The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1860-07-05
The Cattle Disease--Treatm
From the American Agricuurist

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The Cattle Disease--Treatme
From the American Agriculturist.
Almost the entire country is excited by
the reports of the cattle disease prevaingin
some parts of Massachusetts,. Indeed it
just now seems as if the disease had sudden
ly sprung up in all parts of the country. In
the present excitement it is impossible to ar
rive at any definite opinion as to the nature
and extent Of the disease. During dozen
years past, we have from time to time heard
of single animals, here and there, which,
from the description received, seemed to be
affected similarly to those now diseased in
Massachusetts. We are almost daily receiv-
ing reports from New Hampshire, New
York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, etc.,
Of local diseases among cattle, which are ap-
parently of a similar character. Whether
the disease be the same, or one of the same
general type, or whether fear and imagina-
ton have aided in making out an analogy,
it is not possible yet to decide. We present
here diagnosis, or description of the sylnp-
toms of the disease, as it exists in Massachu-
sets, adopting the language of the report to
the Legislature by Messrs, f. F. Thayer.
Veterinary Surgeon, and George Bates, NJ.
ID.
DIAGNOSIS OF PLEUIo-PSEUMoNIA.
the animals are at pasture at the COM
mencement Of the disease, they will be found,
early in the morning, separated from the
herd, with arched backs, hair rough, and
refusing to eat; while, as the day advances,
they will join the rest, and appear to be in
usual health.
A slight but husky cough will be occasion
ally recognized; and, at times, the breathing
will be increased, as if the animal had made
some extra exertion; and in mich cows
there will also be diminished amount of
milk
AS the disease progresses the cough be-
comes more frequent and husky the respi-
ration is humid; the pulse increased and
somewhat oppressed; the appetite diminish
ed rumination suspended; bowels consti
pated; surface of the body and limbs cold;
rigid and almost immovabie over the ribs;
the animal, upon pressure upon the spine,
finches and is un; bic to bear pressure or
percussion on the sides of the chest or cos
tai regions (or ribs).
In more advanced stages the respiration
is difficult, laborcd, and painful. The ami
NAL frequently lies down; and when STAN
ding, the head is protruded, the mouth COW
cred with frothy saliva, the muzzel cold and
the aspect spiritless and haggard.
On percussing (striking) the affected side,
dull or dead sound usually elected to a
greater or less extent, but this will depend
upon the extent to which the lung has be-
come consolidated, and the presence or alb
sence of fluid in the cavity Of the chest. On
applying the ear to the sides Of the chest,
one or the other is found to be affected
sometimes, though rarely, both are implica-
ted When applied in the region of the dis
eased part, the ear fails to perceive the low,
rustling murmer Of healthy lungs, and de-
tects crepitating sound or rattle, which, as
the case advances towards an unfavorable
termination, becomes duller, and at last, is
altogether inaudible.
An examination Of animals which have
died of Pleuro-P Pneumonia, will present va
rious appearances. The lungs Of the same
animal will show all the different stages of
the disease red hepatization, dark spots,
and an effusion of serum. 80"
The above description of the disease, as
found in Massachusetts,, corresponds with
the symptoms given by English authors,
will enable most persons to decide, wheth-
er any animal is affected with the same or
a similar disease. The following letter, from
a well-known gentleman, who has had much
to do with cattle, will be found interesting
and instructive to those who may have dis
eased cattle. The treatment recommended
it a good one in any case, for disease Of the
lungs, and if it docsno good, it can do no
harm. The immediate separation Of sus-
pected animal from all contact with other
animals should not be overlooked
FoRpHAM, Westchester CO., n Y, June
IA, 1860.
To the Editor Of the american .4gricultur-
ist.
At your request, I give briefly my expert
ence with the Pleuro- Pneumonia or 'cattle
disease" During many years Rasat.ed WftR
a disease very similar in every respect to
that now attracting so much attention in
Massachusetts, and elsewhere. think the
disease has been more or less prevalent in
various parts of the country for at least fif
| teen years past-its virulence depending up
on local causes, weather, etc,-and now that
public attention is attracted to the subject.
we shall doubtless hear of it from all sections
probably in every one of the older States
| Formerly it was confined somewhat to dairy
herds, and it being to the interest of the
milkmen to keep the matter quiet, little was
said upon the subject in the public prints.
| You have doubtless received many individ,
ual letters, describing single animals affected
and asking prescriptio is. I'VE have. Ed.
The disease appears to be among cattle, what
consumption is among men-similar in char