The Bovine Bugle

Cows eyes are recovered; we answer your questions

We had several questions and comments here on the blog about the eye infections that some of our milk cows had a few weeks ago. (See January 31, 2006 entry):

Robert, from Pennsylvania, wondered if the wound spray containing garlic would be painful in the eye. The spray is mainly aloe vera, with tinctures of garlic and comfrey. The antibiotic nature of garlic helps heal the infections. I am going to try a few drops in my eye to see how it feels, sometime.

Iris, from New Zealand, wrote about using colloidal silver to control eye problems in bovines. When I get a chance, I'll talk to some other organic farmers and some vets about this possible treatment and I'll report back here in the future.

And Muff, from Iceland, wanted to know what homeopathic remedies Dr. Woodard had suggested I use in treating the cows. For early stages of infection, he suggested trying hypericum, aconitumn, or euphrasia. If swelling had started, apis was a good choice. The aforementioned remedies were all at a 30c potency. And for the advanced cases, he recommended silica at a 200c potency.

All eight of the cows are completely healed now, with nice, clear eyes once again. The next time we have that problem, I should be better prepared to tackle the outbreak and prevent the infections from getting too severe.

--Jonathan (left), Howmars Farm
Franklin, Vermont

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Posted by Blogger Chris at February 21, 2006 07:11 PM