DISEASES OP SHEEP. 87 



removed up to the point where the connection remains un- 

 impaired. The bleeding whicli may occur is wholly with- 

 out danger.. 



A knowledge of the anatomy of the sheep's hoof will 

 prevent the abuse of the knife. It is proper in all cases to 

 pare down the sick hoof considerably at the toe and ex- 

 ternal wall, because it can then be more easily examined, 

 and it does not touch the ground so forcibly when the 

 animal is walking as when it is larger than the healthy 

 one. The knife must be cleaned from time to time, so 

 that the matter adhering to it does not infect the healthy 

 parts. 



If the disease is further advanced, and the secretion has 

 collected far down in the hoof, the same operation is per- 

 formed ; and it will sometimes be necessary to remove the 

 whole capsule. Every hidden channel which may be 

 present should be sounded, opened and laid bare. If the 

 wound becomes covered with blood during the operation, 

 as is commonly the case, it should be frequently dried with 

 tow. If a single diseased place remain from which the 

 horn is not removed, a cure cannot be expected. After 

 cutting away the whole or a part of the horny capsule, it is 

 always necessary to apply a bandage to protect the hoof 

 from dangerous external irritation. After applying chloride 

 of lime to the surfaces as above, the cleft is filled with tow 

 whose ends are twisted into a small cord and fastened 

 around the pastern-joint. This forms a soft and tightly- 

 fitting bandage. 



The diseased hoofs are inspected daily, covered with 

 chloride of lime, and bandaged anew if necessary. If a 

 diseased spot is discovered which escaped notice before, the 

 knife must be applied, and not unfrequently a portion of 

 the newly-formed horn again removed. Generally two or 

 three applications are sufficient for a cure. The pain and 



