DISEASES OF THE OX AND SHEEP. 587 



of silver along its outer margin. We have no faith in this 

 method. 



Erysipelas in sheep likewise is a disorder which consists in a 

 diffuse inflammation of the skin and areolar tissue coupled with 

 febrile symptoms. Simple erysipelas may occur in all animals ; 

 but it seems to be more especially liable to break out in sheep 

 and dogs. A sheep in a plethoric condition may suddenly have 

 its secretions arrested, or may receive an injury or injuries, as 

 for instance during the process of being sheared, or may have 

 cracked heels, and as a consequence of any of these causes it 

 may suffer from erysipelas. A stimulant such as the sesqui- 

 carbonate of ammonium and an aperient such as about three 

 ounces of Epsom salts may be administered to a sheep, and an 

 antiseptic ointment may be applied locally. 



ECZEMA. 



If an animal is suffering from this complaint a number of 

 vesicles appear, in certain parts, on the skin, and the hair is 

 denuded. There is a great deal of itching, and the rubbing, 

 which is the consequence, renders the parts raw and red. 



Fig. 75. — Chronic Eczema. Psoriasis or Rat-tails. 



Luxuriant growths of vesicles succeed each other. If the 

 disease becomes chronic, the skin thickens and cracks. The 

 fissures may even become long sluggish ulcers. The growths 

 called ** rat-tails " may be produced, especially on one, two, 

 three, or all four legs. So great may be the damage, that the 

 hoofs may even slough. The patient should be kept in com- 



