DISEASES OF THE OX AND SHEEP. 421 



weather — and we should always remember that much greater 

 importance is to be attached to the character of the respiratory- 

 movements than to the actual number of them. 



The first disease of the respiratory system which we have to 

 consider is that to which the name of strangles has been given. 

 However, it is but very rarely that the disease resembling 

 strangles of the horse and strangullion of cattle does aflfect 

 sheep, making its appearance more particularly among hoggets. 

 When a sheep is afflicted with this malady, a swelling may 

 be seen under and between the jaws. At first it is hard, but 

 it gradually enlarges, and becomes soft, owing to the formation 

 of matter inside it. The swelling is hot and tender, and the 

 sheep loses appetite, and coughs, and rapidly becomes weak. As 

 soon as the tumour points, it should be lanced. If the wound 

 which results gives out an offensive smell, it should be washed 

 out with a solution of chloride of lime or some other efi'ectual 

 antiseptic such as the lotion of carbolic acid : and at the same time 

 about three ounces of Epsom salts mixed with a small quantity, 

 say half-a-teaspoonful or so, of ginger may be given. Small 

 doses of about a teaspoonful of ginger and the same quantity of 

 gentian may be administered daily for a few days. 



Catarrh. 

 Sheep suffering from catarrh give forth a discharge from the 

 nostrils. The white parts of the eye are red, there may be a 

 profuse discharge of tears, and the animals cough, and lose 

 their appetites. In some cases it may be found advisable to 

 abstract a little blood, to give an opening drench (for instance, 

 about three ounces of Epsom salts), and to transfer the sheep 

 to some dry and sheltered place. 



Laryngitis and Tracheitis. 

 When the upper part of the air-tube called the larynx and 

 trachea is inflamed, a sheep thus afflicted may often be seen to 

 stretch forward its head, as if with the object of breathing with 

 greater freedom, and may then give utterance to a ringing cough 

 causing great pain. If the symptoms are of an urgent descrip- 

 tion, it may be found advisable in the first instance to abstract 

 blood, and to administer aperients. The animal should be 

 removed to a suitable sheltered spot. 



