378 ' DISEASES OF THE SHEEP. 



face, and the introduction of foreign and annoying matters 

 into it. 



" The different parts of the hoof, likewise, deprived of their 

 natural wear, grow out of their proper proportions. The 

 crust, especially, grows too long ; and the overgrown parts 

 either break off in irregular rents, or by overshooting the 

 sole allow particles of sand and dirt to enter into the pores 

 of the hoof These particles soon reach the quick, and set 

 up the inflammation already described, and followed by all 

 its destructive effects. • # « 



" The ulceration of foot-rot will not long exist without the 

 additional annoyance of the fly. Maggots will multiply on 

 every part of the surface and burrow in all directions. To 

 this, as may be readily supposed, will be added a great deal 

 of constitutional disturbance. A degree of inflammatory 

 fever is produced. The animal for a while shifts about on 

 its knees ; but at length the powers of nature fail, and it dies 

 from irritation and want." 



Treatment. — The following is Mr. Youatt's mode of cu- 

 ring the disease ; and it will be well to remember that this 

 gentleman is highly distinguished in England for his emi- 

 nent skill and knowledge as a veterinary surgeon. 



" The foot must be carefully examined, and every portion 

 of loose and detached horn pared off, eyen though the greater 

 part, or almost the whole of the hoof, may be taken away. 

 The horn once separated from the parts beneath will never 

 again unite with them, but become a foreign body, and a 

 source of pain, inflammation, and fungous sproutings. This, 

 then, is the first and fundamental thing — euerj^ portion of 

 horn that is in the slightest degree separated from the parts 

 beneath must be cut away. A small, sharp, curved-pointed 

 knife, or a small' drawing knife, will be the best instrument 

 to effect this. 



" If there are any fungous granulations they must be cut 

 down with the knife or a pair of sharp curved scissors, un- 

 less they are exceedingly minute, and then the caustic 

 about to be mentioned will destroy them. The whole hoof 

 must be thoroughly cleaned, although it may occupy no little 

 time, and inflict considerable pain on the animal. The after 

 expenditure of time, and the suffering of the patient, will bo 

 materially diminished by this decisive measure. 



" The foot should then be washed with a solution of chlo- 

 ride of lime, in the proportion of one pound of the powder to 



