Part 12 (2/2)

CATARACT OF THE EYE

CAUSE: Is due to deep seated inflammation of the eye produced by an injury or weakened condition of the optic nerve.

SYMPTOMS: If the pupil of one of the eyes appears larger than the other it is well to make a careful examination, as this is the first sign of Cataract. If such a condition is neglected, partial or complete blindness will follow and a white, pearly deposit can be seen on the lens of the eye.

TREATMENT: Very unsatisfactory unless treated carefully when the first signs are noticed. Place the animal in a darkened stable. Feed clean, sloppy food and it may be necessary to give a physic consisting of two drams of Aloin, two drams of Pulv. Ginger, placed in a capsule and given with capsule gun. The following ointment, Yellow Oxide of Mercury, four grains; Lanolin, one ounce, should be mixed well and applied to the eye two or three times a day.

CATARRH

CAUSE: Ill ventilated stables, inhalations of irritating gases or sudden exposure to cold, wet weather, after being accustomed to warm stables.

Most commonly seen in the Spring or Fall.

SYMPTOMS: Chilling and temperature elevated one or two degrees, pulse not much affected, breathing hurried to some extent, sneezing, coughing, dullness and the appet.i.te is slightly impaired. In the first stages the nostrils are very dry and considerably inflamed, but in the course of a few days the fever subsides and a profuse discharge from the nose is observed.

TREATMENT: Place the animal in dry, well ventilated stall, blanket well and supply a good quality and quant.i.ty of bedding. Give inhalations from steam and hot water and Pine Tar. If the animal is constipated, give rectal injections of Soap and Warm Water two or three times a day. Also administer Pota.s.sium Nitrate, Pulv. Nux Vomica, each four ounces; Capsic.u.m, two ounces, and Pulv. Ginger two ounces. Make into twenty-four capsules and give one capsule three or four times a day. This should not be neglected, as neglected Catarrh is liable to be followed by Laryngitis, Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Pleurisy or other diseases of the organs of breathing, which are very serious and sometimes cause the death of the animal.

CHAPPED TEATS

CAUSE: Anything that tends to irritate them. A sudden chilling of the teat in cold weather after the calf has just let it go, or after the operation of milking with wet hands or from an animal wading through deep water or tall wet gra.s.s. Also filth or irritants coming in contact with teats when lying down.

TREATMENT: Remove the cause if possible and dry the teats well after each milking and apply Zinc Oxide ointment. Feed laxative food that is easily digested, as it has a very good effect on the blood, consequently it promotes the healing of wounds.

CHOKING

(Obstruction of the Esophagus)

CAUSE: An obstruction of the Esophagus (gullet) produced by an animal attempting to swallow apples, potatoes, roots, dry grain, etc.

SYMPTOMS: A stringy discharge of saliva from the mouth, violent coughing, wrenching of the head and neck. The animal will bloat very quickly if the Esophagus or gullet is completely obstructed.

TREATMENT: The obstruction as a rule is easily located, and as quickly as possible withdraw the obstruction by inserting the hand and extracting the object. Do not attempt to push the object down into the stomach, except as a last resort, as there is a great deal of danger of rupturing the Esophagus or gullet. Push the object upward by gentle manipulation from the outside. If this fails, a smooth piece of hose about eight or nine feet long, well greased with Lard, b.u.t.ter or Oil, should be pa.s.sed down the Esophagus or gullet. A block of wood about two inches in diameter with a hole bored through the center just a little larger than the hose, placed in the mouth, will prevent the animal from biting the hose, and make the operation easier.

When the animal is bloated severely, puncture with a knife about four or five inches from the point of the hip downward and forward.

CHRONIC DYSENTERY

(Bacterial Dysentery--Jones Disease)

CAUSE: Acid-fast Bacillus resembling the Tubercular Bacillus that invade the intestines by the way of the animal drinking water or eating food containing the Acid-fast Bacteria.

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