LOCAL NON-OONTAGIOUS DISEASES. 321 



lime is highly recommended by many experienced flock-owners 

 for this condition. It can be applied as already stated, and, as 

 its cost is comparatively small, it certainly justifies a trial. 



Bear in mind that foot-rot generally prevails on moist land 

 in wet weather, and on dry land in very dry weather (the ground 

 then being hard on the feet). During such seasons special vigil- 

 ance must be used by the flock-owner and measures adopted to pre- 

 vent the occurrence of this troublesome affection. 



Inflannnation of the Intcrdigital Catial. 



On the anterior of the pasterns superior to the claws, mid- 

 way between the coronet and the upper pastern joint, is situated 

 a small aperture from which project three or four hairs about 

 one fourth of an inch in length. This aperture is the opening of 

 the canal leading to the gland known as the interungulate gland, 

 the uses of which have already been described. 



At times this canal becomes inflamed from irritation caused 

 by the entrance into it of foreign bodies, such as pieces of grit 

 or dirt, etc. Should these not be removed ulceration of the parts 

 is liable to occur and abscesses form. The pus burrows through 

 the walls of the canal between the digits, setting up intense in- 

 flammation of the foot, which may, if not speedily relieved, prove 

 fatal. This condition is readily separated from foot-rot in that 

 the disease only attacks one foot and commences at the inter- 

 digital canal, the orifice of which is swollen; in the same manner 

 it will not be mistaken for foot-and-mouth disease, as only one 

 member is affected, whereas in that complaint the likelihood 

 would be that all four feet would be involved in the inflamma- 

 tory process. 



Symptoms. 



Great lameness, an examination reveals the orifice of the 

 inteiu,,t,ital canal swollen, the surrounding parts being swollen 



