330 JOINT DISEASE AMONGST CALVES AND LAMBS. 



the abdomen of the already mentioned purulent serous fluid, 

 and externally, evident pendulous abdomen. In all such 

 cases when the constitutional cachexia is so marked and 

 destructive in its progress, we are only able, by the most 

 careful treatment and nursing, to save a small minority; 

 and I am of opinion it is better not even to attempt this, as 

 any that may recover are never remunerative as breeding, 

 and very rarely as feeding animals." 



Treatment. In any cases of this disease which it is 

 deemed proper to treat, the young animals should have 

 acetate of potash, or the acetate of ammonia, given to them 

 in water repeatedly. The joints must be kept still, and a 

 starch bandage often benefits much, especially in calves a few 

 weeks old. When the local swelling assumes a chronic 

 character, iodine preparations are needed, or fly blisters. 



With regard to preventive measures, Mr Eobertson 

 strongly insists on the selection of sound breeding stock, 

 and goes on to say, that although it does not appear that 

 any one has as yet been able to detect with such nicety, as 

 in the human family, those unmistakeable characteristics of 

 a scrofulous tendency, still there are certain points, which 

 as unmistakeably stamp an animal as objectionable, because 

 of an unhealthy disposition , as others, which give him favour 

 in our eyes as of a superior class, and in the enjoyment of 

 the most vigorous health. I do not suppose there is any 

 one who, knowing even little of sheep, would select, as fit for 

 breeding, an animal with a thin neck, narrow chest, pot belly, 

 narrow loins, tender eyes, very small bone, and fine wool, 

 which is sparingly distributed about the head, belly, and 

 legs." Mr Eobertson alludes also to moderation in diet, 

 and abundance of exercise, which I have insisted on, as a 

 preventive against the blood disease in lambs. 



