Rural Veterinary Secrets BY A. H. Hartwig, M. D. C. A farmer's Text Book for ready reference and The secret of success- fully applying first aid and home remedies to ailing farm animals. Watertown, Wisconsin 1921 Copyright 1921 by A. H. Hartwig Watertown, Wis. Advocate Publishing Company Printers and Publishers Milwaukee, Wis. CONTENTS CHAPTER PAGE I. Diseases Common to the Respiratory Organs - - 17 II. Diseases Common to the Circulatory Organs - ■ 35 III. Diseases Common to the Digestive Organs - - 39 IV. Diseases Common to the Reproductive Organs - 59 V. Diseases Common to the Liver and Kidneys - - 85 VI. Diseases Common to the Brain and Nervous System 87 VII. Practical Aid in Difficult Parturition - - - 93 VIII. Common Diseases of the Skin 107 IX. Contagious and Infectious Diseases - - - 119 X. Wounds and Fractures 137 XI. Diseases Common to the Muscles and Extremities 145 XII. Common Farm Operations 173 XIII. Diseases Common to Swine and Sheep - - - 185 XIV. Diseases Common to Poultry 209 XV. Practical Application of Medicines and Home Remedies 213 XVI. Miscellaneous - 221 Index — Glossary and Topical Index - - - 233 AUTOBIOGRAPHY Dr. A. H. Hartwig, the author of "Rural Veterinary Secrets," was born on a stock and dairy farm in Watertown, Dodge Co., Wisconsin, where he had a good opportunity to study the natural habits and wants of ailing farm animals. He received his preliminary education in the public schools and Northwestern College of Watertown, Wis. At the age of seventeen he expressed the desire to study veterinary science and become a veterinary physician and surgeon. However, as his services could not be spared on the farm at that time, he was obliged to abandon the idea, at least for the time being. When twenty years of age he entered the short course in Agriculture of the University of Wisconsin, under the direc- tion of Dean Henry, it being the second and third year of the existence of that course. Dr. V. T. Atkinson, the first State Veterinarian of Wisconsin, gave a course of lectures and demonstrations in veterinary science. These lectures and demonstrations proved of particular in- terest to the young agricultural student, and again he was inspired with the determination to take up this interesting study, but neither the time nor the means to further attend college could be spared. After concluding his university studies he returned home and de- voted most of his time to breeding draft horses, coach horses, and dairy cattle. In 1892 he made a tour through Europe. There he vis- ited the various veterinary colleges in the Old World. On his return he brought with him an importation of Oldenburg coach horses. His experience in stock breeding convinced him that a knowledge of vet- erinary medicine and surgery would be of great benefit to himself and his community. He again determined to become a veterinarian and then actually entered the Chicago Veterinary College, from which he was graduated in the year 1895. After graduation he entered upon his practice as a veterinarian in Watertown, Wisconsin, and adjacent community, which he suc- cessfully continued for twenty-seven years. During this time he held various important positions in connection with his profession. He was president of the Wisconsin Society of Veterinary Graduates; secretary of the Wisconsin State Veterinary Society; State Veterinarian of Wis- consin ; Veterinary Editor of "Hoard's Dairyman" ; publisher and pro- prietor of "The Farmer's Veterinary Advisor," and at the present time is Veterinary Inspector for the United States Bureau of Animal In- dustry. While editor of "Hoard's Dairyman" he discovered the Air Treatment for milk fever, which is now used the world over and is saving the lives of thousands of valuable farm animals. The experience thus acquired he is now giving to his fellow farmers and stock owners in the form of "Rural Veterinary Secrets." Department of Surgery at Dr. Hartwig's Veterinary Hospital PREFACE My purpose in presenting "Rural Veterinary Secrets", to the farmer and other owners of domesticated animals shall be to educate them to use home remedies intelligently whenever they are applicable in case of emergency, and to properly comfort and care for the patient till medical aid can be summoned ; to teach my readers to use the right remedy in the right place in case of emergency, instead of employing anything and everything that might be suggested by the casual ob- server; to avoid the misapplication of drugs, which so often leads to the destruction of valuable farm animals ; and to give professional ad- vice to those who are in need, as well as those who seek professional knowledge on those subjects. In order that my readers may readily understand what I am to present to them, I will employ common farmer language, avoiding technical expressions as much as possible. I shall prescribe the most practical and effective remedies for each particular case, regardless of who might be the manufacturer thereof. The remedies prescribed shall be those which I have found the most successful and practical during my twenty-seven years of practice. I have decided to place the knowledge and experience obtained in these twenty-seven years of continued and uninterrupted practice as a veterinarian before my readers in concise form, boiled down for quick and ready reference, in this, my first edition of "Rural Veterinary Secrets." A. H. HARTWIG, M. D. C. Watertown, Wisconsin, July 1st, 1921. TO THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF EQUITY In testimony of the author's high esteem and appreciation of the principles and service to the public of the society, lending me inspira- tion and initiative in my profession and this undertaking, I dedicate this work. A. H. HARTWIG, M. D. C. CHAPTER I. Diseases Common to the Respiratory Organs ACUTE NASAL CATARRH (Rhinitis, Acute Coryza). An acute catarrh of the air passages of the head. It may occur as a primary affection or may be secondary to another disease. The common predisposing cause is cold. Catarrh is most fre- quent during the changeable weather of the late fall and early spring. The exciting cause is undoubtedly infection. Nearly all of the diseases of the respiratory tract are accom- panied by catarrh, as are specific infectious diseases, such as strangles, influenza, hog-cholera, glanders. SYMPTOMS The general condition of the patient is usually somewhat dis- turbed ; it seems stupid, languid, and shows slight fever. The mu- cous membrane of the nose is swollen and reddened and at first drier than normal ; later an irritant, watery discharge appears, which in a day or two becomes turbid and more profuse. In the earlier stages the patient sneezes frequently and rubs its nose against objects. The nasal discharge dries and forms crusts at the openings of the nostrils. In exceptional cases small, round, super- ficial erosions are noted on the mucous membrane, which usually heal in a few days. In severe cases there is conjunctivitis present. If the larynx is involved there is cough ; if the pharynx, difficulty in swallowing. The submaxillary lymph glands in the horse are slightly swollen. The course is usually rapid and the termination favorable. The condition in ordinary cases disappears in seven to ten days. TREATMENT The acute catarrh seldom requires treatment. Protecting the patient from draughts and dust is all that is necessary in the aver- 18 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS age case. When, however, the discharge is profuse or the patient shows fever, a douche consisting of a solution of one tablespoonful of common salt dissolved in two quarts of tepid water may be injected into the nostrils and allowed to flush the anterior air cham- bers once or twice daily. Inhalations of volatile substances are of value. Turpentine or benzoin (1 to 5 per cent in form of steam) may be tried. The crust on the nostrils may be greased with lard or vaseline. BLEEDING FROM THE NOSE, HEMORRHAGES (Epistaxis) In some families of horses hemorrhages are an inherited pre- disposition. In such cases the bleeding occurs without apparent cause. It may follow over-exertion as in the case of the race horse. It may also be caused by passing tubes, sponges, and other instru- ments up into the nostrils. In forcibly ejecting dust and foreign matter from the nose, horses sometimes induce hemorrhage. Frac- tures of the facial, nasal and maxillary bones and tumors in the nose may be followed by nose bleeding. SYMPTOMS It is usually not difficult to determine the origin of the hem- orrhage, but to find the cause may require a most careful examina- tion of the patient. Pulmonary hemorrhages are characterized by a bright red, foamy nasal discharge emitted from both nostrils and accomplished by cough, dyspnea, and weak pulse. When placing your ear to the chest, however, you will hear a rattling sound with each breath of the patient. If, however, the hemorrhage is from the nose, these rattling sounds will not be noticed, although some of the blood may be inspirated into the lungs and confuse the layman as to the proper location of the hemorrhage. In hemorrhages from the stomach the blood is also discharged through the nose in the case of the horse and ox, but is more or less clotted, brown in color, of acid reaction, and mixed with food particles. In the case of the hog and dog the blood from stomach hemorrhages is vomited throusrh the mouth. RURAL VETERINARY ^SECRETS 19 TREATMENT The patient should be kept in a cool and quiet place. If hemorrhages are from the nose or anterior air chambers, inject up into the nostrils the juice of several lemons. This, with rest and quiet, will arrest the hemorrhage temporarily. Then give a tea- spoonful of Ferritone (Elk's) for an adult in moist food three times daily. This will increase the fibrin and red corpuscles of the blood, which makes a firm clot and heals completely the ruptured vessel, besides strengthening the walls of the blood vessels. If the hemorrhage is in the lungs or stomach, the injections of lemon juice are not so effective and may be omitted, but the Ferritone should be given regularly as above directed and the treatment continued for a week or two after the hemorrhage has stopped. NASAL POLYPI Polypus in the Nostril. These are wart-like tumors growing in the nostril as shown in the accompanying illustration. The only remedy is to remove them with a small wire ecraseur, w^hich is especially designed for this purpose. The operation is simple and usually has no dangerous after effects. 20 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS CATARRHAL LARYNGITIS Catarrhal laryngitis is one of the commonest diseases of horses and cattle. It frequently assumes an enzootic form, being very prevalent during the changeable weather of spring and fall. The disease may be primary or secondary. The causes of primary laryngitis are : Chilling, inhalation of irritant dust, gases, ingestion of fermenting foods (brewer's grains, distillery slops, potato residue), continued bellowing of cattle, throat latch of bridle too tight, and primary infections. Secondary laryngitis accompanies many of the infectious dis- eases, especially influenza and strangles of the horse, tuberculosis of the ox, cholera of swine, and verminous bronchitis of sheep. A spread ,of inflammation from neighboring organs (pharynx, trachea) may induce laryngitis. The causes of chronic catarrhal laryngitis are the same as those of the acute form, the irritant acting mildly but repeatedly or persistently. SYMPTOMS A dominant symptom of laryngitis is a dry, harsh cough which the patient seeks to suppress. It is especially noticeable when the animal is brought out into cold air or given a cold drink of water. Excitement also induces cough. The larynx is sensitive to pressure, which may bring about a spell of coughing. In some patients hoarseness'is evident. On listening to the larynx rough and some- times whistling tones are heard, which tend to diminish in intensity toward the chest. Nasal discharge is usually present. If the pharynx is also involved there will be difficulty in swallowing. The lymph glands of the submaxillary region are swollen and sensitive. Except in secondary laryngitis the pulse and temperature remain about normal. There is difficulty in breathing only when there is marked swellins: of the mucosa. DIAGNOSIS The diagnosis depends upon the presence of cough, sensitive- ness of the larynx, mild fever, and the negative evidence adduced from a thorough examination of the lungs. Secondary laryngitis may be distinguished from primary forms by the high temperature, general depression of the patient and symptoms of the primary disease. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 21 In acute catarrhal laryngitis the course is usually six to ten days, ending in complete recovery. Neglected cases may become chronic and last for months, causing persistent, obstinate cough, but usually no further symptoms. TREATMENT The patient should be allowed fresh air (not too cold) free from drafts, dust and stable gases. If the weather permits, exer- cise in the open should be allowed. In mild attacks horses may be employed at light work, provided they are protected against high wind or drenching rains. The food should be laxative (roots, grass) and free from dust. Hot applications to the throat are valuable. During the early stages inhalations of medicated steam are of service. See directions for steaming in acute nasal catarrh and give the same medical treat- ment. If you suspect the cause to be of an infectious nature, separate the well from the sick and thoroughly disinfect the stable. CROUPOUS LARYNGITIS A disease of the larynx and laryngeal mucosa in which the pharynx and trachea are also involved. This is rather rare, occur- ring mostly in sheep and cattle and more rarely in horses and swine. It is caused usually by inhaling irritating gases, smoke, strong fumes of disinfectant, and sometimes from driving through dust to increase the weight of wool. SYMPTOMS In the beginning the symptoms are the same as in catarrhal laryngitis, except that the patient becomes more rapidly emaciated and loses appetite. There is also a swelling and sensitiveness of the throat. TREATMENT The treatment consists of the same medicinal agents and in- halations of medicated steam as in catarrhal laryngitis, except that a tracheotomy tube might be used in addition in the early stages of the disease. 22 BUBAL VETEBINABY 8ECBETS Horse ith chronic Oezena that was operated at the Fort Atkinson Veterinary Hospital, June 11, 1910. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 23 NASAL CATARRH (Oezena) This form almost invariably follows some other disease involv- ing the respiratory tract, such as bad teeth with filling of the frontal or maxillary sinuses of the head with pus. It may also accompany glanders, tumors of the nostrils, animal parasites, chronic or verminous bronchitis. SYMPTOMS The principal symptom is a nasal discharge, which varies greatly in quantity and character. The quantity of discharge is not always the same, being more profuse at times owing to environ- ments, weather conditions, etc. In character the discharge may be mucous, purulent, blood-streaked, or contain caseated lumps. If due to decayed teeth or bones of the head, it will have a very offensive odor. The maxillary lymph glands may become enlarged, but usually do not adhere to the jaw. If the sinuses of the head become filled with pus there is usually a marked swelling of the parts affected. TREATMENT Before resorting to treatment of this ailment we must ascertain the cause and remove it. A careful examination of the teeth must first be made and if any decayed ones are found they must be extracted. Then the nostrils should be carefully examined in search of nasal tumors. If neither is found, explore the frontal and maxil- lary sinuses by sounding with gentle taps of one or two fingers on the suspected parts. If the sinuses are not filled there will be a hollow sound, while if filled with pus they will appear solid. If one or more of these sinuses be filled it will be necessary to cut a hole through the bone and remove the pus surgically. If neither of the above is found, a nasal douche, with a table- spoonful of salt to a gallon of warm water, may be resorted to once daily. If the discharge from the nostrils has a fetid odor, five grains of permanganate of potash may be dissolved in a gallon of warm water and used as a douche instead of the salt solution. Iron tonics, such as tincture chloride of iron or dried sulphate of iron, should be given in food twice daily in connection with some bitter stomachic. For this purpose there is nothing more effective than a large teaspoonful of Ferritone, in moist food three times daily. 24 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS It acts directly upon the blood and lessens the discharge from the nasal membrances. Ferritone is a new and almost specific remedy for all nasal discharges now sold by all first class druggists. CATARRHAL BRONCHITIS Bronchitis means, or is understood to be an inflammation of the large bronchi (air tubes). Bronchiolitis is used to express an inflammation of the capillary bronchi. Bronchitis occurs either as a primary or secondary disease. It is very common among all domesticated animals, particularly during the spring and fall, when it may become enzootic among horses and cattle. It may occur alone, but is usually associated with tracheitis and laryngitis (catarrh of the air passages), or on the other hand it may attend pneumonia (bronchopneumonia). Several different forms of catarrhal bronchitis are recognized. When the exudate is fluid and abundant, moist bronchitis or blen- orrhea of the bronchi is spoken of. If the exudate is rather limited and not so fluid a dry bronchitis exists. A fetid bronchitis develops from a bacterial decomposition of the exudate. From the stand- point of course, catarrhal bronchitis may be either acute or chronic, and from the causes a verminous and a mycotic bronchitis may be distinguished. The causes are usually refrigeration (changeable weather), inhalation of mechanical and chemical irritants (dust, smoke, chemical fumes), aspiration of fluids, such as liquid medicines unskillfully ad- ministered, blood, pus or solid matter, such as food which gains access to the windpipe, especially when the pharynx is paralyzed. Certain animal parasites and bacteria are also causes. Secondary bronchitis occurs with most of the infectious diseases affecting the respiratory tract (influenza, strangles, tuberculosis, hog-cholera). SYMPTOMS The characteristic symptoms of acute catarrhal bronchitis are cough, which at first is short, dry and painful, but later with the accumulation of liquid exudate becomes looser and less painful. Nasal discharge is present and during the act of coughing bronchial RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 25 slime is ejected through the mouth and nose. In the early stages especially the respirations are increased. Percussion is normal and on listening rales are heard. Rales may be absent in the early stages, but will appear gradually about the second or third day. The character of the rale will depend upon the size of the bronchus involved and the consistency of the exudate. In the larger bronchi, provided the exudate is rather fluid, the rale is of the character of bursting large bubbles, while in the smaller bronchi the rales are much finer and of a crackling character. If the bronchial mucosa is much swollen, narrowing the lumen of the bronchi, whistling, piping or hissing tones may be heard. As a rule the animal shows fever in the early stages (104 to 106 degrees F.), but usually within two or three days the temperature drops. With the continuance of the fever the pulse frequency increases. CHRONIC CATARRHAL BRONCHITIS usually develops from the acute form. It may occur, however, as a symptom of chronic heart and lung disease. It is frequently associated with chronic pulmonary emphysema or seen to accompany such chronic infectious diseases as tuberculosis, glanders, or verminous pneu- monia. Generally speaking, chronic bronchitis leads to irreparable injury, not only of the walls of the bronchi, but also of the neighbor- ing lung tissue. The symptoms of chronic bronchitis are much the same as those of the acute, except that the condition is feverless and suffers many periodical increases of violence. The general condition of the patient may not be much disturbed, and the only evidences of the disorder are chronic cough, difficulty in breathing, and nasal discharge, which is often foamy and white in appearance. Obviously, if chronic bronchitis is a symptom of an infectious dis- ease like tuberculosis or glanders, the symptoms which typify these conditions will be associated with those of bronchitis. In practice chronic bronchitis is most commonly met with in horses suft'ering from "heaves." It also occurs frequently in dairy cows in the Eastern States, especially during raw, damp. weather. The principal symptoms are a persistent cough and slight nasal dis- charge, which is usually wiped off with the tongue. There are no constitutional symptoms. The course is benign except in neglected cases. In healing, the acute form usually terminates in two to three weeks. When the smaller bronchi become involved, the course is more prolonged and is apt to lead to bronchopneumonia and death. Death may also result from pulmonary edema. Chronic bronchitis may last for months or years, depending 26 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS upon the cause. As a rule the patient becomes anemic, cachectic, and finally death results from lack of nutrition. DIAGNOSIS The diagnosis of bronchial catarrh is, as a rule, not difficult. The presence of the characteristic rales are evidence enough, espe- cially when taken into consideration with the other symptoms and course of the disease. It is sometimes impossible to determine whether the bronchitis is primary or secondary. Generally, how- ever, when bronchitis is secondary to some acute infectious disease the high temperature which the patient shows is indicative. When associated with a chronic infection a thorough clinical examination of the patient will usually reveal the presence of a primary disease (tuberculosis, tuberculin test; glanders, various tests). TREATMENT The patient should be kept in a light, clean, well ventilated place and every attention given to the hygiene of the skin. A horse should be covered with a light blanket, and the legs, if cold, wrapped in soft bandages. If labored breathing is very marked, the chest should be rubbed freely with Elk's Electric Cream. The food should be laxative (bran, oats, grass, carrots, turnips, etc.). The bowels should be kept open by giving two tablespoonfuls or Bovolax in moist food twice daily. If the cough is dry, inhalations of medicated steam (see steaming) may be resorted to. The follow- ing prescription has proven very successful. Take of: Syrup of white pine — 1 pint. Fluid extract belladonna — 1 dram Febris powders (National) — 2 ounces. Mix and give one ounce every two hours. Febris powders might be given alone in the absence of the other two, provided they cannot be obtained. These should be given in teaspoonful doses three times daily. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 27 PLEURITIS Pleuritis is an inflammation of the pleura. It is nearly always a secondary condition in animals. Pleuritis affects all animals, but principally the horse. In the horse it is usually a symptom of infectious fibrinous pneumonia ; in the ox of tuberculosis, contagious pleuropneumonia and hem- orrhagic septicemia, and in swine most frequently of so-called swine plague. Pleuritis, however, may occur unattended by pneumonia, as is frequently observed in horses. Pleuritis in animals is always due to infection. Cold, which was believed to be the most potent etiological factor, is now con- sidered merely predisposing (pleuritis in sheep following shearing; exposure of horses to cold wind and rain). The micro-organisms which produce pleuritis are many. Rarely is pleuritis a primary disease — it is most commonly seen in practice accompanying dis- eases of the lungs (pleuropneumonia). The micro-organisms caus- ing pleuritis may enter as follows : (1) Through penerating thoracic wounds ; (2) through deep contusions on the chest wall, especially if rib fractures be present (kicks, blows, falls) ; (3) from disease foci in the lung, which are in contact with the pleura; (4) via blood and lymph micro-organisms of certain specific diseases ; notably those which affect principally the respiratory tract. The latter may also invade the pleura and cause inflammation thereof (influenza, fibrinous pneumonia, swine plague, hemorrhagic septicemia, acute rheumatism). It may happen that the dominant lesions are in the pleura, in which case primary pleuritis is spoken of (pleurisy of the horse without pneumonia). As predisposing factors may be mentioned: Chilling (cold), over-exertion, long railway transports, and acute diseases of the respiratory tract (laryngitis). Subacute and chronic pleuritis may accompany tuberculosis, glanders, contagious pleuropneumonia of the ox, tumors (spread of sarcoma or carcinoma via contiguity of tissue), or metastasis, and animal parasites. SYMPTOMS Depending upon whether it is acute or chronic, primary or secondary, the symptoms of pleuritis will vary greatly. In mild circumscribed and in chronic pleuritis the symptoms are so vague that the condition is rarely recognized clinically. In the acute form, which is at times primary, they are as follows : 28 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS (1) First stage (congestion) : The onset is sudden. The patient stops eating, seems stupid, and may show pains simulating mild colic. There is often a marked chill during which the temperature rises rapidly to 104 to 106 degrees F. The muscles of the thorax tremble. The pulse is frequent (70 to 80), small and hard. The respirations are accelerated (25 to 40) and of the abdominal type. If the pain is great, and the diaphragm not involved, the ribs may be rolled forward and held, breathing being performed by the flanks. The patient may not show cough or nasal discharge. Sounding the thorax in this stage pains the patient and causes coughing. Sensitiveness is sometimes shown on palpating the inter- costal spaces, especially in the region of the elbow. If the exam- iner's hand be laid against the thorax, marked vibrations may be felt. Unless the lung is involved in this stage, there is no change in the percussion sound. The respirations seem shorter than normal and of interrupted, catching character. On listening, a rubbing, grating, frictional sound is heard with the respirations. The animal is usually stiff and when turned "moves as one piece" in a rigid, wooden fashion. (2) Second stage (effusion) : In this stage the clinical picture is a good deal modified. The patient finds more difficulty in breath- ing and the character of the breathing is changed, depending upon the quantity of exudate in the chest. If a considerable amount of fluid forms rather rapidly in the thorax (25 to 40 quarts) at inspira- tion the ribs are rolled forward at a maximum and at expiration, which is accomplished by a double-pumping movement of the flanks, the lumbar region is elevated and the anus protruded, the manner of performing the respirations much resembling that noted in pul- monary emphysema. A groove is formed along the costal cartilages at each expiration. The nostrils are dilated and often flapping. Percussion : As high as the fluid in the chest extends, a marked flatness with resistance under the hammer is noted. The flat area extends across the ribs in a straight horizontal line. Above this line subdued resonance is heard. Changing the position of the body- will shift the horizontal line. (Only feasible in small animals.) When effusion occurs the frictional sound disappears (in some instances it may still be heard above the area of flatness), and, as a rule, no respiratory sounds can be determined below the horizontal line. Above it the vesicular murmur is harsh ; tubular breathing is frequently present. The heart beat is weakened in this stage and may often be heard more distinctly on the right than on the left side of the chest. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 29 The pulse is rapid and softer than in the first stage. The tempera- ture is very irregular. When effusion takes place it usually drops to nearly normal, but may rise again later. Its character is decid- edly intermittent or even remittent. Very high fever speaks for purulent pleuritis. General condition : In acute pleuritis the patient often remains standing during the entire attack (horse). If the patient lies down in the first stage, due to pain, it rests on the well side, or if the condition is bilateral, on the sternum. In the stage of effusion, the patient lies on the diseased side. In pleuritis there is a tendency to swell on pedent portions of the body (under chest, etc.). A total lack of appetite persists. Mild cases make a very rapid recovery and are often not rec- ognized during life. The effusion forms rapidly ; in three to four days the thorax may be half filled; the resorption of the exudate however, takes place gradually and may require two to three weeks, or even several months, during which time the life of the patient is in jeopardy. The more serious the effusion, the more likely and rapid the resorption. With much fibrinous exudate present, ad- hesions between lung and thoracic wall are frequent. These adhe- sions usually persist and cause the patient to be ever afterward short-winded. Chronic pleuritis is incurable. Death in acute causes may follow from asphyxia or exhaustion in two to three weeks. TREATMENT The drugs used in the treatment of this disease are few and simple. If the fever is high and needs to be checked, give a tea- spoonful of National Febris Compound in drinking water three times daily. If the fever is not controlled, increase the frequency of the dose to every three or four hours. This also has a dieretic eft'ect, which is very essential in this treatment. If breathing is very painful, the pains can be relieved by a hypodermic injection of two to three grains of morphine, or still better, a tablespoonful of National Anodyne given every hour with a dose syringe until relieved. When the thoracic cavity fills excessively with fluid, the same must be removed by means of a trocar and canula. The latter had better be left to a competent veterinarian. 30 RURAL VETERiyARY SECRETS INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS (Pneumonia) Pneumonia exists in various forms, the details of which will be too technical for the average farmer and stockman to under- stand. We will, therefore, discuss pneumonia in its general term, giving its general appearance, symptoms and treatment. Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung. The existence of pneumonia as a primary disease in animals is open to question. At any rate, it has not been proven. SYMPTOMS The onset of the disease is usually sudden. Without warning the patient is seized with fever, which in the case of the horse may reach 104 to 106 degrees F. in a few hours. The patient is stupid, languid, and loses appetitie. In some cases a pronounced chill ushers in the disease symptoms. The fever is of the continuous type, remaining up for seven to nine days, when it drops rapidly to normal, or on the third or fourth day may begin to gradually decline, reaching normal in four to eight days following. Cough is short, painful, and frequently restrained. At first it is dry, later moist in character. Nasal discharge is not always present, espe- cially in continuously stabled horses. In some cases, during the second stage, a rusty brown ("prune juice") discharge occurs which may last only twenty-four to forty-eight hours. In the third stage a yellow-colored discharge may appear. The pulse at first is not much affected, but as the disease progresses, due to cloudy swelling of the heart, its frequency is increased to 60 or 80, or even higher. Quite often the pulse remains high after the fever has gone down. The respirations are accelerated early and the patient breathes with distended nostrils. The mucous membrane of the eye in severe cases often assumes a spotted mahogany color. The sounds (on pressure with the fingers) vary with the stage of the disease. In the earliest stage (congestion) there is little appre- ciable change; in the second stage a flat sound is emitted. The sound begins about the second day and is retained three to five days. During the third stage the sound becomes drum-like. The area of dullness is usually confined to the lower portion of one lung, its upper limits often describing an upward curved line. Upon listening, fine crackling sounds (like hair rubbed between the fin- gers) are heard in the first stage. These sounds are usually present for the first twenty-four hours, then pass away. In the second stage there is either no respiratory sound audible or tubular breath- RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 31 ing is heard. In the third stage moist rales are heard (the return rale). The general condition: Varies greatly with the case. In mild attacks the appetite may be retained and the mind little per- turbed. In severe cases there is no appetite while the fever is on and the animal is very stupid and languid. Horses usually do not lie down until the fever drops. Small animals and even ponies lie down most of the time during the disease, and if only one lung is affected, on the diseased side. The urine is scanty and high colored until the fall of the fever, when its specific gravity drops, and the quantity, voided frequently, greatly increases. DIAGNOSIS Pnuemonia may be distinguished from pleuritis by listening, and sounding with the finger. In cases complicated with pleuritis dift'erentiation may be impossible. However, pleuritis is usually bilateral, the upper margin of the zone of dullness on percussion is horizontal and the resistence under the hammer pronounced. In pleuritis there is a further tendency for swelling to form in pendent parts of the body. Cough is usually absent in pleuritis ; present in pneumonia. A test puncture of the thorax may be made in doubt- ful cases. COMPLICATIONS (1) Heart weakness due to cloudy swelling. The heart beat is fast, arythmic, and palpitating. The pulse may be weak and runs about 76. The patient is weak, may be cyanotic, superficial veins distended. (2) Pleuritis : A common complication, leading to eft'usion in the chest, displacement of the heart, characteristic difficulty in breathing. (See Pleuritis.) (3) Gangrene of the lung: May develop during convalescence. The temperature again rises, the patient continues to lose flesh, and the expirium assumes a sweetish, fetid odor. (4) Further but less common complications are : Nephritis (albumen in urine), jaundice (catarrh of duodendum), tendovagin- ities (leg-swelling and lameness), founder (laminities), cerebral and meningeal symptoms. Purpura hemorrhagica may occur during convalescence. 32 RURAL VETERIXARY SECRETS COURSE The usual course is typical, ending in recovery in two weeks. In some cases, especially in old horses, cattle and swine, the course may be much shorter (larval or abortive type). Death may occur suddenly during convalescence from heart failure. If pleuritis com- plicates the pneumonia, the course is much prolonged. It may lead to death, or adhesions (lung to thoracic wall) may cause permanent dyspnea ("heaves"). Chronic induration of the lungs is a common termination fol- lowing certain outbreaks. It is charcterized by the continuation of the fever and dyspnea after the usual period of convalescence has ' passed. The patient is generally left short-winded. Roaring may sometimes follow an attack of fibrinous pneumonia. Pericarditis is a rarer complication. The prognosis is good in typical and uncomplicated cases. The behavior of the heart is of importance during the attack. A con- tinued high pulse is dangerous to the patient. The extent of the area involved has much to do with the outcome of the case. If confined only to the lower portion of one lung, the danger is not so great as when the upper part of the lung is also involved, or if both lungs are diseased. When pleuritis complicates the case the prognosis is naturally less favorable. TREATMENT The patient should be placed in a light, clean, and well venti- lated place. If feasible, keep the case out-of-doors as much as possible, guarding it, of course, against wind and rain. Use only light covering (in horses). The legs may be bandaged (use Derby bandages with cotton underneath. Removing the bandages once daily and rubbing the legs well before re-applying is helpful. The horse-patient should be groomed well each day. Feed any easily digested food which the patient can be coaxed to eat. Good clean oats over which a little sugar has been sprinkled is often tempting to the appetite. Give only small quantities at a time. Before feed- ing syringe out the' mouth with clean water. If obtainable, fresh grass is very palatable and nutritious. A few handfuls over which is strewn a little salt is often eaten with avidity. The hay should be bright and free from dust. Feed about 6 pounds daily, divided into three feds. Roots (carrots, beets) and bran mashes are rec- ommended (some horses do not like bran). Eggs and milk may be given if appetite is entirely gone. Keep pure water constantly RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 33 before the patient, and where it can be reached without undue exertion, rectal and artificial feeding may be resorted to in patients unable to swallow or without any appetite. SURGICAL — ^Puncturing the thorax with a sterile trocar, and permitting the instrument to penetrate the inflamed lung, was prac- ticed extensively in the army during the World War. The opera- tion was performed irrespective of the existence of exudate in the chest cavity. The results seem to have been satisfactory enough to warrant further experiment. It appeared most beneficial in cases of delayed resolution. DRUGS — In all forms of pneumonia it is best not to rely too much on drugs, especially large quantities and many varieties, such as are too often resorted to. It is very important to keep the bowels open. Give one to two tablespoonfuls of Bovolax in moist food or water twice or three times daily, as the case may require. To keep the heart strong two ounces of brandy may be given every two hours. The fever can be controlled by giving a teaspoonful of National Febris Powders in drinking water every three hours. In severe cases where breathing is difficult and painful, the chest should be rubbed freely with Electric Cream (National) twice daily. This will draw the inflammation to the exterior, thus relieving the inflamed lugs very materially. ROARING Roaring may be defined as an unsoundness characterized by difficulty in inhaling and cough due to paralysis of the left recurrent nerve. The condition is always chronic and can be relieved in about 80 per cent of the cases by operation. From a practical standpoint recurrent paralysis may be classed as primary and secondary. The causes of primary paralysis are not understood. It seems as if heredity plays a part, since stallions and mares which are roarers transmit the tendency to their progeny. The condition does not develop until about the fourth to sixth year. As a rule only the left side is afifected, although exceptions are noted. Secondary recurrent paralysis may be a sequel to influenza, strangles, and dourine, or it may follow an attack of forage poison- ing, poisoning with lead, more rarely goitre or direct injury to the nerve itself. 34 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS SYMPTOMS Usually in primary cases the disease comes on gradually. It is at first but slightly developed, the patient only emitting a noisy sound when exercising. As a rule, if the horse be at rest, no signs of the disorder are noticed. If the upper rings of the trachea be pinched, a prolonged, hoarse throat cough is heard. In many instances, however, cough is absent. It is sometimes possible to cause the patient to emit a peculiar grunt if it is struck a sudden, unexpected blow with the hand on the side of the chest. The prin- cipal symptom of roaring, however, is the audible laryngial sound emitted during and increased by exercise. The quality of the sound suiTers many modifications from a whistle to a pronounced roar, which in some animals can be heard a distance of several yards. Pressing the throat with the index finger increases the sound. In well developed cases sufficient exercise can produce interrupted breathing. By compressing the nostrils to one-half their normal dilation the sound is temporarily diminished. Generally the roaring sound ceases after five to ten minutes rest, but returns again dur- ing exercise. In mild cases it stops as soon as the animal is "pulled up" after a hard gallop. DIAGNOSIS 'i'lic examination of the patient should be made under motion. The liorse may be ridden, galloped on a long line, or led behind a buggy. In some mild cases tlic animal may suppress the sound by extending the head. To axoid this the head should be dra\vn in, the neck held well arched. The use of tlie laryngoscope is of great value in diagnosis. The course of primary roaring is chronic. Due to the wasting away of the muscles of the vocal cords on the left side, the condition grows worse with time. ATany roaring horses may' be used for light, slow work, while others are practically worthless for service. Some cases of secondary roaring (forage poisoning, laryngitis, strangles) recover spontaneously in four to six months. About 80 ])cr cent can either be relieved or cured by surgical interference. TREATMENT Thenifjsl successful treatment consists in the removal of the laryngeal saccule of the affected side. CHAPTER II. Diseases of the Circulatory Organs TRAUMATIC PERICARDITIS OF THE OX An inliammation of the heart sac caused by foreign bodies. This is one of the most common sporadic diseases of the ox. Witli the possible exception of tuberculosis of the heart sac, it is the )nost common disease of the heart. It occurs not only among dairy cattle, but also beef cattle, especially on farms where hay baling is practiced, pieces of baling wire being picked up and swallowed. . The frequency with which foreign bodies (needles, wire, etc.) are found in the reticulum (second stomach), the close proximity of the reticulum to the pericardium (heart sac), and the marked contractions of the compartment of the stomach, are the most im- portant factors in the termination of this commrm condition. SYMPTOMS In traumatic pericarditis of the ox, the heart symptoms arc usually preceded by those of traumatic indigestion. Inquiry,, there fore, should always be made into the past history of the patient in this regard. The cardinal symptoms are as follows: 1st. In the early stages stiffness and disinclination to move. The patient is forced to exercise, the abdominal type of respiration predominating. 2nd. The pulse is rapid and irregular. 3rd. A pronounced undula- tion of the jugulars is seen. 4th. Later edematous swellings appear under the throat, neck, brisket, and chest. 5th. Percussion is usually painful, the animal wincing and grunting when the chest is struck over the heart region. An increased area of cardiac dull- ness may be determined in cattle if not too fat. 6th. On ausculta- tion, provided no fusion has taken place, a friction tone like that lieard in pleuritis, but occurring with the heart beat, is heard. If the heart sac is filled with fluid and gas, metallic tinkling tones modify the normal heart sounds, which are muffled and distant. 7th. The patient usually shows rise in temperature, but the fever is generally mild. Not infrequently the clinical symptoms of trau- matic pericarditis are entirely overlooked, the first intimation of any trouble appearing when the patient drops over dead. The gen- 36 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS eral condition of the patient, due to the loss of appetite and attend- ing infection or intoxication grows bad. The patient emaciates, becomes anemic, weak, and may suffer from diarrhea. The course in traumatic pericarditis is usually a prolonged one, the condition lasting often several weeks or even months. Exacer- bations and remissions are very common. As a general rule, how- ever, there is a slow but steady decHne. The disease may assume the form of a pyemia (pus absorption) leading to enlargement of the joints, lameness, etc. Pneumonia and pleurisy and gastrointes- tinal catarrh are frequent complications. Death may occur at any time during the disease from the foreign body penetrating the heart muscle or from injury to the coronary blood vessels, causing fatal hemorrhage. The patient may also die from the attending sapremia. Occasionally cases occur in which great improvement in the con- dition is noted, the patient gaining in flesh, appetite and strength. Usually, however, the improvement is only temporary. Rarer still are those instances where a spontaneous recovery follows the escape of the foreign body through an abscess to the outside world. HOW THE DISEASE IS RECOGNIZED While in typical and advanced cases the diagnosis is easy, trau- matic pericarditis in the earlier stage may be exceedingly difficult to recognize. Eber recommends, where the condition is suspected and fever exists, to give acetanilid (3 ounces) daily. This reduces the temperature but not the pulse, which remains high (100 to 120) if pericarditis is present. In doubtful cases an explorative puncturt- of the pericardium will determine the presence of fluid. TREATMENT As nearly all cases are fatal, the immediate slaughter of tlu> animal is recommended. In very valuable pregnant animals an effort to prolong Ufe may be made by the use of such thugs as digitalis (J4 ounce); caffein (1 dram), or oil camphor (1 ounce) subcutaneously. Stimulants (alcohol and ether) are also in order. In Europe puncturing the pericardium with a trocar has been employed. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 37 AZOTURIA (Often mistaken for inflammation and cong:estion of the kidneys) Azoturia is purely a blood disease of a plethoric or hypernu- tritious nature. In other words, the blood is overloaded with nutri- tion, bringing about the unnatural conditions and strange actions of the horse after he has gone a mile or two from home in the best of spirits. The blood in this condition is naturally thicker and slow to return to the heart, which is very active. This tardy return flow causes a dilation of the return blood vessels, most of which lie close to the main nerve trunks. As the vessels expand, the nerve trunks receive extra pressure, which partially, if not entirely, shuts off the impulse and brings about either partial or complete paralysis of the parts involved. These are usually the hind quarters, due to the fact that they are further away from the heart. You will also notice a marked swelling of the muscles involved ; as they become very hard and sensitive. The kidneys, in an en- deavor to assist nature, will absorb some of the blood from these congested regions, which naturally turns the urine to a dirty red or brown color and causes the layman to believe that the kidneys are at fault. SYMPTOMS This trouble usually follows a period of enforced idleness with a good appetite and rich food. As soon as you notice that the horse begins to lag behind and perspire, you should take a warning that something is wrong. You will next notice him knuckle over in one of his pastern joints. Finally, it attacks both hind quarters, although on rare occasions you may find it in the front quarters. TREATMENT The horse should be stopped and brought to the nearest barn, where he should be warmly blanketed after the swollen muscles have been thoroughly rubbed with National Electric Cream to keep the blood moving and stimulate the nerve endings to again become active and continue so. The horse should at once be given two ounces of neutrogen in about eight ounces of water. This may be repeated in two hours, when the external application should be repeated. Absolute rest is necessary. Do not attempt to drive 38 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS the horse before six or eight hours or he may suffer a relapse, which very often proves fatal. The above treatment brings quick relief and may be repeated until the animal is able to pursue its journey. Then give a teaspoonful of Sangnitone Compound in moist food three times daily to get the blr)r)d in natural rondition and prevent a re-attack. BLOOD TROUBLE This disease usually makes its presence know^n by the appear- ance of pimples, scabs, blotches and eruptions of the skin of horses, cattle and all domestic animals. These eruptions are due to a humor in the blood and must be reached through the circulation. Give a teaspoonful of National Sanguitone Compound in moist food twice or three times daily. This ma}^ be followed after a week or two with a tablespoonful of Fowler's solution of arsenic given twice daily. Usually the latter is not necessary as the Sanguitone Com- pound acts very promptly. NAVEL DISEASE (Of Colts and Calves) Newly born colts and calves are often affected with SAVollen and infected navels. The infection usually takes place shortly after birth. The newcomer comes in contact with unclean substances in the stall, which are easily absorbed through the navel cord and bring about a sensitive swelling and, in some cases, suppuration. It is not uncommon for a colt to become swollen in one or more of its joints and show abscesses in any part of the body after surli an infection. TREATMENT I'rcvcniion is better than cure. When a coll or call is born the navel cord should be disinfected with a solution of Lotio^ Vita, which is especially adapted for this purpose, 'ihis should invariably be done as a precaution whether or not you c.\])<.ct infection. If the disease has become prevalent in your barn, you should vaccinate the newly born as soon as possible after it is dropped with Polyvalent Bactrins. The latter often prove beneficial as a curative after infection has taken place. CHAPTER in. Diseases Common to the Digestive Organs FEEDING SICK ANIMALS It must be borne in mind that food or drink should not br forced on sick stock ; that w hat food is presented should be tempting. To be so it must be fresh, all traces of the last offering having been removed ; in fact, if an animal does not clean up its allowance within a reasonable time, the materials should be removed so as to avoid tainting- the feed box. The same rule applies to the drink- ing water. T.axativc food is indicated in sickness, with few exceptions; in fact, those cases laid up on account f)f wounds need laxativr food and a reduction in quantity. Variety counts for a great deal with the sick animal. For such purposes boiled food, bran mashes, grass, carrots, potatoes, small green wheat, oats, corn, etc., may be used in limited quantities. Milk and eggs are also of value, hut will have to be given in a drench as a rule. The BRAN MASTI should be made as follows : Scald a pail, throw out the water. l)ut in a gallon of bran and a tablespoonful of salt, add two to three pints of boiling water, depending on the consistency desired, mix well, and cover up for 15 minutes, when it may be placed before the patient. A tablespoonful or two of powdered ginger added to a bran mash makes a nice feed for a tired or over-driven horse, and should be given before oats are ofTered. Horses will rarely burn themselves; they do not care for sloppy mashes. To make linseed (flaxseed) tea take one pound of the seed and boil in four to six quarts of water until the grains are soft. The linseed tea and bran may be combined with benefit. Hay tea — run good hay through the cutting box and half fill a pail with it, then fill up with boiling water, let stand until cold and give the clear fluid. Raw linseed oil is often given in the feed in quantities of from one-quarter to one-half pint daily; it is very valuable in "Heaves," and puts a gloss on the hide, besides acting mildly on the bowels. 40 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS DISEASE DUE TO MISTAKES IN FEEDING DISTENTION OF THE PAUNCH. Bumcn occurs in sheep and cattle due to getting- an o\erfeed, say from getting loose at grain, either in the barn or the field, dry fodder and no succulent feed (such as roots or silage), from stoppage of the bowel move- ment. The symptoms are similar to those shown in bloating, only that the swelling pits on pressure (on the left side) and tapping with the fingers does not give the drum-like sound as heard in the preceding disease; chewing the cud (rumenation) stops and the ani- mal is said to have lost its cud. Here again we have a symptom mis- taken for a disease, if digestion is going on properly the cud (so- called) will be present, so that the loss of the cud as termed by many people, is a symptom of digestive trouble and needs investiga- tion as to the cause, not the giving of a so-called cud, of pork, greased rags or unwholesome materials; if this condition has existed for a day or so, no feces (dung) will be seen to pass. TREATMENT Dissolve one ])ound of Bovolax in a gallon of warm water. When cooled down to about 70 degrees F. give a quart to a full grown cow or ox every six hours until the entire gallon (4 quarts) has been given. If the patient is not relieved, a quart of raw linseed oil may be given at the next six hour period. Gentle pressure and hand rubbing over the region of the paunch may be applied twice or three times daily for ten or fifteen minutes at a time. In very stubborn cases the above may be repeated, but it is rarely necessary. These doses are for adult cows or oxen. Smaller animals should have doses reduced according to size and age. FOUNDER (laminitis) is included under diseases due to errors in feeding, although it frequently occurs from driving on hard, dry roads, excessive purging, sudden checking of sweating by giving very cold water when heated; hard work when not in condition, (jr it may follow foaling or lung troubles, and occasionally from standing too much on a limb in order to save another which may be injured. Excessive feeding for the showring or block, etc., tvitli lack of exercise; wheat, especially when green, or breaking loose and getting at grain in the bin are other common causes. This disease meiy appear in cattle and sheep, although the pain shown .will not be as acute as in horses. The symptoms of laminitis are so well marked that once seen they arc never forgotten. A horse RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 41 affected will stand immovable in a stall with his forefeet away in front of him, his weight being thrown on the heels. If the hind- feet are affected, they and the forefeet are placed well under the body; the animal if made to move rocks on its limbs and will jump with both forefeet together. The pulse is hurried; the throbbing of the arteries below the fetlocks can be felt. If an attempt to lift the foot is made, the animal resists ; the feet arc hot and tender, especially if tapped with a hammer; the breathing is hurried, giving rise to the suspicion that the lungs are affected; the pulse is full and hard, and the membrane of the eye reddened (congested). Sweating will be seen as a result of the extreme pain and thirst will be great ; the thermometer will show an increased body temperature. TREATMENT The treatment needs to be energetic, for unless it is so, de- structive changes will take place, resulting in dropping of the sole, due to the pedal bone turning point downwards, (pumic foot) and possibly shedding of the entire hoof. Irregular rings around the foot, close together, are evidences of an attack at some time, as is also the tendency of a horse to travel on its heels when trotted. Tub the feet in warm water or apply hot poultices for a few times. Then apply Elk's Dessicant over the coronet just above the hoof, once a day for three days. Purgatives such as aloes should not be given; ;i quart of linseed oil will be useful and safe to use. In these cases, give a tablespoonful of saltpetre (nitrate of potash) twice daily in the drinking water until the fever subsides. Bran mashes or other light food are to be preferred. Some veterinarians remove the shoes, which is not always easy unless the animal is made to lie down (this should be done if it persists in standing). Do not pare through the sole, but as soon as the worst symptoms are over (in three or four days), give moderate exercise, a run at pasture, a moist one preferable. After this, blistering the coronets is a great help to restore the foundered animal to usefulness. This disease in sheep or cattle will be more common during the summer, if high feeding, without taking into consideration the temperature, or putting on full feed too suddenly is persisted in. More is to be gained by pre- vention than by cure. If such animals are affected, doses of glauber salts are to be given occasionally, the doses being the same as of epsom salts. LYMPHANGITIS, big leg, weed, or water-farcy (not a good term, apt to be mistaken for farcy), is another serious trouble due 42 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS to errors in feeding. The lymph channels and nodes are inflariimcd, consequently their working- is more or less hindered. Causes arc over-feeding, lack of exercise, or sudden change to large quaiititiov oi new food, etc. It might be considered a disease in which the lymph has stagnated (stopped moving) in the lymph vessels. 1'hcsc vessels, it will be remembered, act especially as carriers of waste material from various parts, hence this stagnated material acts as a foreign object with the result— inflammation of the organs affected. There is excessive swelling of one or more limbs, usually a hind one, the swelling extending from top to bottom of the limb, which is hot and painful to the touch; the swelling will pith on pressure; run- ning the hand down the inside of the limb the lymph nodes are felt : the temperature is above normal; there is great lameness, rapid breathing, hard full pulse and the lymphatics are seen to be en- larged ; owing to the cause, lack of exercise, it is oftenest seen on Monday morning, hence it has been termed Monday morning fever. Attention to the diet — bran mashes every Saturday night contain- ing a tablespoonful of salt petre — will almost certainly prevent the disease. A horse once attacked is liable to have the trouble recur and as a consequence, there will be a chronic enlargement and thick ening of the limb (elephantiasis). This disease must not be con- founded with ordinary stocking up of the limbs, which is painless, nr with the local form of glanders, termed farcy, a very dangerous dis case, both to man and animal. TREATMENT The treatment should be directed towards the cause and its effect ; therefore, limit the feed, give a purgative (Bovolax, prefer- ably") to remove the acciunulated waste products, which have, in the form of lymph, escaped more or less into the tissues, and, if left there, may coagulate and thus give the chronic thickening so often a result of this disease. Bathe the limb with warm water, thus re lieving the tension and pain ; hand rub and bandage the limb when the inflammation is subsiding, and if the swelling is slow to depart, you may apply Elk's Absorbing Ointment to the swollen parts once or twice a week. HEAVES, nr BROKEN WIND, is a chronic condition in which there is difficulty of breathing (the act of expelling air from the lungs taking longer than the act of breathing in air). It is due originally to mistakes in feeding, and an animal badly affected is rendered almost incapable of work. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 43 The difficulty of breathing in this disease is due to a dilated condition of the lungs, the result of an excess of air in the air sacs or in the tissue that surrounds the lobules. As a result, the lungs are prevented from expelling all the air they should, hence less is taken in than would be if they were in a natural condition. The air cells may be broken into one another as a result of the violent coughing, whereas in the other form the air seems to enter the tis- sues during the intake of air into the lungs, in which case some degeneration has in all probabiHty taken place in the lung tissue. A full stomach and bozvels interfere greatly with the action of the lungs, and when filled out with food it is not surprising that this trouble occurs. At the commencement of the disease there is a spasmodic cough, later a suppressed short weak cough, with a double expiration, and the passage of wind by the anus. In ordi- nary breathing no aid is needed to expel the air; the natural elas- ticity of the lungs performs the work. In this disease the muscles of the abdomen are used, as is noticed by the heaving of the flanks. While the causes of the previous troubles have been overload- ing the system, the cause of this trouble is more mechanical in its nature and may, owning to the feed that causes it, be a disease of the poor feeder's horse, FOUNDER (BIG LEG), etc., being dis- eases of the horses belonging to the heavy feeder. The custom, existing among so many farmers, of continually filling a horse's manger with hay, even having them littered with it, is one of ilic great causes of this disease, especially is this so when the hay is of poor quality, hard and innutritions, the horse being given an extra quantity to make up for the deficient quality. Hard chopped straw, overripe rye grass, are all liable to cause this incurable dis- ease, being irritating in their efifect on the stomach wall and delicate filaments of the tenth nerve, the nerve which controls the lung movement — thus the relation of feeding to this disease is at once more readily seen and understood. Heredity may also be said to have an influence on the frequency with which this trouble shows in a breeding stud. Although treat- ment is only palliative, it should none the less be adopted, such as feeding roots and grass, or some soiling crop in place of dry hay. Limit the feed and water, and let what is given be of the best qual- ity, clean oats and hay free from dust; sprinkle the hay with water before feeding. In France the hay is dampened with molasses and water with good results. The feeding of boiled flax-seed or four to six ounces of linseed oil daily are very useful and serve to keep the bowels and skin in good order. Clover hay is very unsuitable ; clean, bright timothy is preferable. In mild cases improvement is 44 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS frequently noticed when horses arc taken from the East to thr Western prairies. Horses afifected with heaves must be fed hay and bulky fodder \ ery sparingly, say about two or three pounds a day. Rather in- crease the grain ration in order to decrease the distension of the abdomen. By so doing you will give the lungs more breathing space and their functional activity can more easily be increased. Then give a teaspoonful of National Emphysema Powders on food three times daily for at least ten days. Rest for a week and repeat until the animal shows no more signs of heaves. By no means al- low the animal to fill up to its utmost capacity on hay, fodder, straw or grass while attempting to relieve or cure heaves. National Emphysema Powders is a new, but the most reliable, remedy for this ailment. CHOKING in cattle is usually due to the attempt to swallow whole potatoes, pieces of turnip, old shoes, etc. ; in horses from bolt- ing the feed, such as whole oats, or from hard physic balls, pieces of roots, pressure by the collar, or the formation of abscesses in colt distemper (Strangles). In cattle, there is a flow of saliva from the mouth, attempts to cough, bloating, and the presence of the obstruc- tion somewhere along the course of the gullet indicate the trouble ; in horses the nose is poked out. the neck is stiff, if attempts to drink are made the fluid is discharged through the nostrils, there is slaver ing, an anxious expression, difficult breathing; the horse may droj) to the ground. TREATMENT The treatment in cattle is comparatively simple and successful ; the bloating is first relieved by tapping, an oiled probang or whip stock is passed down the gullet and endeavor made to push the ob- stacle on down. A little oil poured down occasionally, or before the use of the probang. is also useful. An assistant may also gently try to work the obstruction downward if seen ; do not use a Avhip- stock unless very flexible or a torn gullet and death may result. A rubber garden hose attached to a force pump and forcing a little water gently will dilate the oesophagus and tend to remove the ob- struction. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS DROPPING WADS OF HAY When a horse drops wads of hay while eating it is a sure sig-n of broken or defective teeth. Usually he will salivate considerably while eating, besides dropping the food. These conditions are most common the season of the year when farm horses have a good ap- petite and are eager to eat and unfortunately bite on a piece of metal or stone in the oats or other grain, thereby splitting or breaking one or more of the teeth. In most cases the broken piece does not come off immediately, but remains on either side of the process, only to cut the tongue or delicate membranes of the mouth ; or, if the tooth is split in two, the food is pressed between the split surfaces, which spreads the two pieces apart, thus causing the food to become lodged there permanently and decompose. This causes an offensive smell and is very painful to the animal, thus interfering with mastication and bringing about the above mentioned conditions. TREATMENT Have the fractured particles of teeth removed and the teeth floated. This usually affords immediate relief. It is good practice to have a horse's mouth looked over once a year. They feel a tooth- ache as keenly as you do, but cannot make their troubles known, nor are they able to help themselves. Acute indigestion, colics, and gen- eral unthriftiness are often the result of faulty teeth. DISEASES OF THE TEETH The stockman is seldom worried with TOOTH TROUBLES in sheep, cattle, and pigs, and, unless well informed, is apt to think horses are just as free. Such, however, is not the case. The slight- est irregularity of the teeth will interfere more or less with chew- ing and masticating the food, quite readily understood if a person is famiHar with the arrangement of the teeth. NO HORSE IS EX- EMPT. From colthood to old age the teeth are liable to need at- tention. There are general symptoms, such as unthriftiness, (often in spite of good and liberal feeding and little work) there is drib- bling of saliva from the mouth, (ends of hay may be dropped from the mouth, water is let fall out when drinking, the horse may crib or windsuck, the feces may contain undigested feed) there may be swelling of the jaw, a partial refusal of food, loss of flesh; the ani- mal may pull on the bit or refuse to take hold at all, and there may be swelling of the gums just behind the upper front teeth. If this 46 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS symptom — not a disease, remember — is seen, the word "Lampas" is uttered and the cause of the trouble thought to be located ; the swollen gums are perhaps torn with nails or burned with hot irons, but there is no improvement. To the well informed the cause is soon known — it is the teeth. Here the veterinarian with the proper instruments is indispensable. The employment of a quack, a traveling (so-called) horse dentist, or the attempt to treat the condition by the owner or groom will be unsatisfactory, being cruel and worrying to the horse, even to the extent of spoiling his mouth for life. Ever}^- (jiie knows that the efforts of the expert human dentist are directed to preserve the teeth, not to insert false ones, even more important is this effort in the horse, false teeth in him not being practicable ; a horse's usefulness, and therefore his life, depends as much on his teeth, or more so, than on any organ of the body, and while horse buyers only examine the front teeth to determine the age, the well-posted person will want to know the condition of the grinders, and whether any are absent or diseased. The yearly examination of the horse's mouth by the veterinarian is one of the most profitable investments that can be made by an owner, as feed, fiesh and the required power to do the work will be saved. The period of teething, it will be remembered, extends almost from birth until the horse is five years old, consequently, the colt is just as liable to have tooth troubles as is an old horse. The milk (Temporary) molars or crowns, as they are termed, are often retained instead of being shed at the proper time, especially during the age of two to four years. The symptoms already mentioned are present and the lining of the mouth may show a sore surface, the gums even bleeding, as oftentimes a crown becomes partially loose, and its sharp and jagged edge will be pressed upon the gums during at- tempts to feed ; the treatment is removal of those crowns, the smoothing of any sharp edges, soft feed, and in a few weeks the improvement is almost beyond belief. WOLF TEETH arc evidences of evolution in the horse. Show- ing his relation to the tapir and other animals, the reasons advanced for their removal, namely, danger to the eyes, is not tenable, as the eyes are never directly affected by them. They are usually re- moved as a matter of policy, by the veterinarian; they might, if very large, interfere with the bit; as the wolf tooth has a fang; it should be pulled, not knocked out, if its removal is decided upon. The commonest .trouble that the veterinarian is called upon to treat in horse dentistry is the presence of projections of the grinders, and such projections causing sore mouths, slavering, the passage of mi- digested food in the feces, unthriftiness, (sometimes very marked) RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 47 indigestion, wounds of the tongue and lining of the mouth, side pulling on the bit, the manger often being covered with saliva. TREATMENT The treatment is simple, calling as it does for the use of the float (dental file) and yet is not simple enough to warrant the trust- ing of this work to the traveling quack or the majority of owners. The veterinarian should be employed and after the removal of the projections soft feed should be given for a few davs. The average Work Iiorse Mill need this attention once a vear. Excessive salivation (Due to faulty or irregular teeth). DECAYED TEETH often cause symptoms in horses which have in the past been mistaken for Glanders, Nasal Gleet. Such symptoms as a stinking breath, together with a stinking discharge from one nostril, quidding of the food, pain during chewing, (shown by the animal suddenly stopping that act often to let some of the food fall from the mouth) holding the head to one side when drink- ing, loss of condition and perhaps a swelling of the jaw, or fistula of that bone. The only successful treatment is removal. 48 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS CRIBBING AND WINDSUCKING are two diseases due to idleness, or the habit may have started in the colt during teething. It is a very unpleasant vice and affects the condition of a horse more or less due to its detriment. The application of a neck-strap when in the stable and plenty of work are so far the most satisfactory measures to adopt. These vices are considered as UNSOUND- NESSES in horses, therefore, in the examination of a horse the edges of the front teeth should be looked at to see if those edges are worn or chipped, the impress of the neck-strap upon the hair may sometimes be detected, and the prospective buyer will draw conclu- sions accordingly. DISCHARGES FROM THE NOSTRILS are of common oc- currence, some are quite serious in their import, others not so much so; briefly we may class them as follows : 1. If chronic and no smell, yellowish or greenish in color, sticky and from one nostril, often the left, suspect glanders. 2. If chronic and from one nostril, the discharge being of a stinking nature, suspect a decayed tooth. 3. If chronic from both nostrils, white, glossy, flaky, not sticky, more abundant during mastication, the discharge is like- ly from the guttural pouches. 4. If chronic, becoming of the nature of pus, and stinking, catarrh, the bones of the head being affected. ACUTE DISCHARGES are seen in common colds, inflamma- tion of the larynx, bronchitis, pneumonia and lung gangrene (rot- ting). RURAL VETERINARY ^ECRET^ 49 FAULTY AND IRREGULAR TEETH Animals, like man, are subject to irregular, decayed or broken teeth. Of all the lower animals, the horse appears to have the most trouble in this connection, due probably to the fact that it feeds more on whole grain, especially oats. Oats is liable to contain small stones and pieces of nails and bolts, such as often get into the oats while threshing or cleaning. When the animal, in its eagerness while hungry bites into these hard objects, it is liable to break or split one or more teeth, thus causing acute sensitiveness, excessive salivation, and inability to properly masticate the food thereafter, besides starting favorable openings for decomposition of the teeth, in which particles of food substances may lodge and decompose. PLATE 3 Lower third molar growing into cavity where upper corresponding molar is missing. If decay works deeply into a split tooth, it is liable to cause stubborn fistulas of the jaw, attended with a discharge of an of- fensive odor from the nostrils, which invariably indicates decay of bone. When a tooth is broken off, the corresponding tooth in the opposite jaw upon which it is supposed to grind, wull begin to grow into the cavity. (See Plate 3.) In these cases there may be a sharp projection an inch or more in length. If this is the case the animal will cud its hay and spit it out. 50 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS SYMPTOMS When an iiniinal shows an excessive flow of saHvu from the mouth, and, showing a wiUingness to eat, grabs the food eagerly and suddenly drops it or holds its head to one side as if in pain after drinking cold water, you may be assured that there is something wrong with the teeth which might have caused wounds in the mouth. All irregularities and decomposition of teeth interfere with the proper mastication of food and lead to indigestion. This very often terminates in colic, bloating, inflammation of the bowels, worms, unthriftiness, and various organic troubles. Besides, it causes an enormous waste of food. Under these conditions a horse may easily waste from 10c to 25c worth of digestible food per day. Let us take 15c per day for example : In 365 days you would lose $54.75 in food alone, to say nothing about the amount of service you lose during this time on account of ill-health and lack of spirit and energy, which naturally follow these conditions. TREATMENT To avoid all this, the owner should ha\ r his horse's teeth ex- amined at least once a year or oftener. The horse cannot tell you \vhen it has a toothache, but you may feel assured that the faithful animal feels it just as keenly as you do. RESTRAINT Floating, Hling, and trimming the teeth of horses can be ac- complished without provoking resistance enough to demand any forcible means of restraint. The minor dental operations are ac- cepted with remarkable complacency by the great majority of horses. The only necessary restraint is to prevent the horse from backing away from the operator and from elevating the muzzle out of reach of the hands and instruments. This is done by backing the horse into a single stall and securing the head at a comfof-table height on the pillar reins with the DENTAL HALTER. The ordi- nary leather halter is not satisfactory for this purpose because one side or the other will i)ress against the cheek anf allowed mares for at least a week after foaling. 100 RURAL VETERINARY HECRETH FIG. 52 CEPHALO-SACRAL POSITION OF THE FOETUS. This position can hardly be changed into normal without the aid of in- struments and a skillful veterinarian. As it is almost impossible for the layman to gain access, to either the head, or extremities, where he might possibly attach the rope or ordinary hooks in an attempt to turn the foetus. The human arm is not long enough to make a proper exploration of the exist- ing conditions, therefore no time should be lost in calling in an (expert. Even the most skilled veterinarian is not always successful in bringing about a favorable delivery in such cases, especially when the patient has been allowed to go unattended for a long time. The foetus very often dies before the owner's attention is aroused be- cause the patient, as a rule, refrains from violent straining because of the unusual position of the foetus. RURAL VETERINARY i^EVRETti 101 " " V. /€(F ^aiss^-^ FIG. S3 Right Ccplialo-ilial Position of the Foetus This position is also a very difficult one to deliver, but is con- sidered a little more favorable than the one presented in fig-. 52, as the operator is liable to reach the tail of the foetus more easily, by which he might be able to efifect a material change in the position (tf the foetus. By manipulation of the same, he can very often hold his own until he gains access to one of the hind limbs, in which case the body of the foetus is pushed forward into the genital cavity of the dam. both of the posterior limbs drawn out and the youngster delivered backwards, viz., hind limbs and tail first. 102 RURAL VETERINARY HECRETH FIG. 54 Anterior i'rcscnlation — Forclinibs bent al llic kiu-f. Ill this case it may be necessary to cut off tlic liead in order to gel bolli front feet in normal position. This of course, is only necessary when the foetus is pretty well advanced into the pelvic cavity and it has become extremely diffi- cult to repell the foetal body far enoug^h to enable the operator to straig:htcn out the front lej^s. After this has been done successfully, a hook should be fastened to the remaining- skin around the neck by which the same can be directed and kept in the natural channel. 'I'raction may now be applied to both fore limbs and the remaining l>ait (.f the neck. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 103 FIG. 55 Anterior presentation — Fore limb crossed over tlic neck. In tliis presentation straighten ont the crossed leg and apply traction. Care must be taken that the head remains above the two fore limbs while traction is on, as it is very likely to slip back into its former unnatural position and help obstruct the natural channel through which it must pass quite easily if kept in proper place. 104 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS FIG. 5fi y\iitciior FioscnlHlioii— Kxtreiue dowiuvard deviation of tli head. Secure both front legs witli ropes, press the foetus back into tlie nlcviis far enough to bring the head into the natural channel. Then apply Iraclioti RURAL VETERINARY ^EVRET8 105 Deviation of the hind-limbs in llu- ptlvis in the anterior presentation. Be sure to repel the hind leg back into llie uterine cavity before you apply traction. These are very often mistaken for the fore limbs and tend to confuse the operator, very often tempting him to attach his ropes to one hind and one fore Hmb, which will result in fatal termination, should you persist in applying forceful traction. CHAPTER VIII. Common Diseases of the Skin ERYTHEMA Acute inflammation of the skin, attended with eruptions and small pimples or pustules, common to all classes of horses in hot weather. This is a congested or slightly inflammed condition of the skin, unattended by any eruption. The part is lightly swollen, hot, tender or itchy, and dry, and if the skin is white there is redness. The redness is effaced by pressure, but reappears instantly when the pressure is removed. Unless in transient cases the hair are liable to be shed. It may be looked on as the first stage of inflammation and therefore when it becomes aggravated it may merge in part or in whole into a papular, vesicular, or pustular eruption. Erythema may arise from a variety of causes and is often named in accordance with its most prominent cause. Thus the chilling, or partial freezing, of a part will give rise to a severe reaction and congestion. Where snow or icy streets have been salted this may extend to severe inflammation with vesicles, pustules, or even sloughs of circumscribed portions of the skin of the pastern (chill- blain, frostbite). Heat and burning have a similar effect, and this often comes from exposure to the direct rays of the sun. The skin that does not perspire is the most subject and hence the white face or white limb of a horse becoming dried by the intensity of the sun's rays often suffers to the exclusion of the rest of the body (white face and foot disease). The febrile state of the general system is also a ])otent cause, hence the white-skinned horse is rendered the more liable if kept on a heating ration of buckwheat, or even of wheat or maize. Contact of the skin with oil of turpentine or other essential oils, with irritant liquids, vegetable or mineral, with rancid fats, with the acrid secretions of certain animals, like the irritated toad, with pus, sweat, tears, urine, or liquid feces, will produce congestion of even inflammation. Chafing is a common cause, and is especially liable to affect the fat horse between the thighs, by the side of the sheath or scrotum, on the inner side of the elbow, or where the har- ness chafes on the poll, shoulder, back, breast-bone, and under the tail. The accumulation of sweat and dust between the folds of the skin and on the surface of the harness, and the specially acrid char- 108 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS acter of the sweat iti certain horses contribute to chafing or "in- tertrigo." The heels often become congested, owing to the irrita- tion caused by the short bristly hair in clipped heels. Again, con- gestion may occur from friction by halter, harness, or other foreign body under the pastern, or inside the thigh or arm, or by reason of blows from another foot (cutting, interfering, overreach). Finally, erythema is especially liable to occur in spring when the coat is be- ing shed, and the hair follicles and general surface are exposed and irritable in connection with the dropping of the hair. If due only to local irritant, congestion will usually disap])car when such cause has been removed, but when the feeding or system is at fault these conditions must be first corrected. While the cost is being shed the susceptibility will continue, and the aim should be to prevent the disease developing and advancing so as to weaken the skin, render the susceptibility permanent, and lay the founda- tion of persistent or frequently recurring skin disease. Hence at such times the diet should be nonstimulating; any excess of grain and above all of buckwheat, Indian corn, or wheat being avoided. A large grain ration should not be given at once on return from hard work, when the general system and stomach arc unable to cope with it; the animal should not be given more than a swalloAv or t\\() of cold water when perspiritig and fatigued; nor should he be allowed a full supply of water just aftei- his grain ration; he should not be overheated, or exhausted by the liarness pressing on the skin. The exposure of the afifected heels to damp, mud and snow, and, above all, to melting snow, should be guarded against; light, smooth, well-fitting harness must be secured, and where the saddle or collar irritates an incision should be made in them above and below the part that chafes, and, the padding between having been removed, the lining should be beaten so as to make a hollow. A zinc shield in the upi)cr angle of the collar will often i)rcveiit chafing in front of the withers. TREATMENT Wash the chafed skin and ap])ly a salt and w.ilcr solution con- sisting of one-half ounce of salt to each quart of watei-, camphorated spirits, or a weak solution of oak bark. If the surface is raw, dust over wMth starch and smear with Dermasote Ointment. To relieve the constitutional disturbance gi\c one to two tablespoonfuls of Sanguitone (National) in moist food three times daily. This is usu- all\- followed by a rapid recovery. \'ou should notice a markeil inii'iox cmcnt in from 48 to 70 houis. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETE 109 SCALY SKIN DISEASE (Pityriasis) This afifection is characterized by an excessive production and detachment of dry scales from the surface of the skin (dandruft). It is usually dependent on some fault in digestion and an imperfect secretion from the sebaceous glands, and is most common in old horses with spare habit of body. Williams attributes it to food rich in saccharine matter (carrots, turnips) and to the excretion of the skin of oxalic acid. He has found it in horses irregularly worked and well fed, and advises the administration of pitch for a length of time and the avoidance of saccharine food. Otherwise the horse may take two or three ounces of Bovolax in moist food three times flaily to relax the bowels. Then follow with one to two tablespoon- fuls of Sanguitone (National) in moist food twice or three times daily until the patient has made a complete recovery. BARNYARD ITCH (Ring Worms) Barnyard itch, often called ringworms, usually appears as white scurfy abrasions around the eyes, neck, shoulders and sometimes the bodies of young stock during the winter and spring. TREATMENT The parts afifected should be cleaned with a stiff brush, warm water and soap. When dry, rub well with Dermasote. Repeat in a week or ten days if necessary. Usually one application is suf- ficient for a complete cure. Dermasote is non-irritating and non- poisonous. Therefore, it is abst)lutely safe to apply without fear of poisoning animals when licking each other. ITCH IN HORSES Itching is due to one (jf tv\o causes. First, there may be a parasite on the skin, such as ordinary lice or intradermal parasites which irritate the skin and bring about the itching. It may be due to a humor in the blood, such as erythema or eczema. If it be the former, a two per cent solution of lysol should be applied to the entire surface which appears to be affected, twice or three times a 110 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS week. The hair should be thoroughly soaked to the skin so as to come in direct contact with the offending parasites. This will af- ford immediate relief, if due to the first cause. If from the second cause, the animal should be given a saline purgative such as a pound of Bovolax dissolved in a quart of warm water. Give one pint as a drench morning and night. Then give one tablespoonful of Sangui- tone in moist food three times daily. NETTLE RASH (Urticaria or Surfeit) This is a mild inflammatory affection of the skin affecting cat- tle and horses most frequently, characterized by a sudden develop- ment of patches of various sizes from that of a nickel to one as large as the hand. The patches of raised skin are marked by an abrupt border and are irregular in form. All the swelling may dis- appear in a few days, or it may go away in one place and reappear on another part of the body. It is always accompanied by a great desire to rub the affected part. In the simplest type, as just de- scribed, it is never followed by any serious exudations or eruptions, unless the surface of the skin becomes abraded from scratching or rubbing. CAUSES Derangement of the digestive organs are the most common causes, such as overloading the stomach when the animal is turned out to graze in the spring, certain constituents of food, and high feeding among fattening stock. When the kidneys are functionally deranged urticaria may appear. Spinal irritation and other nervous aff'ections may Cause it. The disease consists of a paralysis of the nerve ends that control the volume of the capillary vessels in cer- tain areas of skin, thus permitting the vessels to expand and their contents in part to exude, producing a soft, circumscribed swelling. TREATMENT Dissolve a pound package of Bovolax in a gallon of ivarm water. Give a quart as a drench every three hours. Then follow with a teaspoonful of Sanguitone in moist food three times daily for a week or ten days. This dose is for adult horses or cattle; for smaller animals, give smaller doses according to size and age. RURAL VETERINARY HECRETS 111 ise of urtic;iria alter the UMial swellings of the muzzle and eyes have disappeared. 112 RURAL VETERINARY SfECRETS SCRATCHES (Mud Fever) Scratches. Scratches, also known as erythema and mud fever, are usually due to a hunior in the blood which breaks out at the fetlock be- cause this part of the limb is most exposed to moisture and tilth, which, acted upon by the cold air, cause eruptions of the skin and possible infection. Considerable fever and swelling will be noticed ; then skin eruptions take place. The animal usually starts out lame and the parts are very sensitive to the touch. Grease Leg is a term applied to chronic cases of Scratches cor Mud Fever. This is the resul't the owner or attendant neglecting to relieve the patient by giving proper treatment or applying irri tants, such as liniments or blisters. The erroneous idea of applying filthy cow dung instead of clean poultices will cause the growth of clusters or tumor, like growths resembling grapes, which arc- ])ainful to the patient and throw out an offensive, amber-colored Huid. In later stages grease leg often turns into big leg or Ele- jihantiases. TREATMENT Wash the parts clean with soap and warm water. Rub dry and apply Elk's Derniasotc. Rub it freely into the wounds, then apply a warm linseed poultice over the entire fetlock. Repeat this twice daily until the swellings disa])pear. Give the horse a tablespoon- ful of Bovolax in moist food three times daily for three days. Then discontinue the Bovolax and give a teaspoonful of National Altera- tive Powders instead until the scratches have entirely disappeared. This treatment is very effective and inexpensive. lU HAL VETERINARY HEVRET^ 113 MANGE ON HORSES, CATTLE OR DOGS This consists of chronic eruptions of the skin, causing" the hair to fall out and leaving a somewhat raw surface of the skin with a discharge of sticky substances attended by an offensive odor. The parts afifected are exceedingly itchy and sensitive. TREATMENT This condition is caused by a humor in the blood and therefore such treatment must first be given as acts directly on the circu- lation. For this purpose give one tablespoonful of Sanguitone in food twice or three times daily to adult horses or cattle, giving smaller animals less, according, to their size and age. Sanguitone is prepared especially for these troubles and therefore gives most satisfactory results. The surface of the afifected parts should be washed clean with soap and warm water. When dry, rub well with Dcrmasote once daily until the itching ceases and the hair is restored. BOILS OR FURUNCLES These may appear on any part of the skin, but are especially common on the lower parts of the limbs, and on the shoulders and back where the skin is irritated by accumulated secretion and chafing with the harness. In other cases the cause is constitutional, or attended by unwholesome diet and overwork with loss of gen- eral health and condition. They also follow on weakening diseases, notably strangles, in which irritants are retained in the system from overproduction of poisons and efifete matters during fever, and im- perfect elimination. There is also the presence of a pyogenic bac- terium, by which the disease may be maintained and propagated. While Boils are pus-producing, they dififer from simple postule in affecting the deepest layers of the true skin, and even the super- ficial layers of the connective tissues beneath, and in the death and sloughing out of the central part of the infiammed mass (core). The depth of the hard, indurated, painful swelling, and the forma- 114 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS tion of this central mass or core, which is bathed in pus and slowly separated from surrounding parts serve to distinguish the boil alike from the pustule, from the farcy bud, and form a superficial abscess. TREATMENT To treat very painful boils a free incision ^^•itll a lancet in two directions, followed by a dressing with one-half an ounce carbolic acid in a pint of water, bound on with cotton woo! or lint, may cut them short. The more common course is to apply a warm poultice of linseed meal or wheat bran, and renew daily until the center of the boil softens, when it should be lanced and the core pressed out. If the boil is smeared with Elk's Desicant and a poultice put over it, the formation of matter and separation of the core is often hastened. A mixture of sugar and soap laid on the boil is equally good. Cleanliness of the skin and the avoidance of all causes of irritation are important items, and ■ a teaspoonful of Sanguitone Compound once or twice a day will sometimes assist in warding ofif a new crop. CONGESTION (With small Pimples or Papules) In this affection there is the general blush, heat, etc., of erythema, together with a crop of elevations from the size of a poppy seed to a coffee bean, visible when the hair is reversed or to be felt with the finger where the hair is scanty. In white skins they vary from the palest to the darkest red. All do not retain the papular type, but some go on to form blisters (eczema, bullae) as pustules, or dry up into scales, or break out into open sores, or extend into larger swelling (tubercles). The majority, however, remaining as pimples, characterize the disease. When very itchy the rubbing breaks them open, ,'ind the resulting sores hide the true nature of the eruptions. The general and local causes may be the same as for erythema, and in the same subject one portion of the skin may have simple congestion and another adjacent papules. As the inflammatory ac- tion is more pronounced, so the irritation and itching arc usually greater, the animal rubbing and biting himself severely. This itch- ing is especially severe in the forms which attack the roots of the RURAL VETERINARY ^ECRETi^ 115 mane and tail and there the disease is often so persistent and trouble- some that the horse is rendered virtually useless. The bites of insects often produce a papular eruption, but in many cases the swelling extends wider into a button-like elevation, one-half to an inch in diameter. The same remarks apply to the efifects of the poison ivy and poison sumac. TREATMENT In papular eruptions first remove the cause, then apply the same general remedies as for simple congestion. In the more inveterate cases use a lotion of one-half ounce sulphide of Potassium in two quarts of water to Avhich a little Castile soap has been added ; or wash with one-half ounce oil of tar, 2 ounces Castile soap and 20 ounces water. INFLAMMATION WITH BLISTERS (or Eczema) In this the skin is congested, thickened, warm (white skins are reddened), and shows a thick crop of little blisters formed by ef- fusions of a straw-colored fluid between the true skin and the cuticle. The blisters may be of any size from a millet seed to a pea, and often crack open and allow the escape of the fluid, which concrete as a slightly yellowish scab or crust around the roots of the hairs. This exudation and incrustation are especially common where the hair are long, thick, and numei-ous, as in the region of the pastern of heavy draft horses. The term eczema is now applied very gen- erally to eruptions of all kinds that depend on internal disorders or constitutional conditions, and that tend to recurrences and invet- eracy. Eczema may appear on any part of the body, but in horses it is especially common on the heels and the lower parts of the limbs, and less frequently on the neck, shoulder, and abdomen. Their limbs appear to be especially liable because of their dependent po- sition, all blood having to return from them against the action of gravity, and congestions and swellings being common, because of the abundance of blood vessels in this part of the skin, and be- cause of the frequent contact with the irritant dung and urine and their ammoniacal emanations. The legs further sufifer from con- tact with wet and mud when at work, from snow and ice, from drafts of cold air on the wet limbs, from washing with caustic soaps. 116 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS from the relaxing" effects of a too deep and abundant litter. Among other causes may be named indigestion and the presence of irritant matters in the blood and sweat, the result of patent medicated foods and condition powders (aromatics, stimulants), green food, new oats, buckwheat, wheat, maize, diseased potatoes, smut, or ergot in grains, decomposing green food, brewers' grains, or kitchen garbage. The excitement in the skin, caused b} shedding the coat, lack of grooming, hot weather, hot boiled or steamed food, conduces to the eruption. Lastly, any sudden change of food may induce it. The blisters may in part go on to suppuration so that vesicles and pustules often appear on the same patch, and when raw from rubbing the true nature of the eruption may be completely mashed. In high-fed horses, kept in close stables with little work, eczema of the limbs may last for months and years. It is a very trouble- some affection in draft stallions. TREATMENT This disease is so often the result of indigestion that a laxative of one-half pound Bovolax dissolved in a quart of warm water and given in two doses four hours apart is often demanded to clear away the irritants from the alimentary canal. A quart of raw linseed oil may be necessary in addition to the above in obstinate cases. In debilitated cases one to two teaspoonfuls of Sanguitone given in food twice or three times daily will help tone the system. Cleanli- ness and good hygiene of the skin dviring the treatment and for some time after is absolutely necessary. SUMMER SORES IN HORSES Summer Sores are said to be parasitic in their nature. In India they are termed Ihirsattce. The disease is shown by sores on the skin, at the fetlock, sheath, face, lips and front of the chest; at the beginning the sores are red and unhealthy looking, sometimes nearly a foot in diameter, are often kept moist by the discharge. In the sores are often found little pea-shaped hard, yellowish bodies. The sores heal of their own accord in cold weather. In accordance with the idea of parasitic origin, strong antiseptics should be used, carbolic acid full strength, one application only, later paint on cam- phor one part to carbolic acid two and one-half ])arts. The apjilica- RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 117 tion of one of the following after the sore begins to look healthy will be all that is needed, in addition to preventing any irritation. Carbolic Acid 1 ounce Resin 1 ounce Camphor 5 ounces Methylated Spirits 15 ounces lodofoam 1 dram Oil of Eucalyptus 1 ounce Keep the sore covered with the drugs until healed. CHAPPED TEATS These may be caused by anything which irritates the teats. The powerful sucking of the calf; the sudden chilling of the teat in winter after the calf has just let it go, or after the completion of milking with a wet hand; contact with cold water, or stagnant, putrid water, or with filth or irritants when lying down; slight congestions of the skin in connection with overstocking; indeed, any source of local irritation may cause chapping. This may be slight or extend into great, gaping sores and induce retention of milk or even mammitis. TREATMENT Wash the teats and all chapped parts clean with soap and water after each milking. Dry with a towel ; then apply Elk's Glycerole rubbing it in well. This will make the teats pliable, re- lieve the soreness, and bring about speedy healing of the chapped and sore parts. 118 RURAL VETERINARY SECRET ^ WARTS (Papillomata) Papilloniata (warts). Warts arc more or less common on all classes of stock. If flat on the skin may be touched with strong acetic acid or silver nitrate (lunar caustic). If they have a long neck, a horse hair or fine twine may be tied around the base when they will eventually drop off. Larger warts, like those shown in the above illustration may easily be twisted off with your thumb and fingers, or an ordinary pair of pincers will do. Keep the skin clean and touch up with caustics as above mentioned. CHAPTER IX. Contagious and Infectious Diseases TUBERCULOSIS THE DIAGNOSIS OF TUBERCULOSIS The symptoms of tuberculosis in cattle are not sufficiently prominent, except in advanced stages or when superficially lo- cated, to enable one to diagnose this disease by the ordinary meth- ods of physical examination, and the cattle may, without showing any clinical symptoms, be in such a stage of tuberculosis as to ren- der them capable of spreading disease. Indeed, an animal may be fat and sleek, eat and milk well, have a bright,' glossy coat and be apparently in the pink of condition, and still be passing tubercle baccili through the feces or by an occasional cough, and thus en- danger all the healthy cattle in the herd. Consequently, advan- tageous aids to diagnosis as animal inoculation, biological tests, serum agglutination reaction, and the tuberculin test are made use of in arriving at a definite opinion relative to the presence or ab- sence of this disease. The value of all but the last of these is dis- counted by the technique required and by their impracticability, while the tuberculin test is most satisfactory and is the best diag- nostic agent known for the disease. THE ORIGIN OF THE TUBERCULIN TEST Tuberculin was invented b}' Kck^Ii in 1890 and was first used experimentally in treating tuberculosis in man. In these cases it was observed that its injection was followed by a rise of tempera- ture, which led veterinarians to apply tuberculin to suspected ani- mals to see if a similar reaction resulted. Numerous experiments showed this to be the case, and since 1891 the use of tuberculin as a diagnostic agent for tuberculosis of cattle has been almost uni- versally adopted in all parts of the civilized world. No one thinks of accepting tuberculin as an absolutely infallible agent, but it is immeasurably more dependable than any other method that has ever been used. 120 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS THE NATURE AND APPLICATION OF TUBERCULIN TEST Tuberculin is tlic sterilized and filtered glycerin extract of cul- tures of tubercle bacilli. It contains cooked products of the growth of these bacilli, but not the bacilli themselves. Consequently, when this substance is injected under the skin of any animal it is abso- lutel}^ unable to produce the disease, cause abortion, or otherwise injure the animal. In case the injected animal is tuberculous, a de- cided rise of temperature will follow the use of tuberculin. In practice the tuberculin test is applied by first taking a suf- ficient number of temperatures, usually three, at intervals of two hours, to ascertain the normal variation of temperature of the ani- mal to be tested. The dose of tuberculin (which should always be specified on the label) is then injected hypodermically between 8 and 10 p. m. on the day of taking the preliminary temperatures. On the following day the "after" temperatures are recorded every two hours, beginning at 6 a. m. and continuing until twenty hours fol- lowing the injection. Typical tubercular heifer. Photo by author. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 121 Lungs showing lesions of generalized tuberculosi Photo by Author. -ame heife)-. THE VALUE AND RELL4BILITY OF THE TUBERCULIN TEST As a result of this method an accurate diagnosis may be estab- lished in over 97 per cent of the cases tested. The relatively few failures in diag"nosis are included among two classes of cattle. The first class contains those that are tuberculous, but which do not react, either because of the slight effect of an ordinary sized dose of tuberculin, or an advanced case of the disease with so much natu- ral tuberculin already in the system ; or on account of a previous test with tuberculin which produces a tolerance to this material lasting for about six weeks. The second class includes those that 122 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS are not tuberculous, but which show an elevation of temperature as a result of (1) advanced pregnancy; (2) the excitement of oestrum; (3j concurrent diseases, as inflammation of the lungs, intestines, uterus, udder, or other parts, abortion, retention of afterbirth, in- digestion, etc ; (4) inclosure in a hot, stuffy stable, especially in summer, or exposure to cold drafts or rains; or (5) any change in the method of feeding, watering, or stabling of the animal during the test. Notwithstandnig all these possibilities of error, the results of thousands of tests show that in less than 3 per cent of the cases tested do these failures actually occur. In the first class, the chances of error are decidedly reduced by the skilled veterinarian by making careful physical examination and diagnosing these advanced cases, and by the injection of double or triple doses into all recently tested cattle, with the taking of the "after" temperatures beginning two hours following the injection and continuing hourly for twenty hours. The second class : Errors are avoided by eliminating those cases from the test that are nearing parturition or are in heat, or show evidence of the previously mentioned diseases, or exhibit tem- peratures sufficiently high to make them unreliable for use as nor- mal. Then, in reading "after" temperatures it is advisable not to recognize as a reaction an elevation of temperatures less than 2° F., or one which at the same time does not go above 103.8° F., and the temperatures reaction must likewise have the characteristic rainbow curve. (Those cases which approximate, but do not reach this standard should be considered as suspicious and held for a retest six weeks later.) In addition, a satisfactory tuberculin must be used, also an accurate thermometer and a reliable syringe in order that a sufficient dose of tuberculin may be given. Finally, the num- ber of apparent errors or the tuberculm test will be greatly dimin- ished if a careful post mortem examination is made, giving especial attention to the lymph glands. This low percentage of failures being the case, cattle owners should welcome the tuberculin test, not only for their own interest, but for the welfare of the public as 'well. Where this method of diagnosing the disease has been adopted, tuberculosis is gradually being eradicated, while it is spreading rapidly and becoming widely disseminated in those districts where the tuberculin test has not been employed. Without its use the disease cannot be controlled and the cattle owner is confronted with serious and continuous losses; with its use the disease can be eradicated from the herd; a clean herd established and the danger of its spread to man removed. Tuberculin may, therefore, be considered a most beneficial discov- ery for the stock raiser. Strange to say, many of these men have RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 123 been incredvilous, antagonistic, or prejudiced against the tuberculin test by misinterpreting published statements, by incorrect unsub- stantiated, or exaggerated reports, and by alleged injurious effects to healthy cattle. Law has clearly stated the question when he says ; "Many stock owners still entertain an ignorant and unwar- ranted dread of the tuberculin test. It is true that when recklessly used by ignorant and careless people it may be made a root of evil, yet as employed by the intelligent and careful expert it is not only perfectly safe, but it is the only known means of ascertaining ap- proximately the actual number of affected in a given herd. In most infected herds, living under what are in other respects good hy- gienic conditions, two-thirds or three-fourths are not to be detected without its aid, so that in clearing a herd from tuberculosis, and placing both herd and products above suspicion, the test becomes essential. "In skilled hands the tuberculin test will show at least nine- tenths of all cases of tuberculosis when other methods of diagnosis will not detect one-tenth." It is perfectly natural that there should be objection to its use among those who are not acquainted with its method of prepa- ration or its properties, but it is difficult to explain the antagonism of farmers who are familiar with the facts connected with the manu- facture and use of tuberculin. Probably the most popular objec- tion to tuberculin is that it is too searching, since it discovers cases in which the lesions are small and obscure. While this fact is ad- mitted, it should also be borne in mind that such a small lesion to- day may break down and become widely disseminated in a rela- tively short period. Therefore, any cow affected with tuberculosis, even to a slight degree, must be considered as probably dangerous, not only to the other animals in the herd, but also to the consumer of her products. In connection with the above test, tuberculin is now applied to the eye and injected interdermally to aid in diagnos- ing tubercular subjects. 124 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS A mad cow. — Photo by author RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 125 RABIES IN DOGS AND CATTLE Before taking up in detail the study of the phenomena of Rabies it is well to review briefly the salient features which combine to distinguish it. Rabies is an ancient and widespread dis<_)rder perpetuated among the lower animals, chiefly the dog family, transmitted in nature to other animals and to man by the inoculation of virulent saliva through bites. It is undoubtedly caused b\- a living micro- organism, which invades the nervous system, rendering it virulent and inducing the symptoms. The period of inoculation is variable, but relatively long, usually between 21 days and two months. The symptoms are referable to excitation and finally depression of the central nervous system by the micro-organism or its products, with ultimate destruction of its functioning power. A general increase of reflex excitation is early noted. The centers for respiration and deglutition are especially severely attacked, with spasms or paraly- sis as a result. General convulsions of central origin frequently occur, paralysis of spinal origin may attack the extremities. The physical functions are disturbed in degrees varying in their mani- festations from morbid anxiety to delirium and mania. Pathological changes of a characteristic nature are confined principally to the nervous system. The disease is essentially the same in all of the many species of animals that are susceptible. Protection is af- forded by inoculation with attenuated rabies virus and to some ex- tent by antirabic serum and so far as known, by no other means. The blood serum of immunized persons and animals possess specific properties against rabies virus. Once developed, the disease is al- most uniformly fatal. No other diseases presents these characters in combination. TREATMENT As a result of recent experiments, scientists claim that when an animal or man^has been bitten by a rabied dog or other affected animal, the immediate application of Tincture of Iodine inserted deeply into the wound will prevent the germs from growing, thus preventing infection and the consequent development of the disease. Some authorities go so far as to claim this to be a specific preventative. 126 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS Last stage of Tetanus in a liorse. — Plioto by author. RURAL VETERINARY HECRETS 127 LOCKJAW (Tetanus) Lockjaw or tetanus is an infection due to a specific germ, (Baccilus Tetanus), which gains access to the circulation through wounds of some kind, most frequently through a nail-prick or other small wounds caused by a small sharp instrument, which does not make a large wound and closes after the instrument is withdra\vn. Thus the germs arc inclosed and usually develop in such large num- bers that they bring about the rigid tetanic condition of the body shown above, in about twenty-one days. Some cases developing after the twenty-first day are usually much milder than those which develop before. Some cases develop sooner and some later. TREATMENT When a horse steps on a nail, the wound should be opened freely after the nail has been extracted, in order t-o give access of air and free drainage. Tetanus germs cannot propagate unless air and sunlight are excluded. N'accinate the animal with Tetanus Vaccine (from 500 to 1,000 units) and thoroughly disinfect the wound with a solution of Lotio Vita. Many a valuable animal which has been doomed to death has been saved in this way. In every case the patient should be kept quiet in a dark, comfortable stall. LUMP JAW (Actenomicosis) Lump Jaw is due to a specific germ which gains access to the animal body through the food. It is communicable from one animal to another when the lumps, which form in the region of the lower jaw, break open and discharge pus containing the live germs. If this happens while the animal is in the pasture grazing and the pus trickles on the ground during the natural movements of the jaw, other cattle following will eat the grass containing the pus and thus introduce the germ, which finds its way to the glands in the submaxillary space where the pus sack or lump is formed after which the disease is commonly named. TREATMENT The treatment consists in opening the pus sacks and squeezing out the pus, after which the sack should be washed clean and Elk's Absorbing Ointment rubbed in freely to absorb the sack and kill germs which might remain. Repeat in three or four days. This is a satisfactory treatment in all early cases, but if the lump has be- come chronic, viz. : If it has broken open on its own accord and closed several times, the above treatment must be repeated until the entire bunch disappears. 128 RURAL YETERINARY ^ECRETti COW POX This is a form of contagious inflammation of the udder which does not spread readily from animal to animal, except by the hands of the milker. It is said to occur spontaneously in the cow, but this is altogether improbable. It is not uncommon in the horse, attacking the heels, the lips, or some other inoculated part of the body and is then easily transferred to the cow if the same man grooms and dresses the horse and milks the cow. It may also ap- pear in the cow by infection, more or less direct from a person who has been successfully vaccinated. IVlany believe that it is only a A typical case of cow-pox. — Photo by author. form of the smallpox of man, modified by passing through the sys- tem of the cow. SYMPTOIVIS The disease in the cow is ushered in by a sliglu fever, which, however, is usually overlooked and the first sign is tenderness of the teats. Examined, these may be redder and hotter than nor- mal and at the end of two days there appear little nodules like small peas, of a pale red color and increasing so that they may measure three-fourths of an inch to one inch in diameter by the seventh day. The yield of milk diminishes and when heated it coagulates slightly. From the seventh to the tenth day the eruption forms into a blister with a depression in the center and raised margins, from which the RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 129 whole of the liquid cannot be dra-vvn out by a single puncture. The blister, in other words, is chambered and each chamber must be opened in order to evacuate the whole of the contents. If the pock forms on the surface where there is thick hair, it does not rise as a blister, but oozes out a straw-colored fluid which concretes on the liair in an amber-colored mass. In one or two days after the pock is full it becomes yellow from contained pus and then dries into a brownish, yellow scab (See Illustration), which finally falls, leaving one or more distinct pits in the skin. Upon the teats, however, this regular course is rarely seen ; the vesicles are burst by the hands of the milker as soon as liquid is formed and as they continue to suffer at each milking, they form raw, angry sores, scabbing more or less at intervals, but slow to undergo healing. TREATMENT The only treatment is to heal the sores and to relieve the cow of the painful torture of milking. To do this effectively wash the udder and teats clean with warm water and castile soap after each milk- ing. See that no soap-suds remain on udder or teats, then dry thoroughly with a clean, dry towel. When the parts are thus cleansed and dried, rub well with Glycerole (National) all affected parts. This will tend to relieve the pain at once, soften the skin. and hasten repair. It will surprise you how much more gentle the cow will appear at the next milking, even after only one applica- tion. Repeat the above until the pox disappear and always milk the affected cows last so that you do not carry the germs to the healthy ones of the herd, care being taken to have the hands of the milker thoroughly clean. 130 RURAL VETERiyARY ^ECRETii Blood poison following a nrgKclfd casi' of slrangk-s. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 131 STRANGLES (Horse Distemper) (See Fig. 14, opposite page.) Horse distemper or strangles is due to a specific germ which gains access to the blood by the horse coming in contact with other infected horses, drinking out of the same vessels or rubbing its nose on a post or manger where the discharge of an infected horse has been deposited. This disease is the fore-runner of many more serious diseases than strangles itself. The germ particularly at- tacks the red corpuscles of the blood, which causes a general weak- ness of the system to such an extent that it cannot resist other dis- eases. TREATMENT (See Fig. 15, opposite page.) Distemper can be prevented by vaccination. Just as soon as one of your horses show signs of distemper, all the rest should be immediately vaccinated and all the animals given a teaspoonful of Sanguitone twice or three times daily. This gives the well animals resisting power and hasten the recovery of the sick. When a swell- ing appears in the throat a liberal application of Elk's Dessicant should be well rubbed into the skin of the affected parts once daily until the swelling breaks open and discharges. Then the wound should be kept clean with soap and warm water. A warm linseed poultice may then be applied twice daily to hasten suppuration and terminate the disease. To apply poultice, a bandage as shown be- low will greatly aid in keei)ing the poultice in place. INFLUENZA Influenza is a very wide term applied to epizootics of the horse. Pink Eye is one form of the disease. Stockyard Fever, so-called ■ is another form. This disease is more or less serious, depending to a great extent on the health of the animal and the healthiness of its surroundings. It may be set down as a general rule that a horse off feed should not be worked, and if the clinical thermometer shows a fevered condition in the animal the veterinarian should be consulted. Partial or complete loss of appetite, fever, great nervous depression, partial loss of control of the limbs, constipation, slimy feces, discharges from the eyes, cough, sore throat, swelling of the limbs, sheath and along the belly, and occasionally a nasal discharge are all common symptoms of influenza ; a serious result in pregnant mares is abortion, few carry their foals the full time. The duration 132 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS of the disease is usually six to ten days if uncomplicated ; a constant watch must be kept for lung or blood complications. Give good food, pure air, sunlight, etc., avoid drafts. TREATMENT To prevent this trouble the entire herd or inmates of a stable should be vaccinated after the disease has broken out in the stable or neighborhood. If an animal is once afifected. we can give the system resistance and guard against evil results by giving in moist food three times daily one teaspoonful of Sanguitone Compound until the patient has safely recovered. Alcoholic stimulants may be added to hasten, or bring about a speedy recovery. CONTAGIOUS EYE DISEASE IN CATTLE This disease, technically termed contagious keratitis, some- times termed Pink Eye of cattle, is in some localities and at some seasons quite a common disease ; usually it appears in the summer or fall. One or both eyes may be affected ; the eyelids are swollen and closed and seem unable to bear the clear light ; there is a milky appearance of the front part of the eye, the corner, thus giving rise to the common idea that a scum is over it ; the darkest spot is often a yellow color, in the center. In some cases a purulent (mattery) discharge is present ; sometimes the contents of the eye escape and vision is thereby destroyed. The affected animal stops eating, cows will fail in their milk. TREATMENT Fortunately, the majority of cases recover completely under proper treatment, which is quite simple but eft"ective. It is as fol- lows : Separate all the affected cattle from the healthy ones, and give those aft"ected the usual dose of Bovolax, place in a darkened stall and keep a clean cloth dampened with a solution of boracic acid, one ounce to a quart of clean water, containing a couple of ounces of laudanum or belladonna, over the eye, or else apply the solution mentioned once or twice daily. As many very bad cases recover, treatment should be persisted in. If the eye does not seem to clear, or an abscess forms, apply the following solution with a piece of clean cheese-cloth once daily. Mercury Ointment (Blue Ointment) to the e}e twice a week for two weeks. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 133 PERIODIC OPTHALMIA This disease is due to a parasite which gains access to the eye and atfects the optic nerve and brings about symptoms of inflamma- tion about once a month. The origin of the germ and the manner in which it obtains access to this organ is still unknowai to scien- tists, but we do know, if taken in time, we very frequently succeed in destroying the troublesome agent of disease by keeping the horse in a dark place, bathing the eye with warm camomile tea and boric acid ; taking about twenty grains of boric acid to a common tea- cupful of the tea and applying the same over the eye live or six time^ daily with a bandage, which is kept saturated with the solution. This will reduce the swelling and take out the greater part of the inflammation. Then you may take Mercury Ointment (Blue Oint- ment) one part, lanolin twx:) parts, mix and rub into the eye and around the orbit once daily for three or four days, then rest and watch results. During the time you are making the external ap- plication, the animal should have one dram of Iodide of Potash in its drinking water twice daily, at least one hour before meals. Never give this medicine with the food, as you will get no results. Continue this for five or six days, then stop. This treatment is the most successful of any that is known to the writef for Periodic Opthalmia, although the history of the disease would lead one to believe that medical treatment has not been very successful in the past. FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE (Aphthous Fever) Foot-and-mouth disease is highly infectious, acute, febrile dis- ease of cloven-footed animals, particularly cattle. Horses, dogs, cats, poultry, and even man may become infected. It is character- ized by the formation of vesicles or blisters on the membrane of the mouth and on the skin between the toes and above the hoofs. The disease does not exist in the United States. Since it has broken out on several occasions, however, through infection from abroad, it is a disease with which every livestock owner should be fimiliar. CAUSE The cause of the disease is too small to be seen with a microscope and is known as a Alterable virus. Transmission occurs by direct con- tact witli infected animals or by any agency, such as man, other animals, 134 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS feed, animal products, etc.. contaminated with discharges from affected animals. SYMPTOMS In sheep the lesions are more pronounced in the feet, the blisters being less well marked in the mouth than is the case in cattle. All four feet generally are the seat of small blisters, which form on the skin between the toes, on the heel, or around the top of the hoof. The animal is restless and kicks with the hind feet. Pain becomes intense, severe lameness is shown, and the animal rests on the knees or breast- bone in feeding or lies down most of the time. The blisters rupture, discharging a clear or yellowish fluid, which later may become cloudy or purulent. Frequently the hoof separates from the wall. In the mouth small blisters form on the incisor pad, lips, tongue, cheeks, or hard palate. These rupture, discharging a clear fluid and leave small, reddened surfaces which heal rapidly. A considerable part of the membrane of the mouth may be cast oft'. The animal often makes a smacking sound or grinds the teeth. Blisters may appear on the udder or teats. There is a general c(jn- stitutional disturbance, diminished appetite, and loss of condition. The temperature rises at first and then drops to normal. The disease runs its course in from tw^o to three weeks, but is prelonged by severe foot lesions or by complications. The mortality is higher among lambs than among grown sheep. DIAGNOSIS Foot-and-mouth disease is readily recognized by the rapid spread of the disease in a flock, or to cattle and hogs, by the characteristic blisters on the feet or in the mouth and by the severe lameness in more than one foot. In foot rot of sheep, lameness is present in the aft"ected foot ; but in that case the lesions are in the form of ulcers, which usually develop at the heel and may extend deeply into the tissues, causing erosions which discharge a purulent matter. A pvmgent, dis- agreeable odor also is ([uite characteristic of foot rot. TREATMENT Medical treatment is not i)racticed in this country, as the danger that the disease will spread from an infected flock is too great. On each occasion when an outbreak has occurred slaughter of the aft'ected herds as early as possible has prevented the disease from gaining a ])ermanent foothold in the country. During outbreaks of foot-and- RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 135 mouth disease suspicious cases should be immediately reported by tele- graph to the State livestock authorities or to the United States Bureau of Animal Industry. SHEEP POX (Variola Ovina) Sheep pox is an acute, infectious, eruptive disease of the skin, which spreads rapidly through a flock. It is prevalent in Europe, but is not known to exist in America. CAUSE Sheep pox is caused b}' a living, filterable virus, and is contracted principally by inhaling dust and air containing pox-scab material. SYMPTOMS The disease begins with high fever and general constitutional dis- turbance. Round, red spots appear on the parts of the skin which are free from or only lightly covered with wool. Papules soon develop on these spots and are succeeded by vesicles containing a yellowish or pale-red fluid. The vesicles later become pustules and then dry up, form a scab which is cast ofl:'. The animal gives off a peculiar sweetish repulsive odor. The disease lasts about three or four weeks, and the mortality, except in severe outbreaks, runs from 5 to 10 per cent. TREATMENT European authorities advise slaughter of the first animals affected. Preventive vaccination is successful, but is carried on under Govern- ment permit, because of the danger of spreading the disease. ACTINOMYCOSIS (Lumpy Jaw, Wooden Tongue) Actinomycosis is a disease rare in sheep, caused by the ray fungus Actinomyces bovis, which forms cheesy tumors in the tongue. Occa- sionally the lips, jaws, or lungs may be affected. TREATMENT Give 2 grains of potassium iodid in the drinking water daily for a period of two weeks. 136 RURAL VETERIXARY SECRETS Large wound caused by a kick, IMioto hv Autlior. CHAPTER X. Wounds and Fractures WIRE CUTS, KICKS, CALKS AND WOUNDS. (How to Prevent Callouses and Heal a Wound Without Leaving a Scar) A deep wound of this kind is not safe to be closed up at once by means of sutures, especially if it is caused by a kick from an- other horse, a wire cut, or an accident, where dirt, filthy and poison- ous germs have been introduced into the animal tissues and cannot be removed no matter how carefully you clean and disinfect the parts involved. Sewing such a wound with the object of healing it up quickly, often terminates in blood poison or lockjaw, shortly followed by death. Often it is impossible to secure competent medi- cal aid in time to save a valuable animal. TREATMENT When a horse or any farm animal has sustained a wound of any kind, whether it be caused by a barbed wire, kick, or other ac- cident, you should first of all remove, with as little disturbance as possible, all particles of dirt, straw, chaff, or hair from the wound. If the cut is so large that the skin lops down considerably you may make a suture or two with twisted silk ; if the cut is straight up and down, or nearly so, forming a gap, it is not necessary to suture. You are now ready to apply some antiseptic which will favor rapid heal- ing and act as an astringent, by which the edges of the wound are practically drawn together. For this purpose take an original pack- age of Lotio Vita, dissolve in a quart of rain water, shake well and apply freely with your hand. Repeat twice daily and if the edges of the wound become hard and brittle, occasionally rub on a little fresh, unsalted hog's lard. You will be surprised at the rapid heal- ing power of this preparation. It leaves no scars or callouses of any kind, nor will it permit proud flesh to form. It is not necessary to apply bandages with this treatment, unless they are applied to ar- rest hemorrhages. The wound fares better without a bandage. This is a new but thoroughly reliable remedy. It has proved so satisfactory that I recommend my readers to keep a package on 138 KLKAL VETERINARY SECRETS APPLYING LINIMENTS FOR WIRE CUTS 'I'lic result ol' applying- liniiiKtits to a wirr tMit prticluci > hirgi' iiroiit. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 139 hand ready for use in case of emergency. It keeps indefinitely and is not expensive, and is now sold by all up-to-date druggists. Wire cuts, kicks, and other wounds are healed most quickly and without leaving any scars or marks by dissolving ly^ ounces of Lotio Vita in a quart of rain water and applying twice daily. It is rarely necessary to sew up a wound when it is dressed in this way. Apply no bandages, for this is nature's remedy for blood poisoning and heals like magic if applied promptly while the wound is fresh. Liniments should never be api)lied to an open wound. They are made to irritate and are sure to produce objectionable callouses and eye-sores. See Fig. 19. Calf with fractured limb in plaster cast. Photo by Author. FRACTURED LIMBS Farm animals with fractured limbs, especially horses, valuable blooded cattle, sheep, and dogs, should not be destroyed without due consideration as to a probable recovery. TREATMENT If the fracture is not too near a joint, where it might possibly involve the same and cause a permanent stiffness, or within thu 140 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS large, tieshy muscles of the thigh or forearm, a fractured limb can be placed in a plaster cast and mended even more quickly than that of a human being. In applying the plaster cast care must be taken not to shut oft the circulation in the parts below the fracture. For this purpose we usually apply a layer of absorbent cotton before applying the plas- ter paris bandage or cast. Care must also be taken to have proper drainage of the wounds, if any exist in connection with the frac- ture, and while applying the cast or bandage we must always pro- vide reinforcements in the cast, such as wooden splints, so that the cast will not shift or lose its form before the plaster is properly set. Animals wall not refrain from moving during this time, like human beings, and may spoil the fit and purpose of the cast. ^riie above photo cut shows a blooded Holstein calf nursing its mother immediately after the cast was properly set on a fractured right hind limb. This calf made a splendid recovery, the cast being- taken oft" and renewed in 68 hours, after which it remained on perma- nently until the bone was mended. The larger adult animals, such as horses and cattle, should be confined in a sling in order to keep them quiet. For calves, colts, and dogs it is not necessary. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 141 FISTULOUS WITHERS F"istulas of the Withers, of which the above is a typical Hke- ness, are usually caused by external violence of some kind, such as severe jars while drawing heavy loads, ill-fitting collars, bites from another horse while at play, or during an actual encounter, severe blows, running under some firm object which is lower than the framework of the rose, of which the withers are the most promi- nent part, tightly strapped saddles, etc. These cause death of some of the inner structures, which soon act as foreign bodies, and which nature attempts to caddy out by the process of sloughing or sup- puration. Pus pockets are found in the region of the injury, which are often deep-seated and become more and more serious as the case becomes chronic. The pus gravitates and involves more tissue as the disease progresses ; occasionally you will notice a pronounced swelling, which breaks open and discharges for a while, but soon heals up, only to break open again in a short time. Sometimes the most prominent bony structures of the withers (dorsal spines) are involved to such an extent as to cause necrosis or death of the parts, which necessitates a removal of some of the bony structure before you dare attempt to cure the fistula. TREATMENT Various theories have been advanced as to the treatment of fistulous withers. Some of the writers claim it to contain infec- tious germs, which leads them to believe that the disease is con- tagious, but this theory receives very little credit. Although infec- tious germs are found in the fistula, it is quite probable that they have gained access to the fistula after it has been established and most likely after it has broken open and discha'-ged, thus affording an opening for the introduction of germs, which can hardly be avoided under ordinary surroundings, as the farmer or stock owner cannot keep the horse's environment thoroughly asceptic; at least it is ot customary for him to do so. Strong caustic solutions are often injected. As the fistula has no drainage or dependent opening, they have little or no eflfect. Astringent and antiseptic solutions or powders have practically the same effect. The only reliable remedy is to remove the entire fis- tula and (necrotic) bony substance surgically, making any opening at the most dependent parts of the pockets and irrigating the wounds once or twice daily with a solution of one part of bichloride of mer- cury to 1,000 parts of water with a fountain syringe. Make liberal 142 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS l*"istula of tlu' witlurs. — I'lioto bv autlior. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 143 openings and give plenty of drainage, so that the wound will heal from within first and avoid a closure of the outer surface until all the inner structures have been replaced by natural granulation. In making the incision you must be prepared to arrest hemorrhages from the arteries and veins, which you are compelled to cut in order to operate successfully. For this purpose you must provide your- self with an artery or haemostatic forceps with which you can seize the vessels and effect an immediate closure. It is also well to have on hand a curved needle and braided or twisted silk which has been tlu)roughly sterilized in a five per cent solution of lysol. All instru- ments employed should be sterilized in this solution, as well as your hands, and clean sponges which you may use for absorbing the slight capillary hemorrhages. It is always better to employ a skilful veterinary surgeon for this purpose if one can be procured in your vicinity, one who is thoroughly acquainted with the anatomy of the ]iarts and can perform the w^ork scientifically. The operation is not expensive and is well worth attending to in time, if your horse is worth keeping at all. Should you conclude to attenrpt this work yourself and need further instructions, write to the author asking for such information as you may desire, and you will receive a prompt reply by mail. POLL EVIL Poll ]i\\\ is a fistula of the poll and is of tlic same nature as fistula of the withers. Apply the same treatment. OPEN JOINTS Open joints arc usually caused by kicks, wire cuts, nail pricks, or accidental wounds by which a joint is opened and the synovia (joint water) allowed to escape. Wounds of this kind are always dangerous, as the escaping synovia affords a most favorable medium for the entrance into the system and propagation of dangerous in- fectious germs. Syno\-ia can easily be distinguished from other discharges, be- cause of being odorless and the flow increasing by each move of the joint. When exposed to the atmosphere for a short time it will 144 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS coagulate and assume the consistenc}' of jelly and is lighter in color than common pus. TREATMENT Never probe an open joint, as you only make infection more liable. Wash the parts thoroughly clean with soap and warm water and when dry apply Elk's Dessicant over the entire surface once daily for three days, or until the opening has swollen shut, which may happen after twenty-four hours, then give the patient, if an adult horse or cow, a large teaspoonful of Sanguitone to resist infec- tion through the circulation. In smaller animals give smaller doses according to age and size. As an additional precaution to the above we often give a hypo- dermic injection of mixed bacterins. This treatment has proved a wonderful success in the extensive practice of the writer. CHAPTER XL Diseases Common to the Muscles and Extremities HOW TO LOCATE LAMENESS IN A HORSE Lameness is a disease or an injured condition of a joint, hone, ligament, tendon, hoof, or muscle of an animal and can be located usu- ally by heat, swelling, inflammation, enlargements and lack of action in any part of the body or limbs. The signs of location are as follows : Hoof lameness improves with exercise. In cases of splint lame- ness a horse walks as though sound, but trots lame. In shoulder lame- ness a horse stumbles coiisiderably. Joint lameness is usually indicated by heat and swelling. Tendon lameness is the same. In ligament lameness there is no swelling and no heat and there will be no recovery unless the trouble is located and treated. In ringbone and curb lameness there is always an enlargement present. Bone spavin lameness sometimes appears without enlarge- ment. The animal starts off on the points of his toes and warms out of it as he is exercised. Bog spavin or thoroughpin always shows an enlargement. TREATMENT Ascertain which of these descriptions fits your case, then see the index under its respective title for a proper remedy. FOOT AND LIMB TROUBLES Diseases of the feet and limbs are usually brought to the stock- man's notice by the presence of lameness in the animal affected; there- fore, we are justified in considering LAMENEvSS a symptom of dis- ease in the parts mentioned, it being an expression of pain in one or more limbs during movement. While the lameness may be plain, the location of that lameness is far from plain, and in many cases will per- 146 JWRAL YETERINAIIY ^ECRET^ l)lex even the expert veterinarian; to aid us in the detection of the dis- eases certain symptoms have been noticed as accompanying certain con- cHtions; e. g., if the animal is hime in the shoulder, the foot is kept l)ehind its fellow and the limb and knee are relaxed, the toe touching the ground. The limb may be said to hang loosely and when brought forward it describes an out turn. In elbow lameness the forearm is extended, the knee flexed and the foot is on a le\el or behind its fellow. LAMENESS may be shown when the foot of the lame leg is on the ground, e. g., in corns, when the foot is oft' the ground stift'ness of tlie knee may be shown, although little pain is evidenced. It is useful lo know that lameness may be partially hidden (masked) in a horse In the manipulation of the groom, such as exciting him, showing him on soft ground, preventing the animal breaking into a trot by holding him tightly by the head and by keeping the sound side to the examiner. The lame animal should be examined both in the stable and outside, in the latter case at both trot and walk, so as to properly detect the trouble. If the horse is sound he will stand squarely on the forefeet, with prob ably one hind foot rested alternately, or if very tired, a near foot and oft" hind foot will be flexed or vice versa. POINTING is a term often used in connection with lameness; a horse is said to point with a fore foot, if, when standing he keeps it in advance of its fellow, in which case the heel or toe may be raised or the foot placed flat upon the ground. The novice is often perplexed to know whether the lameness is before or behind, according as the animal is trotted to or from him. In this connection it might be mentioned that the head and neck consti- tute the balancing pole of the body. In lameness of the fore limb the head, if free, will be raised higher than usual when the lame leg, if a front one, comes down on the ground. A sharp turn to the right or left will also aid, as the weight will be thrown on the forehand. If the lameness is behind, the head will be lowered when the limb is brought to the ground. The slow trot on hard ground with the groom a couple of feet from the animal's head, who is made to go straigJit a-ivay, will be the best pace at which to examine. If lameness in front is suspected, have the animal trotted towards you and note the movements of the head, the legs and the feet ; then note the action from the side, whether shortened or not, and if the actions of the muscles of the limb are un- derstood, the variations from the natural gait will be more readily un- derstood. Uprightness of a fore pastern is symptomatic of lameness in the foot of that limb. Usually if the fore i)art of the foot is aft"ecled, the heel is lowered, e. g., in P\)under. If the back part is aft"ected as in cofhn joint lameness, (navicular disease) the heel is raised, while if RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 147 due to bad nail puncture or fracture, the foot may be lifted entirely from the ground. Frequent lifting from one forefoot to the other is indicative of coffin joint trouble. If lameness behind is suspected, let the animal be trotted away from you and watch for the limb on which the animal dwells and on which he puts his weight; as to which is raised the higher; whether a toe is dragged or not; then turn to the right about and left about, no- ticing whether any reluctance is shown to putting weight on a limb. THE SPAVIN TEST This test may be given if hock lameness is suspected, by flexing the hock tightly, which is performed by lifting the limb up close to the body for a few minutes, the foot being let down and the animal trotted off smartly. If the lameness is due to spavin, the lameness will be more marked after giving the test, the horse sometimes going off on the hop. After a drive, or warming up of a horse, the lameness will often disap- pear; in such cases the examination should be deferred until the horse has cooled oft", when the lameness will usually show very plainly. Horses often drive out of the lameness when warmed up ; that is, the lameness disappears, except when lame from SPLINTS, SORE SHINS, CORNS, FOUNDER or SPRAINS. Intermittent lameness, that is, the animal goes lame one time, sound another, is characteristic of RHEUMATISM or NAVICULAR TROUBLE. Lameness behind is usually in the hock ; if in front, the feet of heavy horses are usually affected, light horses being liable to affections of the cannons, tendons or ligaments, as well as the feet. Wearing of the toe of a front shoe is symtomatic of navicular; of a hind shoe, spavin; if the heel is worn it is likely to be due to either Founder or Ringbone. 148 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS Senis Sryst — Caused by a bruise to the shoulc due to an ill-fitting collar. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 149 SHOULDERSLIP (Sweeney) Shoulderslip, or as it is generally termed "Sweeny", is rather a common accident in young farm horses, especially among those em- ployed in breaking new land containing bush or tree roots. The shoul- der muscles are sprained and as a result wasting (atrophy) of the outer muscles takes place, and the animal is then said to be SWEENIED. This affection is easy to diagnose when once the wasting has occurred. The treatment is necessarily of long duration owing to the damage to the muscle cells. The wasted muscles usually take months to fill out. In the early stages bathing with hot water. Elk's Vesicant, or better, injecting 10 drops of turpentine in various parts of the Sweeny, will usually give the desired results. Rest, the use of a breast collar and avoidance of the cause will also aid in recovery. Wasting of these muscles may result from rheumatism or chest founder (navicular disease). SORE SHOULDER AND COLLAR GALLS These are very common on the farm and can best be jHevented bv having collars and harnesses that fit. A very good method is, on return ing a horse to the stable, to loosen the back pad, collar, or saddle, lift up and replace, leaving there for 15 to 30 minutes. The reason for so doing is that the parts under the harness are quite hot, and if the gear is removed at once the parts become chilled and a congested swelling results, unless a brisk rubbing is given the parts. The use of a strong solution of alum and water, or salt and water, to the shoulders after removal of the harness will serve to toughen the parts. If sores result, they should be treated as ordinary wounds. In some cases they arc slow to heal, e. g., at the top of the neck, in that case needing the stimu- lating effects of some blistering material to increase the blood supply (o the parts, while the chronic sores of the shoulder often take on a hard, toughened appearance, being termed "sitfasts". Such a condi- tion must be removed with the knife and treated with a solution of Lotio Vita. A sudden swelling often results from the use of a collar too small. It is not an abscess containing pus, but a swelling containing serum, which on being let out resembles bloody water. Such cases must be opened at the most dependent parts and syringed daily with a solution of 1 part of bichloride of mercury to 1,000 parts of water. If left alone they get hard and are a continual cause of sore shoulder, eventu- ally calling for the knife, and if neglected may cause infection (blood poison) . 150 RURAL VETERINARY ^EVRETIS Collar bruise causes infeetioi RURAL VETERINARY HECRETii 151 CAPPED KNEES splints are buny enlargements on the cannon, which connected of liedding in the stall. In the early stages bathe with hot water and ai)i)ly National Electric Cream twice daily; later use the knife, or the insertion of a seton (a piece of medicated tape) through the enlarge- ment from top to bottom will help reduce the enlargement. SPLINTS Splints are bony enlargements on the cannon, \\htch connected with the small splint bones and are the result of inflammation caused by concussions. Young horses are very liable, the scrub more so than the pure-bred, owing to the inferior quality of the bone. In order to detect them, although in many cases they are easily seen, the finger and thumb are passed down over the small cannon bone, notice being taken of any variation from the smoothness of those bones. The lameness is due to the stretching of the periosteum (bone covering) during the throwing out of the bony niaterial (splint formation). The lameness quite often disappears when once the splint is formed, and the enlargement may also disappear in the same manner that a cal- lous does. The lameness shown is often out of all proportion to tlic size of the splint; those more serious are close up to the knee joint. Exercise increases the lameness. If no lameness is evident, do not bother the animal with blisters, etc. Always let "well enough" alone. If lame, give rest, reduce any inflammation with cold water, and thoroughly rub the parts firmly but gently, with Elk's Absorb- ing Ointment for 10 to IS minutes once a day for 3 days, then rest two weeks and repeat until relieved. Splints arc more common on the fore legs than on the hind legs and more often on the inner side of the limb. 152 RURAL VETERINARY t^EVRETH RINGBONE Ringbone is a disease of the bony structure, occurring as the resuh of inflammation of the pastern or coffin bones, usually on the hind pastern, but may be found on the fore limbs. This trouble occurs in different locations on the pasterns, e. g., the two pastern bones arc termed "high ringbone". If the joint between the small pastern and coffin bone is affected the "low ringbone" is said to exist and it is a serious condition. Somtetimes the enlargement appears on the large pastern bone and is then termed "false ringbone". The J'oint firing for ringbone. bony deposit may be at the front or sides of the bones affected and may cause lameness by interfering with the movement of the ten- dons or ligaments. Ringbone may be caused by a horse going on the toe, the result of spavin. It is important to remember that the pasterns may be rough, large and prominent at the joints and yet not be affected. The prominences noticed are to give attachment to ligaments and muscles ; both pasterns should l)e alike. In the early stages there is a slift'ness of movement of the pastern joints, and if in the fore feet, a tendency to waUv on the heel, the lameness being shown long before any enlargement can be noticed. The only satisfactory treatment is the firing iron, followed by Elk's Absorbing Ointment, once daily for three days ; then rest two weeks and repeat until relieved. Ai'oid hrcedimi from sires or dams with this disease. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 153 SIDEBONES Sidebone is the apt term used to describe tlie turning" into bone of the lateral cartilages, which change may be partial or complete. As will be remembered, these cartilages are of a gristly nature and yield more or less under pressure with the fingers and thumb. Heavy horses seem to be the ones mainly affected and in connection with this fact concussion can hardly be the cause. Injury from stepping on one an- other, and HEREDITY, greatest of all, are the probable causes. The symptoms are lameness with a stilty action and shortness of gait, hard- ening and enlargement of the cartilages. The treatment is not satisfactory, blistering and tiring doing good only in the earlier stages. A bar rocker shoe with frog pressure, fo- mentations and rest, later work on soft ground, will be about the best treatment. Some people have the animal nerved if the lameness con- tinues. Above all, do not breed from a stallion with sidehones, and if judging, throw out a stallion so affected always. (OFFIN JOINT LAMENESS (Navicular Disease) This is a disease of the coffin joint and its cartilages, which comes on slowly, usually the result of concussion, more especially if the foot is not a strong one and of good shape. Shoeing with high heels, thus relieving the frog from pressure, will increase the chances of concus- sion and indirectly increase the tendency to this disease. Long, hard, continual driving is a frequent cause; the endless bang on a hard road will almost invariably cause this disease. The speed has little to do with it. The pastern of an aflfected foot is more upright and concave and the heels often strong. SYMPTOMS Pointing in the stable, favoring of the limb affected, shortening of the stride, with a stilty, stubby gait, are all symptoms of this disease. If one notices a horse affected with this disease, driven on the street, which is later on stopped and tied, the animal will be noticed to paw slightly with the aiTected fo,ot. In fact, it is really hunting a comfortable spot on which to rest the foot, so as to allow the cof^n joint to be flexed; he may even rest the heel on a stone. If both feet are affected, the gait is very short, he paddles, stubs the toes, and if the pain is severe, will lie down the greater part of the time when in 154 RURAL VETERII^ARY i^ECRETS the stable. As a result the muscles of the whole limb may waste, thus ii^iving rise t(j the condition termed "Chest Founder". The hoof and coronet will also be narrcnver than usual. TREATMENT Give rest, apply Elk's Vesicant once daily for 3 days, and turn on a soft pasture. If not cured, get your veterinarian to put in a frog seton, and if that fails, have him nerve the animal, after which opera- tion the feet will need daily watching and care, although it will enable the animal to work without lameness for a year or two after the opera- tion. Have the feet pared so as to throw slightly forward on the toe, and apply a wide-webbed shoe with a roll to the toe. PRICKS WHILE SHOEING These pricks are not as common as they used to be, the shoeing smiths being more careful than heretofore and as a result of the various horseshoer's associations studying the anatomy and physiology of the feet. The cause may be driving nails too close or in the wrong direc- tion, thus penetrating into or bearing on the quick. The lameness and l^ain may not show for a day or even for a couple of weeks. In the latter case pus is likely forming. Some horses have thin walled hoofs and are easily pricked ; the nearer the heel the greater the danger ; inside (|uarters being oftener pricked than outside. If a horse has been left shod for some months and when reshod has the foot cut down pretty well, he is apt to go lame, due to the strain thrown on the tendons and ligaments, or to the sole having been made too thin, thus pressing on the sensitive parts, and the animal may be thought to ha\ e been pricked. If a horse goes lame after shoeing, the nail being driven high or the point not shown, or the hammer gives a dull sound, we may suspect pricking. If blood follows the withdrawal of a nail, or if the nail is wet, due to matter (pus), we can be certain that the ([uick has been hurt. In some cases after paring the feet a stain may be seen around the nail hole. THE COLOR OF THE MATTER (Pus) is often a guide as to the extent of the injury. If black, the wound is only superficial and will soon recover ; a yellowish color shows pus more or less deeply seated; if purple and a putrid smell, the chances are that the pedal bone is affected. Should great pain be shown after letting out the mat- ter, the injury is very serious. In this form of disease the same rules RURAL VETERINARY ^ECRETH 155 apply as to other wounds. Plenty of drainage so as to get the pus away must be given ; hence, pare the foot, steep in a hot, antiseptic solu- tion for a couple of hours, or bath of Lotio Vita, one ounce to a pint of water, may be given daily for an hour. If the hoof is hard, the application of a hot, flaxseed poultice will be useful before doing much paring of the foot. After paring down, baths followed by oakum and tar stoppings are to be preferred to poultices. Pricks from shoeing or from nails picked up on the street, will, if not attended to, result in pus forming and working upwards to the coronet and there breaking out, thus forming what is known as a "quittor". It is needless to say that the treatment for this condition will have to be left to the surgeon. CORNS Corns are bruises of the sensitive sole, usually in that portion en- closed by the inner angle of the wall and bars and usually present in the fore feet. Weak heels predispose to the disease; very strong heels may also result in this trouble, due to pinching of the sole between them and the pedal bone. The causes of corns are several, chief of which is faulty shoeing, l>utting pressure on parts not intended to bear it, by cutting down the liars or putting on short heeled shoes, and especially by the common practice of leaving shoes on horse's feet for months at a time without resetting and removal of excess horn growth. Excessive thinning of the sole and later stepping on a stone will cause the sole bruise (corn). .Some weak-footed horses will have corns in spite of all methods of shoeing; barefooted horses rarely have corns. The lameness resulting from corns gets worse as the animal is worked. He may point his foot forward while at rest. If the shoes are removed and the sole pared, the surface will be noticed to be red- dened and in some cases pus may be found, always a serious condition. Removal of the shoe, paring out of the seat of the corn and a poultice to the foot will in cases of lameness, due to a corn, result in almost marvelous cures. TREATMENT Antiseptics, such as tar, should be used and a bar or thrcc-(|u;irlcr shoe should be put on, care being taken to avoid pressure on the affected parts. 156 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS FOOT ROT IN CATTLE AND SHEEP This disease will often occur if the feet are allowed to grow too long and get fouled with manure, or as a result of running on low-lying, \vet, muddy pastures. Lameness will be excessive, the pain in some cases causing the animal to go off its feed, fall behind the flock, or herd, and sometimes go on its knees. In such cases trim down the feet and bathe in a Lotio Vita solution, 1^ ounces to a quart of water. Two or three applications of Lotio Vita solution will usually cure most cases. Where large numbers need treatment the solution is made and placed in a wooden trough and the animals walked through it. A good way to treat cattle affected is to take a piece of cheese- cloth soaked with the drug. After cleaning between the cleft, work back and forth and then a clean piece of cheese-cloth which has been soaked in the solution may be tied on the foot. In severe cases poultice with flaxseed or boiled turnips, after cleaning and dressing with the solution. Do not use cow dung, or other dirty materials. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 157 STIFLE OUT (Luxation of the Patella^ Luxation of the patella of a yearling colt. Stiflle Out exists in two forms, the partial and complete. The former is usually found in young colts, the result of heredity; stallions poorly muscled through the stifles get such stock; the latter in older animals, the result of an accident. In young colts the bone will be seen to slip in and out, a clicking noise being made at each step; for such cases Elk's Vesicant repeated at two-week intervals will often aid the young patient. To avoid such cases feed well, and do not keep on very hilly pastures, also avoid making the foal following its dam dur- ing the day while working. The construction (anatomy) of the parts will aid in understanding this trouble and the means of reduction. In partial dislocations in grown horses a sharp crack of a whip will startle Ihe animal and the bone will fly into place; in other cases (complete dislocation), it will be necessary to place a rope around the fetlock of 158 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS the affected limb, and have an assistant to draw the limb well forward, the hand being used to press the bone forward and inwards at the same time, when it will usually fly into place with a sharp click. Once in place it is best retained there by keeping the limb well forward by means of a side line and by the use of a stifle shoe (a shoe with a piece of iron projecting in front four or live inches) on the foot of the af- fected limb. A smart blister. hJk's \'esicant, applied twice at an inter- val of two weeks, will assist in repairing the injury. That the animal should be rested during the treatment every sensible person will under- stand. Treatment in these cases should be prompt. When the lesion occurs the limb aft'ected if stiff, nailed to the ground as it were, kept out behind the body and if made to move is dragged with the toe down. The wall and even the front of the pastern may be on the ground. The animal moves with very great difficulty. RURAL VETERINARY HEimETS 159 SPAVIN Point firing for spavin. Spavin is the bane of horse flesh and horsemen, and while of two kinds, (a) bone spavin, afifecting the bones of the hock, and (b) bog spavin, affecting the bursae of the joint and adjacent structures, there is httle difference as to the serious nature of either trouble, owing to the difficulty in curing either form of spavin. 160 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS BONE SPAVIN (Jack) Bone Spavin is a disease of the bones of the hock joint, an in- flammation of the articular (joint) surface, as a result of which marked lameness is usually shown, following which a bony enlargement is thrown out at the lower part of the internal side of the hock joint. The result of this disease often is stiffening of the joint. The more serious bone spavins are those affecting the upper row of hock bone, situated towards the front of the joint and affecting animals over six years old. Coarse hocks may exist and if there is no lameness and both are alike, should not be condemned. The causes of spavin are bad conforma- tion, sprains, excessive work of the hind limbs, result of jumping, high school work, tying in below the hocks. This disease is sometimes seen in cattle and sheep. Spavin is in many cases easily detected. The enlargement being accompanied by lameness, which is characterized by a shortening of the stride, dragging of the toe, which is unnaturally worn as a consequence of the lameness, which the horse will warm out of, but if stood up for twelve to twenty-four hours, will show quite markedly. If recent, there may be heat of the parts and no enlargement ; in fact, in that form known as OCCULT (hidden) Spavin, no enlargement is shown at all. EXAMINATION OF THE HOCKS To detect the enlargement the examiner should stand in front and a little to the outside of the foreleg of the same side as the hock to be examined. The hock should present a somewhat wedge-shaped appear- ance, the base being upwards. By placing one's self in a similar posi- tion by the other foreleg, the other hock is seen and a comparison made, the only safe way to detect the enlargement. If suspected, the examiner may flex (close the joint), the hock up tightly and have the animal trotted off quickly, which if aft'ected, will limp perceptibly. The hocks should also be felt with the hands, the oft' hock with the left palm, etc. The treatment is preventive and curative, the former by avoiding the use of spavined sires or dams, by proper shoeing and avoidance of too heavy loads. The curative consists in reducing the inflammation by giving rest, warm fomentations, a high-heeled shoe, and l-.lk's Absorb- ing Ointment, and if that fails, ihe firing iron and blister, which should be left to the veterinarian. Ne\er apply strong acids to eat out the b(»iie. .See illustration, Vig. No. 33. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 161 A spavin as it ought to appear when properly fired with a thermo- cautery, leaving no scar or blemishes and relieving the lameness perma- nently. 162 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS An attempted cure for spavin by misapplying drugs fails to relieve lame- ness and leaves a blemish forever. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 163 BOG SPAVIN Bog Spavin is a condition in which the capsular ligament of the hock joint is distended by joint oil (synovia), appearing as a soft swell- ing on the inner sides of the hock, just above the site of bone spavin. This disease occurs in two forms, (1) without any inflammation or lameness; (2) a hard, painful swelling with accompanying lameness. The causes are premature overwork; defective conformation due to heredity ; the swelling being soft and cool ; it may be due to overfeed- ing, such as for show purposes. In such cases cold water compresses and a good hand rubbing for 20 to 30 minutes before taking before the judges will often remove the enlargement for a short time; treatment is usually unsatisfactory, pressure by the use of a Bog Spavin and Thoroughpin truss being the best. THOROUGHPIN Thoroughpin off hind leg. Photo by Author. Thoroughpin is rarely absent when Bog Spavin exists, and is due to the pressure of the fluid constituting the Bog Spavin on the bursae of the perforans tendon, which is thus pushed out of place. This lesion appears as a swelling at the back part of the hind leg, just above the joint of the hock and in front of the hamstring. It can be pressed from side to side with the finger. The treatment is the same as, for bog spavin. In draft stallions it may be due to a sprain of the tendons, a serious condition. 164 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS CURB Curb is an enlargement (a bowing out) at the back part of the hock, about six to eight inches below its point. Usually it is described as a sprain of the ligaments at the back of the hock. Quite often the bones of the part are affected also, the enlargement being due in many cases to the pushing outward of the ligament by the inflammed bone. To detect the enlargement it is often necessary to stand to one side of the hock and then to the other so as to see the back line of the leg in profile. The causes of this trouble are many; jumping and slipping, going up steep inclines, and more especially conformation, the result of heredity. Horsemen often speak of Curby (sickle) hocks; such a conformation is especially liable to curb, and is readily transmitted to the progeny by an affected sire. The leverage exerted in connection wdth the hock joint is very powerful, the ground being the fulcrum; the wxight, the resistance of the head of the lower thigh bone ; the power, the muscles of the gaskin (lower thigh) attached to the point of the hock. The tendency to curb will be increased by : (1) W'.ork too severe for the strength of the lever. (2) By disease or immaturity having rendered the parts unecjual to the strain, (3) By the surface for attachment of the ligaments being too small, a tied-in hock, (4) By the muscles of the gaskin being very strong, (5) By the presence of a large angle formed by the direction of the weight and lever, as in the Sickle Hock. It is an unsoundness and a very bad defect in stallions ; is probably more common in light than heavy horses. Lameness is shown in the earlier stage as a rule. The application of a high-heeled shoe, and Elk's Absorbing Ointment once daily for 3 or 4 days, will generally overcome the trouble. If the lameness and enlargement persist, the veterinarian should be asked to fire the parts. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 165 Bad (curby) Hind Legs C, a curb. 166 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS STRINGHALT Stringhalt is a disease of a tendon of the hind limb. It used to be classed as a purely nervous affection. The affected parts (tendons) undergo severe contractions as a result of inflammation of those ten- dons. The exaggerated flexing of the hock, more quickly than natural, and high lifting of the foot seen when the animal is backed or moved forward, render the recognition of this diseases quite plain. The treat- ment is surgical and consists in cutting the tendon (peroneus) a short distance below the hock. Curing a stringhalt by severing the peroneus tendon. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 167 SHOEBOIL (Capped Elbow) A typical shoeboil before operation. Shoeboil is situated at the point of the elbow, the result of too narrow stalls, lack of bedding or pressure of the heels of the shoe when lying down. To prevent it the heel should be padded, or a piece of 2x2 inch stuff nailed crosswise in the stall, about half way back. This trouble usually calls for the intervention of the surgeon before being finally cured. If it is well fomented with warm water in the early stages and Elk's Absorbing Ointment applied every day for 4 or 5 days, the more serious blemish mav be avoided. 168 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS CAPPED HOCKS Capped hocks. Photo by Author. This condition is brought about by a bruise, or external violence to the hock. Sometimes horses do this by getting up in a hard-floored stall. TREATMENT First of all you must ascertain the cause, whatever it may be and remove it. Then cut the hair off close to the skin over the entire enlargement and rub well with Elk's Absorbing Ointment once daily for four or five days. Then rest a week to give the hair a chance to grow and apply again. Do not wash off at any time after apphing the Ointment unless the parts become dirty. The above may be applied a third time if reduction of the cap is not complete. These enlarge- ments contain synovia (joint water) and do not yield to treatment as quickly as ordinary enlargements ; therefore, you must have a little more patience. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 169 THRUSH Thrush is a foul condition of a horse's foot, affecting particularly the frog or spongy parts. A moist condition is usually noticed about the cleft of the frog, which has an offensive odor and is of a dirty black color. The hoof is feverish and soon becomes contracted and tender. As the disease works upward into the sensitive parts of the hoof, the horse becomes lame. If not relieved in a short time, cancer and ill-formed hoofs are the result. TREATiMENT Thrush is easy to cure in its early stages. A single application of Elk's Anti-Thrush packed firmly into the cleft of the frog and every ramification of the affected area, in the evening, will show a wonder- ful improvement by the next morning. If the case is an old one, where the frog becomes ragged and decayed, the foul portions must be com- pletely removed down to the healthy parts before applying the Anti- Thrush. In such cases, repeated applications must be made, as many as the case may require. COCKED ANKLES Cocked Ankles are caused by a thickening of the posterior tendons of the leg, due to a slip or strain generally. The thickened parts natur- ally become shorter and bring about the cocked condition. TREATMENT To bring about recovery we must absorb the unnatural, thickened parts so that the tendon will stretch to its usual length and perform its natural functions. To do this remove the shoe and pare off all super- fluous horny substance. Bathe the thickened portion of the tendon in warm water for 15 minutes twice daily, after which you must rub the parts well with National Electric Cream. This is a sure cure for an acute case. If the case is of long standing and has become chronic it may be necessary to use Absorbing Ointment instead of the Electric Cream, or it may be neecssary to resort to the firing iron, if both of the above mentioned remedies fail. 170 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS CONTRACTED HOOFS OF HORSES Contracted hoofs are usually brittle and feverish following contin- ual hammering on the hard, dry highways, or any condition that will bring about acute or chronic founder. Following chronic founder the hoof will take on the ramhorned shape and appearance. TREATMENT Take off the shoes, soak the hoofs in water or a linseed poultice for twenty- four hours, then pare the sole down as close to life as possi- ble and rub well with axle grease over the entire hoof. Clip oft* the hair above the hoof about one and one-half inches all around and rub once daily for five minutes with Elk's Vessicant. Do this for 3 days, then send to pasture or give the freedom of a large box stall for 10 days, when the above treatment may be repeated until the hoof has grown larger from the coronet to the wearing surface, which will take about six weeks. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 171 HOW TO TREAT A NAIL PRICK Nails, if picked up on the street or barnyard are always dangerous when they enter into the live tissue of the animal's body, especially so when rusty and introduced through the horny part of the hoof. Rusty nails always carry germs which cannot be avoided and such pricks are the common causes of lockjaw and septicemia, owing to the fact that a nail is extracted and the germs which are taken in with it are scraped oft" with the horny tissue and allowed to remain within the live and sensitive part of the hoof. The fact that the wound is small and closes immediately after the nail is extracted is the most dangerous to the ani- mal, as this is the most favorable environment for the propagation of the lockjaw germs. These germs cannot propagate where there is access to air and sunlight. TREATMENT The treatment is to immediately extract the nail and make a liberal opening to the extent of the wound caused by the nail, thereby allowing access of air and a free drainage. When this has been done, drop a few drops of Solution of Lotio Vita in the wound. This w^ill antago- nize septic germs of any kind. If there are signs of great pain a warm linseed poultice may be renewed twice daily and the wound treated as above described. SORE NECK Horses frequently get sore and very painful necks while working, especially in the spring and early summer. There will be an eruption of the skin attended with swelling and a discharge. This is due to humor in the blood and must be treated through the circulation. Noth- ing will give quicker and more satisfactory relief than one teaspoon- ful of Sanguitone given in moist food three times daily. Wash the wound with warm water, just as warm as you can bear to your hand, three times daily. Dress with Lotio Vita as directed on package. CHAPTER Xll, Common Farm Operations DEHORNING Dehorning is a surgical operation usually performed on cattle, by which they are rendered more tame, and consequently more easily handled. Aly experience is that if properly done bad results are very few. Cattle will often go right to eating; some cows will not even show any appreciable shrinkage in their milk ; for the control of bulls this operation is indispensable. The operation is best performed during cool weather, so as to avoid flies, during the period from October until April. Best results are obtained in yearling and two-year-old cattle. The instruments in general use are the slippers or saw. I prefer the former as being handier, calling for less restraint of the animal, and if kept in good shape, well-oiled and sharp, do just as good work, only in a great deal less time. Bleeding from the operation is rarely serious. In heavy milking cows it may sometimes need attention. Smear the hair at the base of the horn with vaseline and turn it back; then secure the animal to a strong post by means of a chain or rope, so that it can be quickly released. A stanchion might be used. Insert the bulldog (a nose forceps) into the nose and draw the head around to the flank. The operator then applies the clipper over the exposed horn and brings it as close to the head as possible, the object being to remove about one- fourth inch of the skin along with the horn, thus destroying the horn matrix and preventing the growth of unsightly stubs. To make a nice-looking head be careful to so apply the clippers that the cut will slope inwards from the bottom of che horn base ; thus a pointed poll, resembling that of the Angus, will result. Calves may be dehorned by caustics, of which several varieties are on the market. A cheaper method, just as good, is to buy caustic potash in the stick form at the drug store. It will be necessary to wrap cloth about it when using or the fingers will also be cauterized. It is applied around the base of the horns, just where they join the skin. 174 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS TAPPING THE FIRST STOMACH OR PAUNCH (For Bloating) This is performed in cattle and sheep when badly bloated. The instrument used being known as the trocar, a pointed rod, and the canula, a hollow tube. It can be used for ringing bulls. The operation is performed in the upper left flank at a point equal distant from the point of the hip, the last rib and hones of the loin. The instrument being applied to the point described is given a sharp tap and pushed in its full length, the trocar withdrawn, the gas then rushes out of the canula, which may be left in for five or ten minutes. The paunch is the organ tapped in cattle and sheep ; the tapping of horses should be left to the veterinarian. Rumenotomy. This is an operation for the removal of food in cases of impacted rumen. The operation when done, consists of the opening and removal of its contents and sewing up by the veterinarian. It should not be left to the eleventh hour. Good results follow when performed early and with antiseptic pre- cautions. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 175 CASTRATION Castration is usually performed on colts, at a year old; if light in the neck and fore quarters they may be left until two years. The oper- ation is done either in the standing or lying position. The first is hazar- dous and requires an agile and expert man, but of recent years it is found most practical because it presents the organs in their natural position. This operation should not be performed unless the colt is in good health ; the results are better if a run at grass for a few days has first been obtained. The instruments needed are the emasculator and a castrating knife, which should be placed in an antiseptic solution ten minutes before operating, the hands and arms being also cleansed with the same material. It is also good practice to first examine the parts for ruptures, etc. THE ESSENTIALS TO SUCCESS in Castration are: Thorough cleanliness, obtained by the plentiful use of antiseptics ; good health at the time of operations and exercise afterw^ards. The scrotum is seized between the finger and thumb, so as to tighten the skin over it and a good incision (four inches or thereabouts) made over the testicle right through the coverings of the testicle, which will then pop out. The emasculator is applied well up on the cord and with the rough edge to the body, and the handles closed, the testicle is removed, the operation being repeated similarly on the other testicle. Some of the antiseptic may be poured into the wounds. A colt should be stabled for eight to ten hours, when it should be turned out with the others. If a mature horse, hitch and give a short drive or slow work; if cold rains occur the animal must be stabled. The wounds should be exam- ined occasionally in order to see that they are kept open, thus insuring the drainage away of any pus. It should be remembered that the testi- cles of colts may not descend until twelve months old, sometimes as late as two years old. Bulls are castrated standing, the head being tied up solidly to a strong post. An attendant at each side steadies him, the operator stands squarely behind the bull, seizes the scrotum, gives it half a turn round and draws it out between the hind legs. The incision is made from nearly the top to the bottom of the sac, the testicle drawn out and removed with the emasculator, or the cord is scraped slowly with the knife until severed, the remaining testicle being removed similarly. Calves are thrown down, the end of the scrotum cut ofif, the testicles drawn out until the cord breaks or the cord is scraped off as before. Lambs are castrated in a similar way, being held as described for small 176 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 'U' op^ r.aiLiii oi Ciislration iii >1 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 177 X H ' "^^^HI^H^^^I |.. 'M M ^^'*'^HH^^— H ^ 1 -^ Cepticema, the result of castration when colt was aftected with distemper. 178 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS pigs. The knife or docking shears may be used for taking off the piece of the scrotum, which may be left any length desired. Rams are castrated similarly to bulls, or by turning. (With the ram, you have him turned upon his haunches, clip the wool off the scrotum to get it out of the way. Have someone hold the ram and hold the hind feet up pretty close to the body, unless you wish to go to the trouble of tying. Take the end of the scrotum in one hand and with the other press the testicles well up into the body so as to tear them loose from the end of the pounch, you can usually feel them give way, now bring them down and taking them one at a time invert them and revolve them three times around the cord or until it is twisted tight. This you will find is not the easiest job until you get on to it. You can tell when the cord is twisted tightly by passing the linger along and feeling the spiral condition and the hardness. When you get one twisted let it draw up into the socket so it will not turn back right end up, while you operate on the other. Having them both done, tie the sac close up with a soft cord. Tie tight enough to prevent them com- ing down and turning back. Cut the strings off after 24 to 36 hours." — Curtis and Edgerton, Iowa Agricultural College). In this method germ infection, so much dreaded in rams, is avoided. Another method lauded by some, and which has been tried at the Station (\V. E. S.) is to tie a strong cord around the sac or cod as close to the body and as tight as possible. Three days later the sac and stones are cut away about an inch below the cord and an antiseptic applied to the cut end. Caponizing is the operation performed in removing the testicles of poultry. SPAYING OR CASTRATION of female may be performed in the sow, bitch and cow, rarely in the mare, unless a bad (vicious) actor (e. g., switcher and kicker) in harness. The surgeon should be called to operate on mares, and unless the stockman is expert, on the heifers also. Females thus operated on, fatten more readily and are not sub- ject to the periods of heat ; if a sow it is placed on its right side and secured, the upper hind leg being stretched backwards, an incision made vertically just below the region of the loin and the hand passed in up towards the back and the ovary felt for. When found it is drawn towards the opening, thus drawing the horn of the uterus also, render- ing the other ovary easy to get in }oung sows. Both ovaries are drawn out and snipped oft" at once. In old sows, only one is exposed at a time and its ovary removed. The operation may be performed on the cow or heifer in the standing position, the incision being made through the upper left flank at the spot selected for tapping a cow, a strong scantling being slung parallel to the cow at a level a little above the RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 179 knee and hocks. The head should be fastened securely and the bulldog may be inserted in the nose. The incision is made with a knife through the skin. The operator can with his fingers secure the ovaries which are snipped off by the spaying scissors, and then brought out. The inci- sion should be just large enough to admit the hand. A stitch or two through the skin, muscles and peritoneum draws the wound together, tar being applied over all. The animal should be starved for thirty-six hours before the operation and should only get light sloppy feed or grass afterwards for a few days. RUPTURES Ruptures may occur in pigs and lambs. If shown after castration, cleanse the bowels with tepid water containing some mild antiseptic and return them, to do which it may be necessary to stand the animal head downwards, and also to introduce the finger into the rectum. When returned sew up the opening as close to the body as possible, keep quiet and give but little food. The navel rupture (umbilical hernia is the technical term) is often seen in foals, and quite frequently disappears by the time the animal is a year old. Previous to that time the enlargement may be blistered, some cases recovering from that treatment ; if, however, it persists beyond the age stated, a good sur- geon should be employed. Entires and geldings are sometimes ruptured in the region of the groin (inguinal hernia) and the rupture may even extend down into the scrotum in any male entire, constituting what is known as scrotal hernia. In the latter case the skilled surgeon's help is needed ; the former trouble (inguinal hernia is often the cause of severe colicky symptoms in stallions and if not relieved, becomes fatal. The symp- toms are as follows : Suddenness of attack, colicky pains growing more intense all the time, arching the back, lying on the ground or sit- ting up like a dog, pawing the ground, sweating heavily; the cord (spermatic) will be thickened and the scrotum feel cold to the touch. In such cases give a large dose of laudanum, three ounces in half a pint of raw linseed oil. If possible throw and turn the animal on its back and after oiling the hand introduce it into the rectum, and by gentle traction inside and working outside the bowel may be returned. 180 RURAL TETERrNARY SECRETS Large luiibilical hernia successfully reduced by surgical operation. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 181 Same patient six weeks after operation. 182 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS GENERAL TREATMENT OF WOUNDS THE GENERAL TREATMENT OF WOUNDS may be briefly stated as follows : First, to stop the bleeding and remove any foreign substance, such as dirt; second, to protect from germs; third, to bring the parts as closely together as possible, keep down excessive inflammation, and prevent the accumulation of dis- charges. A wound is said to be healthy when it looks like a clean cut; unhealthy when it is pale, covered with pus, small clots of blood or proud flesh ; inflamed or angry when hot and of a dark red color; indolent when the process of healing seems stopped before the proper time, e. g., a sitfast. It may be stated as a gen- eral rule that if a wound continues dry, and not ill-smelling, looks healthy, etc., that it should not be interfered with, but if pus forms it should be washed clean once or twice a day with clean, warm or cold water, a syringe or piece of cheese cloth (do not use a sponge, the cheese cloth can be burnt after once using), then apply once daily a solution of Lotio Vita, this heals without leaving a scar. CONTROL OF BLEEDING (Hemorrhage). This is the first thing to do in connection with wounds, as the animal's life blood may very soon flow away, if the bleeding is from an artery. Bleeding from veins as a rule is seldom dangerous, unless the animal is in an already weakened condition. Sometimes bleeding is arrested by the contraction of the muscular coat of the artery; an artery partially cut through will continue to bleed, when if entirely cut across the bleeding will often stop, owing to the fact that the musclar contraction mentioned becomes possible. Surgical methods of stopping bleeding are by the use of forceps performing the torsion (twisting), in this form the divided end of the artery is seized by the forceps and twisted until it breaks loose from the forceps ; the emasculator and ecraseur are instruments partially working on this principle, they crush the coats of the vessels. Tying, or ligating, as it is termed, silk, twine, catgut or other m.aterials are used for this purpose; styptics are occasionally used, they cause clot- ting of the blood and thus stop the flov.^ mechanically, for such purposes tincture of Iron, or Lotio Vita are used; the hot iron (cautery) is also reliable for this purpose, in docking and castrating lambs, and some- times in horses, in the larger animals bleeding may occur when the scab left from the burning falls off, usually about seven days after the opera- tion. The use of dirty materials, such as cobwebs, earth, etc., is dan- gerous, as these materials often contain germs of various diseases, e. g.. lockjaw (tetanus). IbU water (about 110° F.) or ice cold water will RURAL VETERIXARY SECRETS 183 also stop bleeding, warm water encourages it. The hands should be cleaned and dipped frequently in the antiseptic solution when dressing a wound. Stitches are not used as frequently in wounds of animals, the powerful muscular contraction tends to tear them out ; in cases of severe wounds the veterinarian should be called. The use of such irritants : Acids, salt, turpentine, etc., serve no useful purpose on a fresh wound when compared with the pain caused, such materials really tend to hinder and thus prevent rapid healing; their use is also liable to result in permanent scars or blemishes. A solution of Lotio \^ita is most satisfactory in these cases. It leaves no scar and heals quickly. Another class of wounds to deal with are those known as frac- tures (breaks). They occur in hard structures, such as bone, differ- ing from those already spoken of, which are of soft tissues. FRACTURES require expert dressing and the application of bandages and splints in the larger animals; in calves, lambs, pigs and poultry the stockman can with little trouble bind up the broken part and save loss. Fractures are of various kinds and vary greatly in their seriousness ; generally speaking, if the ends of the bones extend through the skin, the case is not worth bothering with. Fractures may be straight across a bone, on the slant (obliquely), or lengthwise; if the bone is broken without external wound, it is termed a simple fracture; if the l^roken ends do communicate with an external wound we have a com- pound fractm-e; if the bone is broken into small pieces the fracture is known as comminuted; greenstick fractures occur in young animals and resemble the break in a green stick, not a clean, sharp break, hence the term. UNION OF FRACTURES (broken bones) takes place some- what as follows : During the first 3 days inflammation and exudation is going on, from then to the twelfth day soft material is thrown out around the broken ends, and if the bone is hollow also in the hollow space; by the end of a month, if the ends have not been disturbed, the soft material mentioned is changed into bone (being known as the pro- visional callus) ; following this stage, material forms between the broken ends, being later converted into bone, which process takes about two months, thus completely uniting the broken parts ; this material forms what is known as the definite callus. If occasional movement of the ends occur during this stage, complete union is not possible, and in such cases the material thrown out instead of becoming bone, takes on a gristly formation. The absorption of more or less of the excess of callus follows, usually taking several months or longer to be per- formed, before this occurs the point of union is shown by an enlarge- ment. Briefly the treatment of fractures consists in bringing the broken 184 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS parts together, securing them in that position by spHnts and bandages, usually left on six to seven weeks, drainage and antiseptic treatment of the fracture if a compound, entire rest of the patient for at least three months in a well-bedded (short material, such as cut straw, shav- ings, sawdust, being used) box. Give good, nutritious, laxative food and plenty of green grass, if available. Fractures may be detected by the presence of sudden, severe lame- ness, deformity of the part, which can be moved in unnatural directions, great pain, fever, and the grating (crepitus) of the ends of the bones together. Fracture of the tibia (bone of the lower thigh) sometimes occurs without displacement, being held in place by the strong perios- teum. Fractures in old horses are always dangerous. In younger horses there is possibility of repair, if given proper treatment and nurs- ing. Fractures of the hind legs are more serious than those of the fore ; in the former, if above the hock, unless in very young animals, are usually not worth treating. Surgical operations are better avoided if possible during fly time or in animals far advanced in pregnancy. CHAPTER XIII. Diseases Common to Swine and Sheep HOG CHOLERA The above cut shows how hog cholera makes its first appearance in a herd. Notice the emaciated condition of the small shote below. Hog Cholera is an acute febrile disease. So far as is known, affects only hogs, and is characterized by extreme contagiousness and a very high death rate. We have two forms, i. e., the acute and the chronic. That is because the disease in some cases is sudden in its at- tack and rapid in its course, while in others it lingers for weeks or months before death or recovery. The causative agent is the same in both, the difference being due to the variation in virulence of the germs and the resisting power of the hogs. While the specific cause of hog cholera is the minute organism, there are many factors which may render a herd more susceptible to the disease; in general anything which tends to lower the vitality of the animal may be regarded as a predisposing cause. The germ is always present in the bodies of sick hogs and is thrown off in the excre- tions, hence the most dangerous factor in spreading hog cholera is the 186 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS sick hog; but an agency which might serve to carry a particle of dirt from infected yards may be the means of starting an outbreak of the disease. SYMPTOMS In the acute type the symptoms are chiefly sluggishness, a disin- clination to move, weakness, loss of appetite, high fever, inflammation of the eyes and gumming of the lids ; there may be diarrhea, red or purplish blotches may be seen on the skin, especially on the abdomen, inside the thighs, and around the ears and neck. In this form it usually runs a rapid course and the hog gets greatly emaciated. In fact, in acute outbreaks the hogs may die after being sick only a few days. In the chronic type of the disease the symptoms are much the same as in the acute. The hog is sluggish, disinclined to move when dis- turbed, and coughing is usually heard when they are disturbed. They eat very little, lose flesh rapidly and later become emaciated and weak, so that "they stagger or walk with an uncertain gait. The hind legs par- ticularly appear to be very weak. The eyes are inflamed and the lids gummed together. After a few days there is apt to be profuse diarrhea. The hog usually lingers along for weeks, sometimes months, but finally dies. PREVENTION AND TREATMENT It has been shown that in a vast majority of cases the germ is transported mechanically in the bodies of sick hogs and on the feet of men or animals, including birds. It follows that the chances of anout- break of hog cholera will be greatly lessened if a herd is protected from these carriers of infection. Hog lots should not be located near public roads, if this can be avoided and all newly purchased stock should be kept separate for at least thirty days. It is well to occasionally scatter slacked lime about the lots and to wash and disinfect the troughs with a compound solution of Cresol, one part to thirty parts of water. Hogs once affected'are not very satisfactory or profitable, as they usually don't amount to much after recovery. If cholera has broken out in your neighborhood, it is well to guard against a possible contagion or infection by vaccinating all your hogs, which will render them immune from the deadly malady. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 187 INDIGESTION AND CONSTIPATION IN PIGS This is due to errors in diet and lack of exercise. In such cases five grains of calomel in a piece of fat pork given to a pig will tend to overcome the trouble. A laxative of raw linseed oil or Bovolax in milk are also useful, the cause must be removed. In this disease the pigs stagger around, refuse food, perhaps vomit, and may show signs of pain. THUMPS IN PIGS Thumps is a disease mainly due to overfeeding and is often a serious trouble with the young pigs, the cause being known, the treat- ment will be to reduce the feed and give the sow or pigs a dose of physic, raw linseed oil or Bovolax, and plenty of exercise. REMOVAL OF THE BOAR'S TUSKS The removal of the tusks is easily accomplished by the stockman, and renders the animal less dangerous to manage. Snub to a post, by means of a strong rope, one end of which is noosed and applied over the upper jaw of the pig. Take a pair of strong pinchers, apply over the tusk close to the gum, close the pinchers tightly and give a sharp tap or two with a hammer to the exposed jaw of the pinchers. The tusk will be broken off easily and without hurt to the boar. PARALYSIS Paralysis of hind limbs in hogs is quite common, especially in shotes fed excessively of corn, while in the growing stage, from three to nine months of age. This disease is better prevented than cured. Growing pigs should not have access to corn at liberty in common v/ith the hogs intended for fattening. Feed more skimmed milk, alfalfa, green clover or roots, if possible. This will develop more bone and muscle and build up a stronger constitution. TREATMENT Keep the patient in a dry, well ventilated stall. Give a tablespoon- ful of Bovolax dissolved in a half pint of warm water. Repeat every six hours until the bowels are laxed freely. Rub the back from its middle to the tail twice daily with Elk's Electric Cream, morning and night, until relieved. 188 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS CANKER SORE MOUTH OF YOUNG PIGS Canker sore is a very serious disease, occurring from the time of birth until a few weeks old, and unless attended to is either invariably fatal or stunts the pig's growth permanently. The disease will attack litter after litter and would thus seem to be contagious in its nature. Sore mouth, swellings of the jaw on which are light brown scabs, which later show deep cracks are seen. The scabs and cracks are found on the snout, extending over the head and even to the body and limbs. In some cases an ulcer v^ill form at the end of the snout and eat away part of the nose ; in other cases the ears may become affected and drop off. Dullness, loss of power in the hind limbs, and a tendency to walk on the fetlocks, disinclination to move and humping the back are fre- quent symptoms. If made to walk will squeal as if in pain ; pigs refrain from suckling. TREATMENT The treatment is simple and effective if thoroughly done. The young pigs should first be attended to by dipping in over the head, in either of the following solutions, care being taken not to hold them too long under water and thus drown them : A. Permanganate of Potash — 1 ounce. Water — 1/2 gallon. This solution is practically non-poisonous and may be used fear- lessly. B. Creolin — 1 ounce. Water — 3^ gallon. The treatment should be given three times at intervals of two or three days. Remove the dirt from the snouts of the pigs as much as possible, so as to economize in the use of the drugs. The sow's udder should be washed, a few times with one of the solutions. Should ulcers form as described, touch them with a piece of silver nitrate or apply a little butter of antimony, with a small swab. Disinfect the far- rowing pens with hot carbolic lime wash. This trouble is entirely different than that caused by the tushes of the young pigs, with which it is confused by so many pig breeders and farmers. A dose of raw linseed oil or Bovolax will be of benefit to give the sow. BUBAL VETEBINABY SEC BETS 189 RHEUMATISM IN PIGS Rheumatism is common in damp stables, may be due to pigs bur- rowing in hot manure in winter time and then becoming exposed to the cold weather. Removal of the causes, a mild physic and five grains of salol in the feed twice daily will help overcome the trouble. If the joints are swollen apply Electric Cream morning and night. WHITE SCOURS OF LAMBS (Infectious Diarrhea) White scours is an acute, infectious disease manifested by profuse diarrhea. It attacks lambs shortly after birth or within two or three days, frequently affecting all the newborn in the flock. It is not common in range flocks. CAUSE A varity of micro-organisms has been found associated with the disease, but the most common of them is the Bacillus colicommunis. Dirty lambing pens or ground contaminated with the virulent or- ganisms soils the udders of the ewe and the organisms are taken up by the lamb in suckling. Cold and rain weaken the young lambs and predispose them to infection. SYMPTOMS Symptoms appear in from one to three days after birth. The lamb stops suckling, is depressed, and lies down much of the time. The feces may be yellowish or grayish white and may be tinged with blood. They are fetid and fluid. Death occurs in from one to several days after symptoms are shown. White scours is distinguished from simple diarrhea by its tend- ency to affect a large number in the flock at the same time. TREATMENT Affected lambs should be isolated and given 2 teaspoonfuls of castor oil and an internal antiseptic, such as salicylic acid in doses of one-third teaspoonful daily for several days. Anti-white-scours serum may be injected shortly after birth as a preventive. On farms where the disease has already occurred, ewes should be placed be- fore lambing in clean, disinfected quarters. 190 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS JOINT ILL OF LAMBS (Navel III, Septic Joint Disease) Joint ill is an acute, infectious disease of newborn lambs which is characterized by swelling of the navel and joints of the limbs. CAUSE Several common disease-producing organisms may cause joint ill. Infection occurs principally before the stump dries, by way of the vein of the torn navel cord, which has become soiled by dirt or other material harboring the pathogenic organisms. SYMPTOMS Signs of the disease usually occur within 48 hours after birth. The navel cord swells, contains a purulent secretion, and dries slowly. The animal is dull, lies down a good deal, and loses the desire to suck. There is stiffness and swelling of the hocks, stifle joints, or knees. A purulent secretion may escape from an opened joint. There may be a general septic condition. TREATMENT Not much can be done in the case of badly affected animals other than to open and disinfect the navel stump and to nourish the animal artificially with milk. Recovery is rarely complete. To prevent the disease place the pregnant ewes, shortly before lambing, in clean, disinfected quarters containing clean, fresh straw. Smear the navel cord of the newborn lamb with Elk's Absorbing Ointment as soon after birth as possible and repeat daily for two or three days. Tying the navel cord close to the navel is also ad- visable. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 191 Diseases Common to Sheep JAUNDICE (Icterus, Yellows) Jaundice is a common disease of sheep, but is not often noticed except at slaughter. It is characterized by the yellowish appearance of the tissues of the body. CAUSE Jaundice results from various affections of the liver, flukes being a common cause. When the bile does not flow freely into the intestine the coloring matter is absorbed into the blood, and a yellowish color- ation of the body results. SYMPTOMS The membranes of the mouth, nostrils and eye are yellowish. The urine is stained varying shades of yellow. On postmortein the carcass shows a yellow discoloration which often disappears after a day or two. TREATxMENT A purgative, such as Bovolax, may be given, likewise opportunity for exercise. 192 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS ICTEROHEMATURIA (Red Water, Malarial Fever, Jaundice) Icterohematuria is a highly fatal, febrile disease which is apparent- ly restricted to limited areas. It has been reported from certain val- leys in Montana and from Colorado. CAUSE In Europe the disease has been attributed to a blood parasite of microscopic size. In this country its cause has not been definitely es- tablished. SYMPTOMS Severe cases are characterized by weakness; reddish or bloody urine ; yellowish coloration of the membranes of the eye and nostrils ; swelling of the head, ears, or neck; stupor, unconsciousness, and some- times convulsions followed by death in from two to five days after symptoms are noticed. In mild cases no marked symptoms may be observed, but yellowish discoloration of the body tissues is seen on slaughter. POST-MORTEM APPEARANCE The skin and fat are yellowish in color, and the muscles slightly yellowish. The blood is pale, the liver is yellowish and easily crum- bled, and the gall bladder is filled with yellowish-green or greenish- black bile. Kidneys are enlarged, soft, and contain a bloody or dark- colored urine. The bladder contains bloody or chocolate-colored urine. Yellowish or yellowish-green gelatinous liquid is found beneath the skin, between the muscles, or in the body cavities. TREATMENT Quinine, one-third teaspoonful twice dail}-, is recommended, also Bovolax, from one to three ounces. The disease is preventive by keep- ing sheep away from pastures where the condition exists. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 193 PERITONITIS Peritonitis is an inflammation of the membi-ane lining the belly ca\ itv and covering the abdominal organs. CAUSE It is seen generally after castration of lambs or following inflam- mation of the womb in ewes. It results from infection. SYMPTOxMS The principal symptoms are evidences of abdominal pain. There is plaintive bleating, grinding of the teeth, and the animal frequently draws the head around toward the flank. The temperature rises. The hind legs may be dragged stiffly and the belly may be tucked up. Fluid ma\- be felt in the bellv. TREATMENT The castration wound should be washed with antiseptics. Stimu- lating liniments or mustard water may be applied to the abdomen. ASCITES (Abdominal Dropsy, Water Belly) The condition known as ascites represents an accumulation of fluid in the bellv. CAUSE Ascites may be present in several general diseases, and in perito- nitis, internal parasitic infestation, or in debilitated animals, especially during pregnancy. SYMPTOMS Gradual enlargement or bulging of the belly is a common symptom. Manipulation of the belly will cause the fluid to fluctuate or move about. There is a dull sound on thunij^ing the abdomen. Affected ewes may give birth to water-bellied lambs. 194 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS TREATMENT The ailment which causes the condition should be treated. Give one-half teaspoonful of potassium iodid in a little water as a drench. The belly may be tapped and the fluid drawn oflf. ANEMIA (Hydremia, Chlorosis) Anemia is a condition in which the blood is deficient in either quality or quantity. CAUSE It is most frequently due to insufficient feed or to feed deficient in proteins and mineral substances, such as iron. It occurs often in animals grazing on marshy pastures. Ewes suckling lambs become anemic when the quantity or quality of feed is inadequate for their needs. Anemia is also associated with parasites. SYMPTOMS The visible membranes of the eye, nose and mouth are pale. There is dullness, weakness, and emaciation. A dropsical swelling forms under the lower jaw and may extend down the neck to the chest. The belly becomes dropsical. The wool is lusterless, harsh, or brittle, and falls off in patches. Diarrhea is present in the late stages. The animal may die from loss of strength after several weeks, or the disease may continue for months. TREATMENT Change of food or pasture is essential. A sufficient quantity of nutritious feed should be given; also administer iron sulphate (cop- peras) in from 8 to 15 grain doses daily. Arsenic in the form of Fowler's solution in from one-quarter to 1 teaspoonful daily and vege- table tonics, such as gentian or ginger, in from 1 to 2 teaspoonful doses are of value in aiding rapid recover}-. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 195 RICKETS (Rachitis, Leg Weakness) Rickets is a disease of lambs in which the bones are soft and flexible from retarded hardening due to lack of proper mineral salt. CAUSE Failure of the bones to receive enough mineral salts, especially lime, may be due to faulty processes in the body, but is usually due to lack of lime salts in the feed and to lack of exercise. Suckling lambs may become affected if the mothers do not get feed enough, or if the feed is low in lime content. Some soils are deficient in lime, and feed grown on them is also deficient. Lambs closely confined, even if prop- erly fed, may develop rickets. SYMPTOMS The symptoms are most apparent in the long bones of the legs. Nodular enlargements may be observed on the ends or sides of the bones, which are soft and porous. They are bent or bowed outward, inward, or backward. The spine may be curved also. Stiffness or lameness is present. The animal does not like to move about, lies down a good deal, or crawls about and kneels when eating. The sec- ond set of teeth is slow in coming. The licking or nibbling of walls is observed, and there is a desire for filth and for foul water. TREATMENT Lambs should not be penned closely, but should be allowed plenty of room for exercise. They should also have nutritious feed, grown on good soil. Lambs should be given new pasture or plenty of green feed, timothy hay, clover, alfalfa, pea hay, oats, linseed cake, or other feeds rich in lime and phosphates. Dams of nurslings should be well fed on such feeds. Chalk (calcium carbonate) may be given to ewes with suckling lambs, or to lambs, in doses from one-half to 2 teaspoon- fuls daily, or sodium phosphate may be alternated with the chalk. 196 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETIS GOITER (Big Neck, WooUess Lambs) Goiter is characterized by a swelling of the thyroid, which is situated in the throat just below the lower jaw. It is quite common in sheep in various regions. Lambs from affected flocks show absence of wool and enlargement of the throat. Many are born dead, and some die shortly after birth. Those that live are often unthrifty. CAUSE The disease is caused by lack of iodin in the thyroid gland. This appears to be due to a scarcity of iodin in the vegetation and water in certain districts. Where the pregnant ewe can not get iodin enough the normal growth of the fetus is arrested. TREATMENT In Hocks where the disease exists pregnant ewes should be given potassium iodid daily for three months before lambing. One-half ounce of potassium iodid mixed with one-half ounce of milk sugar and dis- solved in the drinking water dailv is sufficient for 100 ewes. RHEUMATISM CAUSE Rheumatism does not occur so often as a separate affection as formerly believed. Symptoms of soreness, lameness, or stiffness as- sociated with various internal diseases are popularly termed rheuma- tism. Rhetimatism, independent of other ailments, is generally due to cold drafts and dampness. It affects the muscles and to a less ex- tent the ioints. Young animals are usuallv affected. TREATMENT I'roteclion against the causes, with application of National Elec- tric Cream to the affected parts, will help restore the animal to health. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 197 WOOL EATING CAUSE Wool eating is observed principally in winter, when sheep are confined to close quarters. It is often a bad habit, which, when started by one or more animals, is imitated by others. In other cases lack of elements in the feed may cause the habit. SYMPTOMS Lambs begin by gnawing the wool of their mothers, usually on the thighs and abdomen. Older sheep may select one animal and eat all its wool before turning to another. Wool eating may become gen- eral in the flock. A few lambs may become anemic, show digestive disturbance, or even die as the result of the formation of wool balls in a compartment of the stomach and the subsequent plugging of the intestine. TREATMENT Wool eaters and their victims should be remo\ed from the flock. Animals should be turned out for exercise, and nutritious feed should be provided. 198 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS BIGHEAD Bighead is characterized by a sudden swelling of the head and ears. The affection is not \ery widely distributed. It is found in Utah and the surrounding States, and greatest losses occurring in southern and central Utah, southern Idaho, eastern Nevada, and western and southern Wyoming. It is also seen occasionally in sheep brought as feeders from those regions into the Middle Western States. In such cases the disease occurs shortly after the arrival of the animal early in the autumn if the heat is excessive. CAUSE The definite cause of bighead is not known, though climatic con- ditions have much to do with its appearance. Sheep are usually af- fected during the early spring and early summer while being driven from the winter to the summer ranges, more commonly before shear- ing. Bighead appears to be most prevalent after a cold or stormy night, when the day following turns hot and the animals are driven fast in the hot sun, and when they are compelled to inhale a consider- able quantity of alkali dust. It affects males and females alike, though it is seldom seen in young lambs. This condition affects sheep in much the same way as man is aff'ected by poison ivy. The disease is not transmissible from one sheep to another or to other animals. All ex- periments with transfusion of blood or injection of serum from affect- ed sheep to healthy ones were without results. The disease of sheep in luirope, known as fagopyrism or buck- wheat poisoning, is similar to bighead. In one experiment in America bighead was produced by feeding buckwheat and exposing the animals to the sun. In another experiment the results were negative. On the desert and on different parts of the trail sheep eat a number of plants that belong to the buckwheat family, and it is possible that the trouble mav come from that scource. SYMPTOMS The first noticeable symptom is that the animal begins to tlirow it> head up and sidewise in a jerking manner. It is greatly irritated and shakes the head and tries to rub it. The animal walks aimlessly- through the flock, often stamping its feet on the ground, and seldom standing still very long. The eyesight is affected, as the animal fol- lows n direct line, sometimes runninij into other sheep and other oh- RURAL VETERINARY HECRET^ 199 ^1 rffe^ ^P ■HhI ■'■: . r^ Bighead of sheep, showing swelling of eyelid, face and ear (ear had been cropped). Scabs on ear, eyelid, and nose due to drying of exuded scrum. Catarrhal, stringy discharge hangs from nose. (After Buckley). 200 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS jects in its path. In that condition some of the sheep wander away from the flock and are lost, either dying as a result of exhaustion and starvation or becoming a prey to wild animals. If the animal is watched after the jerking of the head begins, one can see the ears turn red and enlarge. At about the same time the cheeks show congested appearance. Ears and cheeks continue to enlarge to enormous proportions, the ears drooping as a result of their weight. After the swellings are about complete, small drops of serum of a light-yellow color begin to exude from them. The entire face becomes so swollen as to close the eyes, and in some cases the internal pressure of the serum forces the eyeballs out of their sockets. Fever is always present and shows itself early, the temperature ranging from 104° to 107° F. In the severe forms this occurs in from 30 minutes to one hour. The vision being obstructed, the animal can not see its feed and the lips, checks and tongue are so badly congested that the eating is impossible. In many cases the tongue fills the mouth entirely. In some cases there is a dis- turbance of the breatliing due to pressure on the trachea and inflam- mation of the air passages. To some extent this may be due to excitement, and when in that condition the sheep, if allowed to, will continue to chase around until completely exhausted and will then lie down, usually never to rise. Others that are only slightly affected may recover. The skin often cracks or peels off the sw^elled areas and many animals lose the wool over the entire body. Sheep (mce affected are never as good as formerly, as they become un- thrifty. Many of the ewes that carry lambs lose them. POSTMORTEM APPEARANCE Sheep killed during the early stages of the disease show petechiae (purplish spots) in the nostrils and all tissues of the head, trachea and lungs. There is an accumulation of serous or jellylike fluid around the eyes, in the cheeks, between the ears, below the jaws, and under the muc(nis membrane of the mouth and tongue. When sheep die as a result of this condition, the jelly-like material is found in different parts (jf the body under the mucous and serous membranes and in some of the muscles. There are often small hemorrhagic spots along the intestinal tract and around the kidneys. There is a congestion and thickening of the walls of the lymphatics, with a swelling of the lymph glands. The blood circu- lation of the head in many instances is nearly shut off' by the pres- sure of the swolKn Cdndition. The braiti anfl s])inal cord of the RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 201 dead animal contain an excessive amount of serum. The muscle tissue appears normal in most parts of the body except the head. TREATMENT Different medicinal substances were experimented with on afifected sheep with the view of finding some specific that might overcome the trouble. The substances that do the animals most good are emollients, such as vaseline or olive oil, applied to the head. Whenever afifected sheep have absolute rest and some pro- tection from the direct rays of the sun and their heads are smeared with emollients they recover in a short time, while those that are not treated in this manner but are driven indefinitely without these precautions, become severely afifected, many of them dying as a result. The malady is prevented by handling sheep properly, not driv- ing them too far or too fast on the trail during the heat, especially before shearing in the spring. Sheepmen should not become excited when bighead develops in their flocks and cause the herders to rush the sheep over the ground, as they do where poisonous plants exist. Keep the animals cool so far as possible, and many great losses can be prevented. SORE EYES (Conjunctivitis, Ophthalmia, the Blinds) CAUSE Disorders of the eye may arise from a number of causes. Inflammation may follow injuries, or inclusions of dust, seeds, pol- len, etc., or may accompany other diseases, such as catarrh. At times inflammation of the eye becomes prevalent in a particular district or region. SYMPTOMS The eye is kept closed, especially when exposed to light. Tears flow freely. At first the discharge is watery, but later it may become purulent. The eye membranes are swollen and red. The 202 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS eyeball may become clouded or milk white, and in bad cases it may ulcerate and rupture. Cataract and blindness frequently follow successive attacks of ophthalmia. TREATMENT Any foreign matter in the eye should be removed. The eye should be washed with 3 per cent boric-acid solution, or, better still, after washing the eyes with lukewarm water place several drops of 15 per cent solution of argyrol on the eyeball. Treatment should be given twice a day, the animal being kept in a dark place if possible. STOMATITIS (Necrotic Stomatitis, Sore Mouth of Lambs, Thrush) Stomatitis is an inflammation of the mouth. It may occur in several forms, as catarrhal, aphthous, necrotic and mycotic. CAUSE Catarrhal stomatitis, or simple redness of the mouth, is due to irritants in the feed or to irritating mineral or poisonous substances. Aphthous and necrotic stomatitis are caused by micro-organisms. Mycotic stomatitis is caused by fungi or molds. SYMPTOMS In catarrhal stomatitis a diffuse of the redness of membranes covering the tongue, cheeks, and hard palate is observed. In the aphthous form patches of yelk)wish-gray false membranes, made up of cast-off fibrin and exudates, are found on the tongue, gums, and at other points in the mouth and throat. In the necrotic form small ulcers or decayed spots are present. The mycotic form also presents ulcerated areas. In all forms suckling or the taking of feed is painful. Saliva dribbles from the mouth. A disagreeable odor is given off. Fre- quently the animal is stiff" in the limbs, and the back may be arched. There is jin unthrifty appearance and loss of flesh. In very young RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 203 lambs the disease takes a rapid and fatal course. Older animals generally recover. TREATMENT Separate the sick from the healthy. Lambs unable to suck should receive milk artificially. Older animals should have bran mashes, ground feed, or gruels. The mouth should be swabbed out daily with such antiseptics as compound solution of cresol, carbolic acid, or permanganate of potash in 2 per cent solution. It is also beneficial to dissolve 2 tablespoonfuls of borax in each pail of drink- ing water. CHOKING CAUSE Choking occurs as the result of the lodging of a piece of root or dry, coarse feed in the gullet. SYMPTOMS Difficult breathing, head stretched out, attempts to swallow or to vomit, stoppage of rumination, and bloating suggest choking. Feeling along the gullet will reveal the obstruction. TREATMENT If the obstruction is near the mouth it may be fished out with the hngers or an instrument, or forced up by outside pressure. If farther down, a little linseed oil may be given and the material pushed toward the paunch by means of a rubber tube or stout looped wire. In obstinate cases immediate slaughter mav be advis- able. 204 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS INDIGESTION (Impaction of Rumen, Atony of Stomach, Grass Staggers) CAUSE Indigestion results from the presence of otlier diseases ; from feeding coarse, fibrous, indigestible feed with little green feed ; from spoiled feed ; or from overloading the stomach. The fourth stomach of lambs may become impacted with curdled milk. SYMPTOMS There is dullness, loss of appetite and rumination, bad-smelling eructation with passing at long intervals of bad-smelling, dry, un- digested dung in small quantities. The left flank may be distended and feel dOughy to the touch. TREATMENT Give purgatives, such as Bovolax in from 2 to v5 ounce doses, or castor or linseed oil from 3 to 6 ounces. One-half ounce of tur- pentine may be mixed with the oil. Work up the paunch with the hands over the left flank. When the animal begins to eat give suc- culent green feed for a few days. DIARRHEA (Dysentery) CAUSE Common diarrhea, as distinguished from white scours of lambs and from diarrhea associated with specific disease, is due to disturb- ances in the digestive system from irritants in the feed, change to abundance of succulent feed, spoiled feed, exposure after shearing, or to the presence of parasitic worms in the intestine. TREATMENT The feed sliould be examined and regulated, .\dverse condi- tions should be C(Mrected. It is best to give a purgative, such as RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 205 Bovolax, 4 ounces, or castor or linseed oil, 4 ounces, to remove the irritating matter. If diarrhea persists, subnitrate of bismuth may be given in from one-half to 1 teaspoonful doses. CONSTIPATION CAUSE Constipation may be a symptom of certain stages of general diseases. Simple constipation is due to digestive disturbances resulting from indigestible dry feed with insufficient v^^ater, wool balls, especially in lambs, or lack of exercise in stalled rams. SYMPTOMS The animal is dull, appetite is decreased, the mouth is dry, and sometimes colicky pains are evident. Attempts are made to defe- cate and the feces are hard and coated with mucus. TREATMENT Grown sheep should be gi^ en 4 ounces Bovolax in a quart of water. Lambs should be given a smaller quantity, according to size, or 2 ounces of castor or linseed oil. Succulent green feed should be fed for several days. RETENTION OF THE MECONIUM Retention of the meconium is observed in new-born lambs which fail to pass the dung soon after birth. SYMPTOMS There are evidences of colicky pains as a result of intestinal irritation. TREATMENT Give an injection of linseed oil into the rectum ; also a teaspoon- ful of castor oil by the mouth. 206 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS PARALYSIS Paralysis, is a loss of motion or sensation in a part of the body and generally depends upon brain or nerve derangement. Com- monly, however, the term is used to express lack of movement, whether due to absence of nerve control, to extreme weakness, or to disinclination to move as a result of pain. CAUSE True paralysis in the sheep is present in the late stages of rabies, in parturient paralysis or milk fever, in meningitis, and in gid. Conditions resembling paralysis are found in a number of infectious and noninfectious diseases. TREATMENT Treatment depends upon the cause and follows the lines indi cated for the diseases with which it is associated. BLOODY URINE (Hematuria) CAUSE Reddish urine may be symptom of several diseases, such as anthrax, hemorrhagic septicemia, icterohematuria, inflammation of the kidneys or bladders, and urinary calculi (stones). It may also follow the eating of frozen feed or poisonous plants. TREATMENT The condition which causes a reddening oi the urine should be discovered, if possible, and treated. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 207 DANDRUFF (False Scab, Tallow Scab) Whitish, yellowish or brownish-yellow greasy scales may be observed on the back, shoulders, breast, or neck. The scales consist of oily secretion and cells of the outer layer of the skin. Itching is absent, but the animal may pull wool from the afifected areas. CAUSE Frequently no cause is apparent, but animals in poor condition or suffering from other ailments are most often afifected. TREATMENT The disease is not of common occurrence and is of small impor- tance. Good nourishment and care of the skin generally correct the disorder. BALDNESS (Alopecia, Falling Out of the Wool) Baldness is observed as a symptom or as a result of several diseases, namely, scab, blue bag, metritis, eczema, ringworm, or dandruff. Its control rests upon the proper treatment of the disease from which it results. CHAPTER XIV. Diseases Common to Poultry ROUP Roup is a contagious disease of poultry resembling the early stages of a severe cold, the discharge being ofifensive. Isolate all afifected birds, kill or use anti-toxin. Disinfect the hen houses thoroughly. The following will aid in determining what makes n fowl sick, to- gether with brief notes on treatment : CHOLERA Cholera is the result of overcrowding, hlth, impure water and feed. Use a little soda, alum or carbolic acid, 30 drops to one quait of the drinking water, disinfect the runs with lime, also the house. CANKER Canker in tlie resuU of dampness and tilth. Powder mouth and throat with burnt alum, disinfect the ((uarters. APOPLEXY Apoplexy is the result of overfeeding and lack ,of exercise. Give a teaspoonful of Castor Oil, vegetable diet, cold water to head. SOFT SHELLED EGGS Soft shells are the result of overfeeding or lack of lime in the food. Give oyster shells, cut bone and a vegetable diet. 210 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS LEG WEAKNESS Leg" weakness is the result of in-breeding and overfeeding, lack of bone forming food and grit. Give one grain of quinine daily, grit, vegetable diet, and cut bone. SORE EYES AND PIP Damp houses. BUMBLE FOOT Bumble foot in poultry is due to too high roosts, causing bruising of the feet and the formation of an abscess. Bathe in hot water, lance and let out the pus, and remove the cause. DIARRHOEA Damp houses, filthy runs and houses, bad feeding. The same treatment as for cholera. CROP BOUND Overfeeding and lack of grit. Give castor oil and milk and knead carefully. Unless your poultry are valuable stock, kill at once if diseased. Doctoring is expensive in time and money. POULTRY LICE Poultry lice cause intense itching and loss of condition in the host, and should not be permitted to exist in any up-to-date poultry house. Cases are cited in which animals, (horses, etc.), have become affected RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 211 when the poultry roosted with them. The removal of the poultry and the use of insect powder, if in winter, or the creolin lotion in summer, together with the plentiful use of kerosene or hot lime wash, will over- come the trouble. Use sulphur lavishly or insect powder in the nests. Hen houses should be thoroughly treated twice yearly with hot lime wash, the roosts and nests being plentifully dowsed with kerosene. A teaspoonful of corrosive sublimate to each bucket of wash will kill and keep lice out of the henhouse. CHAPTER XV. Practical Application of Medicines and Home Remedies Almost every farmer or stock owner has an occasional opportunity to administer medicine of some kind to his cattle in case of sickness or otherwise. For this purpose various methods have been applied, such as passing a piece of garden hose down the throat of the patient to avoid the medicine going down the trachea (wind-pipe) and into the lungs, where it usually sets up a severe irritation which results in congestion or inflammation ,of the lungs. The piece of hose is passed down the throat far enough to pass the glottis or valve which protects the trachea, so that the medicine will surely pass down into the regular alimentary canal. At the upper end of this hose is attached an ordinary funnel, so that the medicine can easily be poured into the hose. This practice looks reasonable and simple, but does not work quite so easily as it appears to, for the animal will always fight when you attempt l<> insert the hose, and it is only natural for her to do so, as it is far from being what she is used to. The less variation you make from the usual practice of treating an animal the better she takes to it. The simplest method is the most successful method. When using the hose and funnel you must confine the animal by fastening her in a stanchion or another secure place of confinement, where she cannot offer much resistance. The most common and probably the most practical way is the r)ne displayed at the head of this article, where the patient is treated kindly by soothing words and gentle petting until she is convinced that no harm shall befall her. The animal is not confined at all if of a gentle disposition, and if the contrary, it is best to confine her in her own stanchion, in the barn where she feels most at home and will be content. After having your medicine well diluted with water, which is avery important point, in administering medicine to ruminants, or animals with four stomachs, such as the cow, sheep and goat, you place it in a long necked wine bottle and take your place on either side of the head. passing your arm around the opposite side anterior to the horns and grasping the opposite lower jaw firmly, thereby pressing her head 214 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS Practical method of administering medicine; to cattle. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 215 tightly to your body so she will have no chance to swing it from side to side. Raising the head as shown in the illustration, you can now easily pour the medicine down into her mouth without exciting the patient and she will oiifer little or no resistance. METHODS TO BE AVOIDED Never pull out the patient's tongue while you are giving medicine, as she needs it to perform the act of swallowing to prevent the medi- cine from going down the wrong channel. The practice of having an attendant pinch his thumb and finger into the nostrils should be avoided above all, as it interferes with respiration and excites the animal, where- by it makes an effort to breathe through its mouth, thus leaving the glottis open, which admits the fluid into the trachea, down into the lungs and frequently leads to fatal results. THE NECESSITY OF FREELY DILUTING YOUR MEDICINE IN WATER Owing to the complicated anatomical construction ,of a cow's stomach, which is divided into four separate stomachs or compart- ments, it is absolutely necessary to dilute your medicines largely, say at least in a quart or two of water for each dose, so that the fluid will pass into the reticulum or second stomach, which is the natural recep- tacle for fluids. If it were given in the form of a mass, bolis or semi- mass, it might pass into the rumen with the unmasticated food, where it is liable to be returned to the mouth during rumination, and its peculiar taste would prompt the patient to throw it out, or drop it from the mouth, without its having a chance to be taken into the system where it should bring about its desired eiTect. 216 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS MODE OF GIVING MEDICINE Animals are all more or less difficult to give medicine to; there- fore, the stockman must be careful to give it in such a way as to annoy the patient as little as possible and yet avoid v^^asting the medicine. Different methods have to be followed with the -various farm animals. The stronger animals, such as horses and cows, require a certain amount of restraint in order to give the drugs successfully. To get the effect of medicine they must be introduced into the body. Medicines are taken into the system by three channels : 1. THROUGH THE DIGESTIVE TRACT, in such cases being given by the mouth, in the form of powders, drenches or balls, and per rectum, by injection into the bowel. 2. THROUGH THE ORGANS OF RESPIRATION, causing the animal to breathe the drug, this is known as the inhalation method, and is useful in such diseases as strangles (colt distemper) or worms in tlie air passages (sheep and calves). :->. THROUCjH THP: skin, the medicines being absorbed. Iheie are subdivisions of this, the absorptive method, the first one of which is employed by stockmen, the other being used by the veterinarian whenever necessary. They are: (a) Epidermically, nibbing into the skin (epidermis) the general way of using blisters. (b) Endermically, the drug being apf)ltcd under tlie skin. The icnvel and seton are used in this method. (c) Hypodermically, the placing of the drug or serum under the skin or into the tissues by the aid" of the hypodermic syringe. At the present time the professional man uses this method in the giving of cocaine, morphine, etc., the testing of animals with tuberculin and mal- lein, when performing prcventixe inoculation for blackleg, and in the use of serum. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 217 GIVING MEDICINES TO HORSES 1. Powders, if not objectionable to the animal, may be given in the feed. When distasteful may be mixed with molasses and placed on the back of the tongue with a spoon or wooden paddle. The latter way is a nice method of giving drugs to horses suffering with sore throat, etc. 2. Drenching is the old way of giving fluids, and is a useful way when large quantities are to be given. Back the horse in a single stall and raise the head by means of a stable fork placed through the nose band of the headstall, (halter), or better take a hame strap, buckle it, thus making a loop; slip into the mouth just back of the front upper teeth, then raise by means of a rope or fork until the teeth are a little above the horizontal. The medicine which is in a tin, hard rubber, or even a strong glass bottle or funnel, is poured in from the off side. The person drenching steadies the head with his left hand on the headstall, which should be slack enough to let the mouth open, and slowly pours in about a half cupful at a time. IF ANY ATTEMPTS AT COUGH- ING ARE MADE, AT ONCE LET THE HEAD DOWN. Never sieze the tongue or pinch the nostrils when drenching. If the animal does not swallow readily tickle the roof of the mouth with one or two fingers. In some cases a person giving the drench may get on the horse's back, sitting well forward, draw the head round to the off side by the halter with the left hand and drench with the bottle in the right hand. The application of the rope or the noose twitch will often be sufficient. A method sometimes used in drenching sick horses is to give the medicine while the patient is lying down. The operator must be agile, strong and watchful. A halter is placed on the animal and as soon as he lies down the halter is grasped tightly on its under side so as to throw the nose of the horse in the air, the poll being held tight to the ground. The operator will be at the back of the horse and will place his knee on the patient's neck, and then pour the drench in slowly and at short intervals. If necessary the animal may be thrown and the head tied to a surcingle. Whenever it is desired to restrain a horse and keep him down by holding his head, the poll should be held to the ground, the nose up, the back of the head being drawn well back. Fluids in any quantities may be given with a metal or a hard rub- ber 2 ounce dose syringe, (a syringe with an 8 or 10 inch long nozzle is preferable). This is a very clean, nice method, one which is now almost exclusively practiced, as it is practical and the patient is sure to get all of the dose. The operator stands in front of the animal, with 218 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS his left hand on the animal's nose, the patient being held firmly by an attendant or backed into a single stall. The long nozzle of the syringe is then inserted into the mouth through the left dental space and passed straight down the center of the tongue its full length when the dose is discharged. This is much safer and more satisfactory than giving halls. Fluids can also be given in gelatin capsules. BALLING — Considerable dexterity is re(juired to properly ball a horse. To do so the operator stands in front of his patient and with his left hand gently draws the tongue forward two to three inches. The right hand carrying the ball resting on the second and fourth fingers, the third finger on top of it, is carried back in a straight line to the root of the tongue, where the ball is left, the tongue at once released and the head withdrawn. A few sips of water may be given and, if properly done, the ball will be seen to travel down the near side of the neck. SHEEP Sheep may be drenched l)y backing into a corner, getting astride of the animal. Elevate the head, slightly with the left hand, with the right hand pour in the fluid. For lambs and sheep difficult to drench, the operator should set the animal up on its romp, with its head between his knees, the medicine can be poured in with little risk of choking. PRECAUTIONS—Cattlc and sheep arc easily choked when drenching, therefore, it must be remembered that to avoid loss, only small quantities should be given to be swallowed at one time, and if coughing occurs, due to some of the medicine going the wrong way, Ihe head must at once be lowered, so that any fluid in the mouth may run out. I have known of many animals killed by neglect of these precautions. PIGS I'igs may be drenched by jnitting a noose over the ujjper part of the snout. When the animal will hang back on its haunches .and s(|ueal, the medicine can be spooned in slowly, figs will take oil, salts and other medicines if given mixed with sweet milk in the trough. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 219 SIMPLE FARM MEDICINES The up-to-date stockman will ha\e his chest of medicines for his stock, not with the idea of treating an}-thing or everything, but for the purpose of meeting unexpected conditions and for the treatment of simple diseases, such as are herein described. Before any person can use or prescribe medicines intelligently it is essential that they under- stand the actions and doses of those medicines ; not only is it essential that the stockman know something about medicines, and that some- thing well ; he must also know the best methods of giving such medi- cines. The kernel of the matter is that the stockman must be an ANI- MAL NURSE, in order to render efficient service when his stock are sick. Medicines are often classified according to their actions, each class being given a distinctive name. The utility of such a classifica- tion is at once seen, e. g., an animal is sick, the owner instead of being told to use a specific drug such as iron, is advised to use a tonic (feri- tone). Running over the list of drugs in his farm medicine chest, he remembers that he has such a drug there with a tonic action, and uses it, whereas, had he not understood the term, the animal would have had to go untreated. With a view of relieving the farmer or stockman from the neces- sity of becoming an apothecary, the writer simplifies his treatments by advising as few drugs as possible and only those which are the latest and most reliable for each particular case. Thus the stockman is not compelled to keep on hand a small drug store and must not necessarily also be a therapeutist. NOTICE — When recommending a remedy, the writer frequentl}- specifies some specific remedy, such as National Bovolax. This is to assure the readers that the said drug is recognized by the "National Live Stock Sanitary Association", as being the most reliable and effective agent for the specific purpose for which it is being prescribed. The Elk's brands of veterinary remedies are also recognized by the "National Live Stock Sanitary Association". They are reliable and up-to-date. The stockman can safely add such as are here recom- mended to his list in the farm medicine chest. CHAPTER XVL Miscellaneous DISINFECTION OF STABLES This is a very important subject for the stockman to understand as he can by this means do more to limit and stamp out contagious diseases than by any other method. Carbohc acid, bichloride of mer- cury (corrosive sublimate), chloride of zinc and numerous other anti- septics, including- creolin, chloronaphtholeum, zenoleum, may be used for this purpose. Empty the stables, then burn up all bedding used in the infected barn. Sprinkle the floors with sawdust which has been soaked with a ten per cent solution of carbolic acid, or a 1 to 1,000 solution of corrosive sublimate, letting it remain for twenty-four hours, then rake up and place with the manure. Sprinkle the floor with chlo- ride of lime or some of the antiseptics mentioned; flush out the drains with the same antiseptics. Take a ten per cent solution of hot soft soap and water and scrub out stalls, mangers, feed boxes, etc., when dry use a knapsack sprayer and apply hot carbolic whitewash (crude carbolic enough to make a three to five per cent solution) over the walls and ceiling. Sulphur is sometimes burned in stables, for which purpose one pound of sulphur is needed to every thousand cubic feet. Harness should be washed with a hot soap solution and oiled after- ward. Disinfection is rendered much easier if the floors of the stables are of cement and the fittings of iron. After the disinfection allow lots of light and pure air to enter and do not allow piles of manure, etc., to accumulate in the stable. THE HORN FLY OF CATTLE (Grubs) The Horn Fly is very common in some seasons. It is a little, black fly, often found in clusters around the horn base. For its prevention bi-weekly applications of fish oil containing carbolic acid, one ounce to the gallon of oil and applied along the back and around the horns. Its eft'ects are too well known to need description. The use of this mixture will also tend to keep oft* the zvarhly fly, the effects of which are seen in the warbles found on the backs of cattle. When removed the warble 222 RURAL VETERINARY 8ECRET8 or grub, (larvae of the fly) should be at once destroyed. Hides are often materially injured owing to attacks of this fly during the life of the animal. Four ounces of flowers of sulphur, one gill spirits of tar, train oil one quart, mixed and applied along the spine once a week will tend to prevent the ravages of this fly. EXTERNAL PARASITES (Lice) Lice are the common epidermic parasites of small insects which infect all farm animals, including dogs and poultry. They make their presence known by causing an intense itching of the skin, which induces the animal to rub or scratch the parts, often to such an extent as to render the parts bare and even draw blood. The lice multiply rapidly and soon become general in a herd. A herd thus afi:"ected cannot thrive until the little mischief-makers are all destroyed. TREATMENT The most convenient way to destroy the parasites is to place a few ounces of Louse and Fly Destroyer in a common fly spray and spray the animals once daily for three or four days or until relieved. This is the most effective way to destroy lice or flies and is not expensive. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 223 INTERNAL PARASITES (Bots) BOTS are the larvae of gad-tlies, which lay their orange-colored eggs on the legs and between the jaws of horses. The eggs are licked olif or fall into the feed and are thus swallowed by the horse, where they are hatched out in the stomach, where the larvae (bot) will stay for months, later being passed out in the dung to be hatched out as the gad-fly, so well known to horsemen and so much dreaded by their charges. It is doubtful if any horses in this country are free from bots, post-mortems invariably showing them to be present in varying num- bers. The preventive treatment is to destroy the eggs. A cloth damp- ened with kerosene will tend to remove them. The effect of bots de- pends on the number present; if few, no ill effects are noticed; but if many, the horse is unthrifty, suffers from indigestion and may die from their effects on the stomach walls. They are fastened on the stomach walls very firmly and it is doubtful whether medicines have much effect. Turpentine, two ounces in one and one-half pints of new milk three mornings in succession, given on an empty stomach, will probably be as effectual as any drug. Copperas powders, owing to their tonic and astringent effect on the mucous membranes, will also be bene- ficial ; tartar emetic, two drams in food daily for two weeks might be used in place of the drench. PIN WORMS PIN WORMS are small, thin, whip-like worms, one to one and one-half inches long, found in the posterior bowel, (rectum). While producing little disturbance of the general health, they manifest them- selves as a rule by a yellow, waxy matter around the anus and by rub- bing of the tail and hind parts. The worms may also be found in or passed with the excrement. The treatment is mainly local, by means of injections. First give an injection to clean out the bowel, and follow it with one of salt and water, one ounce of salt to one-half gallon of water; or a decoction of quassia chips may be used. If the injections fail to remove them, internal treatment will be needed. 224 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 225 ROUND WORMS ROUND WORMS are the larger kind usually found in horses, and when full grown are six to fourteen inches in length. They usually inhabit the small intestines; when many are present the animal loses condition, gets pot-bellied, has a rough coat, capricious appetite, shows a tendency to eat dirt, with occasionally a colic or diarrhoea, and pres- ence of worms in the dung. The riddance of a horse of these parasites is not very difficult if a thorough effort is made to dislodge them. In order to get the best effects the animal should be starved before giving the drugs, which may be as follows : National Vermifuge — 1 tablespoonful. Common Charcoal — 3 tablespoonfuls. mixed and given in the feed three times a day, followed by a dose of aloes, or : Two ounces turpentine, one pint new milk, given three successive mornings on an empty stomach. The fourth morning give two drachms Tartar Emetic in a pint of raw linseed oil ; if the horse has to be worked steadily the following powders will be useful : Powdered Copperas — 1 ounce. Powdered Bluestones — 1 ounce. Powdered Sugar — 2 ounces. Mix and make into twelve powders, one to be given twice daily in the feed. Worms are not common in cattle ; in sheep are the frequent cause of losses and occasionally so in pigs. STOMACH WORMS, usually found in lambs, are the most serious and most common. They are very small, one-quarter to one-third of an inch long, pale reddish in color, and are found in the fourth stomach only. Lambs affected are thirsty, pale in the ^yes, lose weight, are dull, lose their appetite, may scour or eat dirt. Ben- zine or gasoline, two to four drachms in six ounces of new milk, given three mornings in succession on an empty stomach, have been highly recommended ; creolin and milk in similar doses may also be used. National Vermifuge for sheep should be mixed vi^ith plenty of salt and placed in the salt troughs. TAPE WORMS when present cause symptoms similar to those described for stomach worms. In addition, paleness of the skin and 226 BUBAL VETEBINABY SECBETS mucous membrane, brittleness of the fleece, loss of flesh, voracious appetitie, pieces of the tape worm in the dung; they are more preva- lent in wet seasons and on damp pastures. Turpentine in raw milk and a decoction of pumpkin seeds are old and tried remedies ; Santonine, as much as will lie on a five-cent piece, or tannate of pelletierine, three to five grains, are new remedies recommended. The best preventive treatment is to change the pastures and crop the old ones for a few years. LONG WORM A long worm is sometimes found in the intestines of pigs. Unless in considerable numbers they seldom cause much trouble. If suspected give turpentine in milk or oil, or oil of wormseed. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 227 DISEASES OF YOUNG STOCK CONSTIPATION is a common trouble in foals the first few days after birth. The food of the dam just previous to delivery not having been of a laxative nature, or the first milk (colostrum) not being taken by the foal, will thus account for this trouble in the major- ity of cases. Calves, lambs, and pigs are rarely troubled as they usu- ally get the first milk. The signs of this trouble are straining, rolling, lying on the back, collicky symptoms, the belly tucked up; the foal sucking in a half-hearted way and the non-passage of feces are also reliable indications. The preferable way to overcome the trouble is to diet the dam, changing to food of a more laxative nature, e. g., bran mashes with flax-seed, as the use of purgatives on a foal of such a tender age is extremely dangerous. The finger may be oiled and intro- duced into the rectum, the contents of a dark, tarry ball-like nature removed ; or a cone of soap may be placed in rectum and left there. The injection of one-half ounce of glycerine or two ounces of raw linseed oil in two or three ounces of water is very useful and may be used in preference to the soap or oiled finger. Lambs should be watched their first two weeks of life as the feces tend to stick to the wool around the anus and thus form an obstacle to the passage of the dung. SCOURS (or Diarrhoea) is as a rule more or less serious, the contagious form in calves, terms calf cholera or dysentery, being espe- cially so. The common cause of Scours is the food, either as to its qualit}^ quantity, or regularity in giving it. In foals the disease is often due to the use of purgatives to overcome the preceding trouble (con- stipation) ; the drinking of warm, stale milk, the mare being worked and the foal only allowed to suck at long intervals ; too rich or too much milk. We may then consider scours in any animal a symptom of indigestion, not as a disease in itself ; the looseness of the bowels being one evidence of Nature's endeavor to overcome the trouble. In calves especially scouring is due to overfeeding, or feeding at too long inter- vals, and the use of milk of a poor quality. Lambs sometimes scour if the ewes are on pastures of a watery nature, green oats, etc. The disease is soon evidenced by colicky pains, refusal of food, scour smell- ing passages, the passage of watery feces with rapid loss of strength. In some cases curdled milk is mixed with the dung. The causes being known, the first thing in the treatment is to re- 228 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS move those causes ; the disease being seen in its earUest stages, give as one dose : Elk's Anti-Scour Compound — 1 dram. Castor Oil — 1 ounce. The dose may be larger or smaller depending on the size of the animal. Lime water in one or two ounce doses fed with the milk is useful in overcoming acidity and the consequent indigestion. Foals affected with indigestion due to the dam's milk being too rich, should have the supply limited, the mare being milked on the ground. The rich condi- tion of milk for calves can be overcome by diluting the milk with warm water. Raw eggs with brandy and several other drugs are often recommended. Subnitrate of bismuth in suitable doses is a very valu- able drug when the digestive tract of young animals is in an irritable condition. NAVEL-ILL NAVEL-ILL is rather a common disease of foals, occasionally of calves and lambs. The measures to be adopted by the stockman are those of a preventive character, such as dressing the navel with Elk's Absorbing Ointment; have the mare to foal on the grass and if the disease has appeared make a thorough disinfection of the foaling or calving box or the lambing pens, as the case may be. The symptoms shown are feverishness and constipation, loss of vigor, being quite dull and reluctant to suck, lameness with swelling of one or more joints. The latter symptoms, lameness and possibly a swelling of a joint, mis- lead the average stockm.an. He thinks the foal has been stepped upon by the dam, when really the cause is the introduction of germs by the navel. The navel, instead of drying up and dropping oft", remains on and is clammy to the touch and tap-like in appearance. The later stages, exhibit more swelling of the joints, formation of abscesses and exhaustion, usually terminating in death. The urine may trickle from the navel in this disease. The early employment of a veterinarian will only be profitable; the death rate is high on account of skilled treat- ment being given too late. Some authorities consider this trouble as caused by the same germ as that causing contagious abortion. A good preventive, however, is to smear the navel with Elk's absorbing Oint- ment, this will disinfect the navel and prevent the absorption of toxic germs. RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 229 EXCESSIVE SALIVATION See Faulty Teeth. HOME-MADE STOCK TONICS Every farmer can prepare his own stock tonic, save 150 per cent and have a better article than can be purchased on the market at enor- mous prices. Besides, you can make it twice as strong and will know better how to arrange your food rations when you know exactly the contents and action of the tonic. See— How to Produce More Milk, Etc. — Page 230 and Page 55. 230 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS THE SECRET OF PRODUCING MORE MILK FROM COWS, MORE BEEF FROM CATTLE, MORE MUTTON FROM SHEEP AND MORE PORK FROM SWINE The problem is best solved by taking for example a milch cow, place her on ordinary dry stable food for three or four months, then turn her out to pasture for the same length of time under equal environ- ments and circumstances. Then compare the yield and general condi- tions of health and you will find yourself from 40 to 60 per cent ahead financially in favor of the natural grazing while on pasture. This is accounted for in many different ways ; first, when the cow can partake of natural food and water at liberty she will govern the supply and demand of the system herself. If she has taken too much of one kind of grass or herbs, she will seek nature's remedy to counteract it with- out delay. Secondly, should any of the vital organs for some reason or other become disordered, there appears to be a natural instinct in animals to seek their own remedy. Every plant, shrub or tree, has its special physiological action upon the animal system and the cow seems to know which one of them suits her case. In highly nourished animals under artificial surrounding there is a frequent sluggishness of the liver due to hyper-nutrition and the constant feeding of one kind of food for a long period. This leads to congestion of the liver and sometimes to inflammation or other disorders if not noticed by the owner and counteracted in time. The result will invariably be a considerable loss of the milk yield and sometimes drying her up entirely. These con- ditions do not happen when the cow is on pasture no matter how rich the food, as the cow will seek to help herself. In this country the dandelion (or buttercup) cuts an important figure in pastures. It is one of the most eft'ective liver regulators for herbivorous animals. Some of us have watched a cow dig into the earth and eat clay. This is an indication of a sour stomach or indigestion and she is seeking nature's remedy to counteract it. The writer could enumerate many of these advantages if space would permit, but will say that every intel- ligent and successful feeder watches the needs of his stock and supplies their wants while stable feeding. For this purpose a stock tonic which contains the ingredients of which his stock are deprived, while confined to the stable and deprived of God's green grass, is absolutely necessary in order to keep up the yield, general health, and prosperity of the ani- mal body. The writer has made this subject a special study and has found that a simple tonic which can be added to the regular daily food ration with the object of supplying the above wants and keeping farm RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 231 animals as thrifty and healthy while stable fed, as they would be when given their liberty at pasture. This tonic you can prepare yourself by taking: Old Process Oil Meal 85 lbs. Common Salt 10 lbs. Sanguitone Compound 5 lbs. Total 100 lbs. Mix well and give 1 tablespoonful in food twice daily to adult horses or cattle ; smaller animals take less according to size and age. Many of our readers have given it a trial and speak very highly of it. It is inexpensive and should be kept in use during the entire stable feeding season. Sanguiton is a new and most effective compound which contains all the medicinal ingredients required by nature to substitute green grass and natural pasture conditions. If your druggist does not keep it, write to the author of "Rural Veterinary Secrets" and he will see that you are supplied without delay. Alphabetical Index A Page Abdominal Dropsy 193 Abortion 68 Actenomicocis 127 Actinomycocis 135 Acute Discharges from the Nostrils 48 Acute Indigestion 53 Acute Nasal Catarrh 17 Afterbirth, Retaining the 75 Air Treatment, for Milk Fever 83 Alopecia 207 Anemia 194 Ankles, Cocked 169 Antony of Stomach 204 Appetite, Loss of 52 Apoplexy, Cerebral 87 Apoplexy in Poultry 209 Apthous Fever 133 Ascites 193 Attention to the Newborn 98 Azoturia 37 B Baldness 207 Barnyard Itch 109 Barrenness . .' 70 Barrenness, Cause of 70 Belly, Water 193 Big Head 196 Big Leg 43 Big Neck 196 234 ALPHABETICAL INDEX Page Bleeding, Control of 182 Bleeding from the Nose 18 Blister, Inflammation with 115 Blood Trouble 38 Bloody Milk 64 Bloody Urine " 206 Blue Milk 65 Boar's Tusks, Removal of 187 Bog Spavin 163 Boils 113 Bone Spavin 160 Bots 223 Bound Crop in Poultry 210 Brain, Concussion of the 88 Brain, Congestion of the 87 Bronchitis, Catarrhal 24 Broken Wind 42 Bumble Foot, in Poultry 210 Caked Udders 67 Calculi, Intestinal 54 Calf Scours 52 Calks 137 Canker, in Poultry 209 Canker, Sore Mouth in Pigs 188 Capped Elbow 167 Capped Hocks 168 Capped Knees 151 Casting of the Withers 77 Castration 175 Catarrh, Acute Nasal 17 Catarrh, Nasal 23 Catarrhal Bronchitis 25 ALPHABETICAL INDEX 235 Page Catarrhal Laryngitis 20 Cattle, Contagious Eye Diseases in 132 Cattle, Foot Rot in 1 56 Cattle, Horn Fly in 221 Cattle, Mange on 113 Cattle, Rabies in 125 Cerebral Apoplexy 87 Chapped Teats 117 Choking 44,203 Cholera, Hog 185 Cholera, in Poultry 209 Chronic Catarrhal Bronchitis '. 25 Cocked Ankles 169 Coffin Joint Lameness 153 Colic in Horses 53 Collar Galls 149 Concussion of the Brain 88 Congestion of the Brain 87 Congestion of the Liver 85 Congestion of the Udder 66 Congestion of the Skin with Small Pimples or Papules 114 Conjunctivitis 201 Constipation 205 Constipation in Pigs 187 Contagious Eye Diseases in Cattle 132 Contracted Hoofs of Horses 170 Corns 155 Cow Pox 128 Cows, Hard Milking 76 Cow's Teats, Warts on 76 Cribbing 48 Crop Bound, in Poultry 210 Croupous Laryngitis 21 Curb 164 Cuts 137 236 ALPHABETICAL INDEX D Page Dam, Treatment of the 99 Dandruff 207 Decayed Teeth 47 Dehorning 173 Diarrhea 204 Diarrhea, Infectious 189 Diarrhea, in Poultry 210 Discharges from the Nostrils 48 Disease due to Mistakes in Feeding 40 Disease, Foot and Mouth 133 Disease, Navicular 153 Disease, Preventing by Feeding for Health and Profit 55 Disease, Scaly Skin 109 Disease, Septic Joint 190 Diseases Common to Sheep 191 Diseases of the Teeth 45 Diseases of Young Stock 227 Disinfection of Stables 221 Distemper, Horse 131 Dogs, Mange on 113 Dogs, Rabies in ' 125 Dropping Wads of Hay 45 Dropsy, Abdominal 193 Dy sentary 204 E Eating, Wool 197 Eczema 115 Eggs, Soft Shell 209 Elbow, Capped 167 Epilepsy ; 88 Epistaxis 18 Erythema 107 Evil, Poll 143 ALPHABETICAL INDEX 237 Page Examination of the Hocks 160 Excessive Salivation 229 External Parasites 222 Eye Disease in Cattle 132 Eye Disease in Cattle, Contagious 132 Eyes, Sore 201 F Failure to Come in Heat 67 Falling Out of the Wool 207 False Scab 207 Faulty and Irregular Teeth 49 Feeding, Diseases, Due to Mistakes in 40 Feeding Sick Animals 39 Fever, Aphthous 1 33 Fever, Malarial 192 Fever, Milk 79 Fever, Mud 112 Fistulous Withers 141 Foot and Limb Troubles 145 Foot and Mouth Disease 133 Foot Bumble, in Poultry 210 Foot Rot in Cattle and Sheep 156 Founder 43 Fractured Limbs 139 Fractures 183 Fractures, Union of 183 Furuncles 113 G Gall Stones 86 Galls, Collar 149 Garget 66 Glands, Milk, and their Functions •. 60 238 ALPHABETICAL INDEX Page Goiter 196 Grass Staggers 204 Grubs 221 H Hard ]\Iilking Cows 7b Heat, Failure to Come in 67 Heat, Prostration from 89 Heaves . . . ^ 42 Hematuria 206 Hemorrhages, Bleeding from the Nose 18 Hocks, Capped 168 Hocks, Examination of the 160 Hog Cholera ■ 185 Hoofs of Horses, Contracted 170 Horn Fly of Cattle 221 Horse Distemper 131 Horse, Lameness in 145 Horses, Colic in 53 Horses, Contracted Hoofs of 170 Horses, Itch in 109 Horses, Mange on 113 Horses, Summer Sores on 116 Horses, Unsoundnesses in 48 Hydremia, Chlorosis 194 I Ictcrahematuria 192 Icterus, Yellows 191 Impaction of Rumen 204 Indigestion 204 Indigestion, Acute S3 Indigestion in Pigs 187 ALPHABETICAL INDEX 239 Page Infectious Diarrhea 189 Inflammation of the Lungs 30 Inflammation with BHsters 115 Influenza 131 Internal Parasites 223 Intestinal Calculi 54 Inversion of the Womb 77 Irregular Teeth 49 Itch, Barnyard 109 Itch in Horses 109 J Jaundice 191 Jaundice, Yellow 85 Joint Disease, Septic 190 Joint 111 of Lambs 190 Joints, Open 143 K Kicks 137 Knees, Capped 151 L Lambs, Joint 111 of 190 Lambs, Sore Mouth in 202 Lambs, White Scours of 189 Lambs, Woolless 196 Lameness in a Horse 145 Lameness, Coffin Joint 153 Laryngitis, Catarrhal . . '. 20 Laryngitis, Croupous 21 Leg, Big „ 43 240 ALPHABETICAL INDEX Page Leg Weakness, in Poultry 210 Leg Weakness, Rachitis 195 Leucorrhea 68 Lice 222 Lice, in Poultry 210 Limbs, Fractured 139 Liver, Congestion of the 85 Lockjaw 127 Longworm 226 Loss of Appetite 52 Lump Jaw 127 Lungs, Inflammation of the 30 Luxation of the Patella 157 Lympangitis 41 . M Malarial Fever 192 Mange on Cattle 113 Mange on Dogs 113 Mange on Horses 113 Meconium, Retention of the 205 Medicine, Mode of Giving 216 Medicine, Necessity of Diluting in Water 215 Medicines and Home Remedies, Practical Application of 213 Medicines, Giving, to Horses 217 Medicines, Giving, to Pigs 218 Medicines, Giving, to Sheep 218 Medicines, Simple Farm 219 Milk, Bloody 64 Milk, Blue 65 Milk Fever 79 Milk Glands and their Functions 60 Milk, Stringy 65 Milk, Suppression of ' 64 Mud Fever 112 ALPHABETICAL INDEX 241 N Page Nail Prick, How to Treat 171 Nasal Catarrh 23 Nasal Catarrh, Acute 17 Nasal Polypi 19 Navel Disease, of Colts and Calves 38 Navel 111 190, 228 Navicular Disease 153 Neck, Big 196 Neck, Sore 171 Necrotic Stomatitis 202 Nettle Rash 110 Newborn, Attention to the 98 Nose, Bleeding from the 18 Nostrils, Discharges from the 48 Nostrils, Acute Discharges from the 48 O Oezana 23 Open Joints 143 Ophthalmia 201 Ophthalmia, Periodic 133 Papillomata 118 Paralysis 91, 187, 206 Parasites, External 222 Parasites, Internal 223 Parturient Paresis 79 Parturition, the Time of 93 Patella, Luxation of the 157 Paricarditis, Traumatic, of the Ox 35 Periodic Opthalmia 133 242 ALPHABETICAL IXDEX Page Peritonitis 193 Pigs, Canker Sore Mouth in Young 188 Pigs, Constipation in 187 Pigs, Indigestion in 187 Pigs, Rheumatism in 189 Pigs, Thumps in 187 Pin Worms 223 Pityriasis 109 Placenta 75 Pleuritis 27 Pneumonia 30 Poll Evil 143 Polypi, Nasal 19 Pox, Cow 128 Pox, Sheep 135 Preventing Disease by Feeding for Health and Profit 55 Pricks from Shoeing 1 54 Prostration from Heat 89 R Rabies in Dogs and Cattle 125 Rachitis, Leg Weakness 195 Rash Nettle 110 Removal of the Boar's Tusks 187 Retaining the Afterbirth 75 Retention of the Meconium 205 Rheumatism 196 Rheumatism in Pigs 189 Rhinitis, Acute Coryza 17 Rickets 195 Ringbone 152 Ringworms 109 Roaring 33 Roundworms 22~> ALPHABETICAL INDEX 243 Page Roup, in Poultry 209 Rumen, Impartion of 204 Ruptures 179 Salivation, Excessive 229 Scab, False 207 Scab, Tallow 207 Scabby Teats 76 Scaly Skin Disease 109 Scours, Calf 52 Scratches 112 Secret of Increasing the Flow^ of Milk in a Dairy Cow 78 Secret of Producing More Beef from Cattle 230 Secret of Producing More Milk from Cows 230 Secret of Producing More Mutton from Sheep 230 Secret of Producing More Pork from Swine 230 Septic Joint Disease 190 Sheep, Diseases Common to 191 Sheep, Foot Rot in 156 Sheep Pox 135 Shoeboil 167 Shoeing, Pricks while 154 Shoulderslip 149 Shoulder, Sore 149 Sick Animals, Feeding 39 Sidebones 153 Soft Shell Eggs 209 Skin Disease, Scaly 109 Sore Eyes 201 Sore Eyes and Pip, in Poultry 210 Sore Mouth of Lambs 202 Sore Mouth of Young Pigs 188 Sore Neck 171 244 ALPHABETICAL INDEX Page Sore Shoulder 149 Spavin 159 Spavin, Bog : . 163 Spavin, Bone 160 Spavin, Test 147 Spaying 178 Splints 151 Stables, Disinfection of 221 Staggers, Grass 204 Stifle Out 157 Stock Tonics, Home made 229 Stomach, Antony of 204 Stomach Worms 225 Stomatitis 202 Stones, Gall 86 Strangles 131 Stringhalt 166 Stringy Milk 65 Summer Sores on Horses 116 Sunstroke 89 Suppression of Milk 64 Surfeit 110 Sweeny 149 T Tallow Scab 207 Tape Worms 225 Tapping of the First Stomach or Paunch 174 Teats, Chapped 117 Teats, Scabby 76 Teats, Warts on 76 Teeth, Decayed 47 Teeth, Diseases of the 45 Teeth, Faulty and Irregular 49 ALPHABETICAL INDEX 245 Page Teeth, Wolf 46 Test, Spavin 147 Tetanus . 127 Thoroug-hpin 163 Thumps in Pigs 187 Thrush 169, 202 Time of Parturition 93 Traumatic Pericarditis of the Ox 35 Treatment, Air 83 Treatment of the Dam 99 Tuberculosis 1 19 U Udders, Caked 67 Udders, Congestion of 66 Union of Fractures 183 Unsoundnesses in Horses 48 Urinary Troubles 86 Urine, Bloody 206 Urticaria 110 V Variola Ovina 135 W Warts 118 Warts on Cow's Teats 76 Water Belly 193 Weakness, Leg 210 White Scours of Lambs 189 Wind, Broken 42 246 ALPHABETICAL INDEX Page Windsucking 48 Wire Cuts 137 AVithers, Casting of the 77 Withers, Fistulous 141 Womb, Inversion of the 77 Wolf Teeth 46 Wool Eating 197 Wool, Falling out of the 207 Woolless Lambs 196 Worm, Long 226 Worms, Pin 223 Worms, Ring 109 Worms, Round 223 Worms, Stomach 225 Worms, Tape 225 Wounds 137 Wounds, General Treatment of 182 Y Yellow Jaundice 85 Young Stock, Diseases of 227 Index by Chapters CHAPTER I. Diseases Common to the Respiratory Organs. Page Acute Nasal Catarrh 17 Bleeding from the Nose 18 Bronchitis, Catarrhal 24 Catarrh, Acute Nasal 17 Catarrh, Nasal 23 Catarrhal Bronchitis 25 Catarrhal Laryngitis 20 Chronic Catarrhal Bronchitis 25 Croupous Laryngitis 21 Epistaxis 18 Hemorrhages, Bleeding from the Nose 18 Inflammation of the Lungs 30 Laryngitis, Catarrhal 20 Laryngitis, Croupous 21 Lungs, Inflammation of the 30 Nasal Catarrh 23 Nasal Catarrh, Acute 17 Nasal Polypi 19 Oezana 23 Pleuritis 27 Pneumonia 30 Polypi, Nasal 19 Rhinitis, Acute Coryza 17 Roaring 33 CHAPTER II. Diseases Common to the Circulatory Organs. Azoturia 37 Blood Trouble 38 248 INDEX BY CHAPTERS Page Xavel Disease, of Colts and Calves 38 Paricarditis, Traumatic, of the Ox 35 Traumatic Pericarditis of the Ox 35 CHAPTER III. Diseases Common to the Digestive Organs. Acute Discharges from the Nostrils 48 Acute Indigestion 53 x\ppetite, Loss of 52 Big Leg 43 Broken Wind 42 Calf Scours 52 Calculi, Intestinal 54 Choking 44 Colic in Horses 53 Cribbing 48 Decayed Teeth 47 Discharges from the Nostrils 48 Disease due to Mistakes in Feeding 40 Diseases of the Teeth 45 Dropping Wads of Hay 45 Faulty and Irregular Teeth 49 Feeding, Diseases, Due to Mistakes in 40 Feeding Sick Animals 39 Founder 43 Heaves 42 Horses, Colic in 53 Horses, Unsoundnesses in 48 Indigestion, Acute 53 Intestinal Calculi 54 Leg, Big 43 Loss of Appetite 5- Lympangitis -H Nostrils, Acute Discharges from the -^8 INDEX BY CHAPTERS 249 Paue Nostrils, Discharges from the 48 Preventing Disease by Feeding for Health and Profit 55 Scours, Calf 52 Sick Animals, Feeding 39 Teeth, Decayed 47 Teeth, Diseases of the 45 Teeth, Faulty and Irregular 49 Teeth, Wolf 46 Unsoundnesses in Horses 48 Wind, Broken 42 Windsucking 48 Wolf Teeth 46 CHAPTER IV. Diseases Common to the Reproductive Organs. Abortion 68 Afterbirth, Retaining the 75 Air Treatment, for Milk Fever S3 Barrenness 70 Barrenness, Cause of 70 Bloody Milk 64 Blue Milk 65 Caked Udders 67 Casting of the Withers 77 Congestion of the Udder 66 Cows, Hard Milking 76 Cow's Teats, Warts on 76 Failure to Come in Heat 67 Fever, Milk 79 Garget 66 Glands, Milk, and their Functions 60 Hard Milking Cows 76 Heat, Failure to Come in 67 Inversion of the Womb 77 250 INDEX BY CHAPTERS Page Leucorrhea 68 Milk, Bloody 64 Milk, Blue 65 Milk Fever 79 Milk Glands and their Functions 60 Milk, Stringy 65 Milk, Suppression of 64 Parturient Paresis 79 Placenta 75 Retaining the Afterbirth 7S Scabby Teats 76 Secret of Increasing the Flow of Milk in a Dairy Cow 78 Stringy Milk 65 Suppression of Milk 64 Teats, Scabby 76 Treatment, Air 83 Udders, Congestion of 66 Udders, Caked 67 Warts on Cow's Teats 76 Withers, Casting of the 77 Womb, Inversion of the 77 CHAPTER V. Diseases Common to the Liver and Kidneys. Congestion of the Liver 85 Gall Stones 86 Jaundice, Yellow 85 Liver, Congestion of the 85 Stones, Gall 86 Urinary Troubles 86 Yellow Jaundice 85 INDEX BY CHAPTERS 251 CHAPTER VI. Diseases Common to the Brain and Nervous System. Page Apoplexy, Cerebral 87 Brain, Concussion of the 88 Brain, Congestion of the 87 Cerebral Apoplexy 87 Concussion of the Brain 88 Congestion of the Brain 87 Epilepsy .' 88 Heat, Prostration from 89 Paralysis 91 Prostration from Heat 89 Sunstroke 89 CHAPTER VII. Practical Aid in Difficult Parturition. Attention to the Newborn 98 Dam, Treatment of the 99 Newborn, Attention to the 98 Parturition, the Time of 93 Time of Parturition 93 Treatment of the Dam 99 CHAPTER VIII. Common Diseases of the Skin. Barnyard Itch 109 BHster, Inflammation with 115 Boils 113 Cattle, Mange on 113 Chapped Teats 117 Congestion of the Skin with Small Pimples or Papules 114 Dogs, Mange on 113 Eczema 115 252 INDEX BY CHAPTERS Page Erythema 107 Fever, Mud 112 Furuncles 113 Horses, Itch in 109 Horses, Mange on 113 Horses, Summer Sores on 116 Itch, Barnyard 109 Itch in Horses 109 Mange on Cattle 113 Mange on Dogs 113 Mange on Horses 113 Mud Fever 112 Nettle Rash 110 Papillomata 118 Pityriasis 109 Rash Nettle 110 Ringworms 109 Scaly Skin Disease 109 Scratches 112 Skin Disease, Scaly 109 Summer Sores on Horses 116 Surfeit 110 Teats, Chapped 117 Urticaria 110 Warts 118 Worms, Ring 109 CHAPTER IX. Contagious and Infectious Diseases. Actenomicocis 127 Actinomycocis 135 Apthous Fever 133 Cattle, Contagious Eye Diseases in 132 Cattle, Rabies in 125 INDEX BY CHAPTERS 253 Pase Contagious Eye Diseases in Cattle 132 Cow Pox 128 Disease, Foot and Mouth 133 Distemper, Horse 131 Dog-s, Rabies in 125 Eye Disease in Cattle 132 Eye Disease in Cattle, Contagious 132 Fever, Aphthous 133 Foot and Mouth Disease 133 Horse Distemper 131 Influenza 131 Lockjaw 127 Lump Jaw 127 Ophthalmia, Periodic , . . . 133 Periodic Opthalmia 133 Pox, Cow 128 Pox, Sheep 135 Rabies in Dogs and Cattle 125 Sheep Pox 135 Strangles 131 Tetanus 127 Tuberculosi s 119 Variola Ovina 135 CHAPTER X. Wounds and Fractures. Calks 137 Cuts 137 Evil, Poll 143 Fistulous Withers ■ 141 Fractured Limbs 139 Joints, Open 143 Kicks 137 Limbs, Fractured 139 254 INDEX BY CHAPTERS Page Open Joints 143 Poll Evil 143 Wire Cuts 137 Withers, Fistulous 141 Wounds 137 CHAPTER XI. Diseases Common to the Muscles and Extremities. Ankles, Cocked 169 Bog Spavin 163 Bone Spavin 160 Capped Elbow 167 Capped Hocks 168 Capped Knees 151 Cocked Ankles 169 Coffin Joint Lameness 153 Collar Galls 149 Contracted Hoofs of Horses 170 Corns 155 Curb 164 Disease, Navicular 153 Elbow, Capped 167 Examination of the Hocks 160 Foot and Limb Troubles 145 Foot Rot in Cattle and Sheep 156 Galls, Collar 149 Hocks, Capped 168 Hocks, Examination of the 160 Hoofs of Horses, Contracted 170 Horse, Lameness in 145 Knees, Capped 151 Lameness, Coffin Joint 153 Lameness in a Horse 145 Luxation of the Patella 157 INDEX BY CHAPTERS 255 Page Nail Prick, How to Treat 171 Navicular Disease 153 Neck, Sore 171 Patella, Luxation of the 157 Pricks from Shoeing 1 54 Ringbone 152 Shoeboil 167 Shoeing, Pricks while 154 Shoulderslip 149 Shoulder, Sore 149 Sidebones 1 53 Sore Neck 171 Sore Shoulder 149 Spavin 159 Spavin, Bog 163 Spavin, Bone 160 Spavin, Test 147 Splints 151 Stifle Out 157 Stringhalt • 166 Sweeny 149 Test, Spavin 147 Thoroughpin 163 Thrush 169 CHAPTER XII. Common Farm Operations. Bleeding, Control of ". 182 Castration 175 Dehorning 173 Fractures 183 Fractures, Union of 183 Ruptures 179 Spaying 178 256 INDEX BY CHAPTERS Pago Tapping of the First Stomach or Paunch 174 Union of Fractures 183 CHAPTER XIII. Diseases Common to Swine and Sheep. Abdominal Dropsy 193 Anemia 194 Antony of Stomach 204 Ascites 193 Alopecia 207 Baldness 207 Belly, Water 193 Big Head 196 Big Neck 196 Bloody Urine 206 Boar's Tusks, Removal of 187 Canker, Sore Mouth in Pigs 188 Choking 203 Cholera, Hog 185 Conjunctivitis 201 Constipation 20o Constipation in Pigs 187 Dandruff ■. 207 Diarrhea 20-1 Diarrhea, Infectious 18^) Disease, Septic Joint 190 Diseases Common to Sheep 191 Dropsy, Abdominal 193 Dysentary 204 Eating, Wool 197 Eyes, Sore 201 Falling Out of the Wool 207 False Scab 207 Fever. Malarial 192 INDEX BY CHAPTEBS 257 Pago Goiter 196 Grass Staggers 204 Hematuria 20(^ Hog Cholera 185 Icterahematuria 192 Icterus, Yellows 191 Indigestion 204 Indigestion in Pigs 187 Infectious Diarrhea 189 Impaction of Rumen 20 I Jaundice 191 Joint Disease, Septic 190 joint 111 of Lambs 190. Lambs, Joint 111 of 190 Lambs, Sore Mouth in 202 Lambs, White Scours of 189 Lambs, Woolless 196 Leg Weakness, Rachitis 195 Malarial Fever 192 Meconium, Retention of the 205 Navel 111 190 Neck, Big 196 Necrotic Stomatitis 202 Ophthalmia .' 201 Paralysis 187. 206 Peritonitis 193 Pigs, Canker Sore Mouth in Young 188 Pigs, Constipation in 18/ Pigs, Indigestion in 187 Pigs, Rheumatism in 189 Pigs, Thumps in 187 Rachitis, Leg Weakness 195 Removal of the Boar's Tusks 187 Retention of the Meconium 205 Rheumatism 196 Rheumatism in Pigs 1 89 258 I^DEX BY CHAPTERS Page Rickets 195 Rumen, Impartion of 204 Scab, False 207 Scab, Tallow 207 Septic Joint Disease 190 Sheep, Diseases Common to 191 Sore Eyes 201 Sore Mouth of Lambs 202 Staggers, Grass 204 Stomach, Antony of 204 Stomatitis 202 Tallow Scab 207 Thrush 202 Thumps in Pigs 187 Urine, Bloody 20(j Water Belly 193 White Scours of Lambs 189 Wool Eating 197 Wool, Falling out of the 207 Woolless Lambs 196 CHAPTER XIV. Diseases Common to Poultry, Apoplexy in Poultry 209 Bound Crop in Poultry 210 Bumble Foot, in Poultrx 210 Canker, in Poultry 209 Cholera, in Poultry 20^) Crop Bound, in Poultry 210 Diarrhea, in Poultry 210 Eggs, Soft Shell 2a' Foot Bumble, in Poultry 210 Leg Weakness, in Poultry . 210 Lice, in Pniltrv . /. 210 INDEX BY CHAPTIJRS 259 'nge l-loup, in Poultry 209 Soft Shell Eggs' 209 Sore Eyes and Pip, in Poultry 210 Weakness, Leg 210 CHAPTER XV. Practical Application of Medicines and Home Remedies. Medicine, Mode of Giving 210 Medicine, Necessity of Diluting in W atcr 215 Medicines and Home Remedies, Practical Application of 213 Medicines, Giving, to Horses 217 Medicines, Giving, to Pigs 218 Medicines, Giving, to Sheep 218 Medicines, Simple Farm 219 CHAPTER XVI. Miscellaneous. Bots 22^ Cattle, liorn Fly in 221 Diseases of Young Stock 227 Disinfection of Stables 221 Excessive Salivation 229 External Parasites 222 Grubs 221 Horn Fly of Cattle 221 Internal Parasites 223 Lice 222 Longw^orm . , 226 Navel 111 ' ; 228 Parasites, External 222 Parasites, Internal 223 Pin Worms 223 Roundworms , 225 260 INDEX BY CHAPTERS Pago Salivation, Excessive 229 Secret of Producing More Beef from Cattle 230 Secret of Producing More Milk from Cow^s 230 Secret of Producing More Mutton from Sheep 230 Secret of Producing More Pork from Swine 230 Stables, Disinfection of 221 Stock Tonics, Home made 229 Stomach Worms 225 Tape Worms 225 Worm, Long 226 Worms, Pin 223 Worms, Round 223 Worms, Stomach 225 Worms, Tape 225 Young Stock, Diseases of 227 m i F]&:^5?fe:^5?S^^5?S^: LO QO lO GO r?S:555fe55}fe55?S55}Si55Si^^i CM o CSI > bos z 3C ■? 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