366 DISEASES OF SHEEP. 



unmeaning name of ^'Braxy."* It is a disease of more 

 frequent occurrence among this class of useful animals 

 than any other domestic animal I know of; chiefly affect- 

 ing young sheep in their first year, in cold and stormy 

 weather, in exposed situations. It is not unfrequently 

 when sheep are feeding on turnips in the winter season, 

 to find in the morning after a cold, wet night, as many 

 as a dozen out of a few score dead, dying, or afi"ected by 

 this disease. 



The symptoms are: the sheep will be observed to be 

 very restless ; lying and rising ; resting on one side and 

 then on the other*, walking up and down as if looking 

 for a place to lay down, but can find no place to suit. 



Treatment. — Give castor oil, two ounces; calomel, five 

 grains; laudanum, two drachms; molasses, two ounces; 

 beat up with an egg, and as as much warm water as will 

 be sufficient for a small drench, to be poured out of the 

 stroupe or pipe of a common tea or 005*60 pot ; then re- 

 peat this in half doses every six hours. 



Prevention. — In stormy weather, and when feeding 

 turnips where they are generally fenced in a certain 

 space, remove them to pasture a little elevated, and as 

 sheltered as possible from the storm until the weather 

 improves, and the turnip or other fields become drier; 

 place common or rock salt in covered troughs, which will 

 tend to keep their bowels open ; as salt is a good laxative 

 for cattle and sheep. 



*As sheep affected by this disease are generally on the turnip field, 

 and in good condition ; if so, and the animal very sick never attempt 

 to cure; as in most cases death will take place before medical agents 

 (be they ever so well directed) can take effect. Therefore it will be 

 the better plan to cut the neck, letting out the blood, thereby saving 

 time and trouble, and preserving the mutton in good order. 



