ABORTION.
CAUSE.—Is usually produced by injuries, or by the ewes being poisoned
from eating poisonous foods, plants, etc. It has never occurred in
infectious form in this country, although sometimes an outbreak is
thought infectious on account of several ewes aborting about the same
time, but all such outbreaks have been traced to some irritating poison
which they had taken with their food or drinking water.
PREVENTIVE TREATMENT.—Remove the aborted lambs or kids and afterbirth
from the yards, and also withdraw the ewe or nanny and place her in
comfortable quarters. She requires care and extra nursing, or she will
become very poor and lose a large portion of her fleece.
MEDICAL TREATMENT.—If due to poisonous plants, etc., when the first
symptoms of Abortion or poisoning are noticed, give six to ten ounces of
Castor Oil. Warm the oil so it will run freely. Set the sheep or goat
upon its haunches and pour very slowly. Great care must be exercised so
as not to let any of the oil enter the lungs, as it may produce fatal
pneumonia. Feed food that is easily digested and supply them with pure
water to drink. When the general condition is weak or run down, so to
speak, the following tonic is recommended: Pulv. Gentian Root, one
ounce; Pulv. Nux Vomica, one ounce; Pulv. Potassium Nitrate, one ounce;
Hyposulphite of Soda, three ounces; Protan, three ounces. Mix and make
into twenty-four powders. Give one powder two or three times daily well
back on the tongue.
REMEMBER all tonics are bitter, therefore beware of any so-called tonics
that the animals eat readily, as these possess no real tonic values.
BLACK SCOURS.
(_Verminous Gastritis—Strongylosis_)
CAUSE.—Due to a worm (Strongylus Contortus) measuring one-fourth to one
inch in length, inhabiting the intestines and the fourth stomach of sheep
and goats. This disease is frequently seen in low, marshy pastures, where
animals infested with the worm pass the ova or egg with the feces, the
eggs developing into an embryotic worm which is again taken with the food
or water by non-infected animals, whereby this disease again attacks the
intestines and fully matured worms develop.
SYMPTOMS.—Naturally, the symptoms vary according to the violence of
the attack. In well developed cases, the animal strains to defecate,
and passes shreds of intestinal mucous along with blood-stained
feces. Finally a severe dysentery takes place, the animal becomes
correspondingly weak, and death takes place in two or three days. Some
cases become chronic, in which death does not take place for a month or
more. However, the latter is uncommon. Other signs are staggering gait,
trembling, eyes fixed, showing wild expression, neck turned to one side.
Then the animal appears as if in pain, and looks around at the flank
frequently. There is a chopping of the jaws, and a very free flow of
stringy saliva from the mouth. When an animal dies from the symptoms
just described, it should be cut open and carefully examined for this
particular parasite, which can be easily seen with the naked eye.
TREATMENT.—Very successfully treated when the first symptoms appear by
administering one ounce of Gasoline with a pint of Milk. To lambs or kids
give half the dose. Every precaution should be taken so as to prevent
the drench from entering the lungs. Perhaps the best method is to set
the animals on its haunches and pour the liquid slowly and carefully; if
they cough, let them down. Any drench entering the lungs produces fatal
pneumonia. Feed good nourishing food, and supply them with fresh water to
drink.
CATARRH.
(_Cold in the Head_)
CAUSE.—Atmospheric changes, sudden exposure to cold, wet weather after
being accustomed to warm, comfortable surroundings, inhaling dust, smoke
and gases or, in fact, anything that will produce an irritation to the
membranes lining the nose; commonly seen in the spring and fall.
SYMPTOMS.—Chilling, elevation of temperature, nose dry, breathing
hurried, sneezing, coughing, dullness, appetite varied. In the first
stages of the malady, the nostrils are considerably inflamed, but in
the course of a few days the temperature subsides and a yellowish-white
discharge flows from the nose continuously.
TREATMENT.—Keep the affected animals dry, omit drafts, feed good,
wholesome food, and provide bedding for them to lie upon. In the first
stages of this malady, it is advisable to confine the animals in a barn,
closing the windows and doors and compelling them to inhale steam from
boiling hot water and Pine Tar. The best method to accomplish this is
by placing a tub about half full of water in the center of the barn and
add about one gallon of Pine Tar. Then heat bricks or stones and place
them into the tub. In this way a large number can be treated at one
time. The sheep should be compelled to inhale this steam for thirty to
forty minutes twice a day. In addition to the above, the following is
very beneficial: Chlorate of Potash, one ounce; Nitrate of Potassi, two
ounces. Make into sixteen powders and give one powder to each sheep in
its drinking water two or three times daily. Feed hot bran mashes and
vegetables if possible.
DIARRHOEA.
(_Dysentery_)
CAUSE.—Diarrhoea, or Dysentery, is a sign of some irritation of the
intestines resulting in increased secretions, or increased muscular
contraction, or both. The irritation is sometimes the result of chilling
from exposure, improper feeding, as contaminated or frozen foods,
irritating foods, drinking cold or stagnant water, indigestion, organic
diseases of the intestines, or parasitic diseases. (See Strongylosis.)
SYMPTOMS.—Movements from the bowels are frequent, as first consisting of
thin fecal matter, but as this malady progresses it becomes watery and
offensive in smell, and streaked with blood. At first the animal shows
no constitutional disturbances, but eventually it becomes weak and shows
signs of abdominal pain by looking around to the flank, throwing the feet
together, lying down, or moving restlessly. Sometimes this disease is
accompanied by fever, great depression, loss of strength, rapid loss of
flesh; terminating in death.
TREATMENT.—Determine the cause and remove it if possible. When the
disease is due to irritating properties of food which have been fed the
animal, it is well to give a physic of Castor Oil in two to six ounce
doses, according to the size of the animal. When there is debility, want
of appetite, and temperature normal, but continuous water discharge
from the bowels, give Protan, two ounces; Gum Cathechu, one ounce;
Pulv. Ginger, one ounce; Zinc Sulphocarbolates, eight grains. Make into
sixteen powders and give one powder on the tongue every three or four
hours, according to the severity of the attack. Feed food that is easily
digested, as wheat bran mashes, steamed rolled oats, etc. See that the
drinking water is fresh and clean.
FOOT ROT.
(_Foul in the Foot_)
CAUSE.—Foot Rot is produced by inflammation of the soft structures of
the foot between the claws or toes. It may be due to an overgrowth and
inward pressure, etc., or from filth accumulating and hardening between
the claws, producing inflammation and softening or ulceration of the skin
in the interdigital space (between the claws). Under some conditions
several sheep or goats in the same drove become affected at the same
time, leading many to think that the disease is contagious. When Foot Rot
appears in a very short time, among sheep or goats, this condition can
almost always be traced to filth, irritation, etc.
SYMPTOMS.—The animal is observed to limp when walking. On careful
examination of the foot we find it hot, swollen above the claws and in
the soft parts between them, frequently spreading the claws apart to a
considerable extent, or the inflammation may have advanced to softening
and sloughing of the soft structure between the claws. If this condition
is neglected at this stage, deep abscesses form and the pus burrows
under the horny wall, and the joints within the hoof become inflamed and
destroyed, in which case the treatment is difficult and recovery will be
very arduous.
TREATMENT.—In the early stages of the disease, before the pus burrows
beneath the horny structures of the foot, any foreign substances impacted
between the claws should be removed. Then place a trough about one foot
wide, six to eight inches high, and twelve to sixteen feet long, and fill
with water and Coal Tar Dip, diluted in proportions of one part dip to
fifty parts of water. Build a fence on each side of the trough, just wide
enough for one sheep to pass through, and compel every sheep to walk in
the solution slowly.
This treatment should be repeated once or twice a week until the lameness
has disappeared. In cases where deep sloughing has taken place under the
horny structures, saturate a piece of oakum or cotton in the following
liniment: Oil of Origanum, Oil of Pisis, Oil of Turpentine, each four
ounces. Place it between the claws and hold it there by means of a
bandage. Repeat this application every other day. The animals that do not
show signs of improvement under this treatment in a few days invariably
have the joints of the foot affected and should not be driven.
FORAGE POISONING.
CAUSE.—This condition is produced by animals eating various foliage
(Grass or Shrubbery) at a time when the peculiar poisonous principles are
developed in it, as appears to happen in certain seasons. The disease is
liable to affect a large proportion of animals which are under the same
grazing conditions.
SYMPTOMS.—Generally takes two or three days to develop. The animal
gradually becomes more or less unconscious and paralyzed, staggers when
forced to walk, and it may have great difficulty in keeping on its feet,
it is extremely averse to going down, and leans for support against any
convenient object. It breathes in a snorting manner. The mucous membranes
are tinged with yellow, and the bowels constipated. In other cases
severe diarrhoea follows, and the animal becomes very weak and dies in
convulsions or spasms. Recovery may be expected in cases that are not
marked by severe symptoms.
TREATMENT.—Endeavor to find out the true cause and remove it if possible.
Change range or pasture for a short time; this has successfully
eradicated this malady. The animal showing the above symptoms should
receive four to eight ounces of Castor Oil regardless of whether there
is diarrhoea or constipation. In either case the irritation will be
relieved by its laxative effect. In cases where diarrhoea becomes
chronic, after administering the Castor Oil, the following will be found
very efficient in its control: Protan, three ounces; Ginger, one ounce;
Gum Catechu, two ounces. Make into sixteen powders and place one powder
well back on the tongue every four or six hours. Feed clean, wholesome
food and supply clean, fresh water to drink. Provide shelter for the
animal if the weather is hot.
GARGET.
(_Congestion and Inflammation of the Udder_)
CAUSE.—As a rule, in Garget or Congestion of the Udder in heavy milking
ewes, just before and after lambing, the glands of the udder enlarge,
become hot, tense and tender and a slight pasty swelling extends forward
from the glands on the lower surface of the abdomen. This physiological
condition is looked upon as a matter of course and disposed of in two
or three days when the secretions of milk have been fully established.
General breaking up of the udder may be greatly hastened by the sucking
of a hungry lamb and the kneading it gives the udder with its nose is
beneficial. The above mentioned congestion or Garget may emerge into
active inflammation resulting from continued exposure to cold weather,
standing in cold drafts or injury to the udder from stone, clubs, feet
of other animals, overfeeding or rich food, like cotton seed or soy
bean, sore teats or a ewe losing her lamb in the period of full milking;
serious disturbances of the animal’s health is liable to fall upon the
udder.
SYMPTOMS.—The symptoms and mode of attack vary in different cases.
Following exposure to cold drafts or cold, wet weather, there is usually
severe chilling with cold ears and limbs and general dryness and
brittleness of the wool. This is followed by a flush of heat, the ears
and limbs become unnaturally warm and the glands swell up and become
firm and solid in one or both sides of the udder. The muzzle is hot
and dry, temperature elevated two or three degrees above normal, pulse
firm and quick, excited breathing, appetite and rumination suspended,
bowels constipated, urine scanty and the yield of milk may be entirely
suppressed in the affected side.
TREATMENT.—Determine the cause and remove it if possible. Move the
affected animals to comfortable quarters, supply liberal quantities of
bedding for the animal to lie upon. Give two to six ounces of Glauber
Salts dissolved in a pint of hot water. Permit it to cool. Place the ewe
on her haunches and drench carefully. Feed laxative foods as hot bran
mashes, steamed rolled oats and vegetables, supplying the animal with
pure water to drink, to which add two drams of Hyposulphite of Soda, two
or three times a day. In some cases it is advisable to apply Camphorated
Ointment to the udder once or twice a day.
GID.
(_Sturdy_)
CAUSE.—Gid is produced by a bladder worm, a larva or an egg of the
tapeworm infesting the intestines of dogs, wolves and coyotes. The eggs
of these tapeworms are scattered over the range or pastures in the
droppings of infested dogs, wolves or coyotes, and these when swallowed
in the food or water by the sheep, hatch out and the embryos migrate to
the brain, spinal cord, etc., where they develop into cysts, bladder
worms or water bags, etc. When the organs of sheep, thus infested, are
eaten by dogs, wolves or coyotes, the cyst worms are also likely to be
swallowed and then develop into mature tapeworms.
SYMPTOMS.—In case a large number of embryos become lodged in the brain
of sheep, the first signs will be shown in about eight to twelve days.
Bladder worms produce a congestion of the brain which causes dullness,
dizziness, indicating an affection of the brain, walking or turning in
circles. If the left side of the brain is affected, they will turn to the
left; if the right side is affected, they will turn to the right. The
head eventually droops, the eyes become red and the vision is impaired,
the head very hot over the affected region, the affected sheep become
separated from the flock. Sometimes the sheep are partially or completely
paralyzed.
PREVENTION.—Prevention is the only method by which this disease can
be eradicated. Prevent the sheep from becoming infected with these
parasites. Stray dogs, wolves or coyotes should be killed whenever found,
and dogs too valuable to kill should be kept free from tapeworm. Meat
should not be fed to dogs unless cooked or known to be free from tapeworm
cysts.
GRUBS IN THE HEAD.
(_Head Maggot_)
CAUSE.—Grubs in the head of sheep are produced by the Sheep Gadfly which
is yellowish-gray in color with five well divided rings around its body,
covered over with fine hair and the lower portion of the head white. This
fly is somewhat larger than the ordinary house fly. It attacks sheep and
goats during the Summer and Fall and deposits its larva about the sheep’s
and goat’s nostrils. This larva attaches itself to the mucous membrane of
the nostrils with two hooklets by which it gradually works into the air
cavities of the head, remaining there for about ten months. Then it again
passes from the nostrils, burrows into the ground and becomes a fully
matured Gadfly in six or eight weeks, which completes its life cycle, the
head of the sheep or goat being its intermediate host where the newly
born Gadfly again attaches its larva.
SYMPTOMS.—When sheep or goats are attacked by this Gadfly, they run,
strike at the nose with their front feet, rub the nose on the ground or
against other sheep. In case only three or four larvae gain entrance to
the sinuses of the head, they produce very little, if any, ill effects,
but where they become numerous, they cause the animal to cough and sneeze
continually, discharge from the nose, which is occasionally tinged
with blood. The appetite becomes impaired, the animal shows signs of
emaciation, becomes very weak, raises the nose in the air, but eventually
becomes so weak it reels when walking and finally lies down. It becomes
so weak it cannot toss the head or rise, and dies.
PREVENTION TREATMENT.—Very successful. Paint the sheep’s or goat’s nose
with Pine Tar, or better still, place salt in a trough, covering it with
boards, with holes bored in them just large enough for the animal to
insert its nose. Smear Pine Tar about the holes once or twice a week.
This treatment has proven very efficient in localities where sheep
Gadflies are numerous.
MEDICAL TREATMENT.—After the animal once becomes infected with these
grubs, bore holes (trephine) through the skull with a sharp instrument
made for this purpose and remove the grubs.
HOVEN.
(_Bloating—Acute Tympanites—Acute Indigestion_)
CAUSE.—Hoven is caused by various kinds of food which produce indigestion
or fermentation and resultant gases in the rumen or paunch. When sheep
are first turned into young clover, they eat so greedily of it that
bloating frequently results. Turnips, potatoes and cabbage may also
produce it. Middlings and corn meal also frequently give rise to it.
In this connection it may be stated that an excessive quantity of any
food, before mentioned, may bring on this disorder, or it may not be due
to excessive eating but to eating too fast. Sometimes the quality of
food is at fault. Grass, clover or alfalfa, when wet with dew or rain
soaked, frequently produce digestive disorders and bloating follows.
Frozen roots or potatoes covered with white frost should be regarded
as dangerous. When food has been eaten too hastily or when it is cold
and wet, the digestive process is imperfectly performed and the food
contained in the paunch ferments, during which process large quantities
of gas are formed. This same result may follow when a sheep is choking,
as the obstruction in the gullet prevents the eructation or passing of
gas from the stomach so that the gas continues to accumulate until severe
bloating results.
SYMPTOMS.—The swelling of the left flank is very characteristic, as in
well marked cases the flank at its upper part rises above the level
of the backbone and when struck with the tips of the fingers emits a
drum-like sound. The animal has an anxious expression, moves uneasily
and is evidently distressed. If relief is not obtained in time the sheep
breathes with difficulty, reels in walking or standing and in a short
time falls down and dies from suffocation. The distention of the stomach
or rumen may become so great that it pushes the diaphragm (the membrane
separating the lung and intestinal cavity) forward against the lungs, so
as to squeeze and stop their movements, thus preventing the animal from
breathing and in some instances the case may be complicated by a rupture
of the stomach.
TREATMENT.—Do not waste any time. Puncture about three inches downward
and forward from the point of the hip bone with a clean sharp knife, or
any instrument that is clean and sharp. A special instrument made for
this purpose, the trocar, is a very useful instrument.
Sometimes bloating becomes chronic, and if such is the case dissolve
two teaspoonfuls of Turpentine in one-half pint of milk and drench the
animal very carefully, as some of this drench may escape into the lungs
and produce fatal pneumonia. Set a sheep upon its haunches to give the
medicine; if it coughs let it down quickly to prevent strangulation.
INDIGESTION.
(_Dyspepsia_)
CAUSE.—Irritant food, damaged food, overloaded paunch or sudden change of
diet may produce this disease. Want of exercise predisposes an animal to
it and it is caused by woody or indigestible food. Food which possesses
astringent (drying) properties tends to check the digestive secretions
and may also act as an exciting cause. Food in excessive quantity may
lead to disorders of the digestion and to this disease. It is very likely
to appear towards the end of the protracted season of drought, therefore
a deficiency of water must be regarded as one of the conditions which
favors its development.
SYMPTOMS.—Appetite diminished; rumination, or chewing the cud, irregular;
tongue coated, mouth slimy, feces passed apparently not well digested
and offensive in odor, dullness and fullness of the flanks. This disease
may, in some cases, assume a chronic character, for in addition to the
above mentioned symptoms, slight bloating of the left flank may be
observed. The animal breathes with great difficulty and grunts with each
respiration. The ears and legs alternately become hot and cold. The
rumination, or cud chewing, at this stage ceases and the usual rumbling
sound in the stomach is not audible. The passage of feces is entirely
suspended and the animal passes only a little mucus occasionally.
Sometimes constipation and diarrhoea alternate; there is a rise in
temperature in many cases. The disease continues for a few days or a week
in this mild form, while the severe form of the disease may last for
several weeks. In the severe form the emaciation and loss of strength
may be very great. There is no appetite, no rumination or rumbling sound
in the stomach or intestines. The mouth is hot and sticky, the eyes have
retracted in their sockets and the milk secretion has ceased. In such
cases the outlook for recovery is unfavorable. The affected animals fall
away in flesh and become very weak, which is shown by the fact that one
finds the animal lying down.
On examination of sheep or goats which have died of this disease, it is
found that the lining membranes of the fourth stomach and intestines,
particularly the small intestines, are red, swollen, streaked with deep
red or blushed lines or spotted. The lining of the third stomach is more
or less softened and may be easily peeled off. The third stomach contains
dry, hard food masses, closely adhering to its walls. In some cases the
brain appears to become affected, probably from the pain endured and
weakness and absorption of poisons generated in the digestive canal. In
such cases there is weakness and a staggering gait; the sheep or goats
do not appear to see, and will consequently run against obstacles. After
a time it falls down and gives up to a violent disordered struggle. This
delirious condition is succeeded by stupor and death.
TREATMENT.—Successful, if fed in its first stages on small quantities
of roots, sweet silage or select grasses or hay. This should be offered
several times daily. Very little food should be allowed if the animal
is constipated, in which case give two to four ounces of Glauber Salts
dissolved in a pint of hot water. When it cools, set the animal on its
haunches and pour slowly and carefully. If they strangle or cough let
them down, as some of the drench may escape into the lungs and produce
lung complications. After the Glauber Salts have acted and if there is
a lack of appetite and the animal does not chew the cud regularly, the
following tonic will be found beneficial: Pulv. Gentian Root, one ounce;
Pulv. Nux Vomica, one ounce; Pulv. Anise Seed, two ounces. Mix thoroughly
and make into thirty-two powders. Give one powder two or three times a
day well back on the tongue. The food must be rather laxative and of
a digestible character. After an attack of this form of indigestion,
ice cold water should be avoided. Food should be given in moderate
quantities, as any excess by overtaxing the digestive functions may bring
on a relapse.
JAUNDICE.
(_Liver Congestion—Inflammation of the Liver_)
CAUSE.—Jaundice or Liver Congestion is due to constipation where there
is an inactive or torpid condition of the bowels and the bile which
passes into the intestines is absorbed and produces a yellow staining of
Jaundice. Jaundice is merely a symptom of a disease and ought to direct
attention to ascertain if possible the cause or causes which give rise
to it. Inflammation of the liver usually occurs as a complication of
infectious diseases. It may also occur as a complication of intestinal
catarrh, or in hot weather from overheating, eating decomposed or
irritating food or from drinking stagnant water.
SYMPTOMS.—The signs are sometimes obscure and their real significance is
frequently overlooked. The most prominent symptoms are the yellowness
of the white of the eyes and of the mucous membranes lining the mouth,
appetite poor, body presents an emaciated appearance, the feces is light
in color, while the urine is likely to be unusually dark and there is
great thirst present. The gait is weak and the animal lies down more
than usual and while doing so frequently has its head around resting on
the side of its chest. Temperature is slightly elevated above normal and
breathing is somewhat hurried.
TREATMENT.—Remove the cause if possible. Give Glauber Salts in three to
four ounce doses, diluted in a pint of hot water permitted to cool and
give at one dose. When drenching, be very careful, as some of the liquid
may escape into the lungs and produce severe complications. Feed green
food or hot bran mashes and supply them with a liberal quantity of pure
water to drink.
LIVER FLUKE.
CAUSE.—The parasite that produces Liver Fluke in sheep has an oblong,
flat, leaf-like body, brownish in color, measuring from one-fourth to
one-half inch in length. Sheep become infected with this Liver Fluke from
grazing on low marshy pastures infected by the larvae of Liver Fluke.
SYMPTOMS.—A sheep, when first infected with Liver Fluke, generally
thrives as the parasites tend to stimulate the process of digestion,
being located as they are in the liver, but eventually rumination
becomes irregular, the sheep becomes anemic, weak and the visible mucous
membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes become pale, bloodless, taking on
a yellowish color as the disease progresses. Swellings will also appear
under the jaw along the neck and under the lung cavity. The process of
breathing becomes feeble and temperature irregular. Pregnant ewes will
generally abort and nursing ewes’ milk will become so deprived of its
nourishing properties that the lambs become emaciated, although not
necessarily affected with the Liver Fluke.
PREVENTION.—Move to non-infected pastures, supply the animals grazing on
low marshy pastures with a liberal amount of salt, also introduce frogs,
toads, carp, etc., into the marshy ponds, as they destroy the parasite in
its first stages of development, feeding on their intermediate host, the
snail.
MEDICAL TREATMENT.—This is of little value. After an animal once becomes
infected with the parasite, it never makes a complete recovery, although
Calomel administered in ten grain doses every two or three weeks appears
to have a very good effect in some cases, if fed freely on nitrogenous
food and permitted to drink well of pure running water.
LUNG FEVER.
(_Pneumonia—Congestion of the Lungs—Pulmonary Apoplexy_)
Acute congestion and inflammation of the spongy tissues of the lungs is
frequently seen in sheep, the same as in other animals.
CAUSE.—Sheep that are overdriven are subject to Lung Congestion in acute
or chronic form and sometimes Pulmonary Apoplexy, and especially when in
a plethoric condition are predisposed to inflammation of the lungs. The
exciting cause is very much the same as in different diseases of the air
passage and it is not uncommon for the inflammation to extend from these
parts of the lungs. However, there are a number of causes in addition to
those already mentioned. It frequently results when sheep are accustomed
to warm, comfortable quarters and are changed to cold, drafty pens, or
shipping some distance in open stock cars during cold weather. In fact,
any sudden chilling of the body is a common cause of lung disorders.
Giving fat sheep too much exercise when they are not accustomed to it is
a very frequent cause of Congestion and Inflammation of the Lungs. This
may occur when they are chased by dogs, etc., or when driven to a distant
market at too rapid a gait. Exercise during the hot summer months is
apt to cause congestion of the lung substance, as well as heat stroke.
Dipping sheep during cold weather may chill the body and result in this
disease.
SYMPTOMS.—If due to severe exercise, the animal appears greatly exhausted
and the Congestion of the Lungs is marked. Death may occur at this stage
of the disease. Inflammation of the Lungs usually begins with a chill and
is followed by a high fever. The sheep stand most of the time and may eat
nothing, or very little. The breathing is hurried at first, but when the
lungs become badly involved, it is also labored. The character of the
pulse beat varies, depending on the extent of the inflammation and the
stage of the disease. In most cases the pulse is full and quick during
the early stages of the disease. A very weak pulse is present in severe
and fatal cases of Pneumonia. The visible mucous membranes have a red
colored appearance and there may be a slight discharge from the nostrils.
The expression of the face is anxious and distressed in severe cases and
rigors and chilling of the body occur. The respiratory sounds are more or
less normal. The cough at first is deep and dry; later it becomes loose
and moist. It may be accompanied by a hemorrhage during this stage of the
disease. Other respiratory sounds are revealed by placing the ear to the
side of the chest walls and listening to the sound of the lungs. This
cannot be practiced in long wooled sheep with satisfaction, as the chest
walls are so thick that the lung sounds are deadened, or the noise made
by the animal hides the respiratory murmurs in the very early stages of
Inflammation of the Lungs. A crepitating or crackling sound can be heard
in the diseased parts and louder sounds than normal in the healthy areas.
Later when the engorgement of the lung substance occurs and the air
cells become filled with an inflammatory serum, the respiratory sounds
are deadened, but on returning to the normal, a rattling sound occurs.
These symptoms help greatly in determining the animal’s condition and in
watching the progress of the disease. The chances for the recovery depend
on the extent and the acuteness of the inflammation. Careless handling,
exercising, etc., lessen the chances for a favorable termination in
the disease, but good care helps more to bring about recovery than the
medical treatment. The recovery is more unfavorable in fat than in lean
sheep, as the inflammation is usually more severe in the former. The
course is from seven to twenty-one days and it may become chronic if the
irritation is kept up. In such cases, unthriftiness is a prominent sign.
TREATMENT.—The preventive treatment in Pneumonia must not be overlooked.
Briefly, it consists in avoiding such conditions as may predispose the
animal to the disease or act in any way as an exciting cause. Careful
nursing is a very important part of the treatment. The sheep should be
given a comfortable, well ventilated shed and kept as quiet as possible.
If the bowels become constipated, give two or three ounces of Castor Oil
and feed sloppy food. As one attack predisposes the sheep to a second, it
should be protected from severe cold, or the other extreme, heat, for a
month after making a complete recovery.
The following prescription will be found very beneficial: Iodide of
Ammonia, one-half ounce; Chlorate of Potassi, one ounce; Pulv. Nux
Vomica, one ounce. Make into twenty-four powders and give one powder
every four hours well back on the tongue. Continue this treatment until
the animal has recovered.
LUNG WORMS, LAMB DISEASE.
(_Verminous Bronchitis_)
CAUSE.—Due to a white thread-like worm (Strongylus Filaria) varying in
length from one to three inches. The worms affect and live in the trachea
(windpipe) and bronchial tubes. Infected animals, in coughing, expel
fertilized eggs which develop on the grass and stagnant water. The larvae
are again taken up either in the drinking water or in eating grass or hay
gathered on low marshy soil. Warm wet weather favors their development.
SYMPTOMS.—This worm is liable to attack a number of animals at the same
time. The weakest sheep and young lambs are the first to show signs by
coughing forcibly, distressing, hacking and convulsive in character. A
stringy mucus is sometimes expelled during the spasm of coughing. This
mucus contains worms which can be detected, or their ova observed under
a magnifying glass. In the latter stages of the disease, they cough
severely at night. These attacks have a sub-acute character and prove
very exhausting. The parasite by becoming entwined in balls severely
affects the animal’s breathing which is always remarkably labored in
the latter stages of the disease. The animal refuses to eat, becomes
emaciated, anemic, mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth and nose become
very pale and the sheep die in convulsions from suffocation.
PREVENTIVE TREATMENT.—Avoid grazing your sheep on low marshy soil,
especially during warm wet weather. Young lambs and weak ones are
especially susceptible to this disease.
MEDICAL TREATMENT.—The writer has tried various treatments as fumigation
with different substances and injection of remedies into the windpipe
by the use of a hypodermic syringe, etc., but none have proven very
successful, from a practical standpoint. I would recommend placing the
affected animals in a tightly closed barn or shed, in the center of which
place a pan of red hot coals and cover with Sulphur.
A person should remain in the barn or shed as long as he possibly can
and after the fumes become so irritating that he cannot endure them
any longer, he should immediately make his exit. The sheep should be
compelled to stay a minute or two longer and then quickly open the
doors and windows. Repeat this treatment once or twice a week. Feed
affected animals well. Give them fresh water to drink and protect them
from exposure. This treatment, as above described, has given very good
results, providing the parasites were not too numerous.
SCAB.
(_Mange_)
CAUSE.—The mange mite (Psoroptes Communis). This parasite is equipped
with stylets which pierce the skin at the seat where the mange mite
penetrates the skin, and produces small red spots followed by a blister
filled with serum, which ruptures, the serum drying and forming a small
scab. It is in this way that innumerable mange mites cause the piling
up of scabs thus producing a very scaly condition. As Mange advances,
the scaly patches eventually pile up until they attain the thickness of
one-half inch, unless these scabs have been severely rubbed.
SYMPTOMS.—Very easily detected, as a bunch of sheep that have been
recently infected will be uneasy or restless, rubbing against fences,
posts, brush, etc., causing bunches of wool to loosen. The itching seems
to be more intense at night and during warm weather. The affected animals
will even make attempts to bite themselves, due to the agony produced by
the mange mite. If the skin is examined by the aid of a magnifying glass,
the mange mite can be easily noticed, or by scraping the skin with a
knife and placing the scabs on a dark paper and exposed to the warmth of
the sun, the mange mite moving about can readily be seen with the naked
eye. Mangy sheep become very poor and eventually die.
PREVENTION.—This is important, for although the disease is treated with
very good results, the mange mite annoy the sheep until they become very
weak and emaciated and the loss of wool is enormous due to the affected
animal continually rubbing against fences, brush, etc.
TREATMENT.—Consists of using various dips, as Lime and Sulphur, which is
recommended by the United States Bureau of Animal Industry. This is very
effective and inexpensive. Scabby sheep should be dipped a week or ten
days after shearing; two dippings are necessary at the interval of ten
days. After dipping, move to non-infected range or pastures.
TICK.
(_Louse Fly_)
CAUSE.—The tick that infects sheep has a very small head sunken into its
round body. The head possesses a flexible trunk or snout that penetrates
the skin. Through this trunk, the ticks derive their nourishment by
sucking the blood from the body of the sheep. The tick is also provided
with three pairs of legs. The female lays her young in the form of a spun
egg (cocoon) which is oblong in shape and brown in color. This egg is
cemented to the wool of sheep where young ticks are hatched in about four
to six weeks.
SYMPTOMS.—Long wooled sheep are more susceptible to this tick as their
wool provides shelter for both the tick and its eggs. After shearing the
sheep the ticks have a tendency to leave the body and to migrate to the
legs or to unshorn lambs where their snouts or trunks pierce the skin
which appears to become infected, producing a swelling and inflammation.
The infected sheep run, scratch and bite themselves. When these ticks
become developed in large quantities, they produce a paleness of the
mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth and nose, as the ticks suck large
quantities of blood, which produces an anemic condition. The sheep become
poor, weak and unthrifty.
TREATMENT.—Satisfactorily treated by dipping infected sheep in Coal Tar
dips or Emulsions of Crude Petroleum. Shearing the sheep has a good
effect, but care must be exercised as the ticks then rapidly migrate to
the lambs.
DISEASES OF
POULTRY
[Illustration]
CAUSE, SYMPTOMS AND
TREATMENT
[Illustration: LOCATION OF PARTS OF THE FOWL.]
LOCATION OF PARTS OF THE FOWL
0. Beak.
1. Comb.
2. Face.
3. Wattles.
4. Ear lobe.
5. Hackle.
6. Breast.
7. Back.
8. Saddle.
9. Saddle feathers.
10. Sickles.
11. Lesser sickles.
12. Tail coverts.
13. Main tail feathers.
14. Wing bow.
15. Wing coverts, forming wing bar.
16. Secondaries, wing bar.
17. Primaries or flight feathers.
18. Flight coverts.
19. Point of breast bone.
20. Fluff.
21. Thigh.
22. Knee joint.
23. Shank.
24. Spur.
25. Toes, or claws.
PREFACE
This chapter, as its title indicates, is to give to the Students and
Veterinary Profession a general view of the diseases of poultry, their
causes, symptoms and treatment in a condensed and yet in a complete form.
Thousands of dollars worth of poultry are lost each year because of the
veterinarians not having for immediate reference a book giving full
information regarding the causes, symptoms, and treatment of diseases,
with reliable and authentic advice on what to do for poultry that are
sick or unthrifty.
If this brief chapter proves itself of value to our students to which it
is most fraternally dedicated, the writer will feel himself amply repaid.
CHARLES J. KORINEK, V. S.