CONTAGIOUS FOOT-ROT. 235 



no laminae which connect the outer crust or horn with the sensi- 

 tive parts within, but the crust is connected with the bone by a 

 vascular structure, by which it is also secreted. The growth of 

 the hoof of the sheep is not from the coronet downwards, as in 

 the horse, but from the whole inner secreting surface. In this lies 

 both the weakness of the sheep's foot, and the rapidity with which 

 repairs are made, when it is injured or diseased. The wall or 

 crust surrounds the outside of the foot, and turns under at the 

 edge of the sole and toe, and it is impossible to distingush where 

 the crust ends, and the sole begins, both being so much alike in 

 structure. The crust is harder and tougher than the sole, which 

 is soft and elastic, like India rubber. As the toot wears down by 

 contact with the ground, the crust is worn off to a sharp edge upon 

 the outer margin ; when the wear and growth balance each other, 

 the foot is in perfect condition ; but when either is greater than 

 the other, the conditions of disease are at once established, and 

 unless removed by proper treatment, lameness occurs. 



Another peculiarity of the sheep's foot is the interdigital canal, 

 which commences in a small opening about one inch above 

 the foot, passes downwards and backwards between the toes 

 and ends in a pouch which is curved upwards upon itself. 

 The canal is covered with hair, and is studded with glands which 

 secrete an oily fluid. This fluid overflows at the opening, and 

 moistens the skin between the toes, preventing chafing and sore- 

 ness. The peculiar structure of the foot of the shesp, under unfa- 

 vorable circumstances, gives occasion to several serious diseases. 

 Of these the most frequent and important is 



Foot-rot. This disease is contagious, and may spread through 

 the flock, if preventive measures are not taken. It consists of an 

 inflammation of the whole hoof, the formation of blisters upon 

 the heels and between the toes, which break and form discharging 

 surfaces, and in a few days, ulcers, which suppurate and excrete 

 fetid matter. The fore feet are the most usually affected. When 

 this happens the sheep may be observed to go around feeding 

 painfully upon their knees. If no attention is given, the hoof is 

 lost in course of time, and a wounded stump only is left. It is 

 caused at first by wet pastures in which the feet become foul, the 

 horn becomes detached under the sole, and harbors filth which 

 softens the sole, and influences the vascular tissue beneath it. 

 Neglect completes the conditions under which the disease oc- 

 curs. The treatment should be immediate on the appearance of 

 the first lameness, for when the ulcerative stage has arrived, the 

 cure is long and difficult, the whole condition of the animal being 



