238 DISEASES OF SHEEP. 



Sheep are far oftener subject to wounds than they ought to be, from 

 the ferocity of the shepherd's dog, encouraged by his brutal master 

 needlessly to Avorry the flock. They are too frequently seriously 

 lamed, and the ears almost torn from their heads. The proprietor of 

 sheep should never forgive wanton cruelty of this nature. 



The treatment of wounds in sheep is very simple, and consists 

 mostly in avoiding the burning irons and caustics, of which the far- 

 rier, and sometimes the shepherd, are too fond. 



The first thing is to clean the wound thoroughly with a sponge and 

 warm water, and to remove those parts which are much lacerated, or 

 in a manner torn off. If it is a simple cut wound and the edges are 

 not far separated, all that will be necessary to be done will be to 

 apply daily a little tincture of aloes, and to cover the part that the 

 flies may not deposit their eggs on the sore. If it is a wide and gap- 

 incT wound, the edges of it must be brought as nearly and accurately 

 together as possible, and confined by one or two or more stitches 

 passed through them with a crooked needle and waxed thread, and 

 which the shepherd should always carry with him. The only dress- 

 intr wanted here will be the tincture of aloes, with occasional foment- 

 ations if there is much inflammation; but the wound should be more 

 carefully covered from the flies, either by a bandage or pitch plaister, 

 or for a small wound, a little tar will answer. 



No dependence is to be placed on the accounts which are given by 

 some authors of the udders of the ewes being sucked by snakes. The 

 reptile has never been seen thus employed ; but sheep are sometimes 

 bitten by the viper, and a few have been destroyed by the swelling 

 having been neglected, and inflammation widely spreading. It is 

 difficult at all times to discover the accident. Whenever a sheep is 

 lamed, the affected limb should be well examined; and at other 

 times, if he is evidently ill, and the illness accompanied by local or 

 general swelling, careful search should be made into the nature of 

 the mischief. The wound inflicted by a viper will be very small, 

 but there will be swelling and heat about it, and a great deal of ten- 

 derness. 



The best application is oil of turpentine, which should be well rub- 

 bed over and around the part; while a quarter of an ounce of harts- 

 horn, and four ounces of sweet oil, may be given to the animal, and 

 repealed in half an hour if the part should continue to swell, or the 

 sheep appear to be seriously ill. Some shepherds, when they sus- 

 pect an accident of this kind, rub the part well with an onion, and 

 doubtless with considerable effect : the turpentine, however, is more 

 effectual, and should be obtained as speedily as possible. 



