INFLAMMATION OF THE WOMB.
Cause.—Injuries, as bruises, laceration, sustained during calving, especially where the cow is assisted with instruments or hands that are not thoroughly aseptic, an animal retaining the afterbirth which undergoes putrefaction, and consequently sets up an inflammation of the womb, or perhaps the animal may become infected during the act of removing the afterbirth if the operator is neglectful about washing his hands or washing the womb out thoroughly.
Symptoms.—The animal will chill, the temperature elevated two or three degrees, the back will be arched, stiffness of the hind parts, legs, ears and horns cold, nose hot and dry, grinding of the teeth, the cow usually remains standing, ceases to chew her cud, the secretions of milk will be markedly reduced and a day or so after the symptoms appear, there will be a discharge from the womb of a reddish lumpy nature. This becomes thick and yellow containing small particles of flesh, showing that the inner lining of the womb is sloughing. This discharge is very offensive in odor. A cow in this condition requires the best of care or she will die as the decomposed substance in the womb may be absorbed into the circulation and produce Pyemia or Septicemia (Blood Poison).
Treatment.—Give Aloin, two drams; Pulv. Ginger, three drams, place in a gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun. Flush out the womb thoroughly with a tablespoonful of Carbolic Acid to one gallon of water two or three times a day. A convenient instrument for flushing out the womb can be made from an ordinary funnel and a clean hose about four feet long. This answers the purpose of an injection syringe very well. In their drinking water add the following: Hyposulphite of Soda, sixteen ounces; Potassium Iodide, two ounces. Make into sixteen powders and give one powder two or three times a day.
In addition to the above treatment it is necessary to give alteratives and bitter tonics to build up the condition of the animal as soon as possible. The following will be found very effective: Pulv. Gentian Root, four ounces; Pulv. Ferri Sulphate, four ounces; Nitrate of Potash, four ounces. Mix and make into sixteen powders and give one powder three times a day. Place in a gelatin capsule and administer with a capsule gun.
My reasons for giving animals medicine in capsules are:
1. There is no danger of liquids escaping into the lungs, as in drenching.
2. Any drug having any beneficial effects as a tonic is very bitter, consequently the only way the animal will take it is by placing in capsule.