414 MANAGEMENT AND FEEDING OF SHEEP 



gradually working the attachments loose. An antiseptic, 

 as 15 per cent carbolic acid, may then be syringed into 

 the womb. 



Inversion of the womb, sometimes spoken of as los- 

 ing the lamb bed, sometimes occurs. When it does it 

 ought to be replaced at the earliest moment possible, or 

 the effect upon the ewe will soon prove disastrous. 



The trouble may result : (i) From severe labor pains ; 

 (2) from excessive spasm of the uterus; or (3) from vio- 

 lence in the artificial extraction of the lamb. 



Before replacing the expelled part it should be 

 cleansed from all foreign matters and fetal membranes. 

 Replacement will be aided by laying the sheep on its 

 back and stretching the hind parts. The organ may be 

 held in place by the aid of a truss for a time. This is held 

 in place by a strap that goes around the buttock and fas- 

 tens at either end to a suitable surcingle put around the 

 body just behind the forelegs. A small strap which goes 

 over the top of the hips is also attached to these side 

 straps. A ewe that has been thus affected should not be 

 retained for future breeding. 



Ailments that affect the limbs — While these are not 

 numerous, some of them give very much trouble, as, for 

 instance, foot rot. The only troubles that affect the limbs 

 that can be discussed in this work are: (i) Common foot 

 rot; (2) contagious foot rot; and (3) broken limbs. 



Common foot rot sometimes called simple foot rot, is 

 more frequent and more virulent in areas where the pas- 

 ture lands are moist to wet and where the weather also is 

 normally moist. In western Europe it is much more prev- 

 alent than in most parts of the United States. It begins 

 by lameness, generally in one of the forefeet. At the first 

 the skin is slightly reddened and then covered with gran- 

 ulated matter or small warty growths. It usually pro- 

 ceeds downward on the inner side of one claw. The 

 whole foot is hot and tender and the coronet swollen. 

 The horn of the hoof becomes soft, with evidence of de- 



