RUPTURE.
Cause.—This disease occasionally occurs in calves by receiving blows from the cow’s horns on the right flank. After such an accident a swelling forms near the last ribs. This swelling may be either hot and painful or soft to the touch. It can be made to disappear by careful pressure when the sides of the rupture through which it has passed can be felt. On removing the pressure the rupture soon regains its swollen appearance. Similar conditions may also occur in aged cattle, usually due to injuries, such as being kicked by a horse, etc., or due to a weakness of the muscles that are ruptured sometimes during difficult birth.
Treatment.—Feed the animal on laxative food and feed sparingly on bulky food such as hay, straw and grass. Round the edges of a block of wood a little smaller, but the same shape as the rupture. After wrapping with cloth nicely, place it over the rupture, then place bandage around the body. This permits the ruptured muscles to grow together, providing the animal is properly dieted as stated above.
Sometimes a rupture of long standing or a newly produced rupture may be treated by injecting strong solutions of Common Salt around the torn edges of the muscles. This causes the swelling and inflammation, which respectively forces the protruded intestines back and closes the opening. There is some danger attached to this method of treatment, and if attempted I would advise that great care be exercised.