MILK FEVER IN COWS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VII, Issue 2008, 5 June 1885, Page 2

MILK FEVER IN COWS.

,In this disease,.says Mr Tinkham, . secretary of fclio Vermbiifc State Dairymen's Association, the animal is usually attacked with milk fever within thirtysix.hours after dropping her calf, and unless relieved will probably be dead in ■-■',- forty-eight hours more. The deepest . milkers, and cows in high condition, are more subject to it than those in, poor flesh, The cause is the pressure of blood on the brain, consequent on the increased amount in the circulation forced to seek new channels by the expulsion of: the. calf, The symptoms are a sudden and entire ceasing of the flow of milk, the eyes becoming bloodshot, she loses al _' interest in her calf, and all care, for it, lies down and can be aroused with dim" culty, loses all power of motion, and death ensues: Sometimes these symptoms are varied tiy violent .mfiriia, the cow being crazy, running against the walls or • other obstacles with entire carelessness. Prevention is the first thing to be looked after. This can usually be keeping the animal in a low conditijß The bowels should be kept open by the use of roots, bran, and, if taeces-. sary, mild cathartics. For several weeks before calving the v .meal should.be taken away if the cow is in full flesh, and rich food avoided. Where the danger is considered great, bleeding may be resorted to soon after the calf is dropped. After the attack the only . remedy which has been found tolerably sure is bleeding. I have never lost a case • where bleeding could be done, but in .advanced stages the blood is thick and dark, ;_, and will not flow. In bleeding, cord the. ."' * heck of the animal tightly, well down.towards the shoulder, when the vein will fill above the cord and show distinctly. Over this the fleam should be held and given a sharp blow with a stick t to .make the opening into the vein. The bleeding should be copious, and the blood caught in some vessel bo as to make sure how much is taken, as a little blood makes a great show if left on the ground. Twothirds of a common pailful—six or eight quarts, should be taken—if bled till they stagger it will do no harm. ,The head should be showered with cold water, or bags of ice applied to it. Move the bowels by physic—a drachm of calomel or a dose of Epsom salts, ■[ .