26 DISEASES OP SHEEP. 



their effect destroyed by means of slimy matter or oil. 

 Compression, friction and all irritation must be avoided 

 and removed, and the suffering animal as well as the affected 

 part must remain undisturbed as far as possible. When 

 inflammation takes place, exercise is always dangerous, a 

 very few cases excepted. 



The treatment is either of a general character, operating 

 upon the whole system or body of the animal, or of a local 

 character, directing its effects mainly upon the affected 

 part. Often both modes become necessary, although in a 

 great many cases only the latter is required ; as, for in- 

 stance, in the inflammation of interior parts, such as the 

 lungs, the brain and the entrails, and also in violent in- 

 flammation of the exterior parts. Inflammations, however, 

 which are connected with fever require a general cure. 



Remedies. Venesection or bleeding was formerly con- 

 sidered one of the most important remedies ; at the present 

 time, however, this remedy is not so frequently resorted to, 

 on account of the employment of attenuating, cooling or 

 aperient remedies, whose efiects are preferable to those of 

 venesection. The principal remedies employed in inflamma- 

 tions are saltpetre, tartar, epsom, bitter or glauber salts ; sal- 

 ammoniac, sulphuric acid, vinegar or yeast diluted with 

 water, mixed Avith and served instead of the pure bran 

 among the fodder or drink, or administered to the animal 

 in form of a drink or injection. In case of constipation, 

 injections are to be given repeatedly, the animal must be 

 kept quiet in a warm place, and all drafts of air carefully 

 prevented ; the food consisting of straw, green foddef, leaf 

 and knob plants, bran ; hay is to be given in small quanti- 

 ties, and feeding with corn must be entirely avoided ; the 

 drink should consist of lukewarm water, mixed with sul- 

 phuric aid or saltpetre, in as large quantities as the animal 

 may desire. 



