THE ANATOMY OF THE COW.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 29 July 1924, Page 8

THE ANATOMY OF THE COW.

I INTERESTING I’B ACTICAL DEMONSTRATION AT MAY GATOR I. BY MR. E. B. WOOD. A large gathering was present during the lecture and demonstration given, in response to the request of the Ala n gat ok i and Matapu branches of the Farmers’ Union, by Mr E. B. Wood (Government Veterinarian) at Mr T. Perry’s farm, Mangatoki. A cow, given for the purpose by Mr Perry, was killed ana partially dissected by Mr Wood, who made use of the carcase to illustrate the various subjects treated. Throughout a period of approximateliy five hours Mr Wood held the interest of his auditors, who were enabled to acquire a great deal of expert information which should prove highly beneficial to them as farmers and breeders of dairy stock. The demonstration proper, which was preceded by a general discussion, commenced at II a.m., the gathering adjourning for half an hour at 12.30 to the hall, where luncheon was served by a ladies’ committee consisting of Mesdames "VV. E. Carter. H. Thrush, and C. McGuinness. The ladies were accorded a hearty vote of thanks, on the motion of Air W. E. Carter, president of the Mangatoki branch. In his opening remarks, Mr Wood intimated that throughout the lecture and demonstration he would endeavour to refrain from employing involved technicalities requiring the understanding which come only through an intimate knowledge of veterinary work, and would try to confine himself toi the illustration of operations within the power of the averages practical farmer. He opened the demonstration with an exposition of the use of the “humane killer” with which he killed the cow subsequently used, the operation being instantaneous. "Using the instrument, he explained that the bell-shaped muzzle should he placed on the centre of the animal’s forehead about an inch above a line drawn across the top of the eyes. From this position, providing the head were properly aligned, the bullet passed through the braiu and into the spinal column, instantly rendering the animal unconscious and paralysing the limbs, bleeding being effective by severing, the two large arteries leading forward from the heart. Comparing this with the ordinary revolver method, he stressed the necessity, in order to avoid suffering to the animal, of ensuring instantaneous deaf h and showed how the revolver bullet was liable to the deflected, and fail to do the work as expeditiously. After the carcase had been skinned, it was hung horizontally from a crosspole with the four feet touching the ground, -this position giving’ the best' facilities for dissection and examination.

Mr Wood then devoted considerable time to the subject of treating a cow in trouble in calving, stating causes which might be looked for when the cow was unable .to deliver the calf naturally. He explained that prior to birth the calf made two and a half turns, its final position being with the head facing the back of the cow. Through fright or mishap sustained by the cow, the final turn might be incomplete, or one, or both, limbs might ,be doubled or twisted unnaturally. In attempting to remedy these defects by using the hand it would be found of great benefit if an anaesthetic could be administered, as tli# cow would then lie dormant, and would not, by straining, make the task more difficult, and if the faulty positions were remedied, would' be able to relieve itself on revival. It it were found impossible to get the calf away whole, one of the legs should be removed by cutting round, or across* the shoulder. If the calf were the wrong way round one of the hind legs should, of course, be cut away. This would allow moire freedom for using the hand, and shoula permit of the calf being removed without further difficulty. In the case of twin calves, it would be obvious that both could not be removed together. One would have,to be pushed back so as to allow them to‘ be taken way separately. It was very necessary, however, that the calf should be removed slowly, as nearly as passible an accordance with the natural process. When functioning naturally, the passage closed as the calf left it. This would not happen if the calf were removed forcibly or rapidly, the result being that an inrush of air would take place. This must be avoided, as the air was highly charged with bacteria, providing the seed of disease which might prove fatal to the cow. To replace the natural lubricant which would probably have been previously expended, oil or glycerine could be used. Water, heated to blood (temperature, might also be used, but he did not, advise the use of milk, as it lacked the required lubricating properties.

Dealing with drenches, which wero often used after calving, Mr Wood said the old system of sprinkling the calf directly after birth with salt, which would be licked and absorbed by the cow, was to be preferred. The average drench immediately lowered the blood pressure, and consituents of the blood, which, though sometimes advisable, should be avoided at this critical time, as it acted as a set-back to the beast’s condition. On the other hand, common salt helped to strengthen it, and a drench containing more of that commodity and less ot Epsom salts would receive his commendation. In answer tc. an inquiry, Mr Wood also dealt with the question of washing the cow out after calving. If the co\> had experienced o normal calving washing should not be done. Sometimes, however, washing was very necessary. If- pus or other uncleanliness were detected,' the cow should be washed out twice a. day with a weak solution, heated to blood temperature, of, (Jondy's fluid, containing permanganate of potash, the washing to be continued until the cow was thoroughly cleansed. A good test was to dip the fingers into the solution.. If the nails turned brown it indicated that the solution was too strong. The solution should not be used from the mixing vessel, as the dregs were liable to prove too strong and cause irritation. The use of a syringe was not advisable, as it was liable to force the fluid into the womb. A rubber tube inserted in the passage and filled from a funnel would effect the desired result without incurring this risk. Asked if a solution of Jeyes’ fluid or lysol could not be used equally well, he said the solution of permanganate of potash was much preferable to either.

In removing the shoulder previous to disclosing the internal organs, Mr Wood referred to shoulder dislocation, stating that what- wa.s often regarded as dislocation was merely the displacement of a ligament which caused a swelling. A real dislocation was practically impossible without a fractured bone. when, of course, the animal, especially a, horse, would lie rendered useless, as the shoulder and limb would always remain stiff. With a horse, the best cure for a displaced ligament would he found in .swimming, the .action thus entailed causing it to resume its natural position. With a cow the best thing to do was to allow it. to rest.

Illustrating the “puncture" method oi' relieving a “blown 55 cow, Mr Wood inserted a tube-sheathed needle in the animal s side, the needle on withdrawal leaving the tube, which allowed the gas to escape. In choosing the spot for the puncture, he selected the highest point of the swelling, approximately mufway between the hip bone and rear rib. Before removing the tube he stressed the necessity for first reinserting the needle, thus closing the tube and preventing the entry of the "following gas between the muscle tissue and the wall of the abdomen. 'Phis was highlv important, as the gas would naturally contain unclean matter liable to set up poisoning in the membrane of the wall. He also demonstrated puncturing with a- knife, showing that it should be inserted in a flat position, then turned on its side to give egress to the gas. and finally withdrawn in the origtnai position. Continuing, he said that* the trouble could .often be relieved without resorting to puncturing. A couple of tablespoonfuls of bicarbonate of soda diluted in water would usuallv have the desired effect. The soda, was a direct antidote, and had the effect of neutralising the gas which was not belched up as the result of its use. He strongly disapproved of dosing with turpentine, stating that it caused intense irritation to the throat and lungs, and instaneijm cases where its use had been attended with fatal results. It- was also exceed-’ ingly foolish he give turpentine to horses afflicted with colic, as was sometimes done. In that ease relief could be given'by using tincture of opium and chlorine, Mr Wood then opened the thoracic cavity by cutting away the ribs, and disclosed the left lung and heart. Removing the lung, he pointed out that it was separate from the other lung, having no connection with it except by the communication pipe, and explained that by so separating them nature endeavoured to protect each from disease contracted by the other. Dissecting the lung, he detected a number of small nodules showing the presence of pasteurolosis, a common form of bacteria picked up from the ground. Mr Wood explained that the complaint was a common one in cattle. It did not seriously affect them, however, and though its symptoms were a cough, it was not in any way connected with tubercular disease.

Referring to the heart, Mr Wood drew attention to its position in line with the centre of the body, showing that it was not, as was sometimes believed, placed on one side. He also indicated the position of the arteries referred to when bleeding the animal, pointing out that by severing them as close as possible to the heart the more rapid bleeding was assured. He further showed the blood circulation to the different parts of the body, and also indicated the nerve which, through paralysis, caused the cartilage and muscle governing the vocal chord to fail in functioning, this resulting with horses in the complaint known as “roaring. 55 In the course of further interesting remarks he referred to pericarditis, an inflammation of the heart membrane, often caused in animals through swallowing sharp metal objects which ultimately found their way to'the heart region, setting up inflammation, proving ultimately, though not necessarily instantly, fatal. A peculiarity concerning this was that the heart, when listened to through a stethoscope, made a sound similar to pealing bells.

The use of the probang to remove an obstruction in the alimentary canal or for reaching the .stomach was interestingly demonstrated, the spectators being able to note its passage, as a considerable portion of the canal was exposed. The probang was inserted through a pierced stick fastened in the mouth. In using it Mr Wood stressed the importance of the beast’s head being kept straight during the operation. As a means to assist the animal in swallowing the obstruction when it was below the gullet, he recommended fastening a stick in the mouth, thus producing a flow of saliva, while further aid could be given by administering a pint of linseed oil mixed with a small quantity of chloride or tincture of opium, the function of the oil being to act as a lubricant and the other ingredient would, tend to ease .the pain. . ken referring briefly to the functions of the stomach and intestines, Mr Wood discussed the question of horse feeding, and stated it was highly important that the animals should not be permitted to drink for at least an hour after feeding. He explained that if the animal were allowed to drink during or directly after feeding the water washed the food away from the stomach before the digestive juices •secreted there had fully functioned, the result being that the food was not properly digested and the animal failed to receive its nourishment. The poor condition shown by some horses which were given plenty of feed was very oiten due to injudicious drinking.

indicating the position of the womb, Mr Wood drew attention to the suspensory ligament, illustrating how, through mishap to the animal, the ligament was liable to injury, as the result of which it would be unable to support the organ. This resulted in the calf being dropped to one side and the cow being afterwards unable to breed. He removed the womb and explained its function.

Froiii a. .'-pot clow to the kidneys Mr Wood extracted a small suoerineal capsule, stating that it was an object of considerable interest to students of animal physiology, as its natural use was unknpwn. It had been found, however, to contain certain valuable properties which had proved verv effective m stopping internal bleeding'. As a cure for lungworm in cattle Mr Wood demonstrated the use of chloroform by administering a dose to a calf belonging to Mr Perry. Mr Wood ponied a few drops of chlorotorm into a leather muzzle fastened over the nostnls He intimated that a svringe should be used to put the chloroform into the muzzle. ■ Care should be taken to see that an overdose was not given. a : s hull the germ the anaestheticshould be breathed bv the animal for some time while still conscious. He removed the muzzle as soon as the calf proved unable to stand, explaining that total insensibility was not necessary. Ihe treatment was usually found to be most effective, but should not he given if the animal was affected with°c-as-tritis.

Mr Wood concluded with a dehorn in ooperation, performed with a saw. One horn was cut diagonally from its outside edge in a line towards the top centre of the skull, keeping as close as possible to the skull. Mr Wood explained that if the cut were made in "the manner shown a lesser amount of tissue, or (juick. would he encountered than if the hoi n wore cut higher up. He demonstrated this by sawing the other horn a little further away from the skull, whereas the latter showed tissue all through, the centre of the former cut was hollow, Mr Wood stating that with the larger amount of tissue surface a greater risk of festering and serious after effect was incurred. f)n the motion ot Mr AA . hi. Carter, a vote ot thanks in appreciation of the valuable information given by Mi- AA'ood throughout his interesting demonstration was carried by acclamation. On behalf of ihe gathering Mr Carter also thanked Mr Perry for bis conrtesv in loaning the ground and in donating" the cow used in the demonstration.

In reply, Mr Wood said the work afforded him much pleasure when it met with sirch obvious interest and appreciation. He had been requested to pay a further visit to Mangatoki and give l an indoor lecture. He would arrange to do so as early as possible. Referring to the cow donated by Mr Perry, he said its excellent condition reflected great credit upon the breeder and the farm on which it was bred.