LECTURE L. 



FOOT ROT OF SHEEP. 



This is a very old and familiar disease. It is especially preva- 

 lent on soft, wet pastures, but sometimes prevails under condi- 

 tions of extreme drought. Some outbreaks are infectious. There 

 are other cases which appear similar upon hasty examination, but 

 are evidentlv not infectious. 



FIG. 75. FOOT ROT OF SHEEP. 

 A plain case. 



General symptoms. — This disease usually affects the four 

 feet and produces lameness, perhaps one fore foot at first, between 

 and above the claws. There is a discharge, with very offensive 

 odor, and the hoof itself becomes rotten in places. Loose pieces 

 are detached and the sole may be affected the same way. The 

 sensitive parts may be exposed in very severe cases, with a de- 

 velopment of profuse granulations. The skin above and between 

 the hoofs is red, tender and swollen. The animal is lame and 

 of course unthrifty. The disease prevails more especially in late 

 summer. 



Differential diagnosis. — It is necessary to distinguish between 

 infectious foot rot and a quite different disease which we know 

 as "foot and mouth disease." Foot rot l)egins in the skin l)etween 

 the claws, and perhaps soon involves the sole. It then spreads 



