DISEASES OF THE OX AND SHEEP. 503 



becomes distended and paralysed, while the contents rapidly 

 decompose, and the result of all this is that dysentery of a fatal 

 description supervenes. Our readers will see that this particular 

 kind of mischief is not the same as that above spoken of. One 

 ounce of Epsom salts may be suitably given in the case of an 

 adult sheep suffering from this complaint twice on the first day of 

 the disease, and doses of two drachms each may be administered 

 every six hours, until the fetid smell of the discharge has 

 ceased, and the feces have become more normal in character. 



Now, in regard to the treatment of omasitis in oa;en, it may be 

 said that bleeding has been recommended, especially in the case 

 of those animals in which the nervous system is greatly involved. 

 Strong doses of cathartic medicine such as gamboge, solution of 

 aloes, or even the drastic purgative, croton oil, in a dose of about 

 forty drops, have been used. A new remedy for cases of very 

 obstinate impaction has lately been used, and found highly 

 successful. 



The sulphate of physostigmine suitably dissolved has been 

 injected intravenously in doses of from one-half to one grain, 

 and hypodermically in doses of one-half to one and a half grain. 

 This, however, would only be resorted to as a last resource, 

 and by a skilful scientist. In ordinary cases, however, Epsom 

 salts in a dose of sixteen ounces or more is useful, since, 

 although it acts almost solely upon the bowels, it, by so doing, 

 clears the way for aloes, which acts upon the stomachs. Oil is 

 useful as an adjunct. If there be any inflammation, external 

 stimulation should be resorted to in the region of the abdomen. 

 Enemas should be regularly given, and the animal should be 

 most carefully attended to. Nitrated water for drinking may be 

 supplied in rather considerable amount. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE ABOMASUM OR TRUE 



STOMACH. 

 In this disorder, which is of very rare occurrence indeed, there 

 is acute fever, severe abdominal pain, and a curious stretching 

 ^ out of the fore-limbs, with the brisket almost to the ground 

 ^ (Youatt). After death, the interior of the organ is seen to be very 

 red, and in it flaky mucus and sometimes blood are observable. 

 The duodenum also is generally almost equally involved. Hair- 

 balls are often seen in this mucus. Rupture of this organ 



