Common Diseases of Farm AnimalsCraig, Robert Alexander
Science
Common Diseases of Farm Animals
Craig, Robert Alexander
Veterinary medicine
_The treatment_ of mild cases is to give the animal quiet, well-ventilated
quarters, where it can not injure itself. The animal should be first
subjected to a severe diet and later given easily-digested feed. If it
appears greatly excited, bleeding should be practised. Cold applications to
the head should be used in all cases in the small animals. For internal
treatment, purgatives are indicated. In cases of anaemia, stimulants,
vigorous massage, artificial respiration and injection of physiological
salt solution are indicated.
SUNSTROKE AND HEATSTROKE.--Most writers make no distinction between
heatstroke and sunstroke. The latter is caused by the direct rays of the
sun falling on the animal, and the former from a high temperature and poor
circulation of air in the surroundings. Under such conditions, the physical
condition of the animal and exertion play an important part in the
production of the nervous disturbance.
_The first symptoms_ usually noted are rapid, labored breathing, depression
and an anxious expression on the face. The horse usually stops sweating.
The body temperature is extremely high, the pulse beats weak, the animal
trembles, falls to the ground and dies in a convulsion. Unless measures
directed toward relief of the animal are taken early in the attack, death
commonly occurs. Overheating is rather common in horses that are worked
hard during the extremely warm weather. Horses that have been once
overheated are afterwards unable to stand severe work during the hot months
of the year. Horses in this condition become unthrifty, do not sweat freely
and pant if the work is hard and the weather is warm.
_The preventive measures_ consist in not exposing animals that are fat, or
out of condition to severe exercise if the day is close and hot, especially
if they are not accustomed to it. When handling or working animals during
hot weather all possible precautions to prevent overheating should be
practised.
_The treatment_ consists in placing the animal in a cool, shady place and
fomenting the body with cold water. The cold packs or cold fomentations
should be applied to the head and forepart of the body only. Small doses of
stimulants may be given.
MENINGO-CEREBRITIS.--The discussion of inflammation of the brain and its
coverings can be combined conveniently, as the causes, symptoms and
treatment vary but little. This disorder is met with in all species of
domestic animals, but it is most common in horses and mules. Some writers
state that meningo-cerebritis is more common during the warm season than it
is in the winter. However, this does not hold true in all sections. In the
middle west, this disease is more common in late fall and winter.
_It is commonly caused_ by taking into the body with the feed and water
certain organisms and toxins that are capable of producing an inflammation
of the brain. The infectious organism or toxins are taken up by the
absorbing vessels of the intestines.
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