The states-graphic. (Brownsville, Tenn.) 1???-1984, 1917-08-10
PINK EYE IN CATTLE
And HOW TO TREAT
Advice in Regard to Disease; Its Cause
symptoms and Treatment, by
State Veterinarian.

Note-This article was prepared for
and is a part of the July Crop Report
of the department of Agriculture.
Another disease of considerable
economic importance to the cattle in
terests of the state is what is COM
monty termed pink eye" in cattle and
technically known at infectious kera-
tits in cattle. Reports which have
come to this office during the past two
or three weeks indicate that pink eye
is more or less prevalent at this time
among cattle throughout the state, but
this is not unusual, as it is practically
warm weather disease, but at the
same time cases do occur with less
frequency during the winter
Pink eye is an infectious (due to a
GERM eye disease and the rapiditR
with WI, ], - lads through 4 fie.
| In many instances gives strong indi-
cation that it is contagious. 1t has re-
Gently been reported by those who
have been carrying on some investiga-
tional work on this disease, that
causative germ has been isolated and
that they were able to reproduce the
disease upon incubation. 1t should al
so be remembered that pink eye in
cattle is an entirely different disease
from pink eye in horses. There are
some who are under the impression
that this eye trouble in cattle is direct
ly due to the irritating effect of the
sunlight during hot weather. This,
however, is mistake, but on the other
hand on account of its somewhat irri-
tating effect it may yet act as a sec
ondary cause insofar that it may make
the eye more susceptible to the infec-
ton. A consideration of this latter
point becomes quite important when
treating cases of this kind.
Symptoms-The symptoms of pink
eye in cattle are quite characteristic,
beginning with marked watering from
the eyes, more or less swelling of the
eyelids which are held partly or com
pletely closed, especially during the
day, while the animal is out in the open
when the sun is shining, the effect of
which is at this time very painful. The
discharge may at this time become
fiocculent or even contain an admix-
ture OF pus if the attack becomes ex-
tremely severe. The cyeball itself be-
comes very much inhamed and the cor
nea, which at the beginning has
reddish tint, may now become almost
white or yellowish in color and the an
lmal is now unable to see out of the
badly affected eye. In many cases ul-
GERS form on the cornea, which at
times result in perforation followed bv
a protrusion or even a discharge Of the
contents Of the anterior cavity of the
eyeball. While both eyes are usually
there may be a difference n
the severity. On account Of its pain
tul condition there is usually some svs-
Jematlc disturbance resulting in loss of
flesh and in cows a distinct falling off
IN milk seeretions The death rate
from pink eye is very small, but com
pheated cases do at times result fatal
ly.
Course-The length of time which il
takes for this disease to run its course
depends upon the severity of the at
tack. If there are no complications
such as ulcers, perforations. etc, it is
usually a matter of from ten days TO
two weeks until the animal has recov-
cred; otherwise, it may be long-drawn-
out, over period Of several weeks and
may then result in a defective eve and
even partial or complete blindness Of
one or both eyes.
Treatment-The treatment of pink
Eye in cattle is comparatively simple !
I attempted in the beginning. On ac-
cunt Of its apparent contagiousness
he affected cattle should be isolated =
rom the remainder of the herd as soon /
IS it is recognized and kept in a dark
tai during the day and turned out at !
llght IN order to avoid an aggravation Ii