SHEEP. 247 



again tlie cure was perfect. Probably tlie hot liquor would be more efifective 

 than cold even on the uncovered ulcers, and it certainly would penetrate better 

 to the covered ones. These are the only instances which ever came to the 

 knowledge of the writer of a diseased flock of sheep being cured by a single 

 application of any remedy. 



When the foot is extensively disorganized and a powerful caustic is required 

 to remove the dead structure, butter or chloride of antimony should be used. 

 As it combines readily with the fluids in the parts, it almost immediately loses 

 ts strength, and it therefore possesses the admirable property of acting almost 

 purely superficially ; consequently its action can be regulated by the wishes 

 of the operator. This is not the case with the other strong caustics, like nitric, 

 sulphuric, muriatic acids, &c. These burn deeply and sometimes injuriously 

 into the flesh, and the sores they produce probably render the sheep more sub- 

 ject to subsequent contagion. That is to say, the virus of foot-rot, probably 

 like vaccine matter, takes more speedy and certain effect when brought in con- 

 tact with the bare and punctured flesh. A favorite remedy among farmers is 

 compounded as follows : One pound of blue vitriol, half a pound of verdigris, 

 one pint of linseed oil, one quart of tar — the vitriol and verdigris to be pulver- 

 ized tine, and if convenient ground through a paint-mill with the oil before the 

 tar is added. The oil and tar, if allowed to dry on the feet, form a coating 

 which aids to prevent the application from being Avashed away by moisture. 

 Whatever application is made, the sheep should be kept out of water, manure, 

 &:c., until the treatment has had time to produce its full eff'ect. This thorough 

 paring of the foot, so as to efiect a perfect denudation of the diseased surfaces, 

 and an avoidance of wounding the foot, so that blood will not be discharged to 

 wash oft" the caustic, are the conditions to be principally sought after by the 

 operator. Toe nippers and strong knives may be required to remove the outer 

 growth of the horny covering of the foot; but as the operator cuts down near 

 the quick, he should use a light, thin, very sharp knife, so that he can cut 

 away all the horn necessary without wounding and thereby causing a flow of 

 blood from the fleshy sole. This is more important where blue vitriol is the 

 remedy ; butter of antimony will of itself speedily stanch the flow of blood. 



MODE OF ADMINISTERING MEDICINES TO SHEEP. 



Sheep medicines administered internally should be in a fluid form, for other- 

 wise they fall into the rumen or paunch, where they do not produce much 

 effect. Even fluids should be poured into the throat with cai-e and delibera- 

 tion, or they are likely to take the same course. It is common, as in the case of 

 the horse, to give sheep medicine through a horn. Some persons fasten their 

 mouths open by means of a bit of three-quarter-inch board, about two and a 

 half inches wide and four inches long, with an inch and a half hole through its 

 centre, and a strap attached to each end. This piece of wood is placed in the 

 mouth §0 as to hold it fully distended, and is confined there by tying the straps 

 over the back of the head. By holding up the head of the sheep and inserting 

 a horn or tube through the hole in the wood, fluid can be poured down the 

 throat without difiiculty. A probang can more conveniently be inserted 

 through the same aperture in case of choking. 



