TKT.IM'S AnxonrM. — TETAXUS XEOXATOltUM. 1\\ 



Treatment. 



Little can be done for this disease in such young animals, beyond 

 giving antispasmodic remedies — such as chloral hydrate, bromide of 

 potassium, and the tincture of valerian in enema. Attention should 

 also be paid to the food of both mother and offspring, and if constipation 

 is present it may be combated by the means already mentioned. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



Tetanus Agnorum.— Tetanus Neonatorum. 



Tetanus, or a form of that disease, is not infrequently witnessed in 

 Lambs, and sometimes it is so prevalent that it is regarded as en/.ocitic 

 or epizootic. It cannot be considered as in any way allied to tetany in 

 children. 



It most frequently affects Lambs of the liner breeds, and usually 

 during the tirst two or three weeks after birth. 



Symptovis. 



The earliest symptoms are weakness, loss of vivacity, and diminished 

 appetite ; then the limbs become stiff" and the gait stilty, the back is 

 arched, and the neck and legs undergo convulsive contortions, so that 

 there is difficulty in rising or walking. Tlie cramps extend gradually 

 to other parts of the body, until at last tlie animal cannot move, and 

 to obtain food it has to be carried to the mother's teat, where it needs 

 to be supported. 



There is generally constipation at the commencement of the attack, 

 but at a later period diarrha-a sets in, though there is no fever. 



Under ordinary circumstances the animal succumbs in about eight or 

 ten days — rarely after several weeks — in a state of marasmus, the fatal 

 termination being preceded by grinding of the teeth, diarrhoea, con- 

 vulsions, and not infrequently complete paralysis. 



Etiology. 



It is believed that, in many outbreaks, tiie Lambs are predisposed to 

 the disease through improper feeding and management of the Ewes, 

 whose milk may be obnoxious from the food they receive. lOxposure 

 to extreme heat and cold, and particularly to cold winds, is supposed to 

 have much influence in the production of the malady. 



Pathology. 



Little appears to be known as to the pathology of the disease, but it 

 is evidently nervous — in its origin at least ; though no alteration lias as 

 yet been detected in the spinal cord to account for the tetanoid 

 symptoms. Only the characteristics of general antemia, with some- 

 times congestion of the true stomach and intestines, have been hitherto 

 noted. 



Prognosis. 



This is generally unfavourable, as a complete cure is very rare ; while 

 delicate Lambs perish quickly, those which become convalescent are a 

 long time before the rigidity leaves their limbs ; they do not thrive, and 

 often succumb to some other disease. 



