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DISEASES OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS 



Foot Rot in Sheep. 



This is probably due to a specific organism and occurs en- 

 zootically in certain regions. It is readily communicated by con- 

 tact, by pastures, infected quarters, litter, inoculation, etc. It may 

 be prevented by segregating newly-bought animals for a period of 

 three weeks, and by keeping healthy sheep away from infected 

 places. 



Briefly, it is characterized by ulceration and fetid discharge be- 

 ginning in the interdigital space, accompanied by swelling above the 

 coronet. The ulceration is progressive and separation of the claw 

 in the interdigital space and exposure and necrosis of soft parts 

 ensues until the claw is lost and the ligaments, tendons and joint 

 are involved. Death often occurs in 5-8 months if untreated. 

 It must be distinguished from foot-and-mouth disease. In the latter 

 there is fever, several feet are apt to be affected, and vesicles often 

 occur in the mouth. 



Treatment. — Sheep with foot rot should be isolated from their 

 fellows and given dry, clean quarters and bedding. In the earlier 

 stages it is sufficient to drive them through a foot bath three times 

 a week. This may be of various antiseptics. Among those found 

 most useful are creolin (3 per cent.), or iron sulphate (4 per cent.), 

 which has the advantage of being very cheap, and lime slaked with 

 water and mixed into a creamy consistence. 



When the cases are more severe, local treatment of the foot 

 must be undertaken. When the horn has begun to separate from 

 the sensitive parts, all the dead and separated horn must be cut 

 away, to expose the diseased soft structures, and these must be 

 treated by applying an antiseptic wash (2 per cent, creolin or 

 lysol) and carbolic acid in glycerin (10 per cent), or iodine or 

 creolin ointment (5 per cent). Fungoid growths may be cauter- 

 ized with fuming nitric acid or phenol and the soft parts protected 

 by tar. A protective dressing and bandage would be advisable if 

 this were not difficult and too expensive. 



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