WOUNDS IN LIVESTOCK

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 73, Issue 115, 17 May 1930, Page 8 (Supplement)

WOUNDS IN LIVESTOCK

DANGER FROM BARBED WIRE Livestock sometimes suffer from serious wounds caused by barbed wire. Horses are the most prone to festering wounds if neglected. Even a slight scratch may sometimes result in serious complications, especially if the barbs which caused the wounds were rusty. All wounds should be dressed as soon as possible, not only to facilitate healing and prevent their becoming septic, but to keep flies away. Tar is a useful application after cleansing the wound with an antiseptic lotion. Deep cuts should be'treated with alum powder, or touched with a hot iron to stop bleeding. In case of severe wounds a veterinary surgeon should be called in. Prompt treatment of wire cuts is of great importance, not only in the case of horses, but cattle and other livestock also. The most serious wounds in the case of cows are usually when the udder and teats are involved. Broken fences are a serious menace, especially towards the end of summer when the pastures are beginning to fail, and when other crops are over the fence offer a tasty mouthful. If a cow’s hide becomes scratched or torn flics will be attracted to the wound and it may fester if neglected. An eye should be kept on all animals liable to such wounds, which should be dressed and then covered with Stockholm tar. The tar keeps the flies away, it keeps the wound clean, and prevents the animal from licking or biting at the sore. But if the wound has been cleansed and dressed with an antiseptic lotion, there should be little irritation. The important thing is to keep the wound clean, and this can only be done if the injury is noticed. Bobbie Smith: “Please, teacher, Billy Jones ’> Teacher: “Yes, Bobbie; what about Billy Jones?” “He says you are silly, teacher.” 4 ‘Well. I don’t think that was at all a polite thing for Billy to have said. ’ ’ “That’s what I told him. I told him he might be struck silly himself one day.” .■ . I Feed and good care may increase the average yield of the cow by as much as 50 per cent. First Pessimist: “It’s hard to make both ends meet nowadays-’’ Second Pessimist: “Yes. And just when they are about to meet, some fool comes along and moves the ends.”