Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 20, Number 9, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 October 1898 — Sore Mouth Among Cattle. [ARTICLE]

Sore Mouth Among Cattle.

A few weeks ago a disease commonly called sore eyes among cattle, assumed an epidemic form in many parts of the state. Now several localities are reporting another disease called sore mouth or sore foot and mouth. This disease made its appearance in the state in the fall of 1891 and, in 1892. Since that time very few cases have been seen. It is a disease that attacks cattle of any age and in few instances horses. It occurs among animals on pasture and is supposed to be due to some condition of the gras*. It is not known to be contagious, but it is a good policy to separate the diseased and affected as a safe precaution. The symptoms are as follows. The animal ceases eating, stands and frequently champs the jaws, and saliva drips from the corners of the mouth. The muzzle has a peculiar brownish hue which extends to the nostrils and to’ the inside of the lips. The inside of the lips, gums, pads and sides of the tongue become reddish. The tongue swells, sometimes to such an extent as to keep the mouth open. There is a very disagreeable odor about the mouth. After a few days the membrane peels off the gums, lips, and tongue in patches, leaving them raw. There is often lameness, and soreness of the teats. The disease runs its course in from six to ten days, during which time the animal will be unable to eat anything hard. The bowels are usually constipated. The treatment is to apply an astringen wash. Tannic acid, one-half ounce; borax, powdered, one ounce; glycerine, eight ounces, and water sufficient to make a quart, has been recommended. A saturated solution of boracic acid is good. Cresoline one-half ounce to the quart of water is also good. Make gruels and sloppy feed for diet. In a few cases this disease has been reported as black tongue. This is a mistake, as black tongue is one form of anthrax.

A. W. BITTING, D. V. M.

Veterinarian. Purdue University.