190 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 



JOINT ILL OF LAMBS 



(Navel III, Septic Joint Disease) 



Joint ill is an acute, infectious disease of newborn lambs which 

 is characterized by swelling of the navel and joints of the limbs. 



CAUSE 



Several common disease-producing organisms may cause joint 

 ill. Infection occurs principally before the stump dries, by way of 

 the vein of the torn navel cord, which has become soiled by dirt or 

 other material harboring the pathogenic organisms. 



SYMPTOMS 



Signs of the disease usually occur within 48 hours after birth. 

 The navel cord swells, contains a purulent secretion, and dries 

 slowly. The animal is dull, lies down a good deal, and loses the 

 desire to suck. There is stiffness and swelling of the hocks, stifle 

 joints, or knees. A purulent secretion may escape from an opened 

 joint. There may be a general septic condition. 



TREATMENT 



Not much can be done in the case of badly affected animals 

 other than to open and disinfect the navel stump and to nourish the 

 animal artificially with milk. Recovery is rarely complete. 



To prevent the disease place the pregnant ewes, shortly before 

 lambing, in clean, disinfected quarters containing clean, fresh straw. 

 Smear the navel cord of the newborn lamb with Elk's Absorbing 

 Ointment as soon after birth as possible and repeat daily for two 

 or three days. Tying the navel cord close to the navel is also ad- 

 visable. 



