REDWATER IN COWS IN NEW ZEALAND.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume XXVII, Issue 2, 20 August 1923, Page 74

REDWATER IN COWS IN NEW ZEALAND.

A. R. YOUNG,

M.R.C.V.S., Director of the Live-stock Division.

As the term “ redwater ” is commonly used by our settlers to denote a certain. condition in cows, and is the one most frequently employed, it will be retained in these notes. It must be pointed out, however, that in veterinary literature technical terms are used which more clearly indicate the nature and cause- of the different forms of redwater, and it follows that different causes must have different treatment. This explanation will serve to prevent confusion in the minds of readers of articles dealing with this trouble in other countries, where the cause is totally different from that in New Zealand, and for which the treatment recommended is unsuitable for conditions existing here.

In New Zealand redwater is not confined to any one locality, neither is it dependent upon soil conditions, as it has been found not only upon sour, damp country, but in variations from the heaviest to the lightest of dry soil. No live agent, such as ticks, is required to introduce the trouble into the animal. Redwater may appear upon any farm in the Dominion where cows are kept, but local conditions may be favourable or unfavourable for its development; it may assume a serious aspect, or the attack be so mild as to escape observation.

PREDISPOSING CAUSES.

Local conditions have a certain determining influence upon redwater. So far as we are aware, the disease has not been observed in male animals ; but even if it has been noticed, the fact stands out clearly that it is only in cows that it gives considerable trouble and sometimes loss. As already mentioned, no locality is exempt from liability to an attack, the trouble is not caused by the agency of ticks, and male animals are seldom or never attacked. The field of investigation is therefore narrowed down practically to the cow. Here the first thing which will strike the practical stockman is that the trouble is closely associated with breeding-stock, and is more frequently observed just before calving or in a few weeks thereafter. There also would appear good reason for suspecting that some cows are more susceptible than others, as evidenced by the fact that with a number of animals upon the same feed and under the same conditions some become affected and others do not. It is further observed that the trouble cannot be put down to any one kind of feed, but that it can be definitely traced to excess of one kind of feed — be that turnips or young green feed. Even then, generally, all the cows are not affected, and their bodily condition does not appear to play a very important part in the matter.

• We have therefore to fall back upon the idea that some animals are more susceptible to the trouble than others. This is an important point, and should be noted by all good, stockmen who are building up a herd. Animals which suffer this year should be carefully identified for observation next year, for in building up a good milking-herd it is not sufficient only to note the external general appearance for

health and constitution and neglect the working of the internal organs. Therefore if an animal is found to be more susceptible than others to this disease she should be discarded, as susceptibility is undoubtedly hereditary. ■ ' ’

It will have been noted from the foregoing remarks that the actual determining factor in redwater here is of dietetic origin. This is borne out by the well-established. fact that immediate change of food alone acts as a prompt remedy, and that when the trouble is not too far advanced such change is all that is required..

SYMPTOMS.

As the term “ redwater ” implies, this discoloration is generally the first sign observed that anything is wrong with the animal. If, however, the trouble had been suspected earlier it would have been found that the animal was showing a touch of fever with a rising temperature, palpitation of the heart, and indications of diarrhoea. Later on, and often within a few hours, the urine discharged is of a dark-red colour with a peculiar offensive odour, and which on falling upon the ground produces an unusual amount of froth. The same odour may be detected in the breath, and even sometimes from the skin. Constipation now usually sets in, and all the symptoms already noted become exaggerated. The visible mucous membrane is pale, and the general appearance of the animal is that of great depression. If the vulva be examined its appearance is found to be peculiar, being of a dull leaden hue. Very rarely discoloration of the urine may be observed due to other causes, such as internal injury after calving or injury over the back, but in such cases the colour of the urine is of a brighter red with all the appearance of diluted normal blood.

TREATMENT.

-It has been demonstrated by practical stockmen that a change of feed is the first measure towards bringing about a cure. The next in importance is the administration of a laxative ; this must be efficient, because in my opinion the accumulation of deleterious gases in the stomach and intestines has much to do with the redwater condition as it exists in New Zealand. A good drench for this purpose consists of | lb. each of Epsom and common salt, and I oz. of powdered ginger (if at hand, a tablespoonful of essence of ginger is preferable to the powder). The animal should be housed and made as comfortable as possible, being kept warm and free from excitement. A drink of water with the chill taken off, to which has been added two or three handfuls of oatmeal and a tablespoonful of salt, should be offered about . an hour after drenching. If collapse, or general debility takes place the urine should be drawn off, as at this stage the bladder may refuse to function. Stimulants should also be given, and of these the most efficient is beer to the extent of a few bottles. In the convalescent stage great care should be exercised in bringing about a return to normal conditions. Hay, crushed oats, and a little linseed or other such dry feed should be given, and a salt lick provided. In the great majority of cases this simple treatment will be found effective, but, of course, where the life of a valuable animal is at stake the services of a fully qualified veterinarian should, if possible, be procured.