SHEEP HUSBANDRY. 375 



DISEASES COMMON TO SHEEP, THEIR CAUSES, 

 PREVENTION, AND TREATMENT. 



Constipation or CostivenesS. This is more of a symptom of an 

 approaching disease, than a disease in itself. It occurs occasionally 

 upon flocks going from pasture to dry food. In such cases feed the 

 animals a little linseed-cake meal or some succulent root. If stubborn, 

 give one ounce of linseed oil, and inject warm soap and water. 



When the costiveness is so severe or of so long standing as to cause 

 the animal to stretch itself and stand with its feet spreading apart, rais- 

 ing its head and curving its back, give once a day one tea -spoonful of 

 Flowers of Sulphur, mixed with a small quantity of molasses, which 

 should be put on the animal's tongue to be swallowed. 



Diarrhea or Scours. The opposite of costiveness. This is likely 

 to occur upon turning sheep to pasture in the spring, or when fed rich 

 succulent green food. This is not dangerous in itself, but may, by re- 

 ducing the strength of the animal, cause complications. A regular sup- 

 ply of salt, careful regulation of food, and the avoiding of sudden 

 changes will usually prevent this symptom of disease. Give two table- 

 spoonfuls of the following twice a day, and if a lamb, aboiit one-half the 

 quantity, according to age : 



4 drams Pulverized Ginger, 

 8 drams Catechu, 

 2 ounces Prepared Chalk, 

 1 dram Opium, 



Mix with one pint peppermint water, and always shake the bottle 

 before using. 



The diarrhea may be caused by irritating substances in the intestines, 

 and is shown by there being a slimy matter in the passages from the 

 bowels. In this case the treatment should be to remove the irritating 

 matter and therefore a physic should be given, as follows: 



1 dram Ginger, 

 1 ounce Epsom Salts, 

 or, 



1 dram" Ginger, 



2 ounces Linseed Oil. 



Give the above in gruel. Follow the treatment by a careful nursing 

 and feeding. 



