(Bacterial Dysentery—Johne’s 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.
Symptoms.—Diarrhoea, loss of flesh, although the appetite is good, hair becomes dry and harsh, temperature remains about normal. The Diarrhoea becomes persistent and tinged with blood. The animal becomes emaciated and anemic, exhausted, and death follows. This disease may continue for a month or even a year before death takes place. However this is very uncommon. They generally die very shortly.
Treatment.—Separate the affected cattle from the healthy ones. All fecal matter should be deeply buried or burned, the stalls, barnyards, also thoroughly disinfected. Administration of medicine thus far has been unsatisfactory, although a treatment should be directed toward the intestines with internal antiseptics such as Zinc Sulphocarbolates, one and one-half grains; Protan, three drams; Pulv. Nux Vomica, one dram; Bismuth Subnitrate, one dram. Place in gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun. This dose should be repeated three or four times a day. Feed a good quality of food, such as wheat bran mashes or steamed rolled oats and see that the water supply is fresh and non-contaminated.
COLIC.
Cause.—Drinking large quantities of cold water when overheated. However, this disorder is very uncommon in cattle owing to the fact that they are not worked, seldom overheated, and drink water very slowly.
Symptoms.—Kicking or raising of the feet to the belly. Lying down and getting up alternately. Distention of the stomach or paunch with gas. The animal chills or shivers, etc.
Treatment.—Strong stimulants or tonics as the following will give immediate results if administered in its first stages: Pulv. Nux Vomica, two ounces; Pulv. Ginger, two ounces; Pulv. Capsicum, two ounces. Make into eight capsules and give one capsule every two hours until relieved. Give the capsules with capsule gun. If severe bloating accompanies a case of Colic in cattle place one ounce dose of Oil of Turpentine in ounce capsules and give with capsule gun.
CONGESTION OF THE LUNGS.
Cause.—Cattle permitted to stand in drafts when warm after being driven, etc., irritating drugs escaping into the lungs when drenching, as it is very difficult for cattle to swallow when their heads are elevated.