DISEASES OF THE OX AND SHEEP. 475 



to Dr. Davaine, the brain may be excited by the heads, which 

 protrude from the bladder, and penetrate the adjoining substance 

 of the brain to a depth of about two iiues. Thus it is as if one 

 or two hundred pin-points were plunged into the brain. As is to 

 be expected, the animal becomes weak, and, unless it is by some 

 means relieved, at length it dies. It is said that a natural cure 

 has in certain cases been brought about by means of the sheep 

 striking its head against a sharp stone, and thus cutting open 

 the head, whereby the cyst can escape through the aperture which 

 is formed. 



With regard to diagnosis, it may be remarked that sturdy 

 may occasionally be mistaken for disorder of the brain resulting 

 from impaction of the third stomach. This disorder, however, 

 is, as probably our readers know, of an acute character, and 

 marked by constipation, delirium, convulsions, and early death, 

 unless, indeed, relief is obtained by means of the eflFectual 

 administration of a brisk purgative. Again, sturdy might 

 possibly also be confused with the presence of the maggots of 

 the sheep-bot, which lodge themselves in the frontal sinuses, 

 produce much irritation, swelling of the pituitary membrane, 

 and discharge from the nose. If these maggots are very suc- 

 cessful in their aggressions, the sheep becomes dull and pros- 

 trate, and may die in convulsions. 



In most cases the best plan is straightway to send sheep 

 which are afflicted with gid to the butcher. If, however, we 

 should decide to treat the animal, bags of ice may be applied 

 constantly to that part of the head where the cyst is situated. 

 Moreover, a portion of the wall of the skull above the cyst 

 may be removed, the correct spot being found by feeling for a 

 soft part. The bladder can then be seen, and the fluid con- 

 tained in it may be allowed to escape. Some shepherds find 

 the soft part, then pierce through the skull with a borer, then 

 place the sheep on its back, holding the animal so that it 

 cannot struggle while the fluid is pouring out, or while it is 

 drawn off through a cannula by means of a syringe. If it is 

 possible to do so, they also take hold of the membrane, and 

 withdraw it carefully. 



When the wall of the cyst is examined, 200 or more little 

 elevations like pin-heads may be seen projecting from its inner 

 surface. Each of these really represents the head of a possible 



