Sprains
Sprains
Frequent causes of sprains in ruminants are accidents and falls,
especially during plowing and pulling heavy carts. Sprains often occur if the
animal is tired, overworked or in Door condition. Young animals used for draft
work are particularly affected especially at the beginning of the plowing season
when feed is scarce. Animals with poorly formed legs are also more likely to get
sprains. Sprains are also a problem in hilly areas where the animal must walk up
and down steep slopes.
Falls
Symptoms
Symptoms
· The animal limps or has an
uneven gait.
· It lags behind the rest of the
flock or herd.
· It carries or drags the
affected leg.
· It does not put its full
weight on the leg.
· It has pain and pulls
its leg away when you try to examine it.
·
The affected joint may be swollen or inflamed.
Before treating the animal, make sure the problem is not:
· A fracture (see
Simple surgical techniques in General information).
· Foot rot (see Foot rot).
Prevention
· Herd the animals carefully
during grazing to avoid accidents.
· Use
light, nimble animals (not large, crossbred cattle or large buffaloes) in hilly
areas.
· Do not use young, immature animals
for work.
· Feed animals well and keep them
in good condition.
· Do not overload animals.
Treatment
Herbal treatments
Use one of the herbal treatments below.
· Crush enough fresh leaves of
Cymbopogon citratus to cover the affected part. Warm over a fire and wrap around
the affected part. Tie on with a cloth and leave for 3-5 days. This remedy
provides heat by stimulating the blood circulation. (Indonesia. 1, 2)
· Finely cut a handful of fresh
comfrey (Symphytum officinale) leaves. Place on a piece of cloth, fold the cloth
and boil in water for 5 minutes. Wring out the water and apply hot to the
affected area. Be careful not to burn the skin of the animal. (Cambodia,
Philippines, Thailand. 1, 2, 3, 4)
· Cissus quadrangularis (whole
plant). Hoya ovalifolia leaves. Pathos secundens (whole plant). Turmeric (whole
plant). Ficus racemosa leaves.
· Take a handful of each plant
and chop together with 100 g of salt. Put the mixture on a cloth and heat it
over a pot of boiling water. Tie the hot mixture around the affected area with a
cloth. Repeat this treatment once every 2 days for 3-5 days. Be careful not to
burn the skin of the animal. (India, Sri Lanka. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
· Grind enough Brassica nigra
seeds to cover the affected area, together with enough water to make a paste.
Apply on the affected part twice a day for 3-5 days. (India, Sri Lanka. 1, 2, 3,
4)
· Take a sufficient quantity of
any of the medicinal plants in the table below to cover the affected area. Pound
and add enough hot water to make a warm poultice. Apply it around the affected
joint or area 2-3 times a day for 3-5 days. Tie a cloth around the area to
support the joint and keep the poultice on if necessary.
Sprain treatments
Warming the affected area helps heal the sprain. Use one of the
following treatments.
Keep the animal confined to prevent it from moving too much. Do
not send it out for grazing or use it for plowing or other work.
If the sprain has not improved within 5 days or so, take the
animal to a specialized healer (vet or village healer).
Use one of the following treatments to warm the affected area
and to prevent the limb from moving too much.
