452 THE VETERINARY SCIENCE 



5. Grub in the Head. 



This is a common disease in some localities, especially if 

 the sheep are pasturing on low-lying swampy lands where 

 there are pools of stagnant water. 



Causes. — The disease is transmitted in the following 

 manner: An affected sheep dies and is allowed to remain 

 exposed until eaten by dogs. These in passing across the 

 fields leave their droppings, containing the grub, so that the 

 grass is contaminated by them. They are then taken into the 

 stomach with the grass, after which they find their way into 

 the blood and are by it carried to the brain, where they settle 

 in the centre as near the upper side as possible. 



Symptoms. — The symptoms are very peculiar. The sheep 

 holds its head to one side and a little higher than natural, 

 continuing in this manner for a few days — acting very 

 strangely. As the symptoms become more violent there are 

 spells during which actions resemble those of an animal that 

 is blind — plunging into a ditch or running against a fence, 

 wall, or any other obstacle that may chance to be in the way, 

 followed by [ailing down in a fit of jerking, lasting for a 

 minute or so, after which the symptoms disappear, only to 

 return again in the course of half an hour or so. 



In other cases when one side is affected the animal runs 

 round in a circle. 



The symptoms as outlined gradually become more vio- 

 lent and frequent, and unless relieved, death follows in the 

 course of a few weeks. 



Treatment. — As soon as first noticed give 



Spirits of Turpentine J4 ounce or 1 dessertspoonful. 



Raw Linseed Oil H teacupful. 



Mix and give as a drench every second or third day for a 

 week or so. This will kill the grub, which gradually absorbs, 

 and the sheep soon recovers. 



During treatment keep the patient in a small field and 

 free from danger of injury when rushing about. Examine the 

 head daily and endeavor to locate a soft spot on the top of 

 the head. Press the bone firmly and as soon as found cut 

 away the skin from over it to about the size of a 25-cent 

 piece. Cut the diseased bone, being careful not to touch the 

 brain. Raise the piece of soft bone out and leave it out. This 

 soft piece of bone, being over where the grub is, will at once 

 give the sheep relief, as the grub will bulge up in the hole and 



