38 PROFIT AND PLEASURE 



of warm water will effect a cure ; it is usually prevented by keep- 

 ing rock salt before them. 



Diarrhoea and Dysentery — These are similar, so far as out- 

 ward appearance, the latter, however, being accompanied by 

 fever and bloody evacuations — a change of food will usually cor- 

 rect a simple case of diarrhoea, which, if neglected, may result m 

 dysentery. The remedy suggested by Pegler is one-half ounce 

 Epsom salts and one-half drachm ginger mixed together and 

 adding one-half tablespoonful of brandy and same of sweet spirits 

 of nitre, to be given if the evacuations are yellowish, while if 

 dark green or black give an ounce of castor oil with a tablespoon- 

 ful of oil of turpentine. Kids that are hand-fed frequently have 

 diarrhoea, while those that suck are seldom afflicted. It can 

 usually be prevented in adult animals by changing from dry food 

 to green food gradually, and not allowing overeating. 



Foot-Rot — Sheep frequently have this disease and goats are 

 liable to it if kept on wet ground or if the outside, or horny part 

 of the hoofs are not kept trimmed. Once started it becomes very 

 loathsome and is disagreeable to treat; thorough cleansing, with 

 antiseptic dressing and careful attention, will usually effect a 

 cure, if not too far advanced. It can be prevented by occasional 

 trimming of the outer shell of the hoof — in other words, manicure 

 your goats. 



Inflammation of the Udder, or Garget — The udder becomes 

 hard and hot, and if there are kids she refuses to let them suck. 

 Frequent applications of warm water and a dose of Epsom salts 

 are the first things to do, keeping the udder milked out. If im- 

 provement does not show promptly, better call in a veterinary, 

 as the disease may result fatally. Black Garget is a more severe 

 form and in it the udder turns black. 



Lice — If goats are properly fed and cared for, with an occa- 

 sional grooming, they will not be troubled with lice. However, 

 if they should become afflicted, they can be quickly eradicated 

 with Creoleum or any similar preparation, or any of the standard 

 sheep-dips. 



Malta Fever — This disease affects goats, sheep, cattle and 

 horses and can be communicated to man by using the milk of in- 

 fected animals, although very rarely fatal. It has been known 

 in Texas and Mexico for twenty-five j'ears. It does not extend 

 north of latitude 36. Has never been known among goats of any 

 variety above the frost line. It does not and cannot exist in our 

 Northern States. 



Sore Teats — These are generally caused by the teeth of the 

 kids ; they should never be neglected. The goat should be gently 

 and carefully milked and the kids fed from the bottle, if unable 

 to care for themselves. Apply earbolated vaseline freely after 



