EtfZOOTIC DISEASES. 209 



Camphor Va dram. 



Laudanum 60 drops. 



These are mixed with molasses and placed on the tongue ; the 

 dose may be increased one-fourth for large ewes when the pains 

 are excessive. One ounce of solution of acetate of ammonia may 

 be given four hours afterwards, and repeated twice at equal inter- 

 vals. If a fetid discharge takes place from the vagina, a solution 

 of one dram of chloride of lime to a pint of warm water may be 

 injected. The food of the ewe should consist principally of infu- 

 sions of linseed or oat-meal gruel. Bleeding is injurious, as are 

 also violent purgatives. 



Black Leg, Quarter HI, or Anthrax fever, is known as the 

 "black spauld" of the English shepherds, the charbon of the 

 French, and as one of the "murrains" of our western states, 

 where it is most frequent in this country. It affects young and 

 thrifty sheep, and is rarely found amongst old or poor stock. It 

 appears in the spring or early summer, and also in the fall months ; 

 and mostly in wet seasons, when the pasture, under the fervid heat 

 of the sun and unusual moisture, grows luxuriantly. Then the 

 sheep, with vigorous appetite, gorge themselves to repletion, the 

 digestive organs are overtaxed, the blood is disorganized, and be- 

 fore any trouble is suspected, the sheep drop and suddenly die. 

 When the carcasses are examined, and the wool which leaves the 

 skin at the least touch, is removed, the body is found to be swollen 

 and blackened in large patches, chiefly on the forequarter, the 

 flank, or the hindquarter. Air is gathered beneath the skin, and 

 on opening the body, it is found decomposed and filled with black 

 blood. If the flock is then observed, some will be found lame 

 and limping, and on examination the sides or quarters will be 

 found swollen, and when the hand is passed over these spots, the 

 wool readily comes off, and a crackling sound is heard from the 

 motion of the air or gas collected beneath the skin. The mouth 

 and tongue are found to be inflamed and blistered, and the eyes 

 red. The urine is dark, the bowels constipated, and the dung 

 when discharged is bloody. By and by the animals are unable to 

 stand, and fall upon the side, stretch out the limbs, and protrude 

 the tongue ; the belly is swollen, and in a few hours the sheep is 

 dead. The disease is much worse in rich bottom lands, or moist, 

 black soils, and rarely appears on hilly ground, or gravelly, 

 dry soils. To prevent this disorder, it is only necessary to pre- 

 ent the causes, to ensure regular feeding, and avoid sudden 

 changes from poor to rich food or the reverse. The treatment 



