DISEASES OF THE OX AND SHEEP. 523 



manifests itself by inflammation of the lining membrane of the 

 large intestines. It may be accompanied by ulceration. 

 Dysentery may follow neglected diarrhoea or such as is extreme 

 or protracted, or it may result from the taking of unwholesome 

 food, or from exposure to cold, or from placing animals in wet 

 or badly-drained meadows, as a culmination in some cases of 

 scrofula, as a complication of certain other diseases, or in con- 

 sequence of the ingestion of some kinds of poison. The disease 



Fig. 69. — An Ox in a rathek late stage of a severe attack of 

 Acute Dysentery. 



In the above illustration, a beast suffering from acute Dysentery, and 

 evidently so enfeebled that it can stand upright only with much difficulty, is 

 depicted. As not unfrequently occurs in the case of animals aflflicted with this 

 disease, this particular ox is represented as being very thirsty, and in the act of 

 drinking as eagerly as its weakened and debilitated condition will allow — an 

 indulgence for which the poor creature must probably ere long fall to the earth 

 and pay its last debt to Mother Nature. In the picture the back is seen to be 

 arched, the tail is held away and at a distance from the body, the ears are 

 drooping, the eyes half-closed, the flanks and the belly are very thin and 

 display what is sometimes designated a " tucked-up " appearance, the hair 

 stands upright on the skin, the outlines of some of the ribs may be observed, 

 and altogether the general look might be taken as a true presentment of disease 

 and emaciation and pain to which all animals, and human beings also, are 

 unfortunately liable to be subjected. 



may be acute or of a more chronic character. If it is acute, 

 there is fever together with slight abdominal pain, and the 

 animal stands with arched back, constantly straining, and 

 passing a small quantity of watery material tinged with blood. 

 There may be vesicles in the nostrils. The signs of abdominal 

 pain may increase in intensity, bring on rapid emaciation, 

 sinking, and death. 



Now, if the malady should take on a milder and consequently 

 more chronic character, the animal becomes extremely debili- 

 tated, hide bound, and probably oedematous, the coat is dry and 



