404 SEPTIC BLOOD DISEASES. 



the ingestion of grasses in a semi-putrefactive condition, as it 13 

 only commonly seen after the grasses have been more or less 

 destroyed by frost, and is most common in frosty rimy weather, 

 or when a hoar frost has covered the ground. When grasses 

 in this half-frozen and withered state are eaten, tlie stomach, 

 debilitated by the coldness or low temperature of its contents, is 

 to some extent paralysed, and consequently disabled from per- 

 forming its function. As its contents become warm, fermentation 

 rapidly takes place, ptomaines and noxious gases are freely 

 evolved, which, gaining entrance into the circulation, set up a 

 fatal septic or putrid intoxication. In order to prevent this 

 fermentation, I would suggest that, where it is possible, the 

 sheep should be fed on hay in the early mornings, in order to 

 moderate the keenness of the appetite, and thus ensure a slower 

 and more perfect mastication ; and also, by elevating the tem- 

 perature of the cold food, prevent lowering the temperature and 

 vitality and function of the digestive organs. When sheep are 

 folded on turnips, " sickness " might be prevented if this were 

 done. 



Treatment. — Unfortunately there is seldom any opportunity 

 of testing the efficacy of any remedy, but should there be an 

 opportunity, the hyposulphite of soda might be administered, say 

 in half-ounce doses, dissolved in half a pint of water, for a well- 

 grown hogg or sheep. This remedy counteracts putrefaction, and 

 has a slightly aperient effect on the bowels ; or carbolic acid or 

 any of the other disinfectants are also serviceable, and to pre- 

 vent death from suffocation the rumen should be punctured, and 

 the gases allowed to escape. 



The flesh of sheep which have died, or been slaughtered 

 whilst on the point of death, is generally salted and dried — 

 made into mutton ham — and eaten with impunity in many 

 parts of Scotland, and it can be truly said that it is at least 

 equal, if not superior, to venison, and any one who is fond of 

 high game would thoroughly enjoy a nicely brandered cut of it. 



Septicaemia and pyaemia in young animals are known under 

 the terms pyaemic omphalitis, navel-ill, pyaemic arthritis, joint- 

 ill, erysipelatous disease, also called black spaud in Scotland. 

 Omphalitis and arthritis will be found described in my 

 Veterinary Surgery. 



Even a more marked form of maliirnant oedema or "an- 



