on its removal. The
swelling will be greater, according as the inflammation
involves the skin only, extends to the connective tissue
beneath (phlegmonous), or is complicated by a liquid exu-
dation (cedematous). It shows a tendency to wide and
rapid diffusion over the skin, its advancing border being
always abruptly elevated from the healthy integument,
though at points where it is recovering it may subside
gradually and insensibly to the healthy surface. The
inflamed skin is tense and smouth, but pits on pressure,
380 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
and often presents vesicles on its surface. After a few
days the swelling and redness may diminish, and the
blisters dry up into scales, which drop off, leaving a dark,
red, tender surface; or cracks may form with a sluggish,
unhealthy action and little tendency to heal. When mat-
ter forms it is liable to be diffused without any limiting
membrane as in an ordinary abscess, and to lead to exten-
sive death and sloughing of the skin and subjacent
structures, or to absorption of pus and its deposit in
internal organs, with fatal results.
In horses it is seen mainly about the head, chest, belly
and hind limbs, and is especially liable to prove oedema-
tous. It is distinguished from Anthrax and Purpura
Hemorrhagica by the presence of the wound or sore, by
the low inflammatory character of the swelling, by the
greater tendency to suppuration, and the implication
of the adjacent lymphatic glands.
Cattle suffer especially about the head but also on other
parts of the body. Sheep suffer mainly about the head,
but often and more severely about the udder, belly and
inner side of the thigh or arm, and it may be elsewhere.
Swine are mainly attacked about the head and neck,
and less frequently on the inner side of the limbs, the
chest or belly.
Treatment. Open the bowels freely (horse, ox and
sheep, Glauber salts; swine and dog, castor-oil,) following
it up by frequent and full doses of tincture of muriate of
iron and a nourishing, easily digested diet. In case of
much weakness or with very low fever use stimulants, al-
coholic or ammoniacal as they may be demanded, but
never if they cause dryness of skin and rise of temperature.
Diuretics may be used in cedematous cases, but in a
cuarded manner because of the depression. To the af-
fected skin apply warm fomentations, by preference, with
weak solutions of tincture of muriate of iron, hyposulphite
of soda or sulphate of zinc. Sometimes dry applications
have a good effect,—as a mixture of sulphate of zine and
Skin Diseases. 881
starch. Jodized collodion too is often of service. If mat-
ter has actually formed it should be let out with the lancet,
the wound being dressed with a solution of muriate of
iron to prevent unhealthy action.
WOUNDS.
These are divided into simple clean cuts (incised), stabs,
pricks and punctures (punctured), bruised or crushed (con-
tused) and torn (lacerated). Clean cuts often heal readily
when the edges are brought together accurately and re-
tained so. But such union by adhesion is most probable
in strong, healthy, well-conditioned animals, and least so
in the weak, poor and diseased. In /owls it is almost in-
variable, in swine nearly equally so, in dogs, cattle and
sheep there is still a strong tendency to adhesion, while in
horses all wounds readily form matter and primary adhe-
sion throughout is exceptional. Bleeding should be
checked, (see wounds of arteries, etc.,) clots washed off
with a stream of tepid water, foreign objects carefully re-
moved with fingers or forceps and the wound closed with
as little exposure as possible. The edges may be stitched
together by means of a curved flat needle with silk or
linen, well waxed or steeped in a weak solution of carbolic
acid, or better; with catgut which has been steeped for a
month in oil and carbolic acid, or with silver or other
metallic wire. It'may be closed by a continuous stitch
as In sewing a glove, when adhesion is to be expected, or
by separate stitches a half to three-fourths of an inch
apart when primary union is more doubtful. To secure
uniform approximation of the edges or pressure on the
different parts, the stitches may be passed round a quill
placed on each lip of the wound (quilled suture). Or pins
may be passed through the lips at suitable distances and
a few fibres of tow twisted around each like the figure 8.
Small wounds may have their edges shaved and layer
after layer of collodion applied until the covering is strong
enough to hold them together. The use of a weak solution
882 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
of carbolic acid or other antiseptic agent will further favo1
adhesion if it can be applied without causing movement
of the lips of the wound.
If the wound fails to heal by prompt adhesion, granula-
tions form, covered with a thin layer of pus, and these
gradually fill up the sore, leaving a scar. Or if the lips
of the wound are still kept together the granulations may
adhere (secondary adhesion), or finally small sores will
scab over and. healing take place beneath.
Granulating wounds may be washed daily with a cone
of tepid water, after the three first days, and may be
covered with a simple dressing of tow saturated in water
or oil to which a little carbolic acid has been added.
When necessarily left bare the same liquids may still be
applied. When the granulations become soft, flabby and
projecting (proud flesh), touch lightly with a stick of lunar
caustic, and expose to dry air. When they become indo-
lent and when healing and contraction come to a stand-still,
apply gentle stimulants—tincture of myrrh and aloes, ete.
When the deeper parts of the lips of the wound do not
come in contact, pads may be applied on each side to keep
them in apposition. Granulating wounds usually heal by
contraction from their edges, and if this is arrested by ad-
hesion to bones and other firm parts beneath, further |
healing may be impossible. In this and other cases of.
tardy healing, the implanting of thin slices of scarfskin,
just cut with a sharp instrument from other parts of the
integument, and their retention with strips of sticking
plaster, will usually hasten the process.
Punctured wounds often heal promptly, and especially in
animals prone to primary adhesion, when cleansed, kept
at rest, with warm dressings and pressure on their deeper
parts. If inflammation occurs in the deeper parts with
suppuration, it may be necessary to enlarge the opening
to allow of a ready discharge, and to let it heal outward
by granulation.
Bruised and torn wounds may be treated like punctured
Skin Diseases. 383
ones, and in birds, pigs and dogs, and in the more vascular
parts of the larger animals, will often heal by adhesion.
Should they fail to do so, they ought to be stitched together,
not too closely, and allowed to heal by granulation. Parts
that are absolutely dead may be removed, but none that
continue to show signs of life, and above all, no skin that
can possibly be saved.
Poisoned wounds should be promptly cauterized (See
Canine madness, Malignant anthrax, Injmphangitis). Sub-
cutaneous wounds, in which the deeper parts are injured
with little or no breach of the skin, mostly heal satisfac-
torily, and the main object should be to secure a suitable
position of the part, lest distortion should occur from
undue contraction or extension of the structures in healing.
For wounds that have resulted in fistula, see poll evil, fist-
ulous withers and quittior. Whenever a foreign body is
lodged in a wound it should be removed because of its
tendency to cause jistula, especially in horses.
BURNS AND SCALDS.
The gravity of these will vary much according to their
extent and depth. The treatment of the more severe
is rarely desirable in the lower animals, because of the
danger of fatal results from internal complications; or of
ruinous distortions from the contraction of cicatrices.
For slight burns apply cold water, Goulard water, water
perceptibly sweetened with carbolic acid or flavored with
oil of turpentine, keeping this up until the violent pain
and inflammation have subsided. Success attends the
exclusion of air by covering the part thickly with flour or
cotton wool until irritation is past. The same end is
gained by bathing the burn with oil of turpentine and
afterward covering with resin ointment. When large
blisters have formed, puncture with a needle and smooth
down the cuticle on the skin by gentle pressure, following
up with the soothing measures already recommended.
When the skin is still more deeply burned and sloughing
884 The Farmers Vetermary Adviser.
is inevitable, the stimulating applications (oil of turpen-
tine with resin ointment, equal parts of linseed-oil and
lime-water, etc.,) are still more demanded. As the sloughs
separate, the detached parts should be cit off with as little
irritation as possible, and when the severe irritation sub-
sides soothing applications will be in order. Finally, the
healing process will be greatly hastened by ingrafting thin
slices of scarfskin as advised under wounds.
CHAPTER XVIII.
GENERAL DISEASES OF BONES, JOINTS AND
, MUSCLES.
Lameness, symptoms, at rest and in exercise. Diseases of Bones. In-
flammation, Ostitis. Periostitis. Softening. Enlargement. Suppura-
tion. Ulceration. Scrofulous (Tubercular) Disease of Bone. Softening
and Rarefaction of Bone. Rickets. Osteo Malacia. Softening in Cows.
Softening in Horses. Big-head. Fractures. Diseases of Joints. Inflam-
mation. Arthritis. Synovitis. Ulceration. Bony Deposit. Anchylosis.
Open Joint. Inflammation of Bursze and Sheaths of Tendons. Diseases
of Muscles. Ruptures. Inflammation. Fatty Degeneration. Rupture
and Section of Tendons. Sprains. Thickening. Shortening. Calcifica
tion.
LAMENESS.
As the three following chapters will embrace most of the
different causes of lameness, the more prominent mani-
festations of this failing may be here noticed.
Standing. ‘The patient should be approached quietly
and when you are certain he is free from all exciting
causes. If resting on all four limbs, the pastern of the
lame one will usually be more upright than the others.
One fore foot advanced eight or ten inches in front of the
other suggests some tenderness of the heel or the struct-
ures in the posterior region of the lower part of the limb.
Bending of the knee and fetlock and resting of the foot on
the toe, without any advance in front of the other, usually
implies disease of the shoulder or elbow. The advance
of both fore feet, the rest being taken on the heels, and
the hind limbs brought well forward under the body,
should direct attention to the front of the feet. Resting
25
O86 The Farmers Veterinary Adviser.
of one foot more frequently and for longer periods than
its fellow is suspicious.
Tying. An inclination to lie down, and remain so, is ta
be similarly regarded. If the animal remains down per-
sistently, we may infer great suffering, fractures or much
weakness.
In Exercise. Lameness may be shown in the walk, but
better in the slow, easy trot, the animal being led in hand
with about three feet of free rein and without noise or
other cause of excitement. Some horses manifest a bridle
lameness from the mere leading, but if the leader goes
first on the left side and then on the right, the drooping
of the head will correspond first to the one foot and then
to the other, showing it to be only a feint. Im all cases
of lameness in a single limb the foot is rested on the
ground with less weight and is raised as quickly as possi-
ble. There is therefore not only the visible halting on
that limb, but a lower sound made by striking the ground
and thus the ear comes to assist the eye in detecting the
ailing member. If one fore limb is affected, the head and
anterior part of the body are elevated when its foot comes
to the ground, but drop firmly when the sound foot is
planted. A depression of the opposite hind limb accom-
panying the elevation of the head, when the failing fore
limb comes to the ground, must not lead to the suspicion
of lameness behind.
In single lameness behind, the gait resembles that seen
in lameness before, the haunch on the diseased side being
raised when the foot is planted and allowed to droop
thereafter until the opposite foot reaches the ground. In
some, the elevation is the prominent feature, in others the
depression, but in all the rising and falling are greater
than in the opposite quarter.
With lameness in both fore limbs the step is short, the
stroke on the ground weak, the rest of each foot on the
ground shortened, the shoulders are carried upright and
stiff, the head is raised, the loins are arched, the croup
General Diseases of Bones, Joints and Muscles. 387
droops, and the hind limbs are brought unnaturally for
ward beneath the belly.
Lameness in both hind limbs is marked by the back-
ward position of the fore feet, the short rest and weak
impulse of the hind on the ground, the extension and
drooping of the head, and above all the difficulty of back-
ing.
Lameness in the two limbs on the same side determines
a gait approaching the amble or rack, with the firm plant-
ing of the opposite members. Lameness of one fore and
the opposite hind produces a simple exaggeration of the
gait caused by disease in one of these limbs. When the
cause of lameness exists in more than one limb it is diffi-
cult to make the animal keep the trot.
Tn all cases it is well to have the animal driven or
ridden so as to heat him, and then keep him perfectly
still for half an hour to cool, before completing the exam-
ination, as many lamenesses will disappear when the
subject is warmed by exercise.
DISEASES OF BONES.
These may be divided into :—inflammation of the bone
itself (ostitis), or of its fibrous covering (periostitis), which
may result in softening, consolidation or induration, enlarge-
ment, bony growths and tumors, abscess, ulceration and death
(necrosis). Beside these there are the degenerations and
diseases of bone such as deficiency or excess of earthy salts,
with bending or brittleness of the bones; tubercle, cancer,
and sarcomatous, cartilaginous, cystic, vascular or other tu-
mors, etc.
But the great mass of bone diseases in the domestic
animals consist in inflammation and its results, to which,
accordingly, the following remarks will be mainly con-
fined. Every bone is permeated even in its densest parts
by an abundant network of minute blood-vessels, and
studded throughout with microscopic soft elements (nu-
clei) which appropriate the suitable materials from the
888 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
blood and build them up into the hard bony texture. Hf
these nuclei are injured their powers of assimilation are
modified, their numbers are multiplied, and they become
surrounded by an excess of semi-fluid matter (lymph)
with, it may be, one of the following results :—Ist, the
softening of the bone and the removal of its earthy salts,
until it can be cut with a knife or gives way under the
weight of the animal:—2d, the transformation of the
lymph into pus on the surface of the bone or in its interior,
where it may remain imprisoned for an indefinite length
of time :—3d, the hardening of a limited amount of lymph
in the cells or inter-spaces of the bone, compressing the
blood-vessels, limiting the supply of blood and favoring
ulceration or even death of the part :—4th, from the above
cause, or from a perversion of the plastic or assimilating
powers of the nuclei, ulceration sets in on the surface
or in the interior of the bone, and the bony matter is
steadily removed to be replaced by an irregular excavation
or a cavity filled by a bloody ichor :—5th, the swelling
may completely close the blood-vessels of the bone or the
inflammation may cause coagulation of the blood within
them throughout a considerable portion, which accord-
ingly dies, and has to be removed as a foreign body :—
6th, short of those extreme conditions and more com-
monly, the exudation leads to a partial softening and
general swelling of the inflamed part, and this becoming
consolidated and hardened there is a material increase of
size :—Tth, and by far the most frequently, the inflamma-
tion affects the superficial layer of bone and its investing
fibrous membrane, and the exudation, taking place be-
tween these, is soon consolidated into a layer or tumor of
bone on the surface :—8th, any exudation on the outer
side of the fibrous covering is also liable to be calcified
and to form hard tumors, but these do not acquire the
true bony texture like that formed between the membrane
and the bone.
General Symptoms. In the slightest forms of inflamma
General Diseases of Bones, Joints and Muscles. 389
tion there may be little or no lameness, though usually
there is a halt on the affected limb when trotted on a hard
surface. The affected portion of the bone is tender to
pressure or percussion, and is the seat of swelling at first
soft and yielding, but later hard and resistant. In the
severer forms the bone itself is softened, extensive exuda-
tion of lymph takes place around it, and the investing soft
structures become the seat of violent inflammation and
swelling ; lameness is then extreme. In the slighter and
chronic cases there is no disturbance of the general health,
but in the more acute and severe, intense and even fatal
irritative fever may come on.
When suppuration takes place in the interior of a bone
the matter may remain imprisoned indefinitely, the spot
being marked by a general increase of the bone, and lame-
ness persists. If suppuration takes place between the
bone and its fibrous covering the danger is even greater,
for the matter is liable to separate the bone and mem-
brane, producing further inflammation or ulceration, or
even death of the bone—the supply of blood being cut off.
The superficial abscess is to be detected by its fluctuation
beneath the fingers, as in abscess of soft parts.
Ulceration may result from pressure of matter, etc., or
from exposure to the air. If without external opening, it is
not easily recognized, but there is lameness and tenderness,
with little alteration of the surface of the bone, or the
presence of slight bony deposits alternating, it may be,
with soft open spaces. If the ulcerated bone is open to
_ the air, it is found to be softened in texture, breaking down
readily under the pressure of a probe, and in the centre of
the ulcerous cavity rounded bony deposits are felt, as
evidence of an effort at repair. The discharge is then
ichorous, and abounds in gritty particles and earthy salts.
If this discharge has commenced to decompose it smells
badly.
Death of bone is always associated with an open sore
discharging a very fcetid ichorous fluid, with gritty parti-
390 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
cles and the power of rapidly blackening silver. If probed
the hard bone is felt without any fibrous covering, and
if seen this is black, yellowish, white, or of some allied
shade and without any of the pink aspect of healthy bone
General Treatment of Inflammation in Bone. Unless in
the very mildest cases, the first object is to check the in-
flammation by soothing measures. A purgative is usually
desirable. Rest is indispensable. Whenever possible
such a position should be given to the part as will obviate
pressure, weight, or gravitation of blood toward the dis-
ease. Soothing local measures, such as fomentations with
warm water; a thick wet bandage covered with dry ; the
persistent application of cold water, by continuous shower-
ing of the part, the water being brought from a bucket
placed at a higher level, by means of an elastic tube
fastened to the body; in certain cases ice-bags may be
applied ; or cooling astringent lotions, such as vinegar and
salt ; acetate of lead $ oz., vmegar 2 qts., carbolic acid 60
drops, etc. This may have to be kept up from five to fif-
teen days. When heat and tenderness have subsided,
counter-irritants are to be used. In slight cases rubbing
with compound iodine ointment, or with a mixture in equal
parts of liquor ammonia and olive-oil may suffice. In
others we must use active blisters such as Spanish flies
2 dr., camphor 5 grs., alcohol 5 drops, lard 1 oz. Ora
drachm of the Spanish flies may be replaced by a drachm
of iodide or biniodide of mercury. In either case the hair
should be cut off and the oitment well rubbed in for
several minutes against the direction of the hair. The
animal’s head should be tied short for twelve hours, to
prevent gnawing of the part and blistering of the lips.
After this the surface is to be smeared with lard, daily,
until the scab drops off. In still other cases the hot iron
may be demanded. It should be applied in points, each.
application being very temporary, to avoid the effect of
radiated heat on the adjacent skin. The usual distance
between the points is from } to } inch, and the depth will
General Diseases of Bones, Joints and Muscles. 891
vary in different cases. When the irritation from the hot
iron has passed off, blisters may be applied if necessary.
In all cases the use of counter-irritants must be stopped
and soothing measures resorted to when it becomes evident
that active inflammation has been set up anew in the bone.
A long period of rest is essential to allow of the hardening
of the newly formed bony tissue or of the old bone which
has been softened or otherwise altered by disease.
Matter forming in the interior of a bone is to be evacu-
ated by boring down to it with a circular saw (trephine).
- Matter forming between the bone and its investing mem-
brane must be promptly evacuated with a sharp knife or
lancet.
Simple ulceretion is to be treated like an ordinary wound,
the pressure or other cause of its existence having been
first removed. A nourishing diet and a course of tonics
(cinchona, gentian, etc.,) are usually demanded.
A dead bone should be removed. If a simple scale or
film on the surface, it may be taken off with a sharp knife
or chisel. If larger the bone-forceps or saw may be
necessary. It may sometimes be needful to remove a
piece of live bone with the circular saw, to make way for
the extraction of a dead portion imprisoned within.
Should the outer fibrous covering of the bone be preserved
intact, new bone may be formed in place of the old, but
never so perfect in form, and, as a rule, the extensive loss
_ of an important bone, in one of the lower animals, renders
it useless and should warrant its destruction.
In no case should a cutting operation on a bone be
undertaken while the soft parts around it are in a state of
acute inflammation, as, although the diseased or dead
parts should be removed, the adjacent bone is likely to
take on unhealthy action and to prove worse than at
- first.
In case of new bony deposits and tumors, it is rarely
desirable to resort to cutting instruments, unless when
they have a broad mass and narrow neck, connecting
392, The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
them to the parent bone. In this case they can be laid
bare and removed with bone forceps or chisel. Other
forms are best left to nature after all unhealthy action has
veen subdued, and will materially diminish when preserved
from hard work, strains, jars and all excitants to renewed
erowth. When continuous gentle pressure can be applied
without irritation it greatly favors absorption. In some
instances the distension of the fibrous membrane covering
a bony swelling is the main cause of continued inflamma-
tion and lameness. This is to be met by dividing the
membrane with a narrow-bladed knife inserted to one
side of the swelling, much care being requisite to avoid
entrance of air, injury to joints, ete.
SCROFULOUS (TUBERCULOUS) DISEASE OF BONES.
This is mostly seen in young animals when the bones
are soft and growing rapidly, and may be suspected when
the patient comes of a tuberculous family. It will attack
any part but is especially common in the lower part of the
limbs and is one form of “/ow in the foot.” It attacks the
ends of long bones or the whole bulk of short ones, those
parts, in short, which have an open cancellated texture.
The interspaces of the bony tissue fill up with gelatinoid
lymph, which may or may not pass into the yellow cheesy
tubercle, and similar changes take place on the surface,
long outgrowths appearing, the interstices of which are
filled by the same product. Ulceration ensues, sores form
in the skin, discharging an unhealthy matter, the softened
bony tissues may be felt breaking down under a probe,
and the ends or processes of the bones may be found de-
tached from the shaft or median part.
There may be coexisting tubercle in the lungs, bowels,
etc., with cough, expectoration, diarrhcea, ete., and some-
times in young animals the navel remains open and the
arine dribbles from it continually.
Treatment is hardly advisable as tuberculous animals
are undesirable alike for breeding or for human food. It
General Diseases of Bones, Joints and Muscles. 893
bd
consists in securing a good nurse, well fed on grain as well
as fodder if the patient is young, or good feeding if be-
yond this stage. Lime-water in the sucking, and in all
subjects tonics (phosphate of iron, hyposulphite of iron,
cinchona, cod-liver oil, pancreatine, etc.)
SOFTENING AND RAREFACTION OF BONE.
Rickets. Young animals (puppies, sheep, calves and,
less frequently, foals,) often suffer from an imperfect nu-
trition of the bones, with a deficiency of earthy salts, so
that the bones, especially those of the limbs, bend under
the weight of the animal and assume various unsightly
distortions. The affection runs hereditarily in certain fam-
ilies, and its appearance is often determined by insuffi-
cient, excessive or injurious food, such as poor, sour or
fevered milk or inadequate substitutes. Anything that
undermines the general health will develop it in a predis-
posed subject. The malady may usually be checked by a
change to rich or moderate feeding, as the case may de-
mand, a dose of pepsin wine at each meal, with dry warm
airy sleeping places and access to the open air, sunshine
and gentle exercise. Puppies may have bones to gnaw at
will. In cases of severe threatened distortion much ben-
efit may be derived from support by well-padded bandages.
SOFTENING OF BonkEs In Dairy Cows. This resembles
rickets in its dependence on the nature of the food, but
appears only in breeding cows. It is a disease of poor
sandy and gravelly soils, the vegetation of which is defi-
cient in earthy salts, and even on these is shown only after
a dry season when the fodder is at its worst. Diseases of
digestion and assimilation will also, exceptionally, deter-
mine it. The parts that primarily suffer are the bones of
the haunch, the disease resembling in this respect the ostec
malacia of women who have borne children.
Symptoms. Lameness, difficulty in rising, with some
alteration of form in the quarters are the first signs, and
an examination of the pelvic bones by the oiled hand in.
304 T he Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
troduced through the rectum will detect a want of sym.
metry on the two sides, from bulging, irregular swellings
at different points. In more advanced stages the bones
break and crumble under the body’s weight and the ani-
mal remains constantly down, unable torise. A depraved
appetite and a tendency to eat all sorts of unnatural ob-
jects, though a common symptom in breeding cows, is ex-
cessive in many of these cases, and the patient mostly
loses flesh rapidly, though some will remain fat for a
length of time.
Treatment. Change the locality to one with a richer
fodder or bring the wholesome fodder to the animals, and
add, liberally, grain (barley, maize, oats, beans,) from
sound localities. Fresh air, sunshine and dry resting
places are all important. Avoid breeding again until
health is fully established, or better, fatten for the butcher.
SoFTENING OF Bones IN Horsses. The big-head of the
Mississippi valley, is a manifestation of a general fault in
nutrition, showing itself in all the bones of the body more
or less. Like the affeciion of cows it consists in a steady
increase of the canals and cavities in bone, with their con-
tained soft or plastic matter, at the expense of the hard
bony structure. With the continuous enlargement of the
bone there is an extreme thinning of the microscopic bony
plates, until the structure can be easily cut with a knife
or crushed under the pressure of the finger. The inter-
spaces are filled by a red bloody mass, with the natural
elements more or less modified and the addition of many
spherical cells, or later of fat. As the disease advances
the bones can no longer afford a firm attachment for the
ligaments and tendons, but crumbling, dislocations and
fractures are inevitable. There is some fundamental
fault in assimilation, and though it may be determined
primarily to the face by the hard work of grinding flinty
maize, or its development may be precipitated by poor
feeding, unwholesome stabling, overwork and abuse, yet
its true primary cause is unknown. It is mainly or alto-
gether a disease of early life, under seven years old.
General Diseases of Bones, Joints and Muscles. 395
Treatment should be directed to the improvement of
the general health by tonics, (cinchona, nux vomica, cas-
earilla, boneset, willow bark, myrrh, oxide of iron, phos-
phate = iron, etc.,) carminatives, (ginger, pimento, fennel,
fumugrec, cardamoms, coriander,) pepsin, sound feline
food, (given soft-boiled or steamed if necessary) pure air,
exercise in sunshine, grooming, etc.) No good can be ex-
pected of advanced cases, but only of those seen in the
2arly stage, with some stiffness, and swelling of bone, and
the passage of phosphates, to excess, in the urine.
FRACTURES.
These are simple when a bone is broken across ; commi-
nuted when broken into several pieces ; and compound when
the soft parts are torn so as to establish a communication
between the broken ends and the external air. The two
last are extremely dangerous, but the first is more hopeful.
Simple fractures, however, vary in gravity according to
their kind. Thus in the very young the break is liable to
be imperfect, with a number of pointed processes locking
into each other (greenstick fracture) and as the ends are
easily and accurately replaced and the bones soft and
vascular, repair is prompt and perfect. In others the
break is directly and smoothly across, or with indentations
and processes, so that when the ends are placed in appo-
sition they cannot slide past each other; these too are
easily repaired. A third class are broken obliquely or with
a bevel, so that the broken surfaces slide upon each other
under the contractions of the muscles, and the sharp ends
are continually jerked into the soft parts around. The
continuous movement prevents union and the irritation of
the soft parts sets up inflammation so that such fractures
may prove as troublesome as the compound.
Symptoms. Disuse of the affected bone, distortion of
the part, shortening, if it is the main bone of a limb,
trembling of the muscles over the injury, a grating sensa-
tion conveyed to the hand on moving the broken bone,
396. The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
unnatural mobility of the part, and the suddenness of the
injury from a wrong step or some mechanical violence.
In cracks and partial fractures of bones with a strong in-
vesting fibrous membrane, there may be no displacement,
increased mobility nor grating, but only a tender line
across the bone with or without a slight elevation.
Treatment. The first thing to be done is to bring the
broken ends into correct apposition and retain them there
by splints and bandages. No matter if the soft parts are
inflamed and swollen, to leave the sharp ends jerking into
them with each contraction of the muscles, will only make
matters worse, whereas the removal of this source of irri-
tation will usually entail immediate improvement. Iffrom
the oblique or comminuted nature of the fracture the
bones cannot be so placed and retained, recovery need not
be expected, at least without distortion.
To bring the ends together accurately, it may be nec-
essary to employ extension and counter-extension. A
strong sheet or blanket is crossed over the inside of the
upper part of the limb and held to keep the body still;
while extension is effected by lines attached to the foot,
a block and tackle may be used, but cautiously, in view of
the inereased power thereby obtained. It may even be
needful to relax the muscles by placing the animal under
the influence of ether, chloroform, or chloral-hydrate.
While the limb is being extended the operator brings the
broken ends together correctly, and splints are applied.
These may be made of sheets of gutta-percha softened
in warm water and applied so as to adapt themselves to
the inequalities of the limb; of strong pasteboard with the
edges torn (not cut) and softened in water to allow of its
being moulded to the surface; of starch bandage, a long
cotton bandage three inches wide, laid on accurately, layer
above layer, and starched as applied so that it dries into
a perfectly fitting and hard resisting case; a plaster band-
age consisting of a long roll of the same kind with plaster
of Paris thickly dusted between its layers, and the whole
General Diseases of Bones, Joints and Muscles. 897
dipped in water before it is applied; or pieces of sheet-
iron carefully padded to prevent chafing and secure perfect
adaptation, and bound firmly by a surface bandage; or
wooden splints may be fashioned to the form of one side
of the limb and applied with a sufficient internal padding.
It is usually needful to apply one of these wooden or iron
splints outside the starch or gutta-percha cases, in the
larger animals, to give the requisite solidity. In all
cases the limb should be accurately wrapped in a long
narrow strip of cotton or linen as a protection before the
application of the bandage proper. The bandage should
always extend to the extremity of the limb (hoof or claws),
otherwise the uncovered portion will swell, inflame, and
perhaps die. It should not only fix immovably all the
joints below the fracture but if possible the next above as
well, as by this means, as well as by the enforced immo-
bility of the muscles, the. perfect rest of the broken ends
is secured.
If swelling existed before the application of the bandage,
it may become loose in a day or two and should be re-
opened and more accurately applied, care being taken to
secure equal pressure from the extremity up. The starch
bandage may be slit open up the side and when properly
padded reapplied with the one edge overlapping the other
as far as necessary, and fixed by a long bandage applied
over all. The plaster bandage may be adapted by filling
_ up the interval between the soft skin bandage and the
plaster case with a thin pulpy mixture of plaster of Paris
and water poured in at the top.
The limb should be kept in the bandage for a month or
six weeks, and will require a rest of two or three months
more, for the consolidation of the new tissue, before being
put to work.
Fractures in the upper parts of the limbs of quadrupeds,
which it is impossible to fix by bandages, may yet recover
with very little shortening or distortion if the break is
transverse. Fractures of these parts and of the ribs
598 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
recover with a considerable enlargement around the seat
of the break, which may be afterward absorbed in part or
in whole, as the bone is consolidated. The same holds
good of fractures of other parts when movement is allowed
between the divided ends during recovery.
Slings. For large quadrupeds with broken limbs sling-
ing is absolutely essential. The simplest mode is the
following :—Four strong posts are fixed to the ground and
roof, so as to form an oblong, inside which the four feet of
the animal may stand. A strong horizontal bar is then
fixed to the two posts on each side at such a height as to
correspond to the middle of the body. Then the animal
being walked into the frame a horizontal bar is fixed be-
tween the two front posts so high as to cross the lower
part of the neck, and another between the two hind posts
at about the height of the stifle. Next a strong sheet
(new sail cloth is best) is fixed to the one side bar by
being wound round and nailed at the outer side, and hay-
ing been passed beneath the body, is fixed to the opposite
bar in the same way. It must be just sufficiently far back
to clear the fore limbs, and just so loose as to allow
the patient to stand over it without pressure or chafing,
or to settle himself into it at will. In the male, care must
be taken to have it narrow enough not to cover the
sheath.
It is often necessary to allow an animal to become
fatigued by standing for a day or two before being put in
a sling, otherwise he may be very irritable at first. Care
must be taken not to let him feel the sling beneath him
until it is ready to be fixed, as many patients will settle
down into it the moment it is felt.
DISEASES OF THE JOINTS.
Here in addition to bone we have gristle, fibrous tissue
‘capsular and binding ligaments) and synovial membrane,
a thin vascular structure which secretes a albuminous
glairy fluid known as joint-oil.
General Diseases of Bones, Joinis and Muscles. 3899
INFLAMMATION. ARTHRITIS. SYNOVITIS.
Here again the most common lesion is inflammation
from which most of the others follow as consequences.
This may begin in the bones as a result of concussion,
blows, etc., and extend through the cartilage and ligaments
to the synovial membrane; or it may originate in ths
ligaments as a consequence of sprains or other injuries ;
or in the synovial membrane from wounds opening the
joint and exposing it to the air; or it may be a local
manifestation of some constitutional disease such as rheu-
matism, tubercle, glanders, farcy, etc., or finally it may be
due to plugging of the blood-vessels in consequence of
pus, ichor or fibrinous clots washed on through the vessels
from some distant seat of disease. In all cases the whole
_ of the joint structures tend to be involved and the symp-
toms are similar.
- The succession of changes may be as follows: the
inflamed synovial membrane throws out a serous fluid
filling the joimt to excess; the ligaments and adjacent
connective tissue also throw out a semi-liquid exudation
which forms a yielding swelling around the joint, suscep-
tible of indentation with the fingers ; the cartilage covering
the ends of the bones softens and is changed into a fibrous
material or is even absorbed, leaving the bone bare; the
bone exposed in this way may ulcerate, if that has not
previously commenced, or it may be partially repaired by
the deposit of a dense ivory-like layer (eburnation), the
smooth glistening surface of which glides smoothly on
that of the opposite bone; lymph may be exuded from
the exposed surface of the bone and from the interior of
the synovial membrane, and this, as well as what is out-
side the joit, may be developed into fibrous tissue re-
stricting the movements of the joint, or more frequently
into bone which binds the bony structures together and
abolishes all movement (stiff-joint, anchylosis) ; im very
severe cases the lymph inside and outside the joint de-
generates into pus, and this makes its way through the
400 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
tissues to the surface, is discharged and leaves an opeu
joint, which soon determines a further increase of the
inflammation and destructive changes. In tuberculous
diseases of the joints there is the softening and enlarge-
ment of the ends of the bones, a gelatiniform exudation,
and its cheesy degeneration ; in rheumatism there is little
tendency to suppuration ; in glanders, farcy, plugging of
vessels, etc., there is. the specific deposit or an early sup-
puration.
General Symptoms. The joint is swollen, tense and
elastic, is kept partially bent, is hot and tender, the parts
around it may retain the indentation made by the finger,
and the suffering is greatly increased when the joint is
moved. There are all grades from heat, tenderness, swell-
ing and habitual flexion of the joints, with the capacity of
working off the lameness during exercise, to severe forms
in which no weight can be thrown upon the limb, and the
attendant fever is so intense that appetite is gone, thirsé is
ardent, breathing and pulse greatly accelerated, the heat
of the body raised to a high point and the patient may
die from the constitutional excitement.
When suppuration takes place there is an aggravation
of all the symptoms, with frequent shivering, and the
gradual absorption of the soft parts renders the fluctuation
more and more evident up to the period of rupture. Pre-
ceding stiff-joint there is a long period of subacute inflam-
mation, the joint being kept immovable by the pam and
the abundant exudation, until ossification ensues.
Tuberculous disease of the joints occurs in young ani-
mals, the offspring of consumptive families, and is marked
by the enlargement and softening of the ends of the bones,
the formation of wounds or ulcers, and, it may be, disease
of the lungs or bowels.
Rheumatic disease is characterized by its tendency to
move from joint to joint or muscle, by its aggravation
under the influence of cold and damp and improvement
under warmth and sunshine, and by its indisposition tc
General Diseases of Bones, Joints and Muscles. 401
suppuration. Glanders, farcy, plugging of the vessels,
etc., are distinguished by the presence of the coexisting
disease in other parts.
General Treatment. In severe cases secure immob-lity
in the joints by placing in slings, and, if necessary, by the
application of a smart blister around the articulation. In
the absence of the blister apply cooling or soothing lotions
as for inflammation of bone and follow this up by blisters
or firing when the inflammation has in the main subsided
and the heat and tenderness disappeared. In the slight,
subacute and chronic forms the counter-irritants may be
applied at the first. When anchylosis threatens it is
sometimes advisable to favor it by active blistering and
rigid immobility of the joint. If ulceration of the joint
surface occurs the hot iron usually gives the best results.
If suppuration has ensued the pus must escape by an
external opening and our efforts must be thereafter di-
_ rected to limiting the inflammation as far as possible and
obviating death by the general fever, or uselessness, by
destruction of the joint.
In the severer forms a purgative should be given at the
outset and this may be followed by a soft laxative diet
(mashes, roots, green food,) and diuretics, (carbonates or
acetates of potaesa or soda, colchicum, etc.,) especially
when there is reason to suspect any rheumatic complica-
tion. In some cases of this, as of bone disease, in which
there is imperfect assimilation and the passage of an
excess of phosphates in the urine, a course of bitters and
iron tonics is demanded.
Tuberculous disease of the joints demands similar treat-.
ment with due attention to the general health to correct,
if possible, the unhealthy state.
OPEN JOINT.
This results from an incised, punctured, lacerated or
contused wound and will vary in gravity according to the
nature of the wound and the certainty of inflammation
ensuing. If there is a simple minute puncture or cut, the
26
402 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
wound may close without this result, but if the tissues are
severely lacerated or bruised, as in case of falls, etc., a
certain amount of inflammation must necessarily ensue.
Treatment. Never probe such wounds. Sand or gritty
matter must be removed by a stream of tepid water or the
most careful picking, and the lips of the wound brought
together if necessary by stitches, but with as few as pos-
sible and those only passing through the skin. Perfect
quiet must be secured by slings, splints, bandages or,
if the opening is small, by a blister enveloping the joint
but leaving a clear space of an inch around the wound.
In the absence of the blister, the joint may be irrigated
with cold water continuously applied as for ostitis, or a
poultice may be applied with a weak solution of carbolie
acid poured over its surface, or the same carbolic lotion
(1 part to 100 water) may be applied by means of sat-
urated cotton bandages covered with dry. Coagulating
agents (powdered alum, acetate of lead, sulphate of zine, .
etu.,) are sometimes used to close the wound by:a clot of
synovia, and if this has been effected it should never be
disturbed by picking or dressing, but left to be expelled
when the wound is finally closed by the growth of gran-
ulations from its lips. The greatest danger les in the
movement of the joint which stimulates the secretion
of synovia and keeps the wound open ; in the introduction
of atmospheric air into the joint, and in the decomposi-
tion of the morbid liquids in the wound. Hence, perfect
rest, closure of the wound and the use of antiseptics like
carbolic acid are all-important.
The general treatment is the same as for arthritis from
other causes. ;
If suppuration ensues there is the greatest danger of
destruction of the joint. .
INFLAMMATION OF THE SYNOVIAL CAVITIES—BURSE AND
SHEATHS OF TENDONS.
Burse are little synovial cavities placed between the
skin and prominent bony processes to favor the gliding of
General Diseases of Bones, Joints and Muscles. 403
the one on the other. Thece are similar sacs interposed
between bones and fibrous cords (tendons, ligaments,) or
between two such cords, to favor gliding. Hach may be
the seat of inflammation with its consequences—over-
distension from excessive secretion of serum :—exudation
of lymph, with thickening, induration, adhesion, calcifica--
tion of the walls, or with suppuration.
It may be developed by wounds, punctures, cuts, bruises,
sprains or rheumatism, and is manifested by heat, pain,
tenderness and an elastic swelling (wind-puff, wind-gall,)
the enlargement usually remaining after inflammation has
subsided. This condition, as well as induration or ealci-
fication of the walls, causes material deformity. Sup-
puration is evinced by a great increase of the heat and
tenderness, with a more distinct and superficial fluctua-:
tion and a surrounding engorgement which pits on press-
ure.
Treatment consists in rest, a relaxed posture of any
tendons implicated, and soothing, cooling or astringent
applications as in the early stages of sprains or ostitis.
A purgative, and restricted diet are equally necessary.
When heat and tenderness have subsided a small blister
(see periostitis) will often cause absorption of the liquid ;
or it may disappear under pressure maintained for two
hours at a time, twice daily at first, and increased by two
_ hours daily ; or finally, the liquid may be drawn off by the
nozzle of a hypodermic syringe and the sac compressed
with a bandage (and, if necessary, pads) saturated in an as-
tringent cooling lotion. After evacuating the liquid an
injection of compound tincture of iodine 1 part, water 2
parts, may be thrown in and expressed again after three
minutes, the part being afterward covered with wet band-
ages.
For suppuration a simple subcutaneous bursa may be
laid freely open and allowed to heal by granulation, or a
thread may be drawn through the cavity and the pus
drawn off, while cooling lotions are applied to the surface
404 T he Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
DISEASES OF MUSCLES.
RUPTURE OF MUSCLES.
The red flesh is rarely torn in life and never by volun-
tary contraction. Though torn across with ease after
death it will resist much more during life than the white
- fibrous cord by which it is attached to the bones. Mus-
eles are usually torn by some extreme involuntary con-
traction, as in recovering from a wrong step or slip, or in
the extreme contractions of lock-jaw. Rupture is rec-
ognized by the sudden pain and inability to use the mus-
cle, and, if itis superficial, by tenderness, by a depression
in the seat of the tear, and a bulging of the muscle above
and below it. Later the depression may be filled by a
soft compressible clot.
Treatment consists in the approximation of the divided
ends by such a position as will relax the muscle and by a
tight bandage from the foot up if it be in a limb,
INFLAMMATION OF MUSCLE.
This is usually the result of rheumatism but may arise
from continued use or from local injury. It is manifested
by swelling and extreme tenderness of the muscle in ques-
tion, with loss of contractile power. If rheumatic it has
the further characteristic of shifting from place to place.
It may result in abscess, or thickening of the fibrous in-
vesting membrane, or in calcareous, granular or fatty de-
generation. It must be treated by rest, with soothing lo-
cal treatment like any ordinary inflammation, and matter
may be evacuated with knife or lancet, but the degenera-
tions may be looked upon as permanent.
Fatty degeneration is common in overfed animals, above
all in those bred for early maturity and great aptitude to
fatten (improved cattle, sheep and pigs,) and is quite irre-
mediable. It may also arise from paralysis, the result of
injuries to the nerves as in roaring.
RUPTURE OF TENDONS. SECTION OF TENDONS.
These are not uncommon in horses during severe ex-
General Diseases of Bones, Joints and Muscles. 405
ertions, as on the race-course, the back tendons being the
most common seat of the injury. Whether torn across or
divided with a cutting instrument, they are readily repaired
by the exudation of lymph between the divided ends and
its organization into white fibrous tissue. It is neces-
sary to support the limb so that the divided ends may be
placed in apposition and retained thus for three or four
weeks. Inflammation is to be checked by ordinary means.
SPRAINS.
When subjected to over-exertion, sinews become the
seat of sudden severe pain, inflammation, exudation, thick-
ening and shortening. Sprains occur mainly from severe
and continued over-exertion, or from the sudden jerk con-
sequent on taking a wrong step when fatigued and unable
readily to recover the balance. They are most frequent
where tendons play over a bony process, but may occur
at any part, and are of all grades from those producing a
slight halt, with almost imperceptible thickening of the
tendinous cord, to those in which the cord has been ex-
tensively torn and becomes the centre of a most violent
inflammation.
Treatment. When violently inflamed or the seat of ex-
treme pain, the tendon should be rested and relaxed by
giving a suitable position to the limb, and fomented with
warm water or showered continuously with cold, until heat
and tenderness have been subdued. Or cooling astringent
lotions may be used as advised under ostitis. A laxative
and restricted diet are often essential. When heat and
tenderness have subsided, occasional showering with cold
water and hand-rubbing, or stimulating liniments (cam-
phorated spirit ; liquor ammonia 1 part, olive-oil 2 parts;
eamphorated spirit and peppermint water equal parts,
etc.,) may be used. The same agents may be applied to
very slight cases at the outset. Or blisters may be ap-
plied as advised under ostitis.
406 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
THICKENING, SHORTENING, CALCIFICATION OF TENDONS.
These are the results of severe or repeated sprains. Il
slight they may be benefited by time, gentle exercise (at
grass), and an occasional blister of iodide of mereury. In
cases with such thickening and shortening as to impair |
usefulness, after all inflammation has subsided the tendons
may be cut across by a narrow-bladed knife, making an
almost imperceptible skin wound, the ends drawn apart
by full extension of the limb, and the case treated like an
accidentally ruptured or cut tendon. If this operation
is performed in a warm season, antiseptics must be ap-
plied to the wound.
CHAPTER XIX.
SPECIAL INJURIES OF BONES, JOINTS AND
MUSCLES.
Fracture of the lower jaw. Injuries by bit and curb. Fracture of ths
upper jaw; of the bones of the nose; of the frontal bones; of the crest of
the poll; of the base of the cranium. Dislocation of the lower jaw. Open
Joint between upper and lower jaws. Cancer (Encephaloid) of the Orbit.
Tooth-like tumors under the ear. Poll Evil. Fistulous Withers. Fract-
ured Processes of the neck-bones. Broken neck. Fracture of the Spinous
Processes of the back and loins. Sprain of the back or loins. Transverse
Fracture of the back or loins. Broken Back. Laceration of the muscles
beneath the loins. Fracture of the croup. Injuries to the bones of the tail.
Fractured Ribs. Wounds penetrating the chest. Shoulder lameness. Tu-
mors on the shoulder. Sprain of the Coraco-radial tendon. Shoulder-
sprain. Sprain of the muscles outside the shoulder-blade. Disease of the
shoulder-joint. Other affections of the shoulder. Affections of the elbow
and arm. Tumors on the point of the elbow. Wounds of the elbow.
Fracture of the point of the elbow. Disease of the elbow-joint. Fracture
of the arm bone. Fracture of the fore-arm. Sprain of the radial ligament.
Sprain of the back tendons behind the knee. Thorough-pin of the knee.
Synovial swellings in front of the knee. Inflammation of the knee. Dislo-
_ cation of the knee. Wounds of the knee. Speedy cut. Broken knees.
Splints. Sore shins. Fracture of the splint bones; of the shank-bone.
Sprains of the back tendons; of the suspensory ligaments. Wind-galls.
Sesamoiditis. Sprain of the inferior sesamoid ligaments. Elastic swellings
in front of the fetlock. Cutting. Bruises on the fetlock. Fracture of the
pastern bones. Bony growths on the pastern bones. Ringbones. Sprain
of the flexor tendons behind the pastern. Fractures of the hip-bones; of
the outer angle; of the inner angle; of the point of the hip; through the
shaft of the bone; into the joint. Sprain of the hip. Displacement of the
Abductor Femoris. Disease of the hip-joint. Dislocation ofthe hip. Fract-
ure of the thigh-bone; the neck; the siaft; the lower end. Fracture of
the knee-cap. Dislocation of the knee-zap, stifled. Disease of the stifle.
Fracture of the leg between the stifle and hock; Tibia; Fibula. Sprain or
laceration of the muscle which bends the hock. Sprain of the hamstring.
Rupture of the hamstring. Capped hock. Displacement of the tendon
408 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
playing over the point of the hock. Sprain of the flexor tendon behind the
hock. Thorough-pin. Distension of the sheath of the extensor tendon in
front of the hock. Fracture of the inner maleolus. Fracture of the point
of the hock and other hock bones. Bone spavin. Inflammation of the true
hock joint. Bog spavin. Dropsy of the hock joint. Blood spavin. Curb.
String-halt. Other causes of lameness. 5
FRACTURES OF THE LOWER JAW.
These take place in the anterior part occupied by the
front teeth, or more frequently on one side, between these
and the grinders. In simple fractures with no great tend-
ency to movement an exclusive diet of soft mashes will
often suffice, a double halter being so arranged that the
animal cannot possibly reach either fodder or litter. If
the fracture is between the front teeth a copper or silver
wire wound round two teeth on opposite sides of the break
may fix the parts sufficiently. If further back and very
mobile, it may still be retained at times by using the
tushes as fixed points from which to carry the wire.
Where these cannot be availed of, the jaw may be perfo-
rated by a fine drill in front of the fracture and behind it,
and the two parts firmly bound together by a silver wire.
If this is not available, a mould of gutta-percha or wood is
made to fit the lower jaw and sides of the face from the
throat as far as the chin, and this is strapped on by four
belts, one passing behind the ears, one in front of them,
one on the middle of the face and one on the nose but four
inches above the nostrils. The straps may be held to-
gether by another or a simple cord passing down the
middle of the face, and the two lower ones should be
slightly elastic. This should be kept on till union is
effected and no hard food should be allowed for two
months.
In cases of compound comminuted fractures remove all
foreign bodies and detached pieces of bone, and make an
opening in the case, through which the wound may be
dressed with antiseptic liquids (carbolic acid 1 part, water
100 parts).
Special Injuries of Bones, Joints and Muscles. 409
INJURIES BY BIT AND CURB.
These often cause slight fractures or superficial necro-
sis on the upper or lower borders of the jaw. Extract
detached pieces or scrape off dead, and when the wound
has healed drive with a snafile.
FRACTURE OF THE UPPER JAW.
This is much less serious. If at the anterior part fix
by wiring the teeth together. If further back and associ-
ated with discharge from the nose, trephine the sinus (see
diseased teeth), remove detached pieces of bone and in-
ject with a weak astringent solution (diseased teeth).
FRACTURE OF THE BONES OF THE NOSE.
Here the depression of the space between the nostrils
and the difficulty of breathing are characteristic. Shave
the skin above and below the fracture; make a smooth
cone of wood, rounded at the apex and just large enough
to fit the nasal passage; with this inside the nose raise
the bone to its proper position and strap it there by strong
adhesive plaster passing over the interval of the fracture.
In obstinate cases we can resort to plugging of one nos-
tril with tow, or of both nostrils if tracheotomy has been
first performed.
FRACTURE OF THE FRONTAL BONES.
If beneath the level of the eye the danger is slight and
after removal of detached pieces of bone it may be treated
like an ordinary wound. If above, the depressed bone
must be raised with a lever to avoid compression of the
brain when exudation takes place. Fracture of the process
which forms the upper boundary of the eye-socket may
be raised in the same manner to avoid subsequent blemish.
FRACTURE OF THE CREST OF THE POLL (OCCIPITAL).
Tf split straight down and without opening the cranium
and exposing the brain, the animal should be tied so that
410 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
the nose is kept habitually protruded and the injury
treated like a simple wound. It may be needful to use
astringent lotions or even to make a counter-opening below
to secure a perfect recovery.
FRACTURES AT THE BASE OF THE CRANIUM.
These are usually due to blows on the poll, the shock
being conveyed through the harder structures and ex-
pended fatally on the softer bones below. Being in con-
tact with the most vital parts of the brain and beyond
the reach of surgical interference such fractures are fatal.
DISLOCATION OF THE LOWER JAW.
This sometimes occurs in the dog, from opening the
jaws too widely in giving pills, ete. The jaw is slightly
advanced and held open in spite of all attempts of the
animal to close it. Wrap the thumbs very thickly in
cloth, and seizing the lower jaw press it forcinly downward
and backward when it will slip in with a jerk and the jaws
will close firmly.
OPEN JOINT BETWEEN THE UPPER AND LOWER JAWS.
A wound exists midway between the eye and the root of
the ear, discharging a glairy fluid when the animal chews.
Fix the jaws by a bridle with straps drawn tightly around
the nose, feed thick gruels and soft mashes only and treat
as advised for open joint.
CANCER (ENCEPHALOID) OF THE ORBIT.
This occurs in horses and cattle, great, angry, bleeding,
fungous growths appearing from the soft and hard struct-
ures about the orbit. The only hope lies in early removal.
TOOTH-LIKE TUMORS UNDER THE EAR.
These are manifested by a running sore, just above and
behind the joint between the upper and the lower jaw,
with a hard object to be felt at the bottom. Their ex-
Special Injuries of Bones, Joints and Muscles. 411
traction can only be undertaken by one intimately ac-
quainted with the parts.
POLL EVIL.
This is of two kinds: Ist, A simple abscess, the result of a
blow or other local injury, and which is only serious because
»f the strong enveloping fibrous membranes that imprison
the matter beneath them; and 2d, disease of the joint
between the head and the first bone of the neck, or be-
tween the first two bones. The first, if unrelieved, will
usually give rise to the second, since the surface of the
bones becomes the seat of disease which gradually extends
to and involves the joint. The milder form may be dis-
tinguished by the superficial position of the swelling and
fluctuation, and by the comparative freedom and ease
with which the head is moved, whereas in the other the
head is carried very stiffly and cannot be moved on the
neck without extreme suffering.
Treatment. When seen early with only a slight inflam-
matory swelling behind the poll and no fluctuation, purge
and keep a cooling lotion (tincture of arnica 2 oz., iodide
of potassium 1 dr., vinegar 1 qt., camomile infusion 1 qt.,)
_ constantly applied to the part, the patient at rest, and the
head tied up to the rack. If matter has formed and fluctu-
ation is felt, however deep, it must be opened at once.
Select the part where fluctuation is most marked and
plunge a knife into the cavity. Then with a bent probe
find the lowest point of the sac and cut down upon this,
making a large opening from which the matter may flow
as it'forms. A tape should be tied in the wound and the
sac syringed out daily with a stimulating wash (chloride
of zine 4 dr., water 1 qt.,) until from the disappearance of
swelling and matter it becomes evident that the sac is ob-
literated, when the tape may be cut, pulled half way out
and left hanging from the lower wound until the upper is
elosed, when it may be completely withdrawn. When
new sacs of matter appear these must be promptly opened
419 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
and treated in the same way. A change of dressing is
sometimes needed as one appears to be losing its effect
(tincture of muriate of iron 1 oz., water 1 quart). In ob-
stinate cases it is sometimes needful to lay the sacs open
by an extensive incision and treat like an ordinary wound.
But all these operations are only safe in the hands of
those who are intimately acquainted with the structure of
the part.
In case of disease of the bone it may be felt bare at the
bottom of the sac, by probing, and may be scraped to re-
move any dead or diseased part, and expose sound bone
which may undergo the healing process.
If the joint is implicated the case may be deemed des-
perate, as it is usually only a question of time for the
spinal cord to become involved.
FISTULOUS WITHERS.
This is analogous to the milder form of poll evil, differing
only in its site, which is on the spines above the shoulders.
It is to be treated in the same way, by free incision, the
formation of a dependent orifice and injections. If the
spinous processes are diseased they should be removed
with bone forceps until a healthy surface is exposed.
FRACTURED PROCESSES OF THE NECK BONES.
This may arise from muscular effort but more commonly
results from jamming between two heavy bodies. If on
one side only, the head is drawn to a side; and in any case
the detached piece of bone may be felt among the muscles
and grating even may be produced by moving it. The
only treatment is to keep the head in one position until
the detached parts have become adherent, which they
usually do with a visible swelling. If abscess or fistula
forms the detached bone must be extracted.
TRANSVERSE FRACTURE OF THE BONES OF THE NECK
These occur from pitching on the head, and are fatal
from the sudden cessation of breathing.
Special Injuries of Bones, Joints and Muscles. 413
—
FRACTURE OF THE SPINOUS PROCESSES OF BACK AND LOINS.
This is detected by the mobility, with or without grating
of the spines implicated. If comminuted the splinters
should be extracted ; if simple, replace them and retain by
a pitch plaster on each side, or with a saddle having a
high tree and plenty of padding at the sides to support
the fractured bone.
SPRAINS OF THE BACK OR LOINS,
There is inability to back, above all when mounted, or
to turn quickly in a circle, tenderness at a given spot on
pinching along the back, drooping when mounted, and
difficulty in urination from the pain attendant on curving
the back. It has come on suddenly after slipping, falling,
bearing a heavy weight, etc., and is independent of fever.
Tt is distinguished from partial paraplegia by the per-
fect sensation in the hind parts, by the absence ot
any change in their temperature as compared with the
rest of the body, and by the retention of perfect sensation
and motion in the tail.
Treatment. Place in a narrow stall in which the patient
cannot turn his body or even his neck; apply slings to
prevent any attempt at lying down; foment with warm
water if there is much pain; when that has subsided,
blister. It is all-important to give laxative diet, and to
correct any costiveness or other impairment of the general
health.
TRANSVERSE FRACTURE OF BACK OR LOINS.
This occurs suddenly from an evident cause, such as
slipping, over-weighting, a wrong step, or struggling when
cast for an operation. If displacement has not taken
place there is an exaggerated manifestation of the same
symptoms as in sprained back, but if the bones are dis-
placed, or when the resulting inflammation and swelling
have produced pressure on the spinal cord, there is para-
plegia, coldness of the body behind the seat of fracture
414 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
though that in front may be hot and perspiring; the tail
is implicated in the palsy, and there is much tenderness
and often a manifest depression of the seat of fracture.
Treatment. The slighter forms are treated like sprained
loins. In the more severe, the subject should be de-
stroyed at once. If after recovery in other respects a
certain lack of power remains, it must be treated like
paraplegia.
LACERATION OF THE MUSCLES BENEATH THE LOINS.
This occurs from the hind limbs slipping unexpectedly
backward or from their going back into a ditch which the
animal is attempting to leap. ‘Lhe manifestations resem-
ble those of broken back, as there are difficulty in rising,
and an imperfect control over the hind limbs, which are
dragged awkwardly forward and not advanced so far as in
health. But there is no indication of paralysis and no
alteration of temperature or sensibility in the hind parts,
the functions of the tail are perfect, and examination
through the rectum detects a soft doughy swelling, with
heat and tenderness beneath the loins. Treatment is by
slings and fomentations to the loins. If the horse is un-
able to get up, raise him by block and tackle and he will
easily stand. Several weeks are wanted for repair of the
injury and the patient should have a run at grass before
returning to work.
FRACTURE OF THE CROUP (SACRUM).
Seen in cattle and less frequently in horses, and caused
by riding each other or by the fall of heavy bodies on the
part. There is a manifest depression at one point of the
medium line of the croup, and the tail usually hangs
paralyzed. Examination with the oiled hand in the rec-
tum at once detects the displacement, which is always
downward. With one hand in the rectum pressing on the
depressed bone and the other pulling the tail, the bones
may be replaced and should be held so by a stiff leather
Special Injuries of Bones, Joints and Muscles. 415
sheath well padded, fixed round the root of the tail and
connected in front with a surcingle and collar. Recovery
of power over the tail may be looked for.
INJURIES TO THE BONES OF THE TAIL.
Fracture and dislocation are easily reduced and the
bones maintained in proper place by a bandage. If the
bones are crushed, or the seat of caries or necrosis, the
member should be amputated above the injury. Docking
scissors are best for this purpose, but the organ may be
laid across a beam and chopped off with one blow of a
hatchet. The hair should first be removed from the part
_to be cut, and what is above this part tied up to the rump.
After the amputation the hair is drawn down over the
stump and firmly tied, as close to it as possible, so as to
compress-the arteries and check bleeding. In cattle and
other animals, with short hair on the tails, bleeding may
be prevented by a flat tape tied round the tail above the
stump for eight hours, or the arteries may be tied, or
finally, they may be seared with a hot iron, the part hay-
ing been first dusted with powdered resin.
ERACTURED RIBS.
These usually result from falls, blows and other forms
of mechanical injury, and may be easily detected by a
depression or soft part at the seat of fracture. If simple,
they will be readily repaired under the influence of rest
and girths to restrict the movements of the chest. But if
comminuted, abscesses may form or necrosis ensue, de-
manding the removal of the dead or morbid matters. If
the fractured ends have been driven in so far as to pene-
trate the lung a still more serious complication is met.
The air rushes from the tubes of the lacerated lung into
the pleural cavity during each inspiration, and as it can-
not find its way back, the whole of that half of the chest
is soon filled with air and the lung ccmpressed into a
small solid mass attached to the lower end of the wind-
416 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
pipe, and opposite the base of the heart. The lesion
is thus liable to prove fatal, though if arrested early by the
exudation of lymph in the wound of the lung, the air may
be absorbed and recovery may ensue.
WOUNDS PENETRATING THE CHEST.
Whether connected with broken ribs or only involving
the muscles between the ribs, these lead to the accumula-
tion of air in the chest and collapse of the lung, as when
a broken rib has torn the lung tissue. The edges of the
wound, having been driven in, act like a valve allowing the
entrance of air during the expansion of the chest, but for-
bidding its escape when that cavity collapses. It is far
more serious than the accumulation of air in the chest from
a torn lung, as decomposition and irritation are set up by
the presence of germs which are filtered out in passing
through the lungs. Unless the wound is small and can
be closed early, it is necessarily fatal.
SHOULDER LAMENESS.
The lameness which accompanies injuries to the shoul-
der may be so characteristic as to be recognized at a
glance. The specific features are, the carrying of the head
low; the dragging of the toe on the ground in advancing
the limb; the swinging of the foot outward so as to
describe the arc of a circle in bringing it forward ; and, if
severe enough, the standing with joints partly bent, the
heel raised and the toe resting on the ground, but without
any advance of the lame foot in front of the other.
TUMORS ON THE SHOULDER.
Often preceded by chafing or galling, these consist of.
inflammation and suppuration beneath the large flat
muscle which covers the front of the shoulder (levator
humeri). The tissues around the matter become thickened
_ and indurated to an extraordinary extent, so that it is
often impossible to detect any fluctuation, yet it may be
Special Injuries of Bones, Joints and Muscles. 417
assumed in all cases of considerable swelling that matter
really exists, and the recovery will not ensue until that has
been evacuated. In slight cases only will a little nut-like
induration form without matter.
Treatment. In cases in which injury has just been sus-
tained, suspend work or drive in a breast strap, and treat
as for chafing. If a tumor forms, first subdue the more
active inflammation by a dose of physic and a wet rug
slung over the shoulder for several days ; then open it with
a knife, or preferably, draw off the liquid once or twice, at
intervals of two or three days, with a cannula and trocar,
and then, when the sac has been reduced to a small size,
lay it freely open with the knife and treat like an ordinary
wound. In very large tumors it may be necessary to push
the cannula in as far as four or even six inches before the
matter is reached, but the operator must persevere, direct-
ing it always toward the exact centre of the swelling. Tho
small solid tumors are to be cut out with the knife, a
straight vertical incision being made through the skin,
directly over the mass, which is then dissected out, and
the skin brought together with stitches and treated like
a simple wound.
SPRAIN OF THE CORACO-RADIAL TENDON. SHOULDER SPRAIN.
This is a sprain of the large tendon which passes over
the point of the shoulder (ther most prominent part directly
in front), and in bad cases the double pulley over which it
plays in front of the upper end of the arm bone is involved
in inflammation and ulceration.
Symptoms. Pendent head, dragging toe, swinging out-
ward of the foot when being advanced, shortness of the
step, and a tendency to stand with the toe only resting
on the ground and the limb bent but not advanced. Svwell-
ing of the point of the shoulder is sometimes, though rarely
seen, but pressure on this point with the thumbs will
detect tenderness, which is especially marked as compared
with that of the other shoulder. The pressure should be
27
418 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser
made successively on the inner side of the tendun, on the
outer and on its centre.
Treatment. First subdue the inflammation by rest, a
high-heeled shoe and a wet rug kept hanging continually
over the shoulder (a blanket folded several times and tied
round the neck and chest), with or without a purge and
restricted diet. When the heat and tenderness have sub-
sided apply a smart blister over the point of the shoulder,
and repeat if lameness persists. In obstinate cases it may
be needful to use the hot iron, but only on the outer
side of the jomt, and never on the point where the collar
rests.
SPRAIN OF THE MUSCLES OUTSIDE THE SHOULDER-BLADE.
This is a sprain of the muscle which fills up the poste-
rior cavity on the outer side of the shoulder-blade and
plays over the outer side of the shoulder-joint (outer tu-
bercle of the head of the humerus). It occurs mainly in
young horses when first put to plow or in others going on
uneven ground and stepping unexpectedly into holes. In
the endeavor to recover the equilibrium on stepping into
a furrow or hole, this muscle which forms the outer sup-
port of the joint is injured and there result heat, swelling
and tenderness on the outside of the joint and a most
characteristic gait. The horse may walk, or even trot,
without much apparent lameness, but standing directly in
front of him the affected shoulder is seen to roll outward
from the body to a far greater extent than the sound one.
Soon the muscle begins to waste rapidly, and in bad cases
the shoulder-blade may be denuded until it appears to be
~ eovered by nothing but skin.
Treatment. In the first stages, with heat, swelling and
tenderness outside the joint, rest, employ a wet rug, etc.,
as for sprain of the coraco-radial tendon. When this has
subsided allow exercise on smooth ground (walking, work-
ing in light cultivator,) and increase the circulation over
the wasted muscle by active friction with straw or a piece
Special Injuries of Bones, Jowmts and Muscles. 419
of wood: or by mild blisters (ammonia 1 pt., oil 2 pts. : or
Spanish flies 1 part, alcohol 25 pts., steeped for 24 hours
and strained): or stimulate with a galvanic battery. It
may take months to refill the cavity, but in all recent
cases perseverance will be rewarded. In old standing
cases with fatty degeneration of the muscles, a very par-
tial restoration only can be effected.
It must be added that wasting of the shoulder muscles
is a common result of all lameness entailing disuse of the
limb and hence many injuries of the feet and elsewhere
are referred to the shoulder and designated sweeny (Schwin-
den) by wiseacres. In the absence of the peculiar gait
above described, of the early heat, swelling and tender-
ness outside the joint and the rapid wasting of the mus-
cle, the cause of the sweeny should be sought elsewhere
than the shoulder.
DISEASE OF THE SHOULDER-JOINT (INFLAMMATION,
ULCERATION, ETC.)
In the large quadrupeds, in which swelling and tender-
ness on handling are rarely seen, disease in the joint is to
be mainly distinguished by the general symptoms of
shoulder lameness and the absence of any of the signs of
local disease in the tendons, already described. Move-
ment of the joint by drawing the limb forward, and espe-
cially by drawing it backward, will usually give rise to
‘pain, sometimes of an extreme nature.
In dogs the capsule of the joint is found to bulge on
each side of the coraco-radial tendon which plays over
the point of the shoulder, and tenderness may be shown
when it is handled.
Treatment. -When inflammation is very severe rest and
soothing measures should be first resorted to. In the
majority of cases it assumes a subacute type and is to be
treated by a high-heeled shoe, rest and counter-irritants
Repeated blistering with Spanish flies may suffice, but ir
obstinate cases and whenever there is reason to suspect
490 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
ulceration, the hot iron is most serviceable, applied round
the outer side of the joint only.
OTHER AFFECTIONS OF THE SHOULDER.
The shoulder-blade is subject to fracture, ulceration
and necrosis; the muscles beneath the bone to lacera-
tions ; the joint to dislocations (rare in large quadrupeds) ;
and the lymphatic glands inside the joint to abscess (es-
pecially in strangles), all of which must be treated on gen-
eral principles, space forbidding their further notice in
the present work. Shoulder lameness may further arise
from liver disease, which see.
AFFECTIONS OF THE ELBOW AND ARM.
Lameness in the region of the elbow is characterized
by the inability to extend the joint fully or to bear weight
upon it in this condition. In bad cases the elbow and
knee joints are kept semiflexed when standing still, and
when walking or trotting the dropping of the head and
body is extreme, in consequence of a similar flexion.
Movement of the joint will also give rise to symptoms of
tenderness.
TUMORS ON THE POINT OF THE ELBOW.
These are usually caused by the heels of the shoe when
the horse lies with his fore limbs bent under him (cow
fashion) from undue narrowness of the stall.
Symptoms. There is first a hot, tender swelling, and if
the source of injury is kept up, this may increase by small
degrees to a very large size. Soon the swelling fluctuates
from contained serum and it may remain thus indefinitely,
the liquid being confined by the tough fibrous walls. Or
the serum may be absorbed leaving a hard nut-like tumor
with no sign of fluctuation.
Treatment. Sooth the early inflammation by fomenta-
tions or a wet rug hung over the part, and keep on a soft
laxative diet. If the amount of serum thrown out ig
Special Injuries of Bones, Joumts and Muscles. 421
limited, it may be entirely re-absorbed by using tincture of
iodine to remove the swelling. If more abundant let it be
drawn off with a cannula and trocar and the sac injected
with compound tincture of iodine diluted in double its
pulk of water. If this is not available, lay the sac freely
open at its lower part and heal likea common wound. I
a hard mass is left beneath the skin it is to be cut out as
advised for those on the shoulder.
By way of prevention the stall must be widened, and, in
the case of animals that will lie on the breast, a pad or
girdle of two or three inches thick must be strapped round
the pastern at night to prevent the heel striking against
the elbow. This pad must be soft, covered with chamois’s
leather, made without a seam on its outer side, and buckled
above and below so that nothing hard may touch the elbow.
WOUNDS OF THE ELBOW.
Wounds in this situation are often complicated with air
under the skin puffing up the whole region, having been
pumped in by the movements of the elbow. Rest is
requisite and the wound may be treated as others.
FRACTURE OF THE POINT OF THE ELBOW.
This is easily recognized, as the leg dangles, bending at
the elbow and knee, and it is impossible to bear any weight
on it. On taking hold of the back of the elbow the proc-
ess of bone is found to be detached and loose. If excess-
ive swelling prevents this, place the foot upon the ground,
bend back the knee forcibly and let an assistant raise the
opposite fore foot. If the bone is broken he will drop, if
the muscles only are injured he may stand.
Treatment. If the injury has occurred from a kick,
which has seriously contused the joint surfaces, all treat-
ment may be futile, but if not, the case will be hopeful
and especially in the young. Bring the detached bone as
nearly as possible into position and retain it by a pad
placed inside the elbow, and a bandage and splints con-
429 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
tinued from the foot up. The patient must be placed in
slings.
DISEASE OF THE ELBOW-JOINT.
This must be diagnosed by the general symptoms of
elbow lameness and by pain in moving the joint, but espe-
cially when it is fully extended.
Treatment as for diseased shoulder-joint, the applications
in this case being made to the elbow. If far advanced or
if connected with fracture of the lower end of the arm
bone or of that forming the point of the elbow, it will
usually be unsatisfactory.
FRACTURE OF THE ARM BONE.
Fracture of the large bone between the point of the
shoulder and the elbow may occur from blows, or even
wrong steps, and is often attended by much swelling from
extravasation of blood. The only resort is to place the
animal in slings and keep him perfectly quiet. In rare
cases recovery has taken place with no distortion, the bro-
ken ends, in a transverse fracture, remaining in apposition.
Usually they are drawn apart by the muscles and ride
over each other so that the limb is shortened. Such a re-
sult is only desirable in breeding horses and in stock for
dairy or butcher.
FRACTURE OF THE FORE-ARM. |
Fractures between the elbow and knee in horses or
cattle necessarily leave the animal unable to rest on the
limb ; if in dogs or cats one of the bones may be broken
while the other remains unharmed and weight can still be
borne. There is trembling of the muscles, distortion
easily felt on carrying the hand down the inner side along
the line of the bone, and grating when the limb is moved.
Treatment. Jf the fracture is very oblique treatment
will rarely pay in horses, but if transverse or jagged so
that the bones do not ride, the case is very hopeful. Set
re
ee ee
Special Injuries of Bones, Joints and Muscles 423
ting the bones, with the aid of extension and counter-
extension, or even ether if necessary, applying splints and
bandages from the foot to the elbow, and placing in slings
(if a large animal) are the essential conditions.
SPRAIN OF THE RADIAL LIGAMENT.
This is an injury of a strong, flat, fibrous band, coming
from the lower third of the fore-arm and joining the back
tendons just above the knee. It is characterized by a
tendency to carry the pastern upright, or even to flex the
knee and to stumble. The knee cannot be fully flexed
without much pain, and there is a hot tender swelling
immediately behind the bone and extending from the knee
about four inches upward.
Treat by rest, a laxative, a high-heeled shoe, and fo-
mentations or cooling astringent lotions ; followed when
heat and tenderness subside by active blistering should
lameness continue.
SPRAIN OF THE BACK TENDONS BEHIND THE KNEE.
THOROUGH-PIN OF THE KNEE.
This is manifested by a tense fluctuating swelling on
each side of the back tendons just above the knee and
behind the bone of the fore-arm ; also of a swelling behind
and immediately below the knee, pressure on one of these
swellings causing the fillmg up of the others and vice
versa. There may or may not be much lameness, or im-
possibility of flexing the knee so as to bring the fetlock
pad in contact with the elbow.
Treat the inflammation as in sprained radial ligament,
and the liquid distension by blister, by bandage and pads
shaped like half of an egg cut longitudinally, or still better
by evacuating the liquid with the nozzle of a hypodermic
syringe, and then applying pressure with wet bandages.
SYNOVIAL SWELLINGS IN FRONT OF THE KNEE.
These are of three kinds: Ist, the distension of a bursa
or formation of a serous cyst under the skin, exceedingly
424 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
common in heavy cattle; 2d, distension of the theca of
one or more of the four tendons which pass over the front
and outer side of the knee; 3d, and finally, disease inside
the knee-joint and distension of its capsule. The first is
superficial though often possessed of very thick walls, is
generally diffused over the front of the joint, and is little .
affected by flexion or extension. The distended theczx
extend vertically along the lines of the tendons, reaching
above and below the jomt and are bound down at in-
tervals by transverse bands ; their size is little affected by
bending the joint. Distensions of the joint capsule ap-
pear in the intervals between the tendons, do not extend
beyond the joint except in very extreme cases, and disap-
pear in part or entirely when the joint is bent; in this
case the joint is rarely kept fully extended in standing
and cannot usually be flexed to make the fetlock touch
the elbow.
Treatment. For Subcutaneous cysts puncture with nozzle
of hypodermic syringe, draw off the liquid and compress
strongly with wet bandages. If this cannot be done, pass
a tape from. above downward through the cavity of the
sac, and keep in until resulting suppuration has ceased,
when it may be withdrawn from above downward a little
at a time. Excess of inflammation may be subdued by
fomentations and thick wet bandages.
The distended thecce may be punctured with a nozzle of
a hypodermic syringe and subjected to pressure, or treated
with strong blisters (biniodide of mercury 2 dr., lard 1 02z.,)
repeatedly applied; or simple pressure will suffice if kept
up for some weeks increasing the time daily. Setons
would be dangerous.
For distended joint see below.
INFLAMMATION OF THE KNEE-JOINT.
This may be seen in all stages from that in which the
' animal starts forward perceptibly at the knee and mani-
fests suffering when you try to fully extend it by strong
Special Injuries of Bones Joints and Muscles. 425
pressure on its anterior surface, to the most violent and
destructive inflammation with extensive exudation of lymph
and even the formation of abscess. It tends to leave the
puffy swellings of its capsule referred to under the preced-
ing heading, or distinct hard bony enlargements on the
anterior surface of the joint. The animal stands squarely
upon his feet with no inclination to raise the heel, and in
action carries the knee-joint comparatively unbent, takes
a fairly long step and comes down with greatest force on
the heels so as to wear the shoe at this point. A rider
has a peculiar sensation of the chest sinking under him.
The lameness increases with exercise, especially on hard
surfaces.
Treatment. Rest, without shoes; subdue inflammation
by soothing applications, after which blister the part. If
the animal persists in using it too freely, apply splints and
bandages to fix the joint, and place in slings.
WOUNDS OF THE KNEE.
DISLOCATION OF THE KNEE-JOINT with laceration of the
lateral ligaments occurs, and though if put in splints and
slings the patients will sometimes recover with a stiff knee,
the result is a very undesirable one.
BRUISE OF THE INNER SIDE OF THE Knez. Sprrpy Cur.
This usually results from a blow with the opposite foot, in
horses with high action, in those with narrow chests, or,
above all, in horses driven in the snow-path. It is mani-
fested by an inflammatory swelling on the prominence of
bone inside the joint, resulting in a permanent scar, a
serous sac or an abscess. Its early or inflammatory stage
may be treated by lotions of cold water or astringent
liquids, kept constantly applied; the serous effusion by
pressure or by drawing off the liquid through a fine tube,
and then bandaging, and abscess by a free incision with a
knife or lancet.
To prevent keep the foot rather bare inside, with the
shoe slightly beveled from its wearing to its bearing sur-
426 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
face, allow no ragged nail clinches to project, and re-ad-
just the shoe sufficiently often (every three weeks). Ora
boot may be worn extending from the fetlock to the knee
and with a rim at its upper part to warn the animal when
his foot approaches this point.
Wounds IN Front of THE KnEEs. Broken Knexs. Usu-
ally sustained in falling, but it may be by striking against
a manger or other hard object. They are of all degrees
of severity : Ist, simple loss of hair and slight abrasion of
the scarfskin; 2d, a severe bruise of the skin without
laceration; 3d, a wound extending no deeper than the
skin; 4th, a wound laying bare the tendons and opening
their sheaths ; 5th, a wound laying open the joint and ex-
posing the bones with or without laceration of the tendons ;
and 6th, when the joint is opened and the small bones of
the knee broken.
Treatment. 1st, With simple abrasion no treatment is
needed ; 2d, if much bruised tie short to a high rack to
prevent lying down and bandage lightly, using a mild
astringent lotion (sugar of lead 4 oz., carbolic acid 60
drops, water 2 qts.); 3d, in all cases in which the wound
extends through the skin it is desirable to bend the knee
to the position occupied when wounded so that the deep
wounds may correspond with the superficial, and wash off
with a stream of tepid water or soft clean sponge all dirt
or foreign bodies, but never probe nor run any risk of
opening cavities which have not been injured. Any shreds
of tissue which are absolutely dead should be cut off, but
never remove any skin, however contused, as it will all be
wanted. Then cutting the hair from the flaps of the
wound above and below bring them together by straps of
plaster or tow dipped in shellac paste, leaving sufficient
intervals for the escape of matter. If the wound inflames
and swells, give a purgative and dress with the lotion ad-
vised for bruised knee. In all severe cases it is desirable
to sling the patient after the first few days to obviate any
attempt to lie down, which would seriously protract the
Special Injuries of Bones, Joints and Muscles. 427
case; 4th, the exposure of the tendons, with escape of
glairy synovia, will entail more swelling and fever and per-
manent enlargement of the joint, but will demand the
same course of treatment; 5th, when the tendons are
crushed or torn and the joint opened, and above all when
the bones are broken we have cases of increasing severity
and in few such is it desirable to subject to treatment, un-
less the patient is to be valuable for breeding purposes.
Considerable death of tendon and even necrosis and elimi-
nation of bone may be expected and the patient can only
recover with a stiff joint. In addition to the measures
already recommended, it becomes imperative to encase
the limb up to the elbow in splints and bandages, as for a
fracture, leaving open the part in front of the knee for
dressing the wound.
SPLINTS.
These are circumscribed inflammations of the perios-
teum and small bones in the region of the shank, involving
or not the shank-bones themselves, and resulting in small
bony swellings. They occur almost invariably on the inner
Fig. 67.
Fig. 67—Splint.
side of the limb, between the large and small bones of the
shank, and may usually be recognized by running the
fingers down the slight groove formed between the main
shank-bone and its small accessory one behind. It usually
connects the large bone to the small (anchylosis), but may
be confined to the posterior part of the small bone, or may
extend across the back of the shank-bone and appear at
the same level on the inner and outer sides of the limb
428 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
alike. In old horses it is not unfrequent to find the small
bone united to the large along two-thirds of its length. If
situated high up and close to the knee, it is more likely to
cause continued lameness than if lower down. Again if
an animal has several splints and other diseases of bone
he is highly objectionable, as being predisposed to bone
disease. .
Symptoms. Beside the feeling of the splints on hand-
ling, as above mentioned, these symptoms may be seen.
The patient may walk sound, or even trot so, on soft
ground, but is exceedingly lame when trotted on a hard
surface, and this lameness increases with exercise. The
extreme drooping of the head is characteristic. Even
before the formation of the splint tenderness may be
shown on pressure, and some little heat recognized. In
some cases considerable soft swelling may be felt in the
early stages. In acute cases, threatening abscess, the
lameness is extreme.
Treatment. In the early stages, rest, purge, and apply
cooling lotions. When heat and tenderness subside, blis-
ter. Some cases will recover promptly, others require
repeated blistering and a long period of rest. If heat and
sreat tenderness return, resort again to soothing measures.
In extreme tenderness, threatening the formation of mat-
ter, the periosteum should be divided with a very narrow-
bladed knife which is passed through the skin half an inch
below the swelling and carried up over it. The part must
then be covered by a wet bandage. .
INFLAMMATION OF THE MEMBRANE COVERING THE SHANK-BONE,
SORE SHINS.
This occurs especially in over-worked young horses.
Racers are very liable, but cart-horses are not exempt
There is general tumefaction of the shank-bone or of some
- part of it, usually the lower, with a lameness greatly re-
sembling that of splints. If slight and circumscribed, the
exudation that takes place between the membrane and
Special Injuries of Bones, Joints and Muscles. 429
the bone is ossified, giving rise to permanent thickening,
and exudation outside the membrane may follow a similar
course, causing a very considerable swelling. In the more
severe cases, the abundant exudation, separating the
membrane from the bone, may cut off the supply of blood
and entail necrosis; or the lymph may degenerate into
pus which burrows beneath the membrane, separating it
from the bone and destroying the life of the latter.
Treatment. In mild cases treat like splints. In the
very severe with great tenderness and doughy swelling of
the bone, make a series of incisions through the membrane
covering the bone, with a very narrow-bladed knife and
by valvular wounds, passing the blade a short distance
beneath the skin before cutting down on the bone. Then
apply the lotion advised for broken knees.
FRACTURE OF THE SPLINT BONES.
The lower ends of the small bones of the shank are
liable to be broken, the lesion being made out by the
swelling at the point and the unnatural mobility of the
lower end of the bone, though grating is not to be ex-
pected. No treatment is needed beyond a cooling bandage
and rest.
.
FRACTURE OF THE SHANK-BONE.
This is broken by kicks, blows, or simply by con-
cussion in exercise. The superficial position of the
bone renders all distortion very apparent, and this with
the impossibility of resting weight on the limb and the
grating of the broken ends when handled are unmistak-
able.
Treatment. J£ comminuted, as it often is, the animal
had best be slaughtered. If only compound, hopes may
be entertained, especially in young animals, an opening
being made in the bandage to dress the wound. If sim-.
vle and the fracture not too oblique, nothing is easier than
to set it, to envelop it in a bandage extending over and
430 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
fixing the knee, and to keep the patient in slings antil
union has taken place.
SPRAINS OF THE BACK TENDONS.
These are the two cords which form the posterior line
of the limb between the knee and the fetlock. About
midway down the shank the front one is joined by a strong
cord coming from the upper end of the cannon-bone and
the lower row of small knee bones. This last is by far
the most frequent seat of sprain, so that the swelling and
tenderness are observed between the upper half of the
cannon-bone and the round cord which forms the posterior
outline of the limb. In other cases the tendons have
participated in the sprain, and they too are thickened and
tender from the middle of the shank (the point of junction
with the ligament) down to the fetlock. In a third class
the sprain is confined to an inch or two above the fetlock.
Tn these the swelling is to the two sides if the anterior of
the two tendons is injured and backward if the posterior
is sprained. The symptoms are a stumbling gait, with
a tendency to stub the toe into the ground and to bend
over at the knee and fetlock; an inclination to stand with
the knee and fetlock slightly bent, the pastern upright or
the heel a little raised; then passing the hand along the
line of the tendons and in front of them in the upper half
of the bone, the thumb on one side and the fingers on the
other, any slight thickening is easily recognized, and if
heat exists and pain on pinching, your suspicions are con-
firmed. In old bad cases the stay ligament and lower
half of the tendons are greatly thickened throughout and
the knee kept constantly bent, sometimes to the extent of
causing the patient to walk on the front of the hoof. In
other cases the cords are knotted, hard and wanting in
suppleness, showing calcification of their substance.
Treatment. In the early stages of severe cases, rest,
shorten the toe, apply a high-heeled shoe, and apply bot
fomentation continuously, or cold astringent lotions,
Special Injuries of Bones, Joints and Muscles. 481
When heat and tenderness have subsided the high-heeled
shoe may be dispensed with, the foot shod level and active
blisters applied. The preparations of the iodides of mer-
cury are among the best. In old cases of extreme con-
traction the tendons can be cut across by a narrow-
bladed knife with as little external wound as possible,
and the limb extended to its proper form and retained
there by splints and bandages until new fibrous tissue
fills up the interval between the divided ends. The oper-
ation is performed in the middle of the shank below the
connection with the stay ligament and is very successful
in appropriate cases, restoring a helpless cripple to perfect
usefulness. For the minutiz of the operation the reader
is referred to our larger work. Calcified, knotted tendons
are utterly unsuited to it.
SPRAIN OF THE SUSPENSORY LIGAMENT.
This structure lies between the shank-bone and the
back tendons and extends from the back of the lower part
of the knee to the little bones (sesamoids) which form the
pulley for the tendons behind the fetlock, with prolonga-
tions forward on the sides of the pastern to join the ex-
tensor tendon of the foot. The seat of sprain may be at
any part but is usually in the lower third of the shank,
where it divides into an inner and an outer branch. The
sprain may cause but the slightest perceptible swelling on
one of these branches or the ligament may be completely
torn across, the fetlock descending to the ground and the
toe turning up. Any injury to this ligament is likely to
cause more persistent lameness than a corresponding in-
jury to the back tendons, seeing it is a mechanical support
to the fetlock and is always on the strain when the animal
stands upon the limb.
Symptoms. Persistent, often severe lameness, upright
pastern, stumbling gait or undue lowering of the fetlock
when weight is thrown upon the limb. Then by bringing
the fingers and thumb down the line of the cord felt im-
A392 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
mediately behind the lower half of the shank-bone be-
tween it and the back tendons, some enlargement is
detected with heat and tenderness. In bad cases, with
descent of the fetlock, the whole length of the cord is
thickened and the infiltration of the surrounding parts
gives the whole back of the limb a soft doughy feeling.
Treatment is much less satisfactory than in sprains of the
back tendons but the principles are the same, though
a much longer period of rest and blistering is usually
demanded. In severe forms with descent of the fetlock,
that must be supported by splints and bandages, in the
same manner as after cutting the back tendons, otherwise
the limb will be permanently distorted. These severe
cases, which usually result from the most violent exertions
in racing or hunting, rarely recover so as to be fit for such
work in future, though they may be useful for service at a
slow pace.
SPRAIN OF THE BACK TENDONS OVER THE FETLOCK PULLEY.
WIND-GALLS. SESAMOIDITIS.
This is the result of sprains or severe exertions and is al-
ways associated with round elastic synovial swellings on
each side of the tendons, familiarly known as puffs or wind-
galls. Similar swellings arise, independent of sprains, as
the result of over-exertion or dropsy of the part. The
swellings may become solid by coagulation of the lymph
and may be absorbed or organized, or the inflammation
may attack the bone, leading to ulceration and bony de-
posits. Similar bony deposits with or without ulceration
may take place on these small bones in connection with
injuries of the suspensory ligament.
Treatment. Simple wind-galls, dropsical or from over-
exertion, may be made to disappear by persistent pressure
with a bandage and pads applied at first two hours twice
a day, and two hours more every day thereafter, until
they can be kept on all the time. It may, however, re-
quire five or six weeks and should be stopped if it
ie eas
Special Injuries of Bones, Joints and Muscles. 433
causes inflammation in the sac. Another plan is to draw
off the liquid through the nozzle of a hypodermic syringe
and apply a firm wet bandage. In some quiet animals
a weak solution of iodine may be injected, but this is too
often injurious or at least fruitless, from the irritability of
the horse. Recent puffs will sometimes disappear under
strong astringent lotions (oak-bark and alum) or under an
active blister, or after firing, the contraction of the skin
during healing appearing to be a principal cause of their
absorption.
Where there is sprain with much heat, tenderness and
tension, treat by rest, purgative, a high-heeled shoe, and
fomentations or cooling astringent lotions, to be followed
by blisters when the tenderness subsides.
Disease of the bones (Sesamoiditis) must be treated
with severe blisters and even firing, with long continued
rest, but if ulcers already exist on the gliding surface of
the bones a complete recovery need scarcely be looked for.
SPRAIN OF THE INFERIOR SESAMOID LIGAMENTS.
The ligaments below these pulley-shaped bones behind the
fetlock are sometimes sprained, causing great lameness
with swelling and tenderness below the fetlock pad.
Treat as for injury to the suspensory ligament.
ELASTIC SWELLING IN FRONT OF THE FETLOCK.
These are of two kinds: 1st, a serous abscess or en-
larged bursa under the skin: and 2d, the distension of
a large synovial bursa between the extensor tendon and
the capsule of the joint. The first swells out as a uniform
rounded tumor on the front of the joint. The second has
at first the appearance of a double tumor from the swell-
ing appearing at the two sides of the extensor tendon, and
it is only in severe cases and advanced stages that these
meet over the centre. They usually result from pricks or
bruises, though the second form may be associated with
sprain. Any existing inflammation should be subdued by
28
434 The Farmer's Veterinary Adwiser.
soothing measures and a blister applied early to secure
absorption of the liquid if possible. Should this fail the
liquid may be drawn off as advised for wind-galls, and the
part tightly bandaged. Or a free incision may be made
in the lower part of the sac and wet bandages applied to
keep down inflammatory action, while the sac is obliter-
ated by healing from the bottom.
DISEASE OF THE FETLOCK JOINT.
This is occasionally the seat of simple dropsical effusion,
causing it to swell out like wind-galls on the inner and outer
sides, just above the sesamoid bones. The swellings are,
however, placed more anteriorly than distensions of the
tendinous sheath, aud pressure upon them does not cause
bulging nor fluctuation behind and below the fetlock, on
the line of the tendons. ‘This is not necessarily connected
with lameness, though if the result of inflammation of the
joint, that is more likely. Inflammation of the joint may
be recognized by the habitual resting of the leg, which
starts forward at the fetlock, by the appearance of wind-
galls just described, and by a swelling heat and tenderness
of the entire joint. Bending the joint fully causes intense
pain as does also full extension.
Treatment does not differ from that of other inflamed
joints. (See page 401.)
DISLOCATION OF THE FETLOCK.
This occurs like that of the knee in connection with
rupture of the lateral ligaments. We have had recoveries
so as to be very useful for farm work by reducing the dis-
location and fixing with splints and bandages, but this
cannot by any means be calculated on.
BLOWS ON THE INSIDE OF THE FETLOCK. CUTTING.
Like cutting on the inner side of the knee, this arises
from blows received in action. Weak animals with turned-
out toes and distorted feet are most liable. It is to be
Special Injuries of Bones, Joints and Muscles. 435
—_
treated by soothing measures, and if the bones or jointe
become involved, treat as advised for the respective in
juries.
To prevent, let the feet be kept a little bare on the inner
side and the shoes slightly leveled off, but avoid lowering
the foot or thinning the shoe on the inner side. On the
contrary a very slight thickening of the shoe on the inside
is sometimes beneficial, by straightening up the fetlock
and removing it from danger. If this fails wear a leather
boot with a projecting rim, or a simple woolen bandage.
In weak subjects benefit is often derived from bringing
into a better condition of health.
FRACTURES OF THE PASTERN BONES.
These are exceedingly common in horses running on
hard ground or even on soft movable sand. They are of
all degrees of severity, from a simple split without separa-
tion of the broken pieces, to a complete shattering of the
bone into a dozen fragments or more. Simple fractures
are usually oblique, or even vertical, the bone being split
in two nearly equal lateral halves, but transverse breaks
are also seen.
Symptoms. In shattered specimens the case is easily
made out and the victim should be destroyed at once. In
cases of detachment sufficient to allow grating when the
bones are moved (flexed and extended) there is as little
difficulty. But in cases of splitting without detachment,
the parts being held firmly together by the strong fibrous
investments, the case is liable to be mistaken. There is
the fact that the injury occurred suddenly during action,
the horse at once showing lameness, more extreme on hard
ground; there is no injury to ligaments nor tendons; but
pain when the pastern is fully flexed, and with or without
swelling on the bone there is a line of tenderness which
ean easily be traced with the fingers and corresponds to the
fracture.
Treatment. Place the patient in slings, and if grating
436 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
is heard apply a strong bandage to above the fetlock. Hi
no grating sooth the early inflammation for a day or two.
then render the parts immovable by a smart blister on the
front and sides of the pastern from the hoof to the fetlock.
Such cases usually do well, though if the fracture extends
into a joint the recovery is likely to be imperfect.
In the smaller animals bandages are requisite for fract-
ure of the digital bones.
BONY GROWTHS ON THE PASTERN BONES. RINGBONKES.
These usually begin as inflammation of the membrane
covering the bones, and at such points as give attachment
to ligaments, namely: the lateral aspects of the lower or
small pastern bone, and of the lower end of the upper or
Fig. 68.
Z= aS
‘il hi mt ‘tis A DAN
‘ao Ag
Fig. 68—Ringbones—high andlow. The rough irregular deposits of new
bone are shown on the lateral parts of the large and small pastern bones
respectively.
large bone. There is a circumscribed, tender and some-
what elastic swelling, with more or less soft, doughy en-
gorgement of the investing soft parts, and in course of
time the exuded matter, at first soft, becomes hard and
Special Injuries of Bones, Joints and Muscles. 437
bony. The process in the early stages often appears to
consist in the dragging of the periosteum and vessels from
the surface and the development of bone beneath. But as
the disease advances the whole surface of one or both
bones may become involved, leading to a general deposi-
tion of new bony matter, extending, it may be, over the
joint between the two pastern bones, or between the lower
pastern and the bone of the foot, and abolishing all move-
ment. Ringbones may also take origin in partial fract-
ures, in concussion, in rheumatoid disease, and in faults
of nutrition, in which the earthy salts are largely passed
with the urine.
Symptoms. Lameness may be almost altogether absent,
or it may be extreme in such cases as are attended by act-
ive inflammation of the bone or joint, or when the joint
has become fixed by bony deposit. The heel may be first
brought to the ground or, in the hind foot, the fetlock
may knuckle over and the toe strikes first. The lameness
is worst on hard ground and usually increases with exer-
cise. Swelling may be scarcely perceptible and confined
to the imner or outer side of one pastern bone, or it may
be an extreme enlargement of the whole pastern region.
It may be hard throughout in old cases, or softer and
slightly elastic at points where active disease is still going
on. Forcible bending of the pastern causes much pain,
as also pressure on the swelling and especially on the
softer and more recent deposits.
Treatment. Rest, second the indications of nature in
order to secure an easy position, using a high-heeled shoe
when the animal walks on the toe and a thin-heeled one
when he walks on his heel. If there is very active in-
flammation adopt soothing measures first and then blister
severely or even fire. Corrosive sublimate and camphor
20 grains of each, muriatic acid 10 drops and oil of tur
pentine 1 oz. is often useful in such cases, but should be
watched and washed off when sufficient exudation has
taken place, otherwise it may blemish. In firing it is usu-
438 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
ally desirable to penetrate the skin in points, but never
keep the hot iron long in contact with it lest the radiated
heat destroy the integument. It is often needful to allow
a rest of several months for consolidation of the new de-
posit. When the joints are much affected the only cure
is by the growth of bone over them and the abolition of
movement, and then there remains some stiffness though
there may be ability for slow work. Old horses recover
less satisfactorily than young ones. If there is reason to
suspect a rheumatic complication or any general fault in
nutrition these must be attended to. —
SPRAIN OF THE FLEXOR TENDONS BEHIND THE PASTERN.
This is of two kinds, though both in almost the same
seat. Opposite the first pastern joint the posterior ten-
don divides into two branches which passing over the in-
ner and outer sides of the other tendon are inserted on
the corresponding aspects of the head of the small pastern
bone. Between these branches the other tendon plays
over a raised fibro-cartilaginous pulley, its gliding being
favored by a synovial sac. ‘This last tendon may be
sprained as it plays over this pulley, in the median line
of the back of the limb, and either of the branches of the
other tendon may be sprained close to its attachment on
the inner or outer side of this pulley.
Symptoms. Standing quiet the animal keeps the fet-
lock and pastern joints slightly flexed, the foot advanced
six or eight inches, the heel slightly raised and the toe
resting on the ground. In action he steps short and stubs
the toe into the ground and generally improves as he
warms-up to work. The toe of the shoe wears faster than
the heel, and the heel in old standing cases may be a lit-
tle contracted, but it is not unnaturally warm, nor is there
- wincing on tapping the quarter or the sole to either side
of the body of the frog, with a hammer. ‘This serves to
distinguish from disease of the small pulley-shaped bone
of the foot—the misnamed coffin-joint disease. Pressure
Special Injuries of Bones, Joints and Muscles. 439
on the tendons in the hollow of the heel causes much pain
and wincing, and the precise seat of injury may be ascer-
tained from the position of greatest suffering—in the me-
dian line, to the inner side or to the outer.
Treatment. Shorten the toe, apply a high-heeled shoe
and surround the pastern with bandages soaked in cold
water or some cooling astringent lotion. A purgative will
be useful if inflammation runs high. When heat and ten-
derness subside, any remaining lameness may usually be
removed by a blister on the front and sides of the pastern.
FRACTURES OF THE HIP-BONES.
FRACTURE OF THE OuTER ANGLE. In young animals a
little nodule from the extreme angle is often broken off by
blows before it has acquired a firm connection with the
parent bone. In the old, the fracture usually extends
deeper, three, four, or six inches in breadth being often
detached. In either case the fragment is drawn down-
ward by the muscles leading to a greater or less flattening
of the quarter, and it usually becomes attached to the
parent bone by fibrous tissue or even bony union. In
some instances, the fragment acting as a foreign body sets
up inflammation with suppuration and a running sore.
The slighter cases are not necessarily attended by lame-
ness but if much bone has been detached, with consider-
- able flattening, there is more or less halting on the limb.
Treatment consists in keeping the animal still until union
has been effected, or in case of a running sore a free in-
cision should be made and the fragment of bone extracted.
FRACTURE OF THE INNER ANGLE NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH
THE Bacxspone. This is less frequent than the last but
still tolerably common. It causes considerable lameness,
and grating is heard when the limb is moved backward
and forward. The oiled hand introduced through the
rectum may feel the outline of the bones on the two sides,
and detect the change from the natural form on the broken
one. If it has been done for some time, there is a soft
pasty swelling on the inner side of the bone.
440 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
FRACTURE OF THE PoINT oF THE Hip. As in the case ol
the outer angle, the posterior one is very liable to sustain
fracture of a small portion which is developed apart from
the rest of the bone. In other cases several inches in
breadth of the bone is detached. In both cases alike it is
drawn downward so that the prominence on one side of
the tail is greater than on the other. It may be unat-
tended by lameness and tends to grow on below, though
it will sometimes remain detached and form a running
sore in which case it must be removed by the knife.
FRACTURES THROUGH THE SHAFT OF THE H1p-pong. These
may be in front of the hip-joint, behind it, or through it.
Again, they may be simple or comminuted. If the fract-
ure does not implicate the joint, weight may still be rested
on the limb, but if through the joint the limb is held use-
less. The dragging lameness of hip disease is always
present and grating may be felt by seizing the outer and
posterior angles of the hip in the two hands while the
animal walks. Examination with the oiled hand in the
rectum will enable the observer to ascertain the exact
seat and nature of the injury.
Treatment of Fractures of the Hip. If through the joint,
or much shattered, the animal should be at once de-
stroyed. If a simple fracture the patient should be put
in slings and kept still for a month or six weeks. In such
cases recovery may be expected.
SPRAIN OF THE HIP.
This is one of the most common injuries of the hip and
is located in the tendon of the largest muscle of the but-
tock as it plays over the large process on the head of the
thigh-bone. Its exact site is easily found in thin horses
by the prominence over the joint and midway between the
anterior and posterior angles of the hip-bone. There is
the usual dragging hip lameness, a quick short step with
the affected limb, the hip being moved as little as possible,
suffering when the member is drawn forward and tender-
Special Injuries of Bones, Joints and Muscles. 441
ness to pressure on the seat of the sprain. Swelling and
heat are rare because of the depth of the lesion. In cases
of any standing the muscles of the quarter waste.
Treatment. Long continued rest, with at first fomenta-
tions, and later, active and repeated blisters, or even the
hot iron applied in points. Some chronic cases do well
under a combination of exercise and counter-irritants as
follows: rub the affected quarter with oil of turpentine,
then take out and exercise in a circle until covered with
perspiration ; then return to the stable, rub down and
clothe with a double wet blanket over the lame quarter.
Repeat daily for some time.
DISPLACEMENT OF THE ABDUCTOR FEMORIS.
Lean cattle are subject to a peculiar form of nip lame-
ness, from displacement backward of the large muscle
which plays over the prominence at the head of the thigh-
bone. The high, bony process presses on the anterior
border of the muscle, preventing it from resuming its
natural position. The anterior border of the muscle forms
a prominent painless cord extending from behind the hip-
joint to below the stifle. In moving, the toe is dragged
along the ground, being extended backward, and the limb
is flexed with effort and often in a sudden and convulsive
manner, and accompanied by a dull sound. These symp-
toms are most marked if the animal is made to step over
a bar of six or eight inches high as he leaves the stable.
Treatment. Some recover under good nourishment with
or without blisters, but usually it is best to make an incis-
ion over the front of the cord an inch or two below the
head of the thigh-bone and cut the border of the muscle
across with a narrow-bladed knife. The animal may be
kept quiet by the bull-dog pincers in his nose, and by
drawing the opposite limb forward with a line passed
through a collar.
449 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
DISEASE OF THE HIP-JOINT.
This may be connected with a partial fracture of the
bones of the quarter extending into the joint, with lacera-
tion of the ligaments, with ulceration of the bones, or
with simple synovitis, from over-work, rheumatism, or
other cause. The symptoms strongly resemble those of
sprain of the hip, but there is no pain on pressure upon
the prominence on the head of the thigh-bone, but often
much suffermg when the limb is drawn outward and
backward, so as to place the ligaments on the stretch. It
is attended with wasting of the muscles of the quarter.
Treatment. Rest, slmg if at all convenient, foment the
quarter with a thick rug repeatedly folded, and finally
blister actively or, still better, fire. A long period of rest
is usually necessary.
DISLOCATION OF THE HIP.
This is almost unknown in the horse excepting in con-
nection with fracture, but is not very uncommon in lean
cattle and small animals as a consequence of falls and
dragging of the limb to excess in any one direction. It
will even happen from extreme dragging of the limb out-
ward when caught over a bar. Displacement is usually
forward or backward. In the former case the limb is
shortened, the prominence of the head of the thigh-bone
carried forward and the toe turned out. In the latter the
limb is elongated, the prominence of the head of the
thigh-bone carried backwards and the toe turned inward.
Dislocations inward and outward are also described and
would be marked by the deviations of the limb from its
normal position, and the depression or increased promi-
nence of the head of the thigh-bone.
Reduction. Lay the animal on the opposite side of the
body; maintain the body immovable by a strong sheet
carried between the thighs and held by. several men or
fixed to a firm object; attach a band round the limb above
the hock and let two men drag upon this, or one man
Special Injuries of Bones, Joints and Muscles. 443
carefully with the aid of a block and tackle; meanwhile
the operator, seizing hock and stifle, must turn the upper
part of the limb in a direction opposite to the displace-
ment. If forward the hock is raised and the stifle de-
pressed; if lackward the stifle is raised and the hock
depressed; if inward a smooth round billet of wood is ta
be placed between the thighs to act as a fulcrum upon
which the limb is depressed when sufficiently stretched ;
if vutward the lower part of the limb must be drawn out-
ward and upward, while weight is thrown on the thigh-
bone ; or by movements of the limb it may be changed to
a dislocation forward and reduced from that position. It
may be necessary to relax the muscles by a full dose of
chloral-hydrate before attempting to reduce. When re-
duced, the head of the bone slips in with a jerk and an
audible sound, and the limb assumes its natural position.
The animal may then be let up, and should be kept quiet
and alone for several days. These cases do far better
than could be expected from the anatomical arrangements
of the part.
FRACTURE OF THE NECK OF THE THIGH-BONE.
This is not uncommon in small animals, especially dogs,
but very rare indeed in the large quadrupeds. It is marked
by shortening of the limb, inability to use it, and grating
when it is moved. If the finger or hand is passed into the
rectum and pressed against the crest above the hip-
joint, while an assistant draws the limb outward, the
prominence of the head of the thigh-bone may be felt
above the crest. This can only occur in two other
conditions ;—fracture of the outer rim of the cup receiv-
ing the head of the thigh-bone, and outward dislocation
of the hip-joint without fracture. The latter may be dis
tinguished by the absence of grating, while the first is as
serious as the fracture of the neck of the bone.
Treatment is useless in the large quadrupeds, but in the
sinall, a firm retentive starch bandage for the whole limb
will often secure recovery.
444 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
FRACTURE OF THE SHAFT OF THE THIGH-BONE.
This is marked by inability to use the limb, muscular
trembling, swelling on the inner side of the thigh, and
grating, felt or heard, when the limb is moved in varicus
directions. In the larger quadrupeds nothing can be done
beyond slinging and quiet, which may prove successful in
exceptional cases, but in small animals, dogs and cats
especially, a well applied starch bandage will usually be a
success.
FRACTURES OF THE LOWER ENDS OF THE THIGH-BONE.
These are recognized by great pain and swelling in the
stifle, with grating when the joint is seized between the
hands and the limb moved. It may be considered ir-
remediable in the large animals, and recoveries are imper-
fect in the small.
FRACTURE OF THE KNEE-CAP.
The small bone in front of the stifle is sometimes fract-
ured either across or vertically, causing local swelling and
tenderness with inability to use the limb, which is drawn
backward and outward. It is irremediable.
DISLOCATION OF THE KNEE-CAP.
Not uncommon in certain breeds of horses, this usually
occurs when standing at rest in the stable or rather after
rising. The limb is drawn forcibly outward and backwaid,
the foot resting on the toe, and the animal is helpless to
move it. The bone may be felt displaced at the outer side,
at what should be the most prominent anterior point of
the stifle. In young horses it may be attended with ulcer-
ation of the pulley over which it plays, but, in the adult,
this is very exceptional.
Reduction may sometimes be effected by starting the
animal with a whip, the limb being brought forward under
the violent effort and the bone meanwhile slipping into
place. More commonly it is requisite to draw the foot
Special Injuries of Bones, Joints and Muscles.. 445
forward, either by simply lifting it, or by the aid of a rope
having a noose round the fetlock, and passing through a
collar on the neck. While the limb is being advanced, a
hand should be placed on the bone outside the stifle tc
press it into position. When reduced keep on a level (not
slippery) floor; apply a shoe with a toe piece projecting
an inch in front of the hoof, and curved up; and finally
put a smart blister on the joint.
Second Form. A modification of the above is seen in
horses and cattle, in which the knee-cap is drawn too high
during extreme extension of the stifle, and then pulled
outward by the abductor muscles; its inner lateral liga-
ment slips into the notch above the pulley, over which the
bone should play, and the animal remains helpless with
the limb drawn back as in ordinary dislocation. There is
a depression in front of the upper part of the stifle, sur-
mounted by a swelling which is soft, not hard, as it would
be were the current explanation of cramp of the muscles
correct. The reduction is by the same method advised for
ordinary dislocation, and the after treatment identical.
DISEASE IN THE STIFLE JOINT.
If between the knee-cap and its pulley the patient usually
drags the toe on the ground, steps short and brings the
foot forward with a swinging outward motion. The leg is
- kept half bent when standing, the knee-cap is felt to move
loosely on the pulley, causing pain, and an elastic fluctu-
ating swelling is felt beneath it in the intervals between
the three descending ligaments. In disease of the inner or
outer division of the true joint the animal stands with it in
the same position, but in walking it may either be jerked
up suddenly, or in the worst cases, this joint and the hock
are carried in a stiff extended position and the principal
movement is in the hip. An elastic swelling may usually
be felt beneath the knee-cap but it is less prominent than
in disease of the pulley, and the bone is less mobile and
does not cause pain when moved.
446 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
Treatment. AY cases require a high-heeled shoe ex-
cepting such as are attended with dislocation of the knee-
cap, in which case a thin-heeled shoe with a projection
forward at the toe is indicated. Rest is essential, and in
case of very acute inflammation, fomentations should pre-
cede repeated blistering or firing. A long rest is impera-
tive. In ulceration of the bones and dislocation of the
knee-cap in young animals, the fault is mainly in nutrition,
and a rich diet, tonics, pure air and sunshine are demanded.
FRACTURE OF THE LEG BETWEEN THE THIGH AND HOCK.
The principal bone of this region (tibia) lying superficially
on the inner side of the leg is very liable to fracture from
kicks. The symptoms are patent enough when the fract-
ure is complete, the bone hanging useless, and the broken
ends being easily felt beneath the skin. But im very
many cases the bone is only split part of the way through
and the patient may show little lameness, may even do a
fair day’s work or perform a long journey with his broken
bone. But with the occurrence of the exudation and soft-
ening around the seat of injury, the bone gives way under
a slight strain, and thus the fracture appears to have oc-
curred from getting up in the stall, though several hard
days’ work may have been done since the injury was re-
ceived.
Treatment. In all cases of blows on the inner side of
the leg in which a line of tenderness extends from the
point of the bone which has been struck, place the animal
in slings and wait for repair. A compound or commi-
nuted fracture of this bone need hardly be treated in large
quadrupeds. A simple transverse fracture may recover
in slings, with a firm bandage and splints from the foot
up to above the stifle. I have had a fair recovery even
with a very oblique fracture, but this should only be at-
tempted in valuable breeding animals.
The smaller bone of the leg (fibula) may be fractured by
falling in shafts or across a pole or beam. The resulting
Special Injuries of Bones, Joints and Muscles. 447
lameness is most puzzling as the broken ends of the bone
are held together by fibrous tissue, and though they move
hinge-like no grating is produced. Then the bone is so
deeply covered by muscle that it cannot be felt. A blow
on the outer side of the hind leg, just below the stifle, in-
ducing persistent lameness, with tenderness on pressure
along the line of the bone on the outer side of the limb,
and without any other apparent injury, implies fracture of
this bone.
Treatment. A month’s absolute rest and one or more
blisters over the seat of injury.
SPRAIN OR LACERATION OF THE MUSCLE WHICH BENDS
THE HOCK.
© This is often sprained at its lower part, and especially —
in its inner branch which passes over the front and inner
side of the lower part of the hock joint, giving rise to a
swelling exactly in the seat of bone spavin. It is dis-
tinguished by its tense, elastic nature and by its position
on this tendon rather than above or below it.
“Treatment. A smart blister, or this failing, evacuate
with a fine nozzle of a hypodermic syringe and then apply
a wet bandage or blister. This form is rarely hurtful.
When more severely sprained the swelling, heat and
tenderness may be felt in front of the hock or on the
anterior and outer side of the stifle according to the seat
of injury. The limb is usually carried very straight, thére
being little or no bending of either hock or stifle. It is
to be treated in the ordinary way by soothing measures
followed by blisters or firing.
Lacerations of the muscle, or more frequently rupture of
the tendon occurs, causing the hock to be carried straight
and the shank dangling nearly in a line with the leg. In
some instances from violent contraction of the extensor
muscles, the foot may be jerked out backward when the
patient is started. In injury to the muscle there is at
first a depression at the part with swelling above and
448 The Farmer's Vetermary Adviser.
below, but soon the hollow fills up and may become prom-
inent, soft and doughy. In rupture of the tendon the
depressed interval, or later, a soft doughy swelling on the
line of the cord in front of the hock, is sufficiently char-
acteristic.
Treatment. Rest, and astringent lotions to the part
(acetate of lead 3 drs., water 1 qt.) These cases almost
always do well.
SPRAIN OF THE HAMSTRING.
This is productive of lameness with manifest pain in
extending the hock and a jerk in lifting the limb and is
easily recognized by the firm swelling of the cord above
the point of the hock. It is to be treated by a high-
heeled shoe, with fomentations and subsequently blisters
to the part.
RUPTURE OF THE HAMSTRING.
This is much more serious, the hock and fetlock bend-
ing so as to render the limb useless whenever weight is
placed upon it. The separation of the divided ends can
easily be felt through the skin.
Treatment. Tf in large quadrupeds place in slings. In
all apply an immovable bandage, and splints extending
from the foot to some way above the hock, soas to keep ©
that joint fully extended.
CAPPED HOCK.
This is of two kinds: 1st, a serous distension of a bursa
which exists between the skin and the point of the hock;
and 2d, sprain of the tendon inserted on the point of the
hock (gastrocnemius) or of the one which plays over it
(perforatus).
1. The distension of the subcutaneous bursa usually
results from kicks or blows and is to be feared as in-
dicating vice, but rarely causes lameness. The soft fluctu-
ating swelling is directly backward from the point of the
Special Injuries of Bones, Joints and Muscles. 449
hock, and may be of almost any size. Slight and recent
cases may be treated by a purge and soothing lotions to be
followed as soon as heat and tenderness subside by a
sinart blister (iodide of mercury 2 drs., lard 1 oz.) Should
the sac remain, evacuate with the nozzle of a hypodermic
syringe and apply a wet elastic bandage; or open by a
small orifice below and heal like an ordinary wound. To
prevent its repetition is a much more difficult matter as it
usually implies the cure of a vice. Stretching prickly
bushes or chains behind him, tying chains or logs to the
limb above the hock, or applying hobbles are all more
likely to ensure permanent injury to a nervous animal
than to cure him of his vice. A kicking strap will often
succeed in harness.
2. In case of sprain of the tendons, the swelling takes
place at the two sides and above rather than at the point
of the hock. It is more or less tense but elastic and even
fluctuates on pressure. It is often attended with severe
Jameness which may become permanent in connection with
ulceration of the bone. It is to be treated like an ordinary
sprain by high-heeled shoe, and fomentations or cold
astringent lotions, followed by blister. Jf swelling remains
it may be punctured and compressed as in the first form
of capped hock, but a seton should not be used.
DISPLACEMENT OUTWARD OF THE TENDON PLAYING OVER
THK POINT OF THE HOCK.
This is a rare occurrence, the tendon being traceable as
a firm cord across the outer side of the bone in place of
over its summit. It seems impossible to restore it to its
place, as the band which fixed the tendon to the inner part
of the bony process has given way. Fortunately the
animal is often little incommoded after the subsidence of
the preliminary inflammation, and I have known one do
excellent carriage work, the only objection being the un-
sightliness of the hock,
29
450 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
SPRAIN OF THE FLEXOR TENDON (PERFORANS) BEHIND THE
HOCK. THOROUGH-PIN.
This tendon plays over the back of the hock, to the
inner side of the bony process which forms its point, and
has a large synovial sheath extending above and below the
jot. When sprained at this point there is lameness, a
tendency to knuckle over at the fetlock, and a round, tense,
elastic, fluctuating swelling on each side in front of the point
of the hock and in the hollow between the hamstring and
the bone. Pressure on the one side causes bulging on the
other, and pressure on both causes fluctuation on the line
of the tendon below and behind the hock.
Treatment. A high-heeled shoe, rest, fomentations, or
cooling lotions and a purgative. When heat and tender-
ness subside, blister, repeatedly, or even fire when there
is reason to suspect disease of the bone. When all lame-
ness has passed off leaving only a puffy swelling, or when
that has appeared without lameness as the result of work
Fig. 69.
Fig. 69—Spring bandage for thorough-pin.
or as a dropsical effusion, apply a spring bandage with two
smooth round pads pressing on the inner and outer swell-
ings. The accompanying cut may enable any saddler to
~ construct such an instrument, the spring being made of
good spring steel and covered with leather.
DISTENSION OF THE SHEATH OF THE EXTENSOR TENDON IN
FRONT OF THE HOCK.
This causes a tense fluctuating swelling at the front and
outer side of the hock. It is rare and not usually injuri-
Special Injuries of Bones, Joints and Muscles. 451
ous, but may be treated like similar synovial swellings
elsewhere.
FRACTURE OF THE INNER MALLEOLUS.
This consists in fracture of the bony prominence on the
inner side of the hock at its highest point. It usually re-
sults from a blow with the opposite foot in fighting flies.
There is more or less swelling of the part, with an un-
natural mobility of the process and in some cases dis-
tinct grating. It is not unfrequent to have a wound in the
skin and a flow of glairy synovia from the opened joint.
In other cases, independently of fracture, there is inflam-
mation and enlargment of the bony eminence.
Treatment. Rest is imperative, as the fracture often
implicates the joint. If synovia escapes use a sugar of
lead lotion (1 oz. to 1 pt. water and 60 drops carbolic
acid), or even apply a blister around the joint, leaving the
space of an inch around the wound untouched. In other
cases rely on soothing applications, followed by blisters
when heat is diminished. Such cases usually do well, even
an open joint being harmless from the wound being at its
upper part. Even pieces of bone may be taken out with
portions of the joint surface and yet a satisfactory recovery
ensue.
FRACTURE OF THE POINT OF THE HOCK.
. This may merely implicate the extreme summit of the
bone in young horses or it may occur lower down in the
middle of the bony process. There is much lameness and
difficulty in bringing the foot to the ground, the limb being
often kept raised and semi-flexed, and the detached por-
tion may be felt in front of the point of the hock, or a line
of tenderness may be detected across the middle of that
bone, detachment and grating being obviated by the strong
fibrous investment.
Treatment. If a portion has been detached from the
summit, place in slings, extend the joint and replace it,
452 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
retaining it in position by firm pads of tow placed in the
hollow in front of the bone and a strong starch or plaster
bandage extending from the hoof to beyond the hock.
When there is no detachment, soothe the parts till heat
and tenderness subside and then blister, allowing a long
perind of rest.
FRACTURES OF THE OTHER HOCK BONES.
Tf these implicate the upper or true hock joint, they are
usually beyond remedy, but if the lower flat bones only,
they present symptoms like those of bone spavin, and may
recover by union of the small bones.
BONE SPAVIN.
This consists in disease (inflammation, ulceration, bony
deposit,) of the small flat bones in the lower and inner
Fig. 70.
Fig. 7o—Bone Spavin affecting both inner and outer sides of the joint.
part of the hock joint, often implicating those of the outer
side as well. It may be manifested by local swelling,
heat and tenderness, or these may be altogether absent
as in cases of ulceration in the centre of the joint between
the flat bones—( Occult Spavin). The swelling, when it does
exist, is on the antero-internal aspect of the lower part of
the articulation, to be seen by standing about two feet from
the fore limb and looking across the front of the joint.
It is hard and to be distinguished from the tense, elastic
swelling caused by sprain of the inner branch of the
flexor tendon, and from the soft distended vein (so-
Special Injuries of Bones, Joints and Muscles. 458
called blood spavin) which passes across this part of the
jomt. The bony swelling may be more to the front, or
more backward on the inner side of the hock, or it may
even show mainly on the outer side. It frequently im-
plicates the head of the shank-bone, and in bad cases may
extend up to the true hock-joint and even abolish its
movement. Lameness, which is usually present in re-
cent cases and is the only symptom in occult spavin, is
shown by moving stiffly on the toe, when the horse is
turned from side to side of the stall. The same stiff walk-
ing on the toe is seen for the first few steps in starting,
after which it disappears, but there remains a stiffness
and lack of bending in the hock and stifle jomts which a
little practice will enable one to recognize. ‘There is
sometimes, however, a jerking up of the limb as in string-
halt. Jf turned quickly in a narrow circle the animal drops
on the limb, carries it stiffly or even rests on the toe only.
Tf the lameness is only moderate it will usually disappear
when the patient becomes warmed up at work, hence the
propriety of placing him in a quiet stable for twenty
minutes before examination.
Treatment. Rest; a high-heeled shoe; fomentations
and laxatives are appropriate to the early inflammatory
stages. Later, counter-irritants are demanded. Blisters
of any kind will usually succeed. The hot iron is perhaps
even more efficient. Deep firing in points is especially
beneficial. Some cases will resist all these modes of treat-
ment, but recover after section of the flexor tendon which
passes over the swelling. Other methods are pursued
with variable success. All may do well in young horses with
no constitutional infirmity, and all will fail in some old
subjects.
INFLAMMATION OF THE TRUE HOCK JOINT. BOG SPAVIN.
Inflammation of the upper or principal joint of the hock,
where nearly all the movement takes place, occurs from
overwork, sprains, rheumatism, punctures, wounds, fract-
454 The Farmei’s Veterinary Adviser.
ures, etc. There is.a puffy fluctuating swelling with heat
and tenderness on the antero-internal side of the uppe1
part of the joint, where in the natural state there is a hol-
low or depression. There is also a similar swelling behind
in the seat of thorough-pin but distinguishable in that it
can be pressed forward by compression, the anterior
swelling meanwhile filling up, but there results no swell-
ing below and behind the hock as in thorough-pin. The
lameness resembles that of bone spavin, but there is per-
haps more tendency to a jerking up of the limb. The
disease may go on to ulceration of the joint, to bony de-
posit, and even to anchylosis with abolition of all move-
ment.
Treatment. Rest, and use a high-heeled shoe. In case
of very violent inflammation use soothing measures (fo-
mentation), and when extreme heat and tenderness have
subsided use blisters as for bone spavin, or still better, the
hot iron applied lightly at nearly a white heat.
Open joint is to be treated here as elsewhere, an active
blister being often of great advantage in arresting move-
ment, closing the wound and abating inflammation.
Bog spavin is most obstinate in old animals and in
rheumatic constitutions with cracking of the joints in
starting a walk.
DROPSY OF THE HOCK JOINT. BOG SPAVIN.
An excessive secretion of joint-oil, from over-exertion,
or a dropsical effusion into the cavity of the joint pro-
duces a swelling having all the characters described above,
but without heat, tenderness or lameness. It may some-
times be benefited by a blister or even by a bandage wet
with some strong astringent lotion, but as it is only a
blemish and does not interfere with the animal’s useful-
- ness it is best, as a rule, to let it alone.
BLOOD SPAVIN.
This is a dilatation of the vein which runs over the
Special Injuries of Bones, Joints and Muscles. 455
seats of bog and bone spavins and being harmless should
not be interfered with.
CURB.
This is a swelling, at first soft and doughy, but later
hard and resistant, in the median line of the limb and
just behind the lowest part of the hock joint. It is best
seen by standing to one side of the limb and looking di-
rectly across it. The injury is usually a sprain of the
tendon (perforatus) which plays over the front of the hock,
though in some bad cases the ligament of the hock be-
neath this is injured as well. There is heat and tender-
ness with more or less lameness and a tendency to knuckle
forward at the fetlock. Curby hocks are congenital in
some horses and cannot be looked on as disease, but
rather distortion.
Treatment. Keep quiet, put on a high-heeled shoe, and
apply hot fomentations or cooling lotions until infamma-
tion moderates, when an active blister may be applied.
In some severe cases this may require to be repeated or
resort must be had to the hot iron, but this is altogether
exceptional.
STRING-HALT.
This is the name given to a habit of suddenly jerking
_ up the hind limb when raised from the ground. It may
be shown only in turning from side to side in the stall
and in starting, or it may appear in walking and trotting
as well. Again, the jerk may be comparatively slight, or
so extreme that the fetlock may even strike the belly.
Its cause is often contraction of the tibial fascia, though it
is a reflex nervous act and may perhaps be determined by
a variety of local injuries. If any such can be found they
should be corrected. Section of the tibial fascia often
succeeds. The affection is usually aggravated with time
and the animal is sooner fatigued and worn out than other
horses.
456 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
OTHER CAUSES OF LAMENESS.
See Lymphangitis, Embolism, Farcy, Dropsy, Grease.
Horse-pox, Mammitis, Rheumatism, Cramps, Palsy, Liver
Disease, ete.
CHAPTER XxX.
DISEASES OF THE FOOT.
General causes. Maxims for shoeing. Disease of the bony pulley and
flexor tendon of the foot. Pedal Sesamoiditis. Podotrochilitis. Navicular
disease. Coffin-joint lameness. Side-bones. Fractures of the bones of the
foot. Inflammation of the foot. Laminitis. Founder. Chronic Laminitis.
Convex soles. Pumice foot. Cracks in the hoof-wall. Sand-crack. Quar-
ter-crack. False quarter. Horny tumor of the Laminz. Corns. Bruises
of the sole. Pricks and binding with nails. Incised wound of the sole
Distortions of the coffin-bone. Contraction. Treads on the coronet. Fist-
ula of the coronet. Quittor. Powdery degeneration of the deep parts of the
wall. Seedytoe. Inflammation of the secreting membrane of the frog with
discharge. Thrush. Canker. Simple foot-rot in cattle and sheep. Con-
tagious foot-rot. Foot-rot from Tuberculosis.
Nearly all of these pedal diseases are directly or in-
directly the result of faults in shoeing, and the absence of
care for the feet. Here, accordingly, it would be appro-
priate to describe the structure and functions of the foot,
and to lay down the rational principles of shoeing. But
our space forbids more than the merest mention of points
which are absolutely indispensable to the understanding
of what is to follow.
The internal frame-work, or skeleton of the horse’s foot,
consists of three bones :—the lower end of the coronet
(small pastern) bone, which corresponds to the upper
margin of the hoof; the coffin (pedal) bone, which is im-
bedded inside the hoof and has a similar imperfectly con-
ical outline; and a long narrow pulley-like bone (small
sesamoid, or navicular) extended across the back part of
the coffin-bone, its upper aspect forming a prolongation
backward of the joint surface, while its lower face is cov-
A58 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
ered by fibro-cartilage, and constitutes a pulley, over which
plays the flexor tendon of the foot. These are subject
to like injuries with similar parts elsewhere. Thus the
bones are liable to fracture, to absorption from pressure,
to ulceration, to bony outgrowths, to induration, to soften-
ing, to death and exfoliation, in connection with pricks
with nails or other sharp bodies. The joint is subject te
inflammation, in connection with wounds, rheumatism,
overwork, etc. The flexor tendon is exposed to sprains,
and, together with its synovial sheath and the sesamoid
bone, to inflammation, ulceration, and the formation of
new structures, which impair or destroy the functions of
the part.
The posterior third of the hoof has for its frame-work
an elastic cushion, which makes continuation of the bones
backward, without maintaining their rigidity. This cush-
ion comprises two lateral fibro-cartilages that extend
backward from the heels of the coffin-bone, and the upper
elastic borders of which may be felt under the skin, just
above the hoof, in the region of the quarter; also in the
median line and continuous laterally with the cartilages,
a thick pad of white and elastic fibres, corresponding in
position to the horny frog, and known as the elastic frog.
These are subject to inflammation, suppuration, ulcera-
tion, ossification, fractures, necrosis, etc. In its healthy
condition this cushion obviates the shocks, jars, concus-
sions, bruises (corns), fractures and lameness which
would necessarily result were this region occupied by
unyielding bone. It further allows of expansion of the
heel under continuous use and application of moisture,
and its contraction under prolonged disuse and drying.
Covering this bony and elastic frame-work is a dense
fibrous net-work, with interspaces and canals for the pas-
sage of blood-vessels and nerves, firmly bound to the bony
and elastic structures by its deeper surface and to the hoof
by its superficial. On the outer surface of this fibrous
net-work is the membrane secreting the horn. The part
Diseases of the Foot. 459
which forms the hoof-wall is prolonged as a band around
the upper margin of the wall, and from the heels forward
above the cleft at each side of the frog. It is shaggy
throughout with soft conical processes (villi), from + to 2
lines in length, which extend into the horny tubes and
secrete them. ‘The membrane forming the sole is covered
by similar villi which pass into the horny tubes of the sole,
and that covering the elastic frog has corresponding but
smaller villi. Between the fibrous net-work and the inner
surface of the hoof-wall and bars, the mode of union is
by a series of 500 to 600 leaves (laminz) projecting on an
average 14 or 2 lines, and each having on its lateral aspects
from 30 to 60 microscopic secondary laminz. These are
interleaved with the same number of primary and second-
ary horny lamin forming an extent of connecting surface
which would beget incredulity if named. These inner
fibrous and vascular lamine secrete the horny laminz that
are interleaved with them, besides giving off an amount of
moisture, which being absorbed by the cells of the adjacent
horny wall, serves to keep that soft, yielding and tough.
So intimate is the union between each of these secreting
surfaces and the horn covering it, that the fibrous net-work
will often be torn from the bone, rather than the horn from
the sensitive parts. This is above all true of the laminz.
This close connection further renders active inflammation
in these structures acutely painful, for there being no loose
tissue to yield to the exudation, it compresses these dense
structures and violently tears them apart. Thus extensive
effusions of serum or pus endanger separation and shed-
ding of the hoof. A less acute inflammation of any of
those secreting surfaces leads to the production of un-
healthy horny growths. Thus disease of the secreting
membrane at the coronet will determine a bulging, ragged,
brittle line of horn from above downward on the hoof-
wall, or, what is worse, a crack or fissure extending to the
quick. Disease of the laminew will determine the forma-
tion of a great mass of soft, spongy, yielding horn between
460 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
the horny lamine and the hoof-wall, causing a falling in
of the wall anteriorly, and a descent of the margin of the
coffin-bone so that it will press upon and even perforate
the sole (pumice foot). In other cases there is merely a
circumscribed horny growth pressing inward on the quick
at a particular point (keraphyllocele). If the secreting sur-
face of the sole is involved similar horny tumors may be
formed, as in corns. Disease of the secreting membrane
of the frog may determine an unhealthy secretion from the
cleft (thrush) or an excessive growth and loss of cohesion
of the horny fibres (canker).
In addition to these disorders originating in the deeper
structures we have a further list that take their origin in
unnatural states of the horn. And for these the current
modes of shoeing are mainly chargeable.
At all points the hoof undergoes a steady condensation
from its inner to its outer layers. In a transverse section
of the hoof-wall the deeper tubes are open, spacious and
surrounded by soft, yielding, elastic horn, while those
near the surface are exceedingly minute and surrounded
by a far greater amount of dense, hard and exceedingly
resistant horny matter. The outer surface is especially
close in its texture, and as the tubes run through the
whole length of the wall to its lower or wearing surface,
where they are closed by attrition, comparatively little ex-
halation of moisture can take place from this part of the
horn in its healthy state. But it is far different when the
dense surface layer has been removed by the rasp, and
the open ends of the tubes exposed all over the sur-
face of the wall. Then evaporation and drying go on
rapidly, the hoof becomes hard and brittle and follows its
constant tendency, when dry, to turn in at the heels and
coronet, causing absorption of the parts beneath and lay-
ing the foundation of disease.
The sole and frog naturally increase in density from
the quick outward, but the horn breaks up into plates be-
fore becoming detached. the plates being separated from
Diseases of the Foot. 461
each other and from the tough elastic horn above by lay-
ers of powdery horn, which serve along with the plates tc
protect from bruises and check evaporation. In their
healthy state, therefore, sole and frog are as well pro-
tected against evaporation, drying and shrinking as is the
wall. But the case is altered when, with buttress or
drawing-knife, these native protectors are removed and
the tough elastic horn is laid bare. Then each horny
tube exhales its moisture, the horn dries and shrinks,
drawing inward the lower borders of the hoof-wall and
pressing upward, often painfully, on the quick. Nor can
the sole any longer bear contact with hard bodies, but
bruises and injuries are the constant result.
The injury in both cases may be lessened somewhat by
the use of suitable hoof ointments but the process may be
likened to that of supplying a man with a wooden leg
after you have ruthlessly cut off his own sound one. The
substitute may permit of the limb being used but the dif-
ference, in utility, safety and durability, is almost infinite.
Among other injuries by shoeing may be mentioned un-
equal strain thrown on different parts of the hoof for want
of a uniform bearing on the shoe; bruises of the sole
from the shoe being improperly fitted, or left on too long
until it has grown out over the shoe, or been drawn for-
ward by the excessive growth at the toe until the heel
settles on the sole between the wall and the bars; misdi-
rection of the bones and joints by leaving one side of the
hoof much higher than the other, or by leaving the toe or
heel unnaturally long or short; pricks and binding by
nails, etc., etc. Long-continued compulsory idleness in a
stall, exposure to prolonged moisture, with intervals of
drying, and continued contact with decomposing liquids,
and to the irritating ammoniacal fumes of dung and urine
are further destructive conditions for the horn.
Maxims for Shoeing. 'The proper care, preparation and
preservation of the foot is of far more consequence than
the form of the shoe. The hoof must be preserved from
462 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
knife and rasp, excepting the line around its margin and
lower surface on which the shoe is to rest. This may be
pared or rasped, as a rule, until the elastic horn of the
sole is reached, and forms, with the lower border of the
wall, a continuous smooth bearing surface of a breadth
equal to perhaps one and a half times, or twice the thick-
ness of the latter. But this only in a perfect foot. One.
that has a ragged furrow between the sole and wall can-
not be treated in this way. Both sides, inner and outer,
must be left perfectly uniform in height. The height of
heel and toe must be determined by the natural form of —
the foot, excess and deficiency being alike avoided. Asa
rule paring has to be done mainly or alone at the toe, but
in some cases the heels grow excessively as well. While
avoiding paring out of the heels and bars as the prolific
cause of corns, we must equally avoid the retention of
hard flakes of horn in this situation, where, imprisoned
by the hoof-wail, the bar and the shoe, they act as foreign
bodies and bruise the heel, as would a stone or a mass of
hardened clay. That part of the sole which is uncovered
by the shoe may have the surface-flakes removed with a
blunt instrument, but should never be touched with a
knife. The frog need never be touched, though there is
no harm in removing ragged hanging shreds and patches.
The sharp edges of the hoof-wall should be slightly
rounded with a file to prevent splitting. The shoe should
be of a weight proportionate to that of the horse and to
the work expected of him, and of a breadth of web
adapted to the protection demanded by the nature of the
sole. Its upper or applied surface may be perfectly
level, unless when an unhealthy convex sole demands that
it shall be leveled off toward its internal border. Its
outer border should exactly correspond to the margin of
the hoof-wall, without projecting beyond it, or requiring
that the wall be cut down to its dimensions. When ap-
plied the upper surface should fit accurately at all points
to the hoof. Bad as it is for horn to be seared, it is bet-
Diseases of the Foot. 468
ter to apply the shoe, momentarily, at a dull red heat,
that any imperfection in fitting may be detected and rem-
edied, than to hurry on a shoe which bears unequally on
different points. If the sole joins the wall without a
break, the two forming one continuous bearing surface,
and if both are of their natural thickness, the shoes are
better to be coarsely fullered and the nails driven low,
the fullering becoming finer and the nails being driven
lower as'we proceed from before backward, especially on
the inner side. When the nails have been drawn up and
riveted any roughness of the rivets may be removed with
a file, but this should not touch the hoof if it is possible
to avoid it. In turning down the clinches better make a
slight depression beneath each with the point of the draw-
ing-knife than an extended transverse furrow with the
rasp, as is usually done. Remove the shoes before the
hoofs have overgrown them so as to allow them to settle
on the sole, and above all before the growth of the toe
has drawn the shoe forward and let the heel press upon
that part of the sole.
DISEASE OF THE BONY PULLEY AND FLEXOR TENDON OF THE
FOOT. PEDAL SESAMOIDITIS. PODOTROCHILITIS. NAVIC-
ULAR DISEASE.
_ This affection, misnamed Cofin-joint Disease, implicates
the lower surface of the small sesamoid bone of the foot,
its synovial sac and ligaments, and the flexor tendon
which plays over it.
Causes. It is especially the disease of fast horses, and
may be largely charged to friction between the tendon
and its bony pulley, to overwork and concussion. But it
may also depend on injuries to the foot from bad shoeing ;
undue paring; setting in of the shoe on the sole; im-
prisoned flakes of horn acting as foreign bodies; bruises
from stones or hardened clay; rasping, hardening and
contraction of the foot; drying and shrinking of the foot
from standing too long idle in the stall; injury to the
A64 The Farmer’s Veterinary A Iviser.
quick from uneven bearing of the shoe in connection with
misfitting shoes or breaking of the hoof-wall; injuries
from nails driven into the quick or picked up on the road ;
a rheumatic constitution; impaired nutrition with in-
creased elimination of phosphates from the system ; or an
extension of disease from the digestive organs as In an
over-feed of grain, or a drink of cold water when hot and
fatigued, etc.
Symptoms. Pointing the affected foot eight or ten
inches in advance of the other, with the heel slightly
raised when standing quietly in the stable. This symptom
Fig. 71.
Fig. 71—Ulceration of the small sesamoid bone ot a8 foot, and distorted
heels of the coffin-bone.
may last for months before lameness is shown. Stepping
short and on the toe with a great tendency to stumble
when first moved from the stable, which lameness may
entirely disappear after going a mile or two. It is worse
when cooled off after a long drive, but it may appear in-
termittently while at work, as occasional stumbling or
dropping on the sound foot for some time at first. The
toe of the shoe is more worn than other parts owing to the
peculiar gait. The foot feels hot, especially in its poste-
rior part, and in acute cases the soft parts may bulge over
the coronet and the pastern arteries throb with unusual
force. The foot too, soon diminishes in size, especially in
Diseases of the Foot. 465
the quarters and heels, where the heat, drying and disuse
. are greatest. Testing the margin of the hoof with pincers
will not elicit tenderness, unless there is accompanying
disease of the lateral parts of the foot (corns, bruises,
pricks, absorption or distortion of the heels of the pedal
bone, side bones, etc.,) but tapping the sole with a hammer
on each side of the body of the frog, or striking the wall
in the region of the quarter will cause the patient to flinch.
Pressure with the thumb over the middle of the flexor
tendon, on its inner side or on its outer, as deeply as can
be reached in the hollow of the heel, the foot being bent
back, causes suffering. There is more or less wasting of
the muscles of the limb from disuse, but this is especially
marked on the breast, above the elbow and outside the
shoulder-blade. Hence the disease is usually referred to
the shoulder as sweeny. It is most readily confounded
with sprain of the flexor tendon behind the head of the
_small pastern bone, but is easily distinguished by the heat
and contraction of the heels and the tenderness of the
centre of the sole and the quarters to strokes of the ham-
mer. ‘To distinguish it from other diseases of the feet
I must refer to these individually.
Treatment. Usually unsatisfactory except in certain
recent cases. First soothe inflammatory action, give a lax-
ative (aloes), remove the shoes, shorten the toe, and keep
standing from morning to night in a puddle of wet clay
without stones or gravel, in which the animal will sink to
the top of the hoof. At night place in a comfortable dry
stall with a poultice on the diseased foot. Unless the in-
flammation is severe, apply a mild blister to the front and
sides of the pastern. If not applied at first this should be
resorted to as soon as inflammation moderates, and is to
be repeated when the effects of the first pass off. Cases
that resist this treatment will frequently recover under the
action of a seton passed through the frog, and a run for a
month or two in a damp pasture free from stones. The
recovery may be a restoration to perfect soundness, when
30
466 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
the surface of the bone has not been diseased, or it may
be a removal of lameness in connection with a union of.
the bone and tendon when the surface of the former has
been the seat of disease. In the last named case, the
recovery is likely to be the more permanent, while many
cases of apparent recovery, in the early stages, are followed
by relapse. The frog seton is introduced at the hollow of
the heel and brought out at the body of the frog, but as
there is much danger of wounding the tendon or bursa in
incompetent hands, it can only be safely undertaken by
the veterinary anatomist.
All other methods failing, resort is often had to cutting
the nerves passing to the foot, so as to remove all sensi-
bility. This should never be done unless the feet can be |
carefully picked out and sponged every time the animal
returns from work, and kept covered with thick wet swabs
all the time he stands in the stable. Neglect is sure to be
followed by rapidly advancing disease in the bone, exten-
sion of inflammation to the structures around, abundant
exudation, and destruction of bones and joints. Even
with the best of care this will occur in the advanced stages
of the disease, unless indeed the bone and tendon grow
together. For description of neurotomy see larger work.
SIDE BONES.
These consist in extensive ossification, from the heels
of the coffin-bone into the lateral cartilages. Their great
cause is improper shoeing; cutting away of the bars or
sole, so that the wall turns inward and bruises the sole;
pressure of the shoe on the sole whether from misfitting or
from being left too long on; uneven bearing of the shoe,
throwing too much strain on one part ; pricking or pinching
with nails driven too near the quick; the pressure of the
dry hard horn after undue paring or rasping, and the con-
tinuous irritation which attends the partial separation of
sole and wall. They are especially common in heavy
horses with upright pasterns and the toe shortened rela-
- Diseases of the Foot. 467
tively to the heels or shod with high heel calkins, so as
to increase concussion in action.
Symptoms. Lameness with a short stilty step, and a
tendency to stumble from the attempt to avoid shock on
the heels. The pasterns are upright and the heels often
deep and strong. Pressure on the prominence above the
hoof at the quarter, detects tenderness and a hard unyield-
ing structure instead of the usual yielding elastic gristle.
Bruises of the heel (corns) with bloody discoloration of
the horn is almost a constant result of extensive side-
bones, the sensitive sole being pinched between the bone
and hoof.
Fig. 72—Ossified lateral cartilages. Side bones.
Treatment. Subdue any existing inflammation by rest,
blisters or even firing at the coronets, and apply a bar
shoe, the bar resting on the bulbs of the frog, and keep
the hoof-wall, at the heels, rasped lower than the rest of
the bearing surface, so that daylight can be seen between
this part and the shoe. The same shoeing must be kept
up when the horse is put to work or he will soon fall lame
again from bruising of the heels.
Excision of the ossified cartilage and neurotomy have
been resorted to with success, but are inapplicable to
most cases.
FRACTURES OF THE BONES OF THE FOOT
The small sesamoid may be broken after it has been
weakened by superficial and internal absorption. The
pedal bone may give way from concussion when previously
soitened by disease, or in cases of blows on the surface,
468 — The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
laceration and detachment of horn, or wounds with nails
or other sharp bodies implicating the bone. The sudden
and extreme lameness following an evident injury or a
long-standing disease may arouse suspicions of this and
if grating can be heard the case is certain. Treatment is
rarely successful, excepting in circumscribed fractures
from wounds, in which case the detached bone must be
removed.
INFLAMMATION OF THE FOOT. LAMINITIS. FOUNDER.
This consists in inflammation of the sensitive parts of
the foot, but predominating in the anterior portion of the
lamine, where the greatest strain comes in standing.
Causes. The disease may arise from direct injury as in
over-exertion on hard roads, blows, bruises or freezing of
the feet, pricks or binding with nails, continued injury from
a badly applied shoe, or the constant strain upon the feet
during a long sea voyage. It may also occur from a sud-
den chill, from drinking cold water when heated and
fatigued, from overloading of the stomach with grain,
from muco-enteritis, the result of an over-dose of purgative
medicine, or from diseases of the lungs (pneumonia, bron-
chitis). Small and deformed feet and large flat ones often
suffer. Horses with heavy fat carcasses are also predis- -
posed.
Symptoms. When not caused by direct injury to the
foot, it is usually ushered in by fever and generdl stiffness
and soreness of the surface, with or without shivering,
but independent of any tenderness of the foot. If not
relieved these are soon followed by tenderness of the
foot, usually predominating at the anterior part, but some-
times settling in the heel and causing pedal sesamoid-
itis. When acute inflammation is developed in the lam-
ine of the fore feet the horse is in a high fever, with
full hard pulse, excited breathing, distended nostrils, ex-
tension of the fore feet forward, so that they rest only on
the heels, and bringing of the hind feet far forward be-
Diseases of the Foot. 469
neath the belly, to bear as much of the weight as possible.
If moved, the horse groans, sways himself back on his
hind parts, and drags the fore feet on their heels, or bal-
ancing himself on the hind, lifts both fore feet at once
and brings them down again on their heels. The affected
feet are warm, even hot, and the animal refuses to have
them lifted because of the pain consequent on standing
on one. If they are struck with a hammer the animal
winces and groans. The arteries on the pasterns throb
violently. The hairs of the mane and tail may often be
pulled from their follicles, showing the general implication
of the skin.
If one fore foot only is affected it is kept raised and
advanced. If the hind feet, they are advanced beneath
the belly, and the fore feet carried as far backward as
possible to bear the greater part of the weight.
Treatment. In the initial stage, with general stiffness
but no special tenderness of the feet over other parts,
vascular and nervous tension may be relieved and the
disease suddenly cut short by full doses of sedatives (lo-
belia, tobacco, aconite,) with warm clothing to encourage
perspiration. Even at a more advanced stage when the
feet are becoming congested and tender, the same may be
resorted to, the feet being enveloped in warm poultices,
and the animal encouraged to lie down by supplying a
clean comfortable bed of straw. Or in place of poulticing
the feet, we may seek to improve the circulation by walk-
ing without shoes on a soft newly plowed field, the heels
having been slightly lowered, if very high, to allow press-
ure on the sole, or the patient may even be walked ona
hard surface after a long bar shoe with broad web and a
slight rising at heel and toe (rocker fashion) has been ap-
plied. But walking can never be resorted to when the
extreme tenderness and fever show that active inflamma-
tion has setin. In this case a mild laxative (aloes) must
be given (unless already purging) and followed up by aco-
nite or other sedatives, the feet must be enveloped in larga
ATO The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
poultices and the animal encouraged to lie down. Should
he refuse to lie down the hoof-wall should be rasped down
to let the sole come in contact with the ground. In severa
cases the coronet may be scarified with a sharp lancet and
the foot placed in a bucket of warm water or fomented with
the same to favor bleeding. In the course of two days, if the
suffering, fever and local tenderness are increasing rather
than abating, the sole may be thinned and opened at the
toe, so as to evacuate any serous exudation and limit the
separation of the horn from the quick, the poultices being
kept on after as before. In the course of ten days ora
fortnight the inflammation should have subsided far
enough to warrant the application of a blister to the pas-
tern and an ointment to the hoof, while the patient is
turned out on a soft wet pasture or kept standing a part
of his time on wet clay.
CHRONIC LAMINITIS. CONVEX SOLES. PUMICE FEET.
If the inflammation persists in a slight form, an excess-
ive growth of soft, spongy horn takes place in front of the
laminw at the toe, separating the coffin-bone from the
hoof-wall and allowing its anterior border to press upon
the sole or even to perforate it. The hoof-wall becomes
covered with rings usually running together at the toe,
where it bulges out below and falls in above. Complete
restoration cannot be expected in the worst cases of this
kind, but much may be done for the majority. Put ona
thick broad webbed bar shoe beveled toward the inner
side on its upper surface and thinner at the heel than the
toe, dress the sole and wall daily with hot tar, apply gen-
tle blisters around the coronet, and keep in a very soft
damp pasture. The new growth of horn may grow down
almost perfect in appearance, but it retains an undesira-
ble brittleness.
CRACKS IN THE HOOF-WALL. SAND-CRACK. QUARTER-CRACK.
The predisposition to this is usually to be found in
rasping and drying of the hoof-wall, in uneven bearing of
Diseases of the Foot. A471
the shoe, in alternate soaking of the hoof in water and
drying, and in treads or other temporary wounds or inju-
ries to the coronet. ,The crack extends from the coronet
downward, for a variable distance, in the direction of the
horny fibres. If attended by lameness, the laminz are
usually being pinched between the edges of the crack, the
irritation is perhaps further increased by the presence of
sand and dirt, and fungous growths may appear in the
sore.
Treatment. A carefully applied bar shoe having an
even bearing all round the foot; a nail driven through the
edges of the crack and riveted so as to hold them together ;
a transverse groove, ? to 1 inch in length, cut to the quick
just above the upper end of the crack, and active stimu-
lation or slight blistering of the coronet above this point
will usually succeed in obtaining an unbroken growth
from above, and when the crack has grown off at the lower
border the hoof is perfect. But the inflammation will
sometimes demand poulticing; the nail may have to be
replaced by a metallic plate fixed to the hoof on each side
of the crack by screws not exceeding a line in length; a
gaping crack may require filling with gutta-percha or
other hard substance to keep the edges immovable; or
finally, ii may be requisite in bad cases to cut outa V-
shaped piece of horn, the apex corresponding to the mid-
dle of the crack and the two limbs to the coronet on the
two sides of the crack.
FALSE QUARTER.
This is similar to a sand-crack in appearance but caused
by such destruction of the secreting structure at the top
of the hoof that it is impossible to obtain a growth of
horn to fill up the interval. Palliation by careful shoeing
is all that can be accomplished.
HORNY TUMOR OF THE LAMINA.
This is a result of sand-crack, the irritation leading to
an increased secretion of horn on the inner surface of the
AG2 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
hoof-wall, which in its turn may press on the quick and
cause lameness. With or without any remains of sand-
crack there is tenderness on pinching that part of the
hoof, and when the shoe is removed and the hoof pared,
there is observed a semicircular encroachment on the sole
by a white spongy horn extending in from the hoof-wall.
Wet swabs on the foot and rest may subdue any inflam-
mation, but should lameness persist, the only resort is to
cut out a triangular portion of the wall including the tu-
mor, poultice the part, then cover with tar and wait for
the horn to grow down in a healthy condition.
CORNS.
These are at first simple bruises of that part of the sole
included between the bars and the wall at the heel, but
later there is often an increased production of horn and
the formation of a horny tumor which presses injuriously
on the quick. In other cases the bruise causes active
inflammation and the formation of matter, which if denied
escape below, will burrow toward the coronet or less fre-
quently around the toe and give rise to disease in the
deeper fibrous network, the cartilage or the bone. In
these last conditions it usually results in a fistula (quittor).
In other cases the corn is pared out as is supposed, but
the heels, having lost the mechanical sux port of the sole,
curl forward and inward, repeat the bruise continually,
keep up the inflammation and suppuration and what is
equivalent to an open sore in the heel. The irritation
often produces absorption of the margin of the bone at
the heels with bony deposits above or below, and ossifica-
tion of the lateral cartilage, a condition which almost
necessarily perpetuates the bruises or corns (see side bones).
Corns may exist in either heel but are usually in the inner
or weaker one, and prevail above all in flat feet with low
weak heels.
Symptoms. Lameness with a tendency to point, with the
heel slightly raised when at rest, and a short, stilty, stum-
Diseases of the Foot. 473
bling step when moved. Pinching the affected heel with
pincers or tapping it with a hammer causes wincing. If
the shoe is removed and the heel pared out, the horn may
be seen to be blood-stained, but unless this is seen on
removing the flakes, no one should allow curiosity to lead
to a deeper search. If suppuration has taken place the
tenderness is extreme, often causing the animal to keep
the foot raised and scarcely daring to touch the ground
with the toe, a tender swelling usually appears at the
coronet above the affected heel, and pinching or ham-
mering of the heel is unendurable. A horny tumor may
be recognized by symptoms similar to those shown in
keraphyllocele.
Treatment. Ifa recent bruise and uncomplicated, apply
either a bar shoe or a common one, but rasp down the
bearing surface of the affected heel to avoid pressure as
advised for side bones, and place the feet in water or keep
the wall moist with wet swabs, and the sole with oil meal
or clay packing. When tenderness has subsided, smear
the hoof with ointment and work carefully. Remove the
shoe early enough to prevent pressure on that heel, and in
preparing the foot retain the strength of the heel by pre-
serving the elastic horn of the sole between wall and bay.
Never allow this to be pared and weakened unless it be to
evacuate matter or sand, or for the removal of a horny
tumor.
If suppuration has taken place, pare down the heel
until the matter escapes, remove all horn detached from
the quick, and pare the horn around this to a thin edge,
poultice until the surface is smooth, dry and not at all
' tender, then apply a bar shoe, a leather sole, and a
stuffing of tow and tar or crude turpentine (pine pitch).
No pressure should be allowed on this heel until the sole
has grown up to its natural level, as a support. Horny
tumors may be removed by paring out and treating as
above advised, until the sole attains its natural growth.
If old-standing corns are connected with death of a por
ATA The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
tion of the heel, of the foot bone or ulceration of the
lateral cartilage, these must be scraped or cut off before
improvement is to be expected. If connected with side ~
bones, they are liable to be kept up by frequent pinching
of the quick between the bone and horn, and demand
careful shoeing to avoid pressure on the heel. Some
cases may be benefited by cutting out the side bone.
BRUISES OF THE SOLE.
Whether resulting from badly applied shoes, stones,
accumulated gravel or dried mud, these are to be recog-
nized, like corns, by pinching the hoof or tapping it with
a hammer, and are to be treated on precisely the same
prixcip!os, relieving the pressure when necessary, soothing
the parts, opening when matter has formed, followed up by
poulticing and bar shoe with leather sole and tar stuffing.
GRAVELING is closely allied to the above, dirt having —
worked up through the unnatural groove between the wall
and sole, and set up suppuration. Except in the careful
removal of the foreign elements, treatment does not dif-
fer from that of suppurating bruise or corn.
PRICKS AND BINDING WITH NAILS.
These usually occur in thin weak feet or such as have
been reduced by over-cutting and rasping till there is
little to hold the nails; in the case of nail stubs being left
in the hoof from a former shoeing so as to turn the new
nails in a wrong direction, and when the blacksmith is too
stupid to recognize the difference between the stroke of
driving a nail into the soft spongy horn and the hard firm
_outer horn of the wall. Simple binding with the nails ©
may cause intermittent or persistent lameness, and there
is flinching on striking the heads of the nails or the wall
with a hammer, or in compressing the margir of the hoof
with pincers. If matter forms there are all the local ten-
derness and inability to use the foot spoken of in suppu-
rating corn. In simple pricks an examination of the nail
Diseases of the Foot. ATD
clinches usually reveals one higher than the rest, and if
this is a posterior one it is all the more suspicious. A
nail may be driven too near the quick and yet not cause
lameness for a week or two, until some slight shifting in
the position of the shoe causes it to press. painfully.
Treatment. In slight cases the withdrawal of the nail
may be all that is necessary. In more severe it may be
requisite to punch the nail holes nearer to the toe, to
drive the nails low, to apply cold water or other soothing
agent to the foot and to rest for a day or two. If matter
has formed the course of the offending nail must be fol-
lowed with the drawing-knife, the pus evacuated and the
parts treated afterward as in suppurating corn. If the
bone has been reached and a dead scale exists on tho
surface this must be cut down upon and removed.
INCISED AND PUNCTURED WOUNDS OF THE SOLE.
That part of the foot which is uncovered by the shoe is
liable to penetrating wounds from nails, glass and other
sharp bodies on the ground, as well as nails, pitchforks,
broken planks, etc., against which they may kick. Such
wounds are dangerous according to their depth and posi-
tion. If from a clean nail, and no deeper than just to
penetrate the quick, they are usually of little consequence,
and a little tar or gutta-percha may be used to fill the
~ wound, if any, until it is seen whether inflammation will
ensue. If deeper, a vertical wound will be most serious
in the middle third of the sole, because of the implication
of the flexor tendon and small sesamoid bone, and the
risk of pedal sesamoiditis, or even an open coffin-joint result-
ing. If in the anterior third, the danger lies mainly in
injury to the lower surface of the coffin-bone, with death
and removal of a thin scale which must be thrown off
before the wound can close. If in the posterior third the
elastic frog alone is wounded and will heal very readily.
Treatment will vary accordingly. The simple removal
of the foreign body may suffice. Cold applications may be
476 The Farmer’s Veterinary Adviser.
needed, matter may require an opening to escape, or the
bone may have to be scraped to expose a living sur-
face. But in wounds of the tendon or joint the foot must
be wrapped in cloths, the heels raised if standing, and a
constant stream of cold water kept up on the part, by
having a caoutchouc tube attached to the limb and fvot
and acting like a syphon to bring the water from a bucket
at a higher level. This may require to be kept up day
and night for several days. The subsequent treatment is
like that for pedal sesamoiditis.
DISTORTIONS OF THE COFFIN-BONE.
Under this head may be named a great variety of de-
formities, the result of disease. Thus in long continued
inflammation of the laminz the fibrous net-work in front
of the coffin-bone is partly ossified, giving this part a con-
vex aspect from above downward. Continued irritation
of the sole will equally develop a bony enlargement which
is associated with a circumscribed convexity and tender-
ness of the sole. The pressure of a horny tumor, whether
on the lamine, the quarter or elsewhere, corresponding to
and pressing on the bone, will cause absorption and de-
pression of the bone to an equal extent. The pressure
on the anterior border of the coffiin-bone, when separated _
from the hoof-wall and resting upon the sole, leads to
extensive absorption and rounding of this part with a
bony deposit above, on its front. Persistent irritation
along the lateral borders of the foot from binding with
nails, or the separation of the wall and sole, with or with-
out the presence of gritty matters in the groove, causes
absorption and rounding of the sharp lateral margins of
the coffin-bone. But the heels of the coffin-bone are the
parts which above all suffer in this way. Bruises from
setting in of the shoe, from gritty matter or hard clay,
especially if a furrow has been formed between wall and
sole, from curving forward and inward of the heels when
the supporting sole has been pared out in search of corns
Diseases of the Foot. A477
or to prevent their formation ; pressure from curving in of
the wall which has been allowed to grow too long without
support from the sole, or has been rasped till it dries or
withers ; uneven hearing of the shoe; all undue paring of
heels and quarters contribute to produce absorption and
rounding of the naturally sharp border of the coffin-bone
at its heels, bony deposits above and below, induration,
softening, ulceration or death of more or less of the bony
tissue, and permanent unsoundness.
The existence of such distortions must be ascertained
from the unnatural appearance of the hoof; the signs of
a horny tumor; a rugged unhealthy hoof-wall; a flat or
convex appearance of the sole in whole or in part, a
deep furrow between sole and wall; wasting and diminu-
tion of the foot as a whole, but especially of the heels and
quarters ; and it may be side bone or fistula. There is
more or less tenderness of the feet and stilty careful gait,
or there may be extreme lameness. It will be observed
that these distortions are usually connected with some
other disease of the feet, and the symptoms will vary
according to the nature of the accompanying lesion.
Such changes of bony structure are permanent as a rule,
so that our attention must be given, first to the removal
of any unnatural condition which has caused and is per-
‘ petuating them, and then to secure such a system of shoe-
Ing as will allow of the utilization of the animal in spite
of the acquired deformities. The hoof must be encouraged,
by ointments, stimulants to the coronets, and perhaps a
cool moist pasture, to grow as nearly as possible to the
natural condition. Then the shoe must be applied so as
to secure the greatest extent of bearing surface, without
injury to the deformed and weak points. In many cases
a bar shoe is wanted to avail of the frog for bearing weight ;
a leather sole may be necessary in others; a broad web tc
the shoe, on one or on both sides, may be essential for
protection ; in other cases the upper surface must be bey-
eled ; in still others the nail-holes must be stamped only
478 § The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
around the toes; clips, small nails, artificial repairs of
breaches in the hoof-wall may be resorted to, but it is
beyond the scope of this work to do more than hint at
what can only be accomplished by a combination of
anatomical knowledge, mechanical skill and manual dex-
terity.
CONTRACTION.
This is a great bugbear of horsemen, since it exists in
nearly all the affections of the foot. It is usually a result
and symptom of disease, attending as we have seen on
many different maladies, in which the hoof shrinks from
the heat, dryness and disuse. It may also occur from
simple idleness in a stall; from overgrowth of the hoof-
wall, which curls in for want of support from the sole and
moisture from the lamine ; from hardening and shrinking
of the heels as the result of rasping, or of alternate soak-
ings and drying; from undue paring of the heels, bars
and frog, thus removing the natural supports; and from
the effects of the shoe and nails in preventing the normal
expansion in growth, and in removing the frog and sole
from use and pressure. Thus produced it is not a direct
cause of lameness and feet can be shown in which the two
heels overlap each other without such a result. Yet such
contraction implies wasting or absorption of the internal’
sensitive structures, diminution of the basis of support,
with a corresponding weakness and tendency to disease
under slighter determining causes than in the healthy
state. The simplest treatment is to remove the shoes
round the edges of the hoof-wall to prevent splitting, and
keep standing sixteen hours a day, for two or three weeks,
in a puddle of wet clay, then use hoof ointments freely,
and apply a shoe with equal bearing throughout and with-
out any bevel on its upper surface.
TREADS ON THE CORONET.
These are especially common in winter when the shoes
are sharpened for frost. They are dangerous because of
Diseases of the Foot. 479
the frequent implication of the horn-secreting structures,
so as to cause false quarter, and from the tendency of
matter to burrow beneath the horn and in the supporting
fibrous net-work to form a fistula. They should be
thoroughly cleansed from all sand and mud, the inflamma-
tion subdued by soothing applications (wet bandages or
weak astringent lotions) and care taken to prevent the
further introduction of dirt. To this end a simple cover-
ing of tar will sometimes suffice, but in other cases a care-
fully applied bandage is essential. Muddy roads should
be avoided until healing is complete.
FISTULA OF THE CORONET. QUITTOR.
Causes. ‘Treads and other wounds of the coronet; sup-
purating corns, bruises, pricks and wounds of the sole;
suppuration from the working in of sand or gravel between
the sole and wall; irritation from sand-cracks and false
quarters, and disease of the coffin-bone or its cartilage.
Symptoms. Following on some one of the above dis-
orders there is a tender swelling at the coronet, which
bursts, discharging a more or less whitish serous fluid and
shows no tendency to dry up nor close. If probed it is
found to lead into one or more small canals in the fibrous
net-work which covers the bone and elastic structures of
the foot, and it may be to diseased or dead portions of
bone or gristle.
Treatment. If the inflammation is very violent the foot
should be enveloped in a large poultice and a laxative ad-
ministered. When moderated, inject a slightly caustic
solution in the direction of each canal and as far as possi-
ble. (Bichloride of mercury 5 grains, spirits of wine 1 0z.,
muriatic acid 20 drops). Less depends on the composi-
tion of the mixture than on the application. Inject it
three times the first day, twice the second and once a day
thereafter. When the discharge has ceased and the wound
is almost superficial, stop the injection and apply a simple
dressing of wet tow. In aggravated cases with disease of
480 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
the lateral cartilage or bone, these may require to be cut
out or scraped, but our limits will not permit a further
notice of this.
POWDERY DEGENERATION OF THE DEEP PARTS OF THE WALL.
SEEDY TOE.
The result of uneven bearing of the shoe, the formation
of furrows between the sole and wall, direct violence, as
blows, or the too tight hammering of clips, etc., this is
manifested by an irregularity or dryness of the affected
part of the wall, and the formation of a cavity, filled with
horn powder between the lamine and the wall of the hoof.
Clear out the cavity until the tough healthy horn is
reached, then fill with warm tar and shoe carefully to give
a uniform bearing. A clip may be useful as a support to
the undermined horn but it is destructive to hammer it
tight. The dressig must be repeated at each shoeing
until the cavity is filled up.
INFLAMMATION OF THE SECRETING MEMBRANE OF THE FROG ;
WITH DISCHARGE. THRUSH.
Causes. Exposure to wet and filth; standing on dung,
or in a dirty, wet yard; stuffing the feet with cow-dung ;
bruises of the frog; undue paring; wounds of the frog;
accumulation of dried mud or gravel in the cleft; exten-
sion of disease from the skin of the heel, ete.
Symptoms. Feetid discharge from the cleft, soreness of
the skin behind this, lameness or not according to severity.
Treatment. Wash out the diseased part, pare away all
ragged detached horn, and apply some astringents (dry
calomel pressed in on a pledget of tow; tar with a few
drops of sulphuric acid on the surface; carbolic acid; ox
finely powdered sulphate of copper or zinc).
CANKER.
This is a more inveterate inflammation of the frog, and
it may be the sole, representing in the horn-secreting
Diseases of the Foot. 481
structures that aggravated affection of the skin of the
heel in which red fungous growths appear. It may be
preceded by thrush and is due to the same general causes,
though it is also attributed to a parasitic fungus. It is
especially common in coarse lymphatic subjects.
Symptoms. A rapid growth, from the frog or sole or
both, of a soft, unhealthy, spongy horn, the tubes of which
are unnaturally large, open and wanting in cohesion, so
that they often stand apart from each other, and have the
appearance rather of a fleshy material than of horn. If
cut down it may grow up to the same level in twenty-four
hours, and the enlarged villi are reached and bleed long
before this would have happened in healthy horn. As in
thrush there is a most offensive discharge, and the disease
is very obstinate to treat.
Treatment. Cut down the fungous horn till blood
comes, and the adjacent horn to the same level. Then
cover with tow soaked in tincture of muriate of iron and
apply firm pressure by slips of wood placed side by side
with one end of each resting above the web of the shoe
at the toe, and the other on a slip extending across the
bulbs of the frog and resting above the heels of the shoe.
This must be removed and the dressing renewed at least
once in twenty-four hours. Should the course of improve-
ment seem lagging, change the dressing for carbolic acid,
chromic acid, the mineral acids, sulphate of copper or
iron, chloride of zine, quicklime, chloride of antimony or
other caustic, resort being had to a new one in every
instance as the former seems to lose its effect. The re-
moval of the entire sole is essential to recovery in some
cases.
SIMPLE FOOT-ROT IN CATTLE AND SHEEP.
This is a simple inflammation of the horn-secreting
structures and adjacent skin, the result of direct irritation.
Wearing of the sole to the quick from long journeys on
hard roads; curling in of overgrown walls on the sole on
31
482 - The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
soft, boggy pastures ; wounds with sharp bodies like nails,
glass, etc.; the accumulation and drying of clay or mud
between the claws; softening of the horn and irritation -
from standing on hot reeking manure; irritation of the
skin around the coronets by iced water, etc.
Symptoms will vary according to the form, but im all
there is lameness, often severe, the sheep getting down on
its knees to feed, and an examination of the foot shows
the nature of the injury. In the case of wounds with
nails, glass, etc., the heat of the hoof will show the injured
one, and a slight paring will detect the wound if not the
offending body.
Treatment. In case of a simple superficial rawness
between the claws, clean the part and touch with a feather
dipped in a mixture of one part of sulphuric acid and
three or four parts of water; or the surface may be
smeared with tar and a bandage tied between the claws
and around the pastern. In case of the formation of
matter beneath the horn the foreign body, if any, should
be removed, the detached horn pared away until we reach
that which is still connected with the quick, the surround-
ing horn should be pared down to a thin edge and the
sore covered with tar, with a few drops of sulphuric acid
on the surface, the whole being closely bound up in a
bandage. In exceptional cases the severity of the inflam-
mation may demand a poultice, over the surface of which
a weak solution of sugar of lead may be poured. One tar
dressing is often enough, but the foot should always be
examined a few days after, and any hindrance to the heal-
ing process removed. Bad cases with fungous growths
must be treated like similar cases in the horse.
Sheep kept in low, soft pastures should have the hoof
shortened by a knife or toe nippers at short intervals, to
prevent injury to the sole.
CONTAGIOUS FOOT-ROT *
Presents symptoms resembling those of simple foot-rol,
but usually begins at the coronet unless in the case of
Diseases of the Foot. 483
pre-existing sores, and tends to produce fungous growths
of the skin around the margin of the hoof and a degenera-
tion of horn in some respects comparable to canker. It is
mainly to be recognized by its spread in a flock as a
sequence of contact with diseased animals, and without
any sufficient cause in their management or in the damp-
ness of the locality.
Treatment does not differ materially from that of simple
foot-rot except that a preference must be given to antisep-
tics in the selection of caustic dressings. Hydrochloric
acid reduced with thrice its bulk of water; chloride of
zine 1 dr., water 1 pint; carbolic acid; butter of antimony,
may be cited as examples. Much more important, how-
ever, is it to separate the sound from the diseased, and
from contaminated pastures and buildings, and to thor-
oughly cleanse and disinfect the latter before they are
again used for the shelter of flocks (see Disinfection).
FOOT-ROT FROM TUBERCULOSIS.
This is common in cattle and sheep, the disease com-
mencing in the digital bones, which are enlarged with
interstitial and surrounding deposit, leading to open sores,
open joints and complete destruction of the member (see
Tuberculosis).
CHAPTER XXI.
DISEASED GROWTHS
The limits of the present work forbid any systematic de-
scription of the various degenerations of tissue (fatty, min-
eral, amyloid, pigmentary, etc.,) and of the tumors or dis-
eased growths which appear in different parts of the
system. The last will only be noticed so far as to point
out the principal distinctive characters of the malignant
tumors or cancers, and the simple.
Simple Tumors are composed of elements like those
previously existing at the same or some other part of the
body; they do not tend to draw surrounding structures
into their substance, but grow between these and push
them aside ; usually they are surrounded by distinct sacs
which separate them completely from surrounding tissues
except where the blood-vessels enter; they do not tend to
produce swellings in the nearest lymphatic glands, by rea-
son of propagation of elements absorbed from the dis-
eased mass, nor an unhealthy constitutional state—dys-
crasia—tending to the formation of such diseased masses
in internal organs; and their elements tend to be resolved
mainly into fat or gelatine by boiling, which shows there
is little albumen in their structure.
Cancers, on the other hand, usually contain elements
unlike any previously existing in the system. The pres-
ence of large cells, each containing smaller ones (nuclei)
in its interior, and these still smaller nuclei (nucleoli), was
at one time thought characteristic of cancer, and though
this cannot now be maintained, yet the abundance of suck
Diseased Growths. 485
cells, or of any cells, implying the growth of the tumor is
always highly suspicious. These tumors have no clearly-
defined limit, nor limiting sac, but grow in the natural
structures, drawing them into their substance and trans-
forming them into a cancerous mass. Hence, a cance1
near the surface will often lead to a depression at first by
the drawing in of the skin, and in the mammary glands
the drawing in of the teat is a most characteristic early
symptom. They are hereditary, tending to appear in the
offspring at the same age as in the parent. They lead to
early and painful swelling of the adjacent lymphatic
glands, of the internal lymphatic glands and of the spleen,
and produce or aggravate the unhealthy constitutional
state on which the deposition of cancer depends. [If re-
moved, there is a great liability to the formation of cancer
in the same situation or some other, and especially if we
fail to remove the whole organ in which the disease pri-
marily appeared. They are more vascular, and grow
faster without apparent cause (mechanical injury, expos-
ure,) than simple tumors. Finally they contain an ex-
cess of albumen, and the larger the pr oportion of albumen,
of cells and granules, the more rapid is the growth and
the more redoubtable the result.
The Hard Cancers (Scirrhus) are firm and crisp under
the knife, and from the cut surface exudes a whitish fluid
_ —cancer-juice—containing the characteristic cells and
granules. Soft or Brain-like Cancer is very soft and fria-
ble, bleeds freely when wounded, contains a great excess
of cells and granules, and from its rapid growth pushes
existing tissues aside so as to feel more circumscribed.
It is the cancer of the young and of particular organs,
such as the eye, grows rapidly, opens early, exposing a
raw, unhealthy, bleeding surface, and has a short and fa-
tal course. It is often complicated by an extensive pro-
duction of black pigment (melanotic cancer). In Epithe-
lial Cancer the morbid product consists mainly in epithe-
lial cells, and it grows downward into the substance of the
486 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
tissues as well as outward from the skin. It is slow to
implicate adjacent lymphatic glands, or to produce a con-
stitutional dyscrasia with internal deposits, and hence its
removal is much more frequently successful. Colloid Can-
cer is characterized by the formation of a mucous or gelat-
inous liquid containing a kernel of granules and rounded
simple or nucleated cells, enclosed in spherical cavities,
surrounded by a delicate membranous stroma, made up
of the former tissues of the part. Osteoid Cancer of ivory-
like hardness, with a vascular surface and interspaces, has
not been observed in the lower animals.
Treatment of Tumors. Recent simple tumors, still
largely cellular, may sometimes be removed by stimulat-
ing embrocations, as iodine ointment or tincture, cam-
phorated spirit, soap liniment, etc. Others may be greatly
reduced or even entirely removed by the occasional injec-
tion into their substance, through a very fine needle-like
tube, of discutients (weak solutions of iodine). In cystic
tumors the evacuation of the liquid through a fine cannula
or needle-like tube, and the injection of a weak solution
of iodine (one part of the compound tincture and three
parts water) will often succeed. But most frequently,
and especially in old-standing tumors, resort must be had
to the knife or to caustics. Excision with the knife is the
quickest and usually the preferable mode, but in some
dangerous situations caustic may be preferred. Its em-
ployment is founded on the fact that it tends to eat away
the diseased mass sooner than the healthy ; but this par-
tial immunity of the sound tissues will not warrant the use
of such agents as caustic potassa or soda, which quickly
permeate all cell structures alike and destroy them. Ni-
trate of silver, chloride of zinc, sulphate of copper, ter-
chloride of antimony, or the mineral acids, are usually
preferable. Protection against cold, ill-health arising
from other sources, mechanical injuries and exposures to
cold or wet are important elements in treatment.
For cancers, an early and extensive removal with the
Diseased Growths. 487
knife may be said to hold out the only hope. The whole
organ in which the cancer grows should be cut out, as a
rule, to msure the removal of all diseased elements, and
any interference is to be deprecated when the adjacent
lymphatic glands are already enlarged.
Attempts have been made to dissolve and remove can-
cers and other tumors with pepsin, and with considerable
success, the agent virtually digesting the diseased prod-
ucts with little pain, while the healthy tissues remain un-
affected.
APPENDIX.
ACTION, DOSES, ETC., OF MEDICINES.
To some readers a few words of explanation may be
necessary in order to the proper understanding of the drugs
and their doses.
1. EXPLANATION OF TERMS.
Alieratives change in some unexplained way the condi-
tions and functions of organs.
Anesthetics deprive of sensation and suffering.
Anodynes allay or diminish pain.
Antacids are antidotes to acids.
Anthelmintics kill or expel worms.
Antiperiodics obviate the return of a paroxysm in peri-
odic diseases.
Antiseptics prevent, arrest or retard putrefaction.
Antispasmodics prevent or allay cramps.
Averients gently open the bowels. .
Aromatics, strong-smelling stimulants which dispel wind
and allay pain.
Astringents cause contraction of vital structures.
Carminatives, warming stimulants (Aromatics).
Cathartics freely open the bowels.
Cholagogues increase the secretion of bile.
Demulcents sheathe and protect irritated surfaces.
Diaphoretics cause perspiration.
Discutients dispel enlargements.
Disinfectants destroy infecting matter.
Diuretics increase the secretion of urine.
Appendix. | 489
Ecbolics cause contraction of the womb.
Emetics induce vomiting.
FExpectorants increase the secretion from the air tubes.
Febrifuges counteract fever—lower temperature.
Laxatives (Aperients).
Narcotics allay pain and produce sleep.
Parturients (Ecbolics).
Purgatives (Cathartics).
Refrigerants diminish heat.
Sedatives depress nervous power or lower circulation.
Soporijics induce sleep.
Stimulants temporarily excite the nervous or circulatory
system.
Sudorijics (Diaphoretics).
Stalogogues increase the secretion of saliva.
Stomachics improve digestion.
Tonics gradually and permanently improve digestion
- and nutrition.
Vermifuges kill and expel worms.
2. GRADUATION OF DOSES.
The doses given may be held applicable to full-grown
animals of medium size, therefore some allowance must be
made in any case in which the patient exceeds or comes
short of the average of his kind. A similar modification
must be made as regards young animals, not only on ac-
count of their smaller size but also of their greater sus-
ceptibility. The following table may serve as a guide:
HORSE, ETC. 5 SHEEP. SWINE.
2years.| «%years.| 15 m’ths.| % year. | I part.
1-2 “6 9-18m’ths.| 8-15 ‘§ 3-6 m’ths.|¥%B —
Vs
9-18 m’ths.| 6-12 m’ths. ce o1%-3 0 1K
59 “ 36 “« 20-45 days. | —
I-5 (SS 1-3. «CS Io-20 “* |=t, —
Allowance must also be made for a nervous tempera-
ment which usually renders an animal more impressible
490 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
for habit or continued use which tends to decrease the
susceptibility for individual drugs, for idiosyncrasy which
can only be discovered by observing the action of the
agent on the particular subject, and for the influence of
disease when that is likely to affect the action. Thus in
most diseases of the brain and spinal cord and in some
impactions of the stomach, double the usual quantities of
purgative medicine will be necessary, while in influenza
and other low fevers half the usual doses may prove fatal. .
In acute congestion of the brain, stimulating narcotics
(opium, belladonna, hyoscyamus,) would aggravate the
symptoms, etc.
3. FREQUENCY OF ADMINISTRATION.
Anodynes, Antispasmodics, Narcotics, Sedatives and
Stimulants may generally be repeated once in four or six
hours in order to maintain their effect. Alteratives, Dia-
phoretics, Febrifuges, Refrigerants and Tonics may be
administered twice daily. Purgatives should only be
given when necessary and should never be repeated until
from the lapse of time we are assured that the first dose is
to remain inoperative. Thus unless in urgent need, a
horse should not take a second dose of physic under
thirty-six hours after the exhibition of the first, and in all
cases, until the medicine has worked off, he should be
kept at rest and allowed only warm bran mashes and
water with the chill taken off. In ruminants a second dose
may be ventured on in twelve or sixteen hours, and in
carnivora and omnivora in from seven to ten hours.
Emetics should be given in full doses and repeated in five
or ten minutes if they fail to take effect, their action bemg
further solicited by copious draughts of tepid water and
tickling of the back of the mouth with a feather.
4, FORM TO ADMINISTER.
Drugs may often be given as powder or solution in the
food or water; they may be made into a soft solid with
Appendix. 491
syrup and linseed meal, rolled into a short cylinder and
covered with soft paper; they may be converted into an
infusion with warm or cold water, or into a decoction by
boiling ; or they may be powdered and suspended in thick
gruel or mucilage. They may be given, in a liquid form,
from a horn or bottle; or, as a short cylinder or pill, may
be lodged over the middle of the root of the tongue; or,
as a sticky mass, they may be smeared on the back teeth ;
or they may be given as an injection into the rectum ; or
finally, in the case of certain powerful and non-irritating
agents, they may be injected under the skin.
No agent should be given until sufficiently diluted to
prevent iritation, if retained a few minutes in the mouth, |
and irritants that will not mix with water (oil of turpen-
- tine, croton oil, etc.,) should be given in a bland oil, in
milk or in eggs after having been thoroughly mixed.
499 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
DRUGS AND DOSES.
When not otherwise stated, the doses for the horse may be given to ox, ass
and mule, and those of the sheep to the goat and swine.
ACETIC ACID, antidote to acids, cooling astringent: Horse 1 dr; ox 2
drs; ass 1 dr; sheep I scr; dog 2-3 drops.
TINCTURE OF ACONITE, sedative, diaphoretic: Horse 20-30 drops; ox
30-40 drops; ass 15-20 drops; sheep 3-5 drops; dog 1-3 drops.
ALCOHOL, stimulant, diuretic, narcotic: Horse I-3 0z; ox 3-60z; ass I
0z; sheep % oz; dog2drs. Locally cooling astringent.
BRANDY, WHISKY and GIN, stimulant, diuretic, narcotic. Horse 3-6 oz;
ox 6-12 0z; ass 2-5 0z; sheep100z; dog %oz. Locally cooling astringent.
STRONG ALE, stimulant, diuretic, narcotic: Horse 1-2 pts; ox 2-4 pts;
ass I pt; sheep % pt; dog2o0z. Locally cooling astringent.
BARBADOES ALOES, purgative: Horse 4 drs; ass 3-4 drs; dog ¥% dr.
CAPE ALOES, purgative: Horse 5 drs; ass 4-5 drs.
ALUM, astringent: Horse 2-3 drs; ox 3-4 drs; ass 2 drs; sheep 4-1 dr;
dog %-I scr.
AMMONIA, LIQUID, diffusible stimulant, antispasmodic, antacid, diuretic:
Horse % 0z; ox %-1 oz; ass 2-4 drs; sheep %-1 dr; dog 1odrops. Lo-
cally blister.
AROMATIC AMMONIA, diffusible stimulant, antispasmodic, antacid, diuretic:
Horse 1-2 02; ox 2-40z; ass I-20z; sheep %-10z; dogidr. Locally
blister.
CARBONATE OF AMMONIA, diffusible stimulant, antispasmodic, antacid, di-
uretic: Horse 2-4 drs; ox 4-6 drs; ass 2 drs; sheep 34-1 dr; dog 10-15
grs. Locally blister.
MURIATE OF AMMONIA, stimulant, discutient, alterative, diuretic: Horse
2-4 drs; ox 4-6 drs; ass2drs; sheep %-1 dr; dog2ogrs. Locally cool-
ing discutient.
ACETATE OF AMMONIA, SOLUTION, diaphoretic, diuretic, stimulant: Horse
2-3 02; OX 3-402; ass 20z; sheep %-1I 0z; dog2 drs.
ANISE-SEED, stomachic, carminative: Horse I 0z; Ox I-20z; ass I OZ,
sheep 2-4 drs; dog 1-3 scr.
ANTIMONY, TARTARIZED (TARTAR EMETIC), emetic: Swine 5 grs: dog
2-4 grs. Sedative, diaphoretic: Horse 2 drs; ox 2-4 drs; ass2drs; sheep
1-2 scr; swine %-1 gr; dog %-% gr. Locally blister.
ARECA NUT, vermifuge, teniafuge: Horse I 0z; ox I 0z; ass I 023
sheep 3 drs; dog 4-1 dr.
ARNICA TINCTURE, stimulant, diuretic: Horse 1 dr; ox I dr; ass % dr;
sheep I scr; dog 10 drops. Locadly cooling, soothing.
ARSENIC, alterative, nerve tonic: Horse 5 grs; ox 5-8 grs; ass 3-5 grs;
sheep I gr; swine % gr; dog ,4 gr. Locally caustic, parasiticide.
ASAFGTIDA, diffusible stimulant, carminative, vermifuge: Horse 2 drsj
ox 4 drs; ass 1-2 drs; sheep %-1 dr; swine 4 dr; dog 10-20 grs.
AZEDARACH, vermifuge: Horse 34-I 0z; 0x 1 0z; ass 3-4 drs; sheep 1-3
drs; swine I dr; dog 20 grs.
Appendix. 493
BELLADONNA, anodyne, antispasmodic, narcotic: Horse 2 0z; ox 2 0:3
ass I-2 oz; sheep ¥%4 oz; dog 5 grs.
BELLADONNA, EXTRACT, anodyne, etc.:; Horse2drs; ox 2-3 drs; ass I-2
dis; sheep % dr; dog 1-3 grs.
ATROPIA (alkaloid of Belladonna), anodyne, etc.: Horse 1-2 grs; ox 1-2
grs; ass I gr; sheep % gr; dog yy gr.
BALSAM OF PERU, stimulant, antispasmodic, expectorant: Horse 1 oz;
Ox I-14 0z; ass %-1 oz; sheep 2 drs; dog ¥% dr.
BENZOIN, stimulant, antispasmodic, expectorant: Horse I 0z; ox 1-1%
0z; ass %-1 oz; sheep 2 drs; dog % dr.
BoRAx, nerve sedative, uterine stimulant: Horse 2-6 drs; ox %-I 02;
ass 2-4 drs; sheep 4-1 dr; swine 4 dr; dog 5-10 grs. Locally astringent,
parasiticide.
BISMUTH, SUBNITRATE, soothes irritation of the stomach and bowels:
Horse 2 drs; ox 2-4 drs; ass1-2drs; sheep 20 grs; swine 10-20 grs; dog
5-10 grs. Locally soothing, healing.
BLACKBERRY ROOT, astringent: Horse 2-4 drs; ox 34 0z; ass 2 drs;
sheep 2 scr; dog % scr. .
BLUE-STONE (copper sulphate).
BONESET, stimulant, tonic, diaphoretic: Horse %-I 0z; ox I 0z; ass %
oz; sheep 2-3 drs; swine 2 drs; dog %-1 dr.
BROMIDE OF POTASSIUM, nerve sedative: Horse 2-4 drs; ox 4 drs; ass
2-3 drs; sheep % dr; dog 5-10 grs.
BuCHU, stimulant, diuretic: Horse 4 drs; ox 14-1 0z; ass 3 drs; sheep
1 dr; dog 10-20 grs.
BUCKTHORN SYRUP, purgative: dog %4-I oz.
CALOMEL, purgative: Horse 1 dr; ox 1-2 drs; ass 1 dr; swine I scr,
dog 3-4 grs. Alterative: Horse 1 scr; ox I-3 scr; ass I scr; swine 3-4 grs;
dog %-1 gr. :
CAMPHOR, calmative, antispasmodic: Horse 1-2 drs; ox 2-4 drs; ass I
dr; sheep 1 scr; dog 3-I0 grs.
CANTHARIDES, stimulant, diuretic: Horse § grs; ox 5-10 grs; ass 3-5
grs; sheep I-2 grs; dog %-¥% gr. Locally blister.
CaPsicUM, CAYENNE PEPPER, stimulant, aromatic: Horse 2-3 drs; ox 2-4
drs; ass 1-2 drs; sheep I scr; swine %-1 scr; dog 2-5 grs. Locally irri-
tant.
CARAWAY SEED, stomachic: Horse I 0z; ox I-2 0z; ass I oz; sheep 2-3
drs: swine 2 drs; dog I scr.
. CARDAMOMS, stomachic: Horse 1 0z; ox1I-20z; ass 10z; sheep 2-3 drs;
swine 2 drs; dog I scr.
CASCARILLA, stimulant, bitter tonic: Horse %-I oz; ox I 0z; ass 4-6
drs; sheep 1 dr; dog Io grs.
CARBOLIC ACID, sedative, anodyne, astringent, antiseptic, disinfectant :
Horse %-1 dr; ox 1 dr; ass % dr; sheep 10 drops; dog 5 drops.
CASTOR-OIL, purgative: Horse I pt; ox I-1}4 pts; ass I pt; sheep 3-4
oz; dog 4-1 oz.
CaTECHU, astringent: Horse 2-5 drs; ox 3-8 drs; ass 2-3drs; sheep I-2
drs; dog 10-30 grs.
Ag4 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
CHAMOMILE, stimulant, tonic: Horse 1:0z; ox I-2 0z; ass I oz; sheep 2
drs; dog % dr.
CHERRY BARK, WILD, expectorant: Horse % oz; sheep 2-3 scr; swine
2 scr; dog I scr.
CHLORAL-HYDRATE, sedative, antispasmodic: Horse, % oz; ass Y%-%
oz; sheep 1dr; dog 20 grs. Soporific: Horse 1 0z; sheep 2-3 drs; dog
¥y dr.
CHLOROFORM, stimulant: Horse 1-2 drs; ass 1dr; sheep1 scr; dog 5-10
drops. Anzesthetic.
CINCHONA, PERUVIAN BARK, bitter tonic, antiseptic, antiperiodic: Horse
I-3 0z; ass I oz; sheep 2-4 drs; dog 1 dr.
CINNAMON, stomachic: Horse 4-6 drs; ox %-10z; ass 4-6 drs; sheep
1-2 drs; dog 10-20 grs.
COD-LIVER OIL, tonic: Horse 4-6 0z; ox 6-8 0z; ass 4-60z; sheep I-2
oz; dog % oz.
CoLcHIcuUM, diuretic, sedative: Horse %-1 dr; ox 1-2drs; ass % dr;
sheep % scr; dog 2-8 grs.
COLOCYNTH, bitter purgative: dog 2-5 grs.
CoLuMBO, bitter tonic: Horse 4-6 drs; ox 34-1 0z; ass 2-3.drs; sheep
¥%-1 dr; dog I0 grs.
CoNIUM, EXTRACT, sedative: Horse 1 dr; ox 1-2 drs; ass %-1 dr; sheep
10-15 grs; swine 10 grs; dog 2-5 grs.
CopPaAIVA, stimulant, diuretic, expectorant: Horse 2-4 drs; ox 3-4 drs;
ass 2-3 drs; sheep %-1 dr; dog 10 drops.
COPPER, AMMONIATED, tonic, antispasmodic, astringent: Horse 1-2 drs;
ox I-2 drs; ass 1 dr: sheep 10-20 grs; dog I-5 grs.
COPPER, IODIDE, tonic, discutient: Horse 1-2 drs.
COPPER, SULPHATE, tonic, astringent: Horse %-1 dr; ox 1-2 drs; ass
-¥% dr; sheep 10 grs; dog 2-4 grs. ;
CROTON SEEDS, purgative: Horse 10-12; 0x 15-20; ass 8-10; sheep 2-3;
dog 1-2.
CROTON OIL, purgative: Horse 15-20 drops; ox 20-30 drops; ass 12-18
drops; sheep 5-8 drops; dog 3-4 drops.
CREAM OF TARTAR, diuretic: Horse 1 oz; sheep 4-6 drs; dog 1 {dr.
Laxative: Horse 5 0z; ox 5-80z3 ass50z; sheep I-20z; dog ¥% oz.
DANDELION EXTRACT, TARAXACUM, diuretic, laxative, bitter: Horse
I-14 0z3 0x 20z; ass 1 0z; sheep 3 drs; dog 1 dr.
DIGITALIS, sedative, diuretic: Horse 15-20 grs; ox 34-1 dr; ass 15 grs;
sheep 5-15 grs; swine 2-10 grs; dog I-3 grs.
DovER’s POWDER, sedative, diaphoretic: Horse 3 drs; ox 3-4 drs; ass 2
drs; sheep 2 scr; swine I scr; dog 2-4 grs.
Ercot, checks bleeding, parturient: Horse 34-1 0z; ox I0z; ass % oz;
sheep 1-2 drs; dog ¥% dr.
ETHER, diffusible stimulant: Horse 1-2 02; ox 2-3 0z; ass I oz; sheep
¥% oz; swine 2-4 drs; dog I dr.
FENNEL SEED, stomachic: Horse I 0z; ox I-20z; ass 1 0z; sheep 2-4
ars; dog % dr.
Appendix. | 495
FILIX MAS., EXTRACT, MALE SHIELD-FERN, vermifuge, teeniacide: Horse
10z; sheep % dr; dog 10-20 drops.
GALLS, OAK, astringent: Horse 4-6 drs; ox I-20z; ass 4 drs; sheep
¥-1 scr; swine I-2 scr; dog I-3 grs. :
GALLIC and TANNIC ACID, TANNIN, astringent: Horse 1-3 scr; ass 1-2
scr; sheep 5 grs; dog I-3 grs.
GENTIAN, bitter tonic: Horse 4 drs; ox %-1 0z; ass 4drs; sheep 1-2
drs; dog 10-20 gers.
GINGER, stimulant, stomachic : Horse 1 023 ox 2 0z; ass %-1 02; sheep
¥% oz; swine 2 drs; dog 2 scr.
GLAUBER SALTS (SODA SULPHATE).
HENBANE, HYOSCYAMUS, EXTRACT, sedative, antispasmodic: Horse 2 drs;
ox 2-4 drs; ass 1-2 drs; sheep %-1 dr; swine % dr; dog 5 grs.
_ Hemp, INDIAN, EXTRACT, antispasmodic, soporific, narcotic: Horse %-1
dr; ass 14 dr; sheep 10-15 grs; swine 5-10 grs; dog I-2 grs.
HYDROCYANIC ACID (PRUSSIC). .
IODINE, alterative, discutient: Horse 10-20 grs; ox 20-30 grs; ass IO grs,
sheep 5-10 grs; swine 5 grs; dog I-2 grs.
IODIDE OF POTASSIUM, alterative, diuretic: Horse %-1 dr; ox 1-2 drs;
ass % dr; sheep 3 scr; swine 1-2 scr; dog I scr.
IPECACUANHA, emetic, sedative: Swine 1-2 drs; dog 15-20 grs. Diapho-.
retic, expectorant: Swine % dr; dog 3-5 grs.
JALAP, purgative: Swine 1-2 ae; dog %-1 dr.
IRON, PEROXIDE, tonic: Horse 2-4 drs; ox 4 drs; ass 2 ee sheep I dr;
dog 5-10 grs. Antidote to arsenic.
IRON, SULPHATE, tonic: Horse 2-4 drs; ass 2 drs; sheep I dr; swine %
dr; dog 2-5 gers.
TRON, CARBONATE, tonic: Horse 2-4 drs; ass 2 drs; sheep I dr; swine
% dr; dog 2-5 grs.
IRON, IODIDE, tonic, discutient: Horse 34-2 drs; ox 1-2 drs; ass %-1
dr; sheep 15-30 grs; swine 10-20 grs; dog 1-8 grs.
IRON, TINCTURE OF MURIATE, astringent, checks bleeding: Horse %4-1 02;
Ox I-2 0z; ass % oz; sheep 34-1 dr; swine 10-30 drops; dog 5-10 drops.
KINO, astringent; Horse 3% 02; ox 34-1 0z3 ass 2-4 drs; sheep I-2 drs;
swine 4-1 dr; dog Io grs.
Kousso, vermifuge: Sheep 2-3 oz; dog I oz.
LAUDANUM (OPIUM).
LEAD ACETATE (SUGAR OF LEAD), astringent, sedative: Horse 1-2 scr;
Ox 2-3 scr; ass I scr; sheep 10-15 grs; dog 2-5 ers.
LIME-WATER, antacid, astringent: Horse 4-5 0z; ox 4-8 0z; ass 4 023
sheep I 0z; dog 1 dr.
LIME, CARBONATE, CHALK, antacid, astringent: Horse 1-2 02; ox 2-402;
ass I 0z; sheep 2-4 drs; dog 8-12 grs.
LIME, CHLORIDE, CHLORINATED, checks tympany, disinfectant: Horse
2-4 drs; ass 2 drs; sheep 1-2 drs.
LINSEED OIL, laxative: Horse 1-2 pts; ox I-2 qts; ass I pt; sheep
fa pt.
496 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
LoBELIA, sedative, antispasmodic, expectorant: Horse 1-2 drs; ox 1-3
drs; ass I dr; sheep £5 grs; swine 5-15 grs; dog I-5 grs.
MAGNESIA, antacid, laxative, antidote to arsenic: Horse 1-2 0z; ox 2-4
cz; sheep I oz.
MAGNESIA, SULPHATE, EPSOM SALTS, laxative. ox 1-2 lbs; sheep 4-6 oz.
MALLow, demulcent: Freely.
MENTHA PIPERITA (PEPPERMINT).
MERCURY WITH CHALK, HYDRARGRUM CUM CRETA, antacid, laxative:
Calf 10-15 grs; dog 5-10 grs.
MERCURIAL PILL, BLUE PILL, laxative: Dog 5 grs.
MERCURY, SUBCHLORIDE (CALOMEL).
MuRIATIC ACID, HYDROCHLORIC ACID, tonic, astringent, caustic, disin-
fectant: Horse 1 dr; ox 2 drs; ass 1 dr; sheep 20 drops; dog 2-5 drops.
MyrRH, stimulant, tonic: Horse 2-4 drs; ox 4-6 drs; ass 2 drs; sheep
1-2 drs; dog 15-20 grs.
NITRE (POTASSA NITRATE).
NITRIC ACID, tonic, astringent, caustic: Horse 1 dr; ox2 drs; ass i dr¢
sheep 20 drops; dog 2-5 drops.
NuxX VOMICA, nerve stimulant, tonic: Horse 10-30 grs; ox 20-40 grs$
ass 10-20 grs; sheep 5-15 grs; dog %-3 grs.
OAK BARK, astringent: Horse 1 0z; ox 2-402; ass 1o0z; sheep 4 drs;
swine 2-3 drs; dog 1-2 drs.
OLIVE OIL, laxative: Horse 1-2 pts ; ox 2-3 pts; ass I pt; sheep 3-6 oz;
dog I-3 oz.
OPIUM, narcotic, sedative, anodyne, antispasmodic: Horse %-2 drs; ox
2-4 drs; ass %-1 dr; sheep 10-20 grs; dog %-3 grs.
OPIUM, TINCTURE, LAUDANUM, narcotic, sedative, anodyne, antispasmodics
Horse I-20z; ox 2 02; ass}4-1 oz; sheep 2-3 drs; dog 15-30 drops.
MoRPHIA, MURIATE, narcotic, sedative, anodyne, antispasmodic: Horse
3-5 grS; Ox 5-10 grs; ass 3 grs; sheep}Z-1 gr; dog Y%-¥% gr.
PEPPERMINT, OIL, stomachic, antispasmodic: Horse 20 drops; ox 20-30
drops; ass 20 drops; sheep 5-10 drops; swine 5 drops; dog 3-5 drops.
PERUVIAN BARK (CINCHONA). ;
‘PEPPER, BLACK, WHITE, stomachic, stimulant: Horse 2 drs; ox 3 drs;
ass 2 drs; sheep I-2 scr; dog 5-10 grs.
PIMENTO, stomachic, stimulant : Horse 2drs; ox 3 drs; ass2drs; sheep
I-2 scr; dog 5-10 grs.
PODOPHYLLIN, purgative, sedative: Horse 1-2 drs; ox 2drs; ass I dr;
sheep 10-20 grs; swine 6-8 grs; dog I-2 grs.
POMEGRANATE ROOT BARK, vermifuge: Horse I 0z; 0x I-2.0z; ass I 023
sheep 2-3 drs; swine I-2 drs; dog 20-30 grs.
POTASSA ACETATE, antacid, diuretic, diaphoretic: Horse 6-8 drs; ox I 0z;
ass 4-6 drs; sheep 1-2 drs; dog 10-20 grs.
POTASSA NITRATE, diuretic, febrifuge: Horse, 6-8 drs; cx I 0z; ass 4-6
drs; sheep 1-2 drs; dog 10-20 grs.
POTASSA BICARBONATE, antacid, diuretic: Horse 6-8 drs; ox 10z; ass
4-6 drs; sheep 1-2 drs; dog 10-20 grs.
PoraSSA CHLORATE, stimulant, diuretic, refrigerant, antiseptic: Horse 1-4
drs; ass I-2 drs; sheep 20-40 grs; dog 5-15 grs.
Appendix. 497
POTASSIUM IODIDE (IODINE).
PoTASSIUM BROMIDE, nerve sedative: Horse %0z; ass 2-4drs; sheer
2drs; swine I dr; dog 20 grs.
POTASSIUM CYANIDE, sedative, antispasmodic: Horse I-2 grs; ox 2 grs;
ass I-2 grs; sheep % gr; dog 4-¥ gr.
PRUNUS VIRGINIANA (WILD CHERRY).
PRUSSIC ACID, sedative, antispasmodic: Horse 20-30 drops; ox 30-40
drops; ass 15-20 drops; sheep 5-8 drops; swine § drops; dog 1-3 drops.
PUMPKIN SEEDS, vermifuge, teeniafuge: Dog 4 oz.
QUINIA, SULPHATE, bitter tonic: Horse 20 grs; ox 20-30 grs; ass 15-20
grs; sheep 6-10 grs ; swine 5-10 grs; dog 2-6 grs.
RHUBARB, laxative, tonic: Horse I oz; ox 2 0z; ass 10z; sheep I dr;
dog 20 grs.
RESIN, diuretic: Horse 4-6 drs; ox 14-1 0z; ass 4-6 drs; sheep 2-4 drs;
swine 2 drs; dog 20-30 grs.
Soap, diuretic, antacid, laxative: Horse 1-2 0z; ass I oz; sheep 2-6 drs;
swine 2-4 drs; dog 20-60 grs.
SoDA, BICARBONATE, antacid, diuretic: Horse 4-6 de ox 4-8 drs; ass
4 drs; sheep 1-2 drs; dog 5-30 grs.
SODA, SULPHITE, BISULPHITE, HYPOSULPHITE, antiseptic, disinfectant,
alterative, relieves tympany: Horse I 0z; ox 2-3 0z; ass 1o0z; sheep 2-6
drs; swine 2-4 drs; dog 20-60 grs.
SODA SULPHATE (GLAUBER SALTS), purgative: Horse 1-1% lbs; ox 1-2
Ibs; ass %-1 lb; sheep 6 oz.
SODIUM, CHLORIDE (COMMON SALT), tonic, vermifuge, purgative: Horse
I-2 0z; Ox 2-4 0z; ass I oz; sheep 2-4 drs; swine I-3 drs; dog 10-30 grs.
SANTONIN, WORMSEED, SEMEN CONTRA, vermifuge: Horse %-1 0z; ass
4 drs; sheep 2-4 drs; swine 1-3 drs; dog 10-60 grs.
SQUILL, diuretic, expectorant: Horse % dr; ox %-1 dr; ass 20-30 grs;
sheep 10-15 grs; dog I-5 grs.
SILVER, NITRATE (LUNAR CAUSTIC), nerve tonic: Horse 5 grs; ox 5-8
gprs; ass 2-4 grs; sheep I-2 grs; dog -¥% gr.
SPANISH FLIES (CANTHARIDES).
SPIGELIA, vermifuge: Horse 4-1 0z; ox I-2 0z; ass 34-1 oz; sheep 2-4
drs; swine 2-3 drs; dog I dr.
STRYCHNIA, nerve tonic: Horse I-2 grs; ox I-3 grs; assiI gr; sheep
¥-1 gr; swine % gr; dog 4o-10 gT-
SULPHUR, laxative: Horse 3-4 02; ox 5-602; ass 3 oz ; sheep 2 0z ; swine
14-2 oz; dog 2-8 drs, Expectorant, diaphoretic, alterative: Horse I oz;
Ox I-20z; ass 10z; sheep6drs; swine 4-6drs; dog %-1dr. Parasiticide.
SWEET SPIRITS OF NITRE, SPIRIT OF NITROUS ETHER, stimulant, antispas-
modic, diuretic, diaphoretic: Horse 1-2 0z; ox 3-4 0z3; ass I oz; sheep 3-6
drs; dog 34-2 drs.
STRAMONIUM, narcotic, sedative: Horse 20-30 grs; ox 34-1 dr; ass 15-30
yrs; sheep 5-10 grs; swine 4-6 grs; dog 2 grs.
SULPHURIC ACID, tonic, refrigerant, caustic: Horse 1 dr; ox 2-4 drs;
ass I dr; sheep % dr; swine 20 drops; dog 5-10 drops.
TOBACCO, sedative, antispasmodic, vermifuge: Horse 4 drs; ox 4-6 drs;
ass 4 drs; sheep 1 dr: swine % dr; dog 5-6 grs.
32
498 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser.
Tar, expectorant, antiseptic: Horse 14-1 0z; ox %-20z; sheep ¥% oz.
TURPENTINE OIL, stimulant, antispasmodic, diuretic: Horse I-20z; ox
I-1% oz; ass % oz; sheep 1-2 drs; swine1 dr; dog %dr. Vermifuge.
Horse 2 0z;. ox 2-30z3; ass I-2.0z; sheep 4drs; swine 2-3 drs; dog 1-2 dis.
VALERIAN, diffusible stimulant, antispasmodic, vermifuge: Horse 2 o7;
Ox 2-4 023 ass 2 0z; sheep % 0z; swine 2-3 drs; dog 1-2 drs.
VALERIANATE OF IRON, nerve tonic: Dog 4-5 grs.
VERATRUM, sedative: Horse 1 scr; ox 34-1 dr; ass %-1 scr; sheep 5-10
grs; swine 5-8 grs; dog 2 grs.
WILD CHERRY BARK, expectorant: Horse I oz; ox 13% 0z; ass I 023
sheep 3 drs; dog 30 grs.
ZINC CARBONATE, astringent, tonic: Horse 2 drs; ox 2-4 drs; ass 2drs;
sheep 4-1 dr; swine 4 dr; dog 10-15 grs.
ZINC, SULPHATE, astringent, tonic: Horse 1-2 drs; ox 2-3 drs; ass 1 dr;
sheep 15-30 grs; swine 10-20 grs; dog 2-3 grs. Emetic: Swine 15 grs to
i dr; dog 8-15 grs.
BLISTERING, ETC.
As an example of a simple blister for the horse the fol-
lowing may be given :—
Powdered Cantharides 2 drs.
Camphor 5 grs.
Oil of Lavender 10 drops.
Lard 1 02.
Mix thoroughly. When applying it, first cut the hair from
the part, then rub the ointment well in with the palm of
the hand and against the direction of the hair, for four or
five minutes. The animal should be tied short to a high
rack or otherwise prevented from reaching the blistered
surface with his lips until it is well raised. Then the
application may be washed off with soap-suds and the
part smeared daily with lard. The blister should not be
repeated until the effects of the first have passed off.
For cattle, $ oz. oil of turpentine or 10 grs. tartar
emetic may be added to the above blister. . For pigs can-
tharides and turpentine may be used alone, 1 of the for-
mer to 4 of the latter. For dogs and sheep equal parts of
strong aqua ammonia and olive-oil may he used and
rubbed in ag often as may seem requisite.
INDEX.
Aspuctor femoris displaced,
441
Abortion, 315
Abortion from ergot, 156
Abscess, 11
Abscess, treatment of, 301
Abscess, drainage of, 31
Abscess in bone, 388, 391
Abscess in bone, symptoms of,
389 |
Abscess in the false nostril,
169 '
Abscess in the guttural
pouches, 169
Abscess of the walls of the
chest, 185
Acariasis, 369
Acari, parasitic, 369
. Achorion Schénleini, 367
Actinomycosis, 131
Action of medicines, 488
Acute enteritis, 247
Acute farcy, 135
Acute gastric indigestion in
horses, 240
Acute glanders, 134
Acute inflammation of the
bowels, 247
Acute intestinal indigestion in
horses, 241
Acute muco-enteritis, 249
_Adynamic fever, 26
After-birth, retained, 322
Ages, doses for different, 489
Air in the chest, 184
Air in veins, 213
Albuminoids in the blood, im-
perfect oxidation of, 277
Albuminous urine, 298
Albuminuria, 298
Alkalies, 25
Amaurosis, 338
Anemia, 162
Anasarea, 159
Anchylosis, 399
Aneurisms, 211
Animal plagues, radical extine-
tion of, 72
Animals, doses for different,
489
Anthrax, bacillar, 112
Anthrax, apoplectic, 118
Anthrax, emphysematous, 123
Anthrax fever, in birds, 120 ;
cattle, 119; horses, 119;
sheep, 120; swine, 120
Anthrax in dogs and eats, 118
Anthrax in man, 118
Anthrax of the throat, 117
Anthrax, prevention of, 122,
125
Anthrax, treatment of, 120,
124.
Anthrax, vibrionic, 123
500
Anus, fistula in, 260
Anus, imperforate, 261
Aphthous fever, 87
Apoplectic anthrax, 118
Apoplexy, 345
Apoplexy of thelung, 186
Appendix, 488
Appetite, depraved, 245
Arm-bone, fracture of, 422
Arterial hemorrhage, 209
Arteries, dilatation of, 211
Arteries, diseases of, 209
Arteries, inflammation of, 210
Arteries, wounds of, 209
Arteritis, 210
Arthritis, 399
Ascites, 262
Ascites in parturition, 322
Asiatic cholera, 102
Asthma, 186
Atrophy of the heart, 203
Auscultation, 165, 200
Azoteemia, 277
Azoturia, 277
Back and loins, fractures of,
A413
Back and loins, sprains of, 414
Back tendons, sprains of, 430
Bacteria, 37
Bacteria, how they live, 38
Bacteria and biood-globules,
battle of, 40
Baths, 22
Beef tape-worm, 150
Bellyache, 246
Belly, dropsy of, 262
Beri-beri, 141
Big-head, 394, 131
Index.
Biliary calculi, 287
Bilious fever in horses, 99
Bird acari, 372
Bird cholera, 130
Bird-lice, 376
Bird-pox, 87
Birds, impacted crop in, 232
Birds, pulse in, 199
Bistouri caché, 331
Bit and curb, injuries by, 409
Black pigment tumors, 485
Black-quarter, 116, 123
Black-tongue, 116
Black water, 279
Bladder, eversion of, 302
Bladder, inflammation of, 300
Bladder, paralysis of, 300
Bladder, spasm of its neck,
299
Bladder, stone in, 306
Bleeding, general, 21
Bleeding, local, 21
Bleeding from arteries, 209
Bleeding from the lungs, 189
Bleeding from the nose, 167
Bleeding from the womb, 322
Bleeding from veins, 211
Bleeding in the bowels from
liver disease, 275
Blistering, 498
Bloating, 232
Blood exudations, 8
Bloodlessness, 162
Blood-poisoning from imper-
fect oxidation of albumi-
noids, 277
Blood spavin, 453, 454
Bloody flux, 253
Bloody milk, 328
Index.
Bloody murrain, 116, 123
Bloody urine, 296
Blow-flies, 374
Blowing murmurs in the heart,
201
Blue disease, 202
Blue milk, 328
Bog spavin, 361
Boils, 365
Bone, death of, 388, 391
Bone, induration of, 388
Bone, results of inflammation
in, 388
Bones, general diseases of,
385, 387
Bones, inflammation of, 387
Bones, softening of, 388, 393
Bone spavin, 452
Bone, suppuration in, 388,
391
Bone, symptoms of abscessin,
389
Bone, symptoms of death of,
389
Bone, symptoms of inflamma-
tion in, 388
Bone, symptoms of ulceration
of, 889
Bone, thickening of, 388
Bone, treatment of inflamed,
390
Bone, tubercle in, 392
Bone, tumor of, 388
Bone, ulceration in, 388, 391
Bots, 263
Bots in the throat, 171
Bowels, foreign bodies in, 244
Bowels, impacted, 242
Bowels, inflammation of, 247
501
Bowels, obstruction ef, 255
Brain, inflammation of, 346
Breech presentation, 321
Bright’s disease, 298
Bristle-balls, 245
Broken-down, 431
Broken knees, 426
Broken ribs, 185, 415
Broken wind, 188
Bronchitis, 177
Bronchitis from worms, 193,
195, 196
Bronchocele, 157
Broncho - pleuro - pneumonia,
184
Broncho-pneumonia, 184
Buckwheat as a cause of skin
disease, 361
Bulle, 359
Bullers, 140
Burns, 383
Bursz, inflamed, 402
Burst, 256
CatcrricaTions near inflamed
bones, 388
Calculi in the gall-ducts, 287
Calculi, salivary, 227
Calculi, urinary, 303
Callosities of the skin, 366
Calves and foals, lung worms
in, £93
Cancers, 366, 410, 486
Cancer of the orbit, 410
Cancer of the tongue, 220
Cancroid of the lips, 220
Canine distemper, 101
Canine madness, 106
Canker, 480
502
Capped hock, 448
Carbolic acid as a disinfectant,
81
Carbuncular erysipelas, 117
Carditis, 207
Carious teeth, 223
Carpitis, 424
Castration, evil effects of, 313
Castration of males, 312; fe-
males, 314; birds, 315
Cataract, 337
. Catarrh, malignant, 170
Catarrh, nasal, 167
Catarrh of stomach and bow-
els, 243
Catarrh of womb or vagina,
323
Cat-flea, 376
Cattle, lung plague in, 91
Cattle, malignant catarrh in,
170
Cattle, measles in, 150
Cattle plague, 89
Cattle, tape-worm in, 150
Caustic potassa and soda as
disinfectants, 82
Chafing of the skin, 358
Charcoal as a disinfectant, 79
Chest, air or gas in, 184
Chest diseases, signs of, 164
Chest, water in, 182, 184
Chest, wounds of, 416
Chicken cholera, 130
Chigoe, 375
Chloride of lime as a disin-
fectant, 81
Chloride of zine as a disin-
fectant, 82
Chlorine as a disinfectant, 180
Index.
Choking, 229
Cholera, Asiatie, 102
Cholera, hog, 103
Chorea, 341
Choroiditis, 385
Chronic bronchitis, 178
Chronic farcy, 136
Chronic glanders, 135
Chronic indigestion in horses,
243
Chronic roaring, 175
Cirrhosis, 287
Classification of contagious
diseases, 34
Clots on the valves of the
heart, 206
Cleanliness as a disinfectant,
78
Cerebral meningitis, 346
Cerebritis, 346
Cerebro-spinal fever, 347
Cerebro-spinal meningitis, 347
Coal-tar as a disinfectant, 81
Coenurus cerebralis, 144.
Coffin-bone, distortion of, 476
Coffin-joint lameness, 463
Cold drink, indigestion from,
239
Cold in the head, 167
Colic, spasmodic, 246
Colic, tympanitic, 241
Collapse of the lung, 185
Colloid cancer, 486
Coma somnolentum, 344
Congestion of the lungs, 179
Conjunctivitis, 333
Consumption, 139
Contagious diseases, classifi-
cation of, 34
Index.
Contagious diseases, losses
from, 32
Contagious diseases prevent-
able, 35
Contagious diseases, propaga-
tion of, 32, 44
Contagious diseases, their im-
portance, 32
Contagious lung plague, 91
Contraction, 478
Convalescence, 25
Convulsions, 344
Convulsions from ergotism,
155
Convulsions from teething,
226
Coraco-radial tendon, sprain
of, 420
Cornea, ulcers of, 334
Corns, 472
Coronet, fistula of, 479
Coronet, wounds of, 478
Cow-pox, 84
Cracked heels, 362
Cranium, fracture of the base
of, 410
Cresylic acid as a disinfectant,
81
Crib-biting, 221
Crop, impaction of, 232
Croup, 174
Croup, fracture of, 414
Croupous exudations, 8
Croupous enteritis, 251
Curb, 455
Cutting, 434
Cyanosis, 202
Cystic calculus, 306
Cysticercus cellulosa, 148
503
Cysticercus medio-canelata,
150
Cystitis, 300
Cysts under the tongue, 220
DEFERVESCENCE, 17
Deformities, 319
Demodex, 370
Dentinal tumors, 225, 410
Dentition fever, 225
Depraved appetite, 244
Dermanyssus, 370
Dermatocoptis equi, 370
Dermatophagus, 369
Dermatophagus equi, 371
Desquamative nephritis, 293
Diabetes insipidus, 295
Diabetes mellitus, 276
Diaphoretics, 24
Diarrhoea, 252
Diet, 20
Dietetic and constitutional dis-
eases, 155
Difficult parturition, assistance
in, 319
Diffuse baldness, 368
Digestive organs, diseases of,
216
Dilatation of the heart, 204
Diphtheria, 174
Disease as affecting the action
of medicines, 490
Diseased teeth, 223
Diseases of the digestive or-
gans, 216
Diseases of the foot, 457
Diseases of the heart, 198
Disease of the membranes of
the teeth, 225
504
Diseases of the respiratory or-
gans, general causes of, 164
Disinfection, 78
Dislocation of the fetlock, 434
Dislocation of the hip, 442
Dislocation of the knee, 425
Dislocation of the knee-cap,
445
Dislocation of the lower jaw,
410
Dislocation of the shoulder,
420
Dislocation of the tail, 415
Displaced teeth, 222
Displacements of the heart,
202
Distemper in dogs, 101
Distemper in young horses, 95
Distomum lanceolatum, 288
Diuresis, 295
Diuretics, 24
Diuretics, poisoning by, 295,
296
Dog-pox, 87
Doses, 489, 492
Doses, graduation of, 489
Double-headed monster, 321
Down in the hip, 439
Drainage in anthrax, 122
Dropsy of the abdomen, 262
Dropsy of the lung, 185
Dropsy of the scrotum, 311
Dry gangrene from ergot, 156
Dry murrain, 236
Drugs and doses, 490, 492
Dysentery, 253
Ecurnococcus hominis, veteri-
norum, 147
Index.
Kethyma, 360
Kezema, 87, 359
Eggs of tape-worms, 144
Elbow, diseases of, 420
Elbow, fracture of, 421
Elbow-joint, disease of, 422
Elbow, tumors of, 420
Elbow, wounds of, 421
Emasculation, 312, 315
Embolism, 8, 210, 212
Embryo tape-worms, 144
Encephalitis, 346
Encephaloid, 485
Encephaloid of the face, 410
Endocarditis, 206
Enlargement of the heart, 203
Enteritis, 247
Enteritis, croupous, 251
Enzootic hematuria, 279
Enzootic myelitis, 349
Epilepsy, 339
Epithelial cancer, 366
Epithelioma, 485
Epizootic aphtha, 87
Epizootic cerebro-spinal men-
ingitis, 347
Epizootic diseases, their im-
portance, 32
Epizootic influenza, 96
Ergotism, 155
Erysipelas, 378
Erysipelas, carbuncular, 117
Kustrongylus gigas, 151
Eversion of the bladder, 302
Eversion of the rectum, 259
Eversion of womb or vagina,
325
Examination, of the urine, 294
Exostosis, 388
Index.
Extinction of animal plagues,
75
Hye, diseases of, 332
Hye, foreign bodies in, 333
Eye, inflammation of the in-
terior of, 335
Hyelashes turned in, 332
Eyelids torn, 332
Eye, recurring inflammation
of, 336
Eye-socket, cancer of, 410
Eye, superficial inflammation
of, 333
Eye, tumors on, 334
Eye, ulcers of, 334
Eye, white specks on, 334
Factat paralysis, 351
Falling sickness, 339
False quarter, 471
Farcy, 134
Fasciola hepatica, 288
Fatty degeneration, 14
Fatty heart, 207
Favus, 367
Fecundity of tape-worms, 144
- Fetlock, blows on the inside
of, 434
Fetlock, disease of, 434
Fetlock, dislocation of, 434
Fetlock, puffs in front of, 433
Fetlock, swelling in front of,
433
Fever, 15
Fever, premonitory symptoms,
16
Fever, cold stage, 16
Fever, hot stage, 17
Fever temperature, 18
505
Fever, types of, 19
Fever, treatment of, 19
Fever, cerebro-spinal, 347
Fibrinous exudations, 7
Fibula, fracture of, 446
Firing, 29
Fistula, 383
Fistula in ano, 260
Fistula of the coronet, 479
Fistula of the poll, 411
Fistula, salivary, 227
Fistulous withers, 412
Fits, 344
Fleas, 375
Fleas, attacks of, 376
Flooding, 322
Flukes in the liver, 288
Foot and mouth disease, 87
Foot, causes of diseases of,
457
Foot, diseases of the, 457
Foot, inflammation of, 468
Foot-rot, 481
Foot-rot, contagious, 369, 482
Foot-rot, tuberculous, 483
Foot, sesamoiditis of, 463
Foot, fractures in the, 467
Forearm, fracture of, 422
Foreign bodies in stomach and
bowels, 244
Foul in the foot, 392, 481, 483
Founder, 468
Fractures, 395
Fracture at the base of the
cranium, 410
| Fractures, bandages for, 396
Fractured ribs, 185, 415
Fracture inside the hock, 451
Fracture of the arm-bone, 422
506
Index.
Fractures of the back and
loins, 413
Fracture of the group, 414
Fracture of the face-bones, 409
Fractures in the foot, 467
Fracture of the forearm, 422
Fractures of the hip, 439
Fracture of the knee-cap, 444
Fracture of the leg, 446
Fracture of the lower jaw, 408
Fractures of the neck-bones,
412
Fracture of the neck of the
thigh-bone, 443
Fracture of the nose, 409 |
Fractures of the pastern bones,
435
Fracture of the point of the
elbow, 421
Fracture of the point of the
hock, 451
Fracture of the poll, 409
Fracture of the shank, 429
Fracture of the shoulder-blade,
420 ;
Fracture of the splint bones,
429
Fracture of the upper jaw, 409
Fragility of bones, 393
Frog, canker of, 480
Frog, discharge from, 480
Frog, inflammation of, 480
Frontal bones, fracture of, 409
Fungi in milk, 328
Furuncle, 365
Gapety, 374
Gadflies of horses, 263
Gall-ducts, stones in, 287
Gall-stones, 287
Gamasus of fodder, 370
Gangrene from ergot, 156
Gapes, 196
Gape-worm, 197
Gangrene, 14, 156
Gangrene, dry, 15, 156
Garget, 329
Gas in the pleure, 184
Gastric fever in horses, 99
Gastric parasites, 263.
Gastritis in oxen, 238
Generation, diseases of the or-
gans of, 310
Germs the cause of plagues,
35
Germs, where propagated, 36
Germs, characters of, 37
Germs, products of, 40
Germs, how they poison, 40,
52 ¢
Germs of specific diseases, 45
Germicides, 78
Gid, 144
Glander heaves, 178
Glanders, 134
Glass eyes, 338
Gleet, 301
Gloss-anthrax, 116
Gluteus, sprain of, 440
Goat-pox, 86
Goitre, 157
Gonorrhea, 30
Granulation, 12
Granule corpuscles, 13
Grapes, 363
Gravel, 303
Grease, 361
Grease, parasitic, 369
Index.
507
Grub in the head, 168, 190
Gullet, dilatation of, 232
Gullet, stricture of, 232
Gums, inflamed, 219
Gut-tie, 255
Guttural pouches, abscess of,
169 e
Guttural tumors in swine, 117
Heamartorinvs, 376
Heematuria, 296
Heematuria, enzootic, 277, 279
Heemoptysis, 189
Hemorrhage from arteries,
209
Heemorrhagic enteritis, 247
Hair-balls, 245
Hamstring, rupture of, 448
Hamstring, sprain of, 448
Hard cancer, 485
Healing by first intention, 12
Healing by second intention,
Heart, atrophy of, 203
Heart, auscultation of, 200
- Heart, blowing murmurs in,
201
Heart, clots on its valves, 206
Heart, dilatation of, 204
Heart, diseases of, 198
Heart, disease of its valves, 207
Heart, enlargement of, 203
Heart, fatty degeneration of,
207
Heart, hypertrophy of, 203
Heart, parasites in, 208
Heart, rupture of, 207
Heart-sack, inflammation of,
204
Heart, wounds of, 204
Heat apoplexy, 354
Heat as a disinfectant, 79
Heaves, 188
Heels, bruises of, 472
Heels, diseases of, 361
Heels, distorted, 476
Helophilus, 266
Hemiplegia, 351
Hen-louse, 370
Hepatirrheea, 283
Hepatitis, 284
Hereditary epilepsy, 340
Hereditary heaves, 188
Hereditary ophthalmia, 336
Hernia, 256
Herpes, 359
High breeding and heart dis-
ease, 207
Hip, dislocated, 442
Hip, fractures of, 439
Hip-joint, disease of, 442
Hippobosca ovina, 375 —
Hip, sprain of the, 440
Hock, dropsy of, 454
Hock, elastic swelling in front
of the outer side of, 450
Hock-joint, inflammation of,
453
Hock, fractures of, 442, 452
Hock, fractures of point of,
451
Hock, sprain behind the, 455
Hock, sprain of the flexor be-
hind the, 450
Hock, sprain of the flexor of,
447
Hock, tendon displaced from
the point of, 459
508
Hock, thorough-pin of, 450
Hog cholera, 103
Honey-dew as a cause of skin
disease, 361
Hoof-bound, 478
Hoofs, contracted, 478
Hoofs, loss of, from eating er-
got, 156
Hoof, natural state of, 460
Hoof-wall, cracks in, 470
Hoof-wall, powdery degenera-
tion of, 480
Hoose, 193
Hoove, 232
Horn, natural state of, 460
Horny tumor in the heel, 472
Horny tumor of the lamine,
471
Horse-pox, 83
Husk, 193
Hydrocele, 311
Hydrocephalus in parturition,
321
Hydrorachitis, 349
Hydrophobia, 106
Hydrothorax, 184, 182
Hypertrophy of the heart, 203
Icrerus, 281
Impacted crop, 232
Impacted large intestines, 242
Impacted third stomach, 236
Imperforate anus, 261
Impervious teat, 330
Impetigo, 360
Indigestion from cold water,
239
Indigestion in calves, foals,
etc., 239
Index.
Indigestion in horses, 240,
241, 243
Indigestion, intestinal, 241
Inflammation, 1
Inflammation, treatment of, 19
Inflammation in vascular tis-
sues, 2
Inflammation, phenomena of,
2
Inflammation, blood in, 3
Inflammation, blood-vessels in,
2
Inflammation, types of, 4
Inflammation in non-vascular
tissues, 4
Inflammation, cell-production
in, 5
Inflammation, cell-migrations
in, 5
Inflammation, exudations in, 6
Inflammation of the lungs,
180
Inflammatory new formations,
9
Influenza, 96
Injuries to the loins, 296, 419
Intercostal abscess, 185
Internal ophthalmia, 335
Intestinal catarrh from liver
disease, 275
Intestinal fever of swine, 103
Intestinal worms, 266
Intestinal worms, symptoms
of, 271
Invagination, 255
Tritis, 335
Irregular strangles, 95
Itch, 369
Ixodes, 374
Index.
JAUNDICE, 281
Jaws, open joint between, 410
Joints, diseases of, 398
Joints, eburnation in, 399
Joints, general diseases of,
385
Joints, inflammation of, 399
Joints, matter in, 400
Joints, tuberculous disease of,
400
Joints, ulceration in, 399
KERAPHYLLOCELE, 471
Kidneys, inflammation of, 297
Kidney-worm, 151
Knee, bruise on inner side of,
425
Knee-cap, fracture of, 444
Knee-cap, dislocation of, 445
Knee, dislocation of, 425
Knee, inflammation of, 424
Knee, puffs in front of, 423
Knee, sprains behind, 423
Knee, synovial swellings be-
hind, 423 ; in front of, 423
- Knee, wounds of, 423
Lazor, premature, 318
Lameness, 385
Lamine, horny tumor of, 471
Laminitis, 468
Laminitis, chronic, 470
Lampas, 218
Lard-worm of swine, 151
Large intestines, impaction of,
242
Laryngitis, 171
Lateral cartilages,
466
ossified,
509
Lathyrus sativa as causing
palsy, 177
Laxatives, 24
Lead poisoning, 353
Leptus Americana, 371
Lethargy from ergotism, 155
Leucorrhea, 323
Leukemia, 292
Lice, 376
Lime as a disinfectant, 82
Lips, cancroid of, 220
Lips, warts on, 220
Liver, atrophy of, 287
Liver, cancer of, 287
Liver, chronic inflammation
of, 286
Liver, congestion of, 283
Liver disease, general symp-
toms of, 274
Liver, fatty degeneration of,
287
Liver, fibrous degeneration of,
287
Liver, hypertrophy of, 287
Liver, inflammation of, 284
Liver, parasites of, 288
Liver-rot, 288
Liver, softening of, 287
Liver, tubercle of, 287
Lock-jaw, 342
Loins, injuries, to 296
Loins, laceration of the mus-
cles beneath the, 414
Losses from contagious dis-
eases, 32
Loss of veins, 212
Lower jaw, dislocation of, 410
Lower jaw, fracture of, 408-
Lump jaw, 131
510
Lung, apoplexy of, 186
Lung, collapse of, 416
Lungs, bleeding from, 189
Lungs, congestion of, 179,
202
Lung fever of cattle, 91
Lungs, inflammation of, 180
Lung-worms, 191
Lymph, 7
Lymph developing, 13
Lymph degenerating, 13
Lymphadenoma, 292
Lymphangitis, 213
Lymphangitis, local, 215
Lymphaties, diseases of, 213
Lymphatics, inflammation of,
213
Macrococcvs, 38
Madness in dogs, 106
Maggots, 374
Malignant anthrax, 112
Malignant anthrax, local treat-
ment of, 121
Malignant anthrax, prevention
of, 122
Malignant anthrax, treatment
of, 121
Malignant anthrax with exter-
nal swellings, 115
Malignant catarrh, 170
Malignant cholera, 102
Malignant pustule, 118
Malignant sore-throat, 117
Mallenders, 364
Malleolus, fracture of, 451
Mal-presentation, 319
Mammz, diseases of, 328
Mamma, tumors of, 331
Index.
Mamumitis, 329
Man, anthrax in, 118, 113
Man, aphthous fever in, 88
Mange, 369
Man, glanders in, 134
Man, hydrophobia in, 106
Manifolds, impacted, 236
Matter in the guttural pouch-
es, 169
Matter in the nasal sinuses,
168
Maxims, obstetric, 319
Measles (parasitic) in cattle,
150 ; in swine, 148
Medicines, action of, 488; as
affected by age, 489; as af-
fected by disease, 490; as —
affected by idiosyncrasy,
490; as affected by genus,
490, 492
Medicines, doses of, 492
Medicines, explanation
names of, 488
Medicines, form to administer,
490
Medicines, frequency of ad-
ministration of, 490
Meerims, 341
Melanosis, 366, 13
Mellituria, 276
Melophagus ovina, 375
Membrane lining the chest,
inflammation of, 182
Membrane of the abdomen, in-
flammation of, 261
Mercurial sore mouth, 217,
219
Mesenteric glands, pentasto-
ma (linguatula) in, 191
of
Index.
511
Metacarpus, periostitis of, 428 | Neck-bones, fractures of, 412
Metritis, 325
Microbes, 38
Micrococcus, 38
-Microphytes causing disease,
38, 45
Microsporion Adouinii, 368
Miliary tuberculosis, 47
Milk, bloody, 328
Milk, blue, 328
Milk, concretions from, 330
Milk fever, 326
Milking tube, 330
Milk sickness, 133
Milk, viscid, 328
Milt, diseases of, 291
Moon-blindness, 336
Moor-ill, 279
Morbid growths, 484
Mouth, inflammation of, 217
Mouth, tumors in, 220
Muco-enteritis, 249
Mucous exudations, 7
Muguet, 219
Muscles, diseases of, 404
‘Muscles, general diseases of, |
385
Muscles, inflamed, 404
Muscles, ruptures of, 404
Muzzle for crib-biting, 222
Myelitis, 347
Myelitis, enzootic, 349
Myositis, 404
Nats, pricks and binding with,
A474
Nasal catarrh, 167
Nasal sinuses, matter in, 168
Navicular disease, 463
Neck of the bladder, spasm of,
299
Necrosis, 388, 391
Necrosis, symptoms of, 389
Nephritis, 297
Nephritis, desquamative, 298
Nervous diseases, general
causes of, 339
Nervous disorder from ergot-
ism, 155
Nervous disorders from liver
disease, 275
Nervous irritation of the skin,
365
Nervous system, diseases of,
339
Neurosis of the skin, 365
Nodular swelling of the skin,
364
Non-presentation of head or
members, 320, 321
Nose, bleeding from, 167
Nose, fracture of, 409
Nose, parasites in, 190
Nose, pentastoma in, 191
Nose, tumors in, 170
Nostril, abscess of, 169
Oat-narr ealeuli, 245
Obstruction of the bowels, 255
Cistrus bovis, 374
Céstrus equi, 263
CHstrus ovis, 190
Oidium batracosis, 369
Open coffin-joint, 475
Open joint, 400, 401
Open joint, between upper and
lower jaw, 410
512
Ophthalmia, enzootic, 334
Ophthalmia, internal, 335
Ophthalmia, recurring, 336
Ophthalmia, simple, 333
Optic nerve, palsy of, 338
Orchitis, 310
Ostitis, symptoms of, 388
Ostitis, treatment of, 390
Overgrown teeth, 222
Overloaded paunch, 234
Ox-tick, 373
Ozone as a disinfectant, 79
Patate, congested, 218
Palpation, 200
Palpitation, 201
Palsy, 350
Palsy, local, 351
Palsy of the lateral half of the
body, 351
Palsy of the ear, 351
Palsy of the face, 351
Palsy of the hind limbs, 351
Palsy of the nerve of sight,
338
Pampering a cause of liver
disease, 275
Pancreas, diseases of, 291
Paralysis from ergotism, 155
Paralysis from lathyrus sati-
vus, 176
Paralysis, general, 350
Paralysis of the bladder, 300
Papules, 358
Paraphymosis, 314
Paraplegia, 351, 413
Parasites, 143
Parasites in the nose, 190
Parasites on the skin, 366
Index.
Parasites in arteries, 210, 211
Parasites in the heart, 208
Parasites in the lower air-pas-
sages, 191
Parasites in the stomach, 263
Parasitic acari, 369
Parasitic grease, 369
Parotid, inflammation of, 228
Parotitis, 228
Parrot-mouth, 221
Parturient apoplexy, 326
Parturition, assistance in, 319
Parturition, difficult, 317 ; dis-
orders following, 322
Parturition fever, 326
Parturition, premature, 315
Pastern, bony growth on the,
436
Pastern, fractures of the, 435
Pastern, sprains behind the,
438 5
Patella, dislocation of, 445
Paunch, overloaded, 234
Paunch, tympany of, 232
Pedal bone, distortions of,
476
Pedal sesamoiditis, 475
Pelvis, fractures of, 439
Penis, amputation of, 312
Penis, disease of, 311
Penis, ulcers on, 312
Pentastoma tenioides, 168, 191
Percussion, 165
Perforans, sprain of, 450
Pericarditis, 204
Periodie ophthalmia, 336
Periosteotomy, 428
Periostitis, symptoms of, 389
Periostitis, treatment of, 398
Index.
Peritonitis, 261
Pharyngeal anthrax, 117
Pharyngitis, 161
Phlebitis, 212
Phlebitis, diffuse, 212
Phosphatic caleuli, 245
Phrenitis, 346
Phymosis, 314
Physical signs of chest dis-
eases, 165
Pigmentation, 13
Pigs, lung-worm in, 196
Piles, 259
Piles from liver disease, 275
Pimples, 358
Pin-worms in arteries, 211
Pining, 139
Pityriasis, 364
Pityriasis, parasitic, 368
Plague, Russian cattle, 89
Plagues of Egypt, 33
Plagues, propagation of, 33
Plagues, to protect the system
from, 46
Plagues, immunity from, by
sree 56 ; by tonics, etc.,
57; by a first attack, 57;
by passing through an al-
_lied disease, 58 ; immunity
by a minimum inoculation,
58 ; by local caustics, 58 ; by
inoculating unimportant or-
gans, 59; in veins, 59; in
modified virus, 60; in ster-
ilized products, 64; radical
extinction of, 72
Pleurze, gas in, 184
Pleurz, inflammation of, 182
Pleurisy, 182
513
Pleurodynia, 186
Pleuro-pneumonia, 184
Pleuro-pneumonia contagiosa,
91
Plugeing the nose, 168
Plugging of arteries, 210, 212
Pneumonia, 180
Pneumothorax, 184
Podo-trochilitis, 463
Poisoning by lead, 353
Poll-evil, 411
Poll, fracture of, 409
Polypus in the vagina, 319
Polyuria, 295 -
Porcelaneous deposit, 499
Pork tape-worm, 149
Premature labor pains, 318
Presentations, abnormal, 319
Prevalence of contagious dis-
eases, 33
Pricks, 474
Profuse staling, 295
Prolapsus uteri vaginee, 324
Propagation of animal plagues,
33
Protection against a plague,
how effected, 46
Protective inoculations, 57
Proud-flesh, 28, 382
Prurigo, 365
Puffs in front of the knee,
423
Pulmonary congestion, 179
Pulmonary inflammation, 181
Pulse in disease, 199
Pulse, its characters, 198
Pumice feet, 470
Purgatives, administration of,
490
514
Purpura, 186
Purpura, hemorrhagica, 18,
67
Purulent infection, 125
Pus, 11; in globules, 11
Pustules, 360
Pustules in the heels, 362
Pyzemia, 125
QuvaprRuPeEDs, pulse in, 198
Quarter-crack, 470
Quebra bunda, 142
Quittor, 472, 479
Rasres, 106; dumb, 108 ; fu-
rious, 108; lethargic, 109 ;
paralytic, 109 :
Rabies, fallacies concerning,
108
Rat-tailed maggots, 266
Rectum, eversion of, 259
Rectum, inflammation of, 252
Recurring ophthalmia, 336
Red-water, 278
Refrigerants, 25
Regimen, 20
Remedies for inflammation,
21
Renal calculus, 305
Resolution, 8
Resolvents, 25
Respiratory organs, diseases
of, 164
Retained after-birth, 322
Retinitis, 335
Rheumatism, 157, 186
Rheumatism of the heart, 204,
206
Ribs, fractures of, 185, 415
Index.
Rickets, 393
Rinderpest, 89
Ring-bones, 486
Ringworm, 366
Ringworm, honey-comb, 367
Ripe grain, effects of, 236
Roaring, 175
Rot, 288
Roup, 174
Rupture, 256
Rupture of the heart, 207
Russian Cattle Plague, 89
SACCHARINE urine, 276
Saccular gullet, 232
Sacrum, fracture of, 414
St. Guy’s dance, 331
St. Vitus’ dance, 331
Salivary calculi, 227
Salivary fistula, 227
Salivation, 226
Sallenders, 364
’|Sand-erack, 470
Sand-like deposit in the blad-
der, 308
Sarcoptes, 369
Sarcoptes equi, 370
Seab, 369
Scabies, 369
Scald-head, 367
Sealds, 383
Scaly skin affections, 364
Scarlatina, 161
Scirrhus, 485
Scouring, 252
Seratches, 362, 364 —
Scrofulous disease of bones,
392
Scrotum, dropsy of, 311
Index.
Seedy toe, 480
Sensation, loss of, 350
Septiczemia, 127
Septic infection, 127
Serous Exudations, 6
Sesamoiditis, 432
Sesamoiditis of the foot, 463
Sesamoiditis, pedal, 475
Sesamoid ligaments, sprains
of, 433
Shank-bone, fracture of, 429
Shank-bone, inflammation of,
428
Sheath, swollen, 313
Sheath, tumors of, 311
Sheep and goats, lung-worms
in, 195
Sheep, carbuncular erysipelas
"in, 117
Sheep-pox, 84
Sheep, tape-worm in, 150
Sheep-tick, 375
Shoeing, effects of, 457
Shoeing, maxims for, 461
Shot of grease, 213
Shoulder, abscess in, 416, 420
Shoulder-joint, disease of,
419
Shoulder lameness, 416
Shoulder slip, 418
Shoulder sprain, 417
Shoulder, tumors on, 416
Siberian boil plague, 112
‘Side bones, 466, 472
Simple ophthalmia, 333
Sinuses of the head, matter
in, 168
Sitfasts, 366
Skin, congestion of, 358
515
Skin disease from buckwheat,
361
Skin disease from honey-dew,
361
Skin diseases, divisions of, 356
Skin diseases, general causes
and treatment, 357
Skin, inflammation of, 358
Skin, nervous irritation of,
365
Skin, nodular swellings of, 364
Skin, parasitic diseases of, 366
Skin, scaly affection of, 364
Slavering, 226
Sleepy staggers, 344
Slings, 398
Slobbers, 226
Softening, 14
Sole, bruises of, 473
Sole, wounds of, 475
Soles, convex, 470
Sore mouth, 217
Sore shins, 428
Sore teats, 331
Sore-throat, 171
Sore-throat, malignant, 117
Spasmodie colic, 246
Spasm of the neck of the blad-
der, 299
Spavin, blood, 453, 454
Spavin, bog, 453
Spavin, bone, 452
Spavin, occult, 452
Spaying, 315
Speedy-cut, 333
Spermatic cord, strangulated,
313
Spermatic cord, tumors on,
314
516
Spinal cord, inflammation of,
347
Spinal meningitis, 277, 347
Spleen, diseases of, 291
Spleen, enlarged from liver
disease, 275
Splenic apoplexy, 119
Splenic fever, 104, 119
Splint-bones, fracture of, 429
Splints, 427
Sprains, 405
Sprain above the knee, 423
Sprains behind the fetlock,
432
Sprains behind the pastern,
438
Sprains below the fetlock, 483
Sprain of tendon in front of
the hock, 450
Sprains of the back and loins,
413
Sprains of the back tendons,
430
Sprain of the flexor of the
hock, 447
Sprain of the hamstring, 448
Sprain of the hip, 440
Sprain of the muscles outside
the shoulder, 418
Sprain of the radial ligament,
423
Sprain of the shoulder, 417
Sprain of the suspensory liga-
ment, 431
Sprain of the tendons behind
the knee, 423
Staggers, 341
Staggers, parasitic, 144
Staggers, sleepy, 344
Index.
Stephanurus dentatus, 151
Stiff-joint, 399
Stifle, disease of, 446
Stifle, fracture into the, 444
Stocking, 362
Stomach, foreign bodies in,
244
Stomach and bowels, catarrh
of, 243 ;
Stomachs in oxen, inflamed,
238
Stomach staggers, 352
Stomatitis, 218 ; aphthous, 219
Stone in the bladder, 303
Strangles, 95
Strangulated cord, 313
Stricture of the gullet, 232
Stricture of the urethra, 302
String-halt, 455
Strongylus elongatus, 102
Strongylus filaria, 191
Strongylus micruris, 192
Strongylus rufescens, 192
Sturdy, 144
Sulphate of copper as a disin-
fectant, 82; of iron, 82; of
zine, $2
Sulphur fumes as a disinfec-
tant, 80
Sun’s rays as a cause of skin
disease, 358
Sunstroke, 354
Superfiuous limbs, 321
Supernumerary teeth, 221
Suppuration, 9
Suppuration, bacteria of, 10
Suppuration, diffuse, 11
Suppuration, circumscribed,
11
Index.
Suppuration, tendency to, in
different animals, 382
Suspensory ligament, sprain
of, 431
Sweeny, 418
Swelled legs, 362
Swelling of the sheath, 313
Swine, carbuncular erysipelas
in, 117
Swine, guttural tumors in,
117
Swine,
103
Swine, lard-worm of, 151
Swine, malignant sore-throat
in, 117
Swine, measles in, 117, 148
Swine-plague, 103
Swine-pox, 86
Syngamus trachealis, 192
Synovitis, 399
Syphon for injecting the nose,
168
intestinal fever of,
Tanta coenurus, 144
‘Teenia echinococcus, 147
Teenia expansa, 150
Tenia mediocanellata, 150
Teenia solium, 148
Teenie, 143
Tail, amputation of, 415
Tail, fracture and dislocation
of, 415
Tape-worm, embryo, 144
Tape-worm from measley pork,
149
Tape-worms, 143
Tape-worms, fertility of,
144
517
Tape-worm of sheep and cat-
tle, 150
Tape-worms, transformations
of, 144
Tar as a disinfectant, 81
Tartar on teeth, 225
Taurocholic acid, poisoning
by, 278
Teat, closure by a membrane,
330
Teat, polypus in, 330
Teats, scabs on, 331
Teat, stricture of, 238
Teat, thickening of its walls,
330
Teat-tube, 330
Teats, warts on, 331
Teeth, caries of, 223
Teeth, disease of, 168
Teeth, displaced, 222
Teeth, overgrown, 222
Teeth, supernumerary, 211
Teeth, tartar on, 225
Teeth, tumors of, 225
Teething, fever from, 225
Temperature of body, 17
Temperature in fever, 18
Tendinous sheaths, inflamed,
402
Tendons, calcification of, 406
Tendons, shortening of, 406
Tendons, thickening of, 406
Terms, explanation of, 488
Testicle, inflammation of,
310
Tetanus, 342
Texan fever, 104
Thece, inflamed, 403
Thigh-bone, fracture of, 443
518
Thigh, long muscle of, dis-
placed, 441
Thorough-pin, bandage for,
450
Thorough-pin of the hock,
450
Thorough-pin of the knee,
493
Thrush, 219, 480
Thumps, 201
Tibia, fracture of, 446
Tick of sheep, 375
Ticks, 374
Tinea decalvans, 368
Tinea favosa, 367
Tinea tonsurans, 366
Tongue, cancer of, 220
Tongue, cysts beneath the,
220
Tongue, inflamed, 219
Tongue, laceration of, 220
Tooth-like tumors under the
ear, 410
Tooth-rasp, 223
Tooth-socket, inflamed, 225
Tracheotomy, 96
Treads on the coronet, 478
«Trembles,” 133
Trembling, 349
Trichiasis, 151, 332
Trichina spiralis, 152
Trichodectes, 376
Trichophyton tonsurans, 367
Trismus, 348
Tubercle, 139
Tubercle in bone, 392
Tubercles, 364
Tuberculosis, 139, 202
Tuberculous foot-rot, 483
Index.
Tumor of bone, 388
Tumors in the mouth, 220
Tumors in the nose, 170
Tumors, malignant, 485
Tumors of teeth, 225
Tumors of the cornea, 334
Tumors of the elbow, 420
Tumors of the mamma, 331
Tumors of the sheath, 311
Tumors on the shoulder, 416
Tumors on the spermatic cord,
314
Tumors, simple, 485
Turn-sick, 144
Tympanitic colic, 241
Tympany of the rumen, 232
Tympany of the stomach in
horses, 240
Typhoid fever, 186
Typhoid fever in horses, 98
Typhus, 115
Tyroglyph, 371
Upper, congestion of, 329
Udder, inflammation of, 329
Ulceration, 14
Ulceration in joints, 399
Ulceration of bone, 388, 391
Ulceration of bone, symptoms
of, 389
Ulceration of the neck-bones,
412
Ulcers of the eye, 334
Unripe seeds, their effects,
352
Upper jaw, fracture of, 409
Urea in fever, 18
Urethra, inflammation of, 301
' Urethral calculus, 307
Index.
519
Urethra, stricture of, 302
Urethritis, 301
Urinary calculi, 303
Urinary diseases, general
causes of, 293
Urinary diseases, general
symptoms of, 293
Urinary organs, diseases of,
293
Vaerna, catarrh of, 323
Vagina, eversion of, 324
Vagina, polypus in, 319
Valves of the heart, insuffi-
ciency of, 207
Varicose veins, 213
Variola avis, 87
Variola canina, 87
Variola capree, 86
Variola equina, 83
Variola ovina, 85
Variola suilla, 86
Variola vaccina, 84
Veins, air in, 213
Veins, dilated, 213
Veins, diseases of, 211
Veins, inflammation of, 212
Veins, wounds of, 211
Venereal disease of solipeds,
137
Verminous bronchitis,
195, 196
Vertigo, 341
Vesicles, 359
Vetches, a cause of roaring,
176
Viscid milk, 328
Voluntary motion, loss of,
350
193,
Volvulus, 255
Vomiting, 243
Wanetes, 374
Warts, 366
Warts on the lips, 220
Wasting in fever, 18
Wasting from ergotism, 156
Wasting of the heart, 203
Water-brain, 144
Water in the abdomen in par-
turition, 322
Water in the chest, 182,
184 .
Water in the head in parturi-
tion, 321
Water-stones, 311
Watery blood, 162
Weed, 213
White scour, 239
Wind-broken, 188
Windgalls, 432
Wind-sucking, 221
Wolf-teeth, 221
Womb, bleeding from, 322
Womb, catarrh of, 323
Womb, eversion of, 324
Womb, indurated neck of,
318
Womb, inflammation of, 325
Womb, twisting of the neck
of, S187:
Wood-evil, 272
Wood-tar as a disinfectant,
81
Wood-balls, 245
Worms in the digestive canal,
266
| Worms, treatment of, 273
520 Index.
Wounds, 381 Wounds, punctured, 382
Wounds, bruised, 382 Wounds of the heart, 204
Wounds, healing of, in differ- | Wounds of the sole, 475
ent animals, 381 Wounds of veins, 211
Wounds, irritated, 215 Wounds, putrefying, 215
Wounds, lacerated, 382 Wrong presentations, 319
Wounds of the chest, 185, 416
Wounds, poisoned, 383 Yettows, 281
THE END.
THE
EBUNG PLAGUE
OF
CATTLE.
CONTAGIOUS PLEURO-PNEUMON Ibs:
BY
JAMES LAW,
Professor of Veterinary Medicine, Ges in Co neil Ca ee
With Illnstrations.
ITHACA:
PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR
1887.
Corrricut, 1879, By
JAMES LAW.
TrRow’s
PRINTING AND BooKBINDING COMPANY,
201-213 East 12th Street,
NEW YORK.
So. Oe they 10a
THE LUNG PLAGUE OF CATTLE.
THE BOVINE PNEUMONIC PLAGUE.—PLEURO.
PNEUMONIA CONTAGIOSA.
Nomenclature—Generally known in English veterinary
literature as Plewro-pnewmonia, this. affection has been
consequently largely misapprehended by the medical
mind. It is naturally assumed that the malady, like
other inflammations of the organs within the chest, is
caused by exposure, inclement weather, changes of cli-
mate or season, imperfect ventilation, etc., etc. There is,
however, no proof that such is the case, and hence it is
impolitic to retain a name which is misleading to the ed-
ucated mind, and conveys no definite conception to the
uneducated. Other names that have been at different
times employed are equally objectionable : Peripneumo-
nia, Peripneumonia pecorum enzovtica or epizoctica, Pert-
ymeumoma, exudativa enzodtica or contagios1, Peripneumonia
pecorum epizootica typhosa, Pleuro-pneumonia interlobularis
exudativa, Pneumonia catarrhalis gastrica asthenica, Pleu-
ritis rheumatico-exudativa. If we add the term contagious
(contagiosa) to any of these definitions we only remove >
_ the difficulty a short step, for the physician still con-
cludes that the affection is due to local or general causes,
and that if it arises in one animal under such circum-
stances, it may in one million subject to the same condi-
tions, that its general prevalence at any time or place
2 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
may be altogether due to the environment; and that the
doctrine of contagion is either founded on insufficient
data, or true only in a restricted sense and entirely sub-
sidiary to the generally acting causes. But the malady
as known to veterinarians of to-day is always and only
the result of contagion or infection, therefore we should
select a name better adapted to set forth this character
without the risk of misleading. This we have in the
Lung Plague of Cattle, the near counterpart of the Lungen-
seuche by which it has been long known in Germany.
The old term Pulmonary murrain is equally good.
The German Lungenseuche is especially apposite, the
real meaning being Lung-contagion, which conveys the
idea of transmission by contagion only.
Definition.—A. specific contagious disease peculiar to
cattle, and manifested by a long period of incubation (ten
days to three months), by a slow, insidious onset, by a low
type of fever, and by the occurrence of inflammation in
the air-passages, lungs, and their coverings, with an ex-
tensive exudation into lungs and pleure.
History.—As in the case of all genuine plagues, small-
pox, cholera, rinderpest, aphthous fever, etc., we know
nothing of the original source of the lung-fever contagium.
We know the disease only as it is introduced into a
country or herd by a diseased animal or some of its in-
fecting products. In ancient as in modern times, in the
Old World as in the New, the malady can ever be traced
in connection with the aggregation of cattle in herds
made up from different districts and countries. Aristotle,
writing three hundred and fifty years before Christ, says .
“The cattle which live in herds are subject to a malady
during which the breathing becomes hot and frequent. -
The ears droop and they cannot eat. They die rapidly,
and the lungs are found spoiled.” Here the facts that
cattle alone suffered, that large herds suffered most, that
the lungs were the seat of the diseased changes, and that
Prevalence in Holland and Britain. 5
the mortality was high, all point toward the probable ex-
istence of this plague at that remote epoch. Equally in-
definite are the reports of the ancient Greek veterinari-
ans, and still more so those of the Roman writers on
bucolics. At a later date Valentini describes a fatal lung
disease of cattle which all acknowledge to have reference
to the Lung Plague, and from this time onward the rec-
ords of the disease become more frequent and definite.
The modern history of the malady may, however, be all
summed up in this, that whenever the commissariat de-
mands of a large army led to the aggregation of cattle
from all quarters, and especially from the east of Europe,
then this and other animal plagues have gained a wide
extension.
Into Holland the Lung Plague was imported in 1833
from Prussia by a distiller, Vanderbosch in Gelderland.
In 1835 it was conveyed thence to Utrecht, thence to
South Holland, North Brabant, West Flanders, Drenthe,
Groningen, Overyssel, and finally in 1842 to Friesland.
Destruction of the sick, by order of the government, was
resorted to, and Friesland was freed from the plague un-
til 1845, when it was again introduced in cattle from
Overyssel in connection with the active traffic established
‘by the demands for the British trade. Another effort
was made to kill out the disease, but the trade had grown
to great proportions, and as often as it was crushed in
one district it re-appeared in a new locality. After 1847
the attempt was abandoned, and the malady spread with
increasing rapidity. In the last six months of 1847 there
were but 16 stables infected; in 1848 58 different out-
breaks occurred. By 1863 between 5,000 and 6,000 of the
14,000 cow-stables in Friesland had suffered from the
disease, and the annual mortality had risen from 5.25 per
thousand in 1850 to nearly 40 per thousand.
From Holland it was imported into Cork, Ireland, ir
1839 by Dutch cows sent by the British Consul at the
4 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
Hague to an Irish friend. In Ireland it met with the
most favorable conditions for its propagation, the great
mass of the young store cattle having been in the habit of
changing hands and pastures several times a year, of
passing on each occasion through public markets where
they mingled with herds from all quarters, and of being
transferred after every sale to common pastures where
the cattle of different owners are turned out together at
so much per head. (See Prof. Ferguson’s Report to The
Privy Council, 1878.) In two years the whole island was
infected, and diseased stock were being exported to the
adjacent island of Great Britain. The following year the
Free Trade Act was passed, and immediately Great Brit-
ain was deluged with a steady influx of infected cattle
from Holland, Belgium and France on the one side, and
from Ireland on the other. Since that period England
has been ravaged continually, excepting only in those
districts (the Highlands) which breed their own cattle
and never admit strange stock. The yearly losses from
this plague alone have been no less than $10,000,000 per
annum. (Gamgee).
From England the plague was carried back to the Con-
tinent, infecting at different times the more northern
countries of Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Schleswig-Hol-
stein, Oldenburg and Mecklenburg-Schwerin ; also to the
more distant lands of Long Island in 1843 and 1850, to
New Jersey in 1847, and to Australia in 1858.
From Holland it was conveyed in the systems of in-
fected cattle to the Cape of Good Hope in 1854, and to
Massachusetts in 1859.
The introduction of the disease into the more distant
countries has been so fruitful in evil results that it de-
mands to be noticed in greater detail.
Into Brooklyn, Long Island, it was introduced in 1843
in the system of a ship cow, purchased by Peter Dunn
from the captain of an English vessel. From Dunn’s
Lung Plague in Massachusetts. 5
herd it spread to others adjacent and speedily infected
the whole west end of the island, as will be noticed later
at greater length.
Into Massachusetts the plague was introduced on the
23d of July, 1859, in the bodies of four Dutch cows, im-
ported by Winthrop W. Chenery, of Belmont, near Bos-
ton. These cows were procured from Purmerend and the
Beemster, and were kept in stables for several days at
the port of Rotterdam—an infected city—before being
put on board the vessel. They were shipped April 6th,
passed forty-seven days at sea, and were ill during the
last twenty days, one of the number having been unable
to stand. On landing two were able to walk to the farm,
while the other two had to be carried in wagons. The
worst cow was killed May 31st, and the second died June
9d. The third did well till June 20th, when she was severe-
ly attacked and died in ten days. ‘The fourth recovered.
On August 20th another cow, imported in 1852, sickened
and died in a few days, and others followed in rapid suc-
cession.
In the first week of September Mr. Chenery isulated
his herd, and declined all offers to purchase, being now
convinced that he was dealing with the Bovine Lung
Plague of Europe.
Unfortunately, on June 23d he had sold three calves to
Curtis Stoddard, of North Brookfield, Worcester Co., one
of which was noticed to be sick on the way to Curtis’s
farm. Several days later Leonard Stoddard (father of
Curtis) took this calf to his farm to cure it, and kept it
in his barn with forty cattle for four days, when he re-
turned it to his son. It died August 20th. Curtis Stod-
dard lost no more until November 1st, when he sold
eleven young cattle to as many different purchasers, and
wherever these went the disease was developed. In one
case more than 200 cattle were infected by one of these
Stoddard heifers. Of the nine cattle which he retained,
seven were killed and found to be badly diseased. ~
6 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
An ox of L. Stoddard’s sickened two weeks after he had
returned the diseased calf to his son, and soon died.
Two weeks later a second was taken ill and died; then a
dozen in rapid succession. From this herd were infect-
ed those of the following: Messrs. Needham, Woodes,
Olmsted, and Huntingdon. Olmsted sold a yoke of oxen
to Doane, who lent them to assist with twenty-three yoke
of cattle in removing a building in North Brookfield.
These belonged to eleven different herds, all of which ©
were thereby infected.
This will suffice to show how the disease was dissem-
inated. In the next four years it was found in herds in
the following towns: Milton; Dorchester, Quincy, Lin-
coln, Ashby, Boxborough, Lexington, Waltham, Hing-
ham, E. Marshfield, Sherborn, Dover, Holliston, Ashland,
Natick, Northborough, Chelmsford, Dedham, and Na-
hant, and on Deer Island.
By the spring of 1860 the State had been roused to its
danger, and in April an Act was passed “to provide for
the extirpation of the disease called pleuro-pneumonia
among cattle,’ which empowered the Commissioners to
kill all cattle in herds where the disease was known or
suspected to exist. With various intervals this and suc-
ceeding commissions were kept in existence for six years,
and the last remnants of the plague having been extin-
guished, the last resigned definitely in 1866. The rec-
ords show that 1164 cattle were slaughtered by orders of
the Commissioners, in addition to others disposed of by
the Selectmen of the different towns in 1863, when the
commission was temporarily suspended. The money ©
disbursed by the State was $67,511.07, and by the in-
fected towns $10,000, making a grand total of $77,511.07,
in addition to all losses by deaths from the plague, de-
preciation, etc. Dr. H. F. Thayer, Newtown, was the
professional Commissioner who brought this work to a
successful end.
Lung Plague in the Atlantic States. 7
An importation into New Jersey in 1847 is recorded,
to check which the importer, Mr. Richardson, is said tc
to have slaughtered his whole herd, valued at $10,000,
for the good of the State. Unfortunately all New Jersey
men were not so public-spirited, and subsequent impor-
tations from New York and mayhap also from Europe
have since spread this pestilence widely over the State.
From New Jersey it spread to Pennsylvania and Dela-
‘ ware, and thence to Maryland, District of Columbia and
Virginia, in all of which it still prevails
Of the progress of the disease southward from New
York the records are somewhat imperfect, yet sufficient
to show a steady advance. Robert Jennings records its
existence in Camden and Gloucester Counties, N. J., in
1859, and its introduction into Philadelphia in 1860. It
spread to ‘The Neck” in the southern part of the coun-
ty, killing from 30 to 50 per cent. of infected herds, and
spread in 1861 into Delaware, and into Burlington Co.,
N.J. In 1868 Mr. Martin Goldsborough assured Pro-
fessor Gamgee of the extensive prevalence of the disease
in Maryland, infection having been introduced by cattle
from the Philadelphia market. The professor personally
traced the disease in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Mary-
-land, District of Columbia, and Virginia, and makes the
following assertions :
“That the Lung Plague in cattle exists on Long Isl-
and, where it has prevailed for many years; that it is
not uncommon in New Jersey; has at various times ex-
—isted in New York State ; continues to be very prevalen
in several counties of Pennsylvania, especially in Dela
ware and Bucks; has injured the farmers of Maryland,
the dairymen around Washington, D. C., and has pene-
trated into Virginia.”
He adds a table compiled by Mr. G. Reid, Ingleside
Farm, Washington, D. C., and showing that in an average
of 471 cows kept in Washington and vicinity, 198 had
8 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
died of Lung Plague since its introduction, 39 head per-
ished in 1868, and 16 in 1869 up to the date of report.
More recently illustrations of the existence of the dis-
ease in these States have been frequent, and among com-
paratively recent cases the author has been consulted
concerning a high class Jersey herd near Burlington,
N. J., in 1877, and a herd of imported Ayrshires in Staten
Island, later in the same year.
In 1878 the town of Clinton, N. J., was invaded, the ~
infection coming through a cow that had staid for some
days in New York city. This was alleged to be an Ohio
cow, but had staid long enough in New York to have
contracted the affection.
In 1847 Ayrshire cattle taken from Scotland to Den-
mark conveyed the plague into that country. The in-
fected cattle were, however, at once placed in quarantine
and the spread of the malady was prevented. Mr. R.
Fenger, whom I met at Edinburgh in 1862, stated that
there had been but three dairies attacked, all by reason
of infected cattle imported, and that all had been crush-
ed out so that for three years the kingdom had been free
from the disease.
Schleswig-Holstein has repeatedly imported the plague
by the introduction of foreign cattle, but has invariably
stamped it out by quarantining the infected places and
destroying the sick cattle. One of these importations
consisted of Ayrshire cattle brought from Scotland in 1859,
A still more serious invasion took place on the occasion
of the late Prusso-Danish war; the commissariat parks
of the invading army having been supplied from infected
districts carried the plague wherever they went, but true
to her record, on the return of peace, fhe province went
vigorously to work, drove out the pestilence, and fox
years past has been free from the infection.
in 1860 Norway was infected by a cargo of Ayrshire
cattle, imported for the Agricultural College at Aas. ‘The
Lung Plague in South Africa. 9
disease broke out three months after their arrival, and
was limited by the slaughter of all native cattle with
which the Ayrshires had come in contact, and by the
strict quarantine of the Ayrshires themselves. Since
that time Norway has remained sound.
Sweden imported the Lung Plague from England, by
cattle imported in 1847. By stringent measures of sup-
pression it was speedily exterminated, and this impunity
has since been maintained.
Oldenburg derived the disease from England through
Ayrshires imported for breeding purposes in 1858. This,
together with other invasions, she has crushed out by the
remorseless use of the pole-ax. The same remark applies
to Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Switzerland.
For the history of the introduction of this plague into
Australia see ‘‘ Infection through Pastures.” Its convey-
ance to the Cape of Good Hope was described by Rev.
Daniel Lindley, missionary to South Africa, before the
Massachusetts Legislative Committee, in 1860.
The importation took place in 1854 in the body of a
bull brought from Holland by a gentlemen of Cape Town
with the view of improving his stock. The bull was.
about two months on the passage, and had been six
weeks at the Cape before any sign of sickness appeared
in him. He died, but conveyed the disease to a great
number of cattle, and it had spread very widely before
the colonists suspected its true nature. The Cape isa
great unwooded and unfenced pasture-land, dotted with
thickets and jungles, and over this the cattle, the source
of the colonist’s wealth, are scattered in herds of from
one to five hundred head on an average. Wherever lions
and tigers have been exterminated these cattle are allowed
to roam day and night where they please; they accord-
ingly wander long distances, and herd mingles with herd
from one side of the country to the other. All the prod-
uce of the country is brought from the interior to the
1*
10 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
seaports in ox-wagons, and all imported goods are carried
inland in the same way. This describes a country ol
2,400 miles across destitute of railroads and navigable
rivers, and which is being constantly traversed from side
to side by hundreds of ox-wagons and thousands of work-
img oxen. The disease once introduced and favored by
such conditions speedily spread in every direction and
bade defiance to any attempt at suppression.
Mr. Lindley related various instances from his own
knowledge of the disease having been conveyed by ox-
teams two and three hundred miles, and of its wide ex-
tension in the new localities, and contrasted them with ex-
amples in which chief and people, warned of the ap-
proach of the pestilence, resorted to spear and shield to
exclude all traveling teams and cattle, and thereby saved
their own herds, though only a half a mile off the victims
of the plague lay unburied in great numbers.
Causes of the Disease—The known cause of the disease
may be summed up in one word, contagion. All sorts of
causes have been invoked to account for the spontaneous
appearance of the disease; but the theorists should first
assure themselves that they have seen a spontaneous case
before attempting to account for it. Delafond attributed
itto: 1. Impurity of the air in stables ; 2. Excessively rich
food; 3. Secretion of milk to excess; 4. Chills of the
skin in inclement weather, and the breathing of cold air
when suddenly taken from a warm stable; 5. Drinking
iced water; 6. Waters charged with corrupting organic
matter; 7. Overwork in summer ; 8. Hereditary predis-
position; 9. Some unknown atmospheric and telluric
conditions usually referred to as epidemic influences. The
answer to one and all these allegations is this: that these
have all prevailed to an equal extent at different times in
different parts of the world, and do so still; but no one
of them, nor all put together, can be shown to have pro-
duced this disease in any country from which cattle, and
Alleged Causes. 11
cattle products, from an infected country have been
rigidly excluded. In many cases, indeed, we find these
alleged causes operating with the greatest intensity in
isolated countries where this malady has never been
known. The cow-stables of England were far worse
ventilated at the beginning of the nineteenth century
than they are to-day; yet.this disease was unknown
in Great Britain until Dutch and Dutch-infected Irish
cattle were imported in 1842. None feed with a
more lavish hand than dairymen, yet the dairy coun-
tries of Denmark and Schleswig have only known this
disease as the result of importation, and have long
since freed themselves from the pest. The Channel Isl-
ands, which produce the richest milkers in the world,
have never known this disease, but only because all land-
ing of foreign cattle is criminal. Inclemency, variability
and extremes of the weather are above all characteristic
of the Highlands of Scotland, yet the Highlands, which
breed their own stock and suffer a large egress but no
ingress of cattle, have never been ravaged by this affec-
tion, whereas in the mild and equable Lowlands it has
decimated the herds yearly. The immunity of countries
with the rigorous climates of Norway, Sweden, Denmark,
Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and
above all our Western plains, where the cattle are often
wintered without shelter, is even more striking in this re-
spect. Iced water and corrupt malarious water are all
that the cattle can obtain in many of our Western States,
but there is no evidence that this disease has ever existed
anywhere in the West, and no danger whatever attaches
to our Western cattle until they have entered infected
localities in the East. Similar remarks may be made
of overwork and hereditary predisposition, as also of epi-
demic and telluric conditions, which are but cloaks for
ignorance, and a persistent adherence to an unfounded
idea.
12 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
The same is true of distillery feeding, of low, damp
marshy pastures, of fodder spoiled by wet, or decompo-
sition, or covered by cryptogams, of extreme changes ol
climate, etc., etc. All these are brought into play in
many of our Western States; no climatic change could
be more severe than that to which our Texan cattle are
subjected in being transferred to Nebraska or Minnesota,
yet not all of these conditions combined have ever gene-
rated de novo the germ of the Bovine Lung Plague. Had
it done so in a single instance on our unfenced cattle
ranges we must inevitably have passed through the same
experience as Australia and the Cape of Good Hope, each
infected by a single sick animal and each speedily rav-
aged throughout by this most insidious and unrelenting
pestilence.
The incontrovertible fact that we can point to no coun-
try (out of the centre of the eastern continent) in which
this disease prevails, into which we cannot also trace its
introduction in the system of an infected animal, or some
of its products, must put to silence all claims to its spon-
taneous development in those countries. This grand truth,
that the disease is only known to-day as the result of
contagion, dawned upon some of the best medical minds
of the last century. The renowned physiologist, Haller,
writing in his native Switzerland, the mountains of which
had been maligned as the source and native home of the
plague, claimed that, on the contrary, it was utterly un-
known save as the result of importation. The last quarter
of a century has sustained Haller’s representation of a
century before; the disease has been exterminated and
the herds of the Alpine and Jura mountains and valleys
freed from the pest. A list of other states which have
expelled this disease from their borders deserves to be
mentioned in this connection ; these are Norway, Sweden,
Denmark, Schleswig-Holstein, Oldenburg, and Mecklen-
burg-Schwerin in the Old World, and Massachusetts and
The One Known Cause. 13
Connecticut in the New. To the same purpose speaks
the immunity of Spain and Portugal, guarded by their
peninsular position, the bold walls of the Pyrenees, and
the entire absence of cattle-traffic; of parts of- Brittany
and Normandy, of the Channel Islands, and of the High-
lands of Scotland, that breed their own stock and nevei
import. To the same end speaks also the absence of the
disease in our Western States, and in Massachusetts
since 1864, when she crushed out the imported plague.
The disease, then, is only known as a contagious malady,
and the unhygienic conditions above referred to only
favor its propagation so far as they favor the preservation
of the morbid germ already in existence, or weaken the
animal vitality and power of resistance and lay the sub-
ject more open to disease. Faulty surroundings will
greatly favor the dissemination of the disease, but have
never been known to generate it. The primary origin of
its germ is as great a mystery as in the case of small-pox
or plague.
But for some readers this is not enough; it may be
conceded that the true Lung Plague of European cattle
is only propagated by contagion, and that in the absence
of importations of sick cattle and their products no coun-
try need fear an invasion of this disease, and yet doubts
and objections of all kinds are raised; - 1. Is the present
- lung disease of cattle in certain of our Eastern States the
genuine Lung Plague of Europe? 2. Conceding that it
is the same disease as respects its origin, has it not lost
much or all of its virulence in being transplanted to the
New World? 3. Allowing that it is at once the Lung
Plague of Europe and that its virulence is preserved on
the American Continent, is it not the case that its infec-
tion can only be propagated by the direct contact of the
sick with the healthy cattle, while the transmission of the
virus through any intervening medium renders it inope-
rative ?
2
14 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
1. Was the New York disease imported ?
(a) From different old residents (including Wm. Ged.
des, of Brooklyn, and Hugh T. Meakim, of Flushing)
who were in the milk business in Brooklyn at the time of
the importation the following facts have been obtained.
The first diseased cow was introduced from England
on the ship “ Washington,” in 1843, and was purchased
by Peter Dunn, a milkman, who kept his cows in a sta-
ble near South Ferry. This cow soon sickened and died,
and infected the rest of his cows. From this the disease
was speedily conveyed into the great distillery stables of
John D. Minton,. at the foot of Fourth street, and into the
Skillman street stables, Brooklyn, through which my in-
formant, Fletcher, showed the Massachusetts Commis-
sion in 1862. In this long period of nineteen years the
plague had prevailed uninterruptedly in these Skillman
street stables, and the Commission reported that they
“found some’sick with the acute disease,” and having
killed and examined one in the last stages of the affec-
tion, stated that it “showed a typical case of the same
malady which existed in Massachusetts.”
As dealers found it profitable to purchase cheap cows
out of infected herds and retail them at a sound price,
the malady was soon spread over Brooklyn and New
York city. One or. two cases will enable us to trace one
unbroken chain of infection down to the present time.
(6) In 1849 Wm. Meakim, of Bushwick, L. 1, kept a
large dairy, and employed a man with a yoke of oxen in
drawing grains from the New York and Brooklyn distiil-
eries. A milkman on the way who had lung fever in his
heard, persuaded the man to use his oxen in drawing a
dead cow out of his stable. Soon after the oxen sicken-
ed and died; and the disease extending to his dairy cows,
Mr. Meakim lost forty head in the short space of three
months. The stables having thus become infected, Mr.
M. continued to lose from six to ten cows yearly for the
Never Spontaneous in America. 15
succeeding twenty years, or as long as he kept in the
milk business. This, which is but one instance out of
a hundred, covers fifteen years of the plague in the Skill-
man stables and brings the record down to 1869. It will
be observed that this was the first occurrence of any such
sickness in Mr. Meakim’s herd; it commenced, not in the
cows cooped up in hot buildings and heavily fed on swill,
but in the oxen that were almost constantly in the open
air, but which had been brought in contact with a dead
and infected cow; the infection of the cows followed, and
for twenty long years no fresh cow could be brought into
these stables with impunity.
(c) Dr. Bathgate, Fordham Avenue and 171st st., New
York, informs us that twenty years ago (1859) his father
kept a herd of Jerseys, which contracted the disease by
exposure to sick animals, and that all efforts to get rid of
it failed, until when, several years later, the barns were
burned down. The devouring element secured what the
skill of the owner had failed to accomplish—a thorough
disinfection.
For some time so prevalent was the disease that Dr.
Bathgate did not dare to turn his cattle out in the fields
lest they should be infected by contact with cattle over
the fence. Since the period of the infection of his own
herd, he knows that the pestilence has been constantly
prevalent in many of the dairies around him. This
bridges over the time from the Skillman street and HLee
im cases down to the present day.
(d) Twenty years ago (1859) Mr. Benjamin Albertson,
Queens, Queens Co., L. I, purchased four cows out of
Herkimer County herd which had got belated and had
been kept over night in a stable in Sixth street, New
York, where the cattle market then was. These cows
sickened with lung fever, and infected his large herd of
100 head, 25 of which died in rapid succession, and 19
more slowly. He was left with but 60 head out of a herd,
16 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
oe
after purchase of the four, of 104 animals, and honorably
declined to sell the survivors at high prices to his unsus-
pecting neighbors, but sold a number at half price toa
Brooklyn milkman, who already had the disease in his
herd, and knew all the circumstances.
(ct) Twelve years ago (1867) Lawrence Ansert, Broad-
way and Ridge st., Astoria, bought of a dealer two cows
which soon after sickened and died, and infected the re-
mainder of his herd of 18. Hight of them died of the
disease, and he fattened and killed the remaining ten,
and began anew with fresh premises and stock. He has
lost none since.
(f) The next case, like the last, affords a most instruct-
ive contrast to the first two, as showing how the disease
may be permanently eradicated by proper seclusion. In
1872, Frank Devine, of Old Farm House Hotel, West
Chester, purchased from a dealer a cow which soon sick-
ened and died. The disease extended to the rest of his
herd, and in seven months he lost thirty-six cows He
appreciated the danger of contagion, and began again
with new stock, keeping them rigidly apart from the in-
fected beasts and premises, and from that time onward
avoided all dealers and bred his own stock, with the
happy result that in the last six years he has not had a
single case of lung fever in his herd.
These are but examples of what has been happening
ull over the infected district for the last thirty-six
years.
2. Has the Affection become less virulent in America ?
The above mentioned cases may be referred to as a
partial answer to this question, yet it will be more satis-
factory to adduce some more recent cases as showing that
the lapse of time has not modified the virulence of the
contagion.
(a) The Blissville distillery stables are alleged to have
contained 800 to 900 cattle when visited late in January,
|
Virulence in America.
1879, by Professors Liantard and McHachran, whereas,
on the occasion of my first visit, February 10th, there
were only between 600 and 700, and up to the time they
were quarantined, some days later, a large number had
been culled out and slaughtered in anticipation of State
interference. Of those that remained 64 were found so
badly diseased that they were killed and sent to the offal
dock, while from 100 to 150 showing slight symptoms,
were sold for beef. Here we have one-tenth of a large
herd severely attacked, and if we add those that were
picked out by the owners in anticipation of quarantine,
and the infected animals disposed of for beef, there is
considerably over a third of the whole that were under
the influence of the disease.
(6) In the course of last year (1878), William Post,
Old Westbury, Queens Co., L. I, bought a cow out of a
passing herd that had been brought by Levy, a dealer,
from Brooklyn stables. She infected his whole herd and
his brother’s to such an extent that they had to slaughter
both herds, and, after a time, begin anew with fresh stock.
From that time, as before, they have kept sound.
(c) Mrs. Murphy, Brooklyn, last year bought a cow
from McCabe, a New York dealer, which infected all of
her herd, so that she had to slaughter the whole, and has
given up the milk business.
(d) In January, 1879, Mr. Judson, Watertown, Conn.
(and Gramercy Park Hotel, New York), bought two cows
of Hecht, a New York dealer. They took ill soon after,
and infected his original herd of ten. All were placed in
quarantine by the Connecticut authorities, but were
smuggled off by Hecht (who had purchased them at a
ridiculously low figure), and shipped to New York, where
they were slaughtered by order of the authorities. This
is a case of the introduction of disease into a hitherto
sound locality and State, and has therefore a special sig-
nificance
18 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
(ec) Mrs. Kelly, Hazleton, Jamaica, L. IL, bought a cow
from a Williamsburegh dealer named Brown, in the latter
part of 1878. This cow sickened and died, and fatally
infected the remaining three cows of her herd, so that
she is now without any, and has resigned the milk busi-
ness.
(f) Mr. Wheelock, Roslyn, L. L, late in 1878 bought
two cows from a New York dealer. They sickened soon ©
after, infected the rest of his herd, and six were lost be-
fore the plague could be stayed.
(g) Mr. Kenyon, Roslyn, was so satisfied it was not the
lung fever that he purchased two of Mr. W.’s cows. One
of these sickened and died, and infected several others
of his herd, one of which had to be destroyed by order of
the State authorities.
(hk) Mr. Gilbert Miller, Cantito, Westchester Co., in
July, 1878, took in a Jersey cow sent from Motthaven as
a present to his son-in-law. Three months later his herd
was. generally infected, and the Jersey cow and two
others died.
(i) The herd of M.’s sister-in-law, Mrs. Robertsun,
which was kept across the street, sickened in October,
and, up to the time of my visit, early in March, five out
of twelve had died.
(7) Mr. Collins, of 50th street, New York, had a Jersey
cow which suffered, in August, 1878, from some disease
of the lungs that was denied to be the lung fever by the
veterinarian who attended her. On September 20th her
calf was sent to Solomon Mead, Greenwich, Conn., who
had agreed to keep it two years. The calf died two
weeks after arrival, and infected ten of his herd, five of
which had died, and five were recovering at the period of
my visit (March 21). The herd at that time numbered
thirteen.
(k) Mr. Griffin, Greenwich, Conn., occupied a farm
alongside Mr. Mead’s, and had his herd infected by a
Virulence in America. 1S
cow which broke out of Mead’s herd and got, for a very
short time, into his (Griffin’s). At the time of my visit
Mr. G. had lost one, and had two in course of apparent
recovery. As he was just over the Connecticut line, and
out of the jurisdiction of New York, the sick had to be
left, and the result has been that a number of his remain-
ing herd of twenty-six have been infected and have died
since.
(7) Mr. Carr, 146th street, New York, had a cow sent
on trial, last February, by Geissmann, a Yorkville dealer.
She stood but one night in his stables; was removed
next day because she looked bad, and another cow sent
in her place. Three out of the five remaining cows con-
tracted the lung fever, and, when slaughtered by the
State authorities, May 12th, showed most extensive dis-
ease of the lungs. Since that time the whole herd has
been slaughtered.
(m) Mr. Tone, 114th street, New York, purchased a
cow of Kramer, a New York dealer, early in October,
1878. She took ill and finally died in February, 1879.
At the time of our visit, May 14th, two other of his cows
‘were suffering from the lung plague in a chronic form,
and their destruction had to be ordered for the protec-
tion of the herd.
_ (n) About January Ast, 1879, Isaac Billard, dealer, of
Cutchogue, L. I., took a drove of 112 calves and year-
lings from the infected sheep-house, 60th street, New York
eity, to which we have traced a number of outbreaks. He
sent them by cars to Bridgehampton, and sold them to
farmers in the towns of Southampton and Easthampton.
In April a floating rumor of disease in these towns
reached us; but, on inquiry, its correctness was denied,
and it was only later that definite information could be
obtained. May 6th to 8th I visited these towns, in com-
pany with another member of the Veterinary Staff, and
condemned and ordered to be slaughtered 16 head out
20 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
of 6 herds into which calves of the Billard drove had
been taken. Taking the first herd visited as an illustra-
tive case: John EH. White, of Sagg, bought of Billard
one bull calf, which sickened soon after, but apparently
recovered, or, rather, as is too often the case, the disease
subsided into a chronic form. This strange calf infected
13 more of his herd, 5 of which had died before our ar-
rival, while 9, including the bull calf, were destroyed and
paid for by the State. In this case 6 of the condemned
animals were supposed by their owner and his neighbors
to be in good health, and it was only when they had been
destroyed, and the extensive diseased changes in the
lungs had been shown, that they became conyinced that
a serious blunder had not been committed. This is an
every-day experience with us, and illustrates how the
disease is spread by cattle which an ordinary observer
would consider to be perfectly sound.
Since that date more of Mr. White’s herd have con-
tracted the disease, and he is now left with but 13 out of
his original stock of 30 cattle.
Outbreaks took place in no less than ten different herds
into which calves from the same drove were taken, and
but for the energetic measures adopted in stamping out
the disease, the losses in Suffolk County must have proy-
ed most extensive.
Mrs. Erath, 73d street, New York, bought a cow from
Seaver, a dealer, who then kept his cows in the infected
sheep-house, 60th street. This cow sickened on Febru-
ary L5th, and notwithstanding active suppressive meas-
ures, five out of her remaining herd of nine were lost be«
fore the plague was stayed.
Patrick McCabe, 72d street, New York, had five cows
in 1871. He bought a fresh cow of a dealer named Mc-
Donald, which sickened six weeks later, and infected his
cows, all of which perished. He bought four new cows,
but he lost the whole in two months. Then he gota
Virulence in America. 21
fresh stable and new cows, which have kept sound until
the present year. One fresh cow, bought this year, suf-
fered, but was carefully kept apart until ‘disposed of by
the State inspectors.
Joseph Schwab, 149th street and Southern Boulevard,
seven years ago, bought of a dealer a cow said to have
come from New Rochelle. She sickened and infected his
herd, of which he lost twenty-three in a few months.
Seven of the herd recovered. A year later he again be-
gan to buy, but only from sound herds, and since that
time has escaped, until recently when an infected calf
was taken in from a dealer.
Udell Cohen, 14th street, New York, kept 14 cows, and
in March, 1879, bought 3 of Jacob Strauss, a dealer.
One of them was sick from the first, but after a few
weeks improved. Then two others sickened and died.
In June 5 others sickened and the whole were sold to a
butcher. Cohen moved to New Jersey and started anew.
Cases like these ought to convince all that this disease
is eminently and most dangerously contagious. No one
who has studied the plague in Hurope can truthfully
claim that it is less infectious here than in the old world.
What misleads many is, that during the cooler season
many of the cases assume a subacute type, and others
subside into a chronic form with a mass of infecting
material (dead lung) encysted in the chest, but unat-
tended by acute symptoms. But this feature of the dis-
ease renders it incomparably more insidious and danger-
ous than in countries where the symptoms are so much
more severe, that even the owners are roused at once to
measures of prevention. In moderating the violence of
its action, the disease does not part with its infecting
qualities, but only diffuses them the more subtilely in
proportion as its true nature is liable to be overlooked.
A main reason why unobservant people fail at first sight
to see that the lung fever is contagious is, that the seeds
ox
22 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
of the disease lie so long dormant in the system. A
beast purchased in October passes a bad winter, and dies
in February, after having infected several others. She
has had a long period of incubation, and when the disease
supervenes actively, she has passed through a chronic
form of illness, so that when others sicken people fail
to connect the new cases with the infected purchase.
Then, again, in an ordinary herd of 10 or 20 head, the
deaths do not follow in rapid succession, but at intervals
of a fortnight, a month, or even more, and those unac-
quainted with the nature of the disease suppose that it
cannot be infectious, or all would be prostrated at once.
Pertinent to this point are the following remarks ex-
tracted from a letter of the author which appeared in the
New York Tribune, March 12th, 1879:
“mH DISEASE NEVER ARISES IN THIS COUNTRY BUT AS THE
RESULT OF CONTAGION.
“That this malady is contagious is shown every day
in the course of our work. Wherever we find it existing
in a herd we obtain a history of a recent purchase, or of
some other form of exposure by which the herd has
been infected. To give illustrations would be to record
the whole history of our course in stamping it out so
far. But this is not enough. The disease is not only
contagious, but in this country it is only propagated by
contagion. ‘Throughout the immemorial ages of this,
the oldest of continents, the herds of buffalos roaming |
over its plains never contracted this affection. Yet buf-
falos are susceptible to this disease, as well as our domes-
ticated cattle. And if the buffalos on the unfenced plains
had once developed the malady it would have remained
as a permanent plague, as it has throughout all historic
periods in the open steppes of Hastern Europe and Asia,
since 1854 in Southern Africa, and since 1859 in the wide
stock ranges of Australia. During the long period that
has elapsed since the colonization of America the cattle
have been subjected to all the conditions of life that have
beset them since; but until 1848, when an infected cow
Contagion the One Known Cause. 23
was imported into Brooklyn, the malady was unknown
Since that date it has never at any time been absent from
Brooklyn and Long Island.
“On the contrary, Massachusetts, which imported this
animal plague in 1859, set herself vigorously to the work
of exterminating it. In the next five years she killed and
paid for over 1,000 cattle, but in so doing she killed the
contagion, and since 1865 has not known this disease.
Cattle have lived in innumerable herds in the Western
States, subjected to all possible privations and to the
ereatest trials in the way of travel, crowding, filth and
starvation, but on no occasion has this lung plague been
developed, and to-day I believe the cattle of those States
are as sound as are the buffalos of the plains. In Kurope
- this plague always extends on the occasion of any great
war, and devastates the countries through which the
armies pass, but only because the commissariat parks are
supplied from infected districts. During the late Ameri-
can war our commissariat herds were subjected to as
great privations, with the additional. drawback of the
absence of the smooth-paved roads of the Old World,
but the plague never broke out in those herds nor ray-
aged the States where the armies were operating. The
explanation is that the cattle supplies were drawn from
uninfected regions, and in the absence of the specific
imported disease-germ no abuse was capable of produc-
ing itin America. The swill-milk stables of the West
are as much: crowded, as filthy and as ill-ventilated as
those of New York and New Jersey. But the swill-
stables of the West never produce this disease, while
those of the seaboard into which the germ has been in-
troduced are ravaged to a ruinous extent. If more proof
is wanted of the purely contagious nature of the malady,
it is to be found in the entire absence of the plague from
the Highlands of Scotland, the Channel Islands, Brit-
tany, much of Normandy, Spain, Portugal, Norway and
Sweden. These places breed their own stock and rarely
or never import strange cattle, therefore this poison ex-
otic to their soil has never gained a foothold. Norway
and Sweden have, indeed, imported the plague, but
speedily expelled it by the only effectual method of ex-
terminating the poison. The same is true of a numben
24 The Lung Plague of Cattie.
of other European nations, as well as Massachusetts and
Connecticut. The remark is as true to-day of Western
Europe and America as it was a century ago when made
by the immortal Haller of his own native Switzerland,
that the disease never appears but as the result of the intro-
duction into a country or district of an animal from an in-
fected place.”
CaN THE Bovine Luna PLAGUE BE TRANSMITTED BY
MEDIATE ContTAGION ?
This question will be best answered by adducing a few
instances of the infection of animals otherwise than by
immediate contact. These will be arranged under dif-
ferent headings according to the channel through which
the contagion was conveyed. eee
A. Contagion through the Atmosphere.-—Some years ago,
the hypothesis was advanced in England that this
disease could not be conveyed from animal to animal
by mediate contagion, but that, in order to its transmis-
sion, the sick animal must be brought into direct con-
tact with the healthy. It is difficult to see how such
an absolute claim can be advanced in the face of the
every-day observation that, when a sick animal is intro-
duced into one end of a stable, the plague often skips
many intervening ones to strike down a beast near the
farthest end of the building. In such a case the air is
the medium through which the virus is carried, and the
contagion is unquestionably mediate.
The experiments conducted at the Brown Institution,
in September, 1876, March, 1877, and August, 1878, in
which healthy cattle were exposed to the emanations from
diseased lungs without any ill result, are quoted as dis-
proving contagion through the air. But one or several
failures to convey a disease 1s no proof that the disease in
question is not contagious. I might quote the example
of the enthusiastic non-contagionists who clothed them
selves with the linen fresh from the bodies of choler:
Contagion Through Attendants. 25
patients, lay with them in the same beds, and even drank
their blood with impunity. The results did not prove
that cholera was non-virulent, but only that they did not
furnish the conditions necessary to induce contagion.
We now know that if they had experimented with the
bowel dejections of cholera patients cholera would have
been produced, in all susceptible subjects, on given days
after their passage.
It seems highly probable that a flaw no less serious
entered into the experiments conducted at the Brown In-
stitution. If the emanations from the lungs of a sick
animal can infect a healthy cow at the farther end of a
long stable, there seems no good reason to conclude that
the fresh lungs, warm from the sick beast, cannot give
off emanations virulent to any susceptible animal. This
question of the susceptibility of the healthy animals exposed
is the first that suggests itself; and in the report of
the experiments in question there is not a hint that
this susceptibility had been tested. Had the animals
that resisted exposure to the diseased lungs been after-
wards infected by contact with sick cattle, the claim that
the lungs could not convey the disease after their removal
from the body would have been rendered much more
plausible. At present, the thousand cases of the convey-
ance of the virus through the air of a stable must be held
as more authoritative than the three negative results
from the diseased lungs at Brown Institution.
B. Contagion by Pulmonary Exudation Introduced into
the Nose.—Prof. Baldwin, of Glasnevin, informs me that,
many years ago, he soaked a sponge in the liquid from a
diseased lung and stuffed it into the nostril of a sound
animal, which, in due time, showed all the symptoms of
the lung fever.
C. Contagion Carried by Attendants.—As this has been
warmly debated on the other side of the Atlantic, I shall
record three cases which ought of themselves to settle
the question.
26 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
1. In the winter of 1847-8 infected oxen were unwit-
tingly purchased to be fed on the farm of Piteox, East
Lothian, Scotland. The disease spread through the
whole herd, causing most extensive losses. The cattle-
man on the farm was the son of the steward on the neigh-
boring farm of Pleasants. The buildings and feeding-
courts on the one farm were about a mile and a half
apart from those on the other, and at the season named
the cattle on the two places were closely confined in their
respective yards. The man attending the sick cattle on
Pilcox paid a weekly Sunday visit to his parents at The »
Pleasants, and never failed on such occasions to go in to
see how his father’s cow was doing. In the course of a
few weeks the father’s cow contracted the plague, and
from her the malady spread to all the cattle on the farm,
entailing heavy losses on the owner.
Here the cow first attacked on The Pleasants was not
an animal that had been recently introduced, for her owner
had been steward under the former tenant several years
before and had staid on under the new tenant, keeping
the same cow throughout. A bull was kept on the farm,
so that his cow was never taken from the premises.
There was no plague in the district prior to the outbreak
at Pitcox. The new tenant’s own cows had never been
sick, had all been a year or more in the place before the
plague broke out, and were kept in a stable at the oppo-
site side of the farm buildings, and about fifty paces from
where the steward’s cow stood in a stable alone. Infec-
tion from that seurce was, therefore, out of the question.
Finally the feeding bullocks on The Pleasants were black
West Highland cattle, from a race and locality in which
this disease had never prevailed; they came on the place
in sound health, and remained more than long enough,
before contracting the disease, to have developed the
symptoms of it had they brought the germs in their sys-
tems; they maintained excellent health until weeks after
Contagion Through Visitors 27
the steward’s cow had been attacked, and finally they, as
well as the farmer’s cows, almost without exception con-
tracted the plague, showing clearly that they had not
acquired that immunity which comes from a previous
attack of this affection. The facts recorded are vouched
for by the author, who was resident on The Pleasants at
the time and personally watched the developments.
These facts will warrant but one conclusion, viz.: that
the infection was carried by the steward’s son who was
in daily attendance on the sick cattle at Pitcox, and
weekly visited his father’s cow at The Pleasants.
2. William Walker of Quincy, Mass., was present at
Squantum when cattle suffering from Lung Plague were
slaughtered there by order of the Commissioners. He
closely examined portions of the diseased lungs and
walked through the blood of the slain animals. He then
rode home a mile and a half, went to his barn and fed
his cattle. These in due time developed the disease.
He sold two of his cattle to EH. B. Taylor, and of his herd
of 21 all but three fell victims to the pestilence. (See
Report of Cattle Commissioners of Massachusetts for
1863).
3. In February, 1879, when we began the sfamping-out
of the plague on Long Island, a gentleman of the name
of Ditmas Jewel took a great interest in the welfare of
the suffering milkmen, and visited one or more of the
worst-infected stables daily. He owned one favorite
family cow, a Jersey, which was kept alone in a private
stable, separated by ample grounds from all adjacent
herds. She was never removed from these premises, nor
were other cattle admitted, yet, towards the end of March,
' she sickened, and soon perished, presenting the most
characteristic lung-plague lesions.
These cases are conclusive, as in no one instance was
there any possibility of direct contact with sick animals,
while in all there was the mediate contact through the per-
sons and clothes of the visitors.
28 The Lung Plague of Caitile.
D. Contagion through the Infected Buildings.—This form
of contagion is so exceedingly common that an apology
would be needed for referring to it were it not for the
hardihood of some in denying all mediate contagion. Dis-
tillery stables, where the cattle of many owners mingle,
soon become infected in infected localities, and from that
time onward they remain infecting, though all sick ani-
mals are excluded. Dealers’ stables suffer in a similar
way ; and thus, after a dealer has kept an infected animal
in his place, he continues for months or years to dissemi-
nate cattle that infect others, though it may be impossible
to find a sick beast on his premises at any time in the in-
terval. One or two cases may, however, be particularized :
John Miller, Farmingdale, L. I, traded with a
Brooklyn dealer, January 1st, 1879, for a cow, which, soon
after, fell ill and died. He shortly after purchased an-
other cow, and placed her in the same stable, but she
also sickened and died. After this, he placed a calf in
the stable, but this also perished; and at present the
stable remains unoccupied.
Mrs. P. Gregory, 12th street, Brooklyn, had two cows
and one calf in her stable in the end of February, 1879.
When visited, one cow was very sick, and both were
destroyed, the stable being afterwards washed with dis-
infectant liquids. The calf was disposed of for veal.
Two months later, Mrs. G. purchased a new cow from a
man who had kept her as a family cow for some years,
and put her in the same stable in which the first had
stood. Ten days after, she showed symptoms of disease,
and, when slaughtered, showed the characteristic lesions
of lung fever.
Mr. Addick, Sunnyside, near Dutchkills, L. L., kept on ©
an average 22 cows, and for two years has lost heavily.
Karly in the present year he left the place, and the stable
was let to Patrick Hollihan, who bought in fresh cows,
Some of these he got May Ist of J. & J. Wheeler, dealers
Contagion Through Infected Buildings. 29
and some July 3d of Patrick McCabe, dealer. In both
eases the fresh cows came from the country and went to
the stables, with our permits, furnished after examination.
Aug. 19th four cows were found to have the lung plague
and were slaughtered.
Patrick Greene, West Farms, New York Co., took his
present place in April, and stocked it with 32 fresh cows. *
About May Ist sickness appeared in his herd and then
for the first time he learned that his predecessor had
lost heavily during the past year. In company with Dr.
Hopkins [ visited his place May 14th and found seven
sick cattle, which were accordingly slaughtered. On two
subsequent occasions, four more diseased cows had to be
disposed of, in spite of the fact that the buildings had
been disinfected with chloride of lime and carbolic acid.
' Fumigation of buildings and animals twice daily with
the smoke of burning sulphur was now enjoined, and up
to the time of writing (three months) no new case has
appeared.
Messrs. Niedlinger, Schmidt & Co., brewers, 406 E.
27th Street, New York, had a cow die a year ago (August
1878) with symptoms implying lung plague. Another
was put in the same stable three months later, has done
poorly since, and Aug. 18th was found to have lung
plague, and sacrificed accordingly.
EK. Infection through the Manure.—Mrs. Power, Franklyn
Avenue, Brooklyn, kept 8 cows, and had made no purchase
since the autumn of 1878. On March 26th one of her
cows was found to be affected with lung fever, and was
killed in consequence. The only appreciable source of
contagion was the manure, which had been drawn from
infected city stables, and spread on a lot where these
cows were turned out on fine days for exercise. In spite
of the plowing under of the manure as soon as the frost
would allow, three more of her cattle have sickened, and
had to be killed May 12th. As further evidence of the con-
3*
30 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
tagious nature of the affection in this case, Mr. K., her
neighbor, who had visited and handled her first sick cow,
has since lost one out of his herd of eleven, with unequiv-
ocal symptoms and lesions.
F. Contagion through Infected Pastures.—It is to an ex-
ample of this medium of contagion that Australia owes
her present bovine lung pestilence. In 1859 a short-horn
cow was imported by Mr. Boodle from England into Mel-
bourne, and was found to be affected with the lung plague.
All of Mr. Boodle’s cattle were killed and paid for by pri-
vate subscription; his farm was then quarantined,
and the colonists fondly hoped that the danger had been
averted. It happened, however, that a teamster who
worked his ox-teams on the streets during the day, turned
them into these proscribed pastures at night under cover
of the darkness, and when later these animals perished, -
they had already infected large numbers belonging to dif-
ferent herds and districts. What was thus begun by the
cupidity of the teamster, was repeated again and again in
quick succession, and on every side, for the herds of dif-
ferent owners roamed at large on the unfenced pastures,
the healthy grazed where the sick and infected had pre-
ceded them, and soon the greater part of that immense
island-continent lay in the grasp of the relentless pest.
This method is a fruitful source of infection around our
cities and villages. The cattle of different owners are
turned out in summer on the commons and unbuilt lots
of the city and suburbs, and even if herded by an attend-
ant or staked on a given spot, they go in successive days
on places where infected stock have been before them,
and inhale the deadly contagium, from which the owner
thinks he has been carefully guarding them.
Wherever the practice of pasturing the cattle of differ-
ent owners on unfenced lots is allowed, the work of ex-
terminating the disease is most seriously retarded, if not
rendered altogether futile, the expense to the State is in-
Mediate Contagion. 31
— —_—_
definitely enhanced and prolonged, and the hope of any
future riddance of the pestilence is rendered extremely
problematical.
G. Contagion through Pasture or Fodder.—An instance
which came under the author’s observation in Kast
Lothian, Scotland, in the years from 1856 to 1862 was
nearly allied to the above. On the Beil estate the deer-
park was not fully stocked with game, and the right of
pasturage for a certain number of cattle was let yearly.
Prior to the date mentioned cattle affected with the
plague had been placed in this field, and after this the
affection developed year after year in the herds there
turned out. That the infection came from the field was
unquestionable, as the stock turned out on the deer-park
were often from farms near by, where they had been kept
all winter and where there had not been a trace of the
disease for years. As the park was vacated by all but
the deer and sheep for four or five months of the year, it
is hardly credible that the contagium survived in the soil
for that length of time through all the changes of a Brit-
ish winter, and it seems more reasonable to conclude that
it had been covered up under great accumulations of
dried leaves, or in hay stored for the use of the
animals.
Tn conclusion it is well to add that this denial of medi-
ate contagion is sustained by but very few living veterinari-
ans, who cling to this as others still obstinately claim the
absence of all contagion whatever, direct or indirect.
But the best authorities, including Delafond, Bouley
Reynal, Gerlach, Roloff, Rychner, Roll, Lafosse, Flem
ing, etc., etc., advance the doctrine of mediate conta-
gion as amply proved and indisputable. Rychuer says,
“The affection breeds a disease-germ—a contagion of a
volatile nature. That it attacks the cow that stands in
an uncleansed, infected stable, the many proofs of its con-
veyance through men, and through horses that have
32 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
stood in stables as mates with cattle, its constant exten-
sion in a stable or in a herd, and finally its sure arrest
by the seclusion of stables and localities afford the most
conclusive evidence of this.” (Bojatrik.) Roll says,
* Contamination occurs from the contact of sound animals
with the sick on roads, pastures, in stables, through the
medium of food, of straw that has been breathed upon
and soiled by infected beasts, by the utensils that have
been used for the latter and by the persons who have
attended them.” (Pathologie und Therapie.) Fleming
says, “Healthy cattle have been contaminated after
being lodged in stables that were occupied by diseased
ones three or four months previously. Hay soiled by
sick cattle has induced the disease after a longer period ;
and pastures grazed upon three months before have in-
fected healthy stock. The flesh of diseased animals has
also conveyed the malady; and itis recorded that the
contagion from cattle buried in the ground infected others
fifty or sixty feet distant.” (Veterinary Sanitary Sci-
ence. )
VITALITY OF THE VIRUS.
There is much difference of opinion with regard to the
power of the virus to resist ordinary destructive influ-
ences. In many cases the free exposure of an infected
place for three or four months to the action of the air
has purified it so that fresh stock have been introduced
with impunity. On the other hand, instances can be ad-
duced in which cattle have been infected by being placed
in stables in which sick cattle had been kept at least four
months previously. Other things being equal, it will be
preserved longest where it has been dried up and covered
from the free access of the air. Thus, in very dry and
close buildings, in those having rotten wood-work, or
deep dust-filled cracks in the masonry, and in those with
a closed space beneath a wooden floor, it clings with the
Vitality of the Virus. 33
greatest tenacity. Again, when the buildings contain
piles of lumber, litter, hay, fodder or clothing, the virus
is covered up, secreted and preserved for a much longer
time than if left quite empty. In these last it is pre-
served just as itis in woolen or other textile fabrics and
carried from place to place by human beings.
As carried through the air the distance at which the
virus retains its infecting properties varies much with
varying conditions. The author has seen a sick herd
separated from a healthy one by not more than fifteen
yards and a moderately close board fence of seven feet
high, and in the absence of all intercommunication of
attendants, the exposed herd kept perfectly sound for six
months in succession. On the other hand, infection will
sometimes take place at a much greater distance without
any known means of conveyance on solid objects. Roll
quotes 50 to 100 feet, while others claim to have seen
infection at a distance of 200 and 300 feet. But it may well
be questioned whether in such cases the virus had not
been dried up on light objects, like feathers, paper, straw
or hay, which could be borne on the wind. This,
from being in thicker layers, would escape the destruc-
tion that would have befallen it had it been carried in
_ the air only as invisible particles.
How does the Infection enter the System?
The seat of the disease, its progress, and the results of
all attempts at inoculation favor the presumption that
the virus is usually taken in with the air breathed. Not
only are the lesions concentrated in the lungs, but they
begin with cloudiness and swelling of the smaller air
tubes and surrounding connective tissues. The exuda-
tion into the interlobular tissue, the congestion of the
lung tissue itself, and the implication of the lung cover-
ing, are secondary phenomena. In other words, the dis-
ease begins where the inspired air must lodge the germs.
‘hus the inoculation of the virulent lung products on dis-
34 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
tant parts of the body of a sound beast rarely determines
the characteristic lesions in the lungs, in place of which
it induces in the seat of inoculation an exudation, less
abundant, as might be expected from the greater density
and resistance of the integument, but which can, like the
morbid lung products, be inoculated on sound animals
with protective effect. It seems probable that the poison
is multiplied in both cases, but that the special loose and
susceptible texture of the lung renders its production in-
comparably more abundant, as the continuous ingress
and egress of air through the diseased organ renders it
inmeasurably more infecting.
How Long is a Diseased Animal Infecting ?
Proof is wanting as to the infecting nature of the dis-
ease during the incubation stage. If negative evidence
were of any value in a case of this kind it would be easy
to adduce cases in which the removal of an animal as
soon as it showed symptons of the plague had apparently
saved the rest of the herd. In other cases the malady
has been eradicated from a herd by careful watching and
the prompt removal of every animal as soon as sickness
appeared. The period of greatest virulence is that at
which the fever runs highest and when the lung is being
loaded with the morbid exudation.
But it must not be inferred that with the subsidence of
the fever the danger is removed. It is a matter of every
day observation that animals which have passed through
the fever, that are now thriving well or giving a free sup-
ply of milk, and to ordinary observers would appear in
peifect health, retain the power of transmitting the dis-
ease to others. This may continue for three, six, nine,
twelve or according to some even fifteen months after all
sions of acute illness have disappeared. This is easily
explained : The tendency of the disease is to interrupt
the circulation in the most severely affected parts of the
lung; this accordingly dies, and the exudation immedi-
Infecting Animals, Susceptibility. 35
—— -——
ately around this becomes developed into a tough fibrous
envelope, which closes off the dead mass from the adja-
cent lung and from all communication with the external
air. The dead and imprisoned mass now undergoes a
process of breaking down, liquefaction and absorption,
commencing at the surface and slowly advancing toward
the centre. The encysted portion of dead lung is one
mass of infecting material, and as it undergoes no change,
except that of liquefaction, and exhales at no time any
putrid odor, it remains infecting so long as it retains the
solid form. At the outset more than half a lung may be
thus encysted, and five or six months after alleged recov-
ery we still find masses of from one to two pounds weight,
waiting for the slow process of solution. Whenever there
are indications of the existence of such encysted masses
the animal should be looked on as infecting and disposed
of as summarily as if in the acute stages of the disease.
PERCENTAGE OF ANIMALS SUSCEPTIBLE TO THE DISEASE.
The number of animals that contract the disease by
exposure to the contagion is somewhat irregular. The
French Commission of 1849 found that of 20 animals
drawn from a healthy locality and exposed to infection,
16 contracted the plague, 10 of them severely. Twenty per
cent. remained refractory. In warmer climates the mortal-
ity isgreater. Dr. Lindley quotes examples from his South
African experience, in which whole herds of 80, 130 and
several hundred died without exception. We find ap-
proximate results in the hot summer of New York, and
a reference to cases quoted above will show the destruc-
tion of whole herds without exception. During the win-
ter season the disease is far less violent in its manifesta-
tions and a greater number of exposed cattle resist it.
ALLEGED INSUSCEPTIBILITY OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS.
In 1868-9 at the Veterinary College at Alfort, portions
of the diseased lungs and several pints of the liquid ex
36 The Lung Plague of Catile.
pressed from them were administered to animals without
any bad result. Even if we could rely on such negative
testimony, they would be of slight significance, as the
food devoured by the ox is at the same time breathed
upon, and any existing virus is likely to be directly in-
haled.
ANIMALS SUSCEPTIBLE.
Unlike the other great cattle plagues (Rinderpest and
Aphthous Fever) this confines its ravages to the bovine
genus. Ourrency has at different times been given to re-
ports of the infection of sheep, goats and deer, but the
transmission of the malady to these animals has never
been satisfactorily proved. In Great Britain sheep have
mingled in the fields with infected cattle for thirty-seven
years without any observed transmission of the malady
to the sheep. The same is true of Australia and the
Cape of Good Hope, where the plague has driven many
colonists to replace their cattle by sheep. Goats live in
a large proportion of the stables in New York and Brook-
lyn, yet we have never seen a goat infected. As respects
deer, the lung plague prevailed for a series of years in
the deer park at Biel, Scotland, but the deer never suf-
fered. These, it is true, are but negative proofs; they
show only that in certain climates and conditions expo-
sure fails to produce infection; what might occur in a dif-
ferent environment which materially modified the disease,
remains to be shown. At present there is no reliable
testimony that other animals than cattle will contract the
affection.
Among cattle no race, breed nor age materially modi-
fies the susceptibility. In countries where the malady
has prevailed for centuries the attacks are somewhat less
severe; but this holds true of all plagues of man or
beast. In time the more susceptible races die off, and
by a natural selection the survivors have the disease in a
Immunity After One Attack—Mortaliiy. 31
milder form. Sex gives no immunity; bulls suffer as
much as cows, and oxen and calves, if equally exposed,
furnish no fewer victims than bulls and cows.
ImMuNITY CONFERRED BY A First ATTACK.
Like the different forms of variola (small-pox, sheep-
pox, cow-pox, etc.), rinderpest, measles and scarlatina,
the lung plague is usually taken but once by the same
individual. Some claim that the immunity lasts but
about two years, after which the disease may be con-
tracted anew; but the mass of evidence goes to show
that second attacks are exceptional, and they are proba-
bly no more common than second attacks of small-pox,
measles or scarlatina. The acquiredimmunity in infected
districts gives a special value to animals that have passed
through the disease, and upon this are based the prac-
tices of protective inoculation, and of the exposure of
young and valueless calves to the infection, that the
losses from the plague may be materially reduced.
MorvTatLity.
In recording the mortality caused by the plague the.
most varied figures are set down by authors. Much of the
discrepancy arises from the point of view taken. Thus
if we estimate the losses as a percentage of all the cattle
in a district, they will appear very small inasmuch as it
is rare to find all the herds affected. Thus Loiset states
the losses for the entire bovine race of the department du
Nord, France, at 4 per cent. per annum. For distillery
stables, sugar factory stables, etc., it was 12 per cent.,
and for farms but 2 per cent. This is accounted for by
the frequent changes in the former and the inevitable in-
troduction of contagion. The same applies to city dairies
where he found a mortality of 25 or 26 per cent. In the
Nord in 19 years it had killed 212,800 beasts of a total
value of 52,000 000 francs (over $10,000,000).
a
a3 The Lung Plague of Catile.
Yvart, estimating for infected herds only, stated the
losses in Aveyron, Cantal and Lozere at 30, 40, 50, 68,
and even 77 per cent., the average being at least 35 per.
cent.
Gamgee secured records of 88 dairies in the city of
Edinburgh for the year 1861-2 and found that with an
average holding of 1830 the plague cut of 1076 or over 58
per cent. The yearly loss was £14,512 ($70,000). The
actual losses in Dublin and other large cities were found
to correspond, those of London alone being estimated at
£80,000. The losses for the British Isles, computed from
agricultural statistics, the records of insurance com-
panies, etc., were close upon £2,000,000 ($10,000,000) per
annum.
Finlay Dunn shows from the English Cattle Insuranve
Co.’s statistics that from 1863 to 1866 the losses from this
plague were 50 to 63 per cent. per annum.
In Holland Sauberg records a yearly loss of 49,661
head, while in Wurtenberg it amounted to 39 per cent.
Mr. Lindley’s observations in South Africa show that
in that hot, dry climate the disease was most virulent even
in cattle kept in the open air, and it was no uncommon
thing for entire herds of several bundreds to be carried
off by the pestilence. This-is precisely in keeping with
what we see in the hot summers of New York; the dis-
ease at this season becomes unusually violent, all cases
are acute and run a rapid and often fatal course and it is
not uncommon to see a whole herd swept off without ex-
ception. This is a fact of supreme importance in view of
the continued neglect of the plague in the more southern
of our infected States. Should it be allowed to spread
farther south and west where the semitropical summers
will increase its severity and death rate, we shall have
ourselves to blame for the results, and can no longer plead
excuse on the ground of ignorance.
Incubation. . 39
‘Periop oF IncuBATION. LATENCY.
The time that elapses between the receiving of the
germs into the system and the manifestation of the
earliest symptoms of the disease, varies greatly. Dela-
fond sets it at from six to sixty days, Verheyen from ten
to sixty days, the French Commission extends the perivd
to sixty-seven days, Reynal has seen it exceed ninety
days, and Roll and Gamgee quote from eight days to one
hundred and twelve. It is true that Gamgee qualifies
this by the statement that when an animal sickens four
months after purchase, two or three latent instances of
the diseases have preceded the obvious one. Australia,
South Africa and Norway were each ‘infected by cattle
that had shown a period of incubation of three months.
I have frequently seen cases in which cattle have passed
three or four months after the purchase in poor health,
yet without cough or any other obvious diagnostic symp-
tom, and at the end of that time have shown all the
symptoms of the lung plague. But, as such cows are
considered by the ordinary observer to be well, and as
many of them will convey to the mind of the veterinarian
nothing more than unthriftiness, we must, as a working
rule, accept as possible an incubation of three or even
four months. All quarantine regulations for this dis-
ease must be based on this occasionally long period of
latency.
As regards the real or regular period, we may deduce
something from the exudation and swelling in the tail in
inoculated cases. The average period is on the ninth
day, though it may appear as early as the fifth, or it may
be delayed till the thirtieth or fortieth day. In the ex-
perimental] transmission of the disease by cohabitation,
under the French Commission, a cough—the earliest
symptom-—-appeared from the sixth to the thirty-second
day, and sometimes continued for months, though no acute
disease supervened.
40 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
It should be added that hot climates and seasons
abridge the period of latency; thus, the disease will de-
velop more rapidly in summer than in winter, and in the
south than in the north. Any febrile condition of the
system will also favor its rapid development; therefore,
symptoms are often hastened by parturition, by heat,
(estrum), and by other exciting conditions.
SYMPTOMS.
These vary in different countries, latitudes, seasons,
altitudes, races of animals and individuals. ‘They are
caeteris paribus, more severe in hot latitudes, countries
and seasons, than in the cold ; in the higher altitudes they
are milder than on the plains; in certain small or dwarfed
animals, with a spare habit of body, like Brittanies, they
appear to be less violent than in the large, phlegmatic,
heavy-milking, or obese short-horn, Ayrshires and Dutch ;
a newly infected race or cattle in a newly infected coun-
try suffer much more severely than those of a land where
the plague has prevailed for ages ; and finally certain in-
divduals, without any appreciable cause, have the disease
in a much more violent form than others which stand by
them in precisely the same conditions.
Sometimes the disease shows itself: abruptly with
ereat violence and without any appreciable premonitory
symptoms, resembling in this the most acute type of or-
dinary broncho-pneumonia. This, however, is mostly in
connection with some actively exciting cause, such as
exposure to inclement weather, parturition, overstock-
ing with milk, heat, ete.
Far more commonly the symptoms come on most in-
sidiously, and for a time are the opposite of alarming.
Tor some days, and quite frequently for a fortnight, a
month or more, a slight cough is heard at rare intervals.
It may be heard only when the animal first rises, when it
leaves the stable or when it drinks cold water, and hence
Symptoms. Al
attracts little or no attention. The cough is usually
small, weak, short and husky, but somewhat painful and
attended by some arching of the back, an extension of
the head upon the neck, and protrusion of the tongue.
This many continue for weeks without any noticeable de-
viation from the natural temperature, pulse or breathing,
_ and without any impairment of appetite, rumination or
coat. The lungs are as resonant to percussion as in
health, and auscultation detects slight changes only,
perhaps an unduly loud blowing sound behind the middle
of the shoulder, or more commonly an occasional slight
mucous rattle, or a transient wheeze. In some cases the
disease never advances further, and its true nature is to
be recognized only by the facts that it shows itself in an
infected herd or on infected premises, and that the victim
proves dangerously infecting to healthy animals in unin-
fected localities. It may be likened to those mild cases
of scarlatina which are represented by sore-throat only,
or to the modified variola, known as chicken-pox.
In the majority of cases, however, the disease advances
a step further. The animal becomes somewhat dull, more
sluggish than natural, does not keep constantly with the
herd, but may be found lying alone; eats and ruminates
more tardily and less frequently ; breathes more quickly
(20 to 30 times per minute in place of 10 to 15); retracts
_ the margins of the nostrils more than formerly ; the hair,
especially along the neck, shoulders and back, stands
erect and dry; the muzzle has intervals of dryness, and
the milk is diminished. The eye loses somewhat of its
prominence and lustre, the eyelids andears droop slightly,
and the roots of the horns and ears and the limbs are
hot or alternately hot and cold. By this time the tem-
perature is usually raised from 103 degrees, Fahrenheit,
in the slightest or most tardy cases to 105 degrees and
upward to 108 degrees in the more acute and severe.
Auscultation and percussion also now reveal decided
changes in the lung tissue.
42 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
The ear applied over the diseased portions detects in
some cases a diminution of the natural soft breathing
murmur, or it may be a fine crepitation which has been
likened to the noise produced by rubbing a tuft of hair
between finger and thumb close to the ear. Where this
exists it is usually only at the margin of the diseased
area, while in the centre the natural soft murmur is en- ©
tirely lost. In other cases a loud blowing sound is heard
over the diseased lung, which though itself impervious to
air and producing no respiratory murmur is in its firm,
solid condition a better conductor of sound and conveys
to the ear the noise produced in the larger air tubes.
Percussion is effected by a series of taps of varying
force delivered with the tips of the fingers of the right
hand on the back of the middle finger of the left firmly
pressed on the side of the chest. Over all parts of the
healthy lung this draws out a clear resonance, but over
the diseased portions the sound elicited is dull as if the
percussion were made over the solid muscles of the neck
or thigh. All gradations are met with as the lung is
more or less consolidated, and conclusions are to be drawn
accordingly. a
In other cases we hear on auscultation the loud, harsh,
rasping sound of bronchitis with dry, thickened and rigid
membranes of the air tubes, or the soft, coarse, mucous
rattle of the same disease when there is abundant liquid
exudation and the bursting of bubbles in the air passages.
In others there is a low, soft, rubbing sound usually in
jerks when the chest is being filled with or emptied of air.
This is the friction between the dry, inflamed membrane
covering the lungs and that covering the side of the chest,
and is heard at an early stage of the disease, but neither
at its earliest nor its latest stage. Later there may be dull-
ness on percussion up to a given level on one or both
sides of the chest, implying accumulations of liquid in
the cavity. Or there is a superficial dullness on percus-
Symptoms 43
sion, end muffling of the natural breathing sound with a
very slight, sometimes almost inaudible, creaking due to
the existence of false membranes (solidified exudations)
on the surface of the lung or connecting it to the inner
side of the ribs. This is often mistaken for a mucous
rattle that can no longer take place in a consolidated
lung in which there can be no movement of air nor burst-
ing of bubbles in breathing. The mucous rattle is only
possible with considerable liquid exudation into the
_ bronchial tubes and a healthly, dilatable condition of the
portion of lung to which these lead. In rare cases there
will be splashing sounds in the chest, or when the patient
has just risen to his feet a succession of clear ringing
sounds becoming less numerous and with longer intervals
until they die away altogether. These are due to the
falling of drops of liquid from shreds of false membrane
in the upper part of the chest through an accumulation
of gas into a collection of liquid below. It has been lik-
ened to the noise of drops falling from the bung-hole into
a cask half-filled with liquid. Peculiar sounds are some-
times heard as wheezing in connection with the superven-
tion of emphysema and others which it is needless to
mention here.
In lean patients pressure of the tips of the fingers in
the intervals between the ribs will detect less movement
over the diseased and consolidated lung than on the op-
posite side of the chest where the lung is still sound.
As seen in America, in winter, the great majority of
cases fail to show the violence described in books. The
patients fall off rapidly in condition, show a high fever
for a few days, lie always on the same side (the diseased
one), or on the breast, and have a great portion of one
lung consolidated by exudation, and encysted as a dead
mass, and yet the muzzle is rarely devoid of moisture,
the milk is never entirely suspended and raay be yielded
in only a slightly lessened amount as soon as the first few
days of active fever have passed.
44 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
During the extreme heats of summer, on the other hand,
the plague manifests all its European violence. The
breathing becomes short, rapid, and labored, each ex-
piration is accompanied by a deep moan or grunt, audi-
ble at some distance from the animal. The nostrils and
even the corners of the mouth are strongly retracted.
The patient stands most of its time, and in some cases
without intermission, its fore legs set apart, its elbows
turned out, and the shoulder-blades and arm-bones,
rapidly losing their covering of flesh, standing out from
the sides of the chest so that their outlines can be plainly
seen. The head is extended on the neck, the eyes prom-
inent and glassy, the muzzle dry, a clear or frothy liquid
distils from the nose and mouth, the back is slightly
raised, and this together with the spaces between the ribs
and the region of the breast-bone are very sensitive to
pinching, the secretion of milk is entirely arrested, the
skin becomes harsh, tightly adherent to the parts beneath
and covered with scurf, and the arrest of digestion is
shown by the entire loss of appetite and rumination, the
severe or fatal tympanies (bloating), and later by a pro-
fuse watery diarrhcea in which the food is passed in an
undigested condition. If the effusion into the lungs or
chest is very extensive the pallor of the mouth, eyelids,
vulva, and skin betrays the weak, bloodless condition.
The tongue is furred and the breath of a heavy, feverish,
mawkish odor, but rarely feetid. Abortion is a common
result in pregnant cows.
Course. 'TERMINATION.
In summer, when the disease shows its greatest vio-
lence, the mortality is not only high, but early. Cattle
will die after a few days’ illness from the great prostra-
tion attendant on the enormous effusion into the organs
of the chest, the impairment of breathing and the im-
pairment or suspension of the vital functions in general,
Course.— Termination. 45
Others die early from distension of the paunch with gas.
In others, still, the profuse scouring helps to speedily
wear out the vital powers. In severe cases, that survive
for some time, the rapid loss of flesh is most surprising. A
loss of one-third of the weight in a single week is by no
means uncommon, and even one-half may be parted with
in the same length of time in extreme cases.
In fatal cases, with a moderately rapid course, all the
symptoms become more intense for several weeks, the
pulse becomes more and more small, weak and ac-
celerated and finally imperceptible, the breathing be-
comes rapid and difficult, the mucous membranes of the
mouth, eyes, etc., become pale and bloodless, emaciation
goes on with active strides and death ensues in from two
to six weeks.
In other cases and especially in cold and dry weather
a portion of dead lung may remain encysted in the chest,
submitting to slow liquefaction and removal, and such
animals will go on for months doing badly, only to sink
at last into such a state of debility that death ensues
from exhaustion and weakness.
In others, still, the retention of such diseased masses
and the consequent debility, determines the appearance
of consumption (tuberculosis), which cuts off the animal.
Purulent infection and rupture of abscesses into the
chest are other causes of death in this disease, but
neither of these has so far come under my notice.
In eases about to recover, the symptoms gradually sub-
side, life and appetite are re-acquired, and a more or less
rapid recovery takes place. In the most favorable the
exudations are slowly re-absorbed and the lung may be
restored to its natural state. In others, the exudation,
which is mostly in the interlobular tissue, becomes in
part organized into fibrous material which, in contract-
ing, compresses the lobules of lung tissue, lessening their
capacity for dilation, and leaving the animal short-wind-
ed and predisposed to emphysema and other lung
46 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
troubles. If kept quiet, such convalescents fatten rap-
idly.
Far more frequently, in this country at least, a mass of
lung is entirely lost, being divested of its vitality, enclosed
in a fibrous cyst, and slowly liquefied and absorbed —
through a course of several months. These continue to
do poorly for a number of months and may yet entirely
recover, the whole dead mass having been finally re-
moved and the sac having contracted into a dense fibrous
structure. Hven in this case if the patient has been able
to bear up under the continued drain, and has escaped
consumption and other risks, it may finally be successfully
fattened.
APPEARANCES OF THE CHEST AND LUNGS AFTER DEATH.
If the disease is seen in its earliest stages the changes
are altogether confined to the tissue of the lung. From
the examination of the lungs of several hundred diseased
animals I can confidently affirm that the implication of
the serous covering of the lung (pleura) is a secondary
result. In all the most recent cases we find the lung
substance involved and the pleura sound, while in no one
instance has the pleura been found diseased to the exelu-
sion of the lung tissue, or without an amount and char-
acter of lung disease which implied priority of occurrence
for that. Yet in all violent attacks the disease will have
proceeded far enough to secure implication of the pleura
as well, and hence we may describe the changes in the
order in which they are usually seen when the chest is
opened. —
The cavity of the chest usually contains a quantity of
liquid varying from one or two pints to several gallons,
sometimes yellowish, clear and transparent, at others
slightly greenish, brownish-white and opaque or even ex-
ceptionally slightly colored with blood. This effusion
contains cell-forms and granules, and gelatinizes mcre o1
less perfectly when exposed to the air.
Post-Mortem Appearances. Aq
—
On the surface of the diseased lung and to a less ex-
tent on the inner side of the ribs is a fibrinous deposit
(false membrane), varying from the merest rough pellicle
to a mass of half an inch in thickness, and in the worst
cases firmly binding the entire lung to the inner side of
the chest and to the diaphragm. These false membranes
are usually of an opaque white, though sometimes tinged
with yellow, and in the deeper layers even blood-stained,
especially over an infarcted lung. A noticeable feature
of these false membranes and one that serves to distin-
guish them from those of ordinary pleurisy is that they
are commonly limited to the surface of the diseased por-
tion of lung, or if more extensive that portion which cov-
ers sound lung tissue is much more recent, and has prob-
ably been determined by infection from the liquid thrown
out into the chest.
In the lung itself the most varied conditions are seen
in different cases and at different stages of the disease.
The diseased lung is solid, firm and resistant, seems to
be greatly enlarged because it fails to collapse like the
nealthy portion when the chest is opened, is greatly in-
creased in weight and sinks in water. When cut across
it shows a peculiar linear marking (marbling) due to the
excessive exudation into the loose and abundant connect-
ive tissue which separates the different lobules of the ox’s
lung from each other. This exudation is either clear, and
therefore dark as seen by reflected light, or it is of a yel-
lowish-white, and when filled with it the interlobular tis-
sue appears as a net-work, the meshes of which vary from
4 line to an inch across, and hold in its interspaces
the pinkish-gray, brownish-red, or black lung tissue.
When only recently attacked the lung may present two
essentially different appearances :
1. Most frequently the changes are most marked in
the interlobular connective tissue, which is the seat of an
wbundant infiltration of clear liquid, a sort of dropsy,
48 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
while the lung tissue, surrounded by this, retains its
normal pinkish-gray color, and is often even paler and
contains less blood than in health. It has, in short, be-
come compressed by: the surrounding exudation, and air
and blood have been alike in great part expressed from
its substance. (See Heliotype.) This extreme change
in the tissue surrounding the lobules and the compara-
tively healthy appearance of the lobules themselves,
have led many observers to the conclusion that the dis-
ease commenced in this connective tissue beneath the
pleura and extended to the proper tissue of the lung.
There is, however, as pointed out by Professor Yeo, a co-
existent disease of the smaller air tubes corresponding to
the lobules, that are circumscribed by this infiltration, and
there is every reason to believe that the infiltration in
question is the result of antecedent changes in the air
tubes.
2. Less frequently we find the lobules of the lung
tissue presenting the first indications of change. The
lobules affected are of a deep red and more or less shin-
ing, yet tough and elastic. They do not erepitate on
pressure, yet they are not depressed beneath the level of
the adjacent healthy lung tissue as they would be if col-
lapsed. The interlobular connective tissue, devoid of all
unhealthy exudation, has no more than its natural thick-
ness, and reflects a bluish tint by reason of the subjacent
dark substance of the lung. Here the lung tissue itself
is manifestly the seat of the earliest change—congestion
—and the interlobular exudation has not yet supervened.
Specimens of this kind may be rare, but a number have
come under the writer’s observation, and in lungs, too,
that presented at other points of their substance the ex-
cessive interlobular exudation.
Both of these forms show a tendency to confine them-
selves to particular lobules and groups of lobules of the
lung. They correspond, in short, to the distribution of
Hepatization—Infarction. AG
particular air tubes and blood vessels, as will be explained
further on. The fact, however, is noteworthy as charac-
teristic of this disease, that it attacks entire lobules, and
the limits of the diseased lung tissue are usually sharply
marked by the line of connective tissue between two lob-
ules, so that one lobule will be found consolidated
throughout, and. the next in a perfectly natural condi-
tion.
The two forms just described differ also in cohesion
and power of resistance. The lung saturated with the
liquid exudation has its intimate elements torn apart and
is more friable, giving way readily under pressure,
while that in which there is red congestion but no ex-
tensive exudation, retains its natural elasticity, tough-
ness and power of resistance.
Hepatization.—Another condition of the diseased ieee
tissue, more advanced than either of those just described,
is the granular consolidation or hepatization. In this con-
dition the affected regions of lung are as much enlarged as
in the dropsical condition, but they are firmer and more
friable, and on their cut surface present the appearance
of little round granules. These granules are not pecul-
iar to the lung tissue’ proper, though most marked on
this; they characterize the interlobular connective tissue
as well. They consist mainly of lymphoid cell growths,
filling up the air cells, the smaller air tubes, the lymph
spaces and the meshes of the connective tissue. The
color of these portions varies froma bright reddish-brown
to a deep red, according to the compression to which the
lung tissue has been subjected by the exudation in the
early stages. (See Heliotype.)
Infarction.—Another form of lung consolidation is of
a very dark red or black and always implies the death of the
portion affected. The dark aspect of the diseased lobules
forms a strong contrast with the yellowish-white interlob-
ular tissue, excepting in cases where that also becomes
50 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
—.
blood-stained, when the whole presents a uniform dark
mass. This form has the granular appearance of that last
described and on microscopic examination its minute
blood-vessels are found distended to their utmost capacity
with accumulated blood globules. This black consolidation
is always sharply limited by the borders of certain lob-
ules or groups of lobules which are connected with a
particular air tube and its accompanying blood vessels,
and the artery leading to such lobules is as constantly
blocked by a firm blood-clot. The mode of causation is this :
The artery being in the centre of a diseased mass, be-
comes itself inflamed. As soon as the inflammation
reaches its inner coat the contained blood coagulates ;
the vein is usually blocked in the same way. The blood
formerly supplied by the artery to certain lobules is now
arrested ; that in the capillary vessels of these lobules
stagnates ; nutrition of the walls of the capillaries ceases
and these losing their natural powers of selection allow
the liquid parts to pass freely out of the vessels, leaving
the globules only in their interior. More blood continues to
enter them slowly from adjacent capillaries supplied from
other sources, and as this is filtered in the same way by
the walls of the vessels, these soon come to be filled to
repletion by the globules only, and hence the intensely
dark color assumed. The color is often heightened by
the escape of blood from the now friable vessels into the
surrounding tissue, and itis by this means that the in-
terlobular tissue is usually stained. (See Heliotype.)
This black hepatization, or as it is technically called,
infarction, is an almost constant occurrence in the dis-
ease as seen in New York, and the death and en-
cysting of large portions of lung is therefore the rule.
If too extensive, of course the patient perishes, but not
unfrequently a mass of lung measuring four or six inches |
by twelve is thus separated without killing the animal
Encysted Masses. 51
Tf at a later stage we open an animal which has passed
through the above condition, the following may be met
with: A hard, resistant mass is felt at some portion of
the lung, usually the lower and back portion, and on
laying it open it is found to consist of dead lung tissue
in which the hepatized lobules and interlobular tissue,
the air tubes and blood vessels are still clear and dis-
tinct, but the whole is separated from the still living lung
by a layer of a white pus-like liquid, outside which is a
dense, fibrous sac or envelope, formed by the develop-
ment of the surrounding interlobular exudation. From
the inner surface of this dense cyst, the firm, thick bron-
chial tubes and attending vascular systems project in a
branching manner like dirty white stalactites, and these
with the interlobular tissue thickened by its now firmly
organized exudation, may form bands extending from
side to side of the cavity. (See engraving.)
At a still more advanced stage the dead and encysted
lung tissue is found to have been entirely softened and
the sac contains but a mass of white liquid debris, or,
still later, a caseous mass of its dried, solid matters,
upon which the fibrous covering has steadily contracted,
so as to inclose but a mere fraction of its original area.
In hundreds of post mortems we have only once seen
the dead and encysted lung the seat of putrid decompo-
sition, and never found the cavity opening into a pervious
air tube.
There remains to be noticed the condition of the air
tubes and accompanying vessels in the diseased lungs.
Tn all cases where we see the starting point of the dis-
ease we find in the small tubes leading to the affected
lobules, a loss of the natural brilliancy of the mucous
membrane which has become clouded and opaque, and
the tissue beneath it infiltrated and thickened. In more
advanced cases and above all, in those showing the drop-
sical condition of the interlobular tissue, we find a simi-
52 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
lar infiltration into the connective tissue around the air
tubes and their accompanying vessels, and in the hepa-
tized lung this is always seen as a thick, firm, resistant
white material, having the compressed and contracted
and often plugged air tubes and vessels in the centre.
(See Heliotype.) These thickened masses have already
been referred to as standing out in stalactite form from
the inner wall of the sac in which the dead (necrosed}
lung is undergoing solution.
NATURE OF THE Bovine Luna PLAGUE.
That the plague is determined by an infecting material
conveyed from beast to beast there can be no doubt. The
intimate nature of this material has never been deter-
mined. No special anatomical element, no specific organ-
ism of animal or vegetable origin has been detected as
constant in the diseased organ and peculiar to it. Yet
the presence of a specific contagium is demonstrated in all
our experience of the disease as above recorded, and in
the prophylactic value of inoculation to be referred to
below. This infecting material, as will be seen by
the records of inoculation, rarely affects the lungs
when first lodged on a raw surface of some other part
of the body, differing in this essentially from most other
specific disease poisons which have a definite seat of elec-
tion in which their morbid processes are invariably es-
tablished, no matter by what channel they may have en-
tered the body. Since the lung plague contagium does
not usually affect the lungs when introduced by some
other channel it follows almost of necessity that when it
does attack the lungs it must have been introduced into
these direct. Ifit has been inhaled in the air it will fall
upon one of two points—the air tubes, or the air cells—
and there begin its baleful course. This is exactly in ac-
cordance with the early lesions as described above.
1. If arrested, as it most commonly will be, in the air
a
Nature of the Lung Plague. 53
tubes, and if it attacks most severely the most delicate
and susceptible parts, the membrane lining the smallest
branches, it will determine the cloudy swelling so con-
stantly seen in these. As the deeper layers and the adja-
cent connective tissue is invaded, the exudation and cell
proliferation giving rise to the extensive thickening of the
peribronchial tissue, as already described, will compress the
different vessels and obstruct the flow of liquids through
them. The lymphatics as being incomparably the most
delicate and compressible will be the first to suffer and
the obstruction of these will lead to engorgement and
dropsy in the parts from which they draw the lymph.
The lymphatic vessels and networks are marvelously
abundant in the interlobular tissue and few and small in
the lung lobules themselves, hence the obstruction of
these vessels as they lead out from a given section of lung
will lead to a dropsical effusion into the interlobular tis-
sue while the inclosed lobules are still comparatively un-
affected. This sufficiently explains the excessive liquid
exudation into the interlobular spaces without starting
with the assumption that this is the primary step of the
disease.
The subsequent congestion, exudation and cell-prolifera-
tion in the lobules themselves sufficiently account for the
changes which these subsequently undergo.
2. If, on the other hand, the infecting material succeeds
in reaching the air cells it will, of course, make its earli-
est inroads on their delicate walls. Then will follow the
early congestion, redness and consolidation of the lobules,
and, only later, the extensive interlobular exudation, when
the disease in the air tubes and the extensive exudation
around them shall have compressed the accompanying
lymphatic vessels. In this way is explained the second
manner of invasion which I have described above.
The records of inoculation abundantly support these
views. Though a number of experiments record the oc:
5*
54 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
currence of cough ten to fifteen days after inoculation,
yet among the multitudes of inoculated beasts, there has_
been no evidence of extensive disease of the lungs that
can be demonstrated to have been of this nature. The
local changes in the seat of inoculation are like those met
with in the lungs in the ordinary forms of the disease, al-
lowance being made for the natural differences of struct-
ure, and that they are specific is sufficiently evidenced by
_ the now almost universal acceptance of the prophylactic
value of inoculation. The conveyance of the disease
from an inoculated animal is by no means unknown.
We have seen instances in which the plague appeared
to start in a stable from inoculated animals, and a very
striking instance is recorded by Reynal in which an
inoculated Brittany cow conveyed the affection to two
others that stood beside her in the stable of the Alfort
School. There is therefore every reason to believe that
the contagium propagates itself in whatever tissue of a
susceptible animal it may be lodged and that there the
morbid processes are localized.
PREVENTION.
Under this head we take up that phase of the affection
which is vital to the interests of America. That this
plague is an exotic all history testifies. That animals
susceptible to its contagiwm (buffalos) have existed in
America for immemorial ages without a single instance —
of the spontaneous generation of the pestilence, is un-
questionable. That any such spontaneous generation of
the contagium would have been propagated and perpetu-
ated in the widely wandering herds of buffalo as it has
in the Old World steppes, the South African ranges and
the Australian plains, is indisputable. That this Old
World contagion can be crushed out of the New World
States and driven back to its ancient haunts in Kurope
and Asia, and its more recently conquered territory in
Africa and Australasia, is equally certain.
Prevention: Its Necessity. 55
In view of the overshadowing importance of the ex-
tinction of this and other imported animal plagues, the
author cannot be charged with remissness. For over a
decade he has been continually sounding notes of alarm
and picturing to the nation the terrible and irretrievable
devastation that must overtake us should the deadly ex-
otic plagues reach our western plains. Coming down to
recent times he pressed the matter strongly on New York
in his lectures before the State Agricultural Society in
1877 and 1878 (see Transactions). He again brought up
the subject in his paper read before the Centennial gath-
ering of veterinarians at Philadelphia in 1876, and at fre-
quent intervals in the New York Tribune, the Farmers’
Advocate and the National Live Stock Journal. The fol-
lowing article from the Natianal Live Stock Journal for
March, 1878, is a sample of these, which should be stud-
ied to-day by all legislators, stock-owners and good citi-
ZENS :
“THE GREATEST DANGER To ouR Stock. THE LunG FEVER.
ContTacious PLEURO-PNEUMONIA.
“The Journal has frequently called attention to the great
dangers that beset our live stock from imported plagues
of foreign origin. During the past year the sudden in-
vasion of Western Europe and England by the rinder-
pest roused the agricultural community from their dream
of safety, and called forth from the Treasury an order re-
markable alike for its promptitude and good intentions,
and for the fatal blunders which rendered it worse than a
dead letter. Once more there seems a prospect of arenewal
_of these apprehensions, the Russo-Turkish war having led
to an extension of this cattle plague into Hungary, from
which the Atlantic coastand Great Britain may be any day
infected, owing to the activity of the stock trade. Should
this unfortunately take place, it will find us no better pre-
pared than we were ayear ago, and our Treasury order, now
in force, will freely invite the disease to enter, provided it
makes its advent respectably—in the systems of blooded
stock, and not in poor cross-bred animals, which it would
56 The Lung Plague of Cattl
_——__—»
be ruinous to import, even if sound. A similar welcome
is extended, by implication, to all those ruminants which
are devoted more particularly to luxury, and have not
been degraded to such vulgar utilitarian objects as the
production of meat or wool. Yet all ruminants are sub-
ject to rinderpest, and this malady was carried to France
in 1866 by two gazelles, as other plagues have often been
carried to new countries by the privileged blooded stock.
“But we started out to notice a danger which is na
longer separated from us by the broad barrier of the At-
lantic, and whose malign presence is not to be dismissed
by any one of ten thousand contingencies, as is the case
with the possible advent of the rinderpest. This danger
stands in our midst, and is steadily gaining in force as it
encroaches further and further, showing how certain it
is, if unchecked, to lay the whole country under contri-
bution, and inflict most disastrous and permanent losses.
The lung fever of cattle, imported into Brooklyn, L. L,
for the first time, in 1843, in a European cow, has never
since been at any time entirely absent from our soil. From
this center it has slowly and irregularly extended over a
portion of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Mary-
land, Delaware and Virginia, besides having repeatedly
invaded Connecticut. The slowness of its extension has
begotten a false sense of security, and no real apprehen-
sions of serious consequences remain from an animal
poison which has been for over a third of a century hid-
den away in the near vicinity of the Atlantic coast.
“To disturb this comfortable and restful condition of
the public mind is an unpleasant task, which nothing but
the imperative sense of duty would compel us to under-
take. But this disease has a history, which we can only
ignore at our peril; and as its records can now be drawn
from all quarters of the globe, we can have before us an
unequivocal testimony as to what will inevitably happen
under given conditions of climate, surroundings and
treatment.
“‘Hingland imported the lung fever of cattle in 1842, just
one year before we did, was soon very generally infected,
and has continued so to the present time. Up to 1869
it is estimated that England had lost, almost exclusively
from this disease, 5,549,780 head of cattle, worth £83,-
Losses in England. 57
——
616,854 (say $400,000,000). For the succeeding nine
years, up to 1878, the losses have been, in the main, as
extensive, so that we may set them down as now reach-
ing at least $500,000,000 in deaths alone, without count-
ing all the contingent expenses, of deteriorated health,
loss of markets, progeny, crops, manure, etc., disinfec-
tion, quarantine, etc. With us no attempts have been
made to estimate the losses, but they cannot exceed an
inconsiderable fraction of those above named; and thus
we have slept on in a pleasant dream of immuuity.
“Tt is even alleged that the disease has, in a great meas-
ure, been shorn of its virulent power, by being trans-
planted to the shores of the New World, and that we may
comfort ourselves with this and continue to ignore its
presence. If, on the other hand, it can be shown that
the difference is in no material respect affected by cli-
mate, but altogether determined by-the surroundings, it
will be well for us to attend to the facts of the case, and
face the real danger. The lung fever, which had really
entered England, by a special importation, some time be-
fore the free trade act of 1842, was, by virtue of this act,
thrown upon her in constantly accumulating accessions.
The ports at which the continental cattle were landed,
and the markets in which they were sold—London (Smith-
field Market), Southampton, Dover, Harwich, Hull, New-
castle, Edinburgh, etc.—insured the mingling of the im-
ported stock, week by week, with the native store cattle.
Then, if they failed to find a profitable sale, they were
sent by cars to other and inland markets, where they
were again and again brought into contact with numer-
ous herds of store cattle, by which the germs of the dis-
ease were taken in and carried all over the country.
“With us, on the other hand, the disease was long con-
fined to the dairies of Brooklyn and New York, where
the cows were kept until they died, or were fattened for
the butcher. A few, doubtless, found their way to the
country, and by these the disease was carried to different
farms, which were thus constituted centres of contagion
from which the adjacent country became infected. But
any such movement from the city dairies was necessarily
of the most restricted kind, and it never took place to
any great distance. It would have ben folly t. move a
58 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
-
common miich cow, worth $40 to $70, to the West, where
she could be bought for one-half or one-third of that
sum. The same deterrent condition existed in the case
of the farms on which the diseased city cows had been
brought. Sales were no doubt occasionally made from
infected herds, to secure the apparent value of an animal
which the owner had good reason to believe to be
loomed, and as such animals would, for obvious reasons,
be sent as far from home as possible, this became a prin-
cipal means of the formation of more distant centres of
contagion and the wider diffusion of the malady. But
with us the disease has hitherto had to fight against the
heaviest obstacles—the current of cattle traffic having
been almost without exception from the cheaply-raised
herds of the West to the profitable markets of the Hast.
The exceptions have only been in the case of thorough-
bred stock, and hitherto our Western stock has escaped
contamination by this means.
“The wonder is not so much that the plague has failed
to reach the West, but that in the face of such tremen-
dous obstacles it has succeeded in invading all of the six
or seven States that are now infected. In Great Britain,
where some would have us believe that the disease is
more virulent, we can point to a more satisfactory record.
There the great body of the country has been infected
for thirty-five years, but the greater part of the high-
lands, exclusively devoted to the raising of cattle and
sheep, has enjoyedthe most perfectimmunity. Here, under
nearly all possible predisposing causes of lung disease —
altitude, exposure, cold, chilling rains and fogs, the
piercing blasts of the Atlantic and German Oceans—this
contagious lung disease has never penetrated, though se-
verely ravaging the lowlands immediately adjacent. ‘The
explanation is, that these hills support none but the native
black cattle, and other breeds are never introduced. In
spite of the alleged virulence of the disease in England,
it has proved powerless to enter this magic circle from
which all but the native stock is excluded. The same
holds true concerning some parts of Normandy, Brittany,
the Channel Islands, Spain, Portugal, Norway, Sweden,
etc.
“The fact that the disease has maintained a foothold
The Contagion, Insidious and Tenacious. 59
—_—
among us for thirty-four years, and in spite of all obsta-
cles has made a slow but constant extension, is sufficient
eround for the gravest apprehensions. A disease-poison
which shows such an obstinate vitality and such persist-
ent ageressiveness cannot be allowed to exist among us
without the certainty of future losses which will eclipse
those of Great Britain by as much as our herds of cattle
exceed those of that nation. A recent outbreak in Clin-
ton, N. J., caused by a cow brought from Ohio, suggests
the possibility of the disease having already reached the
latter State, an occurrence which was inevitable sooner or
later, but the actual existence of which must enormously
increase our dangers. With every such step westward
there is the introduction of more diseased and infected
cattle into the natural current of the traffic, and the ear-
lier probability of the general infection of all parts to the
east of such ultimate centres of disease. There is,
further, the infection of more cattle cars which, carried
west, may be the means of securing a rapid extension of
the plague to our most distant States and Territories.
‘““RELATIVE DANGERS OF THE Portsons oF Lune FEVER AND
OTHER PLAGUES.
“The persistent vitality of the lung-fever poison, in com-
parison with that of any other animal plagues, is note-
worthy. It has held a tenacious grasp on the United
States for over a third of a century, though forbidden by
circumstances to make a wide extension. <Aphthous jever
(foot and mouth disease), on the other hand, though
twice imported into Canada within the last ten years, and
on one occasion widely spread in New York and New
England, was on each occasion easily and early extin-
ouished, and with little or no effort on the part of the
States. It might indeed almost be said to have died out
of itself. Even the dreaded rinderpest has its poison
early destroyed by free exposure to the air, in thin lay-
ers, at the ordinary summer temperature. Numerous ex-
periments on hides hung up and freely exposed in warm
weather, have shown that the infecting power is lost as
soon as they are quite dried. But the poison of lung
fever maintains its virulence for months in the dry state
€0 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
in buildings, and we have known parks, with sheds, that
proved regularly infecting year after year to all cattle
turned into them. In other cases we have known the
virus carried for miles on the clothes of attendants, and
thus introduced into new herds.
“A far greater danger lies in the lengthened period dur-
jing which the poison of lung fever remains dormant in
the system. This averages about three weeks or a
month, but may extend, in exceptional cases, to not less
than two or even three months. An ox or a cow which
has been exposed to the contagion may, therefore, be
carried from one extremity of the continent to the other,
may be exposed in a succession of markets, and may
change hands an indefinite number of times, and be all
the while in the best apparent health, though infallibly
approaching the manifestation of the disease, and for the
latter portion of the time spreading the germs of the
malady to others. There is here an opportunity for the
unscrupulous to sell off exposed and infected animals
without the purchaser having the least suspicion of foul
play. There is also the strong probability of animals
that have contracted the disease by accident, in cars or
otherwise, in passing to a new home, mingling with the
herd of the new owner and infecting them extensively be-
fore there is a suspicion that anything is amiss. This
long period of incubation after the animal is infected, and
the equally long period of latency of the malady in ani-
mals he has infected, one or two of which only will be at-
tacked at intervals of a month, lull suspicion as to the
presence of contagion, and it is too often only after great
damage has been done that the truth dawns on the
mind.
“Tn aphthous fever and rinderpest, on the other hand,
the disease shows itself in from one to four days after in-
fection, and the surrounding animals are so rapidly at-
tacked after the coming of the infected stranger, that
there is no room for hesitancy as to the existence of con-
tagion. Nor can the victims of these diseases be carried
far from the point where they have been infected and dis-
posed of as sound animals, so that in the very vigor and
promptitude of their action we have an excellent basis for
their restriction and control.
Probable Infection of the West by Thoroughbreds. 61
“DANGER OF INFECTION IN OUR UNFENCED Stock RANGES.
“Tt is needful to note the above-named insidious prog-
ress and stealthy invasions of the lung fever, and to con-
trast them with the more prompt and open manifestations
of the other animal plagues, in order to show the great
peril to which we are subjected by the presence in our
midst of a pestilence which literally walketh in darkness.
Let us now consider the prospective infection of our great
stock ranges. That this is inevitable, though slow, at the
present rate of progress of the plague, has been suffi-
ciently shown. That it might occur any day by an ani-
mal infected in an Eastern farm or stock-yard, or in a
railroad car in which it was sent for the improvement of
the Western herds, must be abundantly evident to every
one who has read this article. If we now add the fact
that more than one thoroughbred Ayrshire and Jersey herd
has been infected with this disease during the past year,
we are at once confronted with a strong probability of an
early Western infection. Let us remember that thorough-
breds alone are carried West for improvement of native
herds, and that a bull of the Ayrshire, Jersey, Holstein,
or short-horn breed, taken from a herd now or recently
infected, may be carried to any of our Western Territories
and mingle for a month with the native herds before his
own infection is so much as suspected; and we can con-
ceive how imminent is the danger when the infection has
reached our Lastern thoroughbred cattle.
“To illustrate the result of the infection of our unfenced
stock ranges, I must quote another page from the history
of this disease in other couutries. The instance of Aus-
tralia is the most recent as well as the most striking.
The lung fever was introduced into Melbourne in 1858.
by a short-horn English cow, which died soon after land
ing. Having been confined to an inclosed place, there is
every reason to believe that with her the disease would
have ended, had not a teamster turned his yokes of oxen
into the infected park under cover of the night. These
oxen working on the streets infected others, the disease
soon spread to the open country, and the mortality in-
creased at an alarming rate. Vigorous measures for its
suppression were adopted, thousands of infected and dis-
6
62 — The Lung Plague of Catile.
eased cattle were slaughtered, but all proved of no avail
Not only were the free, roaming herds infected, but so
many places were contaminated that it was soon per-
ceived that help from this source was not to be expected.
Destroy a whole infected herd, and you still left the in-
fection in the station from which, in its unfenced state,
other herds could not be excluded, and where they were
certain to take in the germs of the malady. After enor-
mous losses had been sustained by the combined opera-
tions of the pest and the pole-ax, it was concluded that
the remedy was worse than the disease, and the colonists
reluctantly fell back on the expedient of inoculation.
This is based on the fact that the disease is rarely con-
tracted a second time by the same animal, and it can be
practiced on all calves with losses at the rate of from two
to five per cent. only, so that the mortality is insignificant
as compared with the thirty to fifty per cent. which per-
ish where the affection is contracted in the ordinary way.
The great objection to inoculation is, that it can only be
practiced at the expence of a universal diffusion of the
poison, and of its maintenance in a state of constant ac-
tivity and growth. With such a universal diffusion of the
virus, the stock owners are virtually debarred from in-
troducing any new stock for improving the native breeds,
or infusing new vigor or stamina, inasmuch as such new
arrivals would almost certainly fall early victims to the
plague. Australia, therefore, now suffers from the per-
manent incubus of the lung plague, and can only import
high-class cattle at great risk.
“This is an occurrence of yesterday, but it is only a
repetition of the immemorial experience of the steppes of
Russia. There we find the same conditions of great herds
roaming free over immense uninclosed tracts, and all the
facilities for an easy and wide diffusion of animal poi
sons. There, accordingly, we find the home, in all ages,
of the animal plagues of the Old World. To these end-
less steppes Europe and European colonies owe their
frequent invasions of lung fever, rinderpest, aphthous fever,
and sheep-pox. ‘To these are to be charged the losses, to
be estimated only by many thousands of millions, which
have repeatedly fallen on the other civilized countries of
the world. From these steppes the disease has spread over
Prospective Losses. 63
——_
the continent on the occasion of every great HKuropean
war, dating from the expulsion of the Goths from Hun-
gary by Attila and his Huns, in A. D. 376, down to the
present Turkish war, which has secured the extension of
the rinderpest to Hungary at least. On these steppes,
too, the Russian veterinarians believe the rinderpest, at
least, to be an imported disease derived from Eastern and
Central Asia, yet all their efforts to crush out this or the
lung fever, though receiving the freest support from the
Russian Government, have failed. The same conditions
exist, to a large extent, at the Cape of Good Hope; and
there, too, the lung fever, imported in 1854, has acquired
a permanent residence.
“PREVENTIVE MEASURES DEMANDED.
“Such is the history. Now comes the question preg-
nant with weal or woe to our future stock, agricultural
and national interests. Shall we learn from the disas-
trous experience of others and extirpate the lung plague
from the United States while it is still possible, or shall
we sit quietly by with folded hands and await the inevit-
able, early or late, infection of our open Western stock
ranges, and then repeat, for the benefit of other nations,
the already twice-told tale of a desperate and extrava-
gant but fruitless attempt to suppress a plague which we
have criminally allowed to pass beyond our control?
With or without a prodigal but vain effort to crush out
the poison, the results may be thus summed up: The in-
fection of stock-yards, loading-banks, cars and markets,
and a general diffusion of the plague over the Hastern
States. This would imply a national loss, by cattle dis-
ease, like that of England, but much more extensive in
ratio with our great numbers of stock. Thus England,
with her 6,000,000 head of cattle, has lost in deaths alone
from lung fever in the course of forty years over $500,-
000,000. We, therefore, with our 28,000,000, should losa
not less than $2,000,000,000 in the same length of time,
allowing still a wide margin for the lower average value
per head in America. And this terrible drain is for
deaths alone, without counting all the expenses of dete-
riorated health in the survivors, of produce lost, of loss
64 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
of progeny, of loss of fodder no longer safe to feed to
cattle, of diminished harvests for lack of cultivation and
manure, of quarantine and separate attendants wherever
new stock is brought on a farm, of cleansing and disin-
fection of sheds and buildings, etc., which become abso-
lutely essential in the circumstances.
“We do not include the expense of supervising the
trade, examining and quarantining the stock at the fone :
ier of every State, and of the disinfection of cars, load-
ing-banks, stock-yards and markets. If such were re-
sorted to, after an extensive infection of our Western
herds by lung fever, the cattle trade would be virtually
stopped: Thus a safe quarantine for store cattle of not
less than three months would be absolutely essential.
Then the quarantine yards and sheds would be continual
centres of infection, and would require to be very exten-
sive, thoroughly isolated from each other, and constantly
and perfectly disinfected, the air as well as the solids, to
prevent the infection of newly-arrived stock. Such an
incubus upon the trade would amount to a virtual prohi-
bition. In rinderpest, sheep-pox, and aphthous fever,
quarantine is a comparatively simple and available ex-
pedient, as the disease shows itself within a week ; but,
in lung fever, with the germs lying unsuspected in the
system for one or two months, a protective quarantine is
practically impossible wherever an active cattle trade is
carried on. Hence in the countries of Central and West-
ern Europe, through which the active traffic from the
East is carried on, a complete control is usually main-
tained over rinderpest and sheep-pox, while the people
have resigned themselves to the prevalence of lung fever
as an unavoidable infliction. The same holds in Great
Britain. Twice within eleven years has she crushed out
invasions of rinderpest, and repeatedly has the same
thing been accomplished for sheep- pox; but the lung
fever is accepted as a necessary evil, between which and
her large importations of continental cattle she must
make a deliberate choice.
“Happily, in these United States, we are as yet under
no such compulsion. The lung fever on American soil is
still confined to the Eastern States and to inclosed farms,
from which it is quite possible to eradicate it thoroughly
Stamping Out Possible. 65
Of this possibility we have abundant evidence, alike in
the Old World and the New. Im several countries of
Western Europe, through which there is no continuous
cattle traffic between nations on opposite sides, this dis-
ease has been killed out and permanently excluded by an
intelligent veterinary sanitary supervision. Sweden im-
ported the disease in Ayrshire stock in 1847, but at once
circumscribed the infected herds and - places, slaughtered
the diseased, disinfected all with which they had come in
contact, and promptly extinguished the outbreak. Den-
mark, invaded the same year from a similar source, and
on several subsequent occasions from Holland and En-
gland, as often quenched the poison by analogous
measures. Oldenburg, Schleswig and Norway, success-
ively invaded by the importation of infected Ayrshires,
in 1858, 1859 and 1860, respectively, enjoyed a similar
happy riddance, through the application of the same sys-
tem of suppression. Switzerland, long slandered as the
native home of the lung plague, has at last awoke to the
truth of the statement of the immortal Haller, made
more than a century ago, that this disease only occurs
‘when an animal has been brought from an infected dis-
trict’; and by the judicious use of suppressive meas-
ures, has permanently rid the country of the pesti-
lence and demonstrated that the Alpine air is as clear
and wholesome for beast as for man.
“Tn America, Massachusetts and Connecticut have fur-
nished examples equally striking. The former imported
the disease in Dutch cattle in May, 1859. In April, 1860,
when it had gained nearly a year’s headway, an act was
passed, and a commission appointed, with full power tc
extirpate it. After the slaughter of 932 cattle, it was
believed that this had been achieved; but new centres
of infection were discovered in the two succeeding years,
and it was not until 1865 that the commonwealth was
purged of the poison. Since that year the lung fever
. has been unknown in Massachusetts. Connecticut has
had a like experience, Her proximity to New York City
and Long Island has brought upon her a series of inva-
sions; but, profiting by the experience of her neighbor,
she has, on each occasion, grappled successfully with the
enemy, and driven him from her midst.
66 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
“What has been done by the Scandinavian nations, by
Oldenburg and Switzerland, by Massachusetts and Con-
-ecticut, can be done by all of our Eastern States. On this
\oint the teaching of history is as unequivocal as on the
certainty of the irreparable results if our open Western
stock ranges were infected. The one indispensable pre-
requisite to success is the vigorous and simultaneous ac-
tion of the various infected States, and its persistent
maintenance until the last infected beast has disappeared
and the last contaminated place or thing has been puri-
fied. It matters little whether controlled by State or
National government, if vigor and uniformity of action
can be secured; but, as such combined and unflagging
work is necessary, it could be best controlled by an in-
telligent central authority. The United States Govern-
ment is as much called upon to defend her possessions
against an enemy like this—so implacable, so relentless
and so certain, if not repelled, to lay us under an incubus
which will increase with the coming centuries, and dwarf
the prosperity to which we are entitled—as against the
less insidious one who attacks us openly with fire and
sword. Let the national Congress consider this matter
well. Let every stock-holder press it upon his Repre-
sentative as a matter that cannot be safely ignored even
for a single day. Let boards of agriculture, farmers’
clubs and conventions, granges, and all citizens who value
the future well-being of the nation, unite in a strong rep-
resentation on the subject. If the present Congress
should neglect it, let citizens make it a test question to
every future candidate for their suffrages, and elect only
such as are pledged to carry suppressive measures into
effect. The danger threatens all classes alike, though
the first sufferers will be the stock-owners; for every tax
upon production necessarily enhances the value of the
product; and, as agricultural progress must be seriously
retarded, the tax will not fall upon meat alone, but upon
every product of the farm. Nothing can excuse a con-
tinued neglect of this subject, the dangers surrounding
which increase from day to day, and the final results of
which, if once it reaches our Western and Southern
States and Territories, can only be computed by the
prospective increase of our population and our herds of cat-
Probable Losses in 1900. 67
tle. For this is not like an evil preying on our currency,
banking, trade, or manufactures, the full extent of which
may be, in a great measure, seen from the beginning, and
the repair of which may be at any time inaugurated by
legislative enactment. The animal plague only increases
its devastations as we increase the numbers of our herds,
and threatens soon to acquire an extension to which no
legislation can oppose a check, and a prevalence in the
face of which the most desperate efforts of the nation
will prove of no avail. Thus, our cattle are increasing
at the rate of 13,500,000 every ten years, so that, by the
end of this century they may be exactly doubled, with a
prospective loss, if our Western and Southern ranges are
infected, of $130,000 000 yearly in deaths alone. |
“he choice is now in our power. So far as we know,
our stock-raising States and Territories are still unaf-
fected. We can still successfully meet and expel the
invader; next year it may be too late.”
On April 15th, 1878, the New York Protective Bill be-
came law, but no practical application of it was made
until the present year. In the New York Weekly Trib-
une for November 27th, 1878, another call for action was
made in connection with the prevalence of the disease
around Washington. This was immediately quoted by
various English papers and a demand was made for the
embargo of American cattle. It was followed by the con-
demnation at Liverpool of the cattle shipped in January,
on the Ontario, from Portland, Maine, by the institution
of special inquiries by H. B. M. Consul-General in New
York, by the mission of Professor McKachran on the
part of the Dominion Government in the end of January,
1878, and his report that the plague existed in Washing-
ton, Philadelphia and Brooklyn, by the author’s commis-
sion from Governor Robinson, February 6th, and his re-
port of the presence of the plague in Kings and Queens
counties, on February 9th, and by the Privy Council or-
der of the same date that all American cattle should be
slaughtered on their arrival at English ports. With
68 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
characteristic promptitude, Governor Robinson delegated
‘General Patrick as his representative, and invested him
with plenary powers to crush out the contagion.
This much may be allowed as showing the progressive
steps that led to the inauguration of the present move-
ment for the extermination of this disease on the West-
ern Continent. In turning to consider specific measures
for the prevention of the plague we must pass the differ-
ent methods under review, consider which are adapted to
our case and which inapplicable, and make references to
special measures demanded by the the conditions of par-
ticular localities.
1. PRorEcTION OF A COUNTRY AGAINST AN INVASION OF THE
Lune PLAGUE.
(a) Total Exclusion of Foreign Cattle and ther unmanu-
factured Products.
In the above it has been conclusively shown that no.
country has been invaded by this disease that has not
imported cattle from without, and that countries lke
Spain, Portugal, the Channel Islands, the Scottish High-
lands, Norway and Sweden that do not import but raise
their own cattle exclude the pestilence though it may be
raging fiercely at their very doors. If America were once
purged of this desolating pest, and if for her permanent
protection it were necessary to prohibit all importation
of cattle, immunity would be cheaply bought at such a
price. America can now show as good blood im her dif-
ferent races of cattle as is to be found in Europe; but if
it were otherwise, what is the present or prospective
value of a Duchess to the risk entailed on our 30,000,000
head of horned cattle and their offspring for all future
time ?
Of unmanufactured products, hides and hair are alone
important, and as regards both, the risk is infinitesimal.
Yet it cannot be denied that the contagium is preserved
Danger from Western Iurope: Quarantine. 69
for months in dried buildings, and as the same thing
seems possible as regards dried hides and hair, it would
seem that to insure perfect safety it must be enacted that
no foreign hides should be carried in cars or other vehi-
cles to be afterwards used for the conveyance of cattle or
about places where cattle are found, and that cattle shall
be rigidly excluded from all tanneries where foreign hides
are received.
That such precautions are necessary is shown by the
facts, that in the past year 3,039 cattle were attacked in
38 English counties; 1,522 in 23 Scotch counties; and 32
in 5 Welsh counties; that 1,932 head are reported at-
tacked in Germany; that 698 are reported in Holland;
that in France the existence of the plague is reported
from the Department of the Rhine, La Rochelle, Ruen,
Roubaix, Bourdeaux and Nantes; and that Switzerland
and Belgium are infected.
(b) Importation subject to a Quarantine which shall insure
Protection.
Exeptional cases will arise when it seems of the high-
est importance that foreign cattle should be admitted.
This can only be done safely after a quarantine at the
port of landing under the eye of an expert. The length
of such quarantine must be determined by the time
that the seeds of the plague may lie in the system un-
recognized. We have seen that this cannot be safely
stated at less than three months, therefore, the quaran-
tine should last for this length of time. The infection of
Norway and Australia by cattle that had passed through
an incubation period of three months and of South
Africa after a period of three and a half months must set-
tle this period without appeal.
This having been represented to the Treasury Depart-
ment an order was issued, July 19th, 1879, imposing a
quarantine of 90 days on all European cattle, “except
where State or municipal laws provide for the quaran-
70 The Lung Plague of Cattle
a es et
tine of such cattle, and in such eases collectors will
permit the proper officers to quarantine them in such
manner as the State or municipal authorities require.”
This unfortunate exception allows the State or munici-
pality to interfere so as to make the law a dead letter.
There is nothing in this order to hinder the Aldermen of
Brooklyn, or Baltimore, from authorizing the importation
of European cattle, subject to one or eight days quaran-
tine, and thus maintaining a permanent centre of infec-
tion in Long Island or Maryland. To protect the nation
this law must be national and subject to no exception.
If Section 2,493 of the Revised Statutes does not give the
power to make it so, Congress should enact a law which
shall be imperative for every port, all State and munici-
pal rights to the contrary, notwithstanding. The coun-
try has too much at stake in this matter to sacrifice it to
an idea.
(c) Restrictions on Cattle from Neighboring States having
an Insufficient Quarantine or none.
If we exclude cattle, etc., from an infected country it
follows, of necessity, that we must apply the same rule to
any country that has an unrestricted trade with infected
districts, or a trade the restrictions of which afford no
sufficient protection against the introduction of the dis-
ease. This affects the United States in two ways: first,
it will apply to importations made from Canada and
Mexico, and second, it will apply to the cattle traffic be-
tween the Federal States themselves.
This matter was strongly urged on the Treasury De-
partment, and July 11th the following order was issued :
“TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
“Wasuineton, D. C., July 11th, 1879.
“To the Collector of Customs, Chicago, Il. :
“The instructions of this department of February 27th,
1879, prohibit absolutely, under the authority of Section
2.403 of the Revised Statutes, the importation of neat cat-
Cattle Imports Through Canada. 71
tle from England. It is stated that neat cattle have lately
been imported into Canada from England, and then
shipped to the United States. You are hereby instruct-
ed that on the arrival at your port of any neat cattle from
Canada, they shall not be admitted to duty under any
conditions unless you shall be satisfied, first, that they
were not imported into Canada from England, directly or
indirectly ; or second, that if imported into Canada from
England, directly or indirectly, they did not arrive in
that Dominion within ninety days prior to their arrival
at your port. In no case shall such cattle from Canada
be admitted if you have reason to suspect that they are
affected with infectious cattle disease.
“Very Respectfully.
“A. V. FRENCH,
“ Assistant Secretary.”
This is very well so far as it goes, but it fails to meet
the case. It protects us against disease in imported En-
glish cattle, but not against Canadian cattle that may
have mixed with imported cattle in the same herd and
thereby contracted disease. Taking into account the oc-
cult forms of the disease and the occasional long incuba-
tion of two or three months, security would demand that
we should exclude all cattle that had within three
months come in contact with English cattle imported
within six months of the arrival of such Canadian cattle
at an United States port. Here we must allow for two
successive incubations of three months each in the En-
glish and Canadian cattle respectively.
Tt is further deficient in not imposing a similar prohi-
bition on the cattle imported from the other infected
countries of Europe, and stock that have come in con-
tact with these. At present we have the anomaly of
United States importers of Dutch cattle having to sub-
mit them tv a quarantine of ninety days, while the Cana-
dian importer may introduce the same animals and ship
them to us at once, free from all restrictions. Here the
72 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
discrimination is altogether in favor of the Canadian
importer, who is virtually offered a premium upon his
imports. Let all Canadian cattle importations from Hu-
rope be subjected to a three months’ quarantine and let
all cattle that have come in contact with such animals
suffer a similar detention and we shall have meted out to
them the same justice we apply at home, and established
a reasonable protectorate over our native herds. We
have at present no law to accomplish this ; and, notwith-
standing the best intentions, “The Treasury Department”
cannot interfere with the traffic in Canadian cattle, un-
less they have been imported from Europe within three
months. Here there is a field for legislation, and if Can-
ada will not extend her quarantine so as to make ita
protection to herself and us, Congress must step in and
forbid the importation of Canadian cattle, except under a
quarantine of three months. As already remarked of the
fountain—Europe—so of the channel—Cauada—the Uni-
ted States can better afford to do without her cattle than
they can risk the infection of their home herds.
9. PRorEcTION OF HERDS IN INFECTED COUNTRIES HAVING
NO LEGISLATION.
While individual States decline to stamp out this pest-
ilence, we must offer such suggestions as shall aid the
citizens to protect themselves. The following sugges-
tions are submitted :
(a) Breed your own stock.
All experience with this plague shows that it spreads
in direct ratio with the changes of stock. Countries and
districts which, like the Channel Islands, Denmark, Nor-
way and Sweden, breed their own stock and never im-
port, preserve healthy herds. Single herds, even, that
are kept secluded, escape in the most plague-stricken
countries, though the disease is raging all around
them. It is the dealer, who is constantly changing his
Protection of Private Herds. 73
—
stock, and those who buy from the dealer, that lose by
the infection. As a single instance, I may repeat what an
Trish Ear! (Lucan) told me of his experience. On his Irish
estates he lost heavily and continuously, until he decided
to exclude all strange cattle and men. The moment a
beast was observed sick he removed it from the herd,
and in three months his stock was healthy and continued
so. This is the common experience of those who breed
their own stock, and instances are given in this article of
its perfect success in the plague-stricken districts in
New York.
(6) If compelled to buy, do so in a healthy district and
transport in disinfected cars or by roads where there will be
no contact with suspicious herds, and in no case through a
district in which infection 1s known to exist.
(c) When newly purchased cattle are taken in, place them
in quarantine in a safely enclosed barn or lot, at least 100
paces distant from all other cattle, and under special attend-
ants.
The need for these precautions must be evident, as the
disease sets in and makes some headway before even a
watchful attendant will observe any signs of illness.
3. Measures Fork Resrricrinc THE MorTaniry oF THE
PLAGUE IN GENERALLY INFECTED DisTRICTs.
(a) Preventive Medication.
In infected herds much may be done to check the de-
velopment of individual cases, by the daily administra-
tion of astringent tonics, and especially if they are also
disinfectant. In herds at pasture and even in those kept
in close and notoriously infected city stables, the daily
use of 2 drachms sulphate of iron (ferric sulphate) has
frequently, in our experience, put a limit to the disease
within a month. If tothe sulphate is added one drachm
of carbolic acid, the efficacy will be increased. The same
virtue has been claimed for a number of other astr-n-
gents which it is needless to mention.
(4 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
ot
What is better, because more prompt in its action, is
the inhalation of the fumes of burning sulphur. ~
* To Dr. Dewar, of Kirkcaldy, Scotland, belongs the
credit of having first tested this agent on the bovine lung
plague. He selected a city stable where sickness had
been continuous for 20 years, and where the last victim
had been hauled off three days before. He had the herd
fumigated twice a day for half an hour each time and
had no other case of sickness. I can furnish a number
of similar cases. Patrick Green, West Farms, put a
large herd in infected stables in April last and by July
had lost nine head. He began fumigating the remain-
der and has not lost an animal since. Timothy Ryan,
Ridgewood, kept a herd of about 25 cows and had
lost 20 within a year. His place was so saturated with
the infected products that our own inspectors and vet-
erinarians from a distance concluded that burning would
be the only effectual purifier. He began fumigating June
15th, and though 7 of his remaining 22 cows were fresh
from the country, he has not had a case of sickness since
—now three months. This measure must be applied most
thoroughly to be effectual and cannot be trusted to check
‘disease which has already seated itself in the lungs. It
is only when the germs have been deposited on the sur-
face of the air passages and have not yet made their way
deeply into its substance that good results can be hoped
for. The following printed instructions are distributed
to the owners of infected herds:
“The surviving herd should be shut up in a close
building for half an hour once or twice a day, and made
to breathe the fumes of burning sulphur. Close the
doors and windows, place a piece of paper on a clean
shovel, lay a few pinches of Flowers of Sulphur upon it,
and set it on fire, adding more sulphur, pinch by pinch,
as long as the cattle can stand it without coughing,
Continue for a month.”
Isolation. TW)
eed
(b) Isolation.
When a herd is infected, the arrest of the disease can-
not be hoped for unless the sick are removed from the
healthy. The constant breathing of the infected air is
likely to be rnuch more deleterious than the preventive
medication will be beneficial. On the other hand, the
prompt removal of the sick on the first appearrnce of
illness will often succeed in checking the disease, irre-
spective of any other measure.
(c) Inoculation.
Under this heading must be considered: 1st. What
inoculation is. 2d. Does successful inoculation prove vi-
carious of the plague? 3d. If vicarious, when is it ap-
plicable? 4th. In what conditions is it to be condemned?
InocuLaTIon: Irs AurHor, Mops, Etc.
In December, 1850, Louis Willems, M. D., of Hassalt,
Belgium, son of a large distiller, began his essays on in-
oculation. To determine the susceptibility of different
animals, he inoculated with the exudation matter from
diseased lungs 6 rabbits, 23 pea-fowls, a number of chick-
ens, 4 dogs, 3 sheep, 7 hogs and 2 goats, but in all the
wounds healed without any unhealthy action. These
animals were accordingly set down as insusceptible. Ac-
cidental wounds of human beings were equally harmless.
He instituted experiments on several cattle which he in-
oculated with the liquids from healthy lungs. The result
was only slight inflammation followed by healing.
He inoculated three cattle, respectively, with blood,
buccal mucus and intestinal tubercle taken from sick
cows. These produced but slight inflammation, followed
by prompt recovery.
He inoculated 108 cattle with the pulmonary exudation
of diseased lungs. In a period averaging fifteeen days
after inoculation a swelling occurred in most of these in
the seat of inoculation, and though afterwards kept in an
76 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
infected stable all these animals resisted the disease. Of
fifty uninoculated animals placed in the same stables,
seventeen became diseased.
He further re-inoculated ten cattle that had been al-
ready successfully inoculated, and all the wounds healed
promptly without any local swelling such as marked the
other cases from the tenth to the thirtieth day.
I none of these cases was there any indication of dis-
ease of the lungs, and in a number that were killed these
organs were found healthy.
He concluded that when the virus is inoculated on a
susceptible animal, “a new disease is produced; the af-
fection of the lungs with all its peculiar characters is lo-
calized in some sort on the exterior;” and that this
disease is preservative against all future attacks of pleu-
ro-pneumonia.
Various commissions were appointed by different Eu-
ropean Governments to determine the matter by experi-
ment. The Dutch Commission composed of the Faculty
of the Veterinary School at Utrecht reported in 1852
that out of 247 head of cattle inoculated sixteen afterward
contracted the disease, these being mainly composed of
such as had the least local swelling in the seat of inocu-
lation. They reported that inoculation had “a power, at
least temporary, of securing against the contagion of
pleuro-pneumonia.”
The Belgian Commission, presided over by Professor
Verheyen, inoculated 197 cattle, fourteen of which were
afterward kept in stables with infected BULLS without
-ontracting the disease. __
The aude Commission, presided over by Professor
Bouley, inoculated 54 cattle, of which 48 survived and
were made to cohabit with diseased stock. But one of
these contracted the plague.
Meanwhile Dr. Willems and 54 veterinary surgeons
inoculated 5,301 head of cattle, of which 55 afterward
Inoculation: Mode. 17
contracted the lung plague on exposure to infection, and
in periods varying from the 17th to the 136th day after
the operation.
In England a commission was appointed and after a
series of experiments in 1854-5 they reported ad-
versely.
Since that time inoculation has been adopted exten-
sively in Europe and still more largely in Australia
and South Africa, until to-day it is acknowledged by all
who have given attention to the subject that for the indi-
vidual animal, it is as surely protective as is vaccination
for small-pox, and that attacks of lung plague after suc-
cessful inoculation are little if at all more frequent than
are second attacks of variola.
Mode of inoculating—The material to be used in inocu-
lating is the fresh liquid exudation that may be pressed
from the substance of a lung in the earliest stage of the
disease. If it is to be preserved for any length of time
it is best done in hermetically sealed glass tubes. A
glass tube one-third inch in diameter is drawn out to a
point at each end and sealed in a blowpipe flame, the
whole length of the tube having been heated to redness
before the second end is closed. This destroys all germs
that may be present in the tube and expels most of the
air. When the liquid has been drained from the lung
into a clean dish one end of the tube is immersed and
broken off under the surface. Immediately the fluid rises
in the tube and nearly fills it. The open end is again to
be sealed in the blowpipe flame and the tube packed
away in a Safe place till wanted.
The most eligible place to inoculate is the tip of the
tail, since in case of excessive swelling or threatened gan-
grene the diseased portion of the organ may be cut off
and a possibly fatal result avoided.
The mode of inserting the virus differs with the opera-
tor. Dr. Willems plunged a lancet, charged with the
(*
78 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
—_——
virus, several times through the skin on the end of the
tail. In Australia, a worsted thread charged with the
pulmonary exudation is drawn through beneath the skin
and left in situ. Sticker used a hollow needle with dia-
mond-shaped point attached to an India rubber bag con-
taining the fluid. The needle having been inserted under
the skin, the bag is squeezed so as to lodge a single drop
in the tissues as it is withdrawn. Asa modification of
the same I have always used the common hypodermic syr-
inge carefully purifying it with boiling water before and
after use. Nicklas and Bartels recommend that the liq-
uid be lodged immediately beneath the epidermis, as be-
ing less likely to cause dangerous and gangrenous swell-
ings than if inserted more deeply. Aside from this, that
method is the best that exposes the inserted matter least
to the action of the air, there being less danger of putre-
faction and dangerous swellings. In my experiments
with the hypodermic syringe I have lost from two to four
per cent from such swellings and there can be little doubt
that even these could have been saved had the tails been
amputated in time.
After treatment is seldom wanted. Willems recom-
mends a pound of Epsom salts on the tenth day after the
operation. In case of much swelling, astringent and an-
tiseptic washes are recommended, but prompt am-
putation is much safer and if resorted to early enough
usually prevents those extensive swellings around the
root of the tail and in the pelvis which occasionally prove
fatal.
Can the Lung Plague be Spread by Inoculated Cattle ?
Almost all advocates of inoculation deny that an inoc-
ulated animal is at all dangerous to others. In this they
throw the gravest doubt on the value of the operation as
a preservative. The liquids inoculated are the virulent
products of the lung plague, and as these do not induce
disease of the lungs but only of the tissues where they
Inoculated Cattle Infecting. re!)
—
are inserted, it cannot be supposed that they exert any
influence on the economy through any direct action on
the normal seat of the disease. If protective at all it
must be by reason of the reproduction of the germs in
the blood or in the seat of inoculation. If in the blood
there must be danger of their being given off by the vari-
ous free surfaces and notably by the lungs. If in the
tail, there is still the risk of the germs escaping from the
wound, drying up in the building and being inhaled by
other cattle with fatal results. It is true that the risks
are incomparably less from germs escaping from a wound
in the tail than from those exhaled with every breath
from the diseased lung and diffused through the whole
surrounding atmosphere. Yet even from the inoculation
wound the disease has been conveyed. Reynal mentions
the case of an inoculated Brittany cow at the Alfort Vet-
erinary School which infected two others standing with
her.
I have now under observation a stable into which the
lung plague is alleged to have been introduced through
the inoculation of the cows four months ago. The stump-
tails attest the reality of the inoculation, the raw ends of
several its recent adoption, and yet the sickness pre-
vails. Again, it has been shown in localities in New Jer-
sey and elsewhere when inoculation has been practiced
on a previously healthy herd a certain number of animals
have afterward manifested the disease.
Reason and experience agree in showing that the poi-
son may be thus introduced into healthy stables and there
fore inoculation must be absolutely condemned whenever ¢
speedy and effectual stamping out of the disease is de-
sired. No country has ever succeeded in exterminating
this plague by practicing inoculation, The most ardent
votaries of the practice, Belgium, Holland, Prussia, En-
gland, Australia, South Africa, New York and New Jersey
have preserved the plague for decades in spite of the
80 The Lung Llague of Cattle.
most earnest efforts of this kind. It may be conceded
that by means of inoculation the disease has been quickly
passed through individual herds, and that when a country
or district makes inoculation universal that the mortality
is greatly reduced, yet the adoption of the operation for
healthy herds but multiplies the centres of infection, and
when a country is subjected to this, the plague is inevita-
bly kept up by the occasional contamination of young
and uninoculated animals.
On the other hand, there are conditions in which inoc-
ulation is to be commended. On the steppes of Hastern
Europe and Asia, on the open lands of Australia and
South Africa, where herds mingle day by day and infec-
tion cannot be rooted out by any process of slaughter
and disinfection, the practice of inoculation is found to
reduce the losses toa minimum. In certain other condi-
tions the operation would be admissible. In the case of
large herds occupying insular or equally secluded locali-
ties, where the contagion is already widely diffused and
still spreading from beast to beast, it may be good policy
to inoculate the whole herd, and after recovery from the
inoculation to subject the whole to inspection and dispose
of any still showing traces of the plague. In such a case
all calves born in the herd must be either destroyed or
immediately inoculated as circumstances may suggest.
Tf calves are constantly coming their destruction will be
requisite, as a continuous inoculation will entail the
maintenance of the plague. In this way such an insular
place might be cleared of the plague in a few months,
whereas the resort to a similar course in a thickly settled
district has always been shown to keep it up.
PassInc THE YOUNG THROUGH THE PLAGUE.
In some countries, where the plague is all but univer-
sally distributed, those running large dairies have found
it profitable to pass all their stock through the disease
State and National Measures. 81
while calves. Mr. Harvey, of Glasgow, packed his calves
in close buildings, sandwiching them between sick ani-
mals, and thus passed all susceptible ones through the
disease. He afterward turned these out on a farm to
grow up and finally introduced them into his city dairy
as milch cows. The loss of 20 per cent. of his calves
was a small outlay as compared with as many cows in
milk, so that he found the course quite a profitable one.
It is needless to say that this practice is still more ob-
jectionable than inoculation, and like that should be
strictly prohibited wherever measures are being taken to
eradicate the discase.
STATE MEASURES TO STAMP OUT THE PLAGUE.
1. For Country Districts with INcLosreD Farms.
(a) Prevent Importation from Infected Countries or Chan-
nels.
This subject has been already discussed above and
need only be referred to here as indispensable to the
stamping out of the disease. It is needless to attempt
to crush within our own borders that which we are con-
stantly introducing the seeds of from abroad. As well
keep sowing our land with thistles while we are toiling
day and night to eradicate them.
(6) Proclaim Infected Localities.
This is all essential for the protection of the public
who could not otherwise avoid such places in the pur-
chase and transit of stock. The insertion of such proc-
lamation in the local papers and the posting of it m the
post-offices or other places of public resort, will usually
serve every purpose. The proclaimed district may be
one or more towns, counties, or states, as the case may
be, and thus the proclamation may come from Governor
or President, in different cases.
82 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
——
(c) Stop all Markets and Fairs in Infected Districts.
Wherever cattle are brought together from different
herds, any existing contagion is spread with their distri-
bution. Where lung plague exists there is the strongest
temptation, and the amplest opportunity for the owner
to pick out the apparently healthy from the infected lot
and send them to market. Many of them will not sicken
for one or two months after the purchase, and by this
time they will have infected many herds in all districts,
far and near. To avoid this otherwise inevitable result,
all collections of cattle in infected districts, whether for
sale or exhibition, must be strictly prohibited.
(d) Stop all Movement of Cattle in Infected Districts ea-
cept under License after Examination of the Herd by an
Expert.
To the movement of cattle from herd to herd there is
precisely the same objection as there is to markets and
fairs. The existence of the disease in a herd is often
unknown to the nearest neighbors, as its publication
would interfere with the sale of stock, meat or milk. Itis,
therefore, an easy matter for an unscrupulous owner ty
sell the still apparently healthy animals, one by one, to
unsuspecting parties and thus realize a salyage from his
own infected herd by spreading the plague widely through-
out the herds of his neighbors. If, however, cattle ar
moved only after the herd has been examined by a veteri-
narian and an assurance has been given that no conta-
gious disease has been present in it for the past six
months, this danger is in great part done away with. It
is requisite, however, to examine the whole herd from
which the animals are to be moved, as otherwise infected
animals in which symptoms have not yet developed will
pass the closest scrutiny and be sent on to spread the
pestilence.
(e) Prohibit the Pasturage together of the Cattle of different
Parties except under the Affidavit of each Owner that His
Unfinced Pastures to be Disused. 83
Stock has been clear of Contagious Disease for the Past Six
Months Immediately Preceding.
Here the danger is the same as in the case of fairs anc
markets, and without the restriction named, apparently
sound cattle from infected herds or premises are sent
upon common pastures and when later the different herds
are taken back by their respective owners they carry with
them the seeds of sickness and death to others.
(f) Prohibit Absolutely the Pasturage of Cattle on Tae
fenced Grounds and Highways.
Tn infected localities pasturage on roads and open lots
is one of the most fertile sources of infection. Healthy
herds turned out in this way come in contact with neigh-
boring or passing infected ones, or with the places where
they have immediately preceded them; apparently sound
cattle from infected herds carry the virus to healthy ones
or breathe upon and soil the grass on which these after-
ward browse, and thus the malady is spread ere any sus-
picion is aroused. Many think to save their stock by
having them herded or tethered, but the idea is a most
fallacious one, as may be seen from the examples of the
transmission of the contagium through pastures in Aus-
tralia and elsewhere. The only course of safety is to
exclude all cattle from open lots and highways and to
utilize the products of such by mowing and soiling when
this is necessary.
(g) License Stud Bulls in Healthy Herds to Serve Cows
from Sound Herds.
The danger of contagion from sending cows from in
fected herds to healthy bulls, and vice versa, necessitates
this provision. Yet as the business usually demands
dispatch, a license may be given for all safe bulls in the
district and a running permit to the owners of sound
herds of cows empowering them to take cows to the
nearest of such bulls without loitering or pasturing them
on the way.
84 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
(h) Make it Incumbent on all Cognizant of the same to Re«
port to a Designated Official all Cases of Disease in Cole
Supposed or Suspected to be Contagious. e
This is, of course, especially incumbent on the owners,
but should be made to embrace all attendants, veterina-
rians, visitors and all good citizens. The reasons for
this are obvious, but they will be set forth more fully
under the head of Indemnity.
(1) Make it the Duty of Some Designated Local Authority
to Receive this Report and to Order an Examination by a
State Veterinary Inspector.
Such local authority ought to be a Justice of the Benes:
Police Magistrate or pied Judge of the District, who can
not only nin intistbe the law but promptly punish offend-
ers. The judges in question will then make themselves
acquainted with the law and will mete out more rigid
justice to parties brought before them than if they had
no such direct duty in the matter. They come to the
subject already clothed with the dignity and authority of
the law, and the moral influence is far better than if a
State official, outside the judicial bench, had to apply the
law and appear to prosecute the offenders. Besides, if a
magistrate is not directly interested in the matter and
specially acquainted with it, he will often decide a case
in favor of the offender and to the serious detriment of
the sanitary work.
(7) Indemnity. If the Inspector Ascertains the Haistence
of Lung Plague, he shall Estimate the Value of the Sick, or
have tt done by Disinterested Appraisers, and Report the
same to the Local Authority as the Basis of Indemnity.
The principle of allowing indemnity for animals slaugh
tered is fundamental to success, and according to the
liberality of the award, is usually the success of the
work of extermination. Withhold indemnity and owners
withhold reports of sickness, hide away or slaughter the
diseas d and throw the remainder of the infected herd
Indemnity. 85
or the market with most disastrous results. The main
purpose of the indemnity is not, as many suppose, the
re-imbursing of the owner for his loss, but rather the
speedy discovery and extinction of every centre of con-
tagion. The real value of the sick animal is usually of
no account, and considering the danger of immediate and
prospective infection of other animals by proximity and
through the infected buildings, the dangers incident to
its preservation far more than counterbalance the actual
worth. But the prospect of a recovery, of having ar
animal that is no longer susceptible to the disease, and
the many drawbacks in the way of injury to business,
will usually deter the owner from making his losses pub-
lic. In all countries where the disease has been rooted
out it has been found that no penalty for concealment
is half so effectual as a liberal remuneration for animals
sacrificed. Then, again, an indemnity which will encour-
age owners to report is a measure of the wisest economy.
While the existence of disease is concealed, the State is
thrown back on a slow and laborious examination of herd
by herd and beast by beast, conducted by veterinarians,
and even then there are a thousand ways of secreting
the sick in out-of-the-way places and subjecting only the
apparently healthy to examination. Where, on the other
hand, the owners have every encouragement to report sick-
ness, the skilled veterinarian is only wanted to decide as
to the nature of the sickness reported, and the State is
saved at least nine-tenths of the expenses for professional
inspections.
For these, among other reasons, I have always advo-
cated a liberal indemnity: and every day’s experience
with the plague shows more and more clearly the wisdom
of this. The sick should, therefore, be appraised at their
full value as if in health and the award should be no less
than half of this estimate. I would even favor a two-
thirds value as more efficient and economical, as it would
8
86 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
insure a more prompt report of every case of illness.
The only objection to a full sound value, and it is an in-
superable one, is, that it places a premium on sickness
and would encourage the unscrupulous to convey infec-
tion into an unmarketable herd for the purpose of dis-
posing of them to the State. If this danger is guarded
against it will be found that the highest award for sick
animals slaughtered will prove most profitable to the
commonwealth. It will assure what is almost unattain-
able in any other way—a speedy and economical success.
(k) Diseased Animals to be Slaughtered under the Eye of
an Inspector, their Hides Slashed and the Carcasses Deeply
Buried in a Secluded Place.
The importance of this need hardly be insisted on. So
long as a sick beast is preserved it is but multiplying the
poison, diffusing it through the air, and storing it up in
the buildings. This poison it is impossible to circum-
scribe, absolutely, except by its instant destruction. It
may be wafted on the air, carried on straw, paper and
other light bodies on which it has been dried, in the
clothes of visitors, on the coats of domestic animals
(horses, dogs, sheep, goats, cats), or of wild (rats, mice,
skunks, etc.), and by numerous channels it will elude our
vigilance and extend to neighboring herds. (On this
subject see Mediate Contagion.) The only course of safety
is to stop the production of the poison and bury what
already exists where it can beno moreexhumed. Before
burial the hide should be extensively cut to prevent its
removal for sale.
(1) Disinfect the Premises, Utensils and Attendants.
To kill the sick without subsequent disinfection of the
premises is futile. Stamping out is by no means confined
to the use of the pole-ax. Every place and object on
which the virus may have been lodged must be subjected
to an exhaustive disinfection if we would stay the prog-
ress of the plague.
Disinfection. 87
—
For stables our printed instructions embrace what fol
lows :
“1. Remove ali litter, manure, feed and fodder from
the stables; scrape the walls and floor; wash them 1
necessary ; remove all rotten wood.
“9. Take Chloride of Lime one-half lb., Crude Car.
bolic Acid 4 ozs., and water one gallon; add freshly-
burned Quicklime till thick enough to make a good white-
wash; whitewash with this the whole roof, walls, floors,
os mangers, drains, and other fixtures in the cow sta-
es.
“<3. Wash so as to thoroughly cleanse all pails, buck-
ets, stools, forks, shovels, brooms, and other movable ar-
ticles used in the buildings, then wet them all over with
a solution of Carbolic Acid one-half lb., water one
gallon.
“4, When the empty building has been cleansed and
disinfected as above, close the doors and windows, place
in the centre of the building a metallic dish holding one
lb. Flowers of Sulphur; set fire to this and let the cow
shed stand closed and filled with the fumes for at least
two hours. The above should suffice for a close stable
capable of holding 12 cows. For larger or very open
buildings more will be required.
“5. The manure from a stable where sick cattle have
been kept must be turned over and mixed with Quick-
lime, 2 bushels to every load; then hauled by horses to
fields to which no cattle have access, and at once plough-
ed under by horses.
“6. The pits, where the manure has been, must be cleans-
ed and washed with the disinfectant fluid ordered for
the building (See. 2).
“7. The surviving herd should be shut up in a close
building for half an hour once or twice a day, and made
to breathe the fumes of burning sulphur. Close doors
and windows, place a piece of paper on a clean shovel,
lay a few pinches of Flowers of Sulphur upon it, and set
it on fire, adding more sulphur, pinch by pinch, as long
as the cattle can stand it without coughing. Continue for
# month.
88 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
‘8. Give two drachms Powdered Copperas (Green Vit-
riol) daily to each cow in meal or grains; or, divide 1 lh.
Copperas into 50 powders, and give one daily to each
adult animal.
“9. Do not use for the surviving cattle any feed, foddex
nor litter that has been in the same stable with the sick.
They may safely be used for horses and sheep.”
In certain cases further measures are needed, as re-
moval of the flooring and soil beneath, or even the cre-
mation of the entire structure. Drains must also be
cleansed.
(m) Quarantine the Premises for Three Months after the
last sick Animal has been Killed or has Recovered.
Free and continuous exposure to air is one of the best
disinfectants, and after the disinfection the exposure of
the empty premises with the doors and windows open
for three months will usually complete the purification.
(n) Hay, Fodder and Feed in Infected Buildings to be De-
stroyed or Fed to Horses, Sheep or Pigs.
It is needless to insist upon this as such fodder has
been subjected to the fever-laden breath of the sick and
should only be used for animals that are insusceptible to
the contagion.
(0) Manure from Infected Herds to be thoroughly Disin-
fected with Chloride of Lime, or Hauled out by Horses to
Fields adjoining no Cattle Pastures, and then Ploughed under.
Though we cannot say that the defecations as passed
are infecting, yet, as they lie in and around infected sta-
bles, they are liable to take up and convey the infection,
and we have repeatedly traced outbreaks to this source.
Like fodder, however, it is harmless to horses, and
provided these do not stand as mates with cattle they
may be safely used in disposing of it. In the vicinity of
cities it can be safely applied on market gardens.
(p) Pastures where Sick Animals have been to be Secluded
for Three Months after their Removal.
Closure of Pastures: Registration of Herds. 89
We have already seen the danger of infected pastures
and notably in the case of Australia, and as these cannot
be purified artificially we must allow time for the action
of nature’s great natural disinfectants. The time neces-
sary will vary somewhat in different cases, thus in a mild
climate with frequent alternations of rain and sunshine
it may be considerably less than in the dry Australian
climate, or in the winter season of our northern States
when everything is for months bound up in frost. Three
months may be fairly accepted as a good average.
(q) Make a Register of each Infected Herd with a Per-
sonal Description of every Animal.
By adopting this precaution a perfect control may be
kept up by non-professional inspectors, and the frequent
visits of the more expensive veterinarian largely dis-
pensed with. The check too is all but perfect, as, if an
animal disappears it must be accounted for and no beast
can be replaced by another without detection.
For this purpose a personal description is usually a
better safeguard than any mark or brand which may be
counterfeited.
NEED FOR SPECIAL MEASURES IN CITIES.
The eradication of the Lung Plague from fenced coun-
try districts is a very simple affair, to be easily and
speedily accomplished at but little cost, but when we
come to the cities we find a totally different state of
things, requiring special restrictive measures. To illus-
trate this I must enter somewhat into the nature of the
city dairy interest.
Supply of Fresh Cows.
Under ordinary circumstances the fresh cows are sup-
plied from country districts and most of them come in
sound. When, however, disease exists in the adjacent
country the city is the readiest market for animals from
toes
90 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
an infected herd, and the unfortunate farmer too often
unloads his suspicious beasts on the still more unfortu-
nate city milkman. Such cows pass through the ordinary
channels, and in their course infect cars, ferry-boats and
cattle-yards so that ere they reach their destination they
have often done most material damage. Thus, when we
began our work in New York we traced many outbreaks
to cows from infected districts in New Jersey, and others
to the infected sheep-house at 60th street, where many
fresh cows were kept for sale. This was promptly stop-
ped; but we had then scarcely begun to meet the difficul-
ties.
The fresh cows are mostly sent to the city consigned
directly to dealers, or to speculators who in their turn
employ cow-dealers to dispose of them at a commission.
On their arrival by boat or rail some are sold directly to
the milkmen, and the others are mostly sent to dealers
stables to be disposed of later. 'A number of the New
York dealers keep their cows in the Union Stock yards
at 60th street, and until the present law was enforced
they kept them in the sheep-house.
We must go a step further to show the dangers of this.
A great majority of the city milkmen are poor, keeping
from one to a dozen cows, and their losses are so heavy
that they can rarely get money enough to pay for their
cows when bought. The cows are accordingly left with
them on trial, and the payments made in installments. If
a cow fails to milk as represented she is rejected and the
dealer replaces her by another, taking the first to another
customer, or in the absence of a customer back to his
own stables, or as was the case formerly in New York
back to the Union Stock Yards. Such cows transferred
from city stable to stable in many cases carried conta-
gion with them, and when returned to the dealer’s stable
or stock-yard they infected these places and indirectly
all cows that afterward passed through these. Thus it
City Cow-Trade. 91
was that every dealer’s stable became sooner or later a
pest-house and a centre from which the disease was con-
stantly spread in all directions. The same was the case
with the Union Stock Yards where at first we found sick
animals standing that had been brought in from city
stables.
A second dangerous practice of dealers was the ped-
dling of cows which were driven from herd to herd, and
too often at night or during the heat of midday, were
stabled with herds where they happened to be overtaken.
In this way they usually took in the disease germs if they
were not already affected, or if they had already taken
them in they diffused them wherever they went.
Then, again, the cows that were given out on trial were
too often those that were in the earlier stages of the dis-
ease, or but partially recovered from it, that were doing
badly in consequence, and as no one cared to keep them
they made a hasty progress through a number of herds,
infecting them all in turn.
Pasturage on Commons.—Another prolific source of the.
disease in cities, is found in the abundance of open
grounds intended for building and held by speculators
in prospect of sale. On such unfenced grounds the
poorer owner of two or three cows and even the holder
of a score or more, turn out their cattle daily to pasture,
and as herd mingles with herd the sick infect the healthy,
and soon a whole neighborhood is contaminated by one
sick beast. There is usually an understanding that sick
cows are to be kept in, but this is often neglected, and
even where adopted it but hides the danger for the
slightly affected and those that are recovering, but retain
in the chest an encysted mass of infecting material, are
turned out and transmit the disease freely. Some seek
to protect their cows by herding them on such places,
and others by staking them, but all such measures must
be futile so long as they are allowed to Br aze where sick
cattle have been before them.
92 The Lung Plague of Cattle.
It is from this cause, mainly, that the disease has been
always more prevalent at the end of the summer than in
spring, and at the present time we still find more disease
in districts such as Brooklyn and its outskirts, where,
owing to local obstructions, we have been unable to en-
force a sound pasturage law, than in New York and else-
where, where this law has been respected. In these city
commons we have the counterpart, on a small scale, of
the immense common pastures of the Russian steppes,
and the Australian and South African ranges, and it is
mainly to this characteristic and to the special features
of the cow trade in the cities that the lung plague has
been maintained in America for the past 36 years.
Facilities for Secret Sale and Slaughter.—The preserva-
tion of the plague in cities is further favored by the ease
with which the sick may be thrown on the meat market.
In country districts the prejudice is so strong that it is
usually impossible to dispose of even a sound animal
from an infected herd to any district butcher. But in
the cities the source of the beef*is not so easily ascer-
tained and butchers are not slow to kill anything that
stands upon four legs. Hence the owner will often hide
the existence of the disease to save his milk business and
dispose of the sick for beef.
Were the city possessed of but one abattoir, this
might be easily controlled; but when slaughter houses
are scattered every where and cattle are killed at all
times of the day and night, this is difficult or impracti-
ble and at best very expensive.
I cannot do better than quote the measures we have
adopted in New York to meet these conditions.
1. Conrrou oF Imrorts.
Source.—Cows and store cattle are admitted only as
they come by the Hudson River R. R. and Harlem R. R.
from points north of Putnam County ; by the New Haven
‘Source: Detention and Distribution of Cows. 93
RR. RB. from Connecticut; by the Erie R. R. from points
west of Rockland county and excluding stations between
Goshen and the western line of Orange County, such cat-
tle to be transferred from the Oak Cliff stock-yards to
the Union stock-yards, N. Y., by a special boat—the Can
isteo—retained for this purpose.
Store cattle from New J ersey and Long Flin a are ab-
solutely excluded, excepting in the case of private cows
that have been kept apart from all other cattle, have been
healthy for at least six months and are to be kept in a
private stable or pasture in New York. Such are ad-
mitted on permit given after examination by an inspector.
Point of Arvival and Detention.—All fresh milch cows
and other store cattle must come to the Union Stock-
Yards and enter the yards set apart for them where they
will be inspected and detained until ready to go to their
final destination.
With characteristic energy, the Union Stock-Yard
Company have constructed a number of new yards for
this purpose on the south side of 59th street and have —
subjected the sheep-house to a thorough disinfection so
that cows, etc., can be safely kept in the new yards and
calves in the sheep-house. Thus our most prolific source
of disease has been abolished.
Distribution of Cows to City Dairies—No cow is al-
lowed to leave the stock-yard to go to any dealer’s sta-
ble in New York and be thence transferred to a milk-
man’s stable. If she enters a dealer’s stable she must
remain there until ready for slaughter and must go
straight to the abattoir. Cows sold to milkmen must go
from the yards on permit, direct to the milkman’s stable.
Once a cow has entered a milkman’s stable she cannot
be transferred to another milkman, to a dealer’s stable
nor to the Union Stock-Yards.. She must be kept on from
year to year or fattened and killed for beef.
Here, at one blow, we do away with the infecting deal-
94 _ The Lung Plague of Cattle. — - i |
er’s able and the pestiferous system of psdaione a cows Be ?
from herd to herd and of placing infected cows for trial
_ in a number of herds successively. ag
Tn such a city as New York it was iinpive eee to
stop the cow market; but by this arrangement we can
control it so as to mets its evils to the minimum. The —
system as above sketched has only been perfected for a
short time, but already it has given the most encourags-
ing results having almost completely extinguished the
plague in that city. The milkmen heartily approve it,
as they now receive their cattle with a guarantee of
health, and by buying at the yards they have a better
choice and can make better terms than under the old
system of buying from the dealer’s stable and peddlers _
drove. Then, too, they find that the introduction of a —
fresh cow is not the signal for a new appearance of dis- —
ease, aS was so commonly the case in times past. It
would be difficult, to-day, to impose upon a New York
milkman a cow that comes without General Patrick’s
permit and the inspector's marks. Most dealers who
formerly kept their cows at the Union Stock-Yards like
the system, for a sale is now a bona fide sale and brings
the money in place of promises to be redeemed little by
little at uncertain intervals. Some grumble, but only
because they can no longer pursue their calling at =
expense of a constant propagation of disease.
Disuse of Quarantine Notices.—In a locality controlled
as New York city now is, the posting of quarantine no-
tices on buildings is more injurious than beneficial. No
cows can enter the premises except with a permit on
which the destination is stated and none can leave except
for immediate slaughter. The object of the notice is
fully attained by these measures, and the notice on the
building without accomplishing any good, imperils the
sale of milk from the herd, and, in fear of this, the
owner is liable to hide the existence of disease. For
, ate 7 + a, aN OTe Viet a ae
- Police Control: Carcasses. 56
\
the same reason that I advocate a liberal indemnity, J
advocate the disuse of quarantine notices in such cir-
cumstances. Here, as everywhere, the best success de-
pends on the hearty co-operation of the owners of cattle. |
Control by the Police.—An order of the Commission of
Police was obtained calling upon the force to apprehend
all parties moving cows or other store cattle without a
permit signed by General Patrick, and to impound all
cows or other cattle pasturing on streets or unfenced
places. To their credit, be it said, they have carried out
this satisfactorily and have contributed in no small de-
gree to the success of our work. Reference has already
been made to the value of magistrates as local authori-
ties, and I would here suggest the vital importance of
providing in any future law, that the police and village
constabulary assist in carrying out its provisions. z
Denying Permits, etc—Any dealer who violates the
rules is punished by the refusal of permits for the move-
ment of cattle until he gives bonds to abide by the law
in the future, and in case he continues to violate, he is
prosecuted by the District Attorney.
Movement of Calves and Store Cattle—These are de-
tained in the yards until sold and then sent on permit
to their destination.
Examination of all Dead Cattle at the Offal Dock.—All
animals that die in the city of New York are sent to the
offal dock and thence to the rendering works at Barren
Island, so that by sending an inspector daily to this dock
to open all dead cattle, we can trace the existence of the
ilisease to any part of the city and take the necessary
steps for crushing it out. In this way one man can ac-
complish more than five would if engaged in the exam-
ination of herds, beast by beast.
Systematic Inspection of Herds.—Notwithstanding the
difficulties attendant on a personal inspection of the an-
imals, this is vigorously prosecuted and now the greater
part of the city has been overhauled.
4
96 _The Lung Plague of Cattle.
-
Other Measures.—Beside the above, we apply in tha
cities all the rules above cited for the country concern:
ing pasturage, bull-licenses, reporting sickness, inspec:
tion, condemnation, appraisement, slaughter, indemnity, —
disinfection, quarantine, disposal of fodder litter, ma-
nure, ete., and the registration of herds. ;
I need only add that since its complete adoption our _
progress has been most gratifying and we can now almost —
claim a perfect immunity for New York city.
But our safety as a State depends on the safety of our
neighbors, and we need to secure such action from the
separate infected States as shall banish the plague from |
the Continent. With New York as a great centre of cat-—
tle trade from the South as well as from the West we
must inevitably become infected anew unless we keep up
an expensive and vexatious system of quarantine agaihst —
New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia
and District of Columbia. The disease is slowly spread-
ing south and west from Alexandria. I have a list of 20
herds infected in one line south of that city within the
past three years. The plague threatens to reach our
southern and western ranges whence it will be as impos-
sible to eradicate it as from the Russian steppes, Aus-
tralia and South Africa, and from which continuous ac-
cessions of infection will be thrown upon our Middle and
Eastern States, and shall we hesitate to call upon the
National Government to interfere? This is a question of
incomparably more moment to the western and middle
States than to Delaware, Maryland or Virginia. To throw
the burden of the extinction of this disease on these
States is as impolitic as itis unjust. If ever there was a
question which in its future bearing affected the United
States as a whole it is this.
It would be highly appropriate that the Agriculturists
of the different States, Western and Southern, as well as
Lastern, should petition Congress to take this matter up
A Prompt National Action Demanded. 97
and adopt such measures as would forever rid our coun- ~
try of this most insidious of all animal plagues. At all
hazards the work ought to be done and that speedily. If
State rights stand in the way, let the money at least be
supplied, as it rightfully ought, from the National ex-
chequer, and applied by the different States through
their own officials under the supervision of some re-
sponsible department—say the Agricultural Bureau, a
Live Stock Disease Commission, the National Board
of Health, or even the Treasury Department. It is folly
and worse to quarrel about the means until the plague
shall have passed beyond control. Action is wanted,
of a prompt and decisive nature, by the General Goy-
ernment or with its assistance, and those who are most
deeply interested in the subject should press this upon
the Government until such action shall have been se-
cured. |
9
“A
aves Peon TION OF DISEASED LUNG FROM AN ADVANCED CASE OF LUNG PLAGUE.
Gas Be ramacebing Hea sed ane removed, leaving the exudate in the interlobular
eT ¥ cavities—li - 2 <
Union Square, New York. ikea honey-comb. From photograph by Rockwood,
«
Fra. 2.—PoRTION OF DISEASED LUNG FROM AN ADVANCED CASE OF LuNG PLAGUE.
The lung tissne has disappeared, leaving the air-tubes and surrounding vessels and connec-
tive tissue filled with organized exudate, and having a branching arrangement. From
photograph by Rockwood.
THE FARMER’S VETERINARY ADVISER.
OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.
Tue author has accomplished his task with remarkable perspicuity
and ability. In this “ Adviser” we find everything necessary to be
known by the amateur of the more common, and even some of the
rarer, forms of disease, as well as the accidents to which quadrupeds
and poultry are liable—the whole being brought up to the most ad-
vanced standard of veterinary science. We know of no work on the
subject in any language which, in the same space, embraces so much.
While the technicalities of science are interpreted in words which
must be intelligible to the meanest understanding, and the whole
book is written in a terse attractive style, nothing is omitted which
pertains to the most recent investigations and discoveries. We cer-
tainly have no book like this in Britain; and we are of opinion that,
though written for America, it should-prove as useful on this side of _
the Atlantic.—The Veterinary Journal, London, Eng., August, 1876.
TuE diseases of all our domesticated animals, and thé more important
ones of poultry, are described, and most approved treatment given. I
have no hesitation in saying that this is the most useful and therefore
the best work on the diseases of animals in the English language. It
is wonderful how much information has been compressed within the
limits of a small volume. Before the publication of this work a farmer
was obliged to purchase a small library to have at command advice
on different diseases to which his animals are liable, and even then it
could not always be relied on. The treatment is particularly com-
plete.—Dr. Saumon in Country, Gentleman,
We can, after a careful perusal of the work, confidently add, that
it deserves to be placed at the head of all that has hitherto appeared
in this line. Its 400 pages are filled with valuable, pract?2al informa-
tion, concisely written and in plain popular language.— Prairie
Farmer, Chicago, July 29, 1876. :
In a systematic way, Prof. Law classifies the various kinds of dis-
ease, and speaks of each concisely, as it appears in animals of different
kinds,—its symptoms, treatment and prevention, An appendix is
devoted to the action of medicines, the graduation of doses, and a
table of remedies, with the quantities of each proper to be adminis-
tered. Theories or pathological discussions, however interesting, are
passed by, in order to give simply and exclusively just what the
farmer wants to know—and that often in a great hurry—about the
treatment of a particular complaint. —Country Gentleman.
(2) oo ..
A mucH neeced book. Should be carefully studied and mastered —
by farmers.—N. Y. Times. ; eg"
From the pen of such an author is a sufficient inducement for every
one to buy and carefully read it. Will give to the common reader
as well as to the scientific man much valuable information—Dr.
Liautarp, President Veterinary College, New York.
Ir will prove of immense benefit to the farmers and stock owners
generally on this continent, and at the same time it will be of great
service as a book of reference to the veterinary practitioner.—Pror. —
Smita, President Veterinary College, Toronto.
Ir is plain, practical and comprehensive, and will be found what
its name implies, a valuable and reliable adviser in the many cases of
stock ailments that farmers and stock men have so often to deal with.
~-Practical Farmer.
A soox that no farmer can afford to be without.—Rural New
Yorker.
Tus is a very useful work. It treats of the diseases to which
farm animals are subject in a very plain, practical and thorough
manner.—American Agriculturist.
Tuouca many books of veterinary science have appeared in this
country, prior to the one whose title we put in our head line, they
have all been so defective in comprehensiveness, and frequently so
antrustworthy in their teaching, as to render it most desirable that
some one fully competent for the task should undertake to furnish a
satisfactory work on the diseases of domesticated animals in the
United States. The republication of British authors has not supplied
the deficiency, as a different: manner of feeding and a different
climate modify diseases, and indeed produce new ones which are
entirely unknown in the British Isles. Prof. Law, whose name has
for a long time been agreeably familiar to readers of The Tribune, —
will be generally acknowledged as the fittest possible person for
such service, and we gladly commend the result of his labors to ail
keepers of stock. * * * * Though we have dwelt chiefly on tha‘
chapter of the ‘“ Veterinary Adviser” which treats of contagious
diseases, on account of the great public interest that attaches to
many of them, the succeeding chapters are not less interesting to
keepers of live stock, as due attention is paid to all the minor mala- ©
dies to which horses, cattle, sheep, and swine are subjected. The
author’s extensive knowledge of veterinary literature and his varied
practical experience have been happily utilized by describing diseases
concisely and in language intelligible to all—New York Tribune.
Puan and practical it will direct the common farmer now to re-
lieve distressed animals whenever relief is practicable. Prof. Law
in his book sets forth in the plainest language the knowledge he has
gleaned both of the nature of the diseases which assail domestic
animals, and the proper treatment of them. And what is of quite as
much importance, he discusses the sanitary measures by which good
health and vigor may be preserved.—The Husbandman.
Tus is a handsome duodecimo volume of over four hundred pages,
aid we are much pleased with it in the fact that the author has
labored to bring it within the comprehension of that class who need
it. Most works of this class are lumbered up with so much learning
oe ines
Ret a. (3)
in technical language, that they fail of ever meeting the wants of
laymen. Prof. Law has wisely avoided this fatal error, and has
made his book what he calls it, a “ Veterinary Adviser for Farmers.”
— Wallace's Monthly.
From a careful examination of the work it impresses us as one of
immense value to the live stock interest of the nation, and a copy
should be in the hands of every farmer. It is comprehensive, in-
cluding the diseases of horses, cattle, sheep, swine and poultry. The
work is eminently practical. Some veterinary works are so tech-
nical as to be of little use to the plain farmer, but this is made se
plain as to be readily comprehended by any man of ordinary intel-
lect. A most valuable feature of the work before us is an appendix
which gives the doses of the different medicines recommended for ~
the different species of domesticated animals. The press uniformly
ee it the best work on the subject that has yet appeared.
o farmer’s library is complete without it— Southern Live Stock
Journal.
I am delighted with it. It cannot fail to be exceedingly useful tc
the young veterinary practitioner as well as to the farmer.—Wi.-
LIAMSON Brypen, Hsq., V.S., Boston, Mass.
Deserves to attain to a healthy old age.— Pror. Murray,
M.R.C.V.S., Detroit, late of Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester,
England.
“THE work is especially designed to supply the need of the busy
American farmer who can rarely avail of a scientific veterinarian” —
says the preface, and a careful examination would lead us to indorse
this claim. The maladies are well described, their salient features
are given in detail, and as far as may be, their causes, thus affording
a guide to a rational treatment. The book is copiously illustrated
-and has been prepared at considerable expense. We trust it will
meet with a successful sale, for we think it the most valuable book
on the subject that has yet appeared.—Scientific Farmer.
We think, when the demand for veterinary literature is supplied
by works which are mere advertisements of secret medicines, it was
high time that some competent and honorable veterinary surgeon
should undertake the task of writing a work on the various diseases
to which the domesticated animals are subject in this country. We
think we can safely say that Prof. Law has accomplished this task
in a most satisfactory manner, as the various diseases are described
in as brief and plain a manner as is compatible with giving all the
information that is required on the sabject. We most heartily coin
mend this work to the farmers of Michigan who need in their daily
practice just such a work.—Michigan Farmer.
A very valuable book. It is full of excellent information pertain-
ing to veterinary matter which every farmer should possess. It is
liberally illustrated, and although the text is very clear, the cuts
make it yet more easily understood by all who read it.— Western
Rural.
One of the most valuable books ever issued from the American
ey for the general farmer, is that recently published by Prof,
aw, of Cornell University, entitled “The Farmer’s Veterinary
Adviser.” It is designed especially to supply the wants of such ag
(4) oh
are so situated chat they cannot avail themseives of the services of a _
scientific veterinarian, and as such it is plainly written, concise and
comprehensive. —National Live Stock Journal.
Tae country is flooded with miserable, trashy books — literary
garbage, so to speak, of one sort or another. Now and then a reé-
ally excellent production appears—the gift, perhaps, of a brain that
is nearly if not altogether mspired—and yet occasionally such, even
in our day, meets at first but a poor reception. * * * But we start-
ed out to call attention to a very admirable book—a book that fills a
' vacancy and supplies a long-felt want. The ‘“ Veterinary Adviser”
is just sunply a very straightforward and well written treatise, suit-
ed in every way to the wants of the farmers for whom it is espe-
cially intended; and we do not hesitate to say that it should occupy
an honored place in the library of every agriculturist who has any
money invested in live stock. It tells all about the different diseases
of our domestic animals—it discusses the best methods of treating
these diseases, giving cause and cure, together with much sensible
comment in relation to disinfectants, preventives, ete. No agricult-
urist with the education necessary to the comprehension of plain
English could possibly be the owner of the “Farmer's Veterinary
Adviser” without deriving from it information to the value of many
times its cost; and in the case of those owning blooded stock it
should be regarded as a part of the outfit impossibie to be dispensed
with.—Farmer’s Home Journal.
It treats of a subject upon which we have a professional judgment,
and a subject of importance to the public, viz: the diseases of all
our domestic animals—not afew of which are communicable to
man. The profound ignorance which prevails almost universally on
this subject has led to more pecuniary loss, more absurd and oppress-
ive legislation, more caprice and injustice in the administration of the
law, than any one, not aware of the facts, would probably be willing ©
to believe. Prof. Law has written with complete originality and
marked ability. In the volume before us, though not a large book, —
will be found more information, and in a form more available to the
non-professional man, than can be had from any other book on the
science in ours or in any language. While we desire to recommend
this work to every stock man and every farmer as something he
sannot afford to do without, we desire at the same time to urge the
great public importance of this subject. It has often been to us a
matter of surprise that those who have devoted special attention to
the subject of legal medicine, have so completely ignored the great
light that would ‘be thrown upon their labors by the study of this
branch of science. * * In all sincerity we regard the “ Farmer’s
Veterinary Adviser” as the best and most useful work extant on the
subject of veterinary science. If whosoever is the owner of one
valuable animal will be advised by us he will send and get it with-
out delay.—Southern Planter and Farmer.
Tuis work gives in a sondensed form the plainest account of the
the diseases of our domestic animals with treatment rational and of
easy application, Here we find an intelligible account of all the
modern contagious diseases, some of which, happily, have not yet
~eached our shores. Dr. Law unites a thorough veterinary educa-
a eee (5) ii
tion in Europe and extensive practice in thts country. These rare
opportuuities he has improved to give us a work well fitted for the
American farmer, and the existence of such a book only needs to be
known that it may be appreciated and adopted. All arranged so as
to be easily found and with such plain descriptions as can be under-
stood by the unprofessional reader.—Massachusetis Ploughman. \
alee be found very valuable and effective.— Columbia Co. (NV. Y.)
imes.
Recipes and prescriptions by the thousand have been published for
the cure of disease, and preparations and combinations of drugs have
‘been advertised and sold without limit by people who are as igno-
rant of the laws of health as they are unfamiliar with the anatomy
of the patients they propose to cure. The “Farmer's Veterinary
Adviser” is a different book. We are not personally acquainted
with the author, but of this we are sure, that any one of ordinary
ability can see at a glance that this book is an original production
and from beginning to end the author’s own work, and is written
by one who understands his profession and knows just what he is
talking about. Unlike many books of its class, this not only gives
directions for the treatment of animals when they are sick, but bet-
ter still, indicates the treatment necessary to prevent animals from
becoming sick, It is a work valuable not only for reference in times
of trouble, but more than that, it is a guide to the every-day man-
agement of domestic animals with regard to their health and useful-
ness. The “ Veterinary Adviser” is designed to teach the farmer
how to keep his animals healthy, how to know their diseases when
they appear and how to treat them. We have seen no book on the
diseases of animals which we can recommend with so much confi-
dence as this of Prof. Law. It contains over 400 pages, treats upon
almost every disease that animal flesh is heir to, and will pay for it- _
self a dozen times over in the hands of every intelligent man who
owns horses, cattle, sheep or swine.— New England Farmer.
Hz has undertaken to combine, in what may be termed a “ Popu-
lar Medical Adviser,” scientific and familiar language. And in this
he has succeeded; that is so far as success is ever attained in such
an undertaking. The general appearance of the volume is excellent,
and we like its arrangement. The chapters on contagious and
epizootic diseases and on parasites are concise, and may be sufficient-
ly well understood by an intelligent reader, offering him a large
am unt of information on very important subjects. The remaining
chapters, which are well classified for reference, may be advanta-
geously consulted by the veterinary student and practitioner as welt .
as by others, who may be sure of their diagnosis. With regard to
the preparation of the foot of the horse in shoeing, we support the
opinion of Prof. Law in every particular, and there can be no subject
of greater interest to the farmer or medical man, dependent as they
both are upon the services of this animal Boston Medical and Sur-
gical Journal.
A compact and thoroughly practical guide to the prevention and
treatment of disease in domestic animals. In a terse manner it
describes every disease, sets forth their symptoms and prescribes the
proper treatment to follow: The work is invaluable to every farmer”
ro
in the land and none should fail to provide ‘Qpuaenios wilds a donne Se
The Professor through this work becomes a public benefactor. —f he
Spirit of the Times. -
In the briefest possible way every disease is described, its symp- —
toms set forth and-the treatment prescribed. The man who resorts
to the book does not have to wade through a sea of discussions to —
find what is the matter with his horse, ox, or sheep and to diseoven
the mode of eure. A book that will enable the stock owner to dis-
pense with the services of perilous quacks. The qualified veterinary
surgeons will thank the Professor for his work since death to the
quacks means the promotion of their business interests—The Turf, —
Field and Farm.
Tus is a splendid work, chock-full of valuable. information, and
replete with practical tests, the author being standard authority on
these subjects throughout the United States. It tells all about each
and every disease to which our domestic animals are subject, gives
hints about the breeding management and care of animals, in a word
it is just the thing for the farmer or stock breeder to have on hand
for reference. — Chatauqua Farmer.
Tus is a dangerous book so far as the interests of the professional
are concerned, as it is so plain and professionally correct, that any
common sense man may doctor his own animal. No farmer or
horseman can afford to be without a copy.—Dr. Hornu in Country
Gentleman.
Has been pronounced by the highest authority to be the best
book on the diseases of animals published. It is absolutely a ne-
cessity to farmers, treating the various diseases to which domesticated
animals are subject i in an able and practical manner.—The Spirit ie
the Times.
A mucs needed book. It is an excellent work tersely but plainly
written, and treats upon almost every ailment of domestic animals
in a manner that can be understood by any farmer of ordinary edu-
cation. Prof. Law is one of the most thorough of veterimary
scientists of the day, and we are glad that he so well qualified
should have undertaken the task of instructing farmers upon some
points that it is necessary for them to know. Many a valuable
animal is sacrificed and many a slight and arrestable illness becomes
dangerous and chronic because in its first stages the farmer does not
know how to treat it, and the aid of a qualified veterinarian is not
at once attainable. For these reasons no farmer’s stock in trade is
complete without a work on veterinary surgery and we know of no
work that fills the bill so well as this one of Prof. Law.— Canada
Farmer.
Mucu as we despise the general run of works which profess to
make every man lis own cattle doctor, good manuals on the veteri-
nary treatment of animals are much needed to guide the stock owner.
The dissemination of sound elementary knowledge in the diagnosis
and treatment of disease would be a great benefit. The farmer at ~
least should be more intelligent than the cow-leech, and should know
enough to dispense with his services. A well traizied intellect and
logical mind may be intrusted with some knowledge of diseases of
men and animals without necessarily converting him into an igno-
*
Fak eran {7)
~ rantquack. We are tempted to make these remarks after perusing
a recent American work by Professor Law, of Cornell University, |
No work in the English language which we have seen comes so
nearly up to our ideal of what a veterinary manual for stock owners
- should be as this little volume. Ostensibly written for American
farmers, this work will be found useful to all who have the care of
live stock in the Old as well as the New World. The need for it is
of course more in America than in England where the aid of skilled
veterinary surgeons is more readily obtained than on the other side
of the Atlantic, where they are few and: far between. The work
thoroughly attains the object for which it was written. The lan-
guage used is of the simplest kind. All technical terms are explain-
ed. There is none of the jargon of the pedant, too corimon in mod-
ern veterinary works. The diseases of animals are classified, the
symptoms, treatment, prevention and cure given in intelligible Hn
glish. Carefully prepared illustrations accompany the text where
necessary, and it contains an admirably prepared appendix of the ac-
tion and doses of medicines recommended, and withal an ample in-
dex. It combines a veterinary dictionary and manual and its in-
structions are clear and concise. All the common diseases incident
to animais in this country will be found described in its pages, for
Professor Law, though an American by adoption, had extended ex-
perience when residing in his native country as Professor of Veteri-
nary Science in the ‘ate Albert Veterinary College, Bayswater, and
the New Veterinar\ College, Edinburgh, where he was a colleague
of Professor John Gamgee’s. Such a work as “ The Farmer's Vete-
rinary Adviser” deserves an extended circulation in this kingdom,
and we should be glad to see an English edition of the work brought
out under the auspice. of some one of our enterprising publishers on
this side of the Atlantic—The Country, London, Eng.
aie |
Live Music Archive
Librivox Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Internet Arcade
Console Living Room
Books to Borrow
Open Library
TV News
Understanding 9/11