ROUND WORM.
Cause.—An animal swallowing the eggs of the parasite in food or water which has been contaminated with the feces of infected cattle. There are two species, the large Roundworm measuring from five to fourteen inches in length, the small Roundworm varying in size from one-quarter of an inch to two inches in length. Both the small and large Roundworms infest the intestines of cattle and calves. These worms, especially small Roundworms, irritate the mucous lining of the intestines, which may cause severe inflammation.
Symptoms.—Anemia, appetite variable, diarrhoea, general weakness, dullness and excessive thirst; also a paleness of the visible membranes of the mouth, nose and eye. Worms frequently pass with the feces and can be readily seen by a close observer.
Preventive Treatment.—See prevention of Twisted Stomach Worm.
Medical Treatment.—Withhold all food from eighteen to twenty-four hours. To calves, two to eight months old, give two teaspoonfuls of Turpentine in a pint of milk; to yearlings, give one tablespoonful. Place in gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun. To cattle one year old and over place one ounce in a gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun. This treatment is to be repeated twice during the intervals of ten days or two weeks, which insures the expulsion of the eggs of worms that escaped the first treatment. Also keep salt where cattle can lick frequently.
RUPTURE.
(Abdominal Hernia)
Cause.—This disease occasionally occurs in calves by receiving blows from the cow’s horns on the right flank. After such an accident a swelling forms near the last ribs. This swelling may be either hot and painful or soft to the touch. It can be made to disappear by careful pressure when the sides of the rupture through which it has passed can be felt. On removing the pressure the rupture soon regains its swollen appearance. Similar conditions may also occur in aged cattle, usually due to injuries, such as being kicked by a horse, etc., or due to a weakness of the muscles that are ruptured sometimes during difficult birth.
Treatment.—Feed the animal on laxative food and feed sparingly on bulky food such as hay, straw and grass. Round the edges of a block of wood a little smaller, but the same shape as the rupture. After wrapping with cloth nicely, place it over the rupture, then place bandage around the body. This permits the ruptured muscles to grow together, providing the animal is properly dieted as stated above.
Sometimes a rupture of long standing or a newly produced rupture may be treated by injecting strong solutions of Common Salt around the torn edges of the muscles. This causes the swelling and inflammation, which respectively forces the protruded intestines back and closes the opening. There is some danger attached to this method of treatment, and if attempted I would advise that great care be exercised.