DISEASES OF SHEEP 485 



makes its appearance the umbilical cord of all new born should be 

 swabbed with a ten per cent solution of carbolic acid as nearly as 

 possible. At first a laxative of castor oil (two drams), should be 

 given ; this can be followed by five or ten drops of laudanum three 

 times a day. If there is much fermentation and the faeces foul 

 smelling the following can be given; subnitrate of bismuth (one 

 dram), salol (one half dram), and bicarbonate of soda (four 

 drams) ; mix and divide into twelve powders; give one powder in a 

 little milk three times a day. When extremely foetid the following 

 recipe is of more benefit;' calomel (one half dram) chalk (six 

 drams) ; mix and give one teaspoonful in milk three times a day. 

 It is best to diet the lamb and give the irritated stomach and intestines 

 a short rest. 



GASTROENTERITIS J INFLAMMATION OF THE FOURTH STOMACH AND 



THE INTESTINES. 



Causes. Poorly fed, weak and debilitated sheep are predis- 

 posed to this disease. Irritating foods, (rich, spoiled, or frosted 

 foods), drinking water swarming with germs, over driving, and 

 over feeding; exposure or anything lessening the resisting powers 

 of the system may cause it. The twisted stomach worm is a com- 

 mon cause of inflammation of the fourth stomach. 



Symptoms. The appetite is poor or lost and the sheep stops 

 ruminating. The pulse and respirations are quickened and the 

 body temperature elevated. Colicky pains may be present and 

 when pressure is made with the hand over the region of the fourth 

 stomach (right hypochrondriac) it will sometimes cause the ani- 

 mal severe pain. At first the bowels are constipated, but this soon 

 changes to a foul smelling diarrhea that is mixed with mucus 

 and sometimes tinged with blood. In severe cases the sheep suffers 

 much pain, grinds its teeth, strains and nervous symptoms are mani- 

 fested. The general condition of the animal is greatly changed 

 in a short time, becoming poor and weak, and it stands around with 

 the back arched or mopes along after the rest of the flock. Death 

 may occur in a few days or at most a few weeks. 



Lesions. The tissue changes are mostly in the small intes- 

 tines and fourth stomach. The lining membrane is reddened, 

 thickened and may contain a few ulcers. The walls of the intes- 

 tines are softened and break when handled. 



Treatment. If due to any mistake in the feeding or handling, 

 it should be corrected at once. Plenty of exercise and access to 

 pure water should be allowed. In summer time it is best to give 

 the sheep the run of a grass lot where there is plenty of shade. In 

 winter time they should be given warm, comfortable quarters. To 

 relieve the constipation and remove the irritation, a laxative should 

 be given; (Epsom salts three to four ounces, or linseed oil five to 

 ten ounces) . If the constipation persists this must be supplemented 

 by an injection of warm water and glycerine. If the bowels move 

 too freely and the sheep is in pain a teaspoonful of laudanum can 

 be given two or three times a day or the following prescription can 

 be used: subnitrate of bismuth (one ounce), salol (six drams), and 



