320 



Diseases of Sheep. 



it was easily eradicated. It seems^ therefore, more probable that 

 it arises from some peculiar cause connected with the nature of 

 the soil and situation to which all the diseased sheep are equally 

 exposed. It is very possible that, where a discharge of acrid matter 

 is left on the ground, other sheep may become affected, or perhaps 

 inoculated, by treading on it, as no doubt was the case in the few 

 instances I have recorded ; but the rapid extension of the disease 

 which I have often witnessed must arise from some other source. 

 The cure is easily accomplished by an experienced person. The 

 lame sheep being separated from the rest of the flock, the hoof 

 must be cut away with a sharp knife (called a sheep-foot knife, by 

 cutlers) as far as the disease has spread, and which may be traced 

 by its becoming divided from the internal parts ; this must be par- 

 ticularly attended to, for unless the sore is probed to the bottom 

 no application v/ill be of service. When this is done the ointment 

 (Appendix, No. 5), will often prove effectual at one application. 

 It is wrong to use too strong a caustic, as it dries up the surface 

 too quickly, and matter forms beneath. 



Another form of this complaint, and known also by the names 

 of foot-halt, lore, Sec, and much more difficult of cure, generally 

 proceeds from a strain or blow. It commences with a visible en- 

 largement of the foot, accompanied with great inflammatory action. 

 This continues to increase until suppuration takes place, when 

 matter is discharged from between the claws and just above the 

 coronet. 



In treating foot-rot of this character, the same course which I 

 have recommended in the preceding disease designated by the same 

 name will not be successful. The most judicious treatment is to 

 promote suppuration as quickly as possible. For this purpose, I 

 have found nothing so effectual, after well fomenting the parts 

 with warm water, as an application of Venice turpentine on some 

 tow, which must be confined to the foot by means of a stout rag. 

 It should be examined three tim.es a-week, the fomenting process 

 renewed, and a fresh plaster applied. Should any fungus excres- 

 cence appear, it must be removed by caustic. When there ceases 

 to be a discharge of matter, the plasters may be discontinued, 

 and the foot will soon become sound. 



for two years, till the autumn of 1839, when having bought some sheep 

 which unfortunately broke out with it, it spread through most of my flock. 

 I have now only some six or seven left lame, and they are fast recovering. 

 My plan of treatment has been very simple : I strew the floor of a lar^e 

 shed all over with quick-lime, and put the sheep in every morning for about 

 a quarter of an hour, and in the afternoon dress the foot alternately with 

 butyr of antimony, and finely-powdered blue vitriol ; and I have generally 

 found them recover after a few dressings. In wet weather, it will be found 

 very beneficial to wash the diseased feet with strong lime water. — W, 

 Greaves. 



