508 DISEASES OF CATTLE, SHEEP, GOATS, ETC. 



organic matter. The disease is more common and takes a more acute 

 form in warm than in cold countries. Infection takes place by dirt 

 containing the bacillus entering a wound. Punctured wounds caused 

 by nails or splinters of wood and contused wounds are most suitable 

 for its development. The disease may follow an operation, especially 

 castration, when performed without proper antiseptic precautions. 

 The period of incubation is short, usually less than a week. 



Symptoms. In this disease the germ remains at the point of 

 inoculation and there manufactures poisonous substances that have 

 an action on the body similar to strychnine. The symptoms are 

 acute. The sheep stands immovable, with all four legs stretched out 

 as if on stilts, the tail is rigid, neck and back stiff and jaws closed. 

 The muscles of the neck and back are hard, the respirations quick 

 and difficult, the pulse weak, and finally it goes down and dies in a 

 short time. In sheep the death rate is very high. 



Treatment. It is important as a preventive measure to treat all 

 wounds properly and to use the necessary antiseptic precautions in 

 performing surgical operations, especially castration. It is only in 

 subacute cases that medicinal treatment is beneficial, and in this dis- 

 ease the administration of medicine is less beneficial than careful 

 nursing. The wound must be cleaned and disinfected, and the sick 

 animal given a quiet, dark stall and made as comfortable as possible 

 Plenty of fresh water should be provided and if it can eat, soft, sloppy 

 foods or green grass can be given in preference to dry food. If con- 

 stipated an enema can be given. Chloral hydrate in naif dram doses, 

 every hour in the drinking water or feed may relieve the spasms. 

 INFLUENZA; MALIGNANT CATARRHAL FEVER. 



Influenza is an infectious disease the specific cause of which is 

 not known. It is especially prevalent during certain years and when 

 the conditions are favorable may affect a large number of animals in 

 the flock. As in other diseases, age, breed, care, hygienic conditions, 

 etc., will influence the number of animals affected in a flock. Expo- 

 sure, draughts, confining the flock in too close quarters and poor ven- 

 tilation are the common predisposing causes. 



Symptoms. The general condition of the sheep is greatly dis- 

 turbed and the animal presents a droopy, depressed appearance. It 

 is feverish and weak, stands with the back arched and may have a 

 staggering gait. It generally refuses to eat, has a cough and swal- 

 lows with difficulty. The respiratory mucous membrane is inflamed, 

 the discharge from the nostrils is increased and sometimes swelling 

 appears under the jaw. Diarrhea is sometimes a prominent symptom. 

 When the respiratory apparatus is generally affected the respirations 

 are difficult and rapid. Pneumonia and inflammation of the brain 

 and its coverings are frequent complications. In some cases both the 

 external and internal parts of the eye become inflamed, the lids are 

 swollen, the conjunctiva! membrane and the eye take on a milky ap- 

 pearance. The duration of the disease is from a few days to several 

 weeks. In mild cases recovery occurs in a few days, but if not cared 

 for properly a relapse may occur. .The prognosis is unfavorable in 

 the severe type. 



