The progress of this disease is generally very slow, and a person
unaccustomed to the management of sheep would find some difficulty in
recognizing it. A practical eye would distinguish it, even at a
distance. The disease is known by one or more of the following symptoms:
The animal often remains behind the flock, shaking its head, with its
ears depressed; it allows itself to be seized, without any resistance.
The eye is dull and watery; the eyelids are swollen; the lips, gums, and
palate have a pale tint; the skin, which is of a yellowish white,
appears puffed, and retains the impression; the wool loses its
brightness, and is easily torn off; the urine is high colored, and the
excrement soft. As the disease progresses, there is loss of appetite,
great thirst, general emaciation, &c.
The indications are, to improve the secretions, vitalize the blood, and
sustain the living powers. For which purpose, take
Powdered charcoal, 2 ounces.
" ginger, 1 ounce.
" golden seal, 1 ounce.
Oatmeal, 1 pound.
Mix. Feed to each animal a handful per day, unless rumination shall have
ceased; then omit the oatmeal, and give a tea-spoonful of the mixed
ingredients, in half a pint of hyssop, or horsemint tea. Continue as
occasion may require.
The food should be boiled, if possible. The best kind, especially in the
latter stages of rot, is, equal parts of linseed and ground corn.
If the urine is high colored, and the animal is thirsty, give an
occasional drink of
Cleavers, (_galium aparine_,) 2 ounces.
Boiling water, 2 quarts.
When cold, strain. Dose, one pint. To be repeated, if necessary.