ANIMAL AILMENTS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5278, 23 February 1878, Page 2 (Supplement)

ANIMAL AILMENTS.

The subjoined'condensed extracts are taken from the best authorities on veterinary matters, and will doubtless prove of Interest to farmers and stock-raises generally : ' KINOBONE. ' The most effectual and speedy cure can be effected by the application of a red hot iron properly applied ; but if you don’t like this; mode of treatment, clip the hair off the dis-' eased tissue, then wash the skin, dry, and apply a_ blister composed of powdered cantbarides, biniodide of mercury, and euphorbium,; of each one drachm ; palm oil, three ounces. Mix, and rub in about half an ounce once a month, for three applications. STIFLE LAMENESS. ; Colts or young horses are apt, generally frora the wearing away of the too, to have dislocation of the knee-pan, which slides off the condyles at almost every step. The affection being of frequent occurrence, it is probably due to a relaxed state of the ligaments connected with the joiht. It is a disorder which passes awayor abates as age advances, and is rarely seen ;* v full-grown horses. If there should be

any pain or tenderness present, it will be proper to use cold applications:to the parts ; then resort to stimulants, such as hartsorn liniment. The animal should be kept on level ground, and not be exposed to the causes of displacement of the knee-pan, such as hilly or heavy ground, &c. In protracted cases it will be necessary to keep the animal entirely at rest, indoors, and to apply a blister. HIDEBOUND. When the skin is covering unyielding structures, it is tightly bound down ; but over the greater part of the body it is loose, and, in parts thrown into folds. In a healthy animal, even a thick skin is supple and yielding. It is loose and elastic in the young ox that is laying on flesh without difficulty ; but in the horse, ox, or other animals out of condition, or suffering from disease, the skin becomes tight and unyielding ; it cannot be raised, and the animal in such a case is called hidebound. As the causes of this so-called hidebound are various, the same treatment cannot always be effectual or afford relief. In some oases diuretics will be necessary; in others alternative medicines will be required, or both may bo used alternately. The following powders will act on the kidneys and secretory organs.— Nitrate of potash, two ounces and a half ; sulphate of iron, and common rosin, of each ten drachms ; juniper berries, six ounces. All in powder, to be well mixed, and divided into twelve parts, one of which may be given night and morning, mixed in the food. The following alterative powders may be given the next week : Hour of sulphur, one pound ; sesquisulphuret of antimony, half a pound ; powdered nitrate of potash, a quarter of a pound. Mix and divide into twelve parts, one part to be given morning and evening, mixed in the food. CABB OF COWS. A correspondent of the ; Country Gentleman, writing on the care of cows, says :—lt is very important that cows are well provided for in every way to afford them the greatest comfort —-the most essential point to be considered by the dairyman. The cows must be made quiet and comfortable ; pure water, from springs or pumps, is of great importance, and shade sufficient for a retreat from the burning sun in the heat of the day. The necessity of pure water is too often overlooked. . The cow, panting with heat, is forced to the stagnant puddle, or pool, covered, perhaps, with \ green scum,. And when to be milked, she is often hurried from the pasture by dogs or inconsiderate boys, and the little milk in her bag is in a poor condition to,furnish her inhuman owner with milk from which a good butter can be made. The material for choice butter must firsts be manufactured from the cow. Her general health must be secured by an abundant supply of blood and flesh producing elements in all she eats and drinks. If the blood is pure, the whole system is in a healthy state. From her blood the milk is produced. If one is impure, so is the other, no matter what the cause may be, and the causes can be numbered by scores. There are many ways that cow’s blood can be affected by neglect in winter, as in summer. If the cow is cared for in every particular—the kind and quantity of food and drink, suitable stabling in winter, and kind and generous treatment in all things towards her, she will return these with compound interest in the pail. Where there are defects in the milk from any cause whatever, no skill of the dairyman can make good butter out of it. The way of producing the milk has been too much neglected; When the milk is sound and pure there is little left to the knack of butter making. Perfect cleanliness in everything the milk and cream comes in contact with, and pure sweet air, free from all offensive odours, are the essentials after milking. The real knack of butter making commences before drawing the milk from the cow. Take good care of the cow, and the most needful reform is commenced.