p 



DISEASES OF THE OX AND SHEEP. 62l 



setoning. Both the ointment and the lotion of boric acid, and 

 also those of carbolic acid and other antiseptic agents, are useful 

 for the cure of wounds. On the other hand, we cannot too 

 strongly caution the farmer against the use of certain ill-advised 

 preparations which not only leave undone that which they are 

 supposed to do, but actually do most efifectually that which they 

 ought on no account to do. 



In the early stages of wounds the treatment must not be active 

 in character, but mild and soothing. Mild sedatives, such as the 

 acetate of ammonium, also may be given or prescribed by the 

 veterinary surgeon ; but in later stages it may often be wiser to 

 employ stimulants, such as spirits of ammonia, or in cases where 

 the wounds present an unhealthy appearance, rather large doses, 

 of brandy may be given with advantage. Quinine is also a 

 valuable drug. Fomentations with warm water at a temperature 

 of about 110 deg. or 117 deg. Fah., as shown by a thermometer, 

 or roughly guessed at by the hand, may sometimes be useful. 



Signs of general fever should receive prompt attention. The 

 food-supply should be light and well regulated. Good sound 

 roots, grass or clover, linseed and various kinds of grain may be 

 supplied in small quantities. The free discharge of pus should, 

 where it is practicable, be provided for by means of incisions or 

 by suitable dressings. A depending orifice should always be 

 made. 



'Punctured wounds are often met with among oxen as a conse- 

 quence of their goring one another with their horns, and they 

 are, of course, necessarily liable to be highly dangerous. They 

 may also be produced by nails, by the prongs of a fork, and so 

 on. Great skill and judgment are required, and a fatal issue,, 

 arising as a consequence of injury to internal organs, may too 

 often ensue. The wound or wounds should be explored with 

 great care, and all foreign material should be removed. If a 

 muscular part has been penetrated, warm fomentations may be 

 applied around the wound. A pledget of tow nicely formed and 

 well soaked with the valuable preparation known and above referred 

 to as black-oil, should be passed to the bottom of the wound, 

 and renewed daily. It is very essential indeed that the orifice or 

 opening of the wound should be kept open, and prevented from 

 healing up before the inner portion has healed, and sometimes it 

 may be necessary to enlarge it with a bistoury or small knife. 



