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Cornell University Libra’
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Sa CORNELL UNIVERSITY.
966 -
cb64_, THE
Roswell PP. Flower Library
THE GIFT OF
ROSWELL P. FLOWER
FOR THE USE OF

THE N. Y. STATE VETERINARY COLLEGE.
1897

 

 

THE DR. JOHN BUSTEED COLLECTION.

 

 
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‘SHMA NMOG GYOdxXO AO dhouy

  
 

SS aaa

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THE

DISEASES OF SHEEP

EXPLAINED “AND DESCRIBED,

WITH

THE PROPER REMEDIES TO PREVENT AND
CURE THE SAME.

WITH AN ESSAY ON CATTLE EPIDEMICS.

ESPECIALLY DEDICATED TO THE USE OF FARMERS,
. SHEEP-OWNERS, ETC.

By HENRY CLOK, V.&S.,

GRADUATE OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE AT BERLIN, PRUSSIA, AND LATE VETERINARY
SuRGEON-IN-CAIEF OF THE U. S, A.

  

PHILADELPHIA:
CLAXTON, REMSEN & HAFFELFINGER,
Nos. 819 & 821 MARKET STREET.

1868.
  

PON NNO PNP aN of Nao P Oa! foe EN, Wm ONO NN NN EN al ND
Entered according to Act of Vinge cae: in the year 1868, by
CLAXTON, REMSEN & HAFFELFINGER,

In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States, for the Eastern
District of Pennsylvania.

Ne ee te ocr

642%

 

Westcott & THomson,
STEREOTYPERS, PHILADA.
CONTENTS.

DISEASES OF SHEEP.

PRERA GR sc carscisyas si as iaustts Mvse cea sesocncadues dad yuute sage gbasaunaatoaedeed
NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SHEEP .i.scccs cccscaee ceeeeteee coseeeuee
INFLAMMATION IN GENERAL essccessscstscsscescecsevee snneeston coenee
Diffusion—Su ppuration—Ulceration — Exudation—Callos-
ity —Gangrene—Cure of Inflammation—Remedies.
ANTHONY'S FIRB iiiccitececeacteeacacnnecateres toresuns waeemnneananecaaNs
SHEED POM: cic ecicassivescscadnasngs: vous sabentasteserthuncaaviapannaed ses
Period of iiegnsseail of Eruption—Period of Ma-
turity—Period of Healing—Vaccination of Sheep Pox—
Mechanical System of Vaccination—Vaccination of the
Ear—Process of the Vaccinated Pox.
VERTIGO OR STAGGERS IN SHERPA... cesesssenee veeeceerbese coseeeoes
Trout OR SCAB IN SHEEP ...cssssscscccecccceg cocseeeceneeeces stenceseetees
INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS.....ccssccssssssee secesuaceeeseeeee epee
MALIGNANT FOOT Rov.issssccscccessceee ceeeeeets ceseseees seavas seateenans
Malignant Foot Rot—The Mild Form.
THE FLUKE oo .scscesss ceseeccsveeose opeseecanese ceceen eneses seasea esses sieaee
Gyaw Disease (Hydrocephalus hydatidesis) 1.0114. ssssseee seen

Page
7

ll
15

27
35

64
69
77
78

90
91
4 CONTENTS,

PAGE
94

95
97
97

PORWR YSTIPRD AS crisis ciocnsesaci oatsyauadseona bea cuealisiccaguties ovttedituaess wince LOO

INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN...

    

DraRRHa@a AND DYSENTERY......
COUGH visi sasaiisiincd suave. dsavenaoswaaieine avevaiens

*

GUNG WORMS isincds thee Masa oreaeassdedccssndti eardedanee testes

INFLAMMATION OF THE THROAT wssssccsessscsetsstesestes ceseteceeeee 102
Sore Movura...... salou cals tepaeuananteaint deine daniidaus es cubes chee Aetdals 102
EPIDe PSY sais svvsninnieaas saiaarssscadertovina se aionuiseerse que eiainy 10S
STAGGERS vie vessesasuasiacennan salieasesanvanead onde annininds veasecwnueeders eaves LOB
FLEMATURIA wees cee sco aeeaneacsiennee aeetaneReNaNiNS divarerenaaee reais w. 104
INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS.0....ccsssccsesssesssesssesscreees LOS
THE ROP set cecaeaseeate, etatenss vetoes sasanen cuednatoaradsiecsnamniress: 106
WIND DROPS Yiccsicpniciniiacrcotincinaniinanrmenncne: 108
PALSY: OF LAMBS sce sta oe citsiguied saresedadean covaetaae wadeeeassaesendt sas: 110
MAG GO TR trax. p.sctits sNncagosnencncdcs cauwarguctacs adi suebupeo da cehacs verseesenee 115
THE LARVE OF THE GADFLY .ccssees ccseseceseeetesesescstersersseceee L1G
MADNESS .......56 seeecceee veeens amend Gath ae Deunduoa Uvaenedsuonuenneautos se 118
To TELL THE AGE OF SHEEP woe... eects cessssceeeeeestste sessevees 120
CANCER OF THE AVG ana ath teen 8 Ge 122
INTERNAL DISEASES...0......664 ie diuaiousaevaneeondiasceisewetmiveres 12k

With Regard to the Surface of the Body—With Regard to
88 the Circulation of the Blood and the Respiration—With
88 Regard to the Digestion, Excretions and Secretions—
88 With Regard to the Senses—With Regard to the Organs

of Locomotion.

CLASSIFICATION OF DISEASES.......cssssseessssseeteesssceassessces ceceae 127
CONTENTS. 5

DISEASES OF CATTLE.

PAGE
Tie CAPR: POM sleigh avis auiead es taglseiasenad es aioncesaeeeetseeyes 131
SPUBEN: DISH ASB yoces5socis sade dina taassnaciaoasds te ondues edie da cne toate 186

Spleen Disease in Cattle—Spleen Fever—Spleen Car-
buncle—Remark.

PLEvRo-PNEUMONIA, CATTLE EPIDEMIC oR RINDERPEST...... 141°

Symptoms of the Acute “ Lungenseuche’—Cattle Epi-

demic—Dissection.
1*
PREFACE.

THE chief and only object of this work consists in a description
of the internal and external Diseases of Sheep, as well as of their
treatment and prevention. The author believes that he has
omitted no disease of any considerable importance. The sys-
tematic arrangement of a book like the present necessitates dili-
gent research and the experience of many years. In order not

.to make their works appear too incomplete, authors frequently
resort to lengthy dissertations, which may not be entirely with-
out benefit to the general reader, but which had better be dis-
pensed with, because they render the study of the subject tedi-
ous and diminish the usefulness of the book. In the interest
of the reader I have left unimproved this opportunity of acquir-
ing an easy reputation for erudition by adorning this book with
numerous quotations, being of the opinion that it matters very
little to him when, by whom and under what circumstancés
certain useful results have been obtained, if he is only made

‘ Be tes
acquainted with their existence. The reader is therefore re-

quested to grant me his confidence if I do not, except in a few
instances, produce authorities for my assertions. I believe my-
self justly entitled to his confidence, since I am thoroughly con-

versant with the foreign and home literature on the subject, and
7

¢
8 PREFACE,

have acquired an extensive experience by long-continued, assidu-
ous study and the practice of many years.

Everything related by me in the present work is the result of
my own experience and observation. Hardly a single disease is
mentioned which I have not observed and treated. The descrip-
tions of the diseases, and the directions for their prevention and
cure, are therefore based substantially on my own observation.
In the few instances where I have departed from this rule, I
have availed myself of the experience of others, after subjecting
it to a thorough criticism. As I have often been disappointed
in life as well as in science, I have become very suspicious and
skeptical; and this accounts for the fact that I have admitted
nothing except after a careful investigation and examination.
Nothing in this book is the mere product of philosophical
reasoning or hypothetigal theories, and it contains solely the
results of my own observation and experience, and therefore
facts. As, however, nothing is perfect, and man is liable to err,
I may nevertheless have committed mistakes—it would be absurd
to assert the contrary—and for these I ask the indulgence of
the public.

Tt is unnecessary to dwell long on the object of this book.
Let it be understood that it is not my aim to make veterinarians
of my readers, for that would be not only a useless and foolish
undertaking, but might also be attended with dangerous con-
sequences. I wish, however, to furnish the reader the necessary
information to enable him to form an opinion of his own, and to
burst the shackles of prejudice, which exists especially in this
country, where veterinary science is still in its infancy. <A care-
ful perusal of these pages will enable him to understand the
extent and probable limits of the science—what it can and what
it cannot accomplish ; so that he may not be induced by quacks
PREFACE, 9

to waste money, time and trouble upon hopcless cases, or to give
up too hastily the cure of an animal that might still be saved.

The non-professional may not be able to treat many diseases
or execute the operations described here; but in others which
require instantaneous aid, such as wind-dropsy, he must help
himself, and he can cure diseases like scab, foot-rot, etc., as well
as the veterinary surgeon. It is also of considerable advantage
to him to know the nature of the disease, its degree of danger,
and whether delay is admissible. He can make the necessary:
arrangements, separate the sick from the healthy in contagious
diseases, and continue properly the treatment commenced by
the surgeon.

Another, and not the least important, object which I have in
view is, that the reader may be induced to form a higher opinion
of the veterinary science and of its disciples than has hitherto
prevailed.

All connoisseurs agree that veterinary science, in theory as
well as in practice, has made great progress in the last thirty
years—greater perhaps than during all preceding times. I can-
not too earnestly advise owners of cattle to avail themselves of
the services of really educated practitioners, for they act against
their own interests by following the advice of quacks and ignor-
ant persons. The trifling fee of the surgeon should not be taken
into consideration when, as is often the case, the safety of a
whole flock or herd is at stake.

The publication of this book is therefore not at variance with
the recommendation to employ educated veterinarians, for its
object is a twofold one; and time will, it is hoped, demonstrate
its success. The motto which I would like farmers and cattle-
owners to adopt is, ‘‘ Help yourself when possible, and employ a

veterinarian in other cases.”’
10 PREFACE.

Veterinarians will never be esteemed according to their merits
as long as there is a want of general knowledge of the subject.
The present work is intended to meet this want to a certain

extent.
Respectfully,

THE AUTHOR.
PHILADELPHIA, 1868.
NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SHEEP.

‘

Tue sheep belongs to the order Ruminantia, or ruminating
animals, and is of small stature, of a white, and more rarely of
a brown or black color, has a small head, pointed ears, a curved,
narrow nose, a pointed mouth and a cloven upper lip. Some
races are provided with horns having knotty rings, but these
horns are more frequently found in the male than in the female:
in the latter they are either smaller or entirely wanting. The
udder consists of two parts, and is furnished with two teats.
The greater portion of the body is covered with long, curly hair
or wool. Another peculiarity of the sheep is seen in two sacs or
cavities—one under the eyes and the other above the cleft of the
hoof—which secrete a greasy, viscid liquid. The sound pro-
duced by the voice of the sheep is called bleating.

The sheep is certainly one of the most ancient domestic ani-
mals, and it is not surprising therefore that as little is known
about its origin and nativity as about those of the ox or cow.
According to all probabilities, its wool is a product of breeding,
since the wild species of sheep (especially the mufflow and
argali, which many consider the first parents or primitive species
of the sheep) have common hair, below which there is a woolly
coating. The sheep appears to be originally a mountaineer, as

would appear from the facts that all wild species live in the
11
12 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SHEEP.

mountains, and that it shows a preference for dry pastures in
elevated situations, where it can find tender, dry and fragrant
herbs. On the other hand, all wet and marshy meadows, which
bring forth watery and acrid plants, are positively injurious to
its health. It is true that the sheep will accustom itself to
lowlands containing rich pasture, but it is more liable to diseases
there, and not as long-lived. It is not at all sensitive to a
moderate degree of dry cold, because it is protected against it by
its fleece; but great heat and moisture are manifestly injurious
to it. Temperate and cold climates appear to be more favorable
to the growth of fine wool than hot climates. The races living
in the latter have either no wool at all, but common short hair,
like the fallow-deer, or have coarse wool; which is also the case
with the sheep in the extreme north.

The sheep is naturally timid, and not very lively, but very
peaceable, and can therefore be easily kegt in large herds or
flocks and led by a shepherd or a dog.

The age of the sheep is limited to twelve or fifteen years.
Some races are longer and some shorter lived.

Sheep are distinguished by the following names with regard to
their sex and age: male animals are called rams, and when
castrated or gelded, wethers; female animals, ewes; young ani-
mals, up to the first year, lambs, and then yearlings (having two
teeth), and between the first and second years hoggerels or
hoggets. After the second year they have four, and after the
third, six teeth. In their fifth year they are said to be full-
toothed, and are then, called old. Animals which are no longer
fitted for reproduction are said to be ‘‘cast off.”

The sheep is found on the greater part of the earth's surface,
and comprises many races, which are mainly distinguished by
their size and by the nature of their wool. As regards the
NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SHEEP. 13

latter, they may be divided into two great classes—those with
short and those with long wool. The short wool is undulated
and cutled,.fine and soft; while the long wool is straighter and
coarser. Sheep having short, fine wool are more slenderly built,
but resist the changes of the weather better than the others,
and even become quite fat on moist, low pasture-grounds. The
merino sheep belongs to the first, and the common German
sheep, the Bergamo sheep, etc., to the second class.

The finer breeds of sheep are chiefly raised for their wool,
which is shorn usually once a year, but sometimes twice, and it
is manufactured chiefly into cloth, The coarser sheep are kept
as much for their meat, suet and milk (from which a fatty cheese
is made) as for their wool. The excrement of the sheep is, as is
well known, an excellent fertilizer; the hides are made into
morocco or worked up with the wool into furs; the tallow is
used for burning; the intestines are manufactured into strings
for musical instruments; and the horns, hoofs, bones, ete., put

to the same uses as those of the horse, ox and other animals,
2
DISEASES OF SHEEP.

INFLAMMATION IN GENERAL.

In the majority of diseases to which sheep are liable, in-
flammation of different parts of the body, either internal
or external, is the prominent symptom, and is the foundation
of most, often constituting the disease itself, and sometimes
being the beginning or the ending of other diseases. The
number of such diseases during the progress of which an
inflammation of a larger or smaller extent does not appesr
to take place is not very large. Their frequent occurrence,
and also the dangerous and often deadly consequences of
such inflammations, require the greatest possible knowledge
of the most important events by which inflammations are
indicated, and for this reason the same shall be here amply
and fully described.

Wherever upon any part or spot of the body an increased
redness, an increased warmth, a swelling or extraordinary
sensibility appears, inflammation is indicated; that is to
say, such part or spot is inflamed. The functions of such
an inflamed part are generally more or less disturbed and
upvhealthy, and consequently such disturbed functions are
to be taken as a reliable and most characteristic mark of
inflammation. All parts of the body (the epidermis or

upper skin, the wool, the hoof, and the eyes excepted) are
, 15
16 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

subject to inflammation, although such inflammation ap-
pears in the different parts of the body in as many different
symptoms. Some of these parts are more vehemently and
oftener inflamed, and others less; and the occurrence of
such different symptoms may be explained by the following
examples:

I. Increased redness occurs always wherever a healthy part
becomes afflicted with disease, this being the consequence of
an increased accumulation of the blood in such parts, which
in a healthy state contain no blood at all, but are now ex-
tended and filled with globules of the blood; and the larger
veins receive larger quantities of blood and begin to swell.
There are a great many different degrees in the increase of
redness, the color of such inflamed redness changing from
pale pink to cherry-red and even blackish-red. In those
parts where the construction is of a spongy or loose nature,
and which in their healthy state already contain a great
many blood-vessels, and consequently always appear of a
more or less reddish color (as, for instance, the mucous
membranes of the nose, the external membranes, the lungs,
etc.), a more conspicuous and intensive redness is produced
by inflammation than in other parts of a stronger and solid
constitution, which do not contain as many blood-vessels
(as, for instance, the bones, the cartilages and the trans-
parent part of the eyes). The redness is not always of
the same intensity during the progress of inflammation.
In the beginning the redness increases with the develop-
ment of the disease, and also disappears with the decrease
of the latter, with more or less rapidity. When inflamma-
tion occurs in sheep, the increase of redness is not always
perceptible. The compactness of the wool, especially that of
black sheep, the darkness of the color of the skin, prevent
the inexperienced eye from observing such increase. The
same may be said in regard to the intestines and all other
DISEASES OF SHEED. 17

parts covered by the skin. Nevertheless an increase of
redness always takes place whenever an inflammation oc-
curs, which may be observed at the dissecting of the car-
cass, or whenever an internal part is exposed either by
accident or design. The redness of the inflamed womb or
intestines is generally not perceptible on account of the
situation of those parts, but may become visible whenever,
from the injury of the abdomen or at difficult birth, the
intestines or the womb are turned outward and become in-
flamed in the body. There are, however, some parts upon
which in their inflamed state an increased redness is always
perceptible without difficulty (as, for instance, upon the
mucous membranes, the nose and the vagina), as also upon
the connecting membranes of the eyes, the udder, and
where the body is affected with pox.

II. Increased warmth. ‘An inflamed part contains a
greater degree of warmth than in its healthy state, and
such an increase is easily perceptible upon nearly all ex-
posed spots, or such spots as can be reached by the hand.
In internal inflammation, however, it is always very ditli-
cult, if not impossible, to detect such an increased degree
of warmth. We have therefore to depend upon such in-
dications as are either popularly known or are of a singular
nature, or upon the increased temperature of the skin, the
nose, the interior of the mouth, the breath, the eye, etc.
The cause of the increase of warmth in inflamed parts is
the increased accumulation and circulation of the blood,
and the increased activity of the affected parts.

TIL. Swelling. The inflamed part almost always appears
to be more or less enlarged or swollen, and becomes strained
and hardened in a measure, according to the constitution
of such inflamed parts. This swelling is caused by the in-
ereased pressure of the blood, effusion of the blood, lym-
phatic or fibrous matter, and as a consequence of the
18 DISEASES OF SIIEEP.

increased warmth by which the textures become extended.
There is always a difference in the degree of the swelling,
which varies according to the intensity of the inflammation,
or according to the place or structure of the affected parts.

IV. Pains. Every inflamed part possesses a greater ir-
ritability than in its healthy state, although not always in the
same degree. The intensity and duration of the inflamma-
tion, the place and constitution of the inflamed part, and
particularly the presence of a larger or smaller number of
nerves, are the causes of as many differences in the degree
of such irritability. Besides this, it must be taken into
consideration whether the affected part in its healthy state
is more or less irritable and sensitive. For instance, inflam-
mation of the eye is generally very painful, inasmuch as the
organ in its healthy condition is very delicate and sensitive ;
inflammation of the stomach is extremely painful, because the
stomach contains numerous and very large nerves; whereas
inflammation of the lungs and heart does not cause such
intense pain, because both these parts contain very few
nerves. The inflammation of loosely-constructed or spongy
parts, which easily enlarge, is generally less painful than
that of those parts which are more compact and not so
liable to extend. Often we perceive the pain only after
pressing the inflamed part, as, for instance, in inflammation
of the throat. When inflammation of the brains occurs, the
eye becomes red and fixed or staring, and inflammation of
the eye causes pain to the eyes even in daylight. Whenever
the Zungs, to which air is most important, are afflicted with
inflammation, the introduction of cool air causes a cough,
which in a healthy condition would not occur: the lungs
are therefore most liable to irritation and pain.

V. Disturbed Functions. Whenever any part of the
body is inflamed, the natural functions of that part are
more or less changed, disturbed, or destroyed. The know-
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 19

ledge of this fact is of the greatest importance, inasmuch
as by its means we are enabled to detect a great many in-
flammations, especially those of the internal parts of the
body. It very often happens that such disturbances are
the only and most reliable indications or signs of the pre-
valence of inflammation. Without such a disturbance, the
detection of many kinds of inflammation would be very
difficult or impossible during the life of the animal; for
example, inflammation of the lungs is not perceptible to
the eye, because we are unable to see the principal marks
of inflammation, such as redness, swelling, etc., but we are
able to perceive a difficult, increased and short respiration,
frequent and painful coughing, hot breath, etc.; these are
conspicuous deviations and disturbances of the natural
functions of the lungs, and furnish the most important in-
dications of the prevailing inflammation, of the same.
These disturbances alone are, however, said to be not suffi-
cient to prove the truth of the assertion that an inflamma-
_ tion of the lungs exists, because other indications, such as
redness, swelling, etc., are not sufficiently demonstrated.
Such doubts are nevertheless entirely removed by experi-
ence. We find, for instance, whenever a carcass is dissected
and inflammation of the lungs proved, that the before-
mentioned disturbances of the functions of the lungs have
always occurred during the life of the animal. We must
therefore presume that such an inflammation exists when-
ever difficulties in the respiration, together with other indi-
cations, occur. In some of the inflamed parts the disturb-
ances of the natural functions are more conspicuous than
in others, according to the place, the extent and the degree
of such inflammation, and also according to the nature and
importance of the natural functions of such affected parts.
Inflammation of the brain produces the most vehement
symptoms, the brain being the most delicate part, perform-
20 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

ing the most important functions. Inflammation of the
brain also produces a great disturbance, whereas an inflam-
mation of the spleen, of different parts of the glands, and
of different external and inferior parts, is of no such im-
portant consequence. Inflammation is very often followed
or accompanied with more or less vehement fever, which in
such cases is called inflammatory fever; it is, however, not
always the case that such inflammation is attended with
fever, and the latter cannot therefore be reckoned among
the necessary and reliable indications of the former. A
great many external, and some of the internal, inflamma-
tions are not accompanied with fever, particularly when
the inflamed part is of a small extent, not painful, or when
such inflammation is not very vehement. If, however, such
an inflammation is of a vehement character, very extensive
and painful, or affects any important or delicate part, etc.,
the fever generally occurs and becomes perceptible by
means of the increase of pulsation and other incidents ;
for instance, there is no fever whenever inflammation oc-
curs in consequence of a slight external injury to the skin,
and fever always appears whenever the lungs or intestines
are inflamed. The duration of inflammation varies mate-
rially, and depends upon the place, the extent, the degree
of intensity of the same—also upon the constitution of the
afflicted animal, the cause of the disease and upon numer-
ous other known or unknown circumstances. Inflammation
is in most cases of a short duration, occupying a period
varying from a few days to two or three weeks. In case a
considerably longer duration occurs, such inflammation is
called “slow or lingering fever,” in which several of the
inflammatory ‘indications disappear, such inflammation
then changing into another state or issue of the same.
Every inflammation increases more or less rapidly to a cer-
tain degree, and terminates in another issue. The most
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 21

prominent kinds of such issues are,—Diffusion, Suppura-
tion, Ulceration, Exudation, Callosity or Hardening, and
Gangrene or Mortification, which are described as follows:

Ist. Diffusion. This issue of an inflammation is the
most desirable and beneficial, and in almost every case the
consequence of prompt and suitable remedies.

2d. Suppuration. Whenever a diffusion of the inflam-
mation does not occur, and the latter continues with more
or less vehemence, suppuration will probably and generally
take place. Suppuration consists in the formation of a
fluid, which in the beginning is of a thin and watery ap-
pearance, but afterward changes into a fluid of a slimy and
stronger consistence, without any remarkable smell, and in
appearance like cream. The secretion ‘of the inflamed
part occurs either upon the surface or at the bottom of the
same, and produces, whenever a larger amount of secretion
takes place, the so-called boils or an abscess. All parts of
the body are not in the same measure inclined to suppura-
tion, although there is scarcely any part which under cer-
tain circumstances cannot be affected with suppuration.
The liver, spleen and muscles are very seldom affected with
suppuration, whereas the upper skin, the cellular tissues,
etc., very easily begin to suppurate. Suppuration is either
produced by transformation of the fluids (such as blood,
fibrous matter, etc.), which enter into the inflamed parts or
is otherwise a secretion of the so-called carbuncles.

3d. Ulceration. This represents another kind of suppu-
ration, the former being of a mild nature, whereas ulcera-
tion is of a malignant character; for this reason the latter
is sometimes called “malignant suppuration.” This is
always the consequence of an inflammation. It consists in
a sore, from which a certain fluid matter of a fetid smell
emanates. Instead of healing, the sore changes into ulcera-
tion by constantly enlarging upon and destroying the
22 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

affected parts; a certain spongy texture of a disagreeable,
scarlet or bluish color, and called “proud flesh,” is formed,
which extends and grows over the opening of the sore.

4th. Exudation. Properly, inflammation always pro-
duces a certain degree of exudation, but now we have to
refer to such exudations only as occur after an inflamma-
tion has subsided. Exudation consists of blood, water and
fibrous matter. Bloody exudations are of rare occurrence,
and are in most cases the consequence of a rupture of blood-
vessels, occasioned either by external force or by an exces-
sive swelling and overloading of such blood-vessels. Exu-
dations and effusions of water, or of fluids which are very
similar to lymph, very often occur, either in the interior or
upon the surface of the membranes which cover the ab-
dominal cavities, or in the cellular tissues. In many cases
of inflammation of the chest, a large amount of water is
exudated through the inflamed diaphragm. In others, and
especially in nearly all violent inflammations, exudations
of fibrous matter, often of very large amounts, take place.
This often affects adjoining parts; for instance, the lungs
may adhere to and grow together with the chest. In most
cases -exudations of water and of fibrous matter occur at
the same time.

5th. Callosity. "Whenever a part remains in a hardened,
enlarged and stiffened state after an inflammation of the
same has subsided, we call the issue of such inflammation
“callosity.” Such a callosity is nearly always the conse-
quence of exudation of fibrous matter, remaining as a de-
posit in the previously inflamed parts. Such callosities are
often connected with dangerous consequences, although in
a great many cases only trifling or scarcely any conse-
quences whatever are perceptible.

6th. Gangrene. This is the most fatal of all issues, pro-
ducing the decay of the diseased parts, or, if such a decayed
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 23

part has been of an important nature, the death of the
animal. Whenever exterior or less important parts (for
instance, the.skin to a great extent) are affected with
gangrene, there is no danger, but gangrene of the entrails
always results in death. The degree of importance of the
affected part, therefore, always increases the danger to be
feared from gangrene. Gangrene generally arises from ex-
tremely violent inflammations, which continue for a longer
period; also from mechanical causes, such as continual
pressure or forcible contusions, from frost or burns (in frost-
bitten or scorched limbs), from the effect of animal, vege-
table and mineral poisons; and wherever the circulation
of the blood is entirely checked, either by accident or by
design (for instance, when a wort or a scrotum is tied off,
such parts always become affected with gangrene). Two
kinds of gangrene exist—namely, the so-called hot gan-
grene (mortification), and cold gangrene (sphacelus), the
former being the last degree of inflammation, and con-
stituting the intermediate degree or transition from in-
flammation to the latter (sphacelus). Parts affected with
mortification can never be reanimated. A gangrenous
part ceases by degrees to be subject to pains, the swelling
and the former hardness and tension caused by inflamma-
tion partly disappears, and the impression made by the
touch of the finger upon such a part remains for a con-
siderable time. A gangrened spot is a dark red, bluish-
black, pallid or pale gray color. The skin of such a part
separates in different places of the ulcer and rises in the
form of bladders, from which a thin, acrid and bad-smell-
ing fluid issues, or sometimes in the form of air-bubbles
of larger or smaller dimensions. A gangrenous part con-
tains no warmth at all; it is cold and painless, begin-
ning to rot, and therefore entirely void of life. The de-
tection of gangrene in interior or such parts as cannot be
24 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

seen or felt is generally very uncertain or difficult, and we
therefore have to depend upon incidental indications, or upon
the effects which according to experience demonstrate the
presence of such an affliction. Whenever, for instance, an
inflammation of the entrails results in gangrene, the previ-
ous vehement pains disappear entirely; the skin is covered
with a cold perspiration; all visible mucous membranes
become of a pallid color; the breathing is cold; pulsation
ceases to be perceptible; the glance of the eye is weak and
waning, and the animal dies. The examination of the car-
cass shows that all such incidents were the consequences of
gangrene of the entrails, and like incidents demonstrate
therefore in future cases the presence of such an affliction.

Procreative causes—that is to say, such causes as occa-
sion a direct and instantaneous inflammatory irritation—
are very numerous and manifold, either of a general nature,
affecting the whole body; or of a local nature, affecting
only certain special parts of the body. Among the causes
of a general nature are particularly to be mentioned sudden
cold, excessive heat or cold, damp and also very dry air,
fatigue, sudden change from continual rest to vehement
exercise, bad stable-air, continual effect of moisture and
rain, sunstroke, ete. _ Local procreative causes are heavy
strokes or blows, contusion, continual pressure, wounds,
laceration, stones in the entrails or in the bladder, different
kinds of poison, hot water, burns of every kinds, frost, dif:
ferent kinds of contagious matter, ete.

It is impossible to describe in general and with certainty
the several degrees of danger incident to inflammation, be-
cause inflammation may occasion the slightest and also the
most important and dangerous disease. In this connection
we have to consider, the place, the extent, the degree and
cause of the inflammation, the constitution of the animal,
the effects of the remedies and numerous other circum-
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 25

stances. The degree of danger in inflammation depends
upon the delicacy and importance of the affected part.
Inflammation of the brain and of the entrails is connected
with a considerably greater degree of danger than inflam-
mations of the exterior skin: the more extensive an inflam-
mation the greater the danger. Interior parts are seldom
subject to suppuration. In exterior parts suppuration is
nearly of the same beneficial effect as diffusion, and therefore
in most cases without any dangerous result,

The issue into callosity or hardening is mostly of unim-
portant consequence, except when interior or largely ex-
tended parts are affected. Gangrene is always dangerous,
and often of deadly consequences in case interior parts are
affected by the same; if, however, exterior or unimportant
and less extended parts aie affected, there is gencrally no
danger,

CurE or InFLAMMATION.—The cure of inflammation
depends upon its duration, intensity, place, extent, cause,
and numerous other circumstances, demanding different
deviations in the treatment, according to the variety of the
case; but there are nevertheless several common rules by
which we may be guided. In the first place, it is necessary
to inquire into and examine the causes, and when discovered
to remove them, or at least to render the same as harmless
and innoxious as possible. Some causes are not discern-
able, or have been already removed in the beginning of the
inflammation; as, for instance, when an inflammation has
been caused by taking cold during vehement exertion of the
animal. In a great many cases, however, the cause remains
effective even after the beginning of the inflammation, and
increases and maintains the discase. Extraneous matters
which have been forced into the body must be removed;
acidulous or ‘corrosive substances have to be diluted and
washed away with water or milk, or to be covered and

3 B
26 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

their effect destroyed by means of slimy matter or oil.
Compression, friction and all irritation must be avoided
and removed, and the suffering animal as well as the affected
part must remain undisturbed as far as possible. When
inflammation takes place, exercise is always dangerous, a
very few cases excepted.

The treatment is either of a general character, operating
upon the whole system or body of the animal, or of a local
character, directing its effects mainly upon the affected
part. Often both modes become necessary, although in a
great many cases only the latter is required; as, for in-
stance, in the inflammation of interior parts, such as the
lungs, the brain and the entrails, and also in violent in-
flammation of the exterior parts. Inflammations, however,
which are connected with fever require a general cure.

Remedies. Venesection or bleeding was formerly con-
sidered one of the most important remedies; at the present
- time, however, this remedy is not so frequently resorted to,
on account of the employment of attenuating, cooling or
aperient remedies, whose effects are preferable to those of
venesection. The principal remedies employed in inflamma-
tions are saltpetre, tartar, epsom, bitter or glauber salts; sal-
ammoniac, sulphuric acid, vinegar or yeast diluted with
water, mixed with and served instead of the pure bran
among the fodder or drink, or administered to the animal
in form of a drink or injection. In case of constipation,
injections are to be given repeatedly, the animal must be
kept quiet in a warm place, and all drafts of air carefully
prevented; the food consisting of straw, green foddef, leaf
and knob plants, bran; hay is to be given in small quanti-
ties, and feeding with corn must be entirely avoided; the
drink should consist of lukewarm water, mixed with sul-
phuric aid or saltpetre, in as large quantities as the animal
may desire.
       

|
l

   

 

DOMESTIC SHEEP.
DISEASES OF SHEEP. _ 27

ANTHONY’S FIRE.

This disease, which is known under different names, is,
wherever it occurs, of a most dangerous character, and
seems to be known in nearly all parts of the world, and es-
pecially in Europe. It represents a special kind of mortifi-
cation of the spleen (which will be more fully explained
hereafter), and occurs in some particular seasons oftener
than others, the climatic character of the country and other
local circumstances causing as many different phases of the
disease. In this connection it may be stated that the dis-
ease very often appears in the northern part of Germany,
especially in Prussia. Ihave been also informed by a
Hungarian nobleman, who is the owner of very extensive
tracts of land situated upon the banks of the Danube and
of the river Theiss, that the average loss from this dis-
ease, in'said district, annually amounts to ten or twelve
thousand sheep. It is further stated that in the county of
Argyleshire, Scotland, the average loss per year amounts to
seventeen thousand out of every seventy thousand sheep.
This disease, although well known for a long time in our
country, seems to increase with the importation of foreign
or imported stock, which nearly always causes its more fre-
quent occurrence and still more dangerous consequences.
The disease generally arises very suddenly, without any
previous perceptible indications, the animal enjoying a good
appetite and hunger, the color of the skin being in its or-
dinary state, and all other indications showing undisturbed
health. Suddenly the whole body begins to tremble, the
animal ceasing to eat, putting the feet wide asunder; it
staggers and reels, appears to be senseless, drops down, with
teeth grating; the breathing is extremely short and diffi-
cult, the eyes become red and glaring, protruding from the”
sockets and insensible to the influence of light; the mucous
28 DISEASES OF SHENP.

membranes of the mouth become of a blood-red color; the
animal involuntarily loses its excrements and urine, which
latter is often covered or mixed with blood; the animal at
the same time kicking and throwing the legs about, turning
head and neck backward, the breathing often causing a
rattling noise, and a bloody scum issuing from the mouth.
Such attacks are often of only five or ten minutes’ duration,
after which they result in death. This is especially the case
with young sheep; old sheep sometimes resist several of
these attacks, and then die after a few hours. If death
does not occur after such attacks, the animal becomes very
weak and inanimate, the ears and legs being cold. Such
sudden attacks are often followed by a gentle and soft ex-
piration of life; the animal is often restless during the
night, and its body is then in the morning found to be life-
less. In case such disease is of longer duration, the animal
is observed to remain apart from the herd, deeply drooping
the head, the walk being inanimate and weak, the ears
hanging downward, the neck swollen, the blood-vessels of
the eye extended and filled with dark-colored blood; the
mucous membranes of the mouth are of a blood-red color,
the dung is hard and covered with bloody slime; and the
perspiration produces an adhesive matter of a very bad
smell. At last the animal begins to reel and tumble with
convulsions; blood flows from the nose, mouth and anus.
In case of venesection, the blood flows easily and is of a
dark-red color. In such cases death generally ensues in
from one to three days, seldom later. When an animal
becomes afflicted with this disease, it often happens that
upon several places of the skin (especially upon such
places as are little covered with wool, as, for instance, the
belly, the udder and the inner side of the shanks) there ap-
pear certain erysipelatous freckles, which in the beginning
are of the form of small knots, and rapidly increase in size
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 29

and number. The affected skin is in the beginning of ared _
color, which changes very soon into a purple or bluish-red ;
the skin swells, and upon different places small bubbles,
filled with a watery fluid, appear. This erysipelatous form
of blood disease is called St. Anthony’s Fire. The progress
of the disease is a little slow, but nevertheless of a dan-
gerous character; so that death in most cases occurs in
from twelve to twenty-ivur hours, and in some cases even in
a shorter time or suddenly. It is scarcely necessary to re-
mark that not all the symptoms above alluded to are shown
in every case of this disease; sometimes the disease causes
such a rapid destruction that only a few of the described
signs are allowed to mature. “ Blood disease” is, however,
easily detected, especially when several animals are affected
with the same, either at the same time or one shortly after
the other. There is scarcely any other disease which can
be confounded with this; there are certain indications of
wind-dropsy or swelling which show somewhat of a simi-
larity to the symptoms of blood disease, which may possibly
be mistaken; but in such cases all doubts in regard to the
true cause can easily be removed by dissection, and also by
other important diversities of both diseases hereafter to be
described. The carcass of a sheep which died of blood
disease putrefies in an uncommonly short time, the belly ex-
tending largely, a cadayerous smell becoming perceptible;
and from mouth, nose and anus flows a thin, very dark-
colored blood.

In many cases the skin is found to be of a bluish-red
color, especially under the throat and upon the breast. The
stripped skin shows upon different places accumulations of
blackish-red blood, and the blood of the veins is not con-
- gealed, but liquid, and has the color of tar; the flesh is
shriveled, of a bluish-red color and mellow. The abdominal
cavity and intestines are filled with fetid air, which swells

5 fed :
30 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

the abdomen to its utmost capacity; a quantity of bloody
water or blood is generally found in the cavity. The in-
testines are of a dark-red, and nearly black in color and
overloaded with blood ; the lungs and kidneys are shriveled,
mellow and of a dark-red color; the bladder ‘contains
bloody urine, and in the windpipe a bloody, foam-like slime
is to be found. The positive causes of the blood disease
have hitherto not been sufficiently developed, but never-
theless unceasing diligence and attention have succeeded
in establishing certain reliable symptoms, and also in
finding proper remedies. In regard to the question of
the general disposition, we know that the degree of fullness
and thickvess of the blood increases the prevalence of the
disease, so that sheep feeding upon rich and abundant pas-
tures are generally most disposed to become affected with
this disease. The principal cause, however, consists in sud-
denly allowing large quantities of rich and very nourishing
food to be given to sheep hitherto provided with scant or
small quantities, by which means a sudden plethoric state is
produced. Herds of sheep which receive only moderate
tood do not so easily become affected with blood disease.
Another cause which produces plethora, and consequently
blood disease, consists in want of exercise; and this is the
reason that blood disease oftener prevails amongst herds
feeding upon pastures of small dimensions than amongst
herds which are allowed to roam and feed upon largely ex-
tended pastures. Other causes of said disease consist in
the following: want of exercise among sheep kept in stables
during the winter, feeding with plenty of swill, with musty
clover, hay or stubble grass; want of good drinking water,
especially during hot summer days; excessive heat; ex-
posure to the rays of the sun, sultry and stormy air, over-
heated air in stables; over-driving; dampness of meadows
which have been. inundated; swamp air; unwholesome
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 3l

drinking water, especially that in which flax has been
steeped ; spoiled fodder; all kinds of musty hay; rotten
potatoes, carrots and other root-plants spoiled with mildew
and rust. It appears, however, that all these damaging in-
fluences do not immediately cause said disease; it often
happens that several of these circumstances combine their
effects upon a herd without causing any apparent disease ;
whereas it often appears under circumstances where none or
only a few of the above influences have been observed.
It is therefore possible that some unknown causes may pre-
vail; for instance, the particular composition of the atmos-
phere in some localities, the topographical situation of the
country, the electrical influences of the air, sudden cold or
‘other unknown influences. It is also possible that several
of these causes may combine to produce disease. Up to
the present time nobody has succeeded in sufficiently ex-
plaining this mystery. No age is protected against the dis-
ease; it may happen to the tender lamb as well as to the
oldest sheep. Young sheep, however, are a great deal more
disposed to it than older sheep. The disease may occur
during all seasons of the year, in summer as well as in
winter, but generally occurs during the hot season, mostly
commencing in May, increasing during July, August and
September, and diminishing during the following months.
Sometimes it prevails during several years among a single
herd or within an entire district, increasing and diminishing
in its destruction or vehemence according to the tempera-
ture of the several seasons. The following special observa-
tions may further explain the subject:

1. In the hot season, although some cases may occur in
winter, blood disease mostly prevails; during the summer
the largest number of cases are observed during July, Au-
gust and September, especially during long-continued heat
and dryness, and particularly when the air is sultry or the
32 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

atmosphere is overloaded with electrical fiuid before a
thunder-storm. 2. A large number of cases occur upon
pastures of a very abundant but loosely-constructed bottom,
which is subject to sudden change from the influences of
dryness or rain, by which influences the pasture may be-
come drained or inundated in a very short time. 3. In
deep valleys containing rivers and rivulets, where there is
little draft of air, and the atmosphere is filled with ascend-
ing vapors, where the solar rays, after gliding down the
face of the mountains, concentrate upon the bottom of
the valleys, and no ventilation by drafts of air or wind
taking place, the animal must suffer from such permanent
effects. 4. Blood disease often occurs upon lands or estates
with differently situated soil, where the vegetation is easily
destroyed by heat and dryness upon the higher situated
part, at the same time that abundance prevails in the val-
ley, or a sudden change is produced after arain. 5. Blood
disease very often and generally occurs upon lands where
the vegetation is subject to mildew or blight. 6. The dis-
ease also appears upon lands of a very loose and sandy
bottom, which, together with parts of its vegetation, may
be washed away or spoiled with rain, where there are no
drains to prevent the formation of cavities in-which vegeta-
tion may to some extent remain, and other parts exposed
to rot or dryness. 7. It often happens amongst sheep feed-
ing upon pastures which are from time to time subject to
inundations. 8. It often happens amongst sheep which
suddenly change from leanness to fattening. 9. Another
cause of said disease consists in over-feeding with very rich
and flatulent food amongst herds which are not accustomed -
to such feeding. 10. When over-feeding with grain and
clover hay had taken place, the disease was generally ob:
served to follow, even during winter. 11. The same thing
happened when the stables were kept too warm. 12. The
DISEASES OF SHEEP. ~ 33

disease also results from sudden colds in summer, when the
atmosphere after a thunder-storm, and especially after a
hail-storm, suddenly cooled off; also from colds at the
washing and bathing of sheep, or from exposure when the
sheep remain in sheepfold upon meadows which previously
had been filled by rain. 13. The inhalation of swamp air
in the neighborhood of small streams caused the spreading
of this disease. 14. It appears that young sheep up to

. their fourth year are mostly disposed to suffer from this

disease. 15. The disease is generally taken by the fattest
and most playful animals of the herd.

A decrease or entire disappearance of this disease is ob-
served under the following circumstances: 1. During the
cold season. If the weather during summer-time continues
to be cool, continuous rain causes the disease to disappear
entirely. 2. It was observed that not asingle case occurred
amongst one part of a certain herd which was in stables

~and fed with dry food, whereas the other part of the same

*

herd was feeding upon the meadow. When the animals
were taken from the meadow into the stable, a decrease
and entire disappearance of the disease took place, as like-
wise when the herd was transferred from rich and abundant
to barren pastures, from the valley to the hill, or to such pas-
tures as contained little or so-called acidulous food. It has
been generally observed that the disease abated as soon as
a change was effected, whether it arose from a transfer to
different pastures, which produces a change of mastication
and nourishment, or from a change to different places.
Diseased animals have been cured by allowing them to feed
upon potatoes. 38. Old or lean sheep are not so often
afflicted with said disease as young or fat animals.

As in all epidemic diseases, it may be questioned whether
this blood disease is not also of a contagious character.
It has been proven that when healthy sheep have been

Be
34 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

vaccinated with matter obtained from sheep which died in
consequence of blood disease, the former always died in
consequence. Dogs which were allowed to eat such car-
casses did not die, whereas sheep bitten by such dogs always
became afflicted with the disease. It may also affect man-
kind if transferred by eating such diseased meat, or by the
sting of an insect or by touching of the flesh, the skin or
the blood of an infected animal. I can bear witness that

in the year 1849 three shepherds belonging to an estate .

near Magdeburg, Prussia, died in consequence of having
contracted this disease by contagion. Whether the disease
may be transferred to other sheep, either by air or breath-
ing or perspiration, cannot be determined with certainty.
Horses and goats which smelled at the carcasses of such
infected sheep suffered from the disease; it was, however,
not proven whether the mouth or nose of these animals had
been soiled with blood of such carcasses. It is therefore
necessary to recommend the most careful caution, espe-
cially with men, whenever it becomes necessary to touch
such carcasses or diseased flesh. To prevent the spreading
of the blood disease it is advisable to part the diseased ani-
mals from the healthy, and to give in the morning and
evening the following lick, consisting of two pounds of
saltpetre, two pounds of glauber salts, two pounds of ground
calamus, two pounds of laurel-leaves, two pounds of juniper-
berries, one pound of golden sulphur; which may be mixed
with the food (clover being preferred). The above quantity
must be mixed well, and serves for one hundred animals
for two days, morning and evening. I can recommend the
above remedy as the most efficient. Great care must be
observed in regard to feeding, so that the change from
stable-feeding to pasture-feeding is only to be allowed by
degrees. In the morning the sheep must not be driven to
pasture until the dew and moisture have entirely disappeared

.
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 35

’ from the meadow, which depends upon the temperature and

weather, At noon a shady and cool resting-place must be
provided. Another preservative, as well as preventive,
consists in the application of cold shower-baths, which may
be applied to the herd by means of a squirting engine, the
nozzle of which is provided with a sieve, or by means of a
garden-spout; the cold water to be applied at different
times of the day, and until the animals are perfectly cooled.
The, herd may also be driven into cold or refreshing
streams: in case of rain the herd must be allowed to re-
main under the same at their pleasure. There appears to
be a hereditary disposition to said blood disease; it may
therefore be presumed that in case of an extraordinarily
frequent occurrence ‘amongst certain herds, the sale of the

_ same and the purchase of other stock will prove the most

profitable.

SHEEP POX.

® One of the most destructive diseases amongst sheep is

.

“the pox.” This disease has been known since the year
1698, but its origin is entirely unknown. It is perhaps the
same case with this disease as with the human pox, which
is said to have been imported from the East by contagion.
It has been suggested that sheep pox may also have origi-
nated in the Western part of the world, from the influences
of the weather, from mildew and other causes; but this has
never been sufficiently proven, and it is therefore unneces-
sary to enter into any dispute. From authenticated ob-
servations it appears that the pox has reappeared in certain
countries during certain intervening periods of eight, ten
36 DISEASES OF SHEEP,

or twelve years; whereas in other parts the reappearance
of said disease has not been observed during fifty years.
The local situation, the climate and commercial intercourse
are very important matters in regard to the formation of
said disease. We therefore find that pox is very often
imported from foreign countries. Sheep pox may appear
at any season and independently of all exterior influences
or of the individual constitution of the animal; affecting
the sheep in winter or summer, during the wet and dry
season, and befalling young as well as old, healthy as well
as sick animals. It seems, however, that certain peculiar
qualities of the atmosphere, of the weather, etc., produce
an increase or decrease of the disease.

Sheep pox consists in a feverish, inflammable eruption
of the skin, which is mainly discernible by the formation
of inflammable pustules or protuberances upon the skin,
secreting a particular fluid, and becoming covered with a
certain crust, which at last drops off. The disease is con-
tagious in the highest degree, and infects the same animal
only once during its life; so that a sheep which has once
overcome this disease will never be again subject to it.

The incidents and progress of this discase are mostly
very regular and subject to certain rules. There are four®
distinct periods discernible during the progress of said
disease, of which periods each occupies a certain time and
presents certain appearances. These periods are called,
1, the period of contagion ; 2, of eruption; 8, of ripeness
or maturity ; and 4, of healing or drying off.

1. Period of contagion—Several days (sometimes three
or four) after contagion has taken place, the sheep appears
to be sullen and weak, head and ears drooping, eating and
ruminating less than usual, and showing an increased
warmth of skin, especially about the ears. The symptoms,
although appearing of so small importance that they are
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 37

ofien overlooked, last for two or three days, after which the
disease enters into its second period.

2. Period of eruption—This period begins on the sixth
or seventh day after contagion has taken place. There
appear scarlet-red spots (similar in appearance to flea-bites),
of different sizes and number, upon different parts of the
surface of the skin, and especially upon such parts as are
not covered with wool, such as the inner side of the shanks,
the part of the breast where the fore legs join, the testicles,
the lips and the eyelids. Such red spots are sometimes
not larger than half an inch; sometimes only a few are to
be found, but oftener a very great number may be observed
upon one particular portion of the skin. In the centre of
these red spots, which are then very little swollen, there
appears after twenty-four or thirty-six hours a small, pro-
tuberant and very inflammable pustule, which extends
deep into the skin and is very painful in case of pressure.
This small pustule extends in size during the next day,
arching upward, and arriving on the tenth day after con-
tagion to its full form and size; the form being now in
most cases circular, seldom oval or otherwise, appearing
like a section of a ball. The smaller pox are generally
high in construction, and the larger pox flatly constructed.
The size of pox varies from that of a pea to a hickory nut.
During the aforesaid growth of the pox the size of the red
spot diminishes, and the pox itself’ receives a red circumfer-
ence. At the eruption of the pox, and for several days
after, a very vehement inflammatory state of the whole
body of the animal is observed; the sheep being very sick,
eating and ruminating very little, showing great thirst,
standing with its head drooping and legs close together ;
the walk is stiff and difficult, and the animal preferring to
remain upon one spot. This difficult walk is generally the
first indication of the presence of the disease. The head,

4
38 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

ears, mouth and affected spots of the skin are of extra-
ordinary warmth; the gums, tongue, and eyes are very red,
hot and dry; the breathing increased. . Toward the end of
the second period a clear, thin slime flows from the nose
and eyes, as if affected by neuralgia; and when the lips,
eyelids and the head contain a great number of pox, such
parts are often swollen to such an extent that neither
mouth nor eyes can be opened.

3. Period of maturity—This period generally begins on
the tenth day after contagion, and extends until the thir-
teenth or fourteenth day; in this time the indications of
the former period (such as the inflammatory state) diminish
by degrees. The pox upon the centre and apex of the skin
shows a fading color, the pustule becoming of a bluish-
white color; the redness disappears from the inner part to
the exterior; the red circle becomes paler and smaller.
The upper skin of the pox separates from the bottom, and
between both an exudation of a clear, colorless, translu-
cent and adhesive fluid (the so-called lymph) takes place,
by which the upper skin appears as a transparent bubble.
During the next ten days the pox become paler, the surface
of the same becoming less transparent, thicker and of a
pale white color, the red circle disappearing entirely. On
the thirteenth or fourteenth day the pox arrives at its full
maturity or ripeness, being now of a clear white color,
round and sometimes of a conical form; the upper skin is
very thin and of a chalk-white color, covering the so-called
clear lymph in great quantities, which at the opening of
the mortified upper skin flows in larger or smaller quanti-
ties. By separating the epidermis from the base of said
pox, the base appears of a dark red color and spongy con-
struction, and extends somewhat above the skin. As soon
as the period of maturity begins, the feverish and other
general indications diminish by degrees; so that after a
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 39

few days they entirely disappear, the sheep becoming lively
again, the appetite reappearing, the discharge from the
nose and mouth ceases, as likewise the swelling of the lips
and eyelids, and the walk and movements become again
free and easy. Only in case of an extraordinarily large
number of pox, or in case of an irregular progress, some of
the above-described incidents remain, such as the discharge
from the nose and eyes, by which the latter are closed, the
want of appetite and a difficult respiration.

4, Period of healing—On the thirteenth or fourteenth
day after contagion, or six or seven days after the eruption
of the pox, the latter begins to heal and dry off, lymph be-
coming turbid, yellow and similar to suppuration; the pox
growing flat and shrinking; the upper skin deepening in
the centre; and after the next four or six days the entire
pox, together with the lymph, forms into a hard and dry
scab, which drops off and leaves a reddish, dry, scarcely
perceptible mark, which at last entirely disappears. This
last or so-called healing period lasts from four to six days;
so that the entire duration of the disease occupies’ about
eighteen or twenty days.

In most cases the eruption of all the pox takes place at
one and the same time, except when an animal suffers from
too large a number of the pox, the eruption of which may
follow in short succession; in such exceptional cases, how-
ever, the interval of the different periods occupies only a few
days. In all cases which I observed a regular succession of
the aforementioned periods took place. When the disease
occurs under the regular, and so to speak natural, progress,
the pox is called “innoxious pox.” This is; however, not
always the case: numerous interior and exterior known
and unknown influences alter the nature of the disease, and
render it a most destructive plague. Under such circum-
40 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

stances the pox is generally called “ malignant pox,” which
generally presents the following indications:

Several days before the eruption of the pox the animal
appears very sick, ceasing to ruminate and’ eat, and being
weary and enervated. Subsequently the pox breaks out
upon nearly the entire skin, particularly upon the lips, the
jaws and eyelids, and upon the bare parts of the shanks.
The affected parts of the skin are hot, swollen and stiffened ;
the lips and eyelids especially are swollen to a large extent,
such swellings being extremely sensible to the touch or mo-
tion. These pox are very numerous and larger than in in-
noxious pox, being of a lengthy or oval form, whereas those
of the innoxious pox are of a circular fourm. The pustules —
in malignant pox are apt to flow together, and by that
means to form large and shapeless protuberances and ir-
regular figures ; such pox are not very high, are flat in the
centre, and, instead of being arched, their surface appears
to be depressed; the color of the pox, as well as of the in-
termediate parts of the skin, is either scarlet, red, coppery,
purple or bluish-red. It is extremely seldom that malig-
nant pox takes the same regular course as innoxious pox;
the pustules do not arch or swell in the centre, they do not
fill with lymph, and do not change to innoxious suppura-
tion and into a dry crust; but they remain in most cases in
the same condition as above described until the death of the
animal. In many cases they entirely recede before death ;
sometimes they fill with a thin, acrid matter (instead of
lymph), and change into deeply extending ulcers (instead
of dry crust), thereby destroying large pieces of the skin,
especially of the face, the ears and shanks. The affected
sheep is scarcely able to move from place to place, and does
not move without compulsion; the animal is unable to
move the lips and jaws, which are hot and swollen, and
feel as if filled with knots and boils; it ceases to eat, the
& DISEASES OF SHEEP. | Al

eyes are entirely closed, and the head appears to be swollen.
The sheep is extremely sick, drooping its head and keeping
its feet close together, with crooked back, difficult and in-
creased respiration. The entire surface of the body, es-
pecially the mouth, nose, lips and bare parts of the shanks,
is greatly inflamed, very hot and sensitive; the animal
suffers extremely from thirst, and cannot drink without
difficulty, on account of the inflammation of the lips. In
the first few days after the eruption of the pox, the mouth
and nose discharge a certain spittle or slobber, consisting
in the beginning of a thin fluid matter, which in a short
time changes into a thick, tough and yellowish-white slime,
and which in some cases is intermixed with bloody streaks ;
this slime, as well as the entire perspiration of the sheep,
has an extremely offensive smell. The former generally
hardens around the nostrils, forming a compact, tough and
dark-colored crust ; at last filling the nostrils to such an extent
that breathing is rendered almost impossible. The mucous
membranes of the nasal cavities are inflamed and swollen,
the nostrils become choked, the breathing difficult, causing
a rattling noise, as also uneasiness to the animal. The
swollen eyelids are closed, the eyeballs being very red and
inflamed; there is a discharge from the eye; which dis-
charge in the beginning is watery and thin, but-afterward
changes into a thick, suppurated matter, and by its adhesion
to the eyelid causes the closing of the eye. In many cases
a suppuration. of the entire eye takes place, especially when
the eyeball itself is affected with pox. The sheep staggers
and reels, or prefers to lie down, and when lifted drops
down again ; the wool separates easily from the skin, which
is entirely covered with pox; the flanks are sunken and
hollow, the animal becoming extremely lean and afflicted
with dysentery, which is generally followed by death. The
disease, in receding shortly before its termination, sometimes
4 ®
42 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

changes into an inflammation of the’ throat or lungs, this
being the most reliable indication of the near approach of
death. Death generally occurs in from sixteen to twenty
days, seldom sooner, and then only in cases where the pox
has receded or changed into inflammation of the throat, or
when the afflicted is of a very tender age. The diseased
carcass putrefies in a very short time and causes a pestilent
stench. When dissected, a great many pox are found upon
the mucous membranes of the nose and windpipe, upon the
lungs, the liver, the intestines, the tripes; which pox, how-
ever, have not exactly the same appearance as those of the
exterior pox, looking like flat-formed sores. The pox, not
always appearing of the same exterior form, have been
classified accordingly, and different names have been adopted
to distinguish such different forms; as, for instance, con-
fluent, gangrenous, flat, brown, blue and pestilent pox.
Such a classification is, however, entirely unnecessary, as
there is only one kind of sheep pox; the difference in the
progress and exterior appearance depends upon exterior
and interior conditions and incidents, and not upon the in-
trinsic nature of the pox itself. To prove this it is only
necessary to state the fact that the so-called confluent and
gangrenous pox may be transferred by contagion to animals
afflicted with innoxious pox, and the latter may, by inju-
dicious treatment or with intent, be changed into the most
malignant and so-called flattened pox. The most proper
classification appears to be that of “innoxious” and “ma-
lignant” pox, or perhaps “regular” and “ irregular” pox.
The so-called “stone pox,” which seldom occurs, has noth-
ing to do with this disease, and its name as “pox” is im-
proper. The so-called stone pox consists in small knots of
the form of millet-seed, containing a small quantity of
yellow matter, which dry off in a period. of four or. five
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 43

days, produce no fever, are not contagious and of no dan-
gerous consequences.

The sheep pox is one of the most destructive diseases,
destroying all kinds of animals alike. The devastation
caused by this disease is indeed enormous. It has been
stated that out of eight millions of sheep, one hundred and
fifty thousand have been destroyed. by it in one year in
Hungary; and it is officially reported that the loss amongst
herds in Austria (which amounted in the aggregate to
about sixteen millions of sheep) has not been less than four
hundred thousand sheep per annum. This official report
was made at a time when vaccination for sheep pox had
not yet been introduced. Weare therefore enabled to form
an idea of the dangerous consequences of such a disease.
It has been calculated that the average loss caused by
sheep pox amounts to from eight to ten per cent. This
calculation, however, is not always to be relied upon. I
have observed average losses of about six or eight per cent.
under favorable circumstances, and losses varying from
twenty to thirty and even from forty to sixty per cent.,
according to the vehemence of the disease or the effect of
local and other influences. Last year I observed a case in
England, in which, out of a herd of three hundred sheep,
ninety-nine were destroyed by sheep pox, amounting to
nearly thirty-three per cent. ©

We have now to consider the effect of sheep pox upon
the animal itself, and in this we should be guided by
the following rules, founded upon experience: The num-
ber of pox indicates the degree of danger. The less the
number, the less the danger, and with the increase of their
number the danger increases, because in the latter case the
pox flow together and form the so-called flittened pox.
When there are only a few pox and their progress is regu-
lar, when such pox are separated from each other, when
44 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

they are of a circular and spherical form, discharging
lymph which hardens into a crust,—then the disease is in-
noxious and never of deadly consequences. Such indica-
tions as fever, want of appetite, discharge from the nose,
ete., do not generally in such cases prevail, and we observe
scarcely any indisposition of the animal at all; the only
observable indication then consists in the formation upon
several spots of the skin of a dry, dark-brown scurf of the
size of a pea. Such cases occur very often among large
herds. When there are great numbers of pox, especially
upon the lips and the head, then the disease becomes more
critical, being in most cases accompanied with fever, dis-
charge from the nose and want of appetite. But never-
theless there is little danger in such cases, provided that
the pox are of a circular and arched form, and that they
discharge lymph, which hardens into a crust or scurf. The
animal may of course become emaciated, or may lose an
eye or a part of the wing of the nose, etc., but death occurs
very seldom. The following indications present a larger
degree of danger, viz.: when the animal appears to be
very sick in the beginning of the disease; when there is a
want of appetite and cheerfulness ; when the lips and eye-
lids, or the entire skin of the head, are swollen; when the
eruption of the pox occurs upon all parts of the body ; when
the pox are so numerous that they become confluent and
of shapeless form; when they remain in a flattened condi-
tion; when the skin between the pox is highly inflamed
and of the same color as the pox; when in the beginning
of the disease a discharge from the nose is observed; when
the respiration is difficult and accompanied with a rattling
noise. In such cases the strength of the animal becomes
prematurely*exhausted by the vehemence of the fever and
inflammation, the body being then very often unable to
stand the regular course of inflammation, so that the pox
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 45

cannot mature or discharge the lymph and change into scruf.
In afew such cases the animal may be saved by means of great
care and attention, but most are hopeless. The most unfavor-
able indications, which are nearly always followed by death,
are as follows: confluent, dry and flattened pox, of a coppery,
purple or bluish-red color; when the pox affects large and
important parts in such a manner that the latter are destroyed
by suppuration; when there is an entire loss of appetite, an
abundant discharge from nose, mouth and eyes of foetid mat-
ter, which the animal refuses to lick; when the pox recede
or change into inflammation of the throat or lungs or into
dysentery ; and when the animal is unable to stand. AJI ani-
mals of the same herd do not suffer in the same degree of ve-
hemence from the disease, even under the same circumstances,
such as weather, pasture, food, care, etc. It has been ob-
_ served that improved or superior stock is more liable to
destruction than ordinary stock; young sheep (except suck-
lings) do not suffer so much as old sheep. Sucklings. die
very soon in consequence of pox—often in the first few days
after eruption, and even before. Sheep which have been
well fed, especially bucks, suffer the most; ewes in ad-
vanced states of pregnancy suffer greatly from the pox, and
generally miscarry in consequence thereof. Sheep which
feed upon stubble-fields, or which are lean from want of
sufficierit food, are seldom much affected by pox.

The following rules in regard to the influence of the
weather or season are important: Extreme heat and ex-
treme cold (especially the former) are dangerous: wet
weather is most dangerous, and a heavy rain may destroy
half of the herd if the animals are afflicted with pox and-
exposed to such rain. A mild, temperate atmosphere, rest
and moderate feeding are of a beneficial effect in case of
pox. There are, however, certain periods or years in which
the pox appears to be more or less dangerous in its con-
46 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

sequences, and in such periods certain unaccountable influ-
ences, such as an unknown state or composition of the
atmospheric air, may exist. Sheep pox is of a very con-
tagious character; of this there can be no doubt at all.
All parts of the diseased animal contain contagious matter,
especially the lymph, the blood, the discharges of the
mouth and nose, the dung, the urine and the exhalation
of the skin. and lungs. Contagion may result either from
immediate contact with said infected parts, or from the
transfer of the poisonous matter by intermediate means or
poisonous air. Contagion is generally introduced into a
herd by single animals, which are or have been afflicted
with pox, by means of the wool or skin of such animals,
or when healthy animals feed upon pasture where diseased
sheep have been roaming. ‘The disease may also be trans-
ferred by contact with infected clothing of men, especially
fur, and even by dogs and poultry. The contagious matter
of the pox, being of a volatile nature, can consequently
become diffused by air. It is not known to what extent
such a diffusion may effect contagion; it is, however, pro-
bable that within several hundred years such a diffusion
may prove fatal. It is extremely seldom that pox breaks
out in a single herd without any previous appearance of
said disease in some other part of the neighborhood. The
manner in which such infection from one remote locality to
the other has been effected has been never sufficiently ex-
plained, except in a very few cases. Such sudden and un-
explained attacks only prove the intensity and subtilty of
the contagious matter of sheep pox. Such matter pre-
serves its nature and effects for a long time, even in the
dry state, and long after the disease itself has ceased to
exist. In the beginning only a few animals of a certain
herd are affected by pox (probably from immediate infec-
tion). It never happens that the entire herd, or the larger
" DISEASES OF SHEEP. 47

part of the same, is at once taken sick; if, however, such a
case is observed, the owner of such an entirely diseased
herd may be assured that either he or his employés have
neglected the care of his flock. Sheep pox always spreads
gradually, and lingers according to the state of the tempera-
ture of the air. Infection is accelerated by heat, and con-
sequently when sheep are closely kept together in stables
during winter-time the disease is very likely to appear.
Sheep kept upon cool pastures during wet and windy
weather are not so vehemently affected by pox. The
average term during which all animals of a large herd
become gradually afflicted with pox lasts from three to four
months, and in some instances six months. The general
rule is, that the shorter the interval of infection the greater
the vehemence and danger of the disease, and vice versd.
In most cases there are three periods in regard to the pro-
gress of infection: The first period begins with the infection
of a few animals, which then (in the second period) infect
about the third or fourth part of the herd. After.a short
interval or rest of about sixteen or eighteen days, these in-
fected sheep impart the disease to the remaining healthy
part of the flock (third period). This may be a conse-
quence of the arrival of maturity in each separate case,
which maturity happens in nearly the same equal period.
Certain animals are more or less disposed to infection, and
this may be assigned as a reason why such animals do not
become infected at all, or sooner or later. It may be said
in this connection that in the average about four to six per
cent. of the sheep belonging to a diseased flock are entirely
exempt from infection on account of their constitutional
disposition. It is extremely rare that all sheep composing
a herd are likewise exempt,

The treatment of an infected herd depends upon differ-
ent circumstances, although the greatest care has to be
48 DISEASES OF SHEEP,

observed in all cases where the disease is known to prevail
in distant localities, whereby infection may happen sooner
or later. As soon as it is known that the pox prevails
among a herd, each separate animal has to be carefully
examined by laying it upon its back and examining the
bare parts of the shanks, of the belly, the breast, and also
the face, especially the lips and eyes. In the beginning of
the disease the pox are scarcely visible, and therefore the lips
of the animal must be gently touched or rubbed with the
finger to detect any knotty and rugged protuberances,
which, when they are sensible to pressure, represent the
pox. All infected sheep should be separated from the.
others and taken to very distant localities. If, however, a .
large part of the herd is found to be diseased, it is advisa-
ble to keep the infected animals in their usual place or
stable, which ‘is now considered to be also infected, and to
remove the healthy to other localities. In case of infection
of only a few animals, and when the disease is still in the
beginning, the spread of the disease may possibly be pre:
vented, but such cases are very rare and unreliable. The
aforesaid examination is daily to be repeated; the person
having the care of the diseased animals is not to be en-
trusted with the examination, nor to be allowed to have
any intercourse with the healthy part of the herd.

The treatment of the regular or innoxious pox is very
simple and requires no medical attendance, it being only
necessary to subject the diseased sheep to a suitable and
careful-diet. In winter, and during cold, windy, misty or
rainy weather, they should be kept in the stable; cold and
wet being of the most dangerous effect, the sheep being
very sensible to such influences, notwithstanding the thick-
ness of their fleece, and especially when the tender skin is
inflamed and swollen from pox. The stable in which the

' sick animals are kept must be spacious and warm and pro-
DISEASES OF SIiEEP. AY

vided with plenty of dry-litter, a temperature of sixty
to sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit being the most popular.
During clear and warm weather the diseased sheep may be
taken upon a dry and nourishing pasture; care must, how-
ever, be observed that such animals are not overheated by
too much exercise, and for this reason it is proper to keep
them in the neighborhood of the stable or some sheds, so
that in case of a sudden rain sufficient shelter may be had
at once. During very hot summer days the sheep must not
be exposed to the sun, especially at noon, excessive heat
resulting in dangerous consequences. During the night
the sheep must be kept in stables, as the night dew and
_ sudden rains interfere with the regular course of the dis-
ease. There is always a smaller or larger number of
exceptional cases in a diseased herd (of innoxious cases),
where the disease appears to be of an irregular or malig-
nant course or form. Such individuals must be treated
with the greatest care; they must be separated from the
others, and if possible taken to another locality, as by their
perspiration the air becomes tainted and poisoned, and of
dangerous effect upon the other diseased animals. They
must also be kept in warm and dry stables, or upon grass-
plots, or upon meadows situated in the immediate neighbor-
hood of the stables.

A particular medical treatment is very difficult; the end-
less varieties in regard to constitution, age, etc., of the dis-
eased animals, as well as the many different degrees of the ve-
hemence of the disease, render it impossible to pive general
prescriptions; the employment of medicaments being a costly
matter and of little or doubtful use, and, where there are hun-
dreds of diseased animals, almost impossible. It is there-
fore advisable to confine the diseased animals to a proper
diet and diligent care. They should always receive the
best food, such as clover hay, potatoes cut into small pieces,

5 Cc
50 DISEASES OF SIIEEP.

etc. The drink should consist of clean water mixed with
a little ground salt or a small quantity of vinegar. Ani-
mals whose lips are swollen to such a degree that they are
unable to eat should be fed with drink composed of water
and flour or bran, which, in case of refusal, may be repeat-
edly poured into the mouth; otherwise the animal must
die from starvation. Such infusions may properly consist
of barley groats, to which a little ground salt is added.
The eyes, which are closed from inflammation and hardened
matter, must be washed, and the matter removed by means
of bathing with lukewarm water or milk. The nostrils,
which are in like manner obstructed, should also be bathed,
and the obstruction carefully removed. In case of necessity,
the administration of medicines, as likewise the special
treatment of local diseases, such as inflammation of the
eyes, joints and sockets, throat or lungs, must be entrusted
to practical and experienced persons. As soon as it is as-
certained that pox prevails amongst a herd, such a fact
ought to be made known to the neighbors and authorities,
so that the spreading of this dangerous and devastating
plague may be in due time prevented. When sheep pox
has ceased to exist in a herd, the poisonous matter has to be
destroyed as far as possible. The carcasses of all such dis-
cased animals must be interred as deep as possible, together
with skin and wool; the dung should be ploughed under.
The walls, stalls and all other fixtures of the stables or
sheds in which infected animals have been kept must be
whitewashed ; and to make such disinfection more effective,
a certain quantity of chloride of lime must be added to the
whitewash (say about two pounds of chloride of lime to a
pailful of whitewash). Many have been of opinion that
the employment of certain medicaments would be a means
of preventing or abating the disposition to sheep pox, and
it was therefore recommended to rub the animals under the
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 51

throat with a mixture consisting of lard, one pound; cam-
phor, a half ounce; and assafcetida, a half ounce. Al-
though for a certain time such a treatment enjoyed a cer-
‘tain reputation as a preventive, it was subsequently found
to be inadequate, and of as little use as all other remedies.
There is still another remedy to be mentioned (besides vac-
cination, of which a full description will be given hereafter).
Such a remedy, although also of doubtful consequences,
.consists in all possible measures by which the transfer of —
the pox from and to other localities may be prevented or
rendered impossible, especially when it is found to prevail
in neighboring places. All persons, all animals or things
which have been in contact with a diseased herd must be
kept separated from healthy herds, and the latter are not to
be permitted to feed or roam upon pastures, ways or pas-
sages (or in the neighborhood of such pastures, etc.) which |
have been used by diseased animals: a distance of at least
four hundred yards from such infected places ought to be
carefully observed. Notwithstanding all sach precautionary
measures, pox has often appeared in such separated herds,
and the owner of the stock is therefore unable to account
for such unexpected and unavoidable attacks.
VAccINATION or Surep Pox.—After enormous losses
in sheep, and after all other precautionary measures proved
to be of no effect, vaccination was at last thought of. It
was already known that the so-called human small pox
could be prevented by vaccination, and sheep pox being
very similar in its nature to human pox, the idea of pre-
venting it also by vaccination was indeed easily conceived,
and proved beneficial in its results. Since the introduction
of vaccination, sheep pox has ceased to be a perpetual
plague to whole countries, and only occurs amongst single
herds or in limited districts. Vaccination consists in the
intentional and artificial production of a disease similar to
52 DISEASES OF SHEEP.-

sheep pox, but of a very gentle and innoxious nature, by
which means the liability of the vaccinated animal to be-
come afflicted with the natural and more vehement or
malignant disease is destroyed. In other words, vaccina-
tion is the production of a mild disease as a safeguard
against a more vehement one. Vaccination is effected by
introducing a small quantity of pox-matter under the
epidermis of the animal by means of a small incision.
Vaccination was formerly vehemently opposed by many
persons on account of the unsatisfactory result of several
cases of vaccination ; which results were no doubt produced
by improper treatment and a combination of other un-
favorable circumstances.

Like all other valuable and beneficial inventions, vac-
cination has had its trials and obstacles, until at last, suc-
cess crowning its own merits, and being more generally in-
troduced, certain rules in the manner of operation were
established according to experience; so that at the present
time only a few opponents may be found, and those only
among ignorant or prejudiced people. The most important
advantages of vaccination are as follows :

1. Natural pox generally destroys from twenty to fifty
per cent., and sometimes even a larger percentage, of an
infected herd, a destruction of only eight or ten per cent.
being a very rare and fortunate exception; whereas the
destruction among vaccinated sheep very seldom exceeds
four or six per cent.; in many cases there is a still smaller
loss, and sometimes no Iéss at all. I recollect a case in
which out of a herd of forty thousand vaccinated sheep
only ten animals died. 2. Natural pox generally prevails
in an infected herd from three to six months; whereas a
vaccinated herd is relieved from pox in four or six weeks.
3. The amount of wool destroyed by the disease of infected
animals is a very considerable loss, no such loss occurring
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 53

amongst a vaccinated herd. 4. Natural pox may happen
at all seasons of the year and under all possible circum-
stances, whereby another considerable loss may be incurred
by the infection of ewes, which destroys the ewes as well as
other lambs; but vaccination can in most. cases be post-
poned until a proper time, and the loss thereby in some
measure avoided.
The above-mentioned facts alone are sufficient to show
the manifest advantage of vaccination, a still greater
benefit being, however, observed when such vaccination is
undertaken in due time, inasmuch as even the best remedy
may lose somewhat of its effects if applied too late. Con-
sequently, if a herd is already afflicted with pox, only the
disinfected or healthy animals can be vaccinated with a
beneficial result; and even in such cases a great many
sheep may be saved and the duration of the disease con-
siderably shortened. A vaccination undertaken under such
circumstances is called “vaccination in distress”? Such a
vaccination, although of comparatively less benefit, ought
to be undertaken under all circumstances, except upon
ewes going with lambs; in such cases, the ewes should be
examined daily and the healthy separated from the in-
fected, until the danger of infection appears to be removed,
which will be more fully explained hereafter. When the
disease is known to exist in the neighborhood, the owner
cannot do anything better than to vaccinate his flock, and
by this means to prefer a probable and small loss to a large
loss of an uncertain extent. In‘such a case we call such
an operation “ precautionary vaccination,” and it is always
advisable in the case named. Experience proves that all
other precautionary measures are inadequate to prevent
the transfer of sheep pox from one locality to another; and
if such a precautionary vaccination is neglected, vaccina-_
tion in distress may be afterward required, and a partial
5A DISEASES OF SHEEP. .

result only obtained. There is still another or third class
of vaccination—“ preventive vaccination”—which consists
in the continual yearly vaccination of the grown-up stock,
or animals born since the last regular vaccination of the
herd. Such a preventive vaccination of course offers great
advantages over the so-called “vaccination in distress”
and “ precautionary vaccination,” allowing the free choice
of proper season and of other favorable circumstances, and
causing only an inconsiderable loss. In many countries,
especially in Austria, such a preventive vaccination is
generally in use: the grown-up lambs are regularly vac-
cinated in the spring, when such lambs are from three to
four months old, the general result being a very consider-
able diminution of the former devastations caused by this
plague. There are, however, certain parts or countries
where the recurrence of pox only happens in very distant
periods, say in ten or twelve years, and even more seldom;
and on account of the short duration of the life of sheep
no danger may exist during several generations; so that
. preventive vaccination is not required and is unnecessary.
Such preventive vaccination is therefore only to be recom-
mended for particular localities and under particular cir-
cumstances; that is to say, for those localities in which
sheep pox is known to recur after short intermissions. A
timely and properly executed “ precautionary vaccination”
is in most cases sufficient to prevent losses from infection.
The selection of vaccine-matter is of the greatest import-
ance, inasmuch as only by means of proper vaccine-matter
a reliable prevention of a vehement or malignant disease
can be effected. All parts of an animal afflicted with pox,
especially the dung, urine and other discharges, the blood
and other humors or fluids, are contagious, but probably
only during certain periods of the disease. It is therefore
necessary to establish certain rules for the selection of the
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 55

proper vaccine-matter and for the use of the same at a
proper time, otherwise an unfavorable or dangerous result
may be the consequence. According to experience, segre-
gated lymph forms the best vaccine-matter; such lymph is |
to be collected from natural pox, on the sixth or seventh
day after eruption. It must be perfectly clear and fluid,
like water. Thick, turbid and suppurated lymph produces
in most cases no pox, or only a sore, and the use of the
same offers no protection at all. It may, however, happen
that a sufficient quantity of clear lymph cannot be obtained
from natural pox (especially when there are great numbers
to be vaccinated). In such a case the blood emerging
from the incision of natural pox may be used as a perfectly
satisfactory substitute for lymph. Among the sheep which
I have had occasion to vaccinate, at least thirty thousand
have been vaccinated with such kind of blood (for want
of lymph), and the result proved to be entirely of the same
satisfactory character. The same observation occurred to
many other professional men and owners of sheep. It ap-
pears, therefore, that no difference exists between vaccina- ~
tion with clear lymph and that with the blood or bloody fluid
of the pox; if, however, plenty of lymph can be had, the
latter is preferable. In case such clear lymph cannot be
procured, the blood must be taken from pox which has ar-
rived at the so-called state of maturity, especially when
such pox still contains a small portion of clear lymph; the
upper skin of such pox must be of a bluish-white color and
already separated from the textures below. Care must be
taken to select only such pox the maturity of which is not
already perfected; the blood of perfectly ripened pox
(being covered with a very thick and perfectly white skin
and tending to fall off) is in many cases of no avail. It is
further advisable to take the vaccine-matter from young,
strong and otherwise healthy animals, where the pox is of
56 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

a regular course or progress, and where the animals do not
suffer from vehement inflammation or general bodily afflic-
tion. If vaccine-matter is transferred from sheep suffering
from pox together with chlorosis, or so-called green sick-
ness or rot, the effect of such matter is destroyed; the vac-
cination results only in the formation of a sore, which ren-
ders no protection and no formation of further useful vac-
cine-matter. It has been also ascertained that other diseases
of sheep cannot be transferred or propagated by vaccination
with matter obtained from such otherwise diseased animals.
Suppurated matter or blood obtained from overripe pox de-
stroys the intended effect of vaccination, and in some
cases natural pox is the result of such improper treatment
(from which result ignorant people are inclined to believe
that vaccination is alwaysa failure). It is further preferable
to obtain vaccine-matter from vaccinated sheep ; and in case
no such matter can be had, it should be obtained from in-
fected animals whose pox is of a regular and of the least
vehement nature. Natural pox are smaller than vaccinated
pox, and consequently only a small quantity of lymph can
be obtained from the former; for this reason the blood from
natural pox during its proper maturity must be used.
Lymph may be preserved for a considerable time without
losing anything from its effects; for this purpose it should
be collected in very small vials, or so-called capillary tubes,
which must be carefully corked and sealed up with cement
or wax, and kept in a jar filled with sand, and in a cool
place. In this way the lymph may be preserved from four
to ten months. Another means of preserving vaccine-
matter consists in collecting it by means of wool or cotton,
to be carefully sealed up in glass vessels. There are, how-
ever, certain exceptions recorded, in which the most care-
fully preserved vaccine-matter has, after a short time, lost
its effective power. The preservation of lymph having in
DISEASES. OF SHEEP. 57

several cases proved inefficient, and there having been a
difference of opinion in regard to the efficiency of “ precau-
tionary vaccination,” the establishment of certain so-called
“vaccine depdts” was suggested, and such institutions have
been duly .established, in connection with large estates, in
some parts of Austria. The proper management of such
vaccine depdts, which involved considerable expense and
great care, consisted in the separation of small flocks, keep-
ing the same at some remote and isolated spot from the
main flock, and vaccinating only about ten animals of such
separated flock; from these a single animal possessing the
most favorable qualities was selected from which to obtain
the vaeeine-matter, by which another lot of ten sheep were
vaccinated, and so on until the arrival of the proper time
for the vaccination of the entire grown-up stock. Such a

mode of operation offers, of course, the surest means to.

have good vaccine-matter of sufficient quantity on hand
when required. But this mode of obtaining and preserving
good vaccine-matter was not the only object or purpose of
such institutions; it was also believed that such repeated
transplantation or propagation of lymph through a large
number of healthy sheep would at last produce a very mild
and entirely innoxious form of pox, without lessening the
protective virtues of the vaccine-matter of the same ; thereby
also avoiding a general infection or death from such disease.
Such a supposed mitigation was called “Culture or mitiga-
tion of vaccine-matter,” and such vaccine-matter was said to
possess the following advantages over vaccine-matter ob-
tained from natural pox, namely: 1. Cultivated vaccine-
matter was said to be of the same preventive power against
infection from natural pox as matter taken from the latter.
2. It was believed that cultivated vaccine-matter is ren-
dered milder by each further transplantation, forming only
a single pox upon the vaccinated spot, and avoiding a
C*

*
58 : DISEASES OF SHEEP.

general or dangerous pox disease. 3. It was also said that
sheep vaccinated with such cultivated matter (on account of
its mild nature) could be kept amongst other sheep without
infecting the latter, thereby avoiding any danger to neigh-
boring herds. The first assertion is perfectly correct, inas-
much as the vaccine-matter does not lose any of its power
of protection by any number of transplantations. The
two other assertions, however, are incorrect. Although
there may be some apparent reasons for the same, experience
proves their utter fallacy. I recollect that the loss in two
very large herds which I had vaccinated with matter ob-
tained from natural pox only amounted to one-half and to
one per cent. respectively ; whereas the loss among herds
vaccinated with cultivated matter (of the tenth or twelfth
migatory degree) amounted to from two to four per cent.
respectively. I was also informed by the master-herdsman.
of a large estate in Austria that the losses among his herd,
which had been vaccinated from cultivated vaccine-matter
obtained from one of the above-mentioned vaccine depots
(such matter having been transplanted more than one hun-
dred times), amounted to twelve per cent., although all
other precautionary measures had been duly observed.

The selection of proper places for vaccination is of great
importance. When vaccination was first introduced, it
was thought proper to execute the operation upon the in-
_-terior and bare part of one of the fore legs: such treat-
ment was, however, abandoned, the effect of the same being
a very dangerous friction, causing inflammation, lameness
of the limb and a large number of pox. To avoid such
friction the interior and bare parts of the hind leg were
then selected, the result being, however, the same. Sub-
sequently, the lower part of the abdomen, near the navel,
was tried, and also found to be an improper place for vacci-
nation. After many trials and experiences, it has been
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 59

generally admitted that the most suitable place for vacci-
nation is the inner side of the ear, being very convenient
for operation, and offering in most cases the greatest ad-
vantages in every other regard. Vaccination has been also
effected upon the tail, and although the sheep suffered no
inconvenience, and the result being the formation of a
large pox, whose preventive power is undeniable, it ap-
peared, nevertheless, that the inner side of the ear offers
greater advantages than all other methods of vaccination.
It must be also here remarked that a greater quantity and
better quality of lymph is obtained from so-called ear pox
than from tail pox.

Mechanical system of vaccination.—There have been many
different ways of vaccination; as, for instance, several
small incisions were made into the skin and the vaccine-
matter rubbed thereupon; or a woolen or cotton thread
soaked in lymph was drawn through the ear or other parts
of the body under the skin; but, after all, the ear was
selected as the most proper place. In front of the open
door of the stable a hurdle is placed, and in front.of the
latter a table and a chair for the accommodation of the
operator. The sheep from which the vaccine-matter is to
be taken must be laid upon a bench to the right of the
operator, the sheep to be bound by its legs and to be held
by an assistant. The animals which are to be vaccinated
are now taken from the stable, and one after the other laid
upon the table, with their backs downward. Another
assistant holds the hind legs with his right hand and the —
fore legs with his left hand, pressing the neck of the
animal under his left arm. The operator now holds the
tail of the animal with his left hand, turning or twisting
the tail in such a manner that the bare part of the skin
becomes somewhat compressed; in the mean time, the as-
sistant uses the dull edge of the needle (used for vacci-
60 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

nation) to remove any dirt adhering to the pox, and open-
ing the white upper skin of the same by means of incisions,
catches the lymph into the receiver or furrow of the needle,
which he now hands to the operator, who inserts the needle
(holding it horizontally) at a point somewhat in the middle
of the tail,.and not less than five or six inches from the
anus; the needle should be pressed lengthwise under the
skin, producing an incision of about one-eighth or one-
sixth of an inch in length. After this the operator will
give a slight turn to the needle, to allow the lymph to flow
from the furrow upon the flesh; and this done, the needle
may be removed after slightly pressing the incised skin.
In the same manner all the animals of a herd may be
operated upon one after the other. It is, however, advisa-
ble to have only male sheep vaccinated upon the tail;
ewes have to be operated upon in another manner. It has

been observed that natural pox, as well as the last-men-
tioned and so-called tail pox, generally furnishes only a
small quantity of lymph; and in such a case the blood or
bloody fluid of such pox may be used with the same bene-
ficial effect. It is, however, advisable to select those vaeci-
nated sheep whose pox contains the greatest quantity of
lymph. The so-called tail pox, if in proper condition,
contains sufficient vaccine-matter for two or three hundred
sheep, which matter accumulates upon the edge of such
pox, from whence it is to be obtained by cutting off the
upper skin. The animal whose matter is to be used must
be put in such a position that the other animals are not
exposed to the vapors of the former.

Vaccination of the ear.—As in the before-described opera-
tion, the animal whose matter is to be used for vaccination
roust be laid upon a bench at the right hand of the opera-
tor, who now himself has to fill the needle with vaccine-
matter and to hold the animal to be operated upon at his
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 61

left side, the animal to be put in a sitting position. An
assistant must be at hand to keep the animal quiet and
fast during the operation by grasping the neck of the same
with his right hand, and to hold its back straight with his
right leg. The operator now seizes with his left hand the
right ear of the animal, bending the ear over his fore
finger, and keeping the same between his thumb and fore
finger in such a position that the inner side of the ear
is exposed and ready for vaccination. The skin is now
pierced with the needle and the vaccine-matter introduced
in the same manner as in the so-called tail vaccination.
The animal may also be held in a different manner; the
assistant seizing the same by its back and leading the
animal with its head between the knees of the operator.
In both kinds of vaccination all other proceedings are of
the same description. Under all circumstances it is advis-
able cautiously to introduce the needle under the upper
skin and not deeper, otherwise a vehement inflammation
or gangrene may ensue and the life of the animal en-
dangered, as has been observed in several cases. It is,
however, admitted that such cases are very rare, and we
only mention such occurrences as a reasonable precaution.

Process of the vaccinated por.—On the second day after
vaccination the small wound generally disappears, pro-
vided the incision or cut is not very deep. On the third
day a red point appears, forming a small knot, which is
now growing larger and becoming painful. On the sixth
.or seventh day fever of a more or less vehement, but
generally of a gentle nature, ensues. Sometimes it happens
that upon other places beside the vaccinated spot pox ap-
pears; and in such cases the animal is affected with all the
sufferings incident to natural pox of irregular form. On the
eighth day the pox is largely extending, until on the tenth
or eleventh day it has arrived at its full dimensions, being

6
62 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

then of a scarlet-red color, glossy, very painful, hot, and
enclosed by a red circle; its diameter being generally from
one inch to an inch and a half. From the eleventh to the
thirteenth day the color of the pox fades, the elevation of
the pox increasing; at the same time the clear and watery
lymph settles around the edge of the pox, so that on the
thirteenth day the greatest amount of lymph is formed.
After this timé the lymph changes into a thick and sup-
purated slime, the pox shrinks and changes into a dark-
brown scurf, which after twenty or thirty days drops off,
leaving a scar often of a large size. Such.is mostly the
case with tail pox, the incidents of ear pox being some-
what different, namely: there is less intensity of redness,
the size of the pox being that of a pea, the skin extending
and elevating largely, containing a larger amount of lymph,
which latter produces so much more vaccine-matter; the
natural pox having the appearance of a well-filled bladder
or bubble, the scurf being of less thickness and dropping
off easily. The entire ear appears to be swollen often to an
inch in thickness. There are numerous deviations from the
regular progress of vaccinated pox above described; some
of these deviations are unimportant; others, however, are
more or less critical. It often happens, especially with ear
vaccination, that so-called side pox arise in the neighbor-
hood of the vaccinated spot. If such side pox are of a
regular form and progress, and not too numerous, there is
no danger; there are, however, cases of vaccination in
which a general pox disease may arise, which produces the
same appearance and danger as the malignant natural pox.
But such cases occur very seldom, and are nearly always
the consequence of bad management. Another deviation
from the regular course of vaccinated pox consists in the
difference of time required for the formation and maturity
of the pustules, such difference being occasioned by the in-

1
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 63

fluence of the weather and temperature, warmth accelera-
ting the progress, and cold or wet weather causing delay,
and even in some cases destroying the effect of vaccination
more or less. Vaccinated pox, which matures and sup-
purates in an extraordinary short time, say in from four to
six days, is generally without protective effect, and is there-
fore called false pox, this being often the consequence of
defective vaccine-matter. In some cases a general eruption
of red spots upon the skin is’ observed: such eruption dis-
appears in twenty-four to thirty-six hours, and presents no
danger, provided the pox retains its regular form and there
is no other incidental disease.

There is no need of any particular precaution or treat-
ment of sheep previous to vaccination ; only be careful not
to expose such sheep to rain or heat, or to excite the circu-
lation of the blood before operating. It is therefore most
proper to keep the herd quiet in the stable before vaccina-
tion, or, if such sheep have to be driven a long distance to
the operator, to keep the animals quiet for a day after such
drive and before operation. It seems further that the most
beneficial result is produced by vaccination when the vac-
cine-matter-is not allowed to pass through all the blood-
vessels of the body; and therefore it appears again that the
ear or tail is the most proper place for vaccination, inas-
much as these parts contain the least number of such
vessels.

The treatment of sheep after vaccination is very simple
- and requires no medical superintendence. On the tenth or

eleventh day after vaccination of a herd, each single sheep °

must be examined to detect those whose vaccination has
proved ineffectual, and in such cases the operation should
be repeated, the lymph or vaccine-matter to be taken from
the pox of some other animal of the herd. In case such
second vaccination prove of no effect, the animal may be
64 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

regarded as entirely indisposed to the pox disease, and
- therefore a third vaccination is unnecessary. After the pox
has ceased to exist, a thorough cleaning of the stables and
all fixtures which have been exposed to the vapors and
contact of infected or vaccinated sheep must be under-
taken.

In conclusion, it may be remarked that goats which have
been in contact with sheep diseased of pox may also take
the same disease with like effect. Vaccination may in such
cases also be resorted to, although under greater difficulties ;
and if such lymph is transferred back from vaccinated
goats to sheep, the benefit is the same.

VERTIGO OR STAGGERS IN SHEEP.

The devastations caused by this disease are generally
known, the yearly average loss being calculated at from
five to six per cent., and there are certain instances on
record where the loss amounted to fifty, sixty and seventy
per cent. amongst the young breed in certain countries, es-
pecially in Germany. This disease being nearly always
found amongst all herds, it may be regarded as producing
the greatest comparative loss of all diseases. Young sheep
or lambs, especially those of the age of from five to eight
months, are most frequently attacked with vertigo.

The following are the incidents of vertigo in its perfect
state: The diseased lamb is more or less deprived of its
senses and of the functions of the organs of motion; the
animal is weak and its motions difficult; it staggers and
reels, and prefers to lie down, and once down, it remains in
a state of stupefaction, there being very little or no apne-
tite. The gait or walking of the diseased animal always
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 65

describes a circle, of larger or smaller dimensions according
to the progress and state of the disease (a straight gait
being a very seldom occurrence), the animal lifting its feet
very high and running against everything. The stupefac-
tion and senseless state increases by degrees, the animal
then being unable to seek its food, eating very little, and only
when food is forced into its mouth; and even in such a case
the chewing is often interrupted, as if the animal forgets
eating such food. Finally, the lamb ceases eating entirely,
being unable to stand, laying its head sideways, and re-
maining in a perfect stupor and without motion until death
occurs sooner or later—often in a few weeks after the be-
ginning of the disease. When the disease has arrived at
an advanced degree, a soft place may be detected upon the
skull by pressing the same with the thumbs of both hands.
Here the so-called worm-bladder has its location; this
_ worm-bladder presses the skull-bone, reduces its thickness,
and produces the very incidents of the disease, according to
the size, position and extent of such bladder. The move-
ments of the sheep are directed sideways from the direction
where such bladder is situated, except when the bladder is
located upon the back part of the brain; in such case the
animal moves with nose erect in a nearly straight line; and
if the bladder is located upon the lower part of the brain,
the animal droops its head as low as possible. When such
a diseased animal is dissected, one or more of the before-
mentioned worm-bladders are found in the hollow part of
the skull. This bladder consists of a thin, closely-con-
structed membrane, filled with clear, light, yellowish, watery
fluid, in which a large number—often several hundred—of
small white corpuscles are observed, which appear to the
naked eye like poppy-seed ; when such a bladder and its cors
puscles are examined by means of a magnifying glass, the
latter are found to consist of live animals of an oblong,
6 *
66 : DISEASES OF SHEEP.

wrinkled form, the head being provided with four suckers and
a double row of hooks. These animals are so connected with
the bladder that the latter appear to be the general body
of the former, and the animals themselves extending their
heads and necks upon the base of the bladder, and attach-
ing their sucking apparatus to the brain of the animal, by
which means the sap of the brain is absorbed to such.an ex-
tent that the brain of a dissected animal is often found to
be hardened yellow matter. When the bladder is situated
upon the surface of the skin, it is to be found under the
skull-bone and under the hard skin covering the brain ; the
growth of the bladder causes a pressure of the bone, by
which means the bone becomes softened and thinned, some-
times to such a degree that the bladder is only covered with
a skin, whereby the diseased spots may be easily detected.
Mostly, however, the bladder is found in the brain, and
seldom in other parts. Sometimes a large number of worm-
bladders may be found upon the same animal. In the be-
ginning of small size, the bladder increases considerably,
sometimes to the size of a hen’s egg, and even larger.
There is no doubt that the worm-bladder is the immediate
cause of vertigo, as a consequence of the pressure of a
foreign body upon a most tender organ of the body. The
cause of the formation of the bladder is, however, still un-
known. One of the most celebrated and experienced prac-
titioners has published an essay containing very valuable
observations in regard to the formation and origin of said
disease, from which we give the following:

In almost every case an inflammation of the brain pre-
cedes the formation of the worm-bladder and the disease of
vertigo, the strongest and healthiest lambs being mostly

-subject to the same. The animal is sullen, without appetite
and affected with constipation, the other symptoms being
the same as in regular inflammation of the brain; there
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 67

may be less fever, but the eyes are very red. This disease
in some cases may disappear in two days, and without
being at all observed If the inflammation is not too ve-
hement, a cure will take place of its own will and without
any artificial assistance, the animal appearing perfectly
sound until, after a certain time, many of these animals
become afflicted with vertigo. The proper origin of the
worm-bladder is as little known as the original formation
of the worms found in the abdomen. In one case it was
observed that from two hundred lambs which had during
the first summer become afflicted with inflammation of the
brain, one hundred and sixty were attacked during the fol-
lowing winter by vertigo. Another case is reported in
which under similar circumstances two hundred out of four
hundred sheep died of vertigo. From the above-mentioned

and numerous other circumstances, it is evident that vertigo

is mostly if not always caused by a former inflammation of
the brain, and therefore it is important to investigate the
cause of this latter disease. Such cause consists principally
in overfeeding the bearing ewes and lambs during winter,
by which means a plethoric condition of the animal is pro-
duced, which during a hot temperature may lead to inflam-
mation of the brain. A large number of lambs are often
during summer attacked by inflammation of the brain in
consequence of a sudden change from meagre to abundant
feeding, especially when the herd is allowed to roam and
feed upon stubble-grass after having been kept on close diet.

Kuers relates a case in which a herd of four hundred
lambs, which had been driven upon an abundant clover
stubble-field, were after three days attacked by inflamma-
tion of the brain, of which number two hundred died of
vertigo during the next winter. Consequently, overfeed-
ing or a sudden change of diet and temperature produces
the first cause of inflammation of the brain, and subse-
68 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

quently vertigo itself, which may he avoided or prevented
by a careful prevention of such injurious causes and influ-
ences. It is therefore advisable to keep the lambs during
midsummer in cool and airy stables, to feed them with
good green fodder, and furnish them from time to time with
a lick of saltpetre, glauber salts and rock salt. In case of
inflammation of the brain, large portions of salt must be
given; the animal must be bled, taking about half a pint
of blood; a seton may also be applied upon the neck.

In case of vertigo in its developed state, and when the
worm-bladder is fully formed, there is no use in a general
or local treatment of the disease, except the emptying of
the bladder by means of a mechanical operation. This
may be done by an incision with a small trocar or sharp-
pointed instrument, when the incised spot must be turned
in such a direction that the water may flow from the blad-
der. Such an operation produces sometimes an effectual
cure, but often results in the death of the animal, by pro-
ducing suppuration of the brain. Sometimes the bladder
may be removed through the opening by means of pincers
or a pin: if this is impossible, the skin of the bladder may
remain upon the brain without any apparent harm. All
other kinds of operations are without effect, except perhaps
the burning of the bladder by means of a heated iron,
which, however, is of no better effect than the before-men-
tioned operations. Other exterior remedies are without
avail, even the application of muriatic acetate of zinc,
which was formerly a great favorite with practitioners. In
most cases it is advisable to kill the diseased animal before
the same is exhausted from sickness, the flesh of such ani-
mal being then as good as that of a healthy one.
‘dHGHS TATOMSLOO

Se
SS

 

 
DISEASES OF. SHEEP. 69

ITCH’ OR SCAB IN SHEEP.

This is a disease known in all parts of the world from
time immemorial, and was formerly much feared on account
of its very extensive devastations among sheep. In the
present time this fear is removed by the experience and
knowledge that the disease can be cured in nearly every
instance. fe

The detection of this disease is not difficult. If upon
examination of the fleece places are found where the wool
rises above the surface of the fleece, and if the sheep re-
peatedly gnaws at such spots or rubs the same against other
objects, it may be taken for granted that itch is prevalent.
Upon examination of such diseased spots the skin is found
to be discolored, of a greenish-yellow, and sometimes a
little reddened; the skin is thickened and covered with a
clear moisture. When the skin of such a part is squeezed,
the animal will show signs of pain, and upon scratching the
spot with the finger the sheep appears to be comforted.
The wool upon and near such diseased spot drops off or
can be easily removed. In some cases small knots or bub-
bles of the size of millet-seed may be found upon or near
these spots, which contain a clear, adhesive fluid, which lat-
ter partly moistens the skin and partly dries in the form of
a thin scab, enlarging and extending and adhering strongly
to the skin. The skin under the scab is hard, pale, thick
and uneven, cracked and rough. The animal is afflicted
with vehement itching, and constantly tries to rub the dis-
eased parts by all means. This rubbing causes the wool,
which is full of moisture, to become a felty mass, and at
last to drop off. The scab or itch generally appears upon
the back, on the side of the shoulders and belly and upon
the buttocks. The head, legs, genitals and the lower part
70 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

of the belly are very seldom afflicted with itch, and then
only in a very advanced stage of the disease. The itch
always begins upon a small spot, and extends from time to
time until the entire surface of the body is affected and the
wool removed therefrom; such a general spreading of the
disease advances very slowly, and often requires from four
to eight months. In hot stables and during summer-time
the disease spreads in a short time; in cold weather the
progress is very slow. Although the disease in itself is not
of a dangerous nature, death will surely result from its
long continuance. The animal grows lean, notwithstand-
ing a good appetite; the skin is entirely deprived of wool,
covered with a discolored, nauseous and suppurated mois-
ture and overloaded with a thick scab. Dropsy, pulmo-
nary disease, lingering fever, etc., ensue, which finally re-
sult in death; when the animal has been well fed during
the disease, the last-mentioned consequences may take place
after one or two years.

There are two causes of this disease: it may originate in
itself or from infection. The first cause is said to be a con-
sequence of constant exposure to wet or rain, especially in
summer, of want of good feeding, and of different morbid
conditions of the animal. In most cases, however, infection
forms the first cause of the disease. When the diseased
skin of a scabby animal is examined, either with the naked
eye or by means of a magnifying glass, numerous small in-
sects, the so-called scab-mites (very similar to the scab-
mites of the horse) may be detected. The transfer of each
mite from scabby to healthy sheep forms the only and ex-
elusive cause of infection, after which the disease is regu-
larly formed in a period of from ten to sixteen days, there
being no indication of infection before the seventh day; on
the seventh or eighth day the mite itself may be detected
upon the skin of the infected animal; from the ninth to
DISEASES OF SHEEP, 71

the twelfth day several small spots of a yellowish-red color,
and also a certain thickening of the skin, become per-
ceptible, after which a greater or smaller number of knots 3
or bubbles are formed, containing the above-mentioned
moisture and producing the scab. After this time the dis-
ease takes its regular course. Infection follows sooner or
later, according to circumstances. When a scabby sheep is
left among a healthy herd for twelve to twenty-four hours,
several of these healthy animals will be most surely in-
fected, which infection’ or transfer of the mites is done
either by immediate contact of the healthy with the dis-
eased animal or with other immediate objects, as, for in-
stance, when a diseased animal rubs against a fence-post,
and shortly afterward a healthy animal, by rubbing against
the same post, thereby receives the mites dropped or left
by the diseased anima] upon the post, such mites retaining
their vital and infective power for two or three weeks, ex-
cept in a very cold temperature. The disease spreads with
great rapidity, especially in warm, wet and sultry weather,
and when sheep are kept closely together in stables. Cold
and wintry weather, large, free and extensive pastures,
cause a considerable delay of the disease. It always re-
quires several months before the larger part of the herd
become infected. The further propagation of itch upon the
single animal is generally, if not always, caused by the in-
crease of mites, which penetrate and deposit their eggs
under the upper skin, by which means other generations of
mites are produced -in a very short period. During warm
weather, and especially during sunshine, the mites may
be found in innumerable quantities upon the skin; during ©
cold weather and rain they retire into their abode in the
canals under the skin. In some cases sheep itch may be
transferred to man, producing a similar scab, but not of
such dangerous consequences as genuine human itch: such .
72 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

cases are, however, of very rare occurrence. It is-further
stated that this disease may be also transferred to other do-
«mestic animals, as, for instance, the dogs of the shepherd,
but this statement is not sufficiently corroborated. The
skin is sometimes in certain conditions where the prevalence
of itch may be suspected, but where it does not exist, as
in cases where the fleece is uneven or losing parts of its
wool. A close examination of such spots will remove all
doubt, the healthy skin being of a natural color and ap-
pearance, soft, elastic and free from moisture, and the ani-
mal shows no signs of uneasiness or itching. Such falling
out of wool happens often in spring or in the beginning of
summer, and is generally found in weak animals. This
disease (itch) must also not be confounded with mouth
scab, which only affects the lips or face of young sheep,
whereas itch never affects the face, and befalls old and young.
Sometimes the sheep scratches and gnaws in consequence
of lice, which may be easily detected upon examination.
Upon some spots between the wool and skin a great
amount of fatty moisture or sweat is often found, which
must not be confounded with the moisture of itch. In
ease of doubt the wool must be clipped off from such
places and the skin examined. Sometimes sheep are
afflicted with a tetter-like eruption; this eruption affects,
however, only small parts, entirely loosening the wool in a
very short time, and causing very little or no itching. No-
body who has had any experience will confound the pox
with itch, and it is therefore only necessary to observe the
following: Pox, unlike itch, is mostly found upon the
* bare parts of the skin, between the legs and upon the face,
and commences with fever, taking its regular course, there
being no itching and scarcely any similarity to itch disease.
When there is a vehement itching, a formation of scurf and
an eruption, followed with loosening of wool, it may be
DISEASES OF SHEEP. - 73

taken for granted that itch disease is prevalent, and all
' further doubts are removed by the appearance of mites
upon the diseased skin; it must, however, be stated that
itch disease may prevail without any mites being observed.
Like the itch of all domestic animals, this disease presents
no danger to sheep ; it is not, as formerly generally believed,
the result of a particular acrid or corrupt condition of the
humors, being nothing else than a local disease of the skin,
which may become dangerous and’ deadly only in conse-
quence of long duration or accidentally. Notwithstanding
this, the disease is of a very disagreeable and obnoxious
‘character if it is permitted to affect a large part of the
herd. Its cure is a matter of some difficulty, and the dis-
ease costs a large amount of fodder and trouble, loss of
wool and a partial destruction of the fleece, which latter is
caused by the application of remedies. When the animal
is at the same time afflicted with other diseases, or emaciated -
in consequence of eruptions, the result of the cure may be-
come douhtful, and depends upon the general constitution
of the animal. There is, however, no doubt that sheep
itch may be effectually cured during all times of the life
of the animal in case of prompt attention. There is no
prevention of the disease (in the general application of
said word) either by medical or other means, and all so-
called preventive remedies consist in a proper attention to
and diet of the animals, or in their separation from others
affected with itch. The cure only requires a local treat-
ment and external remedies. In case the affected sheep is
emaciated and weak, a lick composed of sulphur, juniper-
berries, calamus-root, tar, turpentine and bran may be given
in suitable portions with good results; and in case of ‘rot
or other diseases, other remedies suitable for the same may
be also applied. The cure of itch is either palliative or
radical. In a case where only a few animals of a herd are
7 D
74 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

afflicted with itch, the further spreading may be sometimes
prevented by separating the diseased animals from the
healthy in such a manner that such separation is to be re-
peated for weeks, as long as any infected animals are found.
Such a remedy is, however, seldom of avail, inasmuch as a
considerable part of the herd may be affected without any
possible detection. This palliative cure, being still in some
cases of benefit, may therefore be recommended. Of un-
doubted success, and therefore in nearly in all cases advisa-
ble, is the radical or simultaneous treatment of the whole
herd. Formerly such a cure was seldom attended with
favorable results, notwithstanding the employment of a
great many different remedies. At the present time, how-
ever, the best results have been obtained, and itch disease
may in most cases be considered as of little importance.
Tits cure may be warranted, provided the-animal is not at
the same time affected with another disease. The remedies
of former times consist mostly of ointments composed of
sulphur, turpentine, tar, quicksilver, ete. Although such
remedies may be suitable in their proper form, their em-
ployment as ointments is not to be recommended, the cure
being troublesome, expensive and tedious; it being almost
impossible to apply such ointment to every diseased spot
under the close-grown wool, which is of the greatest im-
portance. Tor this reason ointments may be applied for
months without entirely abating the disease. At the pres-
ent time it is generally understood that the proper cure of .
itch consists in washing and bathing the affected animals,
by which means the entire skin is supplied with the proper
remedy without searching for the diseased spots. The com-
position of such washes or baths differs according to the |
opinion of the practitioner, the most celebrated composition
being that of Surgeon Walz, which, however, I have re-
peatedly tried without any satisfactory result, it being too
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 75

weak and not in all cases efficient. The best wash or bath
that I have applied during twenty years with the most
satisfactory results consists of the following: Six pounds of
burnt, unslacked lime must be slacked by sprinkling water
upon it im a proper vessel, to which six pounds of potash
aud ten quarts of water are to be added: this mixture
must be boiled and well stirred for about an hour. When
this lye has been -boiled sufficiently, eight pounds of pine
oil and two quarts of tar must be added and well stirred
into the same. In another and larger vessel twenty pounds
of tobacco-leaves must be boiled in one hundred and thirty
quarts of water for two or three hours, after which this de-
coction is to be thrown into a large tub (the tobacco-leaves
are thrown away as worthless). To this decoction the
above-described lye is to be added, and both must be well
stirred and mixed together. The remedy is then ready,
the quantity being sufficient for one hundred sheep. It
must be applied in the following manner: The sheep must
be laid sideways upon a board of sufficient size, one assist-
ant holding all four legs of the animal, another assistant
pressing its head down and parting the wool lengthwise
from the ear to the upper part of the hind leg, the parting
line remaining about three or four inches distant along the
middle of the back. Another assistant applies the lye or
wash (which must be of a temperature of about 110° or
120° Fahrenheit, or warm enough to suffer the hand to
touch the same) by means of a sponge or bottle along the
parting line, so that the fluid will flow into the separated
fleece. The animal must then be turned over and the lye
applied in the same manner upon the other side. After this
the animal must be put upon its feet, the wool parted
straight along the middle of the back, beginning at the
neck and ending at the tail. A quart of lye is sufficient
for each unshorn sheep. The part of the skia sovered with
76 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

scurf is to be cleaned by means of a dull knife or by the
finger nails, and separately supplied with said lye. As the
wash or bath adheres to the skinin a uniform manner,
there is no necessity of further rubbing the same into the
fleece. In case the disease is of an obstinate character, the
remedy must be applied again in the same manner in about -
eight or ten days, whereby a greater security against further
damage is obtained. Such a treatment requires very little
time; from five hundred to six hundred animals can be
washed in one of the shortest winter days. The lye should
be kept sufficiently warm during the operation. This lye
recommends itself not only by its efficiency, but also by its
cheapness, the outlay being very small in sa i with
the value of its benefits.

Finally, a very important matter has to be para
is, the prevention of a new infection of the herd. Sucha
re-infection has to be guarded against with the utmost care,
it being a well-known fact that the best remedies may be-
come unavailable if such proper care is not taken. It is
therefore advisable to keep the infected animals in their
usual place until a repeated application of the remedy has
been followed by a thorough cure of the herd. After the
effectual application of the last bath, the animal must be
taken to another locality, to allow of the disinfection of the
original place, which is to be done by the removal of the
dung and by whitewashing the stable and all its fixtures
with a mixture of lime-water and chloride of lime (mixing
one pound of chloride of lime with a pailful of lime-water).
The cured animals must always be kept separate from the
infected auimals.
DISEASES OF SHEEP. U7

INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS.

This disease is in most cases caused by colds, which may
happen to the animals in different ways, especially shortly
after shearing during rainy and cold weather, also when the
animals are suddenly exposed to a cold shower during hot
weather and after being driven a long distance. Some-
‘times inflammation of the lungs is the consequence of a
vehement catarrh or influenza, whereby in the beginning a
discharge from the nose and eyes may be observed. When
pox is of a virulent form or improperly treated, the lungs
may also become inflamed, showing the incidents of the so-
called pulmonary disease. (The article on “ Pox” contains
a full description of these incidents.) After death, water
is often found in the cavity of the breast, or the lungs ap-
pear of a very dark color, very hard and filled with knots.
Eexudations of fibrous matter upon the surface of the
lungs or upon the pleura occur very seldom. The cure
must not be delayed or death will follow in a short time.
The diseased animals must be bled, taking from a quarter
to a half pound of blood, according to the age of the animal.
At the same time a solution composed of saltpetre (from one
half to one drachm), glauber salts (one ounce), or, instead
of this, one ounce of tartar, mixed with half a pint of water,
must be administrated with great care until the animal is
relieved of soft dung. In case the animal is of great value,
and its recovery very desirable, the sides of the breast must
be rubbed with an irritant mixture composed of aqua-am-
monia, oil of olive, cantharides and tincture of opium,
taking one-half ounce of each. Before applying this
remedy it is necessary to remove the wool from the proper
place to the extent of about five or six inches in diameter.
Tn case a frequent cough or discharge from the nose is ob-
served, or when the disease originates from a very vehement

7%
78 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

influenza, the bleeding of the animal is unnecessary, and
instead of the above-mentioned infusion the following in-
fusion may be given: sal-ammoniac, one ounce; tartar
emetic, one drachm; fennel-seed and juniper-berries, two
ounces each—to be mixed with honey and water, and the
mixture to be given from four to six times a day, the
whole quantity being sufficient for two days. Instead of
the application of the above-mentioned irritant, a fontanel
may be also applied in such case. In case the inflam-
mation of the lungs is caused by pox, there is scarcely any
remedy that can be successfully applied. During the treat-
ment the animal must be kept in the stable, the food: con-
sisting of green fodder and the drink of clear water, which
may be mixed with flour or linseed-cake, as much as the
animal may take.

MALIGNANT FOOT ROT.

The malignant foot rot, distemper, Spanish foot rot, or
French distemper, was unknown in Germany until the -
year 1816 or 1817, and seems to have been introduced with
the importation of noble merino herds from France. Several
of these herds, especially in Saxony and Prussia, which were
affected with the epidemic soon after their arrival or even
_ during their transportation, were lost entirely; for at that
time nothing was known about the nature, contagion or —
cure of the disease. Fortunately this state of affairs, as
will soon be evident, has changed.

At the breaking out of the disease, single sheep were
carefully observed from the beginning, and the following
phenomena occurred: generally only one foot is attacked
at first, or only one claw, and the disease spreads, according
DISEASES OF SHEEP. - 79

to circumstances, over the whole foot, and sometimes, though
rarely, over all four.

A few days after infection the naked skin in the cleft of
the hoof appears somewhat redder and warmer than in its
normal condition. On the inner side of the affected claw,
where the upper edge of the horny shoe unites with the
skin of the fleshy crown at the balls, forming the so-called
seam or suture of the hoof, an aqueous, badly-smelling
liquid exudes, and the skin separates at the suture. If
the affected claw is pressed with the hand at the ball, the
sheep shows by a convulsive jerk with the foot that it suffers
pain. The ball at the diseased side is somewhat swollen
and hot, and the animal is but little lame during the first
six or eight days.

As the disease advances, the inner horny wall separates
-more and more from the hoof-bone, and the secretion, which
was clear before, now becomes more copious, thicker and
dark. It-flows downward behind the horny wall toward
the sole of the hoof, and destroys all connection of the
inner side of the horny capsule with the foot, so that the
former falls off.

The secretion is very corrosive, and attacks not unfre-
quently the ligaments, tendons and even the bones, es-
pecially the hoof-bone, which it destroys to a greater or less
extent. It is frequently mixed with blood, flocules of morti-
fied cellular tissue, etc., and always smells badly. While —
these changes occur within, the external surface of the horny
capsule becomes friable, cracked, very long and misshapen,
and is covered with rings and knots. The toe turns up-
ward, and the outer wall is folded inward and under the
sole. ; -

After the capsule has fallen off, a new one is formed, and
this is repeated several times, but the new claw is always
more or less deformed and crippled.
80 DISEASES OF SITEEP.

The cleft is opened more widely than usual, the foot is
swollen and the claws stand further apart, so that the dis-
eased animal can be recognized by its larger footprints in
the snow or in soft ground.

At first the sheep is but little lame, but if the separation
of the horny shoe and the downward tendency of the secre-
tion have advanced, considerable lameness becomes evident,
and the animal suffers much pain. It steps but little on’
the lame foot, and if both fore feet are affected, it slides
along on‘its knees while eating, and lies down almost con-
stantly during the rest of the time. This condition may
last several months, and the animal nevertheless may ap-
pear healthy, eat, chew the cud and be in good spirits.
There is no fever, and the sheep loses no flesh while re-
maining in the stable, if it receives good food. Finally,
however,—especially if both feet be attacked,—the animal
loses flesh on account of the exceedingly great pain, ceases
to chew the-cud, the appetite diminishes, an insidious fever
sets in, and after half a year or a year, when the animal
has wasted down to a mere skeleton, it dies from suffering
and exhaustion.

The preceding is a picture of the disease in single animals.
Its course as an epidemic or plague among a flock will be
described directly.

Foot rot is very highly contagious, as has been deter-
mined with certainty by numerous observations and experi-
ments, made by inoculating the secretion. The disease
appears to be peculiar to the Spanish merinos, which are
exported to other countries. It seems to have been intro-
duced into the United States a number of years ago by
Spanish merinos, when I had an opportunity to apply my
treatment with good success. It has not been ascertained
whether the cause of the malady lies in the transportation
of the herds to distant parts or in the change of climate.
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 81

It is strange that in Spain, the native country of the
merino, the epidemic does not occur—a ejrcumstance which
cannot easily be explained by the difference of the climate.
Many, and among them high authorities, incline to the
opinion that the origin of the disease is not to be sought in
foreign sheep of noble race, but that the true malignant
' epidemic may arise spontaneously and spread by contagion.
This point, however, still remains in ‘doubt among prac-
titioners.

Foot rot is most frequent in merinos, less so in half-breed,
and least in common country sheep. Nevertheless, the
latter do not enjoy entire immunity from it, as observation
has shown; and the same holds true of the lambs of all
races. The more common kinds are less liable, because
their wool, skin and hoofs are of coarser texture, while the
more delicate build of the merino is not so well fitted to
resist the disease.

If the disease break out in a flock, only a few sheep (or
perhaps only a single one) may be attacked at first, and
these impart it to the rest. Generally but one claw. is at-
tacked at first, and the disease then spreads to the next on
account of its close proximity.

After breaking out, the epidemic spreads under all cir-
cumstances, in every season and weather, and cannot be
prevented by the greatest care and attention until the
greater part of the flock have fallen a prey to it, unless a
separation or a cure is effected.

Its progress is always so slow that in large flocks years
may elapse before all the sheep are infected. The conta-
gion is facilitated by wet summers or other causes which
tend to soften the claws, as heat and moisture combined, or
when the sheep stand closely together on warm dung in a
stable. Cold and turning out to pasture during dry weather
retard the progress of the epidemic.

De
82 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

Formerly very erroneous views prevailed concerning the
causes and true sgat of the foot rot, and it was reserved for
the present time to shed more light on the subject. Some
believed a worm to be the cause, which took up its abode in
the bag or gland of the hoof. This error was caused in the
following way: In the upper, anterior portion of the cleft
there is an orifice leading to a tube closed at one end, which
is formed by a convolution of the external skin. The inner
surface is without hair and is covered with glands, secreting
a tallow-like substance, which collects there in masses. If
this tube or bag is pressed with the fingers, the above sub-
stance is squeezed out, and naturally assumes a curved shape,
which was erroneously considered as a worm and as the
cause of the epidemic. It is true that the bag may become
inflamed, and produce a malady of the hoof, but it will
never cause the malignant distemper of the foot. The in-
flammation of the cleft, which sometimes occurs, must not
be.confounded with the epidemic, because it is not conta-
gious and doves not attack the horny capsule. In order to
avoid mistakes, the breeder should distinguish between the
mild and the malignant forms. For this reason I will
enumerate the essential symptoms:

Maurianant Foor Ror.—l. At first, secretion of an
acrid, very offensive liquid over the inner suture, without
much swelling.

2. Formation of a briny liquid in the hoof; the hoof
becomes deformed and falls off; the tendons, ligaments and
a are attacked.

. Lameness after ten or fourteen days, when the sheep
vill slide along on its knees and belly.

4. There is no fever; the disease is very slow, attacks at
first only one claw, then spreading over several, and con-
tinuing for mouths.

5. It is always caused by contagion, spreads very slowly
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 83

in a flock, never disappears spontaneously, and may attack
the same sheep several times.

6. The spreading of the disease may be prevented by
strict separation. It is only accidentally that more than
one animal is attacked at the same time.

7. Its seat is solely in the capsule of the claw.

THE MILD ForM.—1. At first considerable inflamma-
tion, heat and swelling around the crown of the hoof.
Blisters are formed, containing a clens liquid, which is
neither acrid nor offensive.

2. It never or very rarely attacks the inner parts of the
hoof, or causes it to fall off.

3. Lameness is caused as soon as the disease breaks out,
and is but slight.

4, Fever is present, and the malady terminates in twelve
or eighteen days. It generally attacks several claws at
once, and does not spread afterward.

5. It is caused by unknown or general influences of the
weather, attacks a whole flock in a very short time, disap-
pears spontaneously or after applying simple remedies, and
,coes not attack the same sheep more that once.

6. It cannot be prevented, because the cause lies in the
atmosphere. Cattle and hogs suffer at the same time, and
it spreads simultaneously over whole districts.

7. It affects only the parts above the capsule of the hoof,
and rarely ever, or only accidentally, attacks the latter.

The question, Is foot rot a dangerous disease? cannot be
directly answered, because everything depends on circum-
stances, and especially on the treatment. Experience has
more than sufficiently proved that it may become destruc-
tive, since whole flocks have fallen prey to its ravages.
Again, the malady may be said to be entirely without dan-
ger, because its spread may be prevented by separating the
84 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

sick animals from the flock, and even these can be cured
radically, surely and easily. I know of a case where five
large flocks were attacked simultaneously, and where the
epidemic was present for two years. Although all proper
remedies were tried, the disease would not yield, because a
careful separation of the sick animals was not effected.
Some sheep lost much flesh and wool, and the disease seemed
to be of a dangerous character. J was summoned to cure
it, and it disappeared in five or six weeks, which I do not
consider a great achiévement. The disease rarely, if ever,
disappears spontaneously, but it will nearly always yield to
a proper treatment, and by this the danger or want of dan-
ger may be judged.

Let us now consider the cure of the disease. If the foot
-rot has broken out among a flock of sheep, it is of the ut-
most importance to separate the healthy sheep from the
sick, in order to prevent as much as possible the spread of
the disease. All sheep which are lame, and in which the
disease is unmistakably present, should be removed.

Experience has made us acquainted with a large number
of remedies, by means of which foot rot may be cured.
The reputation which any one of them may have acquired
above the others seems to be based more on the manner of
its application than on its superior curative properties.
The medicine is of secondary importance, the chief point
being the surgical, manual operation. It must nevertheless
be remarked that all remedies are not of equal value.
Boot rot has often been cured by the application of dif-
ferent acids and caustics; as, for example, nitric acid
(aquafortis), sulphuric acid (oil of vitriol), pyroligneous
acid (wood-vinegar), butter of antimony, burnt alum, lunar
caustic, vitriol, hartshorn oil, etc.; but the most of these
remedies cannot be recommended, because they needlessly
increase the inflammation which may be present, and
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 85

thereby the pain, retard the cure, and are expensive and
difficult to apply.

The only aim of the treatment being to lay bare the
diseased, suppurating surfaces, and to destroy the infectious
matter on them, the remedy which accomplishes this with
the least possible disagreeable secondary effects is evidently
the best. :

For this purpose chloride of lime (bleaching salt) is
without exception the best, because it destroys the infectious
matter of the foot rot, like all other animal contagions,
in a wonderfully rapid and certain‘manner. The latest
experience in the use of chloride of lime places it at the
head of all remedies against the disease. I myself cured
nine large flocks in different places so rapidly and easily by
its use fhat I was surprised, as no other remedy had before
afforded me such good results.

Giinther, the vice-director of the Hanover School for
Veterinary Science, has made known an excellent way of
curing a flock suffering from foot rot by means of chloride
of lime, and I will describe the essential points of his
method here:

After removing all the sick sheep from the flock, it is
possible and even probable that some of the remaining ones
are already infected, although they do not show the disease,
and that some of the virus adheres to their hoofs. This
virus is destroyed by chloride of lime in the following way:
_ Accrib or long trough is filled to the height of six inches
with cold water, into which one pound of chloride of lime
is poured for every pail of water. A hurdle is then made
of the crib by fencing in the sides, and the suspected sheep
are forced to go through the water in it, which can easily
be done. The virus which may cling to the hoofs, and
which has not yet had time to act, is destroyed in this way.
If the hoofs of the sheep are very dirty, they should first

8
86 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

be driven through water or dry straw. They are then
turned out to pasture, which must be as dry as possible, rich
in grass and not too distant. They should have a separate
shepherd, who does not come in contact with the sick ani-
mals. If possible they should be kept in the open air, far
enough away from the others. The flock should be in-
spected every third day, and if a sick sheep is found it
should be immediately put with the other patients. If the
sheep must be kept in the stable, as in winter or in bad
weather, an inspection should also take place every three
days, and new patients removed. The chaff, etc., on the
stable floor should also be renewed.. If the trouble is not
considered too great, the above foot-bath may be repeated
every week if there are new cases of the disease.

The sick sheep are treated as follows: It is important to
remove immediately all separated and loose horn with a
narrow, sharp knife; for it is evident that the remedy,
which is to destroy the virus and cure the disease, cannot
act as long as the suppurating surfaces are covered. This
cutting is therefore the principal thing, and the success of
the treatment depends on the complete and proper perform-
ance of the operation. The bad repute into which some
remedies have fallen is due in a great measure to the
method of their application. It is almost unimportant of
what the remedy consists, and it might be composed simply
of vinegar or salt and water.

The operator sits down on a bundle of straw, after an
assistant has turned the sheep on its back, and opens the
cleft of the hoof. He then begins at the suture and cuts
out all horn which has separated from the foot and is suf-
fused with matter. The inner sides of the horny capsule
deserve special attention, as do also the parts where the
horn appears whiter and softer than on the other parts of
the hoof. The knife must be freely used, and all loose horn
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 87

removed up to the point where the connection remains un-
impaired. The bleeding which may occur is wholly with-
out danger..

A knowledge of the anatomy of the sheep’s hoof will
prevent the abuse of the knife. It is proper in all cases to
pare down the sick hoof considerably at the toe and ex-
ternal wall, because it can then be more easily examined,
and it does not touch the ground so forcibly when the
animal is walking as when it is larger than the healthy
one. The knife must be cleaned from time to time, so
that the matter adhering to it does not infect the healthy
parts.

If the disease is further advanced, and the secretion has
collected far down in the hoof, the same operation is per-
formed; and it will sometimes be necessary to remove the
whole capsule. Every hidden channel which may be
present should be sounded, opened and laid bare. If the
wound becomes covered with blood during the operation,
as is commonly the case, it should be frequently dried with
tow. Ifa single diseased place remain from which the
horn is not removed, a cure cannot be expected. After
cutting away the whole or a part of the horny capsule, it is
always necessary to apply a bandage to protect the hoof
from dangerous external irritation. After applying chloride
of lime to the surfaces as above, the cleft is filled with tow
whose ends are twisted intoa small cord and fastened
around the pastern-joint. This forms a soft and tightly-
fitting bandage.

The diseased hoofs are inspected daily, covered with
chloride of lime, and bandaged anew if necessary. If a
diseased spot is discovered which escaped notice before, the
knife must be applied, and not unfrequently a portion of
the newly-formed horn again removed. Generally two or
three applications are sufficient for a cure. The pain and
88 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

lameness disappear very soon, and diminish even after the
first few days. The surface of the wound becomes dry and
is covered with a thin skin, which becomes whiter, thicker
and more compact every day, and forms the new horn.
The disagreeable smell-disappears almost immediately after
the application of the chloride of lime. If this is not the
case, if the sheep is very lame and the surface of the wound
moist, it may be taken for granted that there is a hollow
sore in the capsule which before escaped notice. This must
be found and cut.

If sinews, ligaments and bones are attacked, everything
that is corroded must be removed with the knife. Chloride
of lime is then applied for two consecutive days, and the
wound bandaged with tow. Afterward the surfaces of the
wound and all the diseased parts are moistened with a mix-
ture of one part creosote and four parts alcohol. A bandage
of tow is then applied, and kept on until an improvement
is visible. If the joint is attacked, the lower end of the
hoof (generally the hoof-bone) is amputated, and creosote,
etc., then applied. The operation requires skill, but is
without disadvantage, because the sheep can walk almost
as well on one hoof as on two.

Since foot rot is a purely local disease, a general treat-
ment and internal remedies are wholly useless and should
be dispensed with. Good and copious food, and perhaps
from time to time salt-licks mixed with wormwood, oil of.
turpentine, tar, etc., are recommended.

If the disease is to be rapidly and thoroughly cured, it
is very important to avoid all chances of a new infection.
The dung of an infected stable, the pieces of horn removed
from diseased hoofs by cutting, old bandages, etc., should
be carefully removed or burnt up.

If a dry, rich pasture-ground is near, the patients may
be taken there. It is, however, better and more convenient
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 89

to keep them in the stable. If no other but the infected
one is at hand, it must be previously cleaned very carefully.
The dung should be removed and buried, or ploughed
down deeply. Cribs, mangers, stands, etc., are covered
with whitewash containing one pound of chloride of lime
for every pail. It is well to havea different keeper for the
sick animals, to prevent infection of the healthy ones from
the virus, which might adhere to his shoes.

When the lameness has. disappeared, when new and tol-
erably firm horn has formed on the wound, and when the
latter is dry and firmly united with the flesh, the sheep is
removed from the sick flock. Since, however, it is not yet
safe to return it to the healthy ones, it should be considered
convalescent, and separated for at least two or three weeks
from both the sick and the healthy flocks. It must be fre-
quently examined, and finally made to walk through
chloride of lime water in the way described, before return-
ing it to the healthy sheep. When the epidemic has disap-
peared entirely from the flock, the stables, etc., should be
thoroughly cleansed.

No preventive is known, because the disease arises solely
from contagion. It commences by attacking a few head at
first, and spreads gradually and slowly to the rest.

If the epidemic has broken out in the neighborhood,
contagion from coming in contact with other flocks should
be carefully guarded against. The sheep should be kept
as far as possible away from such localities, and all com-
munication among sheep, as well as all contact with the shep-
herds and dogs, avoided. Infected herds should not be per-
mitted to pass through places where the disease has not ap-
peared. After buying sheep, they should be kept isolated
for one or two weeks, and carefully observed. It is recom-
mended to keep a sort of quarantine always, even if the
vicinity is free from the epidemic.

8%
90 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

THE FLUKE.

The fluke is a disease of long duration, closely related to
the rot, and not less destructive. At first it shows no strik-
ing symptoms, and can be easily recognized only in its more
advanced stages. The eye of the patient is pale and
covered with a tough mucus. The animal becomes weaker
and weaker, loses flesh and its belly swells up. Pressure
in the region of the liver causes pain. The appetite dim-
inishes while the thirst increases, and the animal frequently
licks woodwork, whitewashed walls, the ground, etc.

The excrement is discharged in large lumps or balls, and
is sometimes pasty and thin. The progress of the disease
is almost identical with that of the rot, and the same is
true of the dead bodies. Water is effused under the skin in
the different cavities of the body, the fat has disappeared
entirely, and all parts are pale and flaccid. The most
important difference between the fluke and the rot is the
condition of the liver, which in fluke is very friable, bloated
and twice as heavy as in the healthy state. On the surface it
is of a pale bluish or lead color and covered with knots or
water-blisters. The gall-bladder mostly contains an exces-
sively large quantity of bile. In the gall-bladder and the
biliary ducts are found large numbers of flat, oval worms,
which are generally four or five lines broad and an inch
long.

Fluke is generally even slower than rot, and the life of
the patients may be prolonged for several years if the treat-
ment be good. Nothing certain is yet known concerning
the cause of fluke. It appears most frequently, like rot,
in wet years, after poor food, ete. The worms are formed
spontaneously, like all other worms of the viscera; and the
opinion that they are introduced into the body with the
food, drink, etc., must be considered as errorieous.
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 91

The prevention and treatment are exactly as in rot, but
e cure is more rarely effected, because the worms cannot
: driven out of the liver.’ In the incipient stages of the
sease, however, a cure sometimes succeeds; or, in other
ords, it may be brought to a standstill. This is all that
necessary, since a few worms are not injurious. In the
vers of the most healthy sheep a few worms are frequently
und. ©

The same remedies as for rot may be employed. Worm-
dod four parts, calamus-root four parts, shining soot from
e stove two parts, charred bones one part, and a sufficient
iantity of turpentine or hartshorn oil, are mixed, and of
is one ounce is given two or three times a week as a lick,
ixed with salt and bran. ,
As a drink, lime-water, or water containing one ounce of
‘een vitriol (sulphate of iron) to the pail, is given.

If the disease be considerably advanced, the sheep should
»sent to the butcher before it loses its flesh and value.
o such animals should be used for breeding.

GNAW DISEASE (Hydrocephalus hydatidesis).

This disease appears most frequently in the second year,
ely before the sheep is one and a half years old, and
ill more rarely after it has passed the third year. Its
at is nearly always in the spinal marrow, especially in
1e croup and loin regions. It manifests itself at first by
ary trifling.symptoms, which are easily overlooked. The
aimal shows a slight weakness in the hind quarters, es-
acially in the root of the tail, and begins to gnaw at its
wn hind thighs, giving rise to the name, “the gnaw dis-
ise.” The weakness increases gradually, and with it the
92 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

irritation of the skin; the animal takes broader and shorter
steps with its hind feet, is unable to jump over elevated ob-
jects or walk easily over high steps, and breaks down in
the croup if it attempts to jump, so that it will tumble with
its fore feet, and even fall to the ground. The same takes
place if the sheep is raised from the ground and allowed to
drop, and it generally wags its head to and fro. The malady
augments from week to week, and with it the weakness of the
hind quarters, which becomes very apparent. The animal
can no longer gallop, but only trot (hence the name “ trot-
ting disease”). If the sheep is forced to run quickly by a
dog, it generally falls down, and rises only with difficulty. 4

During the course of the disease the patient appears
stupid, the ears hang down loosely, and the palsy, which at
first befell only the hind quarters, becomes more general.
During the first few weeks the appetite remains good and
the patient does not lose flesh, but afterward it gradually
becomes lean, even if the appetite should remain unimpaired,
and finally death ensues, frequently after several months.

Most sheep gnaw at their hind quarters, as has been re-
marked before, but this symptom is not present in every
case, and therefore not characteristic. The skin at the
parts which are gnawed is deprived of its wool, and if it
grow again, it is paler and coarser than before, and loses
its curl. Frequently the sick animals bite their skin until
it becomes bloody and a scab is formed on the spot, which
must not be mistaken for an eruption of the skin or for a
cause of the irritation and gnawing.

The disease mostly attacks perfectly healthy, well-fed
sheep, and appears more frequently in autumn than in any
other season of the year. Noble races are most liable to its
ravages, but it has been observed also in very common
country sheep. Sheep produced by crossing breeds seem
more predisposed to it than others. Death is the common
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 93

ermination of the disease. It is sure to ensue when the
nalady is in its advanced stages, but in mild cases recovery
ometimes takes place. Many sheep gnaw their skin and
‘ppear somewhat lame in the croup; and after this has
asted for several weeks, without other symptoms of disease,
t disappears of its own accord. Such favorable cases must
ways be considered as exceptions to the rule. The dura-
ion of the disease, from the first visible symptoms until it
erminates in death, is generally from two to three months.
jome, however, die earlier, and others, especially if they
re well-cared for, much later. On dissection I always
ound a little water in the cavity of the spinal canal, es-
vecially in the region of the last lumbar and first crucial
rertebre. I often found the spinal marrow softer, and in
are cases harder, than in its normal condition, and a portion
if it had wasted away. A little water was also generally
ound in the brain, and the other parts were unchanged and
iealthy. Sometimes a worm-blister was found in the spinal
anal, analogous to that observed in the brain in vertigo,
vut this must be considered as an exceptional symptom.

The first cause of the disease is not definitely ascertained,
rut recent observations have shed considerable light on the
ubject, so that a certain result may be hoped for. It has
veen discovered that the gnaw disease occurs but rarely in
‘ears when the vertigo prevails, and vice versé. This cir-
umstance leads to the conclusion that a certain analogy
‘btains between these diseases, both as regards their nature
nd causes. An improper method of feeding seems to have
auch to do with them, and the predisposition for the gnaw
lisease is undoubtedly hereditary. A cure of the disease
a its advanced stages is rarely ever possible, and it is
herefore best to turn such animals over to the butcher.
3ut a prevention is tolerably sure if the following rules be
bserved : °
of DISEASES OF SHEEP.

1. Too rich food in winter, particularly grain, should be
. avoided, and the diet should be kept as uniform as possible.
2. Too rich pastures in summer should also be avoided.

3. In herds which are kept in a locality favorable to the
disease animals below the age of two and a half or three
years should not be used for breeding.

4, Rams and ewes belonging to flocks in which the dis-
ease prevails should not be bought.

5. The breeding of too delicate races should also be
avoided.

The following method is said to have proved very-suc-
cessful in preventing the disease: In September, October
and November the ewes which are to be used for breed-
ing are physicked every four days, alternately with glau-
‘ber salts and ground laurel-leaves. One hundred sheep re-
quire two and a half pounds of glauber salts and half a
pound of laurel-leaves. In December and January they
were made to take these remedies every week, and they are
now also given to rams.

INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN.

Inflammation of the brain is rare in sheep (except in
lambs), on account of the slight energy in the performance
of their different functions, and the symptoms are not as vio-
lent asin most other domestic animals. The patient eats but
little, or nothing at all, lets its head hang down listlessly, and
the head, the ears (which hang down loosely) and the interior
of the mouth are warmer than usual. The eyes are
shining aud opened widely, the pulse and respiration are
accelerated, and the breath is warmer than in its healthy
condition. All visible mucous membranes are bright, red
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 95 -

ind dry, the gait of the animal is unsteady, and it easily
stumbles and falls, It sometimes bleats repeatedly, but a
wild, raving disposition rarely ever appears. The most
20mmon termination of the disease is death, which ensues
nashort time. The disease (almost exclusively in lambs,
however) easily passes into vertigo. The causes are almost
the same as in the latter disease. In order to cure the dis-
ease the sheep is kept in a cool place and bled immediately,
abstracting half a pound of blood. Internally, one-eighth
ounce of saltpetre and one-half ounce of glauber salts, dis-
solved in water, are given four or five times aday. This
is continued until an improvement is visible. Cold water
is poured on the head of the animal as often as possible, or
the head is kept cool and moist by other means. If no im-
provement is seen after several days, two small setons may
be drawn on the crown of the head, and suffered to remain
for two weeks, which prevent the termination in vertigo.

DIARRHG@A AND DYSENTERY.

Sometimes a whole flock of grown-up sheep is attacked
simultaneously by diarrhoea in consequence of a sudden
change from dry to green food, and for this reason the dis-
ease prevails most frequently in spring. Like diarrhea in
cattle, it is perfectly harmless. In many other cases, how-
ever, it may become dangerous, and even fatal, if it con-
tinues for a long time, and especially if any inflammation
of the bowels sets in. Only dry food should be given, and
a lick composed of wormwood, horse-chestnuts, oak bark, a
little pine oil and salt administered from time to time. A
drink composed of one-seventh of a quart of an infusion of
juniper-berries, with the addition of one ounce of brandy,
once a day, is very serviceable.
96 DISEASES OF SITEEP.

Diarrhea is particularly dangerous to sucklings, which
perish in great numbers. The disease appears without
warning, the lamb becomes languid and sad, keeps away
from the other lambs, stands with bent back or lies down
frequently. The excrement, which is repeatedly discharged,
is thin, whitish or greenish, afterward watery and mixed
with mucus, and finally bloody. The animal ceases to
suck and eat, but is very thirsty. It bleats frequently,
evinces signs of pain if pressure is applied to its belly, and
makes efforts to discharge excrement. The lamb rapidly
loses flesh, its belly sinks in, and death ensues between the
second and fifth days, and sometimes even on the first day.
If the body is opened, the runnet-bag especially, and a
large portion of the intestines, are found to be inflamed.
The runnet-bag and the intestines, particularly the inflamed
parts, contain a substance looking like cheese or curdled
milk. The best sheep are most liable to the disease, but if
it appear as a plague, all lambs without distinction suffer
from it.

The causes are colds of all kinds, especially from the in-
fluence of rain or moisture and different kinds of food.
The stronger and more copious the milk of the ewe is, the
easier the lamb is attacked by dysentery, and this mostly
takes place a few days after birth. The disease is particu-
larly dangerous in hot stables in winter, when the food is
plentiful and the drink cold. The cure is not easy, and
the majority of those attacked fall a prey to the disease.
It is therefore of special importance to attempt its preven-
tion as much as possible by avoiding all injurious in-
fluences, by giving dry food and drinks mixed with flour,
and by keeping the sheep in warm places. If the disease
makes its appearance in a fold, it is best in all cases to
change the food, even if it is apparently proper. The fol-
lowing remedies are serviceable: Opium, ten to twenty
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 9

grains, rhubarb, one-eighth ounce, mixed with flour an
water or chamomile tea, given in one dose two or three tim¢

aday. In some cases one-sixteenth ounce of chalk may k
added.

COUGH.

Cough is very common in sheep, even if not caused b
or accompanying lung worms, etc., probably because shee
are much exposed to the influences of the weather. Th
cough which we propose to consider here is of a drawling
metallic character, and is thus distinguished from coug
produced by other causes. In spring a large portion of
flock is sometimes troubled simultaneously with cough, an
generally no other symptom of sickness is present, excey
perhaps that the patients do not eat as much and are nc
as lively as usual. Cold drink, cold and wet weather, etc
are the most common causes of this trifling disease. Th
cough disappears easily if the causes are removed, and
salt-lick composed of sulphur, juniper-berries and commo
salt, given occasionally. facilitates the cure.

LUNG WORMS.

This disease (known also wader the name “lung worr
cough”) occurs almost exclusively in lambs during thei
first year, and very seldom later. Sometimes whole flock
are destroyed by it. At first the sick lambs are weak an
lazy, lose their liveliness, do not grow, become delicate an
lean, creep along and allow themselves to be caught witl

9 . Fg
98 DISEASES OF SHEED.

out resistance. The winking membrane of the eyes, as well
as the skin under the wool, is pale, symptoms of catarrh
or cold in the head appear, and the patients cough and
groan very frequently.

After a time the cough becomes more frequent, labored,
sharp and moaning or dull and moist; the animal sneezes
and makes efforts to vomit from time to time. The respira-
tion becomes more and more laborious, and causes a visible -
motion of the flanks and nostrils. Notwithstanding the
good appetite which is generally present, the Jamb con-
tinually loses flesh and becomes weaker, until finally it dies
of general debility and exhaustion or of suffocation. The
disease is generally very slow, and lasts not unfrequently
two or three months, or even longer, before death ensues.

On dissecting the body the principal changes are found
in the lungs, which are generally flabby, pale or even white,
contain little blood, and show knots and callous elevations
at different points. In the windpipe and the bronchial tubes
are found much frothy mucus and an immense number of
worms, which are often in balls. They are about one or
two inches long, not much thicker than sewing thread
and of a yellowish-white color. They constitute the species
Strongylus bronchialis.

Nothing positive is as yet known concerning the causes
of the disease. It probably originates from a common cold
in the head or from catarrh of the lungs, which causes the
formation of the worms in the lungs by its long duration
under the influence of other injurious circumstances. To
these belong colds of all kinds, the long-continued action
of rain or moisture, stormy weather, cold, damp air, etc., as
well as poor and sparing food, which causes the animal to
lose strength.

The disease is very dangerous and destroys most sheep
which it attacks. It is only at first, as long as the animal
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 9

retains its vigor, that recovery may be expected; afterwax
death ensues in most cases.

The prevention of the disease requires proper care an
food, and everything which might give rise to the plague «
support a cold must be avoided.

The treatment of the disease, when the latter becom
visible, must not be delayed. As soon as the first signs «
symptoms, particularly a repeated cough, appear, the anim:
should receive very rich and nutritious food (even grain
and must be removed from the influence of rain, moistw
and cold. To strengthen the digestion and revive tl
action of the skin and kidneys, a lick composed of worn
wood, calamus-root, tar, oil of turpentine, salt and oa
groats, is given every three or four days. A teaspoonfi
of a mixture of turpentine one part and brandy thre
parts, poured daily dowit the throat of the patient, render
good service. All these remedies, however, are of visib’
avail only as long as the animals remain livel, and vigorou
retain their appetite and are not yet troubl« | with difficu
respiration. On the other hand, if the < .imal has bee
sick for a long time, is weak and lean, coughs much an
suffers from a laborious or accelerated respiration, the diseas
mostly resists all attempts to cure it, and the worms in tk
bronchi increase in number and cause an irritation whic
gives rise to incurable consumption of the lungs.

_ Very proper attempts have been made to kill the worn
in the lungs, in the hope that they would be thrown out b
the frequently-recurring cough. This has succeeded in
few cases, but failed much more frequently. The patien
are placed in a narrow and if possible hermetically close
box, and are allowed to inhale the vapors arising fro:
heating or burning horn-shavings, wool, feathers, tar, ve
milion or chloride of lime. This may be repeated da
after day, but owing to the small number of experimen
100 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

made hitherto, it has not been determined to what point the
air may be mixed with these vapors. It must be ascertained
how much the animal can bear without danger. The effect
of these fumigations, the best of which is chlorine, is some-
times a violent coughing and expectoration of large lumps
of dead worms.

The best and mpost nutritious food, as well as the above-
named remedies, must accompany the fumigation.

Remark.—Calves and hogs not unfrequently suffer from
these worms, and I have myself observed numerous cases
where very valuable hogs were destroyed by the disease.
Their cough mostly commenced while quite young, but
their condition remained good for a long time, and they
died only after four or six months. During this time the
cough constantly increased, the respiration became more
laborious and accelerated, and the‘patient wasted away toa
mere skeleton. They nevertheless remained lively for some
time, and their appetite was undiminished; but even the .
richest food was not able to prevent their wasting away,
and finally death ensued, accompanied by all the symptoms
of pulmonary consumption.

The lungs appear bloated and almost white, especially on
their exterior edges. On cutting into these spots a white
pus-like mucus oozes out of the bronchi, in which are con-
tained numerous thin worms. All that has been said about
the causes, prevention and cure of the disease in lambs
applies also to hogs and calves.

ERYSIPELAS.

Erysipelas, or wild fire, appears sometimes in spring among
young, and rarely among old sheep. The patients lose their
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 101

ppetite to a greater or less extent, and haye a sad appear-
nce. The thirst increases, as does also the heat of the
ody. The skin of the head, eyes and mouth is redder
aan usual and swollen. In a short time little blisters,
led with a clear liquid, make their appearance on dif:
srent parts of the head. Their skin then bursts and
ae contained liquid flows out, forming a crust or scab,
thich dries and falls off. Generally the complaint heals
naided, but sometimes the blisters change to chronic run-
ing ulcers, which heal only after several weeks, and may
ecome so malignant as to cause the death of the animals.
f wild fire has once been present, it always has a tendency
> return.

It almost exclusively selects the nobler races and full-
lood sheep for its victims, and appears to be caused by the
adden change of air and light. The opinion of some that
: may be produced by poor, vitiated food has not yet been
roved. ‘To effect a cure the blisters are cut open with a
sissors or a sharp knife, the liquid pressed out, and the skin
roistened with a mixture of one ounce of a solution of acetate
f lead and two ounces of olive or linseed oil, two or three
mes a day. If the head be much swollen,;-one or more
‘oolen strings (setons) may be drawn through the skin over
ie sub-maxillary glands and allowed to remain for one or
vo weeks. If ulcers have already formed, they are duly
ioistened several times with a solution of one ounce of
hloride of lime or blue vitriol (sulphate of copper) in a
int of water.

The sheep is kept in the stable during treatment, fed with
pious, nutritious food, and receives, if necessary, a salt-
ck mixed with sulphur and juniper-berries from time to
me.

9 *
102 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

INFLAMMATION OF THE THROAT.

Inflammation of the throat is rare in sheep, and commonly
disappears in a few days. Half a pound of blood is ab-
stracted by bleeding, lukewarm mucilaginous drinks are
given, and an embrocation of equal parts of volatile lini-
ment and pine oil applied to the throat after removing the
wool.

SORE MOUTH.

Lambs and young pigs are mostly troubled with sore
mouths. In lambs small inflamed knots appear around
the nose, which are soon covered with a thick, whitish or
brownish scab. Sometimes the eruption extends higher up
and attacks the edges of the eyelidsand ears. The malady
is entirely without danger, and it is only when the lips are
very sore that the animals are hindered in eating or sucking,
and they then lose more or less flesh. The cause of the
discase is unknown, but it seems that an abnormal condition
of the milk of the ewe has much to do with it. The com-
plaint generally disappears spontaneously, but the cure
may be aided by removing the scab with a blunt instru-
ment and moistening the sores with cream or oil. Internal
remedies are rarely necessary, but a teaspoonful of mag-
nesia may be administered daily.

In pigs the eyelids are chiefly affected, and often appear
glued together and inflamed. In such cases the eyes are
moistened and washed with lukewarm milk, and we after-
ward subdue the inflammation with an eyewash composed
of one-sixteenth ounce of eye-stone dissolved in one pint
of water. If the pig is otherwise sick and does not eat or
suck, it is purged with one-half ounce of glauber salts dis-
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 103

iolved in water. Both the hog and the young must be put
m spare diet, and the stable must be kept dry and warm.

EPILEPSY.

The nature and symptoms of epilepsy in sheep are essen-
cially the same as in most domestic animals. The fit gene-
rally lasts from five to fifteen minutes, and the sheep
remains for a short time in a kind of stupor after its ter-
mination. It then gets up, walks several steps stiffly, shakes
itself several times, and is once more in good spirits, has a
zood appetite, etc. Sometimes several such fits take place
a day, which may gradually cause general debility, wast-
ing away and death. More frequently, however, weeks and
months elapse before a repetition of the attack, and then
the sheep may attain a high age. The causes are the same
as in cattle.

As in other domestic animals, little is to be expected of
the treatment. If worms in the intestines are the cause,
salt-licks composed of tar, oil of turpentine, shining stove-
soot, horse-chestnuts, offensive animal oil and common salt
are given.

As arule it is advisable to abandon the cure and turn
the animal over to the butcher, since its meat is perfectly
healthy and may be eaten without injury.

. STAGGERS.

Just before an attack of staggers, the sheep lets its head
hang down, stumbles about as if intoxicated, eats little or
104 “DISEASES OF SHEEP.

nothing, walks behind the rest of the flock, keeps its feet
far apart, and finally falls to the ground, where it remains
for a short time as in a swoon. It then gets up again, fol-
lows the flock and has again the appearance of a healthy
sheep. These fits return after a time, sometimes sooner and
sometimes later. Staggers much resemble vertigo, and are
easily confounded with it, although their causes and true
nature are widely different.

The causes of staggers are generally full-bloodedness and
a considerable rush of blood to the head. The disease
often appears when the animal sheds its teeth, and is seen
only in well-fed sheep. Too plentiful food, hot, close air
and the continued action of the sun’s rays are among the
most frequent causes. It is rarely fatal alone, and the
patient may keep in good condition for years. It often dis-
appears spontaneously, and rarely passes into inflammation
of the brain or apoplexy; in which case it may end in
death.

In order to prevent a repetition of the attack, six or eight
ounces of blood are removed by bleeding, and this alone
sometimes cures the disease. It is occasionally necessary
to purge the patient besides, by giving glauber salts two
ounces and saltpetre one-eighth ounce, dissolved in water.
The food must be of moderate quantity, and the animals
should be kept in a cool, shady place. From time to time
cold water should be poured over the head of the patient.

HAMATURIA.

Hematuria, or bloody urine, is not of frequent occur-
rence, but commonly attacks the greater portion of a flock
simultaneously. The evacuated urine is of a bloody color,
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 10

the sheep is very hot and thirsty, sensitive to pressure i
the region of the kidneys, has a stiff walk and suffers pai
on urinating. If the causes continue to act, the anime
ceases to take food, and colic, pain, fever, inflammation 0
the kidneys and death ensue. The duration of the diseas
is generally two or three weeks, but it is rarely dangerou:
When no proper treatment is adopted, however, death ma
be the consequence. ,

The cause consists in eating injurious plants in sprin
and winter when food is scarce, so that the animals ar
forced to browse upon the shoots of trees, especially of pin
trees. For this reason many head of sheep suffer at th
same time. . Cow’s-foot, wild rosemary, wolf’s-milk and reec
plants cause hematuria.

If the disease appears in a flock, hay or straw should
given to the sheep, so that they will not be too hungry whe
they arrive on the pasture-ground. They should not kt
allowed to graze in the woods, and should be kept awa
from hedges, bushes and sour reeds. At first one-eight
ounce of saltpetre and one-half ounce of glauber salts, di
solved in flour and water, and a few days later one-eight
ounce of alum, dissolved in water, or thirty drops of p:
troleum or pine oil in flour and water, are given.

INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS.

This comparatively rare disease is attended by an inflan
matory fever, a bent position on standing and by frequer
attempts to let urine, which is discharged in small quantitic
and bloody. On applying pressure to the region of tk
kidneys the patient evinces signs of pain. The animal fr
quently turns to look at its flank, is restless, paws with i
106 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

hind feet and does not take food. Finally all external
parts become cool, and a general cold perspiration breaks
out, when the animal commences to shake and tremble, and
death soon results.

The causes are mostly the same as in hematuria. Half
a pound of blood abstracted immediately, and one-sixteenth
ounce of saltpetre and half an ounce of glauber salts are
given every three or four houts. Clysters are injected, and
an irritating embrocation is applied to the region of the
kidneys after removing the wool. The cure is very seldom
successful, because it is generally attempted too late. If
the above remedies are applied in time, recovery is certain.

THE ROT.

The rot, or dropsy, is a common disease, which attacks
many sheep of a flock, and often does great damage. It is
analogous to “fluke,” which has been described. A sheep
which has been affected with rot can be recognized even at
a distance by its languid, lazy walk, its hanging ears, and
by the rocking of its head. The animal lags behind the
healthy ones, eats but little, is easily caught without offering
resistance, and bends its back so as to form a deep hollow
when the least pressure is applied. The eyes are pale and
without lustre, the winking membrane white and destitute
of red veins, and the eyelids bloated. The gums, the lining
membrane of the mouth and the external skin are pale.
The wool loses its curl, becomes tangled, dull and lustreless,
and may be pulled out in large tufts. The digestion is
more or less impaired, and diarrhea is mostly present. As
the disease increases, a painless swelling forms gradually on
the upper part of the neck near the sub-maxillary glands,
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 10

which slowly increases in size. The patient loses flesh an
becomes weak and languid, the appetite diminishes, the rn
mination ceases entirely, and the animal suffers much fror
thirst. The eyes run with mucus, the gums are spongy
bloated and bleed easily, the belly swells up on account o
the water which collects in it. The animal wastes away t
a mere skeleton, lies down constantly, has an offensive diai
rheea, and finally dies. The duration of the disease varies
Sometimes it lasts only eight or ten weeks, and sometime
a whole year elapses before death puts an end to the su:
fering.

In the dead body much water is found under the skir
and generally in the pericardium and in the belly. Th
blood is pale, thin and watery, and all the viscera, especiall:
the heart, are pale and flabby.

The rot is produced by many causes, some of which, how
ever, have not been as yet sufficiently investigated. It i
most common in wet years, and is caused by vitiated foo
or grazing on marshy, sour meadows. After very wet sum
mers, the rot generally appears late in autumn, continue
during winter and spring, and sometimes destroys whol
flocks in the following summer. Marshy meadows seem t:
be much less injurious in spring than in the fall. It ma:
be taken for granted that different injurious influence
acting together are required in order to produce the rot.

The cure of rot rarely succeeds, arid can only be expecte
when the disease is not too far advanced. The prevention
is therefore of much greater importance. All the above
mentioned injurious influences should be avoided, the ani
mals kept away from low, marshy and moist pasture
grounds, and should receive good, wholesome food, es
pecially hay, ete., when.in the stable. Particular car
must be exercised in wet years. The sheep should be kep
in the stable during rainy and foggy weather, and shoul
108 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

not be turned out to graze too soon. From time to time
salt-licks of pine oil, tar, wormwood, calamus-root and
juniper-berries should be given. To cure rot when it has
once broken out a very careful diet must be observed.
Great care must be had to provide good hay, groat-
drinks and grain food. The residue of whisky distillation,
given in portions of twelve pounds a day, is said to be ex-
cellent. The use of medicines is also necessary, and they
are most conveniently administered in the form of salt-
licks. For one hundred sheep the following mixture is
made into a lick and given twice a week: Calamus-root, or
wormwood and juniper-berries, each three pounds, common
salt one and a half pounds, and a quantity of groats,
Or the following: Mustard one pound, and juniper-berries
and salt each two pounds, with groats. The use of these
remedies must be continued for a considerable time. If the
disease is already in its advanced stages, it is well to aban-
don the cure, since the meat may be eaten without injury. ©

 

WIND DROPSY.

Sheep also are not unfrequently sufferers from wind
dropsy. The symptoms, causes and degree of danger are
like those of wind dropsy in cattle. It is most frequently
produced by the excessive eating of young clover and other
green food, especially if it is wet from rain or dew, and by
grazing on stubble-fields. As long as the distension of the
stomach is only on the left side, there is no danger; but if
the other side also become distended, death may result. In
mild cases the following treatment is adopted: The dis-
tended part of the stomach is strongly pressed and kneaded
with the hands, which often causes repeated eructations and
DISHASES OF SHEEP. 10¢

removes all danger. The sheep is led by a rope of twistec
straw into a pond, or if possible into cold running water, anc
then kept in moderate motion. If no improvement takes
place, a thin tube, provided with a smal] button of wool o1
linen, is introduced into the stomach through the mouth
which causes the air to escape in large quantity. Interna.
remedies are also every beneficial, as, for example, a tea
spoonful of burnt lime and water every ten or fifteen min
utes, or three-fourths of a pint of soapsuds or lye of ashes
or a teaspoonful of mustard, with brandy, ete. Indeed al
the remedies given to cattle against this disease apply here
but only one-third or one-fourth the quantity is given t
sheep that would be given to cattle under similar circum
stances. If the disease runs very high, the same symptom:
appear as in cattle, and death follows not unfrequently
from bursting of the stomach. In such cases puncturing
the belly is the only remedy, which is performed in essen
tially the same manner as for cattle. The trochar to bi
used for sheep is about four inches long and as thicl
as a medium-sized quill. It is plunged into the most dis
tended part of the belly after removing the wool. Wher
the gases have escaped, the trochar should be removed, be
cause it is injurious to the animal if it remains in too long
The operation easily becomes dangerous in sheep, whicl
are more irritable than cattle. Nevertheless it is often th
only means of saving the animal, and should always b
performed when there is danger, because it may save th
patient in a majority of cases. If no trochar is at hand
a penknife or other narrow cutting instrument may be em
ployed, although with less advantage. After making a1
incision a thin tube is inserted in the opening. The wounc
heals of itself, and may if necessary be covered with a littl
tar. ,

The operation of cutting the belly has not, to my know

10 é
110 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

ledge, been tried in sheep, and is not without considerable
danger.

After the gases have escaped, rumination generally re-
turns immediately, and with it the appetite. A scanty and
sparing diet at first, and salt-licks, with the addition of
bitter remedies, such as wormwood, calamus, etc., or tar, oil
of turpentine, etc., complete the cure. ¢

7

PALSY OF LAMBS.

Lambs become palsied almost exclusively during the
first few weeks of their lives; most frequently during the
first and second, and rarely after four or six weeks.

The more noble races suffer especially from this complaint,
which rarely affects the common races. It generally ap-
pears as a plague, and sometimes fifty or eighty per cent.
of the flock fall a prey to it. The symptoms are not
always the same. The first striking symptom is generally
a stiffness of one or more legs; the lamb walks stiffly and
with difficulty, stands with bent back and the feet drawn
together under the belly. It bends its knees in walking
and slides on them. From the parts first affected the stiff-
ness spreads over nearly all the others, especially to the
neck, as in cramp. During this time, and a little before
the stiffness appears, the animal is more or less sick, listless
and sad, is unwilling to change its position, allows its head
and ears to droop, etc. Complete constipation follows or a
little hard excrement passes with difficulty, and alternates
sometimes with diarrhcea. The patient then becomes very
lean and the belly is exceedingly thin and tucked up.

During the progress of the disease the stiffness and de-
bility constantly increase, and prevent the lamb from
DISEASES’ OF SHEEP. 11

reaching the udder of the ewe. The animal then lies dow
often, and perfectly motionless; if it is raised up, it sink
down again completely exhausted. Even during the fir:
few days swellings are formed at different joints, which ai
soft, inflamed and very painful. The lamb walks ver
slowly with the affected leg, or cannot step on it at al
The size of the swellings varies. Sometimes they are <
large as a walnut and sometimes smaller.

The disease generally lasts eight or twelve days, br
death sometimes ensues during the first three or four days
in which case the debility reaches its highest point, and a
offensive diarrhcea sets in. If recovery takes place, it i
very slow and requires several weeks.

On dissecting the bodies, nearly the same morbid change
are found as in the atrophy of foals. The stomach and iz
testines are more or less inflamed, the swellings at the joint
contain a large quantity of clear, bloody or pus-like sync
vial fluid, and the ligaments, more rarely the ends of th
bones, are inflamed ; sometimes yellowish, briny effusions ar
found in different places under the skin, and watery effi
sions in the cavities of the chest and belly, but the presenc
of these symptoms depends on the various forms of th
disease.

The true nature of this palsy has not been definitel
ascertained, but it seems to be caused by an inflammatio
of the intestines, coupled with an external rheumatisn
The causes of the disease are numerous, but the greate
part have not been sufficiently investigated. Lambs ar
undoubtedly born either with the developed disease or wit
a predisposition to it, and the cause must therefore b
sought in the mother-ewe. Experience teaches that vitiate
food has such injurious effects during pregnancy that th
lamb is affected with palsy shortly after its birth. But ;
is not only vitiated food that may be held responsible, bu
112 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

a sudden change of diet during and after parturition, espe-
clably if too rich food is given after keeping the ewe on
scanty diet. If the diet of the ewe during the last months
of pregnancy consists of much clover, hay, potatoes, grain
and drinks of groats, the lambs are very prone to palsy
soon after birth. Mouldy food of all kinds, mouldy oil-
cakes, rotten carrots, potatoes, etc., as well as putrid water,
are very injurious. :

The injurious influence of vitiated food in producing the
palsy of lambs has not only been proved by numerous
accidental observations, but is shown beyond a doubt by
interesting and striking direct experiments. The fact that
the milk of the mother exercises great influence in the
production of the disease is proved by the experiment of
allowing healthy lambs to suck the milk of a ewe whose
young perished in this way. I have tried this experiment -
more than fifty times, and the lambs were always affected
with the disease. The fact is therefore beyond a doubt.

Not only vitiated or improper food, however, causes the
milk of the mother to become injurious, but.also a diseased
condition of the ewe, especially if she be affected with the
fluke and rot. In lambs, catching cold is a source of palsy,
which is the more certainly produced if the above-men-
tioned predisposition exists. It cannot, however, be stated
with certainty whether catching cold is necessary, or whether
the disease may be produced without, nor has it been ascer-
tained if it can arise solely from catching cold without the
presence of a predisposition for the disease or of other cir-
cumstances. Both are probable, however. It is most com-
mon during the wet, cold days of March and April and
during bad weather, especially when the sheep are kept in
warm, narrow and close stables. It appears particularly in
weak, thin-wooled lambs whose development is retarded,
probably because they are most sensitive to cold.
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 11,

Palsy of lambs is not contagious. This has been prove
by experiment, and has hardly ever been doubted. If i
has appeared in a flock, all injurious influences which migh
continue to act must be immediately removed or avoidec
This is very important, because the cure is very difficul
A proper diet for the ewes is indispensable, and should cor
sist of good hay, straw, carrots, etc., in winter, while all vit
ated food, rotten carrots or potatoes, and poor water must b
avoided. Drinks of groats or oil-cake in water are als
objectionable. In summer the animals should be led to th
best possible pasture. The lambs should never be separate
too long from the ewes, to prevent their becoming too hur
gry and overburdening their stomachs by too much suc
when they are returned. They should receive suck «
least every three or four hours. The stable must be fre
from draught and not too warm, the best temperature bein
from 45° to 55° Fahr. Not unfrequently these precautior
prevent the spread of the disease and make it disappes
entirely. This must take place if the causes are removec
and lambs already afflicted will frequently recover withor
further aid. All lambs which do not evacuate a liqui
yellowish excrement a short time after birth, which may |
recognized from the fact of its soiling the tail and the wo
around the anus, are in danger of the disease, especially i
cases of it have already occurred in the flock. Their co1
stipation must be cured by giving them each a small te:
spoonful of glauber salts in water, and repeating the dos
if necessary until a thin excrement is discharged. Th
simple treatment is generally sufficient to prevent the di
ease, provided all directions about diet are followe
Lambs which suffer already from the disease are also mac
to swallow a laxative like the above. In mild cases this
sufficient, but it proves unavailing when the disease rur
high. A very large number of remedies has been propose:

10 *
114 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

but their enumeration here would be without practical
benefit. I will therefore mention only those which are sup-
ported by good authority:

In the beginning of mild forms of the disease the follow-
ing is a certain remedy: Five parts of powdered sulphate
of antimony are mixed with one part of butter, and of this
a piece of the size of a hazelnut is given three times a day
to the patient. Tartar emetic one-twenty-fourth ounce, sal
ammoniac one ounce and glauber salts two ounces, are dis-
solved in a quart of elder-flower tea, and a teaspoonful of
this.given four times a day. Clysters of oil, soap and water
are also injected frequently, and an irritating embrocation
applied externally. As much magnesia as can be taken up
with the point of a knife, given in a little chamomile tea, is
very serviceable, especially if a discharge gf dung has
already taken place. If the same quantity of powdered
rhubarb is mixed with the magnesia, it renders the remedy
still more effective. s

If the disease is already advanced or malignant, medi-
cines generally afford little relief. The following, how-
ever, is sometimes serviceable: Extract of nux vomica
one-half ounce is dissolved in a quart of water, and of this
a teaspoonful is given three times a day. If great debility
is present, the following is made to alternate with the nux
vomica: Camphor one-fourth ounce is rubbed up with the
yolk of an egg and then mixed with chamomile tea, pep-
permint or calamus-root by shaking.

Various remedies have also been proposed to-cure the
stiffness and the swellings at different parts of the body.
Several setons, consisting of a woolen string one inch in
length, soaked in turpentine, are drawn under the skin of
the affected leg, or the diseased parts may be moistened
with oil of turpentine and ammonia. A sharp embroca-
tion applied twice, or even the burning iron if nothing else
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 11é

is at hand, is useful, It is not advisable to open the swell
ings of the joints, because a malignant suppuration anc
caries would generally result. In order to improve the con
dition of the whole body, cold baths at about 50° Fahr., tc
which are added very strong chamomile tea, a little sal
and wood-ashes, are prescribed. The lamb must remain ir
the bath half an hour, and its body should be strongly
rubbed. It is then dried, wrapped in a woolen blanket
and allowed to remain in this way for six hours in th
warmest part of the stable. This treatment produces ar
increased action of the skin, which frequently brings abou
a cure. -If the forces of the lamb, and with them its appe
tite and liveliness, return, a cure may be expected with cer
tainty, and all that remains to be done is to see that th
animal frequently receives suck and that it is kept warm
The stiffness, which often remains for weeks and months
gradually disappears, and the swelled and distorted joint
regain their natural condition and flexibility.

MAGGOTS.

The disease called maggots is produced by a general un
healthy condition of lambs and one-year old sheep, ir
which a large number of small worms or maggots (thi
Strongylus contortus) are formed in the stomach. Its symp
toms are very similar to those of the lung worms, with thi
exception that the respiration is unimpaired and no cougl
or wheezing is produced. Both diseases sometimes appea:
together. The disease may be recognized with certainty
only after opening the dead body, when the whole systen
is found to be pale, flabby and lean. In the runnet-bag

and sometimes in the duodenum, the above-named worm:
116 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

are found in greater or less quantities, enveloped in tough
mucus. If one or more lambs have died of the disease,
and show the same results on-dissection, it may be concluded
that the other sick lambs of the flock suffer from the same
disease if they exhibit the same symptoms.

If the disease has not progressed too far, and the lambs
retain a certain amount of vigor and appetite, a cure fre-
quently succeeds. Half a teaspoonful of a mixture of
purified hartshorn oil and turpentine, each half an ounce,
and brandy four ounces, is given twice a day for several
days in succession, and the remainder of the treatment is
like that for lung worms.

THE LARVA OF THE GADFLY.

The gadfly, or estrus, is found during the whole summer
near the pasture-grounds of sheep, and annoys them, es-
pecially in hot weather and at noon. It has not been as-
certained at what point of the sheep’s body it deposits its
eggs, but it is probably at the nose and lips. It is fre-
quently observed that the animal, after a gadfly has left it,
shakes its head violently, stamps with its feet, rubs its nose
on the ground, runs about, sneezes, hangs down its head and
looks terrified. When the sheep are seen to stand closely
together in mid-day heat with their noses on the ground, it
is probably for the purpose of preventing the estrus ftom
reaching their noses and lips.

As soon as the larve are hatched from the eggs, they
crawl up through the nose to the sinus of the frontal or of
the maxillary bone, into the cells of the ethmoid bone or
into the cavities of the uvula. They attach themselves to
the mucous membrane by means of their hooks, and live on
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 11’

the pus-like secretions which are produced there. In te
months they reach their maturity, and drop out of th
nose or are thrown out by frequent snorting and sneezin
of the sheep. This occurs generally from March to Augus'
and the larve then undergo further changes on the outsid
of the sheep’s body. If large numbers of these larvae ar
present in the cavities of the head, they produce in sprin;
when they are fully developed, various symptoms of diseas:
and even death. When the disease is of a mild characte
the patients sneeze frequently, rub their heads against di
ferent objects, shake them violently, lift their noses hig]
and remain in this position for some time or turn aside, an
there is a discharge of mucus from the nose. In a’ mo1
violent form of the disease, the patient lets its head dro
down to the ground, walks about as if intoxicated, turr
around, becomes stupid and sad, and ceases to take foo
These symptoms are often mistaken for vertigo. When th
disease has reached its highest point, the animal loses fles]
falls down frequently, grinds its teeth, rolls its reddene
eyes, and finally dies on the fourth or eighth day. In mil
cases recovery takes place unaided: the larve are throw
out by frequent sneezing, along with mucus; and this is tl
only sure sign of the disease, at least for the non-professiona
Sometimes vertigo is present at the same time.

If the head of a dead animal is opened, more or le
larvee are found in the above-mentioned cavities, which r
semble those found in the stomach of- horses. The muci
membrane of these cavities is inflamed, red, bluish, dar]
red or ash-colored, and sometimes even gangrenous :
different points. Thirty and even forty of these larvee hay
been found together, but there is generally a much small
number present.

To cure the malady, the larve must be removed. Fi
this purpose a little snuff or sneeze-wort ( Veratrum sabadilla
118 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

lime, etc., is introduced into the nose several times a day,
which occasions such violent sneezing that the larve are
sometimes gradually thrown out. Twenty or thirty drops
of animal oil may also be injected into the nose. In many
cases these remedies are unsuccessful, especially when the
symptoms are very violent. The remedies must then be
introduced directly into the cavities or sinuses. For this
purposes, the horns are sawed off close to the head, or an
opening is made into the frontal and maxillary sinuses by
means of a trochar, and the remedies introduced through
these channels. The larve cannot bear the external air
and die soon. They are then ejected by sneezing. The ar-
tificial openings heal in a short time unaided.

If many sheep suffer at the same time, it is very incon-
venient to treat them separately. Hair, feathers, tar and
horn-shavings are burnt in such cases in the stable, in order
to produce sneezing. To prevent the adhesion of the larve
and eggs, the nose and lips of the sheep should be covered
with oil, fat, tar or hartshorn oil, especially at the time
when the insects appear in great numbers. This applies
particularly to lambs and one-year old sheep, which are
most frequently attacked.

MADNESS. .

It is a peculiar fact that madness is of much rarer oceur-
rence in sheep than in cattle, notwithstanding that there
are more flocks of sheep than herds of cattle, and that the
shepherds’ dogs are generally of the same race as those
kept by keepers of cattle. The cause of this is difficult to
explain. Perhaps sheep are not so susceptible to the virus
or contagion as cattle, and the bite of the dog is more fre-
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 11!

quently harmless because the thick wool keeps the saliv:
from the wound.
Since I had an opportunity, about twenty years ago, ti
observe five mad sheep, I am able to give a correct de
scription of the symptoms. The disease began, as in al
animals, by general listlessness and sadness, but the oppc
* site soon took place. The animals were very wild an
restless, and jumped constantly on other sheep; their lool
was wild and threatening, and they attacked all objects i:
their reach, even men and dogs. Their restlessness an:
excitement was very great. They ran about, stamped an
bit the ground, butted their heads against it, and jumpe
about in a very peculiar way. Some of the sheep bleate
occasionally, producing a piercing shriek. The appetit

ound rumination ceased even from the first, and a sort o
palsy set in. One sheep, which had been sick for thre
days and was kept.in the stable, was palsied so much the
it could scarcely get up. Its eyes were opened widely an
glittered with peculiar lustre. It bit at a stick whic
was held in its reach, and even at the iron prongs of
dung-fork, so violently that its mouth began to bleec
After I had opened the stable-door, it sprang up and mad
an attack on men. A dog that went barking up to th
sheep could not intimidate it, although it was general]
very easily frightened. It even attacked the dog and mad
it retreat. No fear of water could be discovered. All o
the mad sheep died on the fourth and sixth days.

The appearance of madness after the bite is not limited t
any definite time. It has been observed after eight day
but may not break out until after several months. In th
above-mentioned case, five and six weeks respectively ha
elapsed. The post-mortem examination yielded uncertai
and unimportant results. The dead bodies were burie
deeply or burnt, and the stable well cleaned. Especial]
120 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

must the dung be removed, and all objects brushed over
with whitewash to which chloride of lime has been added.

TO TELL THE AGE OF SHEEP.

The age of sheep, like that of the other domestic animals,
may be determined from the change and condition of the
teeth. This is certain up to the sixth year inclusively, and
tolerably sure after this age. The sheep, like the ox, has
eight incisors, which are all situated in the lower jaw,
as in all ruminating animals. The visible part of the
teeth which projects above the gums is called the crown.
At its lower end, the crown becomes thinner and is en-
veloped in the gum. This part is called the neck. The
lower end of the tooth, which tapers to a point and is
situated in the socket, is called the root. All the teeth are
placed loosely in the sockets and admit of more or less mo-
tion, The two middle teeth are called the tongs or gath-
erers; the two on each side, the inner middle teeth; and
the next on each side, the outer middle teeth. The two ex-
ternal ones are called the corner teeth.

In new-born lambs the two gatherers are just visible above
the gums; after six or eight days, the two inner middle
teeth, and after four or six days more the two outer middle,
teeth, make their appearance. Six or eight days later
the two corner teeth may be seen; so that in three weeks
after birth the sheep has its full complement of incisors.
These teeth, called milk-teeth, become longer and broader,
and reach their full development at the end of the first
year. Their upper edge, or oe of the crown, is some:
what pointed.

The milk-teeth remain Senn eighteen to twenty months,
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 12

and then fall out, and are replaced by permanent teeth i
the same order in which they appeared. The permaner
teeth differ from the milk-teeth by the fact that the uppe
-edge is not pointed, but straight and dull. They are als
stronger and broader than the milk-teeth, and no longe
milk-white, but yellowish.

When the sheep is eighteen or twenty months old, th
milk-teeth fall out and are replaced by two permaner
teeth. The animal is then called two-toothed.

’ When the sheep is three and a half years old, the tw
outer middle teeth fall out and are replaced by two perm:
nent teeth.

When the sheep is four and a half years old, the tw
corner teeth fall out and are replaced by two permanen
teeth; and now all have changed. The animal is the
called eight-toothed.

In the sixth year the permanent teeth have obtained thei
full development, and are long and broad. The uppe
edge appears smooth and sharp.

After the sixth year the incisors undergo differen
changes, from which the age of the sheep can be discovere
with a tolerable degree of certainty. The edges of th
crown gradually become nicked and dented, until the
wear down almost to the root. This takes place in th
some order as the changes of the teeth. In the sevent:
year both tongs or gatherers become notched at the edge o:
the crown, and in the eighth the nearest two become notchec
although a more distant one may change instead, and tu
notches of the gatherers become deeper. In the ninti
year the crowns of the gatherers and the inner middl
teeth are indented very deeply, and the other teeth als
begin to show notches. In the tenth and twelfth years th
crowns of all incisors are broken and worn, so that noth
ing but the roots remain.

IL F
122 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

Under certain circumstances, produced by diseases, food,
etc., the wearing out of the teeth sometimes varies con-
siderably from the above order. Some sheep lose the crowns
of their teeth in the sixth and seventh years, while others
retain them unchanged until the eighth and tenth years or
even longer. Vigor and health of body preserve the teeth.

CANCER OF THE TONGUE.

Cancer of the tongue is a species of gangrene or mortifi-
cation of the spleen, which is contagious, and may be rec-
ognized by a blister on the tongue, which speedily changes
to a cancerous ulcer. Symptoms of general sickness are
not usually observed before the appearance of the local
disease, but fever is sometimes present. The tongue, palate
and gums are swollen, bright red and warmer than usual.
The motion of the tongue is obstructed, and blisters of the
size of a pea or hazel-nut, filled with serum, blood or pus,
are found on it, which burst, discharge their contents and
leave gangrenous wounds or continue to spread. The blis-
ters are either few and large or many and small. The part
of the tongue on which the ulcers are situated is insensible,
cold and of a blue or black color. If the disease spread,
the larynx and pharynx are also attacked. After the
ulcers have developed, symptoms of fever appear, and if
nothing is done to check the disease, death results after
convulsions, distension of the belly, cold feet and cold
aweats, in twelve to forty-eight hours. Recovery may be
hoped for when a good treatment is adopted early to make
the ulcers assume a mild form.

The disease frequently attacks horses and mules. In
1862, I treated more than thirty thousand horses and mules

°
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 1

in the United States Army of the Potomac, which suffer
from the same disease, and not a single one fell a victim
it. This I can prove by the highest authorities, and I ;
therefore sufficiently acquainted with the disease to descr.
it and give an opinion concerning it.

A post-mortem examination exhibits the partial destr
tion of the tongue, besides the phenomena described unc
“Gangrene of the Spleen.” The disease might be ci
founded with the mouth plague, but in the latter the blist
are scattered all over the mouth and leave no deep ul
after opening. It is also generally in combination with {
foot rot. Cancer of the tongue is of much shorter durati:
and is much more fatal: The causes are the same as th
of gangrene of the spleen.

The success of the treatment depends on its early co
mencement, before the blisters have opened and changed
ulcers. The blisters should be cut out of the tongue,
possible, without tearing them. They may be squeezed «
with a strong tin spoon, and moistened with concentrai
mouriatic acid, or, better still, sulphuric acid, by means o
brush, after removing the contents with a sponge. C:
should be taken that the matter does not come in cont:
with the operator. The food should be soft and tend
The patients should be separated from the healthy animz
INTERNAL DISEASES.

 

INTERNAL DISEASES are those which are not situated in
the organs on the surface of the body, which cannot be per-
ceived by our senses (sight, feeling, etc.), and which are
cured principally by medicines passing into the blood
through the organs of digestion. -Although we cannot see
a diseased internal organ, we can discover an abnormal
condition from the disturbance of its functions and of those
of the whole system. The signs by which we can determine
the nature, degree and duration of the disease are called
its symptoms. They are the language of Nature, which
shows its suffering and calls for help through them. If
these signs are rightly interpreted, we will be able to judge
the disease correctly and to select the proper remedies, but
if the signs are misunderstood, a wrong conclusion is ar-
rived at, and the consequences are unfavorable. Whenever
an abnormal condition is discovered, there is a diseased
action of some organ present, and in order to find the seat
of the disturbance it is indispensable to know the functions
of each separate organ. in the healthy animal thoroughly.
Breeders and owners of animals should therefore endeavor
to become acquainted with them by careful observation of
~ healthy animals.

If an animal is sick—and this is generally easily recog-
nized—the next step is to discover from what disease it
suffers; that is, what organ is affected. For this purpose

the patient must be examined. The owner of cattle must
124
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 1

ask himself the following questions and answer them by
thorough examination of the sick animal and an obser
tion of all the symptoms:

With regard to the surface of the body. Is the heat
creased, diminished or unevenly distributed? Are the
tremities warmer or colder? Are swellings found on {
skin, and of what nature are they? Are ulcers preser
Are the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth r.
pale or yellowish, and are blisters or ulcers found on thei
Are the eyes dull, deeply situated and without visible veir
Is the belly distended or flabby? Are the hoofs in th
normal condition ?

* With regard to the circulation of the blood and the respi
tion. Is the breathing attended by groaning, whistling
other noises? Is there considerable motion of the ri
flanks and belly, and does the animal breathe with distend
nostrils? Is the exhaled air hot, cold or ill-smellin
Does the animal use its voice? Does it cough, and of wl
nature is the cough? Is it dry, moist, wheezing, etc., a
is it most frequent in the morning?

With regard to the digestion, excretions and secretions.
the appetite diminished, or has it disappeared entirel
Does the animal prefer one kind of food to another? Dx
it eat fast or slowly? Can it open its mouth properly, a
does it retain the food in its mouth without chewing -
Can it swallow well, and does it drink much, hastily
slowly? Does a portion of the water run out again throu
the nose? Is there a frequent or a rare discharge of ¢
crement, and is the latter compact, moist, dry, liquid, or
large or in small balls? What is its color? Does it ec
tain undigested food, worms, matter, blood or mucus, a:
is it offensive? Is there a discharge from the nose, a:
what is its nature?’ Is it thick or thin, adhesive, yello
creamy, greenish, or clear and watery? Does it sme]

lL #
126 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

Is the mouth dry or moist, hot or cold, and is it covered
with froth? ‘Does the animal perspire easily? Does it
urinate frequently or seldom, much or little? Does it re-
quire exertion, and is it painful? Does the urine come
gradually and in drops? Is it thick or thin, watery, clear,
troubled or bloody?

With regard to the senses. Is the animal sensitive to ex-
ternal impressions or dull? Are the eyes opened or closed,
clear or dim, shining or dull, and is the animal insensible
and stupid? ers

With regard to the organs of locomotion. Does the animal
stand with curved back? Does it look at its belly in a
restless manner, or is it quiet? Does it lie down and roll
about? Are its motions lively or slow and lazy? Does it
limp and totter? Is the neck movable or immovable, hard
or stiff?

It must be further considered if one or more parts suffer
at the same time.

Even if owners of cattle cannot recognize the disease
from the group of symptoms, they will be able to give the
veterinary practitioner valuable information concerning the
commencement of the disease, and enable him to fix on a
plan of treatment much sooner than without such informa-
tion.

Another way of recognizing diseases is to dissect animals
after death, and examine the different organs as to their
texture, color, consistency, position, changes, ete. Such
post-mortem examinations mostly enable one to determine
the character of the disease with certainty if this could not
be done during life, and to ascertain its seat and the reason
of its fataltermination. It is necessary, however, in cases of.
errors, doubts and wrong conclusions, to consult practical
veterinarians, possessing thorough anatomical knowledge,
and not quacks who are destitute of it, as is too often the case.
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DISEASES OF SHEEP.

CLASSIFICATION OF DISEASES.

Ever since the most remote ages it has been custom
- to divide the mass of diseases into classes for greater ¢
venience, and I will here mention some of the most
portant for the better understanding of different terms.

With regard to duration, diseases are divided into—

Short, acute, which do not last longer than three or f
weeks ;

Exceedingly short, which do not last longer than tk
days, such as various forms of mortification of the spl
and colic; ;

Very short, which terminate on the seventh or tenth d
and . :
Slow, chronic, which last longer than forty days, and r
continue for years, as rot of the lungs.

PuiaGuEs attack many animals—either of the same spec
as sheep, or of different species, as horses and cattle, fi
the same causes. They are divided into—

General plagues, epidemics, or epizoics, which origir
from external, general, unusual and transitive causes, :
commit ravages among the different species in different
calities at the same time.

Local plagues or enzoics, which occur only in cert
localities, and arise from local causes, such as topograph
situation, soil, pasture, stables, etc.; for example, “ fluke

Contagious and non-contagious plagues. The former
clude the pox of sheep, mortification of the spleen, can
of the tongue, ‘sore mouth, foot rot, scab, pneumonia :
diarrhcea.

Non-contagious plagues are—rot, fluke, lung worms :
maggots. :

SINGLE or SPORADIC DISEASES are those which att
128 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

only single individuals from special causes, as, for example,
inflammation. Sporadic diseases may, however, sometimes
assume the character of a plague, and vice versd.

With regard to the mode of spreading into contagious and
non-contagious disease.

Contagious diseases are those in which matter is formed
and discharged, which may produce the same disease in
other healthy animals if it is transferred to them. This
matter is called “the virus of the disease.”

If the virus is contained in certain bodies, such as saliva,
blood, mucus, excrements, etc., it is called fixed (as in mor-
tification of the spleen and madness), and acts either by
being directly transferred to the body of a healthy animal
(by licking, biting, etc), or by the healthy animals coming
in contact with objects contaminated with it (such as har-
ness, blankets, cribs, mangers, etc.).

If the virus separates as a vapor, as by the exhalations
of the skin and the respiration, it is thus mixed with the
air and breathed by other animals. Winds sometimes carry
it to a considerable distance. It acts probably by being
inhaled and by coming thus in contact with the blood. The
fixed virus is mostly produced by chronic diseases not at-
tended by fever, and the volatile by feverish diseases. In
many, a fixed and a volatile virus are developed at the
same time. Many kinds of virus act only on the species in
which they are developed (as in the rinderpest and pleuro-
pneumonia), while others may be transferred to other animals
(such as madness and mortification of the spleen).

Some contagious diseases attack an animal but once, as
the sheep pox, rinderpest, etc., and the animal is then no
longer susceptible for their virus.

Non-contagious diseases are those in which no virus is
formed. They comprise by far the most numerous class;
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 12

for example, inflammation of the lungs, vertigo, inflamms
tion of the brain, etc.

The healing process is an action of the system by whic
the disease is decomposed, and health is made to retur
either by nature alone or with the aid of art. The gre
power to heal lies in the organism of the animal itself, an
it is in our power only to modify the efforts of natur
This object may often be accomplished by a negatin
method, as by removing certain irritations, changing tl
diet, ete. An active interference is sometimes unnecessar
because nature itself often possesses the power to restore tl
health. Premature interference is productive of more i
jury than benefit, and there is no doubt that nature is ab
to heal many diseases in man and other animals.

To restore health the following requirements must |
fulfilled: 1. The cause of the disease must be removed
possible ; 2. The product of the disease must be got rid o
3. The affected organ must be renovated; and, 4. Wh
has been lost must be replaced by rest and proper food.

The fulfillment of these requirements belongs principal
to art, since nature does not always or quickly enough su
ceed in removing the cause of the disease (foreign bodi
and external irritating influences), in preventing its pr
gress, and in avoiding dangerous influences.

F#
DISEASES OF CATTLE.

To make this work more complete, I will add a disserta-
tion on the DisEasEs oF CaTT Le, dwelling more especially
on epidemic diseases and their treatment, as far as may be
serviceable to the farmer or cattle-owner who has not
studied the art of curing them. Asa matter of course, a
certain degree of intelligence and interest in the subject
must be present. I have avoided all expressions which pro-
duce an ornamental style at the expense of clearness, and
all technicalities which are not generally understood by the
non-professional. My endeavor has been to write in a clear
and popular style, and with all the brevity consistent with
thoroughness and the demands of the practical farmer.

Since the pleuro-pneumonia (rinderpest) and the spleen
disease have at the present time made their appearance in
different States of the Union, I think it my duty to make
public the experience which I may have acquired in treat-
_ing them. The importance of diffusing knowledge on this
subject is the more apparent from the fact that the diseases
in question undermine the wealth of whole countries, and
this has been recognized by the different governments, who
have given especial attention to the subject. I hope the
public will favor me with their confidence, as I have proved
that I am fully acquainted with the symptoms, the origin
and the course of the diseases. In 1866 I entered into a
contract with the British Minister, Sir Frederick Bruce, to

130
DISEASES OF CATTLE, 13

cure seventy-five per cent. of the sick cattle in Englanc
Scotland, Ireland and Wales, and succeeded in curing |
greater proportion than the contract called for.

The assertion made by ignorant persons that the malad:
was “Spanish disease” is erroneous, since Spain was com
paratively the least afflicted with the epidemic, and Spanis.
cattle were preferred to those of Holland, East Frieslanc
Oldenburg and Holstein during my residence in Englanc
It has also been asserted that, the disease was the pox, an
killing was recommended, because no cure was possible fo
that disease. My experience in thousands of cases where
perfect cure was effected enables me to contradict this. T
prove my assertion, I will offer to cure ninety per cent. 0
animals affected with the epidemic. The epidemic has als
been frequently mistaken for spleen disease. The latte
broke out among the United States cattle droves after th
surrender of Richmond, and I succeeded in curing mor
than five thousand head in Alexandria during the montk
of July and August.

In Europe, more particularly in Prussia and Russia, th
districts where epidemics appear are, as it is termed, er
closed by a cordon; that is, no cattle or food, such as ha:
straw, etc., are allowed to pass over the boundary of the ir
fected district until the superintending veterinary surgeo
declares that no new cases have occurred for ninety days. A
inspection by an experienced veterinarian who is thorough]
conversant with the disease would be very desirable, i
order to prevent the spread of the epidemic to other State

THE CATTLE POX.

The cattle or cow pox belongs to the rarer and less in
portant diseases, and it easily disappears again spontan
132 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

ously. It is not necessary therefore to consider it from an
economical point of view, and its description here would be
entirely superfluous were it not for the highly important
and interesting relation which it bears to small pox in the
human being.

The pox consists of a peculiar eruption on the udder of
cows. It rarely appears on bulls or oxen, perhaps only
after contagion. The eruption generally takes place on the
teats of the udder, but is also, found on other parts of it in
exceptional cases. It appears in the following manner:
One or more red spots form on the udder, having the ap-
pearance of fled-bites. In their centre a red, hard knot
appears, which is very small at first. In a few days this
knot increases in size, projects more above the surface of
the skin, and the latter becomes less red. From the eighth
to the tenth day the pox has attained its maximum size,
and has then a whitish, yellowish, bluish or silvery appear-
ance. . The red circle around it has then disappeared, and
it has an oval or circular shape of the size of a half dime.
It projects above the skin, and is somewhat depressed in the
centre. It is tolerably hard, has a cellular, spongy struc-
ture like a lemon, and contains a clear, watery, colorless
and odorless liquid or lymph, which oozes out in small
quantity when an incision is made into the pox. Ten or
twelve days after the appearance of the disease, the lymph
becomes troubled and changes to pus or matter; the tumor
dries up, and a hard scab is formed, while the size of the
eruption diminishes. The scab begins to form in the centre,
and gradually spreads to the circumference, It is at first
clear and yellow, but soon becomes brown, and finally dark-
brown and nearly black. From the twenty-first to the
twenty-eighth day, sometimes a little sooner and sometimes
a little later, it drops off and leaves a permanent scar,
which is reddish at first and afterward recovers the natural
DISEASES OF CATTLE. 132

color of the udder. True cow pox always shows these phe
nomena, but awkward milking, incorrect treatment and man}
other circumstances often conspire to change its appearance:
and defer the cure. The number of the spots, as well a
their size, varies. In some cases only a few, and in other
thirty, forty or even more appear. Sometimes they becom:
no larger than a pea, while at others they reach the size ‘ol
adime. Frequently eruptions of different sizes are founc
on the same animal, but they rarely appear simultaneously
Their appearance is generally gradual, and the last ma:
not be developed until one or two weeks after the first
For this reason the udder may be covered with eruptions in
all the different stages of their development. In man:
cases, especially if many and large tumors are present, th
udder is more or less sensitive and swollen, which may b
caused by the fact that the cow cannot be milked at all, 0
only partially. No other symptoms of disease except th
local ones are perceived, and the animal appears to be pet
fectly healthy. Rarely a fever makes its appearance, an
then the cow eats little or not at all, does not chew the cuc
and yields less and thinner milk than usual. These symy
toms are present only from a few days before the eruptio:
appears to its complete development, and they always dis
appear when the tumors dry up. The cow pox is most. fre
quent in the middle period of life and in the first few month
after calving; but it has been observed on cows two year
old, which had never calved, and in old cows that ceased t
give milk. The disease appears in all countries, and topc
graphical position or climate seems to exercise no perceptib!
influence. The disease is of more frequent occurrence in sum
mer than in winter. Everything tending to produce a rus.
of blood to the udder, the change from poor and scanty t
copious and nutritious food, and the more plentiful secre
tion of milk after calving, facilitate its development.
12
134 _ DISEASES OF CATTLE.

We are wholly in the dark concerning the cause of cow
pox. It arises spontaneously and attacks but once. In
many cases it is imparted by contagion, as when a person
milks a healthy cow after one affected with the pox. It
never appears as an epidemic, but is sometimes produced
by contagion from the malanders (grease) in horses.

The cow pox is not only a very harmless, but a very in-
significant disease. The accompanying slight fever and
loss of appetite require no treatment, because they are of
no consequence and disappear after a few days, when all
the organs of the body again resume their natural functions.
Nothing can be done to the udder, because the eruption can
be neither accelerated nor retarded. It is therefore best
not to interfere. All that can be done is to avoid rough
handling and irritating external influences. The udder
must be milked frequently (if this can be done without
irritating the teats too much), very gently and with oiled
hands. If this cannot be done on account of the number
of tumors, and if the udder is very much swollen and in-
flamed, the animal should receive very scanty green food,
and should be purged with half a pound or a pound of
glauber salts. It is well to keep the patient warm and
covered with a blanket. As soon as the tumors begin to
dry up and change to scab, the fever disappears and the
appetite and rumination (chewing the cud) return. No-
thing can then be done but to cover the scabs with oil or
cream.

If from improper treatment or other causes the tumors
have passed into ulcers secreting an offensive liquid, and
refuse to heal or cicatrize, an external treatment is neces-

sary. The part should be washed several times a day with
a solution of one ounce of alum or chloride of lime in a
quart of cold water, or with a decoction of two ounces of
oak or willow bark in a quart of water. If the udder is
DISEASES OF CATTLE. 1

nflamed and full of milk, the diet should be scanty, al
fhe cow should be frequently milked with care.

We have seen that the cow pox is not only of no impo
ince in an economical point of view, since it involves
yecuniary loss, but it is of incalculable benefit to the hum:
‘race. Millions of the present generation are indebted to
or their lives, and for the fact that their faces are not d
igured by the small pox. Doctor Edward Jenner, :
English physician, in 1775, made the invaluable discove
shat persons who had an eruption on their hands, caus
vecidentally by milking cows affected with the pox, d
rot get the small pox. This led him to try several expe
nents. He innoculated the virus or poison of the sm:
90x into persons who had had the cow pox, and failed
oroducing the disease. This led him to suppose that su
yersons were no longer susceptible to small pox, and ]
supposition was strikingly confirmed. He selected seven
yersons and vaccinated them with the lymph of the ec
sox, and the cow pox was in all cases developed in the
without the appearance of other symptoms of disea
He afterward vaccinated the same persons with the lym
of small pox and without effect. These. persons were r
nfected by touching small pox patients.

It has therefore been demonstrated that the susceptibili
‘or small pox is destroyed by vaccinating with the mati
of the cow pox, which is a sure and perfectly harml
remedy for that terrible disease.

The lymph of cow pox is called yaccine-matter (fre
vaced, a cow), and its innoculation, vaccination.

The discovery of Dr. Jenner naturally created the gre:
ast sensation in the civilized world, and all governmer
ook speedy measures to enjoy its advantages. At first
net with considerable opposition, prejudice and so-call
eligious scruples. But the force of truth conquered, a

a
136 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

it was soon acknowledged that vaccination was entirely
without danger and one of the greatest blessings.

Before its discovery one-seventh—or, according to some,
one-fifth—of the small pox patients died, and this large pro-
portion does not include those that lost the sense of sight
or of hearing or that escaped with disfigured faces. Since
the discovery of vaccination, which is now prescribed by
law in all well-governed countries, cases of small pox are
rarities, and deaths from it hardly ever occur. Among
thousands of young faces scarcely one is seen disfigured
by small pox.

The lustre of the discovery has, however, of late been
somewhat dimmed, because it has been observed that years
after vaccination the small pox nevertheless broke out, and
with disastrous consequences. This observation has given
rise to the supposition that the vaccine-matter deteriorated
by being propagated from arm to arm and by being re-
moved too far from its original source. For this reason
endeavors are made to secure a fresh supply direct from the
cow. Every owner of cattle would secure the thanks of
the medical authorities by giving them immediate notice of
the appearance of the cow pox.

Besides the above cow pox, other eruptions, which may
be easily confounded with it, sometimes appear on the udders
of cows, but they are without danger, and disappear again
spontaneously.

SPLEEN DISEASE.

As spleen disease is so frequently confounded with
pleuro-pneumonia, even by practitioners, I find it necessary
to make public a description of the disease. It attacks all
domestic animals, even poultry, is highly dangerous, and
DISEASES OF CATTLE. ~ 1

kills the majority of the patients so quickly as to leave
time for remedies. Cattle, pigs, sheep, and more rar
horses, are most liable to its attacks. It is most frequ
in warm climates and in summer. The disease was kno
in ancient times, and we find an account in Homer's “ Ili
of its ravages among the cattle herds of the Greeks.

The disease is of exceeding short duration, and fatal
the majority of cases, unless the speedy assistance of
veterinarian, who is thoroughly conversant with the disec
is procured.

Spleen disease in cattle. As has been remarked, cattle :
the most frequent sufferers by spleen disease, which occ
in the following forms:

1. Spleen fever, which is of tolerably frequent occurre!
and short duration. A perfectly healthy animal is si
denly attacked while working or eating, and even while
mouth is yet full of food. It drops down as if struck
lightning, and dies after a few minutes in convulsio
Sometimes the fit lasts several or even twelve to sixt
hours. The animal then becomes languid and weak, cea
to take food, staggers about, appears benumbed or wild a
irritated, bellows with pain, and runs madly about.
frothy mucus, frequently mixed with blood, runs out of -
mouth and nostrils, the eyes are reddened, filled with te
and project out of the orbits. Convulsions then appe
and finally death ensues. Immediately after death, bla
tar-like blood runs out of the nostrils, the mouth and am
the vagina opens and shows a dark-red or bluish color, a
the body very soon passes into putrefaction.

The fever is not always, however, of such short durati:
Sometimes eighteen to thirty-six hours elapse before de:
ensues. In such cases the disease commences with tre
bling and convulsive twitchings at different points of 1
skin. The animal stands off from the manger, or follc

12 *
138 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

the herd slowly and hesitatingly if in the field, becomes
stupid and lazy, lets its head droop, puts down its feet ir-
regularly, and pays little attention to surrounding objects.
The appetite and the ruminating disappear immediately,
cows cease to give milk and the thirst diminishes or disap-
pears entirely. The animal is fearful, has a wild look; the
surface of the body, the ears, the horns and the mouth be-
comes alternately hot and cold; the eyes, which at first were
red and fiery, become dull; blood frequently runs out of
the nose and anus; the mouth is filled with saliva; the
respiration is labored, forcible and snorting; the patient
gnashes its teeth; the pulse beats seventy to a hundred
times a minute, and the beating of the heart is loud and
can be felt. Finally, the surface of the body becomes cool,
and the animal dies in convulsions. J have seen cases in
my practice where death ensued only after the fifth day,
but these are exceptions, and can only be accounted for by
a very strong constitution of the animal.

2. Spleen carbuncle. In many, and perhaps in the ma-
jority of cases, boils or carbuncles break out on different
parts of the body, especially on the head, neck, shoulders,
flanks, buttocks or thighs, either at the appearance or during
the course of the fever. These boils are developed very
quickly in larger or smaller numbers, are at first hot, grow
in height and breadth with great rapidity, and then become
mostly cool and insensible. On cutting into them, a yel-
lowish, briny, jelly-like mass is found under the skin. The
development of carbuncles has often been considered as a
natural and healthy diversion or turning aside of the dis-
ease; but it has been ascertained that they increase the
danger if they appear on the head or neck, and obstruct
the respiration or render it impossible. They may also be-
come fatal by passing into gangrenous ulcers. If they
suddenly disappear, however, it is generally a sign of death,
DISEASES OF CATTLE. 13

because internal parts, especially the lungs, are then at
tacked.

3. In some cases of spleen fever, thick, tar-like bloo
collects in the rectum. These symptoms have been errc
neously taken for a different disease, but they are only ac
cidental attendants of spleen disease. Since spleen diseas
is highly dangerous, and most animals attacked die, it i
very important to avoid confounding it with other disease:
If in a short time several head of cattle perish suddenly
especially in summer, without the previous appearance o
other diseases, spleen disease may always be suspectec
Such cases are most easily mistaken for wind colic, but thi
is caused by overfeeding, particularly with clover.

If spleen disease has broken out in a herd, the health
animals must be separated from the sick, and the latter pv
in a spacious, cool, shady and well-ventilated place. Th
air should continually renew itself, while dampness con
bined with heat, as well as the action of the hot rays o
the sun and putrid swamp and stable air, should be ver
carefully avoided.

The best remedy, which I used in my own practice, we
pouring moderately cold water from some distance abov
over the patient until violent trembling ensues. Internal]
half an ounce of sulphuric acid in half a pint of water
given. Chloride of lime, half an ounce, given every hal
hour with flour and water, is still better. Its use is co1
tinued until an improvement is visible. An embrocatio
of warm vinegar is also recommended. If carbuncles a
present, they are opened, cleaned out by directing a streai
of water ora solution of zinc vitriol into them, and ai
then covered with butter of antimony by means of a sma
brush. The greatest care is necessary, and it is better |
have the operation performed by a veterinary surgeon. 1]
costiveness is present, a solution of two ounces of saltpeti
140 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

and twelve ounces of glauber salts is poured down the
animal’s throat, and clysters of salt, soap and warm water ad-
ministered. A fontanel of thirty grains of white sneezewort
is also applied. If an improvement is seen in twenty-four to
thirty hours, the following powder is given twice a day in
bran food: Gentian two ounces, saltpetre one ounce, cala-
mus-root one-half ounce, and golden sulphur of antimony
eight drachms.

.The consumption of meat of animals belonging to herds
where the disease has broken out is highly dangerous
toman. It is true that it has sometimes from ignorance
or brutal disregard of danger been eaten with impunity,
but there are numerous examples where such meat, or
even its broth, has produced the death of whole families
or caused very dangerous symptoms. The milk of the sick
cows also possesses highly injurious qualities. All persons
who are engaged in treating or attending to the sick animals
must be very careful not to come in contact with their
blood or other humors. Those having sore or wounded
hands should not be allowed to go near the patients. While
applying clysters and fontanels or giving internal remedies,
the hands should be protected by a coating of oil or by
gloves. Immediately after the manipulations the skin of
the operator must be washed with soapsuds or a solution of
chloride of lime wherever it has been soiled. The disease
is very easily imparted by contagion. Fatal results have
been produced where a drop of blood of the animal spirted
into the eye of the operator, or where a fly, after sucking
the blood of a patient, alighted on the face of a person and
pierced his skin.

Remark.—The spleen disease caused by contagion in the
human being (and not by eating the meat of diseased cattle)
is called the black pox. Shortly after contagion the part
begins to itch and burn, and a blister is soon formed, which
DISEASES OF CATTLE. 141

contains a thin liquid. The spot then becomes in succession
red, brown, and finally of a dark-violet color. It is very
hard and forms a knot. A few days afterward a general
swelling appears, and symptoms of disease begin to show
themselves. The patient becomes sad, has the headache,
nausea and fever. Chills alternate with burning heat, and
the patient suffers great thirst.. The tongue is dry and
painful, the patient speaks incoherently, faints, and finally
dies under the most excruciating sufferings.

I myself observed two such cases—the first on the lands
of Count Dolgrow in the Russian Steppes, in 1846, and the
second in 1849, on the lands of Count Pourtales in Prussia,
near Berlin. In both death ensued, although the most
celebrated doctors (especially in the second case) made
strenuous endeavors to master the disease.

A sense of duty therefore leads me to draw the attention
of the government to the prevention of this terrible disease,
especially in this country, where veterinary surgery is yet
in its infancy, and a veterinarian occupies but an humble
position in the eyes of the masses. If therefore there is
any suspicion of contagion, an experienced doctor should at
once be summoned.

PLEURO-PNEUMONIA, CATTLE EPIDEMIC OR
RINDERPEST.

This disease appears in two different forms, viz.: Acute,
and slow or lingering.

The first symptoms of pane pe appear in the
following form:

In the beginning of the disease the witendl are in a state
of languor and dreariness, keeping their fore legs wide
142 . DISEASES OF CATTLE.

apart, so that the shoulder-blades and elbows protrude out-
ward from the breast, the head hanging downward; the
eyes appear dull and in tears; the hair bristly ; the respi-
ration is short and uneasy, with a heavy movement of the
flanks and nostrils. From time to time a dull, painful and
oppressed cough is observable, especially in the morning,
when the animal is drinking or leaving the stable. The
appetite for food is in many cases still unabated, although
there is a remarkable disappearance of rumination ; milk-
ing cows ae less milk, and it is thin and coagulates
very soon.

During the progress of the disease the cough increases,
becoming shorter, more dry and weak; the appetite and
rumination disappear, and the yield of milk very soon
ceases entirely. The sick animal stands with head and
throat erect, the respiration is difficult, with a visible move-
ment of the ribs and flanks, and the nostrils burst wide
open. A thick slime flows from the eyes and nose, the ani-
mal drinks very little, and in short movements interrupted
by coughs; is falling away, diarrhoea appears, and during
the last days the animal in most cases lies down, not to rise
again, and dies.

A great deal is said at the present time of this disease,
which has made its appearance in almost every State in the
Union, and the great losses caused from this horrible
plague are enough to discourage all our large cattle-
owners and dealers at such a dark hour of our country.
It is therefore advisable to act in our own interest, and to
look for a remedy against this horrible disease, which not
only proves fatal to separate States, but sometimes to whole
countries. The great importance of the subject, as well as
the great danger threatened to cattle, generally causes
the governments of these countries to pay particular atten-
tion to the treatment and abatement of the disease. Opin-
DISEASES OF CATTLE. 143

ions in regard to the origin of this disease are divided, but
it is certain that it is contagious, for the following reasons :
Pleuro-pneumonia may arise from itself, or may be trans-
ferred by contagion to healthy animals. The latter is often
the case. The spontaneous formation of pleuro-pneumonia
emanates from very different causes—

1. From the unfavorable influence of the atmosphere,
especially during the spring, mostly in changeable, cold
and damp weather, when the animals take cold.

2, By permanent feeding with artificial food.

8. By spoiled food, such as sour, mouldy, musty ah
rotten roots or bulbs.

4. By drinking unclean water.

5. By keeping them without exercise or motion, especially
in overcrowded stables.

6. By careless attendance to the animal, want of clean-
ing the stables, etc.

7. By importation of untanned hides, etc.

8. By cattle imported from other countries, particularly
in times of war, etc.

9. From low-situated pastures with marshy bottoms.

At the dissection of the animals we find in the carcass
the most remarkable changes in the cavity of the breast.
On cutting the breast, in most cases a large quantity of
yellow water bursts forth, in which more or less yellow
flakes or lardaceous articles are swimming. The lungs are
covered with the same thick and lardaceous films, and ad-
here on one or both sides to the ribs, but always more to
the right than to the left side. The lungs are partially
or entirely callous, greatly distended and heavy, so that
they weigh twenty to forty pounds and even more, whereas
a sound lung only weighs from four to five pounds. On
cutting the hardened part of the lungs it looks like marble,
the dark, red-colored mass of the lung being interwoven by
144 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

yellow lardaceous veins diverging in every direction. The
same thick films cover the surface of the lungs. This dis-
ease may sometimes linger from two to three months in the
body before these symptoms appear.

The cure of this disease has to be. undertaken in time,
and with great care to prevent the largest part of the herd
from perishing. I am prepared to save ninety out of
a hundred in all cases. Pleuro-pneumonia is doubtless a
contagious inflammation of the lungs, the breast and pneu-
monic membrane, with exudation of coagulable lymph into
the textures and bronchials.

Symptoms of the Acute “ Lungenseuche”— Cattle Epidemie.

This disease appears rather suddenly. The affected animal
heretofore lively, grows remarkably weak and sullen; the
walk is heavy and staggering, the hair bristly and without
gloss; the ears hanging downward, and the head also. The
muscles of the throat often show a convulsive, trembling
movement, the hair at the same time rising in different
places. This cutaneous convulsion sometimes develops
into a general shudder and fatal convulsions. The ears
and horns change from warm to cold, the inside of the
mouth being always very hot. The eyes are reddened, in
tears; slime flows from the mouth and nose; the respiration
becomes difficult, and from time to time a short, weak
cough can be observed. The fever now appears and ru-
mination ceases. In the beginning there is a violent thirst
and no appetite for food. The excrements of the animal
are hard and gangrenous, and during the second day diar-
rhoea intervenes, the matter in the beginning consisting of
a bad-smelling, dark or black-brown fluid, or a white,
bilious slime. After a longer duration of the diarrhea,
the rectum and vagina stand open, the milk ceases, and the
udder shrinks together, the animal often gnashing its teeth.
DISEASES OF CATTLE. , 145

During the progress of the disease the animal is unable
to stand, and at last even unable to rise, death generally
taking place on the third or seventh day after the attack.
The owner should resort to the proper remedies, even if the
animal seems to be healthy, for if this disease once makes
its appearance in a certain neighborhood, it generally
spreads among all the cattle.

Dissection—On opening the carcass, the tripe is hard and
grated, containing jn its interior and between its leaves a
quantity of very dry food, which: can easily be reduced to
powder. The epidermis of these leaves can easily be peeled
off, is black and dry, and appears as if burnt; the third

stomach of ruminants and the intestines are inflamed and
often gangrenous; the milk is parched up; the liver tawny
and friable; the gall-bladder very large, containing a
large amount of thin gall; the lungs are less inflamed than
in lingering’ diseases,and the other parts of the body seem
to be healthy, although the meat appears a little soft and
discolored.

This disastrous disease has at different times destroyed
the cattle of whole districts and countries, and thereby
ruined the prosperity of their inhabitants. The country
where this disease originated is Southern Russia, especially
Bessarabia, Podolia, Keiv, the Ukraine and the dominions
of the Cossacks of the Don. In 1717, for instance, 70,000
cattle died in the territory of Piedmont, 300,000 in Hol-
land, and 26,000 in the Ecclesiastical States. In Denmark,
280,000 cattle were destroyed from 1745 to 1749, and in
1776 Holland again lost about 300,000 cattle.

The disease has been known in Germany since 1830
under the name of “ Lungenfoeule” (rottenness of the lungs),
pulmonary consumption or pursiness. The first appearance
was in Bohemia during 1831, 1841 and 1842; in Bavaria
and Palatinate during 1844; in the southern part of Rus-

13 G
146 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

sia, especially in Bessarabia and Podolia, during 1846;
in several provinces of Prussia during 1847; in Holland,
Belgium, Eastern Friesland and Oldenburg in 1850 and
1851; also in Saxony, Hanover, Brunswick (especially in the
Saxony provinces of Magdeburg and Merseburg), in 1866:
England, Scotland and Ireland lost over 200,000; here it
was known under the name of “Lungenseuche” (cattle
plague or pulmonic plague). It was declared to be a con-
tagious disease only with horned cattle, young and old, fat
and lean, and not dangerous to men; even the meat was
held to be eatable during the beginning of the disease.

THE END.