BOT-FLIES, GAD-FLIES, FOUNDER, &C.

THE WARBLE OR BOT-FLY

Is about a half an inch in length and somewhat re­
sembles the bumble-bee. It causes great annoyance. In
summer cattle of all ages may be seen galloping furiously
about their pastures, tails uplifted, in a state of great
excitement. Shortly they stop, look around suspiciously,
listen to the buzzing insects, utter a wail, and are off
again.

The female lays its eggs on the back of the ox during
the latter part of May, and from that time on till the

Fig. 130. Warble or Bot-fly
(Œstrus Bovis).

Fig. 131.

Pupa (chrysalis state)
of same.

first part of August. In December the lumps enlarge,
and by spring become about the size of small walnuts.
In May the full-grown warble emerges, remaining in
chrysalis state till about the middle of June.

Remedy.—The ointment of mercury will destroy the
parasite, a portion the size of a pea being enough.

It is desirable that cattle should shelter themselves in
sheds. Shallow pools are also serviceable. It is said that
the bot-fly will not pursue its victim over water. (Gress-
well.)

286

THE DISEASES OF CATTLE.

THE GAD-FLY

Is very different from the warble-fly. It pierces the
skin, sucks the blood and causes great pain. (Gresswell.)

Remedy.—Rub with a mixture of 4 oz. of flowers of
sulphur, 1 gill spirit of tar, and 1 quart of train oil; or
a mixture of spirit of tar, linseed oil, sulphur, and car­
bolic acid.

FOUL IN THE FOOT

Is usually caused by dampness and is greatly aggrava­
ted by dirt and cold. It may, however, be caused by
injuries to the hoof or surrounding parts. Fetid dis­
charges often issue from the cleft of the hoof. Parts of
the hoof may come off, leaving an exposed, bleeding sur­
face, which may suppurate and even ulcerate. Fungoid
granulations may arise and involve the foot and heel.
The fetlock may swell and the general health be affected.
The horn, if growing irregularly, may split, or it may
cause rupture of internal tissues.

Remedy.—Care and cleanliness ; place on level floor,
with slight backward slope of course. Pare diseased horn
and apply linseed poultice. Purge if necessary. Apply
any of these ointments :

1.   Carbolic acid, 4 drams, lard, 4 oz.

2.   Boric acid, 1 part, lard, 7 parts.

3.   Sulphate of copper, finely powdered, 1 part, alum,
finely powdered, 1 part.

4.   Nitrate of copper, 1 part, tar, 6 parts.

Wrap hoof with antiseptic tow or lint. For a list of
antiseptics, see page 31.

FOUNDER

Is uncommon, nor is it of much importance in the ox.
Purge ; rest ; cold water applications ; salines.

Loss of a hoof may arise from other causes than foul
or founder (laminitis), as, for example, catching the foot

DISEASES OF EYES, WOUNDS, FRACTURES, ETC. 287

in a stage-plank in shipping, unshipping, &c. If time is
allowed, a fairly perfect hoof will form.

Cattle are sometimes afflicted with fluke or liver worms.
The latter are from 50 to 100 feet long.

Cattle and sheep have practically the same diseases of
the eyes as horses, which see (pages 136 to 141). Ordi­
nary cases may be treated to advantage, but in severe
cases it is better to fatten and slaughter.

The same may be said of wounds, fractures, sprains,
tumors, &c. The bleeding that usually follows broken
horns may be stopped by pressure or the actual cautery.
Bind a tarred cloth over the orifice.

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