This malady, in its early stages, assumes different forms; sometimes
making its appearance under a high grade of vital action, commonly
called inflammatory fever, and known by the red appearance of the
sclerotica, (white of the eye,) hurried breathing, expanded nostrils,
hot tongue, and dry muzzle, pulse full and bounding, manifestations of
pain, &c. &c. Different animals show, according to local or
constitutional peculiarities, different symptoms.
This disease, in consequence of its assuming different forms during its
progress, has a host of names applied to it, which rather embarrass than
assist the farmer. We admit that there are numerous tissues to be
obstructed; and if the disease were named from the tissue, it would have
as many names as there are tissues. If it were named from the location,
which often happens, then we get as many names as there are locations;
for example, horn ail, black leg, quarter evil, joint murrain, foot rot,
&c. In the above disease, the whole system partakes more or less of
constitutional disturbance; therefore it is of no use, except when we
want to avail ourselves of local applications, to decide what particular
muscle, blood-vessel, or nerve is involved, seeing that the only
rational treatment consists in acting on all the nerves, blood-vessels,
and muscles, and that this can only be accomplished through the healthy
operations of nature's secreting and excreting processes. The
indications of cure, according to the reformed principles, are, to relax
spasm, as in locked-jaw, stoppages of the bladder or intestines,
obstructed surfaces, &c.; to contract and strengthen weak and relaxed
organs, as in general or local debility, diarrhoea, scouring, lampas,
&c.; to stimulate inactive parts, as in black leg, joint murrain,
quarter ill, foot rot; to equalize the circulation, and distribute the
blood to the external surface and extremities, as in congestions; to
furnish the animal with sufficient nutriment for its growth and
development. No matter what the nature of disease may be, the treatment
should be conducted on these principles.
The farmer will overcome a host of obstacles, that might otherwise fall
in his way, in the treatment of joint murrain, when he learns that this
malady, together with black leg, quarter ill or evil, black quarter, and
dry gangrene are all analogous: by the different names are meant their
grades. In the early or mild forms, it consists of congestion in the
veins or venous radicles, and effusions into the cellular tissue. When
chemical action overpowers the vital, decomposition sets in; it then
assumes a putrid type; mortification, or a destruction of organic
integrity, is the result.
_Causes._--Its proximate causes exist in any thing that can for a time
interrupt the free and full play of any part of the vital machinery. Its
direct cause may be found in over-feeding, miasma, exposure, poisonous
plants, poor diet, &c. The milk of diseased cows is a frequent cause of
black leg in young calves. The reason why the disease is more likely to
manifest itself in the legs is, because they are more exposed, by the
feet coming in contact with damp ground, and because the blood has a
kind of up-hill work to perform.
_Treatment._--In the early stages of joint murrain and its kindred
maladies, if inflammatory fever is present, the first and most important
step is to relax the external surface, as directed in article
_Pneumonia_, p. 107. Should the animal be in a situation where it is not
convenient to do so, give the following anti-spasmodic:--
Thoroughwort, 1 ounce.
Lemon balm, 2 ounces.
Garlic, bruised, a few kernels.
Boiling water, 3 quarts.
Allow the infusion to stand until cool; then strain, and give it a dose.