170 
SANGUINEOUS APOPLEXY. 
observations, and, with these proofs in my hand, endeavour to 
demonstrate that the disease of the blood, whatever may be the 
symptoms that characterize it, is by no means of a putrid or 
typhoid nature, and that all those prophylactic means so suitable 
to such affections, would only prove injurious to sheep predisposed 
to sanguineous apoplectic congestion. 
If, through this feeble essay I am enabled to render myself 
useful to men of science, I shall consider myself most amply repaid. 
Premonitory Symptoms . — It has hitherto been asserted, that 
sanguineous congestion appears without any precursory symptoms. 
In point of fact, there is apparently nothing that would lead one to 
believe that the disease was about to break out in a flock. 
The sheep appear in good health, they eat with appetite, their 
liveliness is undiminished, indeed they are more than usually 
vigorous, and frisk and bound over the ground. Nevertheless, an 
attentive examination of them will enable the experienced veteri- 
nary surgeon to detect a peculiarly bright and animated expres- 
sion of the eyes ; he will also see that the mucous membranes are 
coloured by the injection of the vessels ; that the skin surrounding 
all the natural openings has exchanged its rosy hue for a deep red ; 
that the respiration becomes accelerated, and the urine dark coloured 
or bloody. The dung is sometimes soft and covered with a slimy 
matter intermingled with blood ; and at others, small, hard, bright, 
and striated with’blood. This hardness is chiefly seen in winter 
when the sheep are fed on heating grain, or dry fodder. Blood 
taken from the jugular vein is of a deep red colour, unusually 
warm, and forms a clot of remarkable consistence. It is found rich 
in organic elements, especially in hematosine, but contains very 
little serosity. 
Symptoms . — If, as frequently happens, the sanguineous apoplectic 
congestion suddenly declares itself in the internal organs, and prin- 
cipally in the chest, the abdomen, or the skull, a general debility 
will succeed to this plethoric state — to this excess of vitality. 
The sheep all at once ceases to eat, pauses, appears as if stunned, 
poises itself on its stiff and tottering legs — a convulsive motion 
agitates the lips — its inflamed and tearful eyes are no longer sen- 
sible of light — its flanks heave rapidly — it throws out its head — 
agitates the tail — moves the tongue — emits a frothy foam — opens 
the mouth and breathes through it. as well as through the nose — 
frequently totters, stumbles, and falls. Sometimes it rises again, 
voids excrement crimsoned with blood, and makes vain efforts to 
urine, and if he succeeds, only expels some filaments of dark 
coloured or bloody urine ; lastly, the rattle is heard in its throat, 
the animal ejects a bloody froth through the nostrils, and dies in 
dreadful convulsions. 
