THE MORE COMMON AILMENTS OF SHEEP 413 



Abortion in ewes is much less frequent than in cows. 

 It seldom becomes epizootic, but it is claimed that in 

 some instances it does assume a highly contagious form. 



When a pregnant ewe isolates herself from the flock, 

 and when such isolation is accompanied by occasional or 

 frequent bleating, the evidence is present that she is 

 likely to abort or that she is carrying a dead lamb. 



The causes that lead to abortion are various. It may 

 result from : ( i ) Improper feeding, as the feeding of fodders 

 or grains that contain molds ; from feeding frosted roots 

 or roots in excess ; or from feeding mangels not fully 

 ripened. (2) From rough treatment, as crowding the 

 ewes through narrow doorways, or turning them on their 

 buttocks to dress their feet. (3) From fright, as chasing 

 by dogs, or from overdriving. (4) From hoven, or as the 

 outcome of other ailments. (5) From infection. 



The preventive measures are those which will ward 

 off the various causes mentioned. As a safeguard against 

 contagious abortion the rule is a good one which buries 

 the ejected foetus and the contaminated litter. 



The medicinal treatment consists in injecting some 

 antiseptic, as a 1.5 per cent solution of carbolic acid, into 

 the genital organ and strengthening the animals by ad- 

 ministering to them mild tonics. 



Retention of the afterbirth is not infrequent with 

 ewes where complications have been present during par- 

 turition. If not removed within a reasonable time, it may 

 only come away by slow degrees as the mass decays. The 

 odor thus engendered is very offensive. The affected ani- 

 mal will not thrive as it should, and fatal complications 

 may follow as the outcome of blood poisoning. The 

 trouble will not usually occur with strong and vigorous 

 animals, but with those that are feeble from lack of food, 

 or other causes the instances are not infrequent. 



Some shepherds attach a weight to the protruding 

 mass which removes it by degrees. It may be removed 

 by working the hand, if quite small, into the vagina, and 



