320 DISEASES OF SHEEP. 



I would here say it is a pleasure to think that some 

 addition has been made of late to the stock of veterinary 

 knowledge as regards this useful animal, and I trust that 

 the time is proximate when the good sense of American 

 farmers will demand that a knowledge of the diseases and 

 general management of sheep shall form a prominent 

 feature in the education of the veterinary surgeon. 



Braxy-Enterites. — {Inflammation of the Bowels.) — 

 Inflammation of the bowels is commonly known by the 

 unmeaning name of " Braxy." * It is a disease of more 

 frequent occurrence among this class of domestic animals 

 than any other I know of, chiefly affecting young sheep in 

 their first year, and in cold and stormy weather, and 

 exposed situations. It is not unfrequent when sheep have 

 been feeding on turnips in the winter season, to find in the 

 morning, after a cold, wet night, as many as a dozen, out 

 of a few score, dead, dying, or affected by this disease. 



Symptoms. They will be observed to be very restless; 

 lying and rising; resting on one side, and then on the 

 other ; walking up and down as if looking for a place to 

 lay down, but can find no place to suit. 



Treatment. Give castor oil, two ounces; calomel, five 

 grains ; laudanum, two drachms ; molasses, two ounces ; 

 beat up with an egg, and as much warm water as will be 

 sufficient for a small drench, to be poured out of the stroupe 

 or pipe of a common tea or coffee pot. Repeat this in half 

 doses every six hours. 



* Sheep affected by this disease are general!}' on the turnip field, 

 and in good condition. If so, and the animal is very sick, never at- 

 tempt to cure ; as in most cases death will take place before medical 

 agents (be they ever so well directed) can take effect. Therefore, it 

 will be the better plan to cut the neck, letting out the blood, thereby 

 saying time and ti'ouble, and preserving the mutton in good order. 



