The Rot in Sheep. 



83 



Sir G. S. Mackenzie directs attention to the beneficial use of 

 mercury, but says that " it would, perhaps, be improper to 

 administer this agent internally. The safest and most effectual 

 method of applying it is in the form of the common blue oint- 

 ment, and a trial of this is strongly recommended to those whose 

 flocks are liable to rot. It should be applied to the bare skin in 

 the region of the liver ; and the size of a nut rubbed in till it is 

 all dried up, twice a day for a week or ten days. This, in con- 

 junction with wholesome food, will in all probability prove to 

 be the most effectual treatment. Mercury is well known to be 

 a specific for diseased liver of the human body, and on that 

 account we may presume that it will be efficacious in the cure 

 of the same organ in sheep, and it is also recommended as the 

 most effectual means of destroying the fluke-worm." 



Youatt, adopting the erroneous views of those who regard 

 rot as an inflammatory affection of the liver at its commence- 

 ment, advises that the animal be bled to the extent of " 8, 10, 

 or 12 ozs.," and that this be followed up by an aperient, consist- 

 ing of 2 or 3 ozs. of Epsom salts ; and he adds, " the physic 

 having operated, or an additional dose, perchance, having been 

 administered in order to quicken the action of the first, the 

 farmer will look for further means and appliances. Friction 

 with mercurial ointment on the region of the liver has been 

 recommended, but not by those who have had opportunity to 

 observe its secondary effects on the ruminant. Still the disease 

 under consideration, with evident determination to the liver, 

 requires the agency of this powerful but dangerous medicine. 

 Two or three grains of calomel may be given daily, but mixed 

 with half the quantity of opium, in order to secure its beneficial, 

 and to ward off its injurious effects on the ruminant. To this 

 should be added — a simple and cheap medicine, but that which 

 is the sheet-anchor of the practitioner here — common salt." 



Clater, who boasts of curing " 9 sheep out of 10 even in the last 

 stage " of the malady, recommends the following medicament : — 



M Nitre in powder, 6 ozs. 

 Ginger, fresh powdered, 4 ozs. 



Colcotbar of vitriol (red oxide of iron) in fine powder, 2 ozs. 

 Common salt, 3* lbs. 

 Boiling water, 3 gallons. 



" Pour the water hot upon the ingredients ; stir them, and when new-milk 

 warm, add to every quart of the mixture 3 ozs. of spirit of turpentine, and 

 bottle it for use." 



When using the medicine, we are instructed that the " follow- 

 ing directions must be strictly regarded : — Keep the infected 

 sheep from food all night ; on the following morning give to 

 each 2 ozs. or 4 tablespoonfuls of the above mixture (remember 



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