DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEJf. 155 



to> 



This disease in the adult sheep is rare. When occurrin, 

 the symptoms are similar to those of inflammation of the brain, 

 commencing with drowsiness without delirium. As the serum 

 collects, consciousness diminishes, the pressure on the brain 

 finally causing paralysis, death usually taking place during con- 

 vulsions. 



Crcatment. 



Treatment is always unsatisfactory. When the first symp- 

 toms become noticeable the sheep should be slaughtered, and if 

 in fair condition, and in the commencement of the disease, could 

 with safety be used for human consumption. 



As seen in the foetus, to save the life of the ewe, it becomes 

 necessary to destroy the lamb by puncturing its skull to permit 

 escape of the fluid and allow the bones to collapse. Prudence 

 teaches us not to use the ewe again for breeding, and if many 

 cases occur in a flock, the ram must be looked upon with sus- 

 picion, and had better be changed. 



Louptng-IU. 



Louping-ill, also called Tremblings, Thorter-ill, ilad Stag- 

 gers, etc. This is a remarkable disease, seemingdy caused by a 

 deranged sensibility of the nerves of the hind parts, probably 

 due to a sub-acute inflammation of the spinal cord, moi'e particu- 

 larly in the region of the loins. 



The inflammation of the spinal cord is followed by a serous 

 effusion, which in mild cases coagulates, becoming transformed 

 into a sort of fibrous tissue. This produces permanent pressure 

 on the cord; not suflScient to produce paralysis, but enough to 

 cause derangement of sensibility. Great losses have resulted 

 from this disease, and notwithstanding the large amount of prac- 

 tical and theoretical investigation instituted as to its nature and 

 cause, much remains shrouded in darkness. Gamgee, Rich- 



