DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 227 



passed, the sheep will recover, as the contents of the cyst begin to 

 contract, and the brain has reached a certain amount of accommoda- 

 tion ; some of this by actual absorption or wasting of the brain 

 substance. The means of prevention are referred to in the space 

 devoted to tapeworm, which see. 



FITS. 



Epileptic or epileptiform fits are sometimes seen in sheep, more 

 particularly in lambs brought from bare hillsides on to rich pastures. 



Treatment. Bleed, if the symptoms are very urgent. If not, 

 the remedy will be found in purgatives and reduced rations, or 

 keeping off rich pasture, and hay feeding first, so that the animals 

 do not eat so much. They get increased ability to profit by rich 

 food after a while, and then the fits cease. 



LOUPING ILL. 



Very little is known about the cause of this disease, but change 

 of pasture or removal from danger areas at particular seasons of 

 the year seem to be the most important steps to take. 



TETANUS OR LOCKJAW. 



This follows on injuries, and is caused by a specific bacillus. 

 Lambs, after castration and docking, are the most frequent subjects. 

 Land known for it should be avoided at lambing-time. Fresh-cut 

 or docked lambs should be put on clean, dry straw until the wounds 

 are sealed and dry. 



Treatment consists in removing the clots of blood from the wounds 

 or picking off the dry scabs and disinfecting to the bottom, as by 

 this means the supply of toxin is cut off, and the animal recovers 

 if the " dose " has not been too large. 



