In calves the best method of avoiding fatal results is to prevent the young animals licking one another; and the method now usually practised on well-managed farms consists in applying a simple muzzle of wicker work immediately after each meal.
In lambs treatment is more difficult. As soon as the shepherd sees any tendency to depraved appetite the lambs should only be left with their mothers whilst being suckled. The flock should be exercised in the open, and ordinary salt should be placed at a number of points on the ground occupied by the animals.
COLIC IN THE OX.
COLIC DUE TO INGESTION OF COLD WATER. CONGESTIVE COLIC.
Causation. Congestive colic occurs in the stable, in animals which have been doing heavy work, and, returning in a heated condition, drink large quantities of cold water. It is commoner when animals have not eaten for a considerable time, and when, therefore, the stomach is nearly empty. Under these circumstances chill of the digestive viscera is direct and immediate.
Symptoms. This form of colic occurs suddenly, soon after the water has been swallowed, and is characterised by violent pain. At first the animals show uneasiness, stamp, and continually move about striking themselves in the flank with the feet or horns, swishing the tail, etc. They refuse food, lie down and rise frequently, and paw the ground.
As a general rule this form of colic lasts from half an hour to one hour, and terminates in recovery. In some rare cases where death occurred Cruzel found on post-mortem examination congestion of the abomasum, and, in a few, congestion of the small intestine, with or without rupture.
The diagnosis is easy, on account of the suddenness of onset, rapid development and history of the disease, discovered on questioning the owner or herdsman.
The prognosis is not grave. This form of colic generally cures itself. Nevertheless precautions are required against possible complications, such as intestinal hæmorrhage and invagination.
The necessary preventive measures are self-evident. Animals returning from work should not be allowed to drink freely of cold water, but should first receive a little food and afterwards water at the temperature of the atmosphere.