The American Reformed Cattle Doctor Part 29

DIZZINESS.

Mr. Gunther says, "Sheep are often observed to describe eccentric circles for whole hours, then step forwards a pace, then again stop, and turn round again. The older the disease, the more the animal turns, until at length it does it even in a trot. The appet.i.te goes on diminis.h.i.+ng, emaciation becomes more and more perceptible, and the state of exhaustion terminates in death. On opening the skull, there are met, either beneath the bones of the cranium, or beneath the dura mater,[19]

or in the brain itself, hydatids varying in number and size, sometimes a single one, often from three to six, the size of which varies: according as these worms occupy the right side or the left, the sheep turns to the right or left; but if they exist on both sides, the turning takes place to the one and the other alternately.

"The animal very often does not turn, which happens when the worm is placed on the median line; then the affected animal carries the head down, and though it seems to move rapidly, it does not change place.

When the hydatid is situated on the posterior part of the brain, the animal carries the head high, runs straight forward, and throws itself on every object it meets."

_Treatment._--Take

Powdered worm seeds, (_chenopodium } 1 ounce.

anthelmintic.u.m_,) } " sulphur, half an ounce.

" charcoal, 2 ounces.

Linseed, or flaxseed, 1 pound.

Mix. Divide into eight parts, and feed one every morning. Make a drink from the white Indian hemp, (_asclepias incarnata_,) one ounce of which may be infused in a quart of water, one fourth to be given every night.

FOOTNOTE:

[19] The membrane which lines the interior of the skull.

JAUNDICE.

This malady generally involves the whole system in its deranged action.

It is recognized by the yellow tint of the conjunctiva, (white of the eye,) and mucous membranes lining the nostrils and mouth. We generally employ for its cure

Powdered mandrake, 1 tea-spoonful.

" ginger, 1 tea-spoonful.

" golden seal, 2 tea-spoonfuls.

Mix. Divide into two parts. Give one dose in the morning, and the other at night. An occasional drink of camomile tea, a few bran mashes, and boiled carrots, will complete the cure.

INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS.

A derangement of these organs may result from external violence, or it may depend on the animal having eaten stimulating or poisonous plants.

Its symptoms are, pain in the region of the kidneys; the back is arched, and the walk stiff and painful, with the legs widely separated; there is a frequent desire to make water, and that is high colored or b.l.o.o.d.y; the appet.i.te is more or less impaired, and there is considerable thirst.

The indications are, to lubricate the mucous surfaces, remove morbific materials from the system, and improve the general health.

We commence the treatment by giving

Poplar bark, finely powdered, 1 ounce.

Pleurisy root, " " 1 tea-spoonful.

Make a mucilage of the poplar bark, by stirring in boiling water; then add the pleurisy root; the whole to be given in the course of twenty-four hours. The diet should consist of a mixture of linseed, boiled carrots, and meal.

WORMS.

The intestinal worms generally arise from impaired digestion. The symptoms are, a diminution of rumination, wasting away of the body, and frequent snorting, obstruction of the nostrils with mucus of a greater or less thickness.

_Compound for Worms._

Powdered worm seed, } " skunk cabbage, } equal parts.

" ginger, }

Dose, a tea-spoonful night and morning in the fodder.

DISEASES OF THE STOMACH FROM EATING POISONOUS PLANTS.

_Treatment._--Take the animal from pasture, and put it on a boiled diet, of shorts, meal, linseed, and carrots. The following alterative may be mixed in the food:--

Powdered marshmallows, 1 ounce.

" sa.s.safras bark, 2 ounces.

" charcoal, 2 ounces.

" licorice, 2 ounces.

Dose, one table-spoonful every night.

SORE NIPPLES.

Lambs often die of hunger, from their dams refusing them suck. The cause of this is sore nipples, or some tumor in the udder, in which violent pain is excited by the tugging of the lamb. Was.h.i.+ng with poplar bark, or anointing the teats with powdered borax and honey, will generally effect a cure.