SHSEP HUSBANDRY. 383 



sues inside. Its growth is not like that of the horse, which grows from 

 the coronet downward, but grows from all parts of the inner tissues. 

 The outside crust is worn off to an edge by contact with the ground, and 

 if the sole and crust are worn equally, it shows the foot to be in a 

 healthy condition. But if the growth is unequal it shows that disease is 

 present. 



Contagious Foot-Rot. This disease is very contagious, and un- 

 less preventive measures are taken to stop its spreading, will often infect 

 the whole flock. In this disease there is an inflammation which sefems 

 to affect the whole hoof. Blisters form between the toes and upon the 

 heels. These blisters in a few days ulcerate and discharge a fetid mat- 

 ter. This disease is usually confined to the fore-feet, the animal show- 

 ing how painful the disease is by going about upon its knees. If noth- 

 ing is done to stop the disease, in a short time the hoofs are all des- 

 troyed, and the animal is left with onlj^ wounded stumps. 



Commence treatment, if possible, before ulceration sets in, because 

 after this has commenced it takes a long time to cure the animal. As 

 soon as a case of lameness appears, examine for its cause. It may be a 

 case of common Foot-rot or Gravel, (which see, for a description of its 

 symptoms) or a case of Contagious Foot-rot. If the latter, remove all 

 loose, raw, diseased horn, by cutting it away. Should the outside horn 

 be long at the toes, that too should be cut awa}^ and if any pus is found 

 between the horn and the underlying tissues, the horn should be cut 

 away until it is exposed. At least twice a week clean the feet by wash- 

 ing them in water in which carbolic soap has been dissolved, and after 

 the thorough washing swab them thoroughly with the following 



mixture. 



1 ounce Arsenic, 

 6 ounces Acetic Acid, 

 J pound Oxide of Copper, 

 1 pint Molasses. 



If more convenient, or if an ointment is preferred, use the fol- 

 lowing : 



1 pint Linseed Oil, 



1 pound Powdered Sulphate of Copper, 



^ pound Verdigris, 



1 quart Pine Tar. 



This is to be preferred in wet weather, as it will not wash off like the 

 solution b5rtravelling in the wet grass. This disease is seldom seen on 

 dry pastures, except it is brought there by some flock that was affected, 



