Lamenesses of Sheep and Lambs. 
405 
the earlier stages poultices arc requisite. From the low organi- 
sation of the inflamed parts, and the chronic nature of the com- 
plaint, they are best used cold. Indeed, cold applications are 
preferable to hot in most injuries and diseases of the limbs of 
cattle and sheep. Hot applications, while they soften and 
soothe, dilate the vessels, favour the determination of blood, the 
progress of effusion, and the formation of pus. Cold applica- 
tions, on the other hand, contract the dilated, inflamed vessels, 
and impart tone, thus diminishing the afflux of blood and the 
tendency to effusion. They are conveniently applied in the form 
of poultices of cold mashed turnips, linseed meal, or carrots, 
which must be kept soft, moist, and cool, by frequent effusion of 
salt and water, diluted vinegar, or buttei-milk. The hoof must 
be carefully thinned down, and all sources of irritation removed. 
General bloodletting is rarely necessary, but local bloodletting 
is often of advantage in reducing the swelling and pain. A small 
phleme or lancet is plunged into the vascular plexus above the 
heels, or the toe is pared until blood springs, while the flow may 
be encouraged by placing the foot in tepid water, and is easily 
stopped by some wet tow and a bandage. Saline laxatives should 
be given if the bowels are torpid. Febrifuges, as recommended 
in rheumatism, are also sometimes required. The food should 
be soft, laxative, and easy of digestion. Where the treatment 
recommended is pursued for some days without benefit, matter 
must be forming in the deep-seated parts, and all endeavours to 
put back the inflammation will be fruitless. The end to be now 
sought is the speedy maturation of the abscesses, and this may 
be expedited by hot fomentations and poultices, and supporting 
the animal's strength by good nutritive food. Whenever the 
matter reaches the surface, incisions with free dependent orifices 
must be made for its speedy evacuation. Astringents and even 
caustics are now of advantage. Solutions, containing from ten to 
fifteen grains of sulphate of copper or corrosive sublimate to the 
ounce of water, should be injected at intervals ; or this may be 
varied by the substitution of diluted nitric acid, in the propor- 
tion of twenty drops to the ounce of water, or by Burnett's solu- 
tion of chloride of zinc. These last two are especially suitable 
where there is a strong foetid odour, when blcaching-powder and 
charcoal are also useful. Butter of antimony, undiluted acids, 
and solid caustics, are usually inadmissible, except for keeping 
down surface granulations. They cannot with propriety be in- 
jected into the wounds, as they cause great pain, lead to sloughing, 
and uselessly retard the progress of the cure. The outer wounds 
must be kept scrupulously clean, and dressed with mild digestive 
ointment. 
Interdigital Inflammation. — In dry, hot summer weather, heav}', 
