Part 1

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VETERINARY SCIENCE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

NOTES ON DISEASES OF CATTLE CAUSE, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT

BY

CHARLES J. KORINEK, V.S.

_Graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College, in affiliation with the University of Toronto, Canada. Hon. Member of the Ontario Veterinary Medical Society. Ex. State Veterinarian for Oregon. Ex. President of the Oregon State Veterinary Medical Board of Examiners. Author of “The Veterinarian”. Principal of the Veterinary Science Association of America. Sixteen years of Practical Experience as a Veterinary Surgeon._

PUBLISHED BY THE

VETERINARY SCIENCE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

COPYRIGHT 1917

by the

VETERINARY SCIENCE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

DISEASES OF CATTLE

CAUSE, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT

LOCATION OF PARTS OF DAIRY COW

1. Mouth.

2. Nostrils.

3. Muzzle.

4. Face.

5. Eyes.

6. Forehead.

7. Ears.

8. Poll.

9. Horns.

10. Jaws.

11. Dewlap.

12. Brisket.

13. Neck.

14. Withers.

15. Crops.

16. Shoulders.

17. Heart girth.

18. Fore flank.

19. Legs.

20. Feet.

21. Dew claws.

22. Belly.

23. Milk wells.

24. Milk veins.

25. Fore udder.

26. Teats.

27. Barrel or ribs.

28. Back.

29. Coupling.

30. Rear flanks.

31. Hook points.

32. Tail-head.

33. Pin bones or thurls.

34. Rump.

35. Escutcheon.

36. Tail.

37. Thighs.

38. Rear udder.

39. Switch.

PREFACE

In offering this work to the consideration of Students of Veterinary Science, as well as to the Veterinary Profession and others who are interested in the study and advancement of Veterinary Science, I feel it will suffice to say that I have endeavored to the best of my ability to render the matter contained in the following pages of as great _practical_ value as possible, to present in the most plain and concise manner the nature, cause, symptoms and treatment of each disease in the form in which it most frequently occurs.

I wish to express a hope that this work will be favorably welcomed by all into whose hands it may find its way, more particularly by Students of Veterinary Science.

CHARLES J. KORINEK, V. S.

ABCESSES.

CAUSE.—Bruises and injuries. They are also seen in complication with various other diseases, as Laryngitis, Pharyngitis, Tuberculosis, Lump Jaw, Blood Poison or Pyemia and Septicemia.

SYMPTOMS.—Symptoms will vary according to the nature of the disease or injury. It may not be noticed at first, but upon careful examination swollen lines will be observed running from the point of swelling. In many cases a swelling is noticed which is hot, painful and throbbing, which enlarges rapidly in two or three days. The swelling and heat gradually disappear, but the Abscess continues to grow. The hair falls from the point of swelling and in a short time breaks and discharges pus. The cavity gradually fills up and heals by granulation.

TREATMENT.—In all cases hasten the ripening process as much as possible by applying hot water packs or hot bran, flaxseed or vegetable poultices. When opened, do not squeeze the Abscess to any extent, but press gently with clean hands or cloth to remove the core or clot. After this, just simply keep the Abscess open by washing with a three per cent Carbolic Acid solution, or Bichloride of Mercury, one in one thousand solution. Hyposulphite of Soda in ounce doses should be given two or three times a day in their drinking water. This will prevent the absorption of impurities from the abscess into the blood circulation.

ABORTION.

(_Non-Contagious_)

CAUSE.—Injuries from slipping or falling on icy roads, in box cars, and deep gutters; receiving blows on the body, keeping the animal in insanitary stables, eating poor food that may be irritating or poisonous, etc. In such cases, the cow’s vitality is low so that the foetus dies and is expelled as a result. Losing large quantities of blood also produces Abortion, or a cow heavy with calf, on being placed in the same quarters with the cows that retain their afterbirth, is liable to abort. Intestinal worms, lung worms, liver flukes, causing an excessive drain upon the system or producing irritation of the digestive organs, in consequence of which cow gets very poor and emaciated. The above mentioned are perhaps the most common causes of “Non-Contagious Abortion.”

SYMPTOMS.—The cow is uneasy, becomes separated from the herd, the bag and vagina may be slightly inflamed and perhaps the latter discharging. If a cow heavy with calf craves the chewing and eating of dirt, rags, nails, etc., this is a sign of a lack of iron or phosphorus in her system and food containing these elements should be provided.

PREVENTIVE TREATMENT.—Provide clean, warm, comfortable quarters, good food, pure water to drink, do not subject her to any injuries, do not permit her coming in contact with cows retaining their afterbirth.

The above mentioned is very important, especially if the cows are valuable and a large yield of milk is expected. If they have worms, treat the same as under their special heading. If they have a loss of blood or a lack of mineral matter in their system, the following is very efficient: Pulv. Ferri Sulphate, four ounces; Pulv. Nux Vomica, two ounces; Pulv. Fenugreek Seed, four ounces. Mix and make into sixteen powders. Give one powder two or three times a day in feed or place in a gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun.

AMOUROSIS OF THE EYE.

CAUSE.—Paralysis of the optic nerve.

SYMPTOMS.—Pupil fully dilated and of a glassy appearance. This condition is sometimes called “Glass Eye.” The cow carries the head high and steps high. This condition is very uncommon in cattle.

TREATMENT.—Nothing can be done for a cow if she is blind, but this condition may be prevented if detected in its early stages of development by the proper feeding of nourishing food, good clean surroundings and the administration of nerve tonics, as Pulv. Nux Vomica, four ounces; Pulv. Gentian Root, four ounces; Potassium Iodide, three ounces. Make into twenty-four powders and place one powder in feed two or three times daily; or make into twenty-four capsules and give one capsule two or three times a day with capsule gun.

ANTHRAX.

Anthrax is a very contagious disease and is communicable to all warm blooded animals and man.

CAUSE.—Due to the presence of a germ called the Bacillus of Anthrax and is one of the oldest diseases attributed to germs. These Bacilli thrive in warm climates, although found in cold countries. The infection is carried to various parts of the world by box cars, ships, hides, hoofs, horns, wool and hair taken from sick or dead animals affected with Anthrax. This, perhaps, is the most common method of spreading the disease.

SYMPTOMS.—Loss of appetite, grinding of teeth indicating great pain, trembling of the muscles, temperature elevated to 104° or 106° F., breathing very rapid, pulse fast and weak, hair rough. There are some cases where the animals are seized quickly with the disease and die very suddenly. This form resembles apoplexy. Carbuncles or Abscesses are seen on the surface of the body in nearly all cases, also a bloody discharge from the mouth and nose. The animal may stamp the ground, rear in the air, run and finally go into convulsions and die. This is termed “the furious form of Anthrax.”

TREATMENT.—Prevention is the most important. Fields or pastures that are infected with this disease should be burned every summer if possible, to destroy the germs. The animals that succumb to the disease should be buried deeply and quicklime thrown upon them, also any blood stains upon the ground should have a strong disinfectant thrown upon them. The hide of such an animal should not be used as the person removing it is likely to contract the same disease, especially if an abrasion is present on the hand, or such a hide or any portion thereof is likely to spread the infection after reaching the tannery, etc.

MEDICAL TREATMENT OR SERUM TREATMENT.—This is the only thorough method of eradicating the disease, and when this disease once becomes prevalent in a locality all animals should be inoculated with vaccine.

BARRENNESS.

(_Failure to Breed_)

CAUSE.—Wasting or Atrophy, chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the organs of generation, Whites, absence or excessive secretions of the organs of generation, contraction or displacement of the womb, horns being telescoped or twisted, cysts or growths on the ovaries, in-breeding or being a twin, are the predisposing causes of Barrenness.

TREATMENT.—Unsuccessful as a rule. Unless the cow is very valuable, treatment is not advisable. A careful examination, however, is recommended. If due to contraction of the neck of the womb it can be readily dilated by the use of the hand, which should be greased with Carbolated Sweet Oil before attempting to perform the operation.

BLACK LEG.

(_Symptomatic Anthrax—Black Quarter_)

CAUSE.—Due to germs. The Bacillus of Black Leg perhaps gains entrance to the blood by wounds of the skin or the mucous membranes lining the mouth and the intestines. This disease principally affects cattle, although sheep and goats may become affected with the same disease.

SYMPTOMS.—This disease affects cattle that are in good condition between the ages of six months and two years. In most cases death is very sudden, and perhaps the animal is found dead. The first symptoms are high temperatures from 104° to 108°F., loss of appetite, the animal stops chewing the cud, breathing considerably hurried, the joints of the limbs become swollen, also the chest and shoulders. All the swellings are painful on pressure and spread very rapidly over the body. The affected animals move with great difficulty and lie down frequently. If the hand is passed over the body, there is a peculiar crackling sound due to the gas developing under the skin. At the most distended portions of the swellings the skin becomes dry and the animal apparently has no sense of feeling. If the skin is punctured at this place, there will be a dark red, frothy discharge which has a very disagreeable odor. There will be a shivering of the muscles and the animal dies in convulsions.

TREATMENT.—Remove non-affected animals to non-infected pastures, and confine affected animals to as small a territory as possible. The carcasses of the dead animals should be buried deep and covered with lime or burned, being very careful that all blood stains on the ground where the animals have been skinned are thoroughly disinfected. Inoculation is necessary, and is the best form of treatment in localities where Black Leg exists. Inoculate or vaccinate the calves when six months old or over, although after the animal reaches the age of two years or over they generally become immune from this disease.

BLEEDING.

(_Hemorrhage_)

CAUSE.—Sometimes bleeding follows dehorning, castration, and wounds due to various other causes.

TREATMENT.—When bleeding from a large artery, it should be tied with a clean silk or linen thread or twisted with a pair of forceps or cauterized with a hot iron. Sometimes compression by the use of tightly bound bandages proves effective, although the former appliances are more practical. Tincture Chloride of Iron applied to small arteries or veins causes the blood to clot in the arteries or veins and hence stops the hemorrhage. It is very essential that all wounds should be treated antiseptically and I cannot say that I favor washing a wound with water only in cases where the wound is very filthy, and I prefer powder applications in preference to any other antiseptics. The following will be found very effective in the treatment of the majority of wounds: Boracic Acid, two ounces; Iodoform, two drams; Tannic Acid, one-half ounce; Calomel, one dram. Powder finely and mix well. Place in sifter top can and apply two or three times daily.

BLOATING.

A very common disorder in cattle and characterized by a puffed up appearance of the left flank. The cow has four stomachs, of which the rumen is the largest, its capacity being about fifty gallons in the average cow, and it is this stomach which fills with gas when a cow bloats.

CAUSE.—Eating green clover or alfalfa; even when a cow is accustomed to this diet, it may cause bloating if wet with dew or rain; cured alfalfa, moldy or frozen mangles will also produce bloating; the above mentioned foods undergo a process of fermentation which causes excessive formation of gas, and death may result very quickly and may be due to rupture of the stomach or the diaphragm (muscle separating the abdominal and lung cavities), but is more often due to suffocation caused by the distension of the stomach, which becomes so large that it presses the diaphragm forward against the lungs in such a manner as to stop their movement and the animal smothers. When the cow falls, it indicates that one of these possibilities has occurred and death follows quickly.

SYMPTOMS.—Cattle usually bloat suddenly and without warning; the left flank becomes abnormally swollen, back is arched, breathing labored; sometimes the tongue hangs out and the animal bellows. When rupture or suffocation occurs the animal reels, staggers and falls, after which nothing more can be done.

TREATMENT.—No time should be lost. Where the stomach is enormously distended with gas so as to cause the animals to stagger and breathe very rapidly, they should be gagged. This can be easily accomplished by taking a piece of wood about two inches in diameter, and eight inches to one foot long, placing it in their mouth and retaining it in that position by tying a string on each end and placing it back of the ears. If this does not give relief immediately, puncture the left flank about five inches downward and forward from the angle of hip bone. However, puncturing should not be resorted to only in cases where death threatens the animal, as abscesses, infection and severe hemorrhage may follow. A very reliable medical treatment for this condition should be in the medicine chest of every veterinary, such as Pulv. Asafetida, Oil of Turpentine, each one ounce. Place in gelatin capsules. This is a very efficient remedy for the eradication of excessive fermentation of gases in the stomach or intestines.

BLOOD POISON.

(_Pyemia—Septicaemia_)

CAUSE.—Due to a septic infection taken into the blood, frequently found in cows with retained afterbirths, following inflammation of the womb or intestines, wounds and bruises of the skin and frequently found in calves affected with Joint Ill.

SYMPTOMS.—High temperature 103° to 107°F., pulse rapid and feeble, breathing increased, grinding of the teeth, the animal refusing to eat in most cases and ceasing to chew the cud, although there may be great thirst present. Abscesses may form in various parts of the body, the membranes of the eyes and mouth will be injected with blood, giving them a dark red appearance, although in the latter stages of Blood Poison this may change to a yellowish tinge. Constipation or Diarrhoea may be connected with the disease. The animal dies by general emaciation from four to six days after the first symptoms are noticed.

TREATMENT.—Unsuccessful, as when the infection once becomes absorbed in the blood it is always certain that death will follow. If due to injuries or wounds, wash them with Bichloride solution, one part to one thousand parts of water, but if due to retained afterbirth or inflammation of the womb, inject one gallon of distilled water containing five per cent Carbolic Acid. If in young calves, treat the same as under the heading of Joint Ill. If due to inflammation of the intestines, give Hyposulphite of Soda, two ounces; Potassi Iodide, one dram, two or three times a day in their drinking water. When abscesses form, lance them with a clean, sharp knife. If the animal is constipated, place two drams of Aloin, two drams of Pulv. Gentian Root in a capsule and give with capsule gun. If Diarrhoea is present, give Gum Catechu, two drams; Protan, three drams; Zinc Sulphocarbolates, one grain. Place in gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun. Feed warm wheat bran mashes, steamed rolled oats, vegetables and green grass, if possible.

BLOODY FLUX.

(_Dysentery_)

CAUSE.—Chilling of the outer surface of the body. Improper feeding, as contaminated food or water, sometimes connected with parasitic diseases of the intestines.

SYMPTOMS.—Dysentery is a sign of some irritation of the intestines terminating with increased contractions of muscular fibers of the bowels. The fecal matter, if frequently expelled, at first consists of a thick feces, but as the disease progresses the fecal matter becomes very thin and watery tinged with blood and very offensive. When the first signs are noticed the animals show no constitutional disturbances, but later they exhibit abdominal pain by looking around to the flank. At this stage they are very weak, throwing the feet well together, giving the back an arched appearance, and are very uneasy although they may lie down frequently. Temperature elevated from one to three degrees. The animal becomes emaciated and eventually dies.

TREATMENT.—Determine the cause and remove it if possible. Keep the animal quiet. Give pure water to drink in small quantities but often. If the animal will eat, feed steamed rolled oats, etc. Flaxseed tea is very beneficial, as it is soothing to the intestines and assists in removing the irritations. Pour one quart of boiling water on one-half pint of pure Flaxseed, allowing it to cool, then compel the animal to drink it. The following prescription will be found very effective in all forms of Diarrhoea: Tannic Acid, one ounce; Protan, two ounces; Gum Catechu, two ounces; Beechwood Creosote, four scruples; Zinc Sulphocarbolates, eight grains. Make into eight capsules and give one capsule every three or four hours with capsule gun.

BLOODY MILK.

CAUSE.—Bloody Milk may be the result of injury, congestion, inflammation of the udder. Feeding on rich milk-producing food suddenly may produce it. Bloody Milk is also produced in a cow by excitement when in heat or from eating resinous plants or shrubs.

TREATMENT.—It is advisable in most cases to give a physic consisting of two drams of Aloin and Ginger two drams. Also administer Potassium Nitrate, four ounces; Potassium Chlorate, two ounces, made into eight capsules and give one capsule twice daily with capsule gun. If due to rich food, reduce it. If due to eating resinous plants, remove them from the pasture containing such shrubbery. Where congestion or inflammation of the bag is thought to produce it, apply Hot Water Packs, then dry and apply Blue Ointment and Zinc Ointment, equal parts, two ounces. Mix well and rub on thoroughly two or three times a day.

BLUE MILK.

CAUSE.—This condition is due to a germ (the Bacillus Cyanogenes) which may occur in rich milk or cream immediately after being drawn or the germ may find its way into the opening of the teat.

TREATMENT.—Injections into the teat of a solution composed of the following: Hyposulphite of Soda, two drams; Boracic Acid, one dram, dissolved in one pint of boiling water. Permit to cool and inject a small quantity in each teat once or twice a day for three or four days. This will destroy the Blue Milk producing germ without any injuries to the cow udder, or teats.

BRONCHITIS.

CAUSE.—Inhaling irritating gases or foreign bodies. It is commonly seen after drenching from liquid escaping into the windpipe instead of going down the gullet. Animals exposed to cold, wet weather when not accustomed to it frequently develop Bronchitis.

SYMPTOMS.—Loss of appetite, chilling, temperature elevated two or three degrees above normal, ears and legs cold, nose hot and dry, breathing short and labored, painful coughing, slight discharge from the nostrils and saliva oozing from the mouth. If the ear is placed over the lower portion of the neck, a crepitating sound can be heard.

TREATMENT.—Place the animal in a clean, comfortable stall where there is pure air and light but no drafts. Clothe the body if the weather is cold. Hand rub the legs and bandage with woolen cloths. Give inhalations of steam from Hot Water and Pine Tar for twenty minutes two or three times a day. Also administer Nux Vomica, four ounces; Ginger, four ounces; Nitrate of Potash, four ounces. Make into sixteen capsules and give one capsule every four hours. Applications of the following liniment are of some value: Aqua Ammonia Fort., three ounces; Oil of Turpentine, three ounces; Sweet Oil, six ounces. Apply over the region of the windpipe the full length of the neck.

CALF SCOURS.

(_Cholera—White Scours—Bloody Flux_)

CAUSE.—It is produced by a specific germ and is communicated by direct or indirect contact with the germ which may gain entrance into the blood by the umbilical cord at or shortly after birth or through the digestive canal by drinking milk or eating food contaminated with the disease-producing germ. The more common means of spreading the disease is through pails, drinking troughs, etc.

SYMPTOMS.—One of the most deadly forms of Diarrhoea. This usually appears a few days after birth, although in some cases it takes several days for it to develop. Every sign of Diarrhoea is present, as frequent passages of feces of a yellowish-white color, frothy and very offensive in odor. The calf is very dull, weak, back arched, hair rough, eyes glassy and sunken back in their sockets, belly retracted, breathing short and fast. The calf finally lies flat on the side, head resting on the floor or ground with a temperature generally below normal. The calf finally becomes unconscious and death follows.

TREATMENT.—Give Protan, three ounces; Zinc Sulphocarbolates, eight grains; Gum Catechu, powdered, two ounces; Ginger, one ounce; Beechwood Creosote, one dram. Make into eight capsules and give one capsule every two hours until relieved. When the calf will take its feed, if not nursing its mother, see that the milk is pure and the utensil containing it thoroughly scalded with hot water. Keep the animal in clean, sanitary quarters, as quiet as possible for a few days, and if the disease is not too far advanced a good recovery will follow.

CALVING.