DISEASES OF THE OX AN'D SHEEP. 259 



<5attle. It may, however, be transmitted to sheep, when very 

 prevalent in oxen. The symptoms are very similar to those 

 manifested by bovine animals, and unless successful treat- 

 ment is carried out, sloughing of the tongue, together 

 with swelling of the head, neck, pharynx, larynx, and other 

 structures lying near may be so extreme as even to induce 

 •death by suffocation. Either a few sheep of a flock may be 

 attacked, or the disease may break out in an epizootic form. 

 The salivary secretion, which is at first colourless, but after- 

 wards blood-stained and offensive to the sense of smell, flows 

 from the mouth. The head and neck begin to swell, the animal 

 t)reathes with difficulty, and may even be suffocated. Vesicles 

 may be seen on the side of the tongue ; these grow, break, and 

 form deep ulcers or abscesses, which in some instances may 

 «ven break on the external surface of the face. 



With regard to preventive and curative measures, the sheep 

 which are attacked must at once be isolated in a pasture to 

 themselves. The vesicles on the tongues may then be freely 

 lanced, and painted with a mixture made of one part of iodine, 

 four parts of carbolic acid, and four parts of glycerine ; or, if 

 preferred, with the ordinary tincture of iodine. It is generally 

 best to open any tumours which may appear on the neck or 

 face. At first the ulcers may be bathed with warm water, then 

 with carbolic acid lotion, or they may be dressed with ointment 

 of salicylic acid. The sheep should have linseed mashes, bran 

 mashes mixed with oatmeal, carrots, mangold-wurzel, and, if it 

 is thought to be necessary, good thick gruel may be given by 

 means of a horn. 



In all cases the greatest care must be exercised by persons 

 having the management of any animals afflicted with anthrax or 

 anthracoid diseases, lest in curing and tending their patients 

 they may risk their own lives. The greatest danger is that of 

 catching anthrax fever ; but in all cases of anthracoid disorders 

 extreme caution is absolutely necessary, 



CATTLE-PLAGUE. 



The dread plague with which we deal to-day is, happily, not 



endemic in England. It is, however, of great importance, 



inasmuch as it might at any time be imported, and in that case 



the most stringent measures would have to be taken, in order to 



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