S56 Diseases of Sheep, 



Mr. Clok, both of whom have observed it extensively in 

 various parts of the United States, 



The first symptom is the disappearance of the naturally 

 smooth, dry, pale condition of the skin at the top of the 

 cleft, .over the heels. It becomes somewhat red, w^arm and 

 moist, and slightly rough or chafed. Next, the moisture in- 

 creases to a discharge, and an ulcer is formed which extends 

 down to the upper portion of the inner wall of the hoof. 

 These walls are then attacked, become disorganized, and the 

 disease penetrates between the fleshy sole and the bottom of 

 the hoof. The hoof is thickened at the heel, by an unnatural 

 deposition of horn. The crack between it and the fleshy sole 

 pours out an offensive and purulent matter. Soon all parts 

 of the foot are penetrated by the burrowing ulceration, the 

 horny sole is disorganized, and the fleshy sole becomes a 

 black and swollen mass of corruption, shapeless, spongy, and 

 often filled with maggots. 



The fore feet are nsually first attacked ; lameness is early 

 noticed and soon becomes complete ; general fever comes on 

 late ; the appetite is lost, and the animal dies from exhaus- 

 tion. 



The offensive odor of the true foot rot is characteristic, and 

 once made familiar will serve as a certain guide in recogniz- 

 ing the disease. The disease may present itself in a malig- 

 nant and rapid form, or in a mild one. Its first attack on a 

 flock is generally of the severer character. When it is kept 

 under the first year, its appearance the next summer will be 

 mild ; and the third season still milder. 



Treatment. — While it is evident from the above descrip- 

 tion that foot rot is a dangerous, disgusting and painful 

 disease, we have the satisfaction of adding that with proper 

 treatment and sufficient care, it is always curable. In fact, 

 no disease of the sheep yields more certainly to remedies 

 properly used. And if, as often happens, the farmer finds 



