DISEASES OF SHEEP 497 



or blood clot that may be present and restore tone to the nerve tissue 

 the following can be given; iodide of potassium (one ounce), pow- 

 dered nux vomica (six drams) ; mix and divide into twenty powders; 

 give one powder three times a day. A course of vegetable and min- 

 eral tonics together with a laxative diet is advisable as soon as the 

 animal shows signs of improvement. 



EPILEPSY; PITS. 



Causes. Epilepsy may be due to lesions in the brain, walls of 

 the cranium, or spinal cord. Disorder in the cerebral circulation or 

 such abnormal conditions as are present in uremia, lead poisoning, 

 etc., may bring on this condition. In young animals intestinal para- 

 sites and irregular management and feeding are common causes. 



Symptoms. Epilepsy will vary in intensity and duration, de- 

 pending on the cause. The sheep will suddenly stop ruminating or 

 eating, look about in a stupid manner and after turning or stagger- 

 ing, fall to the ground and have violent convulsions. The fit may last 

 but a few seconds or minutes, and the animal will get up and go to 

 feeding as though nothing had happened. Generally, it continues 

 dull and sleepy for some time. 



Treatment. If the cause of the epilepsy is known and can be 

 removed, the treatment must be directed to the cause. When a sheep 

 is in a fit, it should be prevented from injuring itself and cold water 

 dashed on the head. Bromide of potassium is useful in treating 

 epilepsy and should be given in from ten to thirty grain doses in a 

 drench, three or four times a day. Iodide of potassium may also be 

 given. Outdoor life, moderate exercise and bitter or iron tonics are 

 very important. 



PARALYSIS. 



Causes. Pressure from diseased vertebrae, tumors or abscesses, 

 and growing parasites on the nerve tissue of the spinal cord or brain, 

 will cause a paralysis of that part of the body that depends on the 

 injured nerve tissue for its nerve supply. 



Symptoms. The paralysis may come on suddenly and the 

 symptoms manifested resemble those seen in inflammation of the 

 spinal cord or brain. Generally, it comes on gradually and may 

 involve a certain set of muscles or organs, or may be general with the 

 special senses clear. The parts affected will point to the seat of the 

 trouble. Sensory troubles, increased sensibility or loss of sensibility, 

 are sometimes present. 



Treatment. The sheep should be made as comfortable as pos- 

 sible and fed easily digested food. To keep the bowels lax, it is ad- 

 visable to administer a laxative every few days. Nerve tonics such as 

 strychnine (one thirtieth of a grain) or powdered nux vomica (thirty 

 grains) should be given in the feed two or three times a day. Treat- 

 ment is generally unsuccessful and it is usually advisable to slaughter 

 the animal. 



HEAT STROKE; HEAT EXHAUSTION. 



Heat exhaustion generally follows violent exertion during the 

 hot weather. The symptoms are as follows : weak, small pulse, gen- 



