DISEASES OF THE OX AND SHEEP. 601 



tandages may be wrapped arouDd the swollen joints. Should 

 the swellings become chronic in nature, preparations of iodine 

 or ointment of cantharides may be applied. 



In this connection we may again point out how highly impor- 

 tant it is that sound breeding stock should always be selected. 

 Indeed, it is most necessary that the greatest possible care 

 should always be used in reference to the selection of animals 

 for breeding purposes. On no account should breeders employ 

 for that object sheep which have a thin neck, narrow chest and 

 loins, pot-belly, tender eyes, very small bones, and fine wool 

 distributed over the head, belly, and legs. It is also very 

 essential that sheep should be provided with good food, and that 

 they should take a sufficient amount of exercise. 



FOUL IN THE FOOT. 



Having completed our sketch of the skin diseases liable to 

 break out among oxen, we come now in due course to a con- 

 sideration of the disorder known as foul in the foot, the only 

 affection of the foot which needs discussion at our hands. The 

 degree to which this complaint advances varies a great deal. It 

 is not so very uncommon to find that a highly fetid discharge 

 issues from the cleft of the hoof, wherein a raw unhealthy surface 

 or sinuses may be observed. Portions of the hoof may come off, 

 and leave an exposed bleeding surface, which may suppurate and 

 even ulcerate. Fungoid granulations may arise, and these may 

 extend to the back part of the foot, and to the heel. The fetlock 

 may swell, and the animal may suffer intense pain, so much so, 

 in fact, as scarcely to be able to bear to put the feet to the 

 ground. The general health also suffers greatly, the animal 

 losing appetite, and, if a milch-cow, giving less milk. 



Causes. — The horn, if growing irregularly, may split, or it 



may cause rupture of tissues internal to itself. If cracks or 



'^fissures exist, dirt may collect and bring on inflammatory action. 



Again, a stone or other foreign body may get lodged into the 



cleft of the hoof. If so, it should be removed, and the part 



should be well cleansed and anointed with some simple soothing 



unguent. Otherwise, the irritation set up, being continued for some 



Jittle time, may give rise to the formation of pus, and if this pus 



lis closed up so that it cannot escape, as may easily be the case, 



".it becomes very offensive, and causes extension of inflammatioD 



