DISEASES OF SHEEP 495 



cause it. Overfeeding with grains or feeds rich in albumenoids 

 or proteids (peas, beans, cotton seed, gluten, oil meal, etc.) unhy- 

 gienic surroundings (close, damp, poorly ventilated quarters) and 

 violent exertion during the hot weather are common causes. Spoiled 

 fodders and grains that are mouldy, or contain smut and microbes 

 are probable factors in inflammation of the brain. Certain sub- 

 stances, containing narcotic substances, as intoxicating rye grass, 

 will sometimes cause it. The larva of the oestrus ovis or grub of 

 sheep will when present in or on the surface of the brain irritate 

 and inflame it. 



Symptoms. The sheep is often drowsy, stupid and disin- 

 clined to move, the head is hot, carried upwards or to one side, the 

 eyes fixed, rolled up and reddened, the pupils dilated and the gait 

 stiff and staggering. The sheep may be excited, charge objects, 

 work the jaws, froth at the mouth and bleat. When excited the 

 respirations and pulse are usually rapid. Sometimes it is seen 

 with its head pushed against the wall or lying by itself with the 

 head low or turned backwards. Finally paralysis sets in. The 

 prognosis is very unfavorable. 



Treatment. If the disease is due to unhygienic conditions, 

 spoiled foods, or a faulty ration, the cause must be removed or a 

 number of the flock may become affected. As soon as any of their 

 number take sick, a purgative of. Epsom salts (from four to six 

 ounces) should be given to the whole flock. The sick animal 01^ 

 animals must be kept in a cool, quiet place, and cold in the form 

 of wet cloths or ice applied to the head as long as it feels hot. When 

 excited and feverish, acetanilid in one dram doses should be given, 

 or chloral hydrate in one or two dram doses every four hours. As 

 soon as possible, in order to restore tone to the nervous tissue the fol- 

 lowing can be given: iodide of potassium (one ounce), fluid extract 

 of nux vomica (six drams), and enough water to make eight ounces; 

 mix and give half an ounce three times a day. When sick and 

 during the convalescent stage, the bowels should be kept lax and 

 the animal fed an easily digestible ration. 



HYDBOCEPHALUS ; DROPSY; OR WATER IN THE VENTRICLES OF THE 



BRAIN. 



This disease is frequently seen in lambs, many times they are 

 born with it, the head being so enlarged that delivery is quite dif- 

 ficult. If this is the case the lamb is generally dead, or if alive, 

 rarely lives more than a few days. 



Causes. In-breeding is said to cause it. Its prevalence in 

 some localities would suggest some local influence, as the food and 

 water, as factors in causing the disease. 



Symptoms. The head is large in proportion to the size of the 

 rest of the body. The sheep is lazy, dull, stupid, the gait stagger- 

 ing and uncertain and the animal is not inclined to move. Some- 

 times the disease is complicated by digestive disorders. Usually 

 the head is twisted on the neck or turned to one side. 



Treatment. If the disease is caused by mistakes in breeding, 

 the management of the flock must be changed. If to local condi- 



