DISEASES OF THE BLADDER. 213 



from neighboring flocks, in which thousands died from neglect of 

 this precaution, yet he never lost a single adult animal from the dis- 

 ease. In those countries where the disease prevails, every shep- 

 herd has an inoculating needle amongst the implements of his 

 profession. 



As we are as yet exempt from this disease, and as it is readily 

 communicated by contact with the skin or fleece of a diseased 

 sheep, and with the present rapid communication between this 

 country and Europe, an animal might easily reach here within its 

 period of incubation, constant watchfulness should be exerted 

 to prevent its importation. That we shall always be exempt, is 

 too much to reasonably hope for. 



DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS. 



The urine of a healthy sheep is alkaline. Under some circum- 

 stances the urine becomes acid. This abnormal condition pro- 

 duces a disordered condition of the highly sensitive urinary or- 

 gans. If the flow of the urine is obstructed, it is absorbed into 

 the circulation, and a variety of diseases are produced, all of 

 which have one constant distinguishing symptom, viz : tlie strong 

 smell of urine given out by the other secretions of the system, but 

 especially by the secretions of the skin. The blood is poisoned 

 by the absorption of the matters which the urine should have car- 

 ried off, and a high condition of fever is consequently produced. 

 Male animals are more frequently affected than females, by reason 

 of the peculiar structure and length of the urinary canal, already 

 described. Fattening animals are especially subject to urinary 

 disorders, and such need close inspection and great care. 



Inflammation of the Bladder is the most frequent of the urinary 

 diseases. Feeding upon second growth clover, which often con- 

 tain lobelia, St. John's- wort, rag weed, and other irritating plants; 

 or upon excessive quantities of corn-meal, or drinking hard wa- 

 ter, are the chief causes. The acid and consequently irritating 

 character of the urine inflames the inner coats of the bladder. The 

 inflammation spreads to the muscular substance around the neck 

 of the bladder, and this is contracted, closing the opening. 



Retention of Urine is therefore the direct consequence, and this 

 involves the serious complications already mentioned. The symp- 

 toms are uneasiness, constant lifting the hind feet and stamping 

 with them, spreading them out and straining in the endeavor to 

 void urine. As the attempt is abandoned, the animal moans in 

 pain. There is general disturbance of the system, fever, and costive- 



