450 THE DISEASES AND DISORDERS OF THE OX. 



the young lambs are grazing, the immature worms attach them- 

 selves to their noses, and are conveyed up the nostrils and to 

 the breathing organs. 



The worms usually infest the breathing organs of lambs, and 

 the inflammation and irritation thereby set up cause incessant 

 coughing, and the discharge of frothy mucus from the wind- 

 pipe. The breathing becomes quickened, and great debility and 

 loss of flesh ensue. Older animals may exhibit no signs of the 

 presence of the worms, but weakness and great loss of flesh are 

 necessarily brought about in many cases. In some instances 

 the worms are found in the intestinal organs, as well as in the 

 lungs, and sometimes indeed the intestinal tract alone harbours 

 them. 



When the intestines are invaded by strongyles, there is usually 

 much straining and frequent passage of excrement, which is not 

 uncommonly mixed with blood. In the case of older animals, 

 pain in the abdomen, thirst, and weakness are often exhibited. 

 In these instances, when the intestines are invaded as well as 

 the lungs, the irritation set up by the parasites is often so great 

 as to bring on death very quickly. It is by no means an 

 unusual thing for a farmer to lose twenty lambs out of a flock 

 of about 350. 



With regard to treatment, it is to be pointed out that when 

 the bronchial tubes are choked up with worms drugs are but 

 seldom of much avail, and even in milder cases most careful 

 management is to be considered of the first importance. Some 

 have recommended the inhalation of gases, such as chlorine and 

 dioxide of sulphur ; but there is great danger of the animals 

 dying, unless extreme care is exercised in carrying this out. 

 Again, some have advised the administration of turpentine in 

 conjunction with linseed oil ; but it is well to remember that 

 many deaths have been caused by choking during the adminis- 

 tration of this remedy. Of course choking must always be 

 very carefully guarded against in the administration of any 

 fluid whatever to lambs, but in the case of turpentine there is 

 especial danger. 



When giving medicine to lambs, it is particularly advisable 

 that the head should not be held above the horizontal line. 

 Moreover, turpentine often does more harm than good to small 

 lambs, though in the case of calves suffering from verminous 



