SURGICAL DISEASES. 149 



in a stupor, while the respirations are small and 

 rapid. Later, the animal becomes weak, assumes 

 a staggery gait, and paleness of the visible mucous 

 membranes is noticeable. 



Treatment: Medical interference in these cases 

 is contraindicated, for a drench will enter the 

 lungs. Dashing cold water on the head, and allow- 

 ing the animal perfect quiet is about as good as 

 any treatment known. 



3. Abscesses. 



Abscesses are rare in sheep, but sometimes may 

 follow shearing. Curetting and irrigating several 

 times with a mild astringent antiseptic, such as 

 one dram potassium permanganate and two drams 

 powdered alum to four ounces of water, is a bene- 

 ficial treatment. 



4. Injuries. 



These consist mostly of bruises caused by ship- 

 ping or crowding, or by predatory animals. 



Often the animal is injured far more seriously 

 than external indications show, and with the best 

 treatment dies from some internal disturbance. 



Dressing the injury with tincture of iodin and 

 applying a dry dressing, together with a stimu- 

 lant, is about all that can be done. 



5. Suturing. 



Very rarely performed in sheep, although in lac- 

 erated wounds such as animal bites, it may be 

 satisfactorily done. With the muscles and skin 

 brought into apposition and held there healing 

 will take place much earlier than otherwise. 



