DISEASES OF SHEEP 



177 



warm solution of Conkey's Nox-i-cide Dip and Disinfectant, using 1 part 

 to 50 parts warm water. 



FLUKE DISEASE This is a disease of the liver, but is not so common 



LIVER ROT in this country as in England; but may occur 



wherever sheep are on damp, swampy pasture. At 



first there is bloating, which may be mistaken for fat condition. But if you 

 rub the small of the back or press against the ribs you will hear a crackling 

 sound as the flabby tissue slips beneath the hand. Flukes do not attack 

 sheep on high, dry land; for the reason that the fluke embryo passes its first 

 stage in a certain species of snail found only in wet places. Should these 

 snails be destroyed by frogs, carp, etc., this cuts down the danger from 

 fluke disease. It is not known just how the fluke makes its way into the 

 liver of the sheep, but it lodges there and in time destroys the substance 

 of the organ. WHEN THE SYMPTOMS OF FLUKE DISEASE AP- 

 PEAR IT IS ALREADY TOO LATE TO GIVE ANY TREATMENT. 

 In fact, at first the flukes seem to stimulate the action of the liver and the 

 sheep shows extra good condition. In the course of a month or two it 

 loses rapidly, however, and the wool becomes harsh and dry and finally 

 drops out. The animal loses appetite or shows depraved appetite. The bowels 

 may show diarrhea or constipation symptoms. 



Prevention is the only treatment, namely, keep the flock on high dry land, 

 or if this is not possible, kill the flukes before they get past 

 the stomach. The very best prevention treatment is with the following 

 anti-parasite mixture, which is the same as the Conkey formula for a medi- 

 cated stock salt, namely: 



9 pounds common barrel salt, 



1 pound Conkey's Stock Tonic, 



mixed thoroughly and kept in a dry place, where the sheep can help them- 

 selves as wanted. Keep all other salt away from the stock; as this medicated 

 salt will be all they need for any purpose. The cheapest way to prepare 

 the above is to use 2 five pound packages of Conkey's Stock Tonic to 90 Ibs. 

 common barrel salt. This will give 100 Ibs. of veterinary salt at a total cost 

 of less than 2 l / 2 o. a pound. A pound of this mixture will be sufficient for four 

 or five sheep for one fortnight. There is no danger of the animals over- 

 dosing, so long as this Stock Tonic salt is before them all the time, and 

 they can help themselves just when they want it. 



FOOT-ROT The first symptom is 

 a lameness in one 

 foot, and if neglected this spreads to 

 the others. Trouble starts as a red, 

 moist spot in the cleft above the 

 hoofs, but quickly works in the hern 

 and soon there is a thin, foul dis- 

 charge. The foot spreads above the 

 hoofs and feels hot and tender to the 

 touch. If neglected the hoof be- 

 comes wholly diseased and falls away. 

 The discharge from the foot will 

 carry the disease to other animals 

 running on the same ground. Foot-rot at different stages 



Treatment Wet marshy ground us- 

 ually starts the trouble; and the first thing is to drain wet 

 pastures. Don't feed on wet, muddy lands. Pare down the hoof, taking off 



