—Just why bones become soft and frequently are absorbed in normal animals is not known, unless it is due to an absence of some essential bone constituent in the food or water. The disease shows that the bone is absorbed and its structure softened. As a consequence, the bone enlarges, becomes spongy and light.
The disease usually starts as a swelling in the head, hence the name. Often the lower jaws are enlarged, and, as the disease progresses, the legs become affected. At the same time the animal loses weight. The treatment consists of nourishing foods, rich in the mineral constituents. Better consult a veterinarian when the disease is first noticed.
BIG JAW OF CATTLE.
—See [Actinomycosis].
BIG KNEE.
—Often cattle show large bunches over the knees. These may be soft or hard. In cattle these big knees are caused by hard floors, in lying down and getting up. Big knee in horses is a little different, being more in the nature of spavin or ringbone, and in this case occurring at the knee joints. In cattle the bunch may be localized in the flesh and skin. With horses, it is an attack on the bony structure. When first noticed a blister may be used.
BIG LEG.
—See [Lymphangitis].
BITTER MILK.
—Frequently germs get into the udder, and, as a result, bitter milk or blue milk or bad milk results. Sometimes the bad taste of milk is due to the odor in the stable or to the food that the cows get while pasturing. Turnips give a bad taste to the milk, as does garlic or wild onions. If the bitter taste or the blue milk is due to disease germs, then the remedy lies in the destruction of these germs. Just after milking, and each quarter thoroughly emptied, inject a warm solution of boric acid.