DISEASES OF SHEEP 481 



(one ounce), bicarbonate of soda (two ounces); mix and give a 

 small tablespoonful in a drench morning and evening. Strychnine 

 if given hypodermically in the region of the paunch may stimulate 

 it to contract. Rumenotomy (opening the paunch in the left flank 

 and removing about two-thirds of its contents with the hand) is not 

 followed by as good results as in cattle, and unless the operation is 

 carefully performed will result in the death of the animal. 



IMPACTION OF THE THIRD STOMACH; STOMACH STAGGERS. 



Causes. This disease may occur during the course of diges- 

 tive troubles or febrile diseases. The third stomach may become irri- 

 tated and inflamed by sudden changes in the diet or by food not 

 prepared for entrance to this apartment, as bran or meal swallowed 

 hastily. Dried and innutritions food when eaten in excess and lack 

 of water, are very common causes of impaction. 



Symptoms. The disease usually develops slowly.- The appe- 

 tite is diminished, rumination occurs at irregular intervals, the 

 sheep is dull and feverish and sometimes its movements axe ac- 

 companied by a slight groan. Colicky pains and grinding of the 

 teeth are sometimes present. The animal is constipated at first 

 but if recovery occurs it may have a diarrhea. In the acute form 

 nervous symptoms are sometimes manifested. The animal is dull, 

 drowsy and listless and staggers when it walks. At times it becomes 

 delirious, the eyes are prominent, it is restless and runs about com- 

 ing in contact with whatever is in its way until it becomes exhausted 

 or dies in a convulsion. The acute cases usually run a rapid course 

 but in the chronic form the diseases may last for days. 



Lesions. The third stomach appears larger and harder than 

 normal. When cut into the food lying between the folds of the mu- 

 cous membrane may be so hard and dry that it can be powdered be- 

 tween the fingers. The lining membrane of the stomach is inflamed 

 and the intestines may be also involved. 



Treatment. The sheep must be subject to a rigid diet and given 

 plenty of water. A purgative of epsom salts (six ounces in plenty of 

 water) or a liberal allowance of flaxseed tea can be given. The action 

 of the purgative should be aided by an injection. It is usually best 

 to give a tonic of powdered nux vomica (one half ounce) and sul- 

 phate of soda (four ounces) ; mix and give one tablespoonful in a 

 drench three times a day. If brain symptoms develop we should pre- 

 vent the sheep from doing itself harm, and relieve the inflammation 

 as much as possible by applying ice to the head. Irritating purga- 

 tives must not be used. When convalescence takes place, the animal 

 should be fed laxative and easily digestible food. 



CHOKING. 



Causes. Greedy feeding animals are predisposed to choking. 

 The foreign bodies present in the oesophagus or gullet generally con- 

 sist of pieces of roots (potatoes, turnips, etc.) hay, grass, or ears of 

 corn. Choking may be due to a diseased condition of the oesophagus 

 as inflammation, paralysis, strictures and dilations. 



