Part 26 (1/2)

” fennel seed, half an ounce.

Mix. Half a table-spoonful may be given daily in warm water, or it may be mixed in the food.

_Another._

Powdered gentian, 1 ounce.

” poplar bark, 2 ounces.

” aniseed, half an ounce.

Mix, and give as above.

If the bowels are inactive, give a wine-gla.s.s of linseed oil.

The animal should be kept free from all annoyance by dogs, &c.; for fear indirectly influences the stomach through the pneumogastric nerves, by which the secretion of the gastric juice is arrested, and an immediate check is thus given to the process of digestion. For the same reason, medicine should always be given in the food, if possible. In cases of great prostration, accompanied with loss of appet.i.te, much valuable time would be lost. In such cases, we must have recourse to the bottle.

FOOT ROT.

When a sheep is observed to be lame, and, upon examination, matter can be discovered, then pare away the hoof, and make a slight puncture, so that the matter may escape; then wash the foot with the following antiseptic lotion:--

Pyroligneous acid, 2 ounces.

Water, 3 ounces.

Suppose that, on examination, the feet have a fetid odor; then apply the following:--

Vinegar, half a pint.

Common salt, 1 table-spoonful.

Water, half a pint.

Mix, and apply daily. At the same time, put the sheep in a dry place, and give a dose of the following every morning:--

Powdered bayberry bark, half an ounce.

” flaxseed, 2 pounds.

” sulphur, 1 ounce.

” charcoal, 1 ounce.

” sa.s.safras, 1 ounce.

Mix. A handful to be given in the food twice a day.

_Remarks._--Foot rot is generally considered a local disease; yet should it be neglected, or maltreated, the general system will share in the local derangement.

ROT.

The progress of this disease is generally very slow, and a person unaccustomed to the management of sheep would find some difficulty in recognizing it. A practical eye would distinguish it, even at a distance. The disease is known by one or more of the following symptoms: The animal often remains behind the flock, shaking its head, with its ears depressed; it allows itself to be seized, without any resistance.