DISEASES OF THE LAMB. 133 



method, as practised by some breeders, is to im- 

 merse the lamb in a bucket of water that is about 

 blood warm, pouring in a little hot water, to in- 

 crease the heat. Dry thoroughly, and wrap in a 

 blanket. Later, when it is able to swallow, ad- 

 minister a stimulant. 



3. Retention of the Meconium. 



When the new-born lamb does not pass feces 

 promptly, it begins to show signs of colicky pains, 

 fever, and soon succumbs to inflammation of the 

 bowels. 



The treatment usually successful, if not delayed 

 too long, is an enema of olive oil. A teaspoonful of 

 castor oil may also be given on the tongue. 



4. Navel-ill. 



Joint-ill; blood poisoning; pyo-septicemia of 

 sucklings; omphalophlebitis. 



The Bacillus bipolaris septicus, and the Bacillus 

 coli communis, seem responsible for the presence 

 of this disease. They gain entrance to the um- 

 bilicus at birth or when the cord is ruptured. In 

 some cases, it is thought the organisms have 

 entered the circulatory system before birth. It 

 is not such a common disease in lambs as in the 

 foal, but outbreaks occur from time to time. 



Symptoms: The disease is very easily recog- 

 nized, for the symptoms are very pronounced and 

 characteristic. The lamb becomes " dumpish " 

 and dull. It has no appetite, and the temperature 

 per rectum will be found to be very high, often 



