88 DISEASES OF SHEEP. 



lameness disappear very soon, and diminish even after the 

 first few days. The surface of the wound becomes dry and 

 is covered with a thin skin, which becomes whiter, thicker 

 and more compact every day, and forms the new horn. 

 The disagreeable smell -disappears almost immediately after 

 the application, of the chloride of lime. If this is not the 

 case, if the sheep is very lame and the surface of the wound 

 moist, it may be taken for granted that there is a hollow 

 sore in the capsule which before escaped notice. This must 

 be found and cut. 



If sinews, ligaments and bones are attacked, everything 

 that is corroded must be removed with the knife. Chloride 

 of lime is then applied for two consecutive days, and the 

 wound bandaged with tow. Afterward the surfaces of the 

 wound and all the diseased parts are moistened with a mix- 

 ture of one part creosote and four parts alcohol. A bandage 

 of tow is then applied, and kept on until an improvement 

 is visible. If the joint is attacked, the lower end of the 

 hoof (generally the hoof-bone) is amputated, and creosote, 

 etc., then applied. The operation requires skill, but is 

 without disadvantage, because the sheep can walk almost 

 as well on one hoof as on two. 



Since foot rot is a purely local disease, a general treat- 

 ment and internal remedies are wholly useless and should 

 be dispensed with. Good and copious food, and perhaps 

 from time to time salt-licks mixed with wormwood, oil of 

 turpentine, tar, etc., are recommended. 



If the disease is to be rapidly and thoroughly cured, it 

 is very important to avoid all chances of a new infection. 

 The dung of an infected stable, the pieces of horn removed 

 from diseased hoofs by cutting, old bandages, etc., should 

 be carefully removed or burnt up. 



If a dry, rich pasture-ground is near, the patients may 

 be taken there. It is, however, better and more convenient 



