296 BEAXY IN SHEEP. 



animal thrive, or circumstances which operate suddenly and 

 actively on the blood and organs of secretion. 



We cannot conclude the consideration of the causes of 

 braxy without alluding to a very remarkable fact. We have 

 said that on moonlight nights sheep rove about and feed 

 more than their systems can bear; but if a sheep is observed 

 with the first symptom of braxy, and is made to trot about, 

 the attack may be warded off. The exertion accelerates the 

 circulation, causes a free action of the skin, and even of the 

 bowels and kidneys, and overcomes the excessively plastic 

 and dangerous state of the blood. In splenic apoplexy in 

 cattle, a disease closely allied to braxy, and due to rich food, 

 it is also observed that exertion, a two or three miles' walk, 

 or a country journey by railway, will preserve the animals 

 from death for many hours. 



Symptoms. These are rarely observed except in the last 

 stage of the disorder, and from the rapid manner in which 

 it runs its course, opportunities are not given to study the 

 symptoms, as in other disorders, so as to guide the applica- 

 tion of remedies in accordance with its progress or results. 



Whenever a sheep is observed from the first, especial notice 

 should be taken of the animal's peculiar look. It moves about, 

 picks up a blade or two of grass, and staggers. The animal 

 trips forwards, or stumbles backwards, and with this hesitating 

 gait we observe the bloodshot eye, hot and red mouth, a full, 

 strong, and frequent pulse, a panting, laboured breathing, 

 and a burning heat all over the body. If any faeces are 

 voided, they are observed hard, dry, and in small quantities. 

 The urine is scanty, and of a dark colour. The animal often 

 experiences difficulty in voiding both excrement and urine. 

 The eye becomes languid and watery, the wool clapped, and 

 the animal drops with a throbbing heart, a haggard look, and 

 stertorous breathing; sometimes the sheep falls into a ditch 



