Scab, itch, erysipelas, &c., all come under the head of cutaneous
diseases, and require nearly the same general treatment. The following
compound may be depended on as a safe and efficient remedy in either of
the above diseases:--
Sulphur, 2 ounces.
Powdered sassafras, 1 ounce.
Honey, sufficient to amalgamate the above. Dose, a table-spoonful every
morning. To prevent the sheep from rubbing themselves, apply
Pyroligneous acid, 1 gill.
Water, 1 quart.
Mix, and wet the parts with a sponge.
_Remarks._--In reference to the scab, Dr. Gunther says, "Of all the
preservatives which have been proposed, inoculation is the best. It has
two advantages: first, the disease so occasioned is much more mitigated,
and very rarely proves fatal; in the next place, an entire flock may get
well from it in the space of fifteen days, whilst the natural form of
the disorder requires care and attention for at least six months. It has
been ascertained that the latter kills[17] more than one half of those
attacked; whilst among the sheep that have been inoculated, the greatest
proportion that die of it is one per cent."
Whenever the scab makes its appearance, the whole flock should be
examined, and every one having the least abrasion eruption of the skin
should be put under medical treatment.
In most cases, itch is the result of infection. A single sheep infected
with it is sufficient to infect a whole flock. If a few applications of
the pyroligneous wash, aided by the medicine, are not sufficient to
remove the malady, then recourse must be had to the following:--
Fir balsam, half a pint.
Sulphur, 1 ounce.
Mix. Anoint the sores daily.
The only additional treatment necessary in erysipelas is, to give a
bountiful supply of tea made of lemon balm, sweetened with honey.