What are the prevention and treatment methods for rheumatism in dairy cattle?

In traditional Chinese veterinary medicine, rheumatism is called bizheng (impediment disease). Modern medicine considers rheumatism to be a systemic allergic disease. It often affects muscles, joints and other parts. Although joint rheumatism in cattle is relatively rare, its harm is also quite serious if prevention and treatment are neglected. 

Causes 

The cause of rheumatism is not yet fully clear, and it is generally believed to be related to hemolytic streptococcal infection. Factors such as lying for long periods on damp ground, invasion of cold wind, exposure to wind after sweating or immediately going down into a pond and drinking large amounts of cold water, exposure to wind and cold at night, and sudden rain soaking can all induce this disease. 

Symptoms 

Sick cattle often develop the disease suddenly, with elevated body temperature, groaning, and reduced appetite. The affected muscles or joints are painful, the back and loins are stiff, and there is lameness, which temporarily eases with appropriate exercise. Sick cattle prefer to lie down and are unwilling to move. In severe cases, muscles atrophy, sensation becomes dull, and the ability to work is lost. 

Prevention and treatment 

Systemic therapy. Commonly, 10% sodium salicylate injection 200-300 ml, 5% calcium gluconate injection 200-500 ml, or 0.5% hydrocortisone injection 100-160 ml are used, each injected intravenously once a day for 5-7 consecutive days. For those with high body temperature, penicillin and vitamin C injection, etc., may be added. 

Local therapy. For chronic rheumatism, hot compresses with distillers' grains may be used; the method is to stir-fry the distillers' grains until hot, put them into a hemp bag, and apply to the affected area; vinegar-fried bran may also be used (bran 6 kg, vinegar 4.5 L, mix thoroughly, stir-fry until hot to the touch, put into a hemp bag) for hot compresses. During hot compresses, the cattle must be tied in a warm cowshed to induce sweating. 

Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture therapy. Tongjing Huoluo San or modified Duhuo Jisheng Tang may be used; if combined with electroacupuncture or fire needling, the effect is better. 

Strengthen nursing care, mainly to avoid invasion by wind, cold and dampness.