382 DIAGNOSIS OF POSITION OF CCENTTRUS CEREBRALIS. 



parts clean where the yoke rests predisposes to injury, especially 

 in wet weather. Badly-fitting yokes are a fruitful cause of bruises 

 and excoriations ; but want of skill in padding the yoke is less 

 serious than unskilful padding in the case of horse collars. 



Symptoms. So long as the injuries are of an aseptic character 

 the animal only shows a certain unwillingness to pull. This is often 

 attributed to temper, and the veterinary surgeon is therefore rarely 

 called in, his services being first invoked when there is some visible 

 wound. Injuries are most liable to occur when the horns grow in 

 a forward and downward direction. 



The prognosis is usually favourable ; even extensive bruising 

 of the frontal bone heals under suitable treatment. Injuries at 

 the base of the horns must always be regarded with suspicion, as 

 they may lead to loss or displacement of the horn so that the yoke 

 can no longer be applied. 



Treatment is chiefly of a prophylactic character. The yoke should 

 fit well and its bed should be frequently cleaned. Oxen working 

 together should be of similar speed and temperament, and the driver 

 should see that each does an equal share of work. The local 

 injuries are treated on general principle. In cases of necrosis, 

 separation of the periosteum or horns from underlying tissues or 

 abscess formation, free use of the knife is called for. Every effort 

 must be made to preserve the horns and to ensure the resulting 

 cicatrix being as small as possible. If it is imperative that the 

 animals continue at work, circumscribed injuries may be shielded 

 by surrounding them with pads and so relieving them of pressure. 

 Extensive disease of the yoke bed necessitates either entire rest 

 or the use of a collar. 



(7.) TREPHINING THE CRANIAL CAVITY IN SHEEP OR 

 CATTLE, OR OPENING BY THE TROCAR. 



The cystic form (Coenurus cerebralis) of the tape-worm of the 

 dog (Taenia coenurus) often develops within the cranial cavity of 

 the sheep, and occasionally in that of cattle and other animals. It 

 usually attains the size of a hen's egg, and animals may die from 

 the resulting disturbance. So-called gid or sturdy generally appears 

 in the first or second year of the sheep's life, producing signifi- 

 cant phenomena. No treatment short of operation is effectual. 

 Cauterisation, or refrigeration of the skull with ice, even when 

 persisted with for three weeks, is of no avail. Opening the skull 

 with a trocar or borer, or by trephining in suitable cases, is the only 



