The stock breeders' manual. Breeding, rearing, and treatment of disease in farm stock, including the diseases and accidents incidental to pregnancy and parturition

Preface

I have the honor to answer inquiries every day from the subscribers of the Ohio Farmer and Weekly Plain Dealer, as veterinary editor of each paper. • I may state that the universal circulation of the Ohio Farmer in every civilized country of the world has induced us to publish to every stock breeder the long-felt want of practical information in the plainest language, not only as a treatise on the diseases of the domestic animals, but a preventive of the various diseases to which they are liable. The several chapters, fully illustrated, on dystocia, or abnormal presentation of the young at birth, never has been so plainly laid before the stock breeder by any author, either veterinarian or stock breeder, in America. Therefore we have been induced to respond to the request of many to publish this work.

We do not consider that success and development in the breeding and prosperit}^ of our American fine stock is, or ever has been, achieved by the veterinarian. No! although they lay great stress on the supposed 50,000,000 live stock in the United States, we spurn to lay claim to any such honor. It is to the inteUigence, energy, and good judgment of our American stock breeders alone, who deserve the honor; and would have been done if there had never been a veterinarian on the face of the earth. The losses sustained by our stock breeders, caused by abortion, premature parturition, and.unnatural presentation, are much more serious than any one has anv idea.

We are fullv aware that we have grappled with a serious task, and defects will doubtless be discovered. We have not onlv given practical treatment in disease, diagnosed from the description of the ov\-ner, but we have fully demonstrated, by illustration, the simplest, plainest, and most successful principle, all founded on fortv-three vears'ipractice in the veterinary profession.

Dr. J. T. Stuart, V. S.

Cleveland, Ohio, July i, t888.

Introduction

Obstetrical physiology or parturition of the animal race is so little understood, that I have been induced to offer owners and breeders of stock important information regarding parturition, and saving the life of dam and offspring. I have made the operation of colting, calvmg, lambing, and farrowing, plainly illustrated, as I have found them in my daily practice with the best known plan and practical effort to save both mare and colt, as well as cow and calf. Parturition, with all female life, causes a peculiar change in the system. The anatomy, physiology, and pathology, which are directly related to the process of generation, gestation, and parturition, as well as that act itself, belong to the section of obstetrics to which the designation of dystocia (or difficult parturition) has been given.

We will discuss each of these subjects in the order in which they have come under our practice, commencing with the pelvis and the internal organs of generation.

OBSTETRICAL ANATOMY.

The female organs chiefly concerned in generation and parturition are either entirely or passive, or more or less active, according as they are composed of hard, bony, or soft parts. The pelvis constitutes the hrst, while the second are composed of the organs and structures contained within, or more or less directly attached to it. It also forms the canal or passage by which the foetus has to traverse in order to reach the external world in the act of parturition.

The soft organs are the vulva, vagina, uterus, ovaries, and mamma. The latter furnish the young creature with its proper nourishment immediately after birth. Of these soft organs some are external, and others are internal ; the first are the vulva and mamma, and the second are the vagina, uterus, and ovaries, Th*^. •vagina and the greater portion of the unimpregnated uterus are contained in the cavitj of the pelvis ; and the ovaries, as well as the uterus during pregnancy, are lodged in the abdomen.

This work will commence with an examination of the pelvis in the various domestic animals, beginning with a description of the bones that are in any way involved ; then the ligaments ; and lastly, the osseous structure, which is of great importance when considered as a whole. Afterwards, the external and internal organs of generation will be minutely described and illustrated, and the difference noted in the various species. The equine and bovine species will be taken as the type, and the difference in other species compared with it.

CHAPTER I The Pelvis

Pelvis of the Coa\\

a-ilitjm. b-pubis. c-ischiumen. d-for amen ovale. e-ischiatic spine. f-cotyloid cavity. g-tuberosity of the

ISCHIUM.

The pelvis is a large symmetrical, more or less horizontal cavity or canal, which continues the abdomen posteriorly, with which it communicates in front. It is formed of strong, bony, and ligamentous walls, and contams, and sustains, and protects a portion of the genito-urinary apparatus, as well as the portion of the alimentary canal. It is situated toward the end of the spine, and is supported by the posterior extremities with which it is connected with joints and muscles. For the hind limbs, as well as some of the powerful muscles of the trunk, the pelvis constitutes a most powerful fulcrum or fixed point in various movements. It is one of the mechanical elements concerned in the act of parturition, and its form varies more or less in different species, though its direction is always rectilinear in our domestic animals, and not incurvated, as in the human species.

Section I. — Bones Of The Pelvis

The pelvis is composed of three principal bones, the two coxae, or ossa innominata, and the sacrum, and to a certain extent of the coccygeal, or tail bones. At an early period of life these bones can be subdivided, but after a certain time they become consolidated. Each coxal bone, for instance, is, at an early stage of extra uterine existence, composed of cartilage only; subsequently three centres of ossification appear, and these extend until at birth they coalesce to form three bones which are united by cartilage. In addition to these centres two complementary nuclei are present, one o f which constitutes what is termed the anterior iliac crest or spine, and the iliopectineal line or ridge, and the other the ischiatic tuberosity. After birth the three chief portions of the coxse are completely ossified, and meet in the acetabulum, where they are closely joined, and at the pubic symphysis, where the coxa of one side meets its fellow of the other side. In youth the different parts of each coxa arc very thick, the spong}^' tissue being abundant, and the compact tissue scanty; as the animal advances in age, the former diminishes and the latter increases in density and thickness, the two layers closely approaching each other.

Chapter II

Description and I^ames of the Different Bones of the Pelvis and Difference in the Anatomy Between the Male and Female.

My object in illustrating and showing the pelvis is to show the difference between the space and width of the mare and the cow, the ewe bearing a close resemblance to the cow in that particular, as the hog does to the horse, the hog having a very narrow pelvis, while the ewe has a wide pelvis. The wideness of the calf and lamb across the forehead, and the difference of the fore part of the colt and pig. Nature has made ample provision for the exit from uterine life, to extensions of the lungs and aerated circulation when in contact with the oxygen of the air.

Section II

The coxa or os innominatum is a porous bone, there being one on each side; it belongs to the trunk through its concurrence in the formation of the pelvis, and also of the posterior limb, of which it constitutes the first ray or haunch. I have shown and explained the cotyloid cavity or acetabulum in which the corresponding articular head of the femur is lodged and moves, where hip joint lameness is the seat either by fracture or dislocation; the cervix or part of the femur bone of the lO THE STOCK BREEDERS MANUAL.

thigh is sometimes injured by an animal being backed against a post or other obstruction, or by a sudden or severe fall. All tend to cause injury to the cartilage that surrounds the edge of the cup or condyle of the pelvis or cervix of the femur bone. Fracture of the pelvis is often seen in the cow, and is caused by being too rapidly driven into the stable or barn; striking the side of the sill, because it projects beyond the square of the ribs. In some cases where the pelvis at B is fractured from the outside, it seriously interferes with parturition, and unless the pelvis is small, death is the result; but if the operator can cut the foetus to pieces, called embryotomy, without injury to the dam, then her life may be saved.

I would not recommend breeding from any animal, however well-bred, where the ilium is fractured, not interfering with the pelvis space, no trouble will result. The ilium, or hook bone, as it is better known, gives its name to the region it occupies. It is the largest of the three bones, as well as that bone which is most elevated. Its external or superior face, or dorsum, is marked by some muscular imprints, and is curved in its parts to form a concave space, the external iliac fossa which lodges the gluteal muscles. The internal or inferior face, or venter, offers a smooth external portion ; the iliac surface into which is implanted the iliac fossa or iliacus muscle; and the internal diarthrodial surface, most apparent from behind. The articular facet for articulation with the sacrum. Figure 4 shows a fracture at the ilium, outer edge, at H in the illustration, which has been injured by contact with the side of the door post and fractured at the part where the bone has the least protection and is driven into the space against the rectum at I, interfering- with the act of parturition. This specimen is that of a year old heifer which I advised for beef instead of keeping in the herd for breeding purposes. I think I have never seen a more successful case than when I spayed several heifers. One of them had the hook bone knocked in. She made beef at the rate of one and three-fourths pounds a day from the time she was spayed. She was weighed by the owners one week after, and her weight at that time was not included. Some weeks they averaged two pounds, and others again one and one-half per day. They were sold in Cleveland for beef and gave a fair return to the owner and good result to the butcher. The author had the honor of an invitation to a banquet where the beef Avas served in fine style. Every one of the twenty gentlemen present gave it as their opinion that spaying will some day become a necessity in order to attain the highest price for the sweetest and finest quality of beef. It is to the butcher as the capon is to the poulterer. Beef at twenty-five and one-fourth cents per pound, easy fed, gives the best return, and most satisfaction to feeder, seller, and consumer.

Chapter III

Bones of the Tail of the Mare and Vaginal Cavity. As the coccygeal bones of the tail of our domestic animals are so seldom referred to, either in health or disease, it will not be out of place to give the following remarks a prominent place here. The bones of the tail of the mare in number are from fifteen to eighteen, immediately behmd the sacrum, the first three of which ought properly to belong, to the pelvis, as they form the base of the tail. They are small, cylindrical, or irregularly prismatic pieces, and there are several diseases that take place by accident, and are otherwise caused by injury, which will be more fully described later in this work. The difference again between the cow and mare is this, that the coccygeal bones are stronger and more tuberous ; they are from sixteen to twenty in number. The pelvis of the cow is, therefore, more developed than that of the mare, and has more extensive bony walls. My object is to show that the form and direction has a notable influence in the mechanism of parturition. As I have before stated, the pelvis of the ewe greatly resembles that of the cow, the difference being that the pelvis of the ewe is more horizontal and straight.

The pelvis ot the pig resembles that of the mare. The crest of the ilium is convex, the pubis is narrow, and the ischium, instead of a crest, has a tuberous prominence. The sacrum is formed of four vertebrae, which are not consolidated for a longtime, and we have sometimes a difficulty to discover where it ends and the coccyx begins. The spinous processes are absent, and the neural arch being deficient on each side, the spinal canal is open above. At this particular part the sciatic nerve is pn)minent, which accounts for paralysis of the hind legs taking place after parturition as in cases of milk fever or excessive straining. The sciatic nerves, placed, as it were, in close proximity to any pressure in the pelvic circle, are acted on by the action of the foetal life, and cause cramps to pregnant animals towards their time of parturition. In the operation of parturition I will refer to this particular point so as to define clearly the relief of severe pains during the process.

The cavity of the pelvis is the space between the inlet and outlet. In the human species it lodges nearly the whole of the uterus, and in the early days of pregnancy the foetus also. This is not the case with the domestic animals, owing to the difference in attitude, until the act of parturition carries the progeny there. With its two openings the pelvic cavity is capable of more or less increase in capacity in different directions, through relaxation of the pubis and sacro-iliac articulations, and sacro-sciatic ligaments. The yielding of the latter is very noticeable in the larger animals, immediately belore parturition, as well as the elevation of the coccyx by the body of the foetus in its passage outward. It is also a fact that the pelvis widens permanently in aged animals that have had young frequently in progression, and is due to persistent relaxation in the articulations above described. When assistance is required, always bear upon the lower part of the pelvis, as by drawing straight the difficulty becomes more complex and serious, first, by pressure on the upper part of the ilium, causing unnecessary pain to the dam, and second, running a risk of injury to the back of the young, whereby numerous inquiries are received for reply to the effect of paralysis to the back, the colt or calf not being able to stand up for the first week after birth. The ischium, immediately above the obturator foramen, rises abruptly to almost a right angle ; this is the narrowest part of the canal, and here it is that the foetus is obstructed in small females which have been impregnated by larger animals than their own breed. We find that the small-boned, narrow-ribbed Texas is not a suitable mare to be bred to a large Clyde or Percheron. Good judgment is required in the breeding and the management, so as to be a success. We want well sprung, round ribs, and wide hook-bones as a matter of safety in parturition.

The subject of pelvimetry is of great importance to the stock-breeder, because, by understanding the structural development, he is able to see the propriety of acting according to circumstances in the case, as the less value of animal life leads the operator, when in difficulties, to sacrifice the colt or calf rather than endanger the life of the mother. All appliances and instruments will be illustrated in this work in the proper place as we go on.

Professor Chauveau, in his measurement of the mare's pelvis : ^T do not see it at all necessary in this work to enter into detail, as among our largest, as well as the smallest of our domestic animals, there is so wide a difference. I have seen a broad set, low leg mare throw a large colt, and a cow the same. When full grown the mother was quite dwarfed, when standing side by side, so any further loss of space need not be taken to illustrate that part any further than to state that the shape of the mare is not fully developed till she has brought forth young."

CHAPTER IV. (EsTRUM Evolution, or the Season of Heat

In some breeds of cattle we find the season of evolution appears earlier than others. The small breeds are the only class that seem to produce this offspring with in the year. Among those of that description that have shown themselves productive at so early a stage in life are the Shetland, Skye, Jersey, Alderney, Stark, and Jersey, although, as a rule, the larger breeds are not so susceptible to evolution. I am not an advocate for premature breeding, as the rule holds good that with a small, weak dam to begin with, weak offspring is often the result. It is always best to breed from mature animals, say the heifer to be always one year old before conception, so that she may be one year and nine months old when she has her first calf. And if a good habit is to be formed by early maturit}^ then I consider that is early enough. When the heifer comes in heat see that she is kept from the rest of the stock in order to avoid the many evils that often happen by a heavy animal interfering with her, where several animals have been ruined for life by having their backs or hind parts sprained. The proper way is to remove the young heifer to a quiet place for a few hours, till she is cool. Then served quietly, returning again, and keeping her quiet for at least ten hours before allowing her to go with the rest of the herd, as if she be returned to the herd before the evolution is cooled off, by her jumping other cattle and creating a secondary excitement, she will cast the semen, and she is then in a precarious state to conceive again. Then the art of the empyric is called in to fool the owner by acting the juggler, by opening the womb. What a power of sound reasoning is against such abnormal practice ! I do not intend to devote a single line in this work to show up the fallacy of argument against it, as any reasoning stock-owner can see the folly of it. Always serve a mare or cow on an empty stomach ; it is natural practice with all animals, either wild or domestic. No animal can settle to eat till nature is satisfied. Therefore, they must have an empty stomach. A wild animal will go into retirement after conception, and a domestic animal the same if they have the same facility.

Keeping a heifer light of food for ten hours after conception is all in her favor. In eighteen days she ought to be looked after. Should there be any signs of annoyance from any of her associates, have her removed so as to prevent any trouble. If the bull is all the time with the stock at pasture, then he will attend to her and keep the cows from interfering. The heifer now being with calf, a change has become visible. She becomes more quiet, seems to rest more quiet, either in pasture or in the barn, and lies more, and seems to spend more of her time ruminating. The mesenteric glands begin to swell, the milk veins fill up, her udder begins to swell, and the teats to elongate. When within three months of her time the udder will have undergone a decided change, as it will have taken on an inflamrnatory appearance. Some days it will appear as if it was creating great suffering, while the whole system is undergoing a peculiar change, preparatory to parturition. Again, at another time, she looks as if she had forgotten the promise and gone back against production. The sure symptom is when the pelvis bones give way, when she must be watched as in all cases of parturition. Whenever the feet are seen making their appearance through the placenta in the vagina, the sooner assistance is rendered the better, as the less strainmg, the less exhaustion, and more strength is saved ; and last, but not least, less suffering. It is seldom that there is need for more than one person if properly attended to. Should the heifer be lying, see that everything is clean. Go quietly up to her, break or burst the placenta or water bag ; then seize the feet of the calf with both hands, then take a piece of cloth

in each hand, and take hold of the feet, drawing slowly towards the udder. Whenever the heifer assists by

straining, see that you are making progress. If you

find that you are not making progress toward delivery,

now is the time to call for an assistant. If she

should rise to her feet, place a bunch of straw behind

her, so that the calf may not be injured when on

to the ground. Draw the fingers through the calf's

mouth, so that there may be no interference to prevent

breathing. If the calf is to be suckled, then be very

careful in placing the young thing before the heifer. A

very good plan is to sprinkle a little oatmeal or bran

with salt over the calf before giving to the dam, so she

will lick it clean and dry. Milk the cow clean in every

case, and if the heifer has been tied by the head, as is the best way, assist the calf when it begins to walk, to suck, and if the heifer is turned into a box stall for a day or two, where she can have liberty to admire and lick her offspring, she may be turned to pasture if in season, and the pasture dry. But do not turn out a newcalved cow on wet grass. Let her remain two hours the first day, and longer every day after if she is doing well. One thing, above all others, must be attended to, that is, to see that the bag is milked clean several times a day ; as if left entirel}^ to the calf, there is often more than the young thing can take, and the result is often garget or inflammation of the udder. The reason why I so earnestly charge my readers on this point is, that sometimes the calf will suck the teats of one side clean, while he will not suck the teats on the other side, and one or other of the quarters becomes the prey to udder clapp or garget. When the teat is drawn, it will only yield curdled milk, or worse, a kind of slimy scum. [See Treatment of Garget.] If the calf has to be taken away from the dam, she will require to be milked not less than three times a day, as has been her wont, and see that her udder is at all times kept in a healthy condition.

CHAPTER V. Generation and Conception

In entering upon the field of generation and conception, and illustrating the generative organs of the mare, I know that I hold views quite contrary to some of those supposed to be understood by breeders and stock-owners generally, but as proof of the correctness of the same I shall make every point plain, and show the fallacy of opening the neck of the uterus in preparation for the reception of the male.

CHAPTER VI. Generative Organs of the Mare

The genital organs of the female are much more complicated than those of the male from the far greater share they take in the process of generation. They are usually described according to their situation, as external or internal, or from their function as copulative and formative.

Proceeding from the exterior to the interior these organs may be enumerated as follows : The vulva, and mamma or mammary glands, the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. We will describe these in the above mentioned order, taking the mare again as the type, and indicating the difference in the other domestic animals.

Part I — The Vulva

The external orifice of the generative organs, the vulva, appears as a vertically elongated slit, situated beneath the anus, between the perineum and ischial arch, and the posterior margin of the two hind quarters. It presents two thick lips or labia, and two commissures, externally; and internally it forms a cavity, which is confounded with that of the vagina, and extends beyond the meatus urinarius. The limit between the vulva and vagina is not perceptible in the adult, but is always conspicuous in the foetus. The labia vulvas or lips are usually in contact with the rimse vulvae, although they vary in size, according to age and condition. They are slightly prominent and thick, being composed of fine, smooth, flexible, and elastic tissue, which is covered with fine, smooth, unctuous skin, destitute of hair, but rich in pigment in the majority of animals. Internally, they are covered with mucous membrane, a continuation of that lining the vagina, and which is constantly lubricated by a greasy mucus, possessing a special odor, according to the species of the animal ; on the free border of the vulva this membrane and skin meet.

Part II

At the junction of the labia above and below are the commissures, due to this junction. The superior commissure is situated close to the anus, from which it is only separated by a narrow space, the perineum. The cavity of the vulva sometimes contains the hymen, which separates it from the vagina at a certain period of life; it also contains the meatus urinarius, and its valve, as well as the clitoris. I now leave what I might add, an amount of other explanation, which, I think, is unnecessary in this case. Suffice it to say, that there are no labia in the lower animals. The posterior constricter of the vulva is very powerful in acting duringcopulation ; it contracts the vagina and compresses the penis, by reason of its attachment to the clitoris, etc.

Part III

It is at this point, for reasons I may give, that I decline to explain further, but object very seriously to the principle of some breeders performing artificial amorosity while, if the animal is affected with the heat, or symptoms of evolution, there is no need of interfering with nature. Conception is impeded, and even abortion is aggravated by such wanton interference.

Part IV

The clitoris is more especially the seat of venereal excitation during coition. It is present in all domestic female animals, and is always erected while they are in heat, as well as in the act of copulation. The clitoris is abundantly supplied with nerves, which endow it with most acute sensibility, and the mucous membrane enveloping it is usually dark colored or marbled, though in white mares and horses it is, or may be, colorless. The meatus urinarius is the orifice of the urethra, which is a very short canal in the female. This canal passes immediately beneath the anterior sphincter muscle of the vulva, and after a brief course (about two inches) in the textures composing the floor of the vagina opens into the vulvar cavity at from four to six inches from its exterior. This opening, which is the floor of the cavity, is covered by a wide duplicature of the lining membrane that acts as and is designated, the valve of the meatus or vaginal (valvula vaginas). Its free border is turned backwards, and it would thus appear to direct the urine toward the external opening of the vulva, and prevent its reflex into the vagina. We have several French and German authors that consider that this valve is more extensive when the vagina is narrow, and is more prominent when the female is young. Author Brugone was of opinion that it was attached to the upper surface of the vagina by a small cord, and that it was the rupture of this by the forced entrance of the penis which caused the slight flow of blood from the vulva observed in mares put to the horse for the first time. This is, without doubt, the hymen to which he refers — a membrane found in the filly, though not in the mare, or at least seldom, but which, when present, separates the vulvar from the vaginal cavity. This membrane forms a circular partition fixed by its circumference to the vulvo-vaginal walls along with the valve of the meatus, and is perforated by one or more openings, which are sometimes very small.

Part V

Not infrequently old brood mares show in this situation pediculated appendices, which are the debris of the mucous diaphragm. The urethral orifice of the mare is wider than that of the horse, and it will readily admit a much larger catheter. In passing that instrument it is well to remember that the urethral canal curves forward and downward, and that the valve must be raised either with the instrument or the point of the fore finger before the passage can be entered. I speak more plainly of this part of veterinary education, as I have come in contact with several veterinarians that could not draw the water from the horse, either because they had not the proper instrument, or did not know how to use it, while the horse suffered most severe pain for over two hours till I relieved him. After he was relieved he shook himself like a dog that had been wet by swimming in the water. I will here give a point that is generally unknown to horse-breeders. It is this. The labia usually exhibit as many wrinkles or folds as the mare has had colts. That was delineated in cases of post-mortem. Durmg the oestrum, or especially toward the termination of pregnancy, the labia become tumefied and soft, the interior commissure descends, the vulvar opening is enlarged, and from it is discharged a quantity of tenacious, stringy mucus.