On Lameness in Sheep and Lambs. 
9 
sig^ns of acute inflammation ; there is much lameness, with heat 
and swelling, which extend as high as the knee ; the swelling 
is hard just above the hoof, but softer upwards. 
Causes. — It often arises from diseased condition of the blood, 
or is a sequel of fever ; it may, however, be caused by a blow. 
Treatment. — The grand object is to get matter to form as 
quickly as possible. Keep the sheep warm ; apply a hot turnip 
or carrot poultice twice a day ; give it also four ounces of salts. 
Matter having once formed, it will soon break out, and a cure will 
shortly be effected. If the case proves obstinate, and matter is 
tardv in forming, a deep incision may be made through the 
hardest and most pointed part of the swelling, and a bandage 
applied, and kept moist with vinegar and water. 
In all affections of the feet in sheep, neglecting proper treat- 
ment is too often attended with one of the two formidable dis- 
eases next to be described. Inflammation attacks the soft elastic 
pad of the foot, and determines itself into a disease called 
canker ; or ulceration extends into the coffin and coronary joints, 
affecting all parts connected therewith — ligaments, tendons, 
synovial membranes, cartilages, and in some cases the bones 
themselves. In both cases recovery is not only protracted, but 
so extremely rare that, unless the subject is a valuable ram or 
breeding ewe, the experiment of attempting a cure we scarcely 
consider advisable. 
VI. Canker. — Canker is a very obstinate and destructive dis- 
ease ; it may invade any or all of the vascular structures, but 
most frequently attacks the spongy pad at the bottom of the foot ; 
it consists in the separation of a part or the whole of the hoof, 
and in the formation of luxuriant and peculiar spongy sproutings, 
which morbid growths are secreted instead of natural hoof ; there 
is also a discharge of white curdy matter, emitting a most offen- 
sive odour. The duration of the disease is from four to ten weeks. 
Causes. — The disease is brought on in various ways, but most 
commonly from neglected cases of foot-rot. It is frequently 
produced where many sheep are kept in confined yards, or folded 
upon hot dung, a plan much practised in some parts of Suffolk 
and Norfolk during wet seasons, when folding upon land is 
deemed objectionable. 
Treatment. — First secure to the sheep a situation dry and 
clean ; cut away all hoof that is separated from the sensitive 
parts, or, as a shepherd would say, as much as is " under-run." 
All separated hoof must be removed, not only in the first, but in 
every future dressing ; the same attention must be paid to exa- 
mine if any fresh under-running has occurred ; then carefully 
wash the foot with a solution of chloride of lime, in the propor- 
tion of an ounce to a pint of water ; apply then to the whole 
