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SHEEP DISEASES
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BLACK-FACED HIGHLAND SHEEP IN THEIR NATIVE HOME
Courtesy Agricultural Digest.
VETERINARY MEDICINE SERIES
No. 12
Edited by D. M. CAMPBELL
Peer DISEASES
BY
E. T. BAKER, D.V.M.
ILLUSTRATED
Chicago
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
1916
COPYRIGHT, 1916
BY
D. M. CAMPBELL
OCT -b 1916
©c.i437982
ty /
PREFACE.
As economical producers of those prime neces-
sities of civilized man, good food and good cloth-
ing, sheep are destined to increase in numbers,
and sheep raising to speedily attain and maintain
a more important place in the animal industry of
this country. Moreover, it being also a fact that
of all domesticated animals sheep possess the
least natural resistance to disease and particularly
to parasitism, one may readily appreciate the
importance of skilled veterinary service for the
welfare of the sheep industry, now after more than
a century’s existence in this country, only at the
threshold of its development.
It is unnecessary to emphasize the need for
works dealing authoritatively with disease as it
occurs in sheep and its treatment. That need is
acutely realized by most veterinary practitioners.
It is hoped that this treatise will to a degree
meet the requirements of the searcher for practi-
eal information on this subject.
The major portion of the contents of this vol-
ume has been gathered from the field of experi-
ence and is presented solely from the viewpoint
of the practitioner. To conserve the health and
prevent disease among our flocks is a gigantic
task, and one worthy of the highest attainments.
To this task, in his limited field, have been de-
voted the best efforts of the writer, throughout
the greater part of his veterinary experience.
Moscow, Idaho.
September, 1916.
EK. T. Baker.
CONTENTS
PAGE
ALS TOL UE OS TRATIONS « siz Micke sore ead a idle cea cotteccue: anatarele) abe 13
SECTION I.
PASTURE ON, DEE REDD S)sr5.o8.c auc. oa elem fens basen ole 15
Breeds —1. The Fine Wools — Merino, Rambouillet.
2. The Medium Wools—Shropshire, Southdown, Oxford,
Hampshire, Cheviot, Dorset, Suffolk. 3. The Long
Wools—Leicester, Cotswold, Lincoln. 4. Lesser Known
Breeds—Romney or Kent, Corriedale, Karakul, Black-
faced Highland, Tunis, Persian. 5. Cvoss-bred Sheep.
SECTION IL.
BT ADMD aes Tete. 226.2 31) Livni ahha sa Sanat «ahs ae Oe arad os Aes oe ens a
Skeleton; Muscular System; Digestive System; Respira-
tory System; Urinary Organs; Male Genital Organs;
Female Genital Organs; Circulatory System; Nervous
System; Organs of Special Sense.
SECTION III.
Je ST GHD TOY ey ea OPO. Sie Ee me a Neorg? Teg iene IRENA aris Uitte rele
General Care; Handling; Feeding; Shepherd’s Calendar ;
Care of the Ewe; Care of the Lamb; Care of the Buck.
SECTION IV.
MEDICINES AND THEIR ADMINISTRATION.............ce000%
General Consideration ; Administering Medicines ; Dosage;
Table of Drugs; Emergency Medicine Case; Disinfect-
ants; Post Mortem Examinations.
SECTION V.
OUEE LNRROMIOUS DISHASES sa: ss. <)dii vba tiene s.de ls Canta ee ¢
1, Anthrax. 2. Malignant Edema. 3. Blackleg.
4. Bradsot. 5. Hemorrhagic Septicemia. 6. Rinder-
pest. 7. Sheep Pox. 8. Foot-and-Mouth Disease.
9. Tetanus. 10. Rabies. 11. Tuberculosis. 12. Case-
ous Lymph-adenitis. 13. Actinomycosis. 14. Glanders.
15. Contagious Abortion. 16. Piroplasmosis. 17. Foot
Rot. 18. Septicemia.
9
or
Co
63
bod |
i
84
10 CONTENTS
SECTION VI. PAGE
DISHASES OF THE - BROOD sage. 6 ce ake sicnaro lo ete einen ene okeleoteoenens 99
1. Anemia. 2. Red Water. 3. Pining.
SECTION VII.
DISEASES; OF MbTABOLIS Mir tcc isco atetieieie cieeeremeres chalet metelleehelehe feetels 102
1. Obesity. 2. Rachitis.. 3. Wool Eating. 4. Dia-
betes.
SECTION VIII.
DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS.........--25-00+ee0-ee> 104
1. Hematuria. 2. Uremia. 3. Nephritis. 4. Rare
and Unimportant Diseases.
SECTION IX.
DISEASES OF THE CIRCULATORY ORGANS...........+-.--+-4- 106
1. Pericarditis. 2. Dropsy of the Pericardium.
3. Hypertrophy of the Heart. 4. Valvular Diseases.
SECTION X.
DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS.............2+++00- 108
1, Epistaxis. 2. Nasal Catarrh. 3. Non-Parasitic
Bronchitis. 4. Japp Disease. 5. Pneumonia.
6. Pleurisy.
SECTION XI.
DISHASESOF THE DIGESTIVE S¥STGME oy << cca), S\ntesmeninie = eos ers 111
1. Stomatitis. 2. Choke. 3. Bloat. 4. Impaction
of the Rumen. 5. Grass Staggers. 6. Constipation.
7. Colic. 8. Diarrhea. 9. Enteritis. 10. Piles.
SECTION XII.
DISEASES: OF ‘THE uLVERs.. ceeee ce ieee on elena 120
1. Icterus. 2. Hepatitis. 3. Lupinosis,
SECTION NIII.
DISEASES OF! THE PERITONEUM same ciw atc coiete viernes ore chcleuche aot 121
1. Ascites. 2. Peritonitis.
SECTION XIV.
DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND SPINAL CORD............--+0- 124
1. Encephalitis. 2. Apoplexy. 3. Paralysis. 4. Gid.
SECTION XV.
DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF LOCOMOTION................:. 126
l. Rheumatism.
CONTENTS 11
SECTION XVI. PAGE
NON-PARASITIC DISEASES OF THE SKIN.............0...08. 127
1. Itch. 2. Alopecia. 3. Eczema. 4. Rash. 5. Acne.
6. Ring-worm.
SECTION XVII.
DISHASHS On OBSCURE, ‘ORIGIN . 202% se becca ta le elses 130
1. “Nibbling” Disease. 2. Louping-ill. 3. Big Head.
4, Pustular Eruption.
SECTION XVIII.
DESPA SHS pe OHMUL ECE so ACNEES spay etouerehaleliatvtea ste ee: e 0 sai eieysncorsten el ono obs “ols 132
1. Congenital Defects. 2. Reviving “Lifeless” Lambs.
3. Retention of the Meconium. 4. Navel-ill, 5. Non-
contagious Diarrhea. 6. White Scours. 7. Colic.
8. Constipation. 9. Pustular Eruption. 10. Tetanus.
11. Stomatitis.
SECTION XIX.
DUS WASH Si OR Pp DEUE SBI WWE sireiiers) tie foils ioeu cue vavona ae sheltavenuls <oietoucrs 's.2) able vaucusls 138
1. Disorders of Gestation. 2. Abortion. 3. Dystocia.
4. Decomposition of Fetus. 5. Displacement of the
Uterus. 6. Eclampsia. 7. Metritis. 8. Mammitis.
9. Abnormalities of the Milk. 10. Sterility.
SECTION XX.
DISEASES OF RAMS AND WETHERS.............-002-eeeeees 146
1. Gravel. 2. Hernia. 3. Bloody Urine. 4. Impo-
tence.
SECTION XXI.
BELG Sty DESMUGSEB Si) <\c af aie cheese o cme ase Dhlk xs S tagw he hele! Matte 148
1. Diseased Teeth. 2. Concussion of the Brain. 3. Ab-
scesses. 4. Injuries. 5. Suturing. 6. Rumenotomy.
7. Puneture of the Bladder. 8. Fractures and Disloca-
tions. 9. Amputation of the Claws. 10. Panaritium.
SECTION XXII.
LEANING 9 Tle LATS EY. OF a RR i Nee 153
A. External Parasites—1. Sheep Scab. 2. Head Seab.
3. Foot Scab. 4. Sheep Ticks. 5. Lice. 6. Mag-
gots. 7. Fleas. 8. Flies.
B. Internal Parasites—l. Gid. 2. Grub in the Head.
3. Lung Worms. 4. Stomach Worms. 5. Liver
Rot. 6. Tapeworms. 7. Esophagostomum Colum-
bianum. 8. Sarcosporidiosis, 9. Rare Parasites.
12
PoIsONS
A.
CONTENTS
SECTION XXIII. PAGE
Mineral Potisons—l. Lead, Acute. 2. Lead,
Chronic. 8. Arsenical, Acute. 4. Arsenical, Chronic.
5. Phosphorus. 6. Copper. 7. Zinc. 8. Mercury.
9. Alkali. 10. Carbolic Acid. 11. Mineral Acid.
12. Saltpeter. 13. Common Salt. 14. Epsom
Salts. 15. Sheep Dip. 16. Lime. 17. Petroleum.
18. Rare Mineral Poisonings.
Vegetabie Poisons—Emergency Treatment—l. Death
Camas. 2. Loco. 3. Larkspur. 4. Lupine. 5.
Aconite. 6. Water Hemlock. 7. Choke Cherry. 8.
Laurel. 9. Veratrum. 10. Ergot. 11. Deadly
Nightshade. 12. Woody Aster. 13. Sneeze Weed.
14. Rubber Weed. 15. Strychnin. 16. Cotton
Seed Meal. 17. Tobacco. 18. Digitalis. 19. Tur-
pentine. 20. Rape Seed. 21. Croton Oil. 22.
Hemlock. 23. Flax. 24. Horse Radish. 25. Toad-
stools. 26. Potato Tops. 27. Poison Oak. 28.
Kafir Corn and Sorghums. 29. Bearded Grasses.
30. Ensilage. 31. Porcupine Grass. 32. Uncom-
mon Plant Poisonings.
Animal Poisons.
SECTION XXIV.
PREDATORY-ANIMALS) :.:.¢:...ccn tone nee eee
ule
Coyote. 2. Wild Cats and Lynx. 3. Wolf and
Cougar. 4. Bear. 5. Prairie Dog.
SECTION XXV.
210
QUARANTINE AND TRANSPORTATION REGULATIONS............ 219
Federal Regulations; State Regulations.
List Orn PUBLICATIONS CONSUETEDE eta e iene ane
INDEX
9). 6! 8),m 16) (© 6) 0 'e, oe, 0) 8) 6 two 6.0) bene e) « 6) eis egaltulyis) wise) 6) (elle) 0) eile) o) wel bis, betes
“oa
ILLUSTRATIONS
PAGE
Blercleet cede Eo an d) 6. o-ring) os erecta ve alecere olds ous Frontispiece
AIDS THAT IA: DHL OTTO) PLE cre is ONAL Re Che ee ie A a 16)
merino. type-A—Champion Wwe... 2. fe ee eels wee ee ae 17
Mere, lype 5—OChampion Rain... 2.20. 6.62 6 been alee ks 17
Rae RERI NCC ON So iat oe 2a. Saba a OS aie cae a $e 2 ce Se teas saree 19
Merino, Type C—Champion Ram................6....00005. 20
Ae DOUUet——Gham pion GXAM ens ase 2 es ee oe ean ee ne Ree 21
Pomnaniner—— Champion. Wwe fens eked oe se eg bles one tes 21
Je HEADSITL <7 dene es SAIS, CACO A eR Ae aT 23
Pan ee —— AAPG TE EGAN 30 oes fn seta arses Satan boven 25
Shropshire—Champion Ewe .....-:.........+... By Seba nails 25
MENT MeO UATEN ID OUMUL CTS tor ateveyc ales) a. a)n n\n, satiesowtanrs late piel ekolebe) aie ears oes 27
Typical Western Sheep Owner’s Home Twenty Years Ago..... 28
Homes Like this are the Rule Among the Sheep Men Now.... 28
Ripe IC OMENO OWI NuAHO yc cola c's « Geiss oS Se eheare oe cee eae 29
Ry OLGA SOUbndowmn “EWes! oo... . - oo actemw acetate lel dinleule Srecn efi ee 29
eee MMVVEUHEL sete ets). <tik ine steels eet Siam Sears es Shuler 31
POEMS eR eee MIN IC ce TEN) 5s FPF s ove ake, «a pis NS onoe teh PO le 32
B@siord=—Champion Ram o.oo. ci sk ie Gee al Dec wees. 33
Passe Rl Ot LGM MONE. el valor edie ewe MNase cece h 4 oe Bite 33
SHeviOt—— any ANG » By Wins st .o5-)arseje dist tccemdteeiele shows aiamian ccewe e erae OD
WMorsetyed joie foc Biche ene tS hn CRTC ACERS SO CRE Pao are aa a 36
Melis Cal MANIC CGS MEODienctsise- cte.akateoats < sie hat where Soe Shere Ha tod ie ses 36
Sap ucean iN SOTIAPISICS 1 MUA spo ays: ate wi»... e sav Bite wd ap oiw tmnys, vlesehe Ss 37
ee gateei acta mip SMITE AW ss Seto. c ks. ssid lots Ww heny ave eusie'e e's Ghee aN! 37
WalubemVVGSstennimhan eis nz ich csthcc.si eos obese hots Selinvccs teas eas 39
AML Wana rain Grol OU ui .Last te cl Sistoeans coe Usha Sealed) souks ae 39
2 TeR SE GE 8 Sig ST a ee 40
NVESLCTM MSEC EDO Urs nat citer mlsnne hiro ind o) slemensieradepest teri gs Sarah 40
WORSet——C Nam LOI Seva Ole ven = A ee sete lo nates tha Powlte cs tuene cdeya eee 4]
Worset—— Chamipromye Wwe sve once aes h Seni: ote o'ecq eds) sigare teen 4]
itrrallan Avs wir-bearino Seep cj.) steele fails « clomere eis «rer sa'e 44
NBCRCES eT ECA ITE eee Aa eee) SPA coats feta yaitahes 2. cL SHetal a Rao telelwne te fet of esd 45
MCLG E SLOT — Liner races artrccaice one is teks ok oka Raster eye Shs eh ove senng iz eitvece:g 45
Mier een PeS Me rnEL is) eM trie fg eal Del oc ne, adn’ Conte Urania crake e ai gnazare Go 0 47
GES GN Eee Oh recat as ces emg 5201 DA en ee 49
Cotswold — Champion Mwe: wii. c.g. i. setae weeds ee ee eacs 49
14 ILLUSTRATIONS
PAGE
Lancoln— Champion Ramc.,<5- <n apieeietaeie etal tee eee 50
Lincoln—-Champion: Wwe eej.- scr erre ches eielers olen) toksp tee 50
A Western Shearing Camp ...: aiecwcmciiens 3 state 2) ences 63
Typical Shearing Pens in the Range Country............. 64, 65
Lambs at Shearing Time Cut Away from Ewes.............. 69
How a Lamb is Docked with Hot Pinchers.................. 71
Bacillus, Anthracis... :°26 suy.0 ao eee ele nate hontai aferencases 84
Bacillus: of Blackles cstv ceiccnec tere oe ee 86
stunts? with they Ivana esc rae selecr occupies st icra aerate 106
Counting ‘Six -Chousamdiiry re craves este Ceti te evan een etter ies 107
Sheep-scab..Mite—-Male’ Cine daa rte sp coasts a atteaeaeeciee mame 155
Sheep-scab Mite—RNemale 7-2 votes: slacks ta nana peters 156
First Stage of Scabson ‘Shoulder... 0g. a-ct-n ss oss olen 158
Characteristic Scab Lesions, Early Stages................. 159
Scabby Buck, Hindquarters Affected..................005. 160
Sheep Tick. ,.\..:. cfeclateacyes\s tari she way sistg etme aeoeeae ele 162
Sheep Louse 2. ..-g ee as.ooe 0s 6 a cia aise tetn aie siesaeey ge eneeeae mS 163
Sheep: Foot Louse.) co-cisec.< awe + trees ere eee een ene 164
Hstrus: OVvis:: 2 2.0 rebels aes ss ae oie erences el ei ea 167
Distoma; Hepaticuma sec) Ma dle cee vances teas Shee 170
Sacs) of Miescher: from Muscles). ya. oe). ae ele 173
A Pine Tree Growing in, Solid. Rock. 22.2 a: niin) eee eee 186
Coyote Killers... da: SOME re eee oe ee Cee 210
DOyote sos. oo oe oes 0% ie san ee See ne eID RU pees aeeany ge ee ae 212
The Old Wolf Shot-and) Helpless cs :- 2.7. ae ee ae 213
Wolf Pups-in. Wront-of Dent seit ccs ee ee eee 214
With Cab so o's 54 G5 ge eee ee rr 215
Lynx. Cat ‘Caught ‘in: Trap sigs capes aceasta eg a ea re 216
Ao Sheep-Killing. Bear... 275biaic ts sccietns apace nanan 217
COLOR PLATES
Death Camas. 5.0... 1c. 25 GPR Renee a Oe 176a
Purple TOCO s). . ..'s ./s'5 0105 soles een eke iets eet ere ee 184a
UTES UT e556 ars, kvsiacs wv aed esa: fhe Oh SA Ieee PO Le 192a
TBUIN]: 5s. w/deye's cyels cists, o:laheshuene Jeleres Ree TRE ene rn ea eee 200a
PGOTITEG ) Siacs < Fic =). rire + «elec a tase estes mide eeete Lene PRTONe east Cae ea 208a
Water Hemlock: sais. « ces sash ee ee ee ee 216a
SECTION I.
HISTORY OF THE BREEDS.
The word sheep is of unknown etymology, and
the origin of the animal itself is veiled in obscurity
as great. It is supposed that domesticated sheep
originated from the wild forms of sheep, the
‘‘Mouflon,’’ the ‘‘Musimon,’’ and the ‘‘Argali.’’
The sheep is also one of the oldest of all do-
mesticated animals; the different breeds are the
results of environment, combined with man’s
ingenuity. For detailed histories the reader is
referred to the various excellent texts on sheep
management’; space permits us to give only the
briefest mention of the development of the sheep
industry in this country.
No domesticated sheep were found in North
America by the early explorers, and the wild
Rocky Mountain sheep has never been tamed
nor crossed with domesticated breeds.
For centuries, Spain controlled the fine-wool
sheep of the world, and no exportations were
allowed to other countries, until in 1765, when
three hundred Spanish sheep were introduced
into Saxony by royal favor, and became the foun-
dation stock of the Saxony Merinos. In 1783, the
French government imported Spanish sheep and
1Those consulted were:
Craig’s “Sheep Farming.”
Wing’s “Sheep Farming in America.”
Kleinheinz’s “Sheep Management.”
15
16 SHEEP DISEASES.
established them on a farm near Paris, called
Rambouillet, progenitors of the breed of that
name.
MUSIMON OF EUROPE,
Courtesy American Sheep Breeder.
During the first quarter of the nineteenth cen-
tury Merinos were introduced into the United
States. In 1801, the wool industry, that has made
that state the leader of fine-wool sheep, was
started in Ohio, The same year a number of Ram-
bouillets were sent to New York by Robert Living-
stone, our minister to France. In 1802, General
MERINO, ‘TyrpeE B—Champion Ram.
PLATE I.
i :
(am
*
Toa
HISTORY OF THE BREEDS. 19
Humphries, our minister to Spain, sent to his
native state, Connecticut, nearly one hundred head
of pure-bred Merinos. In 1809, William Jarvis,
our minister to Portugal, sent four thousand pure-
bred Merinos to Vermont. The next two years, it
is estimated, nearly twenty thousand sheep were
brought to this country and the industry thus
started on foundation stock of the best blood.
Due to the low altitude and moist climate of
England, the Merino breeds have never done well
AFRICAN SHEEP.
Courtesy American Sheep Breeder.
in that island, and, as a result, the attention of
breeders, particularly of Robert Bakewell, was
early given to improving the mutton qualities of
their sheep. All of our breeds of medium and
long-wool sheep, chiefly of the mutton types, have
originated from strains long bred in England for
their mutton producing qualities.
In all countries of the world the sheep industry
20 SHEEP DISEASES.
has flourished and has produced untold wealth for
the owners. While it is a far cry from the times
of Abel and Abraham, and the shepherds with
their little flocks on the Chaldean hills in Biblical
story, to the present day of gigantic sheep ranches
of Australia, Argentine and the United States, the
habits of this docile animal have remained prac-
tically the same as they were at the dawn of civil-
ization.
Merino, Tyrpe C—Champion Ram.
In round numbers, there are about six hundred
million sheep in the world, divided as follows:
60,000,000 head in North America, the United
States, Mexico and Canada leading in order
named.
RAMBOUILLET—Champion Ram.
RAMBOUILLET—Champion Ewe.
sATE II.
HISTORY OF THE BREEDS. 23
120,000,000 in South America, the great majority
being found in Argentine, Uruguay and Chile.
130,000,000 in Europe, the leading sheep raising
countries being European Russia, Great Britain,
European Turkey, France, Spain and Austria-
Hungary.
115,000,000 in Asia, Asiatic Turkey, Asiatic
Russia and India leading.
60,000,000 in Africa, South Africa and Algeria
producing nearly two-thirds of the total.
115,000,000 in Asia,
Asiatic Turkey, Asiatic
Russia and India leading.
60,000,000 in Africa,
South Africa and Algeria
producing nearly two-
=<@-~3 thirds of the total.
grs5y 115,000,000 in Ocean-
EEE ica, Australia and New
Courtesy American Sheep Breeder, ;
Zealand leading.
The three foremost sheep producing countries
in order named are Australia, Argentine and the
United States.
In these days of inventions and improvements,
no substitute for wool has ever yet been devised.
The sheep remains the only machine that can
transform the forage from deserts and forests into
fleecy wool and delicious mutton, and it will thrive
where other animals starve to death. Its chief
disadvantage is its very feeble resistance to para-
sites and diseases, the prevention of which is the
greatest task of the shepherd,
24 SHEEP DISEASES.
The classification of the breeds according to the
fineness of the wool-fibre seems to be the common
custom, the three classes being:
1. The fine-wool.
2. The medium-wool.
3. The long-wool.
A convenient table is as follows:
FINE LIGHT-FACED
Merino Merino
MeEpIUM Cotswold
Shropshire Dorset
Southdown Leicester
Oxford Lincoln
Hampshire Cheviot
Cheviot DARK-FACED
Dorset Shropshire
Suffolk Southdown
LONG Hampshire
Leicester Oxford
Lincoln Suffolk
Cotswold
In this country, the Merino blood, crossed with
medium and long-wool rams, has been extensively
used.
I. THE FINE-WOOLS.
Merino.
This well-known breed seems to have been
known in Spain since the earliest records. It is
supposed they were brought to Spain from Italy,
where they had been taken by a band of Grecians
to the city of Tarentum. From the eighth to the
thirteenth centuries under the regime of the Sara-
eens and Moors, the wool industry flourished in
Spain. As previously stated, no exportations were
made from Spain until 1765, when the Elector of
Saxony secured three hundred Merinos and bred
SHROPSHIRE—Champion Ewe.
PLATE III.
HISTORY OF THE BREEDS. hal
them so carefully that they constitute a famous
branch of the Merino, called the Saxony Merinos.
In 1783, France imported a large number of
Spanish Merinos and placed them at Rambouillet,
near Paris, and there created the breed known as
Rambouillets. Von Homeyer, of Pomerania, Ger-
many, improved this type so much, that a special
breed known as the Von Homeyer Rambouillets is
in existence. This type was brought to Ohio in
1851, and has since flourished.
Many other types of the Merino have been devel-
oped in this
Counir y.,
among them
being the
Standard De-
laines, Na-
tional De-
laines, Im-
proved De-
laines, Dick-
inson De-
laines, and
Black - top
RANGE RAMRBOUILLETS. Spanish Me-
rinos.
At the present time it is customary to divide
the Merino into three classes:
Class A: The extreme wool production type.
The entire body is covered with folds and wrin-
kles, and there is an abundance of yolk in the
fleece.
28 SHEEP DISEASES.
Class B: The body is not so wrinkled, which
makes the shearing easier, It is the commercial
type for wool production. This does not include
the Rambouillet.
TYPICAL WESTERN SHEEP OWNER’S HOME TWENTY YEARS AGO.
HOMES LIKE THIS ARE THE RULE AMONG THE SHEEP MEN Now.
Class ©: This type has a longer fibre and the
skin is nearly free from folds. These are better
AM
THDOWN R
AL Sou
PIC
ADS
AL SOUTHDOWN EWE.
YPIC.
T
LATE IV.
HISTORY OF THE BREEDS. dl
\
mutton producers than the two above-mentioned
types. It includes the Delaine Merino.
The Rambouillet.
The Rambouillet is smooth-bodied, except for a
few wrinkles on the neck. The rams have large,
spiral-shaped horns, while the ewes are hornless.
This breed is larger and more growthy than the
Merino, but its wool is not so fine.
Tuer BELL WETHER.
II. THE MEDIUM-WOOLS.
Shropshire.
This breed was first recognized in the early fif-
ties of the last century, and was brought to per-
fection in the central counties of England. It is
one of the most popular of all western range sheep,
the ‘‘Shrops’’ being a general-purpose breed.
Quick to mature, hardy, good mothers, prolific
breeders, easy feeders and good rustlers, they have
attained their position by their sterling qualities.
a2 SHEEP DISEASES.
They are medium in size, and cross well with other
breeds. They are dark-faced.
The first Shropshires were brought to this coun-
try in 1833. They were taken to Ohio.
Southdown.
This is also a dark-faced, medium-wool breed.
CHEVIOT,
Courtesy Dotshome Farms.
It is perhaps the oldest of the British types, its
history dating back for many centuries.
They are noted for their low, compact bodies,
with small bone, and excellent wool. As a mutton
sheep they are unexcelled.
Oxrorp—Champion Hhwe.
HISTORY OF THE BREEDS. By)
Some claim specimens of this breed were
brought with the Pilgrims, and that as early as
1688 they were found in Virginia. In 1803 a
small flock was imported into New York, and in
1824 to 1825 many more were imported.
Oxford.
The Oxford originated from crossing Cotswold
rams on Southdown and Hampshire ewes. This
was begun in about 1830, and in 1861 they were
recognized as a distinct breed.
CuEvior—Ram and Ewe.
They are very large and mature quickly. They
yield the heaviest fleece of any of the Down breeds,
fifteen pounds being a common average. It is an
excellent small-band sheep, consuming large quan-
tities of food and making good gains. As a forag-
36 SHEEP DISEASES.
ing sheep it is inferior to the Shropshire. It is
dark-faced.
Dorset—Valley View Farm, Wasco, III.
Hampshire.
This breed was evolved from sheep raised in
Hampshire and Wiltshire, England, crossed with
A TyYPIcaAL RANGE SHEEP.
TyPICAL HAMPSTIIRE RAM.
TypicAL HAMPSHIRE EWE.
PLATE VI.
HISTORY OF THE BREEDS. 39
Southdown rams. Some claim Cotswolds also
were used in the cross. The breed is over one
hundred years old, and is a very popular one
ig ian tlie
gah enh ;
TT
ON THE WESTERN RANGE.
where food is abundant. It makes larger gains
than any other Down breed during the first part
of its life.
The wool is not heavy. The ewe is very pro-
lific, and the lambs of such quick growth that they
Sm pee ht RA : - 4
A Frew or A BAND or 3,000.
make an excellent ‘‘hot-house’’ variety for early
markets.
Cheviot.
The Cheviot acquires its name from the Cheviot
Hills on the boundary between England and Scot-
40) SHEEP DISEASES.
land. This breed is as old as the earliest records.
They are great foragers, resembling the Shrop-
Tue SHEPIIERD’S ASSISTANT.
The well trained sheep dog, with almost
human intelligence, is indispensable.
shire in this respect. On account of the strife
and ‘‘Border Wars’’ resulting from the frequent
disagreements between English and _ Seottish
WESTERN SHEEP Doa.
Dorset—Champion Ewe.
1B VET:
HISTORY OF THE BREEDS. 45
chiefs, the breed was not improved for centuries.
With long bodies, they were adapted for moun-
tain ranging, and were known as the ‘“‘long
sheep.’’ Crossing has given them better conforma-
tion. They are excellent wool and mutton pro-
ducers, good foragers, and are gaining in popu-
larity. Their beauty and alert activity have con-
tributed not a little in this.
Dorset.
This breed is white-faced; it is peculiar in that
both ram and ewe have horns. The Dorsets seem
to have sprung from a breed common in the
southern and central parts of England since the
earliest times. The county of Dorset was espe-
cially famed for this kind of sheep, hence the
name. About 1862 they were recognized as a
distinct breed.
Their great prolificacy renders the Dorset valu-
able for intensive farming; two lambings a year,
and frequently twins, is the record. If only one
crop of lambs is raised, the Dorset ewe will come
in season very early, and produce lambs for the
‘‘hot-house’’ trade.
Suffolk.
The progenitors of this breed were known as
the Norfolks, and thrived in southeastern Eng-
land. They were hardy and good rangers. Along
in the early part of the last century they were
improved by crossing with the Southdowns; in
1859 they were recognized as a distinct breed.
44 SHEEP DISEASES.
This animal is somewhat smaller than a Hamp-
shire but larger than a Shropshire. The lambs
are usually black. They are not well known in
this country.
III. THE LONG-WOOLS.
Leicester.
About 1755 Robert Bakewell, the famous agri-
cultural genius of England, began to mate well
KARAKUL—A Fur-bearing Sheep.
formed sheep found in Leicester county. Soon he
had made a notable improvement, and a new
breed came into being, known as the Leicester
(pronounced les-ter).
The body is excellent in shape and smooth-
ness, but the lightness of wool on the belly and
LrEICESTER— Ram.
LEICESTER—Ewe.
PLATE VIII.
. HISTORY OF THE BREEDS. 47
length of legs gives it a somewhat ‘‘leggy’’ ap-
pearance. The original animal, as Bakewell bred
it, was not hardy, since he sacrificed constitu-
tion and stamina for shapely type.
-Their excellence consists in fattening quickly
where food is abundant. For this reason the Lei-
cester ram is often used for crossing on other
breeds where early fat lambs are desired.
TyYPIcAL TUNIS RAM.
The Border Leicester was originated by Cully,
who secured Leicester rams from Bakewell and
erossed them on an old long wool breed, called the
Teeswaters. The head of the Border Leicester
is free from wool, while the Leicester has a tuft.
48 SHEEP DISEASES.
Cotswold.
The Cotswold is said to have originated from
two words: ‘‘Cotes,’’ referring to the barn in
which the sheep are kept, and ‘‘wold,’’ to an open,
rolling upland range. The early history of this
breed is veiled in obseurity, although it is claimed
they were found in England when Caesar visited
the island.
Some authorities claim the present breed is the
result of crossing the original Cotswold with
Bakewell’s improved Leicesters. This cross re-
duced the size, increased the mutton quality, and
lessened the resistance to disease.
The Cotswold is a large, massive appearing
sheep, with long wool, fine in fibre. A valuable
feature of this breed is its prepotency. In cross-
ing with other breeds it unfailingly transmits its
tendency to increase the size and the weight of
the fleece: It is a valuable breed for intensive
farming.
Lincoln.
This is another ancient breed, improved to their
present high standard by crossing with the Lei-
cesters. The original breed was found in Linecoln-
shire, England, hence the present name. In 1862
they were recognized as a distinet breed, and
have been extensively imported to the United
States and Canada.
This is the largest breed of sheep, being mas-
sive, strong boned, and yielding heavy fleeces.
They are extremely popular in crossing on Merino
ewes; the progeny have a fine, large, lustrous
fleece.
CorswoLp—Champion Ewe,
PLATE LX.
LincoLtN—Champion Ewe.
PLATE X,
HISTORY OF THE BREEDS. ol
In the West, they are valuable small ranch
sheep, giving great returns in wool, mutton and
lambs. 3
LESSER KNOWN BREEDS.
Romney or Kent.
This breed originated in southeastern England,
and some splendid specimens are found in this
country. Their chief use on the range is to cross
on the Merino. They are white-faced.
Corriedale.
These sheep were recognized as a distinct breed
in New Zealand about 1911. They originated
from crossing Lincoln rams on Merino ewes. They
are highly thought of as wool and mutton pro-
ducers, especially for the frozen meat trade. They
are becoming more extensively raised in the
United States, several fine bands being found in
the West.
Karakul.
Karakul sheep in small numbers have been im-
ported into the United States. This is a fur-
bearing animal, a native of Bokhara, a Russian
dependency, and, due to the laws of this little
country, forbidding any exportations of sheep, are
little known outside of their native heath. They
have been crossed with various other breeds, such
as Merinos, the progeny being called ‘‘Karakul
Finewools,’’ and with Persians, the cross being
known as ‘‘Karakul Persians.’’ The latter cross
produces very fine skins.
a2 SHEEP DISEASES.
The Black-Faced Highland.
This breed is an inhabitant of the Cheviot-Hills,
and is also known as the Black-faced Heath. It
is of the long-wool type. (See frontispiece. )
Tunis.
The foundation stock for this breed was im-
ported from Africa over a century ago, but the
Civil War almost destroyed it. The distinguish-
ing mark is an exceedingly long, fat tail, and the
hornless head covered with tawny, brown hair.
Persian.
Persian sheep were introduced to this country ©
some years ago. When crossed with Merinos they
have done well in the arid regions of the west.
CROSS-BRED SHEEP.
Cross-bred sheep are commonly raised by range -
men who desire a hardy animal, combining the
qualities of several breeds. The commonest crosses
are the long-wools, such as the Lincoln and Cots-
wold, on the Merino. Other well known crosses
are the Shropshire and Hampshire on the Merino.
Due to different range conditions, a cross success-
ful in some part of the country may prove value- -
less in another. Arguments about the ‘‘best
breed’’ or the ‘‘best cross’? are but a waste of
time; the desideratum being ultimate profit.
SECTION IL.
ANATOMY.
The anatomy of the sheep greatly resembles
that of the ox in general. A brief summary is as
follows:?
THE SKELETON.
Vertebrae.
The vertebrae are forty-nine to fifty-one in num-
ber: seven cervical; thirteen thoracic; six lumbar;
five sacral (fused into one bone), and eighteen
to twenty coccygeal.
Ribs and Sternum.
There are normally thirteen pairs of ribs; eight
pairs of sternal, and five pairs asternal.
The sternum consists of seven sternebrae; the
eariniform cartilage being absent.
The thorax is relatively short and wide.
Cranium and Face.
The occipital is very strong and thick.
The sphenoid is very short.
The ethmoid rather extensive.
The interparietals small.
The parietals form part of the temporal fossae.
The frontals form nearly one-half the length of
the skull.
2Sisson’s “The Anatomy of the Domestic Animals’ was
consulted.
Ro
oo
o4 SHEEP DISEASES.
The temporals, divided into the squamous and
petrous parts, which fuse at birth, form protective
coverings for the auditory canal.
The maxilla is short and broad.
The premaxilla is thin and flattened.
The palatine bone is relatively large.
The pterygoid bone is comparatively large.
The nasal bones are short, the size depending
on the breed.
The lacrimal bone is large.
The malar bone is relatively large.
The turbinals are very fragile.
The vomer is wide, its size depending on the
breed. .
The mandible or inferior maxilla does not com-
pletely fuse during life.
The hyoid is very short.
The skull, as a whole, is very powerful and well
protects the head. The sheep’s chief weapon
of defense is butting, and its head has been de-
veloped to withstand extraordinary concussion.
Thoracic or Front Limb.
The bones of the front limb are small but power-
ful, and consist of the following:
The seapula is nearly triangular in shape.
The humerus is short, and has a very small
deltoid tuberosity.
The radius is short and relatively broad.
The ulna extends nearly the whole length of
the radius.
The carpus consists of six bones, four in the
upper row and two in the lower.
ANATOMY. 5b
The metacarpus consists of the large metacarpal
and a small metacarpal.
The digits are four in number, only two are
fully developed. They have three phalanges and
three sesamoids each.
Pelvic Limb.
The ila are almost parallel.
The ischium is relatively large. The acetabu-
lum is very small, and the pelvie inlet is rather
elliptical and oblique.
The femur is comparatively small and_ eyl-
indrieal.
The tibia is short and curved.
The fibula consists of the two extremities con-
nected by a structure resembling a cord.
The patella is rather long and narrow.
The tarsus consists of five bones, several being
fused together.
- The large metatarsus is longer than the corre-
sponding metacarpus; the small metatarsus being
a quadrilateral dise.
The phalanges and sesamoids are almost iden-
tical with those of the front limb.
Joints and Ligaments.
The temporo-mandibular articulations permit
of the extensive lateral movements of rumination.
The ligamentum nuchae is well developed.
The articulations of the thorax are immovable.
The shoulder joint has an acute articular angle.
In the elbow joint no movement occurs between
the radius and ulna,
56 SHEEP DISEASES.
The carpal joints are very free.
The metacarpo-phalangeal joints are two for
each digit.
The sacro-iliac joint is very strong.
The hip joint is well protected by a marginal
cartilage which reinforces the shallow acetabulum.
In the stifle joint the synovial sacs communicate
so freely as to form a common joint cavity.
The tibio-fibular joint is a complete arthrosis.
The hock joint has very little mobility.
Adapted as the sheep is for mountain climb-
ing, its joints are very strong, and dislocations
are rare.
THE MUSCULAR SYSTEM.
The panniculus is well developed.
The masseter is not large but is well developed.
The hyoid muscles are very strong.
The diaphragm is appreciably more oblique than
in the ox, and relatively wide.
The muscles of the shoulder girdle, shoulder,
arm, forearm, abdomen, pelvis and pelvic limb are
similar to those of other animals.
There are four extensors of the leg and foot.
Sprains of muscles, even on the roughest of
ground, with much jumping, rarely occur in sheep.
THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM.
The lips are thin, and the upper one marked
by a distinct cleft.
The hard palate is smooth, and the mucous mem-
brane more or less pigmented.
The cheeks are lined with large papillae.
ANATOMY. 57
The tongue has a smooth tip.
The milk teeth number twenty.
There are thirty-two permanent teeth: eight
incisors in the lower jaw; none in the upper; six
molars in each arcade, or twelve in the lower and
twelve in the upper jaw. The cement is usually
black. The following table gives the eruption
periods of the various teeth:
Teeth Temporary Permanent
Central incisors At birth 1 year
Second oh 1st or 2d week 2 -
Third 3 AGOGWoGs +s 3 s
Corner 2 3d or 4th “ Ar yee
First molar 4th week 1% to 2 years
Second “ “s 7
irhaird:~ “ fi te
Fourth “ 5 to 5 months
Fifth 9 to 12 4
SEXuheay- 1 to 2 years
When the lamb is about a year old, the central
pair of milk teeth drop out, succeeded by a pair
of permanent teeth.
About two years of age, the second pair of milk
teeth (on each side of the centrals) drop out,
and permanent teeth take their place.
A year later, the third pair of milk teeth are
‘‘shed’’ and the permanent teeth have appeared
in their place.
At about four years of age, all the milk teeth
have vanished and the sheep has a ‘‘full mouth.’’
Forced feeding and fattening cause the teeth to
shed earlier; some show sheep having lost sev-
eral of their permanent teeth before the age of
five years. However, as a rule, the seven-year-old
has lost one or two, and has a ‘‘broken mouth’’;
but one cannot tell the age of sheep with cer-
tainty, by the teeth.
08 SHEEP DISEASES.
The salivary glands are well formed and the
parotid ducts open opposite the third molar.
The tonsil is bean-shaped and about one-half
inch long.
The pharynx has a median fold which is a con-
tinuation of the nasal septum.
The esophagus has a lumen of about one inch
when moderately distended.
The four compartments of the stomach—the
rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum—have
a total capacity of about four gallons. The
omasum is very small, having a capacity of only
a pint. The abomasum is larger, holding nearly
two quarts.
The small intestines are about eighty feet es
and the lumen is about one inch in diameter.
The cecum is about a foot long, and of a capac-
- ity of nearly a quart.
The colon is about fifteen feet long, its lumen
ranging from one inch to two inches.
The liver weighs about one and one-half pounds,
and lies mainly on the right of the median line.
The bile duct joins the pancreatic duct and
opens into the duodenum about a foot posterior to
the stomach.
The spleen is triangular in shape, weighing
about three ounces.
THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM.
The nostrils are small and not very dilatable.
The nasal cavity is very short and narrow be-
hind.
The larynx is small and compact.
ANATOMY. 59
The trachea is small, and anyone who has at-
tempted to inject gasoline into it will concur in
the statement that it is very mobile.
The thoracic cavity is small, and the pleura
thick.
The lungs are very unequal in size, the right
one being the larger. The left one has three lobes,
and the right has four or five.
The thyroid is very extensive, being largely
utilized in the manufacture of a biological product.
The thymus is very pale and delicate.
THE URINARY ORGANS.
The kidneys weigh about four ounces, and are
bean-shaped. The right kidney les under the
first three lumbar vertebrae, while the left one
is usually further forward. In the adult sheep,
when the rumen becomes distended with food, the
left kidney is pushed back several inches.
The ureter of the left kidney has a pecular
course, due to the movable position of the kidney.
It curves upward and inward, and crossing the
median plane, runs backward on the left side.
The right ureter runs back in a relatively straight
line.
The bladder is long and narrow, and extends
rather far forward on the abdominal floor.
The adrenals are bean-shaped. The right one
lies along the inner border of the kidney and is
about an inch long and wide. The left one is
somewhat longer and slightly bent in shape. It
lies across the left renal vein, and is not in con-
tact with the kidney.
60 SHEEP DISEASES.
THE MALE GENITAL ORGANS.
The scrotum is long, pendulous and has a dis-
tinct neck.
The testicles are very large and oval.
The epididymis is very adherent to the testicle.
The spermatic cord is long, and the vaginal ring
small.
The vas deferens is of small calibre.
The vesiculae seminales are compact.
The prostate is light yellow in color.
The penis is cylindrical, with a urethral process
extending out from the glans.
The prepuce is long and narrow.
The urethra lies in a groove on the lower surface
of the penis, forming a twisted process. Its diam-
eter is not over one-sixteenth of an inch. This is
one reason why mangels or sugar beets are a dan-
gerous food for rams and wethers, on account of
the ealeuli they form.
THE FEMALE GENITAL ORGANS.
The ovaries are small.
The fallopian tubes are long and tortuous.
The uterus lies almost entirely in the abdominal
eavity, a thing that should be remembered in diag-
nosing pregnancy.
The vagina is short, with a thick wall.
The urethra is very short, and dilatable. This
prevents serious consequences from urinary caleuli
im ewes.
The mammary glands are relatively large, and
pigmented.
ANATOMY. 61
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM.
The average sheep has about one gallon of
blood; lambs searcely a pint. This makes it an
easy prey to blood sucking parasites.
The pericardium is usually buried in a mass of
fat.
The heart is relatively large and situated prin-
cipally upon the left of the median plane, being
opposite the third to the fifth ribs.
The arterial and venous systems are similar to
those of other animals.
The lymph system is very well marked in the
sheep.
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM.
The diseases of the nervous system are many
and varied in the sheep, but as practically all
pathological lesions are caused by parasites, not
much can be done, except to perform a very care-
ful autopsy.
The spinal cord is long and small, and the brain
is relatively small. The nervous system is similar
to that of other animals; perhaps not so highly
developed as in the horse and dog.
THE ORGANS OF THE SPECIAL SENSES.
The eye is round, and the lids rather thick.
The vitreous body is not very fluid.
The ear inclines outward and upward, differing
in the several breeds. The auditory canal is small.
The skin is thin and of a pinkish hue when the
animal is in good health, and covered with wool.
The caliber of the wool fiber varies from one five-
62 SHEEP DISEASES.
thousandth of an inch in Merinos to one four-
hundred-fiftieth of an inch in Cotswolds.
The olfactory organs are well developed; the
ewe depends upon the sense of smell to identify
her young.
The sense of taste is highly developed; no ani-
mal has a more dainty taste than has the sheep,
still it will eat poisonous plants, such as death
camas, when it is young and succulent, and the
animal is very hungry for green food.
SECTION IIT.
HYGIENE.
_ All of those methods by which sheep are
shielded to a greater or less extent from disease;
kept in a state of health, and which contribute
to their thrift, may correctly be classed as hygiene.
No animal has less resistance to disease when
once infected than has the sheep. No animal re-
pays hygienic care and surroundings with greater
profit than this one.
A WESTERN SHEARING CAMP.
About 1200 are Sheared a Day in
This Small Camp.
For detailed information as to the management
of sheep, the reader is referred to various books
devoted to this subject. The following discussion
is designed merely to outline the management and
eare that is conducive to health.
63
64 SHEEP DISEASES.
GENERAL CARE.
The care of fifty sheep on a small eastern farm
is a vastly different undertaking from watching
over a band of many thousand on the western
range. While the habits of the animal are the
same, whether it be in a bunch of a dozen or a
TYPICAL SHEARING PENS
band of three thousand, the management must
vary to meet existing conditions. For that reason,
the carefully formulated rules that may suit one
breeder’s faney will be utterly out of place or
wholly impractical for another.
In all cases, however, kindness, cleanliness, lib-
eral and regular feeding, together with a natural
HYGIENE. 65
\
aptitude for caring for sheep are essentials for
success. |
The pulse rate of sheep varies considerably,
although seventy to ninety beats a minute may
be taken as an average. Respirations vary from
twelve to twenty a minute when the animal is per-
IN THE RANGE COUNTRY.
fectly at ease. The temperature is usually around
103 degrees Fahrenheit, taken per rectum, al-
though this depends to some extent on the age,
weather, and degree of fatness.
No other animal so clearly exhibits the symp-
toms of disease as does the sheep. The loss of
appetite; the listless air; the dull eye; the drawn-
66 SHEEP DISEASES.
up appearance of the abdomen, and the seeking of
a lonely spot in which to lie down, clearly point
out the invasion of some disorder. Other symp-
toms, more or less marked, give us a clue to the
actual trouble, although in many eases where there
is no history to guide one, the diagnosis must be
made largely by exclusion, or from a postmortem
examination of some animal similarly affected.
Handling.
Catching a sheep for examination is often per-
formed incorrectly or carelessly. Grabbing a
sheep by the wool often causes a bruise that may
persist for months. Nothing else makes quite
so unfavorable an impression upon the experienced
sheep man as lunging wildly at an animal, and
going through unnecessary antics in attempting
to cateh it.
As strangers frighten sheep, it is a better plan
to have the one accustomed to taking care of the
flock catch the animal desired. If this is not pos-
sible, drive the sheep into a small enclosure and
grasp the flank, just over the stifle.
To set it on its rump, place the left arm around
the sheep’s neck and hold the right forearm of
the animal with the left hand. With the right
hand reach under and grasp the right hind leg
above the hock. Pulling it against one’s breast
and exerting a little traction on the hind legs, the
sheep will be raised on its rump easily, and ren-
dered powerless to struggle.
Leading a sheep is a simple matter when done
correctly, although some Merinos will be found
HYGIENE. 67
to be more stubborn than a mule. Get on its left
side, place the left arm around its neck, with
the other hand on its tail-head, and by tickling it
slightly, the animal will walk briskly along.
To carry a sheep, if it be a small one or a lamb,
stand at the rear and to the right, shp the right
hand back of the sheep’s right front leg and place
it between the front legs. Lift it up slightly in
front, and grasp the left hind leg just above the
hock. Lift up, catching hold of both hind legs.
This renders the sheep helpless, and it can be car-
ried without struggling.
To load sheep. into a wagon without a chute,
two men can handle a small bunch quickly in the
following manner: One man stands on each side
of the sheep. The right hand of one grasps the
left hand of the other between the forelegs, and
the other hands are clasped in a similar manner
under the flanks. Chutes are used where there are
large numbers, and a goat acting as leader saves
much time..
Shipping sheep singly in crates supplied with
a gunny sack of hay and grain is accomplished
with very little loss. The expressmen, as a rule,
take good care to water the animal at frequent
intervals.
4 Feeding.
As this is not a text on sheep management we
merely wish to emphasize the importance of
punctual feeding from the standpoint of hygiene.
On the western range, alfalfa, field peas and
kale are largely used as winter feeds. The preg-
68 SHEEP DISEASES.
nant ewes are given a small quantity of oats to-
wards lambing time. Alsike, clover, rape, rye,
roots, and many other foods are used, depending
on the locality and cost of feed. Timothy is very
constipating, leading to ‘‘blind staggers,’’ follow-
ing impaction. Those sections supplied with
‘‘bunch-grass’’ and where the snow is not deep
are fortunate, for nothing else is needed, except
sulphur and salt.
In the East, and for fitting sheep for exhibition,
silage, cabbage and concentrated foods of many
kinds are used.
Shepherd’s Calendar.
March: The lambing season. This depends
greatly upon the locality and breed.
April: When about two weeks old the lambs
are docked, branded, and the males castrated.
The feet of the whole-band should be attended to.
May: The sheep are sheared and dipped and
started for their summer range.
June, July and August: Feeding in the forest
ranges, often in sight of snow-capped mountains.
This is one reason why western sheep are so
healthy and thrifty; they are far above the
parasite-infested lowlands. The lambs are weaned
when about four to five months old.
September: Toward the latter part of this
month, the band is slowly trailed back home. In
the Northwest, fields of wheat and oats ‘‘stubble’’
are purchased to turn the sheep into. In Colorado
field peas are ‘used.
October: The band is eulled, and the bucks
HYGIENE. 69
turned in. Towards the latter part of the month
the feet are again trimmed if necessary.
November, December, January and February:
Feeding at the home ranch, and selling lambs
when the prices are favorable.
CARE OF THE EWE.
The period of estrum continues from two to four
days, and the ewe will come in heat again in
about sixteen days if not pregnant.
LAMBS AT SHEARING TIME CUT
Away FRomM EWEs.
The average period of gestation is about one
hundred and forty-five days, or four and one-half
months. Male lambs are carried a little longer.
If a ewe goes over a week after her time, the
chances are the lamb is dead. Before lambing, the
ewes should be ‘‘tagged’’ by removing any filthy
locks of wool.
Separating the pregnant ewes for the winter
season is the best system, for then the danger of
abortion from crowding and bruising is lessened.
Only the brightest and cleanest of food should be
fed to pregnant ewes.
70 SHEEP DISEASES.
Turnips and cabbage make a good green food
ration, while mangels and sugar beets are not rec-
ommended before lambing. In parts of the west,
along the coast, where green food grows the year
around, these problems are solved by nature. Be-
fore lambing the food should be abundant and
laxative, a pound of equal parts of bran and oats
being a fine addition to the hay ration.
When the weather is not too stormy or wet, the
animals should have plenty of exercise. This will
prevent many cases of difficult parturition. The
old English method of hauling a load of hay a
mile from the sheep corral, compelling the sheep
to follow it for their food, and then driving them
back in the evening, was an excellent one.
In the early spring, after a hard snowy winter,
when the band is turned out to pick over the
rough parts of the ranch, many abortions and
deaths occur among the ewes from eating brush,
moss, or any green forage that may be full of tur-
pentine or other toxic ingredients. . Frozen roots,
spoiled silage, mouldy hay, and an exclusive diet
of timothy have caused the death of many a preg-
nant ewe.
When the lambing season arrives, the busiest
time of the year on a sheep ranch is at hand. The
ewes expected to lamb early should be given a
roomy pen, dry, clean and quiet. As ewes seldom
lamb between midnight and early in the morning,
one should watch them at all hours, except this
time.
When a lamb gets away from its mother and
she later refuses to claim it, they should be put
HYGIENE. ip!
in a pen together. If the mother butts it away,
she should be tied up and the lamb allowed to
suck. This usually causes a family reunion.
The various diseases and disorders of the ewe
are considered in the section, ‘‘Diseases of the
Ewe.”’
CARE OF THE LAMB.
If the lamb is born normal, and does not become
infested with parasites, very little need be done to
keep it in a healthy and thrifty condition.
#
How A LAMB IS DocKED WItH HoT PINCHERS.
Courtesy American Sheep Breeder.
When an apparently ‘‘lifeless lamb’’ is dropped
it may be possible to resuscitate it by the follow-
ing method: Clean all mucus from the mouth and
nostrils, and blow gently into its nose. Lay it on
its belly and slightly tap each side over the lungs.
A whiff or two of aromatic spirits of ammonia is
beneficial.
For a chilled lamb, wrapping it up in a warm
eoat or blanket and giving a few drops of whiskey
72 SHEEP DISEASES.
in a little warmed water is good. In the several
large sheep raising states that have lately gone
‘‘dry’’ aromatic spirits of ammonia may be sub-
stituted. The latter will also keep longer around
a sheep camp. Spirit of camphor and sweet
spirit of nitre both contain large amounts of alco-
hol, and may be employed as stimulants.
When a lamb must be raised by hand, remember
ewe’s milk is much richer in fat and somewhat
richer in casein than cow’s milk, as the following
table will show:
MILK ANALYSIS.
Ewe Cow
NUE T 25 CF ok Ae, AON ie eee a Ran Sas oe 80.82 87.27
WAGE LIME We eee ys) peters a Roe Se oe ete 4.97 3.02
ANTE OD baa bh ie ee ey ey Rake Pe Oe Be oa ye 1.55 0.53
IDE Ace 2che oe aeZ hy eee tah Coe EONS ar ef 6.86 3.64
SHOS EN A Ce CAS oma atu Oe ne piciadic oltels ac 4.91 4.88
NS SER Be ON tie ee ae Prva NE Bi Dh 0.89 0.71
100.00 100.00
The specific gravity of ewe’s milk is about
1.0341. No water should be added to cow’s milk
to feed an orphan lamb, but rather the richest
whole milk that can be obtained. If the ewes have
been fed oil cake the milk is increased greatly in
fats, often causing scours in the lambs.
When the lambs are about two weeks old, on a
bright, sunny day, the males should be castrated.
Select a clean, dry place for this work, and with
disinfected hands and knife, hold the lamb, and
cut off the lower third of the scrotum. Pull the tes-
ticle and entire cord out. In older lambs the cord
may be scraped off. If everything is kept clean
no further attention is required. Keep the lambs
by themselves for several hours as they will lie
| HYGIENE. (3
down and get trampled if put in with the rest of
the sheep. Castrating in the evening has proven
very successful with some breeders, as it gives the
lambs a chance to remain quiet over night.
At the same time the males are castrated, all the
lambs may be docked, branded, tattooed and
marked. The easiest and most bloodless method
of docking is to heat a pair of pincers red hot
and use it to sever the tails; over a dozen lambs
ean be docked with one heating.
When the lambs are about four or five months
old, or along in August, they are weaned. By this
time they have learned to pick up almost enough
feed’ to satisfy their wants, and merely taking
them entirely away from the ewes, a day or two,
will render them weaned.
At weaning ‘time it is a good plan to separate
the ram lambs from the others, although this is
not: done sometimes until they are six months of
age.
A healthy lamb will become plump and make a
steady growth. A stunted lamb seldom ‘‘catches
up.’’? It is remarkable how fast range lambs fat-
ten in the fall while trailed back on stubble or
field peas. Many a carload has topped the market
from just this kind of feed.
CARE OF THE BUCK.
If the animal has been kept in good condition
and given sufficient exercise, he requires but little
attention. A ration of bran and oats fed a month
or so before the mating season is conducive to
vigor. Sugar beets and mangels should never be
74 SHEEP DISEASES.
fed bucks or wethers, for, as stated elsewhere,
urinary calculi are apt to be formed, which, owing
to the small caliber of the urethra—one-sixteenth
of an inch—leads to death.
On the western range about one buck to thirty-
five ewes is the usual number.
After the mating season the male should be
given sufficient food to keep him in fair condition,
but not fat. Exercise is the most essential thing
in sheep hygiene. They are naturally roving ani-
mals, and the main cause of impotent bucks is
traceable to lack of exercise which leads to vicious
habits and excessive fat.
SECTION IV.
MEDICINES AND THEIR
ADMINISTRATION.
GENERAL CONSIDERATION.
Comparatively few medicines® are used inter-
nally in the treatment of sheep diseases. Due to
the tortuous digestive system, drugs are very
slowly absorbed and usually the animal is dead
before action is obtained.
As most ailments that require medicinal treat-
ment are emergency cases, such as poisons, para-
sites and injuries, large and heroic doses must be
given, and repeated often.
It is well to remember the common remedies
found in every household or sheep camp, such as
salt, pepper, ginger, soda, turpentine and the like,
for often one does not have access to a complete
medicine chest. To be able to use what is at
hand intelligently is better than to know the
pharmacopeia by heart and overlook the simple
remedies. Long treatises have been written on
drugs, but the more experience one has in the
treatment of sheep, the fewer drugs he wiil use.
To not overdo the treatment requires as much
judgment as to render adequate aid.
As many sheep are herded during the summer
8Quitman’s “Synopsis of Veterinary Medicine’ was the text
consulted.
(0
76 SHEEP DISEASES.
season far up in the mountains away from the
haunts of civilization, and where veterinary at-
tendance is not available except in extraordinary
cases, veterinarians can serve their clients best
under these conditions by outfitting a small medi-
cine case of simple remedies and giving the herder
explicit directions how to use them and also the
conditions that may arise that will justify him in
sending fifty, seventy-five or maybe even two hun-
dred or three hundred miles for the veterinarian’s
services.
Part of the instruction given below can be
adapted by the veterinarian to the use of the shep-
herd and given to him with such remedies as he
deems necessary to be taken along in the camp
when the herd is driven away for the summer.
Administering Medicines.
The restraint of sheep has been dealt with in
the section on Hygiene. .
Setting the sheep on its rump to drench it is
inadvisable. Standing it in a corner is the best
method to pursue, for then the danger of pouring
a portion of the drench into the lungs will be ob-
viated.
A two-ounce dose syringe is the handiest article
with which to give medicine. Dilute the drugs
well with water, raw oil, milk, sirup, or gruel, and
introduce the nozzle between the lips in the inter-
dental space. Do not hold the tongue, but keep
the mouth closed, and the animal will swallow
slowly. Proper restraint is half the battle.
To drench with a bottle requires patience and
MEDICINES AND THEIR ADMINISTRATION. 77
skill; unnumbered sheep have been given mechan-
ical pneumonia by this method. Small sheep or
lambs may be straddled, while large ones should
be backed into a corner where they cannot run
away. The left hand should be placed on the
lower jaw, with the thumb in the interdental space.
Place the neck of the bottle on the tongue or near
it, and pour in, very slowly, about half the con-
tents of the bottle. Rest a minute or two between
Pornnks.’?
When a bottle is not available, a spoon may be
used. Pouch out the lower lip and pour the med-
icine into the cavity so formed.
Mixing the medicines in thick sirup and smear-
ing on the tongue or teeth in the form of an elect-
uary is a convenient method.
Hypodermic medication may be performed in
any part of the skin where the latter is denuded
of wool. .
Enemas are valuable in many cases. Adding
a tablespoonful of glycerin to a pint of warm,
soapy water adds to the efficiency of the injection.
Dips should be kept warm, and the animals
treated only on bright sunny days. For foot trou-
bles, the solution may be placed in a trough or
shallow vat, several inches deep, and the band
driven through it.
Dosage.
The relative dose of medicine given to a sheep
is about one-fourth to one-sixth as much as given
to a horse, and about four times the dose indi-
eated for a human. The dose, however, varies
78 SHEEP DISEASES. ®
ereatly with the circumstances, drugs being often
indicated in very large quantities; e. g., antidotes
for poisoning, well diluted with water or oil.
It is well to remember that a teaspoon holds
one dram, or one-fourth of a tablespoonful.
A tablespoon is nearly equivalent to one-half.
ounce.
A common tumbler contains about eight ounces,
or one-half pint. |
A common tea-cup will hold about eight ounces ;
although most cups carried in sheep camps hold
nearly a pint, as they are more for service than
for style.
Depending on the age of the lamb, from one-
third to one-half the size of the dose given sheep
ean be administered.
A Table of Frequently Used Drugs.
No complete table of drugs used in sheep prac-
tice can be given, because there are no two local-
ities with exactly the same disorders. The veter-
inarian will soon become familiar with the ail-
ments in his immediate vicinity and use the drugs
indicated.
The following table is an outline of the drugs
generally used, and the safe, but active dosage
appended:
Drug Dose for sheep
INCACTAC MMUCIIAZO mes war.Vehasiels's Micttarehewetcne Caer ara q. Ss.
UNreiechay DRO hO bi elee ee re Ar NSN cies eT eirecicio acca di
AGonitiz viNGbUTayes & ance ee ce ele eels eters m. Xx
UAIVELO nwo ltrs See eRe oe Mey Sarit ute Piura noe ee te RRERANS q. Ss.
AMINA US Ul aS Senos sees ous cities, cher ovd eke tad ctene PTEEKOX
ALTOPITACY SUI MAS wevecere eiciels tele) acl -iee ene) eleleiaieletas gr. 1/20
Bord
MEDICINES AND THEIR ADMINISTRATION. 79
\
Drug Dose for sheep
Palsamiiim. PETUVIRNUM "25% osc. awd tesde ceo q. Ss.
Bevadonnaec rad, WIEXt 6.05 Sec ceee bk ciclo wes m, xx
SETUP SUOMI CLAS i s ccvelslincieicle Wem agra ateew s% PTX
PSO CUS ME ACTON tia cur sie ateie are s)ae aie Bias Sian ee es gas)
CS AMITOMO LACH SPUPUCUS | sisicicd a ccsce'e diols @icie tiesn ed evebere 5ss
MO cen ES WET om MILER Ta yspetsecere vc rufedets a is)e mx dna eee tae ane 3Ss
TONGA It ene Pett ee Rvp teers ot ctar nce a wt athe cabot e ooatone Sil
(Cael OVO THEA TON Cope ee toca ic RON Reon NCEE ner eee RTE ae q. S.
WReOsOtlmis BeCCHWOOO ss. ecw. e. elds ee loose m. ii
CELESTE ES ES Pe ee q. s.
LOSEES TESTIS LON area ee eel Se m.v
ADO SCORE LOME.. x cneies ls See sisls Fe 600M Ri oieheealles cea a 3ii
FUTONS MEL ORE Se teeta tcccie h otolna sere Sovintehe ee nah maar tees 3i
TB TELSIETE GS hai lls USER ONCE RCEC RE REACTOR MEME Tet Paneer q. 8.
BTCA TIE MOLEC UII seis a tsercl, sce 8 ys vs suse ebeiley Sis out © 3ss
VOTTIUCLS LY T elerd hes, <e cecuayene zion Sisueteve le eieies sus eveters 3i
AERP TA De wet OXi tar tn iy .cscichas stare else 2 Suave waar evosterS say's 58s
(Gi OSTT DUTTA Se ito Oa OeR Een rac eases eee ae q. 8.
SSOP cis ones recta ciate eraralets ater dratlscenenaae eee q.s.
Hydrargarium chloridiun mite................ 388
Hiydrogenita GiOXIdi AQUA. ..5- 2.0 22s. se sss q. S.
MO Mare LN CEU ciee 2 iat srocnte lacks gists Gd Ses oe one Bloehe q. Ss.
METAR OLOUTINN sire ersieie sie esis aes sis o's eiaitevaiiusi ace taste 5viii
MESNeSIT ESTP WASie.d see sre ora crekecee eee clas eye ah 5vi
NAGEOSIN SDITIGUS CLUCLIS o.oo si. secant es 58s
INTCIS EVO Nicer eX, tore-dls sh ones. saci cine Ste cueue/eae 2 m.x
OW ACH OL CTs ces staucto nese coo leraeens etc eae the seereme acest q. Ss.
COU, (EID UT ENS Gee Oe Anne eRe See ey Aaa ree 31
BhytOlaccae a Mexte, ffs cas wns ede coe were gees 31
Piperitae Menthae Oleum...................... m. xX
IPGtAsSieDCEMAMP ANAS! Goa .0. cals eieierle se revelers s = ag: 6.¢
PSII AAC CLASH os. sia 5 cues nus. Deveytis Cet wing ee egal q. Ss.
ETS SMOG ieee bees ong hn aleyene cust of eearnelese ost tetenens a .6.¢
IOLASSIPATSOMILISs Male acic seer echoes saree m. xx
BEtROlLAGUMMe Re cieu. ns Rohven re Gaia one wma ote ama ¢ q.s.
Roamni eeurshianae, HleXt.. <b es. cbs. tee sree 3i
RCI NCHITA AL OMIALICAstoe.s)s selene rola ohana a sous © 3i
IV GATI TM OLCUNM: raveccahors.sveieieione.e Susie ake, he nysiede ei etes Biv
SANGO TAL TITINION sic) soto ehteceete neh olieo<. Hie are ooo al eodeun ee ore faves 3i
SAD OMIN ILI Rosia snes ae aetowe eee Sie ale = Secs e ne o q. Ss.
SOduIMeCRIOTICL <s..6 kis-or eros ere» el a ein ty ayers q. Ss.
80 SHEEP DISEASES.
Drug Dose for sheep
Sodium hyposulphite sv soceeeies se ee ere os 5ss
Sodiuni* bicarbonasu sca. «2.5 auskiele ne en eens q. s.
SpinitUs vie Salli Ciyys ...) eee rate eens het one 38s
Sulphur “sulbliatum sie. sos ti eerie co eee = q. s.
Nerepinthinace Ole cs sic terke aes eters weet, arate 38s
TiNCLUITA ME CLEL GOIOTIC: Geto oictee sicrenaeneee ceenies q. s.
ZANT CUSSULD BASS saves shose ee tacoes Sie ered sate eee alters q. Ss.
VANZEEDELIS etl GLU one. ccveet rea Saneeoe cabanas 3i
Of the drugs mentioned above, perhaps a dozen
are commonly used. Due to the delicate taste of
the sheep none can be given on the feed. All must
be given as a drench or an electuary.
Preventive medication, such as dipping or re-
moving animals from parasite—or poison—in-
fested ranges, is far more successful and satis-
factory than constant drugging.
Emergency Medicine Case for the Range.
Before trailing the sheep to the summer range
it is well to provide the herders with an emergency
medicine chest, and instruct them how to use each
drug. Hints can be given how to treat a saddle-
horse or a valuable dog as well as sheep out of
the case. Less fatalities among the men them-
selves would occur if the sheep owners would
secure a competent physician to give the herders
a little talk on ‘‘first aid.’’
For the common emergencies among animals,
the following list will be found useful:
One dozen two-inch gauze bandages.
Four one-quarter pound rolls absorbent cotton.
One roll inch zinc oxide adhesive plaster.
Ten pounds sulphur.
Ten pounds Epsom salt.
One gallon raw linseed oil.
MEDICINES AND THEIR ADMINISTRATION. 81
One quart castor oil.
One quart glycerin.
One pint hydrogen peroxid.
One pint tincture iodin.
One pint spirit of camphor.
One pint sweet spirit nitre.
One pint tincture of iron.
One quart olive oil.
One gallon turpentine.
One gallon pine tar.
Two hundred, twenty-grain powders containing equal
parts potassium permanganate and powdered alum.
Several two-ounce dose syringes.
Disinfectants.
As prevention of disease and parasites is of the
utmost importance in sheep industry, a knowledge
of disinfectants and their germicidal powers is
necessary.
On the western range, very little disinfecting is
necessary except in infected corrals, shearing or
lambing sheds, or feeding lots.
Official disinfectants as designated by the
Bureau of Animal Industry mention the following:
1. A five per cent solution carbolic acid. Due
to its present high price this is very little used.
2. <A three per cent solution of liquor cresolis
compound. This is a coal tar product. Many
other well known coal tar dips such as Kreso,
Sanax, Lysol, Chloro-naphtholeum and the like,
which are merely trade names of the different 1aan-
ufacturers, are good and efficient.
3. A 1 to 1,000 solution mereurie chlorid. On
account of its dangerous properties to animals
from licking it, this is not much used for sheep.
4. Chlorid of lime, one pound to one and one-
half gallons of water.
5. Formalin, one quart to five gallons of water.
82 SHEEP DISEASES.
Tor disinfecting a shed or corral, perhaps as
good as any disinfectant is lime and sulphur dip.
Put a half bushel of unslaked lime in a fifty-
gallon barrel, and add enough water to make a
smooth paste. Add about twenty gallons of water,
stirring constantly, and: then add the coal tar dip,
about three gallons will be sufficient, and fill the
barrel up with water. Allow to stand over night,
and by not agitating the solution, one can use a
spray pump with little annoyance from clogging.
The most common western method is to dilute
the sediment from the lime and sulphur dips, and
throw it around over the corral or pens.
For detailed formulae of the various dips, see
Section on Parasites, page 161.
Blue vitriol and common lime are the solutions
most used in foot rot on the range.
The Value of Postmortem Examinations.
Perhaps in no species of animal is an autopsy
more valuable than in sheep. To ascertain with
reasonable certainty the exact trouble is more than
half the battle, and preventive measures can be
taken to eradicate the malady, if at all practicable.
Sheep that have been dead more than twenty-
four hours are not good subjects for postmortem
examination. The putrefactive organisms and gas
have caused such changes that one cannot tell
anything about the original ailment.
Examine the head for grub; the trachea for lung
worms; the fourth stomach for stomach worms;
the liver for liver flukes; the skin for seab mites
or ticks, and every organ for pathological lesions.
MEDICINES AND THEIR ADMINISTRATION. 83
Poisons usually but not always cause a violent
inflammation of the intestines.
Sometimes several or more autopsies are neces-
sary to arrive at a correct diagnosis, and even
then it is often the safer method to make a
guarded one.
SECTION V.
ACUTE INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
Anthrax.
Splenic fever; wool sorter’s disease; splenic
apoplexy; malignant pustule; anthracemia; my-
cosis mtestinalis.
Cause: The Bacillus anthracis, a square-end
rod-shaped germ; stains by Gram’s method. Re-
mains virulent for years.
Symptoms: In sheep. the symptoms are very
acute. Loss of appetite;
rise in temperature;
edematous swellings ap-
pear on flanks, and the
skin may be covered
with an erysipelas-like
eruption. Dark, bloody,
frothy mucus exudes
from the nostrils, mouth
and anus. Young ani-
mals are more suscep-
é ; BACILLUS ANTHRACIS.
tible to the disease than yesh sheep Blood Stained
older ones, but the mor- with Diluted Fuchsin Solu-
tality—even in adults— "°
is very great.
The diagnosis is determined by the postmortem
findings; the ‘‘blackberry spleen’’ differentiating
it from blackleg. )
The usual channel of infection is through the
(From Hutyra and Marek.)
Texts consulted:
Hutyra and Marek’s Pathology and Therapeutics of the
Diseases of Domestic Animals.
Friedberger and Froéhner’s Veterinary Pathology.
Moore’s Pathology and Ditferential Diagnosis of the Infectious
Diseases of Animals.
84
ACUTE INFECTIOUS DISEASES. 85
digestive system; the germs entering the blood
and lymph streams from this source. Death ensues
in from several hours to two days. The imme-
diate cause of death is suffocation. The history
of the disease in a given attack or locality is help-
ful in making a diagnosis, since where previous
outbreaks have occurred, one will be constantly
on the lookout. However, in any serious epizootic
among sheep, a clinical diagnosis confirmed by a
bacteriological examination is the only safe one.
Treatment: First, accurate diagnosis; second,
rigid quarantine; third, slaughter of diseased ani-
mals and burning the careasses; fourth, immuni-
zation and a change of range. The very best
thing one can do in ease of the appearance of this
disease is to notify the nearest Federal or state
live stock sanitary official by wire. Veterinarians
must disabuse themselves of the belief that it is a
reflection upon their professional ability and skill
to call upon state or Federal officials in outbreaks
of disease that are suspected of being highly con-
tagious and susceptible of control only by con-
certed public action. It demonstrates a better
ability to take this precaution a hundred times
where later developments reveal it unnecessary
than to fail to take it one time and thus permit
the unnecessary infection of wide areas and as a
consequence great loss perhaps for years to come.
2. Malignant Edema.
Edema malignum; septicemia gangraenosa.
Cause: The anaerobic ‘‘ Bacillus edematis ma-
ligni.’’
86 SHEEP DISEASES.
This is a wound infection disease often fol-
lowing castration. The germ greatly resembles
the causative factor of anthrax, except that it has
rounded ends. Like tetanus, it grows only in
oxygen free cultures.
Symptoms: In general the clinical picture is
much the same as that of blackleg. Usually the
sheep is found dead,
and others may show
vague symptoms indi-
eating that something
is not exactly ‘‘right.’’
The temperature is very
high at the onset of the
disease and a diarrhea
is usually present. Crep-
BACILLUS OF BLACKLEG. itating swellings similar
to those seen in blacklee
can be felt on the body; the respirations are la-
bored; the pulse is wiry; and the visible mucous
membranes cyanotic.
Due to the extreme difficulty in making a clin-
ical diagnosis, a bacteriological examination
should be made.
Treatment: This is a rare disease among sheep,
and is very seldom seen on the range. It is usually
found around the barn-yard and in low, damp
places. No successful treatment has so far been
found.
Prevention consists in moving the sheep to an-
other range, preferably to a higher one. It is a
quarantinable disease and should be reported to
state officials immediately.
ACUTE INFECTIOUS DISEASES. 87
3. Blackleg.
Black quarter; quarter ill; symptomatic an-
thrax; gangrenous emphysema.
Cause: The Bacterium Chauveaui, a rather
thick, straight germ, with rounded ends. It is a
very difficult organism to eradicate, as the spores
may live for years.
Symptoms: Only the greatest of care will enable
one to differentiate this disease from certain forms
of poisoning in sheep.
On the range the course of the malady is very
rapid. When first seen, the animal has diffieuity
in walking; its abdomen is distended from bloat-
ing; a frothy discharge is seen oozing from the
mouth, and the temperature is very high. The
herder immediately diagnoses the trouble as pois-
oning, and many more die before expert assistance
is sent for. When local symptoms are pronounced,
such as ecrepitating swellings on the hindquarters,
the diagnosis is comparatively easy to make.
Treatment: Purely preventive. This is done by
Immunization and removal to another range.
Blackleg is rather rare among sheep, but one out-
break that came to the author’s notice caused the
death of over four hundred sheep before expert
assistance was even called. Every known anti-
dote for poisoning had been used to no avail.
4, Bradsot.
Braxy; gastromycosis ovis.
This is a disease much resembling blackleg. It
is very destructive to sheep in Norway, Iceland,
88 SHEEP DISEASES.
Denmark, Germany and Scotland. It is seen in
the lowlands along the coast, and when sheep are
brought down from the mountain pastures and
driven into infected ground, the loss is very great.
It is not found in this country.
5. Hemorrhagic Septicemia.
Catarrhal fever of sheep; septicemia hemor-
rhagica ovum.
Cause: The Bacillus ovisepticus, a short, non-
motile non-spore-forming germ, which will not
stain by Gram’s method, but stains with the anilin
dyes.
Symptoms: The animal is dull; listless; the
respirations are labored, and there is great thirst.
The temperature is high, and there are present
some muscular tremors. The latter symptom
makes the disease very difficult to diagnose from
some forms of poisoning. The high temperature
simulates blackleg, and a very careful examination
must be made to arrive at a conclusive opinion. A
bacteriological examination should be made to
confirm the diagnosis.
Fortunately, in this country hemorrhagic sep-
ticemia is a rare disease in sheep, but it is common
in Europe and Argentine.
Treatment: Nothing practical has been found
but prevention by removal to another range. Im-
munization has been tried, and the results have
been fairly satisfactory.
6. Rinderpest.
While this is commonly a disease of cattle and
ACUTE INFECTIOUS DISEASES. 89
not found in this country, it has caused immense
losses in other parts of the world. Southern
Kurope, Asia, the Philippines and Africa have
been devastated time after time with this deadly
plague. In some instances large losses of sheep
and goats have occurred.
This disease became such a widespread epizootic
that the first veterinary colleges were established
to combat this malady alone.
Cause: Unknown.
Symptoms: Experienced veterinarians declare
it greatly resembles hemorrhagic septicemia.
Treatment: As yet, no successful treatment has
been devised. Quarantine and slaughter are the
two methods used to combat it. Immunization
with varying results have been tried.
7. Sheep Pox.
Variola ovina; pox.
Cause: Unknown. The purulent matter found
in the cutaneous pustules seems to convey the
virus.
Symptoms: The prodromal symptoms are a loss
of appetite; high temperature, and, later on the
bare or hairy parts of the skin, small papules
appear. These are covered with scabs, and in-
tense itching follows. The disease is not a fatal
one, but the irritation causes a great loss of weight
in affected animals. It is not a common disease
in this country.
Treatment: As one attack confers immunity,
light outbreaks are weleomed in the countries
90 SHEEP DISEASES.
where the disease is enzootic. Immunization has
been tried, but with very little suecess. Hygienic
care sems to be the best line of treatment. Dif-
ferentiating the disease from common scab is the
first problem.
8. Foot-and-Mouth Disease.
Aphthae epizooticae. |
Probably no disease appearing among cloven-
footed animals in this country has been so thor-
oughly discussed in the past several years as this
one, consequently a mere summary is given here.
Cause: Unknown. The clear serum-like con-
tents of the vesicles and the blood carry the con-
tagium.
Symptoms: As this is an acute febrile disease,
the first symptom noted is a high temperature
usually accompanied by a shght lameness. The
foot becomes swollen, feverish, and small vesicles
which later become pustules are found in the in-
terdigital space. Upon squeezing this, thick pus
comes out in a spiral, worm-like shape, hence the
colloquial term, ‘‘hoof-worm.’’ Great care must
be used to differentiate it from foot rot. Complh-
cations, such as lack of appetite, abortion in preg-
nant ewes, and vesicles on other parts of the body,
as in the mouth and sometimes on the teats, may
help one to exclude any form of rot. In the
latter disease the hoof becomes gangrenous, and
to one who has seen both, the difference between
these two disorders is very noticeable. The his-
tory of an attack is perhaps more important in
arriving at a diagnosis than are the lesions. The
ACUTE INFECTIOUS DISEASES. 91
fact that all kinds of cloven hoofed animals on
the premises are affected; the low percentage of
the susceptible animals that succumb; the lame-
ness in the hogs; the ‘‘smacking’’ in cattle; the
immunity of horses and mules; the mortality of
the sucklings, ete., must be taken into considera-
tion in differentiating this disease. Avoid a pub-
he announcement of the presence of this disease
until the diagnosis is positive; but take no chances
of permitting the spread of the disease through a
failure to notify the proper authorities in every
suspected case. The instructions issued by the
Bureau of Animal Industry at Washington on this
matter are as follows: ‘‘In all cases of foot-and-
mouth disease, even where there are only slight
grounds for suspicion of a new outbreak, the mat-
ter should be reported immediately by wire to the
Chief of the Bureau; a detailed written report
should be forwarded as soon as possible. This
report should include a description of the lesions
and their location, the number of susceptible ani-
mals of each species on the farm, the number of
animals of each species affected, the temperature
record, and the history, including the evidence, if
any, of contagion.’’ Heed them.
Treatment: This is a subject open to discussion.
It has been proved that quarantine and slaughter,
except perhaps in very high priced stock, is the
only safe and sane method to combat the disease
where there is a probability of its eradication.
The course of the disease is from ten days to two
weeks; it is but slightly fatal, except in some out-
breaks where it assumes a malignant form and in
92 SHEEP DISEASES.
young animals, but its effect on weight and milk
or wool causes a great economic loss.
It is a quarantinable disease, and as above stated
one should waste no time in notifying the proper
authorities of suspected cases. The failure to do
this in the 1914 outbreak resulted in the expendi-
ture of five million dollars by the Federal and vari-
ous state governments in combatting this disease
and a loss to the livestock industry from quaran-
tines and interference with the marketing of live-
stock, probably four times as great. Twenty-five
millions for neglect of this simple precaution!
9. Tetanus.
Lockjaw; trismus.
Cause: The Bacillus tetani, an anaerobic or-
ganism. It is a slender, spore-forming germ and
has been called the ‘‘ pin bacillus’’ and the ‘‘ tennis
racket bacillus.’’
Symptoms: Being a wound-infection disease, it
usually appears among lambs after castration,
docking, ear marking, or in rare cases, from um-
bilical infection. There have been cases where
ewes have been infected after labor.
In young lambs, about a day or so after infection,
they become dull, lose their appetite, and as the
disease progresses, assume a stiff ‘‘saw-buck”’
attitude. The muscles in the neck become rigid,
which causes an inability to swallow, and subse-
quent bloating is noticeable. Sometimes a profuse
diarrhea occurs. Death occurs from suffocation.
This disease is quite apt to run a subacute course
, ACUTE INFECTIOUS DISEASES. 93
in lambs infected from castration or docking
wounds. They may be unable to put the nose to
the ground to drink from a pail or even to nurse
for as much as two weeks and yet retain their
ability to swallow milk given asa drench. During
most of this time, they may be able to walk with-
out much difficulty and even to run rather swiftly
in a straight line, and yet when down be unable
to rise without help. These cases when down le
on the side with the legs extended stiffly, hori-
zontally. In turning when running, they are al-
most sure to fall. If they fall in the warm sun-
shine and lie there for a time, a very high tem-
perature up to 108 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit
speedily ensues. Recovery is rare.
Once this affection appears in a flock it is apt
to affect as high as twenty-five per cent of the
lambs having access to the infected quarters after
castration.
Treatment: After the characteristic symptoms
appear among sheep, very little can be done. Since
the infection oceurs only among flocks having
access to a much used corral, the entire band
should be moved to other quarters. Immuniza-
tion is practical only in high priced animals.
10. Rabies.
Hydrophobia; lyssa; mad-dog; canine rage.
This disease has assumed importance in the
West due to outbreaks among dogs, coyotes and
other predatory animals on the range. Much loss
has occurred among sheep from this disease, and
the zone of infection is constantly increasing.
94 SHEEP DISEASES.
Cause: Unknown. The virus is conveyed by
the saliva. Negri bodies found in the brain con-
firm the clinical diagnosis. Remarkable success
in diagnosing this disease from a blood examina-
tion has been reported recently.
Symptoms: In sheep, the period of incubation
is unknown; there are practically no prodromal
symptoms. In ewes, stamping the feet and a de-
sire to butt everything in sight is noticeable. In
bucks, the sexual desire is greatly increased. This
stage of disease persists for nearly a week, and
the animal finally drops to the ground from ex-
haustion and dies with paralysis.
The diagnosis can usually be made from the
history of the case, together with the character-
istic symptoms of the affected animals. Poison-
ing is often confused with this ailment by the
herders, and in every doubtful case a microscopi-
cal examination of the brain should be made, as
the autopsy reveals little or nothing.
Treatment: Infected animals should be de-
stroyed and the carcasses burned. Extra precau-
tions should be observed in watching the actions
of the sheep dogs. The Pasteur treatment should
immediately be administered to any person bitten
by even a suspicious-acting dog. The expense of
the Pasteur treatment is too great to be practical
for ordinary sheep, although valuable ones may
be given the Pasteur treatment. Dr. Zell has re-
ported a successful inexpensive prophylactic
treatment that he has used to some extent in an
experimental way.
ACUTE INFECTIOUS DISEASES. 95
11. Tuberculosis.
Pearly disease; consumption; grapes; ‘‘white
plague.’
While sheep are not very susceptible to this
disease, government reports for last year show
over half-a-million dollars’ worth of mutton con-
demned for this disease alone.
Cause: The Bacterium tuberculosis, a very
small organism found chiefly in the lymph system.
Because of the very extensive literature on this
subject only a brief summary is herewith given.
Symptoms: A tuberculous sheep exhibits very
few symptoms; a lack of thrift being the most
noticeable. The visible mucous membranes are
pale, while the wool is harsh and dry. The clin-
ical picture greatly resembles infection by stomach
worms, and only an autopsy will determine the
exact trouble. In suspected eases the intra-dermal
tuberculin test may be resorted to.
Treatment: At present, hopeless. An entire
change of quarters and breeding stock is advised.
12. Ovine Caseous Lymphadenitis.
Pseudo-tuberculosis.
Cause: The Bacillus pseudotuberculosis ovis, a
very delicate, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped
germ. It stains with anilin dyes and by Gram’s
method.
Symptoms: There are no marked symptoms,
and the disease is not discovered until after death.
Many cases are reported by government inspectors
96 SHEEP DISEASES.
at packing houses; the malady seems widespread
over the West.
The lymphatic glands become caseous, and in
individuals where great enlargement has taken
place, emaciation is present.
Treatment: Nothing but prevention is known
at the present time.
13. Actinomycosis.
Lumpy jaw; big jaw; wooden tongue.
Cause: Actinomyces bovis, or ray fungus.
Symptoms: Inability to chew food is the first
symptom noted, followed by a swelling on the jaw.
The tongue may be affected, and the animal suc-
cumb to starvation. It is a very rare disease in
sheep, but cases are on record.
Treatment: None practical on the ranges,
Slaughter under government inspection is perhaps
the best method. Where but a single or at most
but a few individuals are affected on a small farm
the administration of potassium iodid may be re-
sorted to. :
14. Glanders.
Sheep have never been known to become in-
fected through natural sources. This disease was
formerly confused with hemorrhagic septicemia.
15. Contagious Abortion.
Another disease seldom found in sheep. Usually
the form of abortion occurring among ewes is due
to toxie ingredients found in the food, or to ex-
posure and bruises.
ACUTE INFECTIOUS DISEASES. ee
16. Piroplasmosis.
Carceag; ictero-hematuria; malarial catarrhal
fever.
A disease not found in this country, but existing
principally in the Balkan states.
Cause: Piroplasma ovis, resembling in shape
the causative factor of Texas fever in cattle.
Symptoms: High temperature; loss of appetite,
and bloody urine.
Treatment: Wholly preventive.
17. Foot Rot.
Lip-and-leg ulceration.
Two forms of foot rot are recognized on the
western range. One is non-contagious, and is due
entirely to wet weather and standing in mud which
softens the hoof and produces a condition prac-
tically the same as scratches in horses.
The second type of foot rot is caused by the
Bacillus necrophorus, which, when affecting the
mouth at the same time, is called ‘‘lip-and-leg
uleeration,’’ and in some stages might be mis-
taken for foot-and-mouth disease by the inexpe-
rienced.
Symptoms: The contagious form exhibits very
marked symptoms. The affected sheep limps;
swollen areas are found around the coronary band,
with a separation of the hoof, and little gangren-
ous spots having a very putrid odor oceur around
the interdigital canal; sometimes the infection ex-
tends to the eyes and nose and, in females, to the
genital organs.
98 SHEEP DISEASES.
Treatment: Driving the band through a trough
containing several inches of copper sulphate solu-
tion—one pound to a gallon of water—usually
results in improvement. The worst infected feet
should be trimmed with a sharp knife before treat-
ing. Pure Balsam of Peru is an excellent local
application where there is much gangrene.
18. Septicemia.
Blood poisoning; pyema.
This is a term used when invading organisms
of the pus or coli communis type enter the cir-
culatory system, and cause such specific diseases
as navel-ill in the lamb (page 133) or septic me-
tritis (page 142) in the ewe, which see.
SECTION VI.
DISEASES OF THE BLOOD.
1. Anemia.
Acute anemia may be caused by some form of
traumatism, such as may result in a severed blood
vessel; or it may be caused by epistaxis or phle-
botomy.
Chronic anemia is usually the result of internal
parasites, such as stomach worms; external para-
sites, as the scab mites, or the ingestion of large
quantities of marshy, watery food. Extensive
feeding of beets, turnips or other foods deficient
in proteids may cause this condition.
Anemia is primarily a symptom of some dis-
order.
Symptoms: The manifestations of this ailment
are very pronounced in sheep. The skin, instead
of being of a pinkish hue, is a paper-like white.
Later, the animal becomes dull, loses its appetite,
becomes weak, is not able to stand up, and death
from suffocation ends the clinical picture.
Treatment: This consists in removing the ex-
citing cause, be it parasites, exposure, or lack of
exercise and supplying good nourishing food.
Some form of iron should be fed the affected
animals ad lib.
100 SHEEP DISEASES.
2. Red Water.
Sanguineous ascites.
This ailment is due to feeding frosty turnips or
other watery roots that have been frozen.
Symptoms: In the morning, upon going out to
feed the animals, several sheep will be found to
have no appetite. The breathing will be labored,
and considerable bloat is present. A swelling is
often noticed under the lower jaw and the under
side of the neck. Constipation is followed by a
profuse diarrhea. The clinical picture greatly re-
sembles poisoning.
Treatment: The chances for recovery depend
on how long the disorder has been present. If
the animal is anemic, young and delicate, the pros-
pects for successful treatment are not good. A
complete change of quarters, food and water is
recommended. The following may be tried:
R
ET SCMLORIG esa noee eet ere: Cicet ehchalaaen creak Rohe eee: 5i
Olenmi nw GS. ain anv... & Ge eee ee echo, eee 5vili
M. Sig. Give tablespoonful once daily”
3. Pining.
This disease is not found in this country. It
oeceurs in England, where many plants are found
that have a tendency to constipate. The onset of
this disease is very insidious; it runs a course of
from a week to a month and ends fatally.
Symptoms: The wool becomes harsh; the eyes
dull; the mucous membranes pale, and towards
DISEASES OF THE BLOOD. 101
the end, the sheep hes down a great deal. Finally,
it becomes too weak to get up, and dies from inani-
tion.
Treatment: The only treatment known to be
of value is a change of range, to prevent an ex-
tension of the disease. It is possible also that
animals in incipient stages of the disease may be
saved by this means.
SECTION VII.
DISEASES OF METABOLISM.
1. Obesity.
This is a rather rare disease among sheep; al-
ways secondary to some other trouble. Cases of
non-pathological obesity will be eagerly purchased
by the butcher.
2. Rachitis.
Rickets.
This disease is due to a deficiency of lime salts,
occurring almost exclusively among lambs.
Symptoms: The animal becomes delicate and
does not thrive. The legs become crooked and
pliable, and the ‘‘bow-legs’’ in front are very
noticeable,
Treatment: Supply the necessary bone-build-
ing mineral salts. The following is excellent for
lambs:
Sym lactophosphate’ Js...2c.c6s5. sce ecseeeee 5vili
Codbliver Olen ete ies Ga ae Bon EA Sele OS 3xvi
M. Sig. One ounce daily with dose syringe.
If the patient is a suckling, the ewe can be given
lime-containing foods and the calcium phosphate
mixed with molasses and given as an electuary.
3. Wool Eating.
This is more of a habit among sheep than a dis-
ease. Usually when a band of sheep are kept in
102
DISEASES OF METABOLISM. 103
close quarters, one or two may become warm and
itchy and bite their wool. This leads to more
biting and others imitate it. A few animals may
die from ingesting too much wool, which form
balls in their intestines, causing an obstruction.
Others seem not to be affected in any way what-
ever.
Treatment: This consists in removing the wool-
eaters from the rest of the flock, and giving each
one a hypodermic injection of one-tenth grain
apomorphin once daily for three or four days.
4. Diabetes.
This is a very rare affection of sheep; the cause
is not known. It has been classed variously as a
disease of the kidneys, liver and of the blood.
Diabetes msipidus is a condition whereby large
quantities of urine, with no excess of sugar, are
voided.
Diabetes mellitus indicates that large quantities
of sugar are being passed.
Treatment: Slaughter under government super-
vision, with a change of diet for the apparently
healthy members of the flock.
SECTION VIII.
DISEASES OF THE URINARY
ORGANS.
1. Hematuria.
Red corpuscles in the urine, causing the latter
to assume a reddish color, is a condition often fol-
lowing the ingestion of frozen or poisonous forage,
severe injuries to the abdomen, and renal ealeuli.
Treatment: Is purely symptomatic. Clean food,
with hygienic care, usually prevents the trouble
from extending to other members of the band.
2. Uremia.
Uremia is a condition in which the solid con-
stituents of the urine are retained in the blood
circulation. |
The exciting cause may be a retention of the
urine in the bladder, caused by urinary ealeul,
or a paralysis of the latter, due to some form of
poisoning. |
Symptoms: It is very difficult to differentiate
from poisoning, or abdominal injuries, until one
can detect the urinous respiration. After a period
of intense pain, stupor and paralysis ensue and
the animal dies in a comatose condition.
Treatment: There is no successful treatment,
and immediate slaughter should be advised.
104
DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS. 105.
3. Nephritis.
Inflammation of the kidneys; renal inflamma-
tion.
This is a secondary condition, following the in-
vasion of parasites; infectious diseases; injuries;
exposure to cold and rain, and poisonings.
The symptoms are mainly associated with the
primary disorder, and as urinary analyses are im-
practical in routine work with sheep, very little
ean be done.
The treatment is symptomatic and not very suc-
cessful.
4. Rare and Unimportant Diseases of the Urinary
Organs.
Occasionally diseases of the urinary tract other
than those mentioned in the foregoing are found
in sheep. Usually they are not recognized until
after death. Among these may be mentioned cys-
tic kidneys, renal ealeuli, cystitis, and tape worm
eysts—the Echinococcus polymorphous.
SECTION IX.
DISEASES OF THE CIRCULATORY
ORGANS.
1. Pericarditis.
Due to the fact that the sheep is such a dainty
eater we find no traumatic pericarditis such as
“STUNTS” WITH THE LARIAT.
A sheep camp is often located 50 to 200
or even 300 miles from the home ranch and
the camp tender’s life is a monotonous one.
oceurs in the bovine. Other forms are almost un-
known.
2. Dropsy of the Pericardium.
When this occurs it is usually a secondary affec-
tion due to poisonings, parasites in the liver, or
chronic inflammation of the kidneys.
106
DISEASES OF THE CIRCULATORY ORGANS. 107
3. Hypertrophy of the Heart.
This is a secondary ailment, usually resulting
from the effects of parasites in the blood stream.
4. Valvular Diseases.
This is co-incident with, and caused by the same
pathological conditions as hypertrophy. of the
heart.
COUNTING SIx THOUSAND.
Sheep practice in the range country does not take the
veterinarian over paved streets or even surveyed roads.
These diseases of the heart in sheep are rarely,
if ever, diagnosed during life. The chief object
in mentioning them is to enable the practitioner
to guard against invasions of similar nature in
the apparently healthy members of the flock.
SECTION X.
DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY
ORGANS.
1. Epistaxis.
Hemorrhage from the nose; nasal hemorrhage;
bleeding from the nose.
This is merely a secondary condition, following
injuries to the head and nose, parasites, and acute |
infectious diseases.
Treatment: When the blood shows no sign of
coagulation tampons of absorbent cotton, satu-
rated with tincture of iron, tannic acid, alum, tur-
pentine or adrenalin chlorid, charcoal or even
earth, may be applied.
2. Nasal Catarrh.
Snuffles.
This ailment ordinarily results from exposure
to the cold or rain; dipping or shearing too early,
or from an invasion of parasites. The symptoms
are obvious.
Treatment: Mainly consists in removing the
exciting cause. Pine tar may be smeared over the
nostrils, and the animal given clean, dry quarters.
The following given for several days may abort an
attack of pneumonia as a complication:
108
DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 109
R
WTEOSOEIIE CCCI. oder seit chook ovals elieiig) sie scshejeere ete 3ii
SSPUS MRC HOMAG I, 6's arcreucale via crcieleta cuss e.eece ae 3i
yen Clee Sane Oe area. cre wins sheiileiguise Sure sabe 3viii
M. Sig. Give one tablespoonful three times a day.
3. Non-Parasitic Bronchitis.
Frequently a sequela of nasal catarrh.
Cause, symptoms and treatment practically the
same as for nasal catarrh.
Verminous bronchitis, caused by lung worms,
is considered in the section on parasites.
4. Japp Disease.
This is a disease not found in this country, but
common in parts of Germany. It is characterized
by an intense bronchitis. No cause nor cure has
yet been discovered.
5. Pneumonia.
Inflammation of the lungs; lung fever; pneu-
monitis; and congestion of the lungs.
Three types are recognized in sheep:
a. Parasitic—due to lung worms.
b. Traumatic—caused by drenching.
e. Common congestion of the lungs, caused by
exposure; chills; wet weather, and as sequela fol-
lowing nasal eatarrh or bronchitis.
Symptoms: These are characteristic, but very
difficult to differentiate from acute poisoning, at
the onset. Cough; labored respiration; loss of ap-
petite; congestion of the visible mucous mem-
branes, followed by weakness, are present, and
often followed by death. In large bands, as many
110 SHEEP DISEASES.
as fifteen hundred sheep have succumbed within
a few days, during a season of wet or cold weather.
Treatment: In no disease are hygienic measures
more important, and when these cannot be given,
attempts at medical treatment are useless. Cam-
phor and creosote, such as has been suggested for
nasal eatarrh, or spartein sulphate, given in five-
grain doses, hypodermatically, may be given.
6. Pleurisy.
-Inflammation of the pleura; pleuritis.
This affection is a common sequela of pneu-
monia.
Symptoms: The manifestations are quite char-
acteristic. The animal grunts as it breathes, and
the flanks are more used than the chest. There is
a loss of appetite and suspension of rumination.
On percussion, dull sounds are heard on the lower
edge of the chest.
Treatment: When this disease has become
established, therapeutic measures are more or less
useless. In valuable animals, fifteen grain doses
of potassium iodid may be given three times a day.
The prognosis is grave.
SECTION XI.
DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE
SYSTEM.
Disorders of the digestive system probably cause
more losses than from all other sources combined.
Errors in feeding, parasites, poisons, and preda-
tory animals all take their toll of life in large
numbers, but all fall far behind those ailments
originating in the alimentation in the extent of
loss occasioned the sheep industry.
1. Stomatitis.
See Section on Diseases of the Lamb (page 137) ;
also Foot Rot (page 97), and Foot-and-Mouth
Disease (page 90).
2. Choke.
Obstruction of the esophagus.
This a rare condition found in sheep, but when
it does occasionally occur from the lodgment of a
sharp pointed piece of root in the esophagus, great
excitement reigns among the sheep herders. They
seem to think an animal breathes through its gul-
let, and a few moments’ delay will cause suffoca-
tion, and death.
Symptoms: The manifestations of this ailment
are very pronounced. Labored breathing; sudden
loss of appetite and rumination; bloating; normal
temperature, and attempts to swallow, all differ-
entiate the clinical picture from acute poisoning
for which it may be mistaken at the onset.
1i1
12 SHEEP DISEASES.
Treatment: If the obstruction can be felt in the
neck, massage may be tried. An equine catheter
may be used as a probang, and the obstruction
dislodged by its steady pressure. A quarter grain
pilocarpin administered hypodermiecally often
gives relief within an hour or so.
The great danger is from the bloating. The
use of the trocar should not be neglected if at all
indicated, for collapse in sheep occurs when least
expected. Due to the heaviness of the fleece we
often do not detect intense tympany in sheep until
it is too late to save the animal.
In ease the obstruction proves stubborn and
‘“‘watehful waiting’’ avails nothing, immediate
slaughter may be advised.
3. Bloat.
Hoven; blasting; meteorism.
This condition is a common one in the West;
large numbers of sheep are lost annually from
acute bloat. Any kind of forage may cause the
trouble, especially after a rain. Wet alfalfa is
particularly deadly.
In the fall, after having been on the summer
range, the sheep are trailed leisurely back over
the rich farming sections to the ‘‘home raneh.”’
Wheat or oats stubble is rented by the sheep man
and the animals turned in. Hungry for grain, it
is remarkable how much the animals can pick up
in a few hours. If there is any alfalfa near and
available, trouble may ensue, not only from bloat,
but from founder. Quick action is required by
the attending veterinarian, and the treatment
DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. 113
heroic. The small dose teaching of text-books
must be cast to the winds, and the medicines given
in quantities that would cause an inexperienced
veterinarian to shudder.
Symptoms: One or more animals stand with a
look of helpless pain; respirations are labored, and
the abdomen distended in an ‘‘apple-shape.’’ Soon
the animal staggers, tries to stand up, but drops
to the ground and succumbs in a convulsion, the
immediate cause of death being suffocation.
’
Treatment: Thousands of ‘‘sure cures’’ for
bloat have been recommended. If they are avail-
able, it is suggested that turpentine, oil of eucalyp-
tus, aromatic spirits of ammonia, formalin, fresh
milk and coal oil be used. As this is a ‘‘first-aid
emergency,’’ one must think and act quickly, and
be able to use what therapeutic agents are at hand.
We will suppose a hundred head of sheep have
had access to a ‘‘big feed,’’ and the animals are
not only bloated but foundered. Here we have
a complicated condition—a double calamity—and
our measures must be directed, first, to lessen the
formation of gas, and next, to alleviate the intense
congestion of blood in various parts.
Two buckets of medicine are hastily mixed up,
each containing two gallons or two hundred and
fifty-six ounces, which will treat one hundred and
twenty-eight head, giving each animal a two-ounce
dose syringe full,
In prescription ‘‘A’’ we figure on giving one
drachm each of turpentine, oil of eucalyptus, aro-
matic spirits of ammonia in enough raw linseed oil
114 SHEEP DISEASES.
to make two ounces. Consequently our preserip-
tion would read:
R
Spt. Ammon. Aro.
Ol. eucalypti.
OL SWerebinther aac rsh hawk ee rere eee 3xvi
OL ain ie Ghee ade +. cere ee ee ets ee Cong. ii
M. f. sol.
Sig. One two-ounce syringe full at once. Repeat in fifteen
minutes in subacute cases.
For the laminitis, the following can be given as
soon as the bloat has subsided to such an extent
that the animal seems to be somewhat improved.
R
Kali permangan.
Ui buaavsrcMcshd yo) MEMS Elen a eetelhy seo ne cle cco Ge 3viii
NCUA INO See sal. weer areyorata ers oteretcka eh hove ene Cong. ii
M. f. sol.
Sig. One two-ounce dose syringe full an hour after first
medicine has been given.
By the use of three or four syringes and group-
ing the help in pairs—one to hold the animal, and
the other to administer the medicine, a hundred
head can be gone over in a few minutes. The
main thing to impress on the ones who administer
the medicine is to give the half-suffocated animal
plenty of time to swallow the drench.
In case the before mentioned drugs are not avail-
able, with less suecess one may resort to ground
ginger, milk, black pepper, or even whiskey, which
is usually available in a sheep camp, although
grudgingly supphed for this purpose.
4. Impaction of the Rumen.
This is a chronic bloat or a distension of the
rumen caused by fermenting food of a solid nature.
DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. 115
Symptoms: Dullness; loss of appetite and ru-
mination; doughy feeling in the flank, the rumen
seeming to be of the consistency of a mass of
dough.
Treatment: Give one-quarter pound Epsom salt
in a quart or so of lukewarm water, to which can
be added several drams of aromatic spirits of
ammonia or fluid extract ginger. The triple sul-
phoecarbolates are also useful in this condition
where there is much gas.
5. Grass Staggers.
Fardel bound; drying up; staggers.
Impaction of the third stomach (the omasum or
manyplies) is a very fatal condition and treat-
ment has proven to be of little value. Upon
autopsy, the spaces between the leaves of this
stomach will be found packed full of dried ma-
terial, and the mucous membranes nearly black.
Treatment: Large doses of salts, together with
piulocarpin, may do some good and are worth try-
ing, but the prognosis should be grave. When
delirium is present, perhaps slaughter is the most
humane thing that one can do.
6. Constipation.
Impaction; clog; twist, wool balls.
In adult sheep this often occurs from dry pas-
ture and insufficiency of succulent food and water.
Timothy hay will also cause this condition, even
with plenty of salt and water. In lambs, wool
balls is a frequent cause.
116 SHEEP DISEASES.
Symptoms: Loss of appetite; *‘humped up”
appearance; attempts to defecate; colicky pains;
and hard masses of feces in the rectum.
Treatment: For a sheep of ordinary size, that
is not too ‘‘far gone’’, one may attempt treatment.
Four ounces Epsom salt dissolved in a quart of
water, to which is added one-half ounce of fluid
extract of dioscorea to prevent griping, may be
given several times daily for several days. An
enema, containing half an ounce of glycerin, is
always useful. Laxative food, such as whole oats
and bran, equal parts, should be given when the
animal regains its appetite. Do not give too much
treatment, or the animal may ‘‘die getting well.’’:
In suckling lambs, give the ewe a tablespoonful
of sodium hyposulphite per day. The lamb may
be given one or two ounces of castor oil, together
with an enema.
ie “AGO:
Stretches; belly-ache.
In sheep this condition usually arises from eat-
ing spoiled forage, frozen roots or mild poisons.
Symptoms: The animal stretches out so far that
it appears ‘‘sway-backed,’’ hence the term,
‘‘stretches.’’ It lies down and then gets up again,
and appears to be in great pain.
Treatment: In sheep, one-half ounce each of
fluid extract diosecorea and sweet spirit of nitre
given in a little water has been found to be useful.
Tn eases of much fermentation, thirty grains of
the sulphocarbolates, with a drachm of fluid ex-
DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. 117
tract ginger, may be given. Turpentine, oil of
peppermint, or any of the carminatives or sto-
machics may be given.
Lambs may be given one-half the above dosage.
The ewe if suckling her young may be fed laxative
food, and a tablespoonful of sodium hyposulphite
per day.
8. Diarrhea.
The Skit or The Skite.
In sheep three forms may be recognized:
Sporadic or non-infectious diarrhea of the new-
born lamb.
Infectious diarrhea. Considered in the section
in diseases of the lamb.
Common dysentery of sheep. This is caused
by spoiled food; exposure; lack of exercise, or the
symptom of some acute poisoning or infectious
disease.
Treatment: Successful treatment is largely
symptomatic. Immediate removal of the exciting
cause is necessary. Twenty grains of subnitrate
of bismuth given in a little condensed milk is good.
Triple sulphocarbolates, salicylic acid, salol, castor
oil, linseed oil, milk of bismuth all have their place,
and many more drugs have been usefully em-
ployed in this disorder. Hygienic care will do
much to alleviate the trouble.
9. Enteritis.
Inflammation of the bowels.
Four types of enteritis in sheep are recognized:
Simple, or non-toxic enteritis. This type is
118 SHEEP DISEASES.
eaused by chills; eating irritating food; foreign
bodies or parasites in the intestinal tract. It is
also a sequela of constipation or diarrhea.
Croupous enteritis. This occurs from feeding
too much chaffy food, such as ‘‘straw-stack and
scenery’’ in the spring, following a hard winter.
Dram doses of sodium bicarbonate several times
daily, with nourishing foods, seem to do as much
good as anything yet tried.
Mycotic enteritis. This is the most common
type among sheep. It is due to the ingestion of
mouldy or fermenting foods. Thousands of sheep
are lost yearly from this disease alone. The trou-
ble is especially fatal among pregnant ewes, caus-
ing abortion, and later, death from metritis. Often
the most painstaking and careful examination is
necessary to arrive at a correct diagnosis.
The symptoms are sudden and severe. There
is a complete loss of appetite; dullness; colicky
pains; constipation, followed by a copious
diarrhea, in which are long strings of simy mucus.
Paralysis completes the clinical picture, and death
occurs in a stupor-like condition. The exact kind
of poison or toxie ingredient in the food largely
controls the symptoms, and sometimes they are
very violent in character. The history of the case,
and an autopsy on animals already dead, help one
to arrive at a conclusive diagnosis.
The treatment in the main is unsatisfactory, for
the ailment has usually progressed too far for me-
dicinal aid to accomplish much. Stimulants, anti-
ferments, and intestinal antiseptics, together with
rectal injections, complete the treatment. Only in
DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. 119
ease of large losses or fear of some contagious dis-
ease is expert assistance ever called.
- Toxic enteritis. See section on Poisons.
10. Piles.
This condition is very rare in sheep. Complete
withdrawal of food for several days, with appli-
cations of belladonna ointment to the affected
parts, is all that is required.
SECTION XIL
DISEASES OF THE LIVER.
1. Icterus.
Jaundice; yellows.
This disease is frequently seen in packing
houses. It is very rarely noticed until after
slaughter, except in advanced cases. It is com-
monly caused by the liver-fluke; for a complete
consideration of this subject see the section on
Parasitic Diseases of Sheep. Lead poisoning has
also been known to cause this disorder.
Treatment: If of parasitic origin, treatment is,
of course, out of the question. Laxative food, com-
bined with two-ounce doses sodium phosphate,
may relieve simple cases,
2. Hepatitis.
Inflammation of the liver.
When seen, it is usually the result of feeding
on marshy land when the forage is too rich in
proteid content.
The only practical treatment consists in change
of feed and plenty of exercise.
3. Lupinosis.
See Section on Poisons.
120
SECTION XIII.
DISEASES OF THE PERITONEUM.
1. Ascites,
Dropsy; abdominal dropsy; hydrops ascites.
This is a comparatively common ailment among
sheep on the western range, and is not a disease in
itself, but the visible symptom of some chronic
affection of a vital organ of the body, such as the
heart, the kidneys, the lungs, the mesenteric
glands or the portal vein.
It is the term applied to the collection of serous
fluid found in the peritoneum not due to inflam-
mation.
Under the general head of ascites may be men-
tioned hydremia, which is an increase of the fluid
parts of the blood with a corresponding lessening
of the solid constituents. This frequently is seen
in parasitic invasions, or in chronic lead or zinc
poisoning, and is known among sheepmen of cer-
tain localities as ‘‘dry rot.’’
Symptoms: These are self-evident, but the fol-
lowing facts should be kept in mind:
a. Gradual enlargement, especially a bulging
out posterior to the last pair of ribs. In shorn
sheep this is very noticeable.
b. Palpation of the lower part of the abdomen
produces the typical dull sounds, indicating the
presence of fluid, while the upper part is tense,
light and gives a drum-like sound,
121
122 SHEEP DISEASES.
e. Raising and lowering the animal gives forth
a ‘‘swishing’’ sound, as the fluids roll back and
forward.
d. Holding the animal up by the hind legs
accelerates breathing as the fluids roll forward
and press on the diaphragm. Also, tipping the
sheep to one side causes a distension on that side.
e. Normal temperature.
f. Rumination becomes lessened; the appetite
is greatly diminished, and later, the animal be-
comes dull, and mopes around. The visible mucous
membranes become pale; the body emaciated, and
the general verdict around the sheep camp is that
the animal has the ‘‘rot.”’ .
The important thing to remember is to differen-
tiate this practically incurable, non-contagious dis-
ease from:
a. Pregnancy. No disturbance of the health.
b. Peritonitis. In this condition there is pain,
fever, with all its attendant disturbances of the
general health.
e. Obesity. This occurs usually in old, closely
confined animals. Range sheep are seldom trou-
bled with this malady.
d. Paralysis of the bladder, or even rupture
of that organ, due to urethral caleuli of bucks and
wethers. In this trouble there are found colicky
pains, high temperature, odor of urine on the
breath, followed by collapse and death. In this
condition, at the first symptoms, great care must
be taken to differentiate the troubles.
e. Other rare but possible ailments, such as
pyometra, abdominal cysts, hydrometra, abnor-
DISEASES OF THE PERITONEUM. 123
— ho
mally large tumors, cystic kidneys, degenerated
kidneys, or mummified fetuses in ewes. In some
eases large quantities of impacted feces have been
known to cause the distension of the whole abdo-
men.
These have been gone into in detail to prevent
the embarrassment consequent upon a superficial
examination and a too hasty diagnosis.
Treatment: In cases of long standing, slaughter
is advised. If some pure-bred animal of high value
contracts this disease during the show circuit, one
may alleviate the trouble by giving daily twenty
drops fluid extract pilocarpin, or one-half dram
each of resublimed iodin and potassium iodid dis-
solved in a couple ounces of water.
2. Peritonitis.
Only seen as a secondary condition following
bruises, wound infections, enteritis or puerperal
infection. The treatment should be symptomatic;
the results are usually very unsatisfactory.
SECTION XIV.
DISEASES OF THE BRAIN
AND CORD.
Sheep are subject to many disorders of the brain
and cord, but most of these are of parasitic or toxic
origin, and very little can be done to alleviate the
actual condition. We can, however, by careful
autopsies, find the existing cause, and take pre-
ventive measures to preclude further extension of
the trouble.
1. Encephalitis.
Inflammation of the brain.
This is caused by the invasion of the ‘‘gid’’
parasites; fractures of the skull; exposure, and
poisons.
There is no known treatment that is satisfactory.
2. Apoplexy.
Under this heading may be grouped sun stroke,
heat stroke, epilepsy, fits and convulsions.
It is usually of parasitic origin, except in very
warm weather and in animals that are abnormally
fat.
Exeept for the removal of the exciting causes,
no treatment is practical.
124
DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND CORD. 125
3. Paralysis.
Frequently a sequela of acute infectious dis-
eases, poisons, intestinal parasites, or cysts in the
brain. In lambs it is associated with eclampsia
of the ewe, both being caused by poor food, ex-
posure or the infection that causes abortion.
When of non-parasitic origin, twenty-grain
doses of potassium iodid given in an ounce of
water several times daily will do as much good
as anything.
4. Gid.
See section on Parasites.
SECTION XV.
DISEASES OF THE ORGANS
OF LOCOMOTION.
1. Rheumatism.
Cause: Usually damp quarters; exposure;
chills, or watery food.
This is a very rare trouble in sheep but some-
times appears as an enzootic due to the causes
enumerated above.
Symptoms: Sometimes in the first stage, a very
high temperature is recorded, with labored respi-
ration and stiffness of the gait. This causes the
trouble to be very difficult to correctly diagnose
on account of the similarity of symptoms found
in pneumonia, poisons, and acute infectious dis-
eases.
Treatment: Removal of the exciting causes, to-
gether with hygienic care. Twenty-grain doses of
potassium iodid or ten-grain doses sodium salicyl-
ate several times daily may prove beneficial.
126
SECTION XVI.
NON-PARASITIC DISEASES
OF THE SKIN.
Only after the most careful examination should
a diagnosis of non-parasitic disease of the skin be
made, and then it is the best policy to keep a close
watch on the affected animals and to isolate them
from the apparently healthy ones.
1. Non-Parasitic Itch.
This condition is so rare in sheep as to merely
merit the mention that it may and does occur, the
exciting causes being rich food, lack of exercise
or crowding.
The treatment is removal of the exciting cause.
2. Alopecia.
Falling out of the wool; baldness.
This is frequently seen on the range, and to the
inexperienced, looks like scab. Ewes that have
lost their lambs and have had severe attacks of
mammitis or ‘‘blue bag’”’ are the common victims.
Sometimes lack of food and exposure are the con-
tributing factors.
No treatment has been found successful, except
to let it alone, and in ease of old ewes, prepare
them for market.
128 SHEEP DISEASES.
3. Eczema.
This condition may arise from insect stings,
eockle-burrs, rain storms followed by rain rot, or
tog strong dips.
Five classes of eczema are recognized, although
in practical work, everything not scab is com-
monly ealled eezema.
Chronic squamous eczema is a disease of para-
sitie origin usually, such as liver fluke or lung
worms. It may also be due to lack of proper care.
Greasy heels, resulting from muddy or damp
ranges or pens.
Fat scab, due to dampness, often called ‘‘rain-:
TOU
Solar eczema, due to irritations from the rays
of the sun immediately after shearing.
Intertrigo or erythema of the claws and inter-
digital space due to friction by sand or the lke
getting into the parts,
Treatment: Removal of the exciting causes,
and the feeding of light, nourishing foods.
4. Rash.
‘‘Buekwheat rash,’’ as it is called, oeecurs in
warm weather in sections of the country where
this grain is extensively raised.
5. Acne.
‘
Known as ‘‘summer seab.’’ Closely associated
with eezema.
NON-PARASITIC DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 129
6. Ring-worm.
This affection is very rare in sheep. The
disease usually makes its appearance on the neck
and back, forming a hard crust over the part in-
fected.
Scrubbing the hard scabs until they are soft-
ened, and applying tincture of iodin to the raw
surface usually results in a speedy recovery.
SECTION XVII.
DISEASES OF OBSCURE ORIGIN.
1. ‘‘Nibbling’’ Disease.
This disease, also known as ‘‘trotting disease,’’
is a very rare affection of sheep in this country,
if it oceurs here at all, but is common in Germany.
The cause has never been fully determined. It
was not known in Germany until the fine-wool
breeds were introduced into that country. It is
most frequent in young rams.
Symptoms: The first noticeable symptom in a
ram is excessive timidity; later, they begin to
tremble, and have a very staggery gait. In the
latter stages of the disease the animal nibbles
itself on the back and loins, and in several weeks
to a month, the victim dies of exhaustion. |
Treatment: The most important thing is correct
diagnosis. Immediate slaughter is advised, and
new blood used in mating. As ‘‘gid’’ produces
some similar symptoms, a careful examination
must be made to arrive at a correct conclusion.
2. Louping-ill.
Mad-staggers or trembles.
Another obscure disease not found in this coun-
try.
Inflammation of the spinal cord from some un-
known cause is thought to be the exciting cause.
The trembling, twitching, grinding of teeth and
150
DISEASES OF OBSCURE ORIGIN. 131
general paralysis follow in rapid succession, lead-
ing to death.
The treatment is merely preventive, such as re-
moval to other ranges; the introduction of new
blood in the form of unrelated sires, and nourish-
ing diet.
3. Big Head.
A peculiar condition found in parts of the West,
especially in the arid desert plains. The cause,
eure or prevention is absolutely unknown at the
present time.
It oceurs in the spring when the sheep are being
driven from their winter camps to the forest
ranges.
The first symptom is a refusal to eat, and the
animal becomes restless as if in great pain. The
head begins to swell, and the ears become purplish
in color. The clinical picture much resembles pur-
pura hemorrhagica in the horse. Death usually
takes place in from several hours to a day or two,
although some animals recover.
If the ears be searified, a serous fluid, of a
shghtly reddish color, oozes forth; the animal
seems to prefer to stand in water.
The rough and ready treatment of the sheep
man is to throw the affected animal into a puddle
of water or a snow-drift, if the latter is available.
A certain number get well, but whether this
heroic treatment has anything to do with the re-
covery is unknown.
4, Pustular Eruption of Lambs.
See section on Diseases of the Lamb (page 137).
SECTION XVIII.
DISEASES OF THE LAMB.
1. Congenital Defects.
Imperforate anus, unless quickly discovered, is
incurable. If it be diagnosed early, many cases
are amenable to surgery.
Hernia or rupture is rare and difficult'to treat.
Usually, on the range, the lamb is so stunted that
it is knocked in the head. .
“Skin drying’’ is caused by the ewe not being
able to lick the new-born lamb. Later, its mother
will not own it, and, if not attended to promptly,
it dies from hunger and cold.
Umbilical hemorrhage or bleeding from the
navel sometimes becomes serious. Tincture of
iron chlorid applied with a cotton tampon will
usually stop the flow of blood. A stimulant should
be given, such as a little brandy or aromatic
spirits of ammonia.
Suffocation is due to a twist of the umbilical
eord during birth, and the lamb is born dead.
2. Reviving ‘‘Lifeless’’ Lambs.
When an apparently lfeless lamb is born, it
may be revived in many cases by removing all
mucus from the nostrils and mouth; breathing
into the nostrils, and working on the chest as in
reviving a drowning person. <A very successful
132
DISEASES OF THE LAMB. 133
method, as practised by some breeders, is to im-
merse the lamb in.a bucket of water that is about
blood warm, pouring in a little hot water, to in-
crease the heat. Dry thoroughly, and wrap in a
blanket. Later, when it is able to swallow, ad-
minister a stimulant.
3. Retention of the Meconium.
When the new-born lamb does not pass feces
promptly, it begins to show signs of colicky pains,
fever, and soon succumbs to inflammation of the
bowels.
The treatment usually successful, if not delayed
too long, is an enema of olive oil. A teaspoonful of
castor 01] may also be given on the tongue.
4. Navel-ill.
Jomt-ul; blood poisoning; pyo-septicenua of
sucklings; omphalophlebitis.
The Bacillus bipolaris septicus, and the Bacillus
coli communis, seem responsible for the presence
of this disease. They gain entrance to the um-
bilicus at birth or when the cord is ruptured. In
some cases, it is thought the organisms have
entered the circulatory system before birth. It
is not such a common disease in lambs as in the
foal, but outbreaks occur from time to time.
Symptoms: The disease is very easily recog-
nized, for the symptoms are very pronounced and
characteristic. The lamb becomes ‘‘dumpish”’
and dull. It has no appetite, and the temperature
per rectum will be found to be very high, often
1354 SHEEP DISEASES.
107 degrees Fahrenheit. The stump of the cord
assumes a purplish color, and Wharton’s jelly be-
comes tinged with pus. Sometimes, the joints be-
come enlarged. Later, a copious diarrhea sets in,
. followed by an intense cachexia and death.
Treatment: Where a number of lambs are af-
fected, the logical thing to do, of course, is to
remove the whole band to another place, and, if
the weather be suitable, to allow the ewes to lamb
in the open.
The pus may be squeezed out of the umbilicus
of the affected lamb and hydrogen peroxid in-
jected, to be followed by tincture of iodin, tur-
pentine, chinosol, pix-cresol, lysol, or any of the’
coal tar preparations. Carbolic acid is not as
good as other less coagulating antisepties. Oil of
eucalyptus is excellent.
Internally, the lamb may be given twenty grains
of the triple sulphocarbolates mixed in a raw egg,
three times a day. A tablespoonful castor oil is
also beneficial to correct the weakening diarrhea.
Stimulants, antiferments, intestinal antiseptics
and tonics, such as echinacea, all have their use.
The chances of successful treatment in lambs
that show the typical symptoms are not very good,
and a grave prognosis should be given. In the
treatment of valuable animals, bacterins may be
used.
5. Non-Contagious Diarrhea.
This is usually due to some disturbance of the
mother’s health, or to the decomposition of food
in the stomach of the new-born. Chills, cold,
DISEASES OF THE LAMB. 135
dampness and milk that is too rich are also com-
mon predisposing factors. If not checked, it runs
a rapid, fatal course, therefore prompt treatment
is essential.
Treatment: The exciting cause should be de-
termined, if possible, and removed. Administer
to the ewe a tablespoonful sodium hyposulphite
twice daily. Milk out the udder thoroughly. Feed
her nourishing food, such as bran and oats.
The lamb may be given a tablespoonful of castor
oil, to which is added a raw egg and twenty
grains of triple sulphocarbolates. Salicylic acid,
five grains, in condensed milk, is highly recom-
mended. The following prescriptions have given
good results, when preceded by an intestinal anti-
septic and castor oil:
BR
ETE, “PSV OTE 2) BS Sy Geant Aer Ae ex ROE a IR TP A oa ae aA 31
Creosoten, DEECHIWOOd) Baca oes oer ene ree es pee mv
DTOSCONC Ane: BOX Whe Spc. sere ord Sova eters wale Se atone he Sil
LEE OG TTT | a EN Ree ots aN ele ee ae NM RUN oi, ara ee Ziv
M. Sig. Give in two doses, one hour apart.
R
ANTS “CENT OLOWO) Ey Op ICE Meee ace we RIAU fentae oun Come Ei Sate epee bre Ne es Sli
GP SOSO LC we Re hob oot Oe ee Oh A Be Eye mv
DESC AIM DINOS ahytes coon weiter, Keine re oes RW eee 3ii
ee CE OED SEIN Cs Soma ty tyts . Meeeele caseeed Soseccen ae te ee ii
M. Sig. Give in two doses two hours apart.
6. White Scours.
Infectious diarrhea; dysenteria neonatorium.
This disease is caused by the Bacillus col com-
munis, a small, thick, rod-shaped, motile, non-
spore-forming organism, not staining by Gram’s
method, but with the aqueous anilin dyes. Other
136 SHEEP DISEASES.
germs are thought to cause or assist in the infee-
tion.
Symptoms: Newborn lambs, a day or two old,
seem to be the usual victims. The lamb becomes
dull; loses its appetite, and the feces passed at the
first are a bright yellow, later, a foamy, greyish-
white. The wool is matted, and streaks of mucus
are found on it. In a short time, the lamb be-
comes very weak; the eyes grow glassy, and the
victim drops to the floor and dies in a stupor.
The temperature is about normal, and, as death
approaches, drops to subnormal.
Treatment: This is not a common disease of the
range, but is usually found in low, marshy pas--
tures, or sheds which contain the infection. The
logical treatment is to isolate all the apparently
healthy lambs, and give the sick ones intestinal
antiseptics—a drop of formalin, in a little milk,
or sulphoearbolates. The immediate slaughter of
those hopelessly affected is advised. Immuniza-
tion with bacterins may be tried where the stock
is valuable. Prevention is the best method to pur-
sue and the most satisfactory to all concerned.
7. Colic.
““Stretches’’; belly-ache.
Considered under the section on Diseases of the
Digestive System, page 116.
8. Constipation.
Costiveness.
For further treatment see page 115.
DISEASES OF THE LAMB. 13/
9. Pustular Eruption of Lambs.
This is a rare but fatal disease of lambs.
Symptoms: These resemble those of foot-and-
mouth disease very closely and experience is re-
quired to differentiate. It seems to be contracted
from a form of gangrenous mammitis in the ewe,
and is very infectious.
Treatment: Mainly quarantine and segregation
of the infected. The ulcers on the lips of the
lambs and the udders of the ewes may be painted
with silver nitrate.
10. Tetanus.
This is very prevalent on the western range, fol-
lowing castration, docking and ear marking. It
has been considered on page 92 in the section on
Acute Infectious Diseases.
11. Stomatitis.
The sporadic form is known as ‘‘sore mouth’’ or
p
thrush among sheep men. The contagious form,
known as ‘‘necrotic stomatitis. ’’
Symptoms: This condition is so difficult to dis-
tinguish from foot-and-mouth disease, that no one
should take any chances; if the history will justify
the supposition that it may be the latter, notify
the nearest representative of the Federal Bureau
of Animal Industry by wire.
The simple cases are treated with mild anti-
septics, such as boric acid, or weak tincture of
iodin.
SECTION XIX.
DISEASES OF THE EWE.
In the western sheep raising sections it is re-
markable how small the loss is among breeding
ewes. This is largely due to constant culling out
the ewes that prove to be poor milkers, or that
have difficult parturition; those subject to mam-
mary troubles, and those that lose their lambs.
It is a ‘‘survival of the fittest’’ with breeders aid-
ing nature in the selection. Coupled with this is
the active life that the ewes lead during preg-
naney.
The small bands of sheep, kept under artificial
conditions, are the commonest victims of this class
of disorders. Lack of exercise, with rich, con- .
centrated foods, play an important part in predis-
posing to this as to other diseases. These factors,
combined with exposure and spoiled forage, are by
far the greatest hindrances to suecess with preg-
nant ewes. The man who cannot, or will not,
recognize these should retire from the sheep busi-
ness, or, better still, never embark in it.
1. Disorders of Gestation.
Eliminating spoiled forage or bruises that cause
abortion, very little trouble is met with in the
pregnant ewe.
138
DISEASES OF THE EWE. hoo
2. Abortion.
Three types are recognized, the first one being
the most common:
Sporadic or accidental, due to some injury or
the ingestion of mouldy food. Upon a careful ex-
amination of the food for evidences of mould,
ergot, pitch or other toxic ingredients, the cause
will usually be found. The treatment is removal
of the exciting cause. Large doses of intestinal
antiseptics or viburnum prunifolium are indicated
in those threatened with abortion, together with
clean, laxative food and absolute quiet.
Enzootic abortion, due to some infectious dis-
ease, such as blackleg, seab, pneumonia or rabies.
Contagious abortion. This is so rare among
sheep as to merit but little attention. When this
does occur, quarantine measures constitute the
only successful means of prevention known. The
symptoms are similar to those of contagious
abortion in the bovine.
3. Dystocia.
Difficult lambing; difficult parturition.
Usually seen in young ewes lambing for the first
time, and is due in the majority of cases to a pair
of lambs entering the pelvic channel at the same
time. They become tangled up in such a way that
the most painstaking skill 1s required to ‘‘un-
ravel’’ them.
First, restrain the ewe in such a manner that
she will be powerless to strain. This may be
accomplished by two assistants elevating the ani-
140 SHEEP DISEASES.
mal by holding the hands under the flanks. Have
the animal face a corner so she cannot creep
away on her front feet.
With the fingers cleansed and disinfected, form
them into a cone. For a lubricant as well as a
deodorant, one part of oil of eucalyptus in sixteen
parts of raw linseed oil is very good. If the
lambs are dead, injecting a lysol solution into the
vaginal cavity will mask the odor. Repel the
lambs, and lubricate the vaginal canal thor-
oughly. Now rotate one lamb until as near a nor-
mal presentation as possible can be obtained. A
small piece of twine or rope can be attached to
the feet, and with traction exerted slowly and
earefully, the lamb may be pulled out.
When the lambs are taken away, the uterus may
be flushed with a good antiseptic solution, and
the ewe let down. If she is very weak, a stim-
ulant should be given, and a warm blanket thrown
over her. Many a valuable ewe can thus be saved.
Unfortunately the veterinarian’s fee for services
in eases like this is ordinarily more than the ani-
mal is worth. This low value of the ewe is the
greatest hindrance to the handling of parturient
cases in sheep. Under certain circumstances it
might be well for veterinarians to make some spe-
cial arrangements, as to charges for this work,
with the owners of bands where a large number
of ewes are to lamb at about the same time.
4. Decomposition of the Fetus.
In many cases a veterinarian is called upon to
pass judgment as to whether or not a ewe is preg-
DISEASES OF THE EWE. 141
nant, and, if so, if the fetus is alive or dead. In
some instances, this is a very puzzling question.
In situations where the soil is highly impreg-
nated with limestone or other mineral salts, one
should always guard against the mistake of look-
ing for a vaginal or fetid discharge in case of a
dead fetus. Mummifications are often present
under such conditions, with not a single external
symptom visible.
When a ewe has a fetus die within her, and
barely pulls through the ordeal with her life, it is
a good plan to advise fattening for the market.
Adhesions often prevent future normal parturi-
tion.
In cases of putrid fetuses in the uterus, flushing
out with strong antiseptics and deodorants, and
asmall capsule containing twenty grains of potas-
sium permanganate and several drams of boric
acid may be introduced into the uterus with ad-
vantage.
The udder should be attended to, for a violent
mamumitis, commonly known as ‘‘blue bag,’’ may
take place. Milk out the udder and apply bella-
donna ointment.
5. Displacement of the Uterus.
The common term for this ailment is ‘‘down-
fall of the lamb-bed,’’ which includes all the ail-
ments of the womb from the layman’s standpoint.
Three serious conditions may affect the uterus:
(a) Hernia or rupture of the prepubian tendon.
(b) Torsion or twist of the uterus when preg-
nant. Fairly common in the ewe.
142 SHEEP DISEASES.
(c) Deviation of the uterus or complete ever-
sion.
Very little can be done to alleviate these condi-
tions. As a rule, they are too far advanced to be
treated when expert assistance is called.
6. Eclampsia.
Milk disease; milk sickness.
Under this heading is considered parturient
paresis, corresponding to the condition of the
same name in the cow—the well known ‘‘milk
fever.’’
Symptoms: After a normal parturition, and
suckling the lamb, the latter dies or is taken away.
Within a day or two the first symptoms appear.
There is loss of appetite and rumination. The
ewe ceases to mourn the loss of her young, and
the eyes grow glassy. Coma takes place, and the
characteristic symptoms of milk fever in the cow
are present.
Treatment: This must be given promptly, and
no medicine must be administered by the mouth.
One dram of chloral hydrate well dissolved in
lukewarm water may be given as a rectal injec-
tion, or one-eighth to one-fourth grain morphin
given hypodermieally. Atropin, in one-tenth
grain doses, may be tried. Inflating the udder, if
at all possible, should be tried.
7. Metritis.
Inflammation of the womb or uterus.
When this condition occurs, uterine injections
of antisepties, stimulants and blood tonies should
DISEASES OF THE EWE. 145
be given. There is very little satisfaction in treat-
ing this condition, since, due to previous neglect,
the case is usually hopeless at the time the vet-
erinarian first sees it.
8. .Mammitis.
Inflammation of the udder; blue bag; caked
bag; mastitis.
A rather common ailment in the spring among
a band of ewes.
The common treatment is to slash the udder
open with a knife, and, if the poor ewe lives
through this, to fatten her for the market. By
humane methods and a little missionary work,
much suffering among ewes may be averted by
the veterinarian.
Dissolve a half-pound Epsom salt in a quart of
hot water, add an ounce fluid extract phytolacea
to this solution; place the animal on her back, and
with flannel or cotton, dipped in the solution, apply
to the udder. In a few minutes the change will
be remarkable. Bathing the udder with the warm
solution seems to relieve the intense inflammation.
If the lamb is alive, allow it to suckle, as the bunt-
ing seems to massage the udder and aid in its
restoration to normal. <A tablespoonful of the
phytolacea may be administered twice daily for
several days with benefit. If the lamb is dead and
the ewe is to be dried up, belladonna ointment or
eamphor and lard should be applied.
9. Abnormalities of the Milk.
This is not a common condition among ewes. It
is not so important as with the dairy cow. Still,
144 SHEEP DISEASES.
one is often asked about these questions, and the
following is given for information:
Agalactia or absence of milk. This is a symp-
tom, and one of the first symptoms of disease in
a milking ewe. A form of infectious agalactia has
been observed among ewes and goats. It is of
unknown origin.
Watery milk. This is due to an absence of fats
and casein; the milk is of a bluish color. By
changing the food and administering tonics, the
condition may be improved.
Fatty milk. This is found among ewes that
have been fed on rich, concentrated foods, such
as oil cake, and in ewes suffering from lack of:
exercise. Diarrhea ensues among the lambs. The
treatment is less food, more exercise and an abun-
dant supply of water.
Curdling milk. A symptom of indigestion,
mammitis, poisoning, overheating, and of ad-
vanced pregnancy. To alleviate this condition, a
tablespoonful of sodium hyposulphite may be
given once daily.
Fermenting milk. Cause and treatment same
as above.
Putrescent milk. Caused by an invasion of bac-
teria in the udder. Treatment is the same as for
eurdling milk, or fattening for slaughter.
Slimy, stringy and soapy milk, Caused by fungi
and bacilli. Rather rare. Treatment similar to
that for curdling milk.
Blue milk, due to the Bacillus eyanogenus.
Red milk, caused by the Bacillus prodigiosus.
Yellow milk, caused by the Bacillus synxanthum.
DISEASES OF THE EWE. 145
Foreign matter, such as dirt; abnormal taste,
arising from certain foods, as carrots; drugs, as
turpentine and asafetida; germs, such as are found
in gangrenous mammitis, and blood, may all exist
in milk.
10. Sterility.
A long scientific treatise on sterility in the ewe
would prove not only impractical but tiresome.
The common and best method is to fatten all ewes
that prove to be non-breeders. Due to the small
vaginal canal of ewes, manual examinations are
difficult to make, and even when made often noth-
ing abnormal can be noted in non-breeders.
SECTION XX.
DISEASES OF RAMS AND
WETHERS.
1. Gravel.
Urinary ealeuli cause serious disturbances in
rams and wethers, due to the very small caliber
of the male urethra, which is only one-sixteenth
of an inch in diameter. It has been noticed that
the extensive feeding of sugar beets and mangels
will cause gravel, and many animals have been
lost from this disorder.
Symptoms: The manifestations of this ailment
are very pronounced, though rather hard to dif-
ferentiate at the onset. There is sudden loss of
appetite; colicky symptoms, with an urinous odor
on the breath. Unless slaughtered, the animal
soon dies. |
Treatment: Prevention is cliefly to be sought.
Mixing a little sodium bicarbonate with the food
several times a week is beneficial. Withhold sugar
beets or mangels from male sheep.
2. Hernia.
Rupture in sheep usually is not diagnosed until
after death. It is a rather rare but fatal condition.
Only in valuable animals is an operation advis-
able.
146
DISEASES OF RAMS AND WETHERS. 147
3. Bloody Urine.
This condition is merely a symptom of some pri-
mary ailment, such as arise from injuries, gravel,
poisons, roots or mouldy silage.
Treatment: Symptomatic treatment is about
all that can be given. It must be aimed at the
causative factor. Whole flaxseed jelly in teaspoon-
ful doses given in bran and oats is soothing to
the urinary organs.
4. Impotence.
Sterility in the ram usually means fattening for
market, as it is not profitable to experiment with
a sterile ram. Sometimes finding this out is rather
expensive, and it is a good plan to ‘‘try’’ several
ewes in heat early in the season before turning
the ram into the flock.
It is commonly due to lack of exercise. Range
bucks for this reason suffer but little from this
condition. Medicinal treatment, if attempted in
a valuable animal, must be subordinated to exer-
cise to achieve any results. Damiana or yohimbin
in small, repeated doses, together with nourishing,
but not too concentrated food, may be beneficial.
SECTION XXL
SURGICAL DISEASES.
Surgery in the sheep has been of the ‘‘rough
and ready’’ sort, to which the patient was as
likely to suecumb as to the original disease or ail-
ment. Another thing, the value of the animal,
except in the case of pure-bred animals, has never
been enough to justify expert assistance.
The sheep, like the ox, is very resistant to pyo-
genic infection, and if in good condition soon re-
eovers from surgical interference when this is
done in a skillful manner.
1. Diseased Teeth.
Often supernumerary teeth are found that inter-
fere with rumination and cause the adjacent
teeth to decay. Extraction is indicated, and can
be performed with a small pair of ‘‘wolf tooth’’
forceps.
2. Concussion of the Brain.
This is comparatively rare, taking into consid-
eration the chief method of defense is butting.
On the western range, many cases are seen among
lambs in the mountainous district, caused by rocks
rolling down the mountainside and hitting them
on the head.
Symptoms: More or less vague, unless one
knows the history of the case. The animal seems
148
SURGICAL DISEASES. 149
in a stupor, while the respirations are small and
rapid. Later, the animal becomes weak, assumes
a staggery gait, and paleness of the visible mucous
membranes is noticeable.
Treatment: Medical interference in these cases
is contraindicated, for a drench will enter the
lungs. Dashing cold water on the head, and allow-
ing the animal perfect quiet is about as good as
any treatment known.
3. Abscesses.
Abscesses are rare in sheep, but sometimes may
follow shearing. Curetting and irrigating several
times with a mild astringent antiseptic, such as
one dram potassium permanganate and two drams
powdered alum to four ounces of water, is a bene-
ficial treatment.
4, Injuries.
These consist mostly of bruises caused by ship-
ping or crowding, or by predatory animals.
Often the animal is injured far more seriously
than external indications show, and with the best
treatment dies from some internal disturbance.
Dressing the injury with tincture of iodin and
applying a dry dressing, together with a stimu-
lant, is about all that can be done.
5. Suturing.
Very rarely performed in sheep, although in lac-
erated wounds such as animal bites, it may be
satisfactorily done. With the muscles and skin
brought into apposition and held there healing
will take place much earlier than otherwise.
150 SHEEP DISEASES.
6. Rumenotomy.
Removal of the contents of the rumen or paunch.
This is rarely performed although it has saved
the lives of many bloated sheep.
Textbooks give elaborate directions for perform-
ing this operation, but in actual practice if one
were to follow them out, the majority of sheep
would be dead before the contents of the paunech
were removed.
If there is time, an area the size of a man’s hand
on the left flank should be clipped, and tincture
of iodin applied. An incision, running parallel
with the last rib, and several inches long is then.
made. The contents are removed as rapidly as
possible, the walls of the paunch sutured, and the
skin brought into apposition with several inter-
rupted sutures. Tar is smeared over the wound,
and in several days the skin sutures removed.
Sheepmen not infrequently perform this oper-
ation with a pen knife and a piece of string for
suturing material, and even under these conditions
the operation often proves successful.
7. Puncture of the Bladder.
Frequently bucks and wethers are troubled by
urinary ecaleuli, which sooner or later close up the
urethra and prevent the passage of urine. Surgi-
eal textbooks give elaborate procedures in these
cases, but after one has tried it several times on
sheep he will desist. So many animals ‘‘die get-
ting well’’ that it does not give the operator any
eredit.
SURGICAL DISEASES. 15]
8. Fractures and Dislocations.
It is remarkable how few broken limbs or even
dislocated joints occur among sheep. Grazing on
precipitous cliffs that defy any human being to
-climb, jumping across narrow ravines, or even
running headlong down a steep bluff, few acci-
dents occur, and these are usually among lambs.
The treatment of fractures in lambs is simple.
First, dust boric acid or taleum powder over the
affected part. Apply an inch layer of cotton, over
which lay half a dozen wire or wooden splints
after adjusting the ends of the bones. Bind with
gauze bandage, not too tight, allowing for future
swelling. The lamb can be carried along in the
camp-tender’s wagon, for several days, and it is
amazing how soon it recovers the use of the limb,
Dislocations, sprains, bruises and twisted joints
are rather difficult to treat, rest being the most
important factor. Applying saturated solutions
of magnesium sulphate, and later, a solution com-
posed of two drams fluid extract belladonna and
one dram lead acetate in half pint of water, will
often prove beneficial. Sometimes iodin compound
ointment is as good as anything. Blistering med-
icaments are not indicated.
9. Amputation of the Claws.
This is often necessary in foot rot, and consists
in cutting away the diseased part with a sharp
knife. Tincture of iron, creolin, balsam of Peru
or any good antiseptic can be smeared over the
part. The balsam of Peru gives splendid results,
but is rather expensive for sheep.
152 SHEEP DISEASES.
10. Panaritium.
Canker of the foot.
Sometimes brought on by bruises and the con-
sequent infection by the bacillus necrosis. Other
times by excessive damp weather and ranging in
low, marshy pastures.
The treatment is largely hygienic; removal
from the damp or infected quarters, and driving
through a trough containing several inches of blue
vitriol solution—one pound to five gallons of
water, or even stronger. In very severe cases,
one dram of formalin to two ounces of glycerin,
or a paste composed of equal parts of flour and
chlorid of zine, may be applied with much benefit.
SECTION XXII.
PARASITIC DISEASES.
Experienced men will corroborate the state-
ment that more sheep are lost from invasions
of parasites than from all other causes com-
bined, with the possible exception of digestive
disorders. Before the days when scab was under
control, parasites were, even more than at pres-
ent, the scourge of the sheep business.
Sheep seem to have very little power to re-
sist these pests, and when once infected, not only
succumb but spread infection among others. In
many instances, the vitality is so lessened by
parasitic invasion, that although death does not
result, little gain is made in weight or wool be-
eause of the devitalizing effect of the parasitic
infestation. The animal is in a fit condition to be
earried away by trivial diseases, that in perfect
health would be resisted with little trouble.
It is of the greatest importance in this class
of diseases to quickly discover the inciting cause.
This is most vital; treatment of the infected in-
dividual or individuals being secondary. Stock-
men do not care for finely spun theories or for
prolonged scientific explanation of the probable
eause of an epizootic among their flocks; they do
not appreciate the beauties of science, and care
little for the life-history of the pest. What they
most earnestly desire and are willing to pay
153
154 SHEEP DISEASES.
for, is final results. The time to explain how
to prevent a recurrence of the trouble is after
the epizootic has been brought under control or
eradicated.
In the sheep raising section on the western
range only five parasites are common; two ex-
ternal, the common seab mite and the sheep tick;
three internal, the stomach worm, the liver-fluke
and the ‘‘gid’’ or ‘‘turnsick.’’
A. EXTERNAL PARASITES.
1. Sheep Scab.
Common scab; mange; itch; scurf; St. An-
thony’s fire; wildfire; erysipelas; dry scab; dry
rot, and ringworm.
Sheep seab is caused by the Psoroptes communis
ovis; order Acarina; class Arachnida.
The seab mite is a nearly round, rather light
colored parasite, the female measuring about »
one-fortieth of an inch in length, and the male
nearly one-fiftieth. By placing the mites on a
sheet of black carbon paper and holding this
in the sunlight, they can be seen easily.
After mating, the female deposits about a
«lozen eges at the base of the wool fibers. These
eges hatch in three or four days; in a week the
young will have matured, and in three or four
days more they will have mated and the female
laid her eggs. Gerlach estimates that the en-
tire life cycle of the psoroptes mite is completed
within fifteen days. Using these figures as a
basis for calculation, it has been estimated that
PARASITIC DISEASES. 155
the progeny of a single pair of mites may at-
tain to the astounding number 150,000,000 in
about four months!
Symptoms: ‘T’o the experienced, the symptoms
of scab are very plain. When a sheep becomes
/
Sukrep-scaBp Mire (Psoroptes ovis). Male.
Dorsal view greatly enlarged.
(After Salmon and Stiles, 189s.)
infested with one or more mites, small inflamed
zones occur where the mite pierces the skin to
obtain food. This is followed by itching and the
formation of papules, and, as the mites multiply
in numbers, the area of inflammation rapidly
156 SHEEP DISEASES.
increases. Serum oozes from the papules, and it
is in this stage that the disease is first noticed.
When bedded down, the infected animal will get
SHEEP-SCAB MITE (Psoroptes ovis). Female.
Dorsal view, greatly enlarged.
(After Salmon and Stiles, 1898.)
up and bite or rub its body against another or
some tree or post.
The wool begins to get ‘‘taggy,’’ and soon com-
mences to fall out. Crusts form on the skin from
the dried exudate. It is under the crusts that
the mites live.
PARASITIC DISEASES. 10/
Depending on the severity of the infection, the
disease progresses until the animal never seems
to be at rest. It becomes thin; the wool falls
out in patches usually along the flanks and back;
larger and larger areas of the skin become in-
flamed and covered with crusts; others become in-
fected, and soon the whole band is one rubbing,
biting, seratching mass of distracted sheep.
Differential diagnosis: Practically the only
way to become familiar with the disease is to
see a genuine ease. After this, the rest is com-
paratively easy.
Wool that has fallen out due to ‘‘blue bag’’ in
ewes, or to exposures, leaves a soft, normal skin.
There is nothing but a ‘‘bald spot’’ with no pim-
ples, vesicles, papules or inflammatory zones.
Eezema of the various types merely shows a
reddening of the skin without the thickening that
accompanies ‘‘seab.’’
In sheep work it is always safe to think of scab
first, in suspicious cases, and to act accordingly.
This will protect the veterimarian and the owner,
even if it does put the latter to a little ineon-
venience.
Treatment: As is well known, dipping and
quarantine have nearly eradicated this disease
from our country. The subject of quarantines
has been taken up in the section on Federal and
State regulations.
Dipping with ‘‘lime-and-sulphur’’ has been the
mainstay on the western range, the official dip
being prepared as follows:
158 SHEEP DISEASES.
Unislakedh Himes so takarcpstetaite thee are have cnet 8 pounds
KiowersoL sulphur .de eck career 24 pounds
Waters le: 25 as taliene Gps orreke nba eae pecan eee 100 gallons
The lime should be placed in a water-tight box
or large bucket, and sufficient water added to
make a thin paste. Sift. the sulphur in slowly,
mixing lime, until the lime and sulphur is about
the consistency of mortar. <A kettle with 30 gal-
First stage of scab on shoulder, showing natural position of
wool disturbed by biting and scratching.
U.S. Dept. Agr. Bul. 71.
lons of water now receives this paste, and it
is boiled for two hours. Water should be added
to keep the total quantity up to thirty gallons.
It should be stirred well with a mortar hoe, while
boiling, to keep the paste from caking on the
bottom of the kettle. After boiling for two hours,
this ‘‘concentrate’’ should be placed in a barrel
PARASITIC DISEASES. 159
to settle, with a bunghole four or five inches
from the bottom. If the sediment be mixed up in
the dip it will injure the wool, or may harm the
eyes of the sheep.
When ready to dip, draw off this clear liquid
from the settling barrel into the dipping vat,
and add 70 gallons of water, warmed so that the
Lregenp—Characteristic scab lesion in early stages of disease.
U.S. Dept. Agr. Bul. 713.
whole mixture is about 100 to 103 degrees Fahb-
renheit, or in warm climates, several degrees
higher.
The size of the dipping vat should depend upon
the number of sheep to be dipped and as minute
directions for the whole operation are given in
government regulations, this phase of the subject
need not be taken up in detail here.
In dipping sheep each one is ducked ‘‘head
under’’ onee, and kept in the solution for at
least two minutes.
160 SHEEP DISEASES.
In cases where the scabs are extensive, ‘‘hand-
dressing’’ should be done to soften the crusts.
There are a thousand and one methods of
making up the dip and procedures in dipping. In
actual practice one soon learns to make the best
of facilities at hand, and forget the specific in-
LEGEND—Scabby buck with entire hindquarters and flank af-
fected. The discolored area is due to dip
stain from hand dressing.
U.S. Dept. Agr. Bul. 713.
structions laid down by some person who has pos-
sibly never been within a thousand miles of a
real sheep camp. The man who is ingenious
along these lines, and who ean ‘‘get along’’ with
the sheep men, is one of the most valuable assets
that the Federal or state governments can pos-
sess. Unfortunately, merit has been little recog-
PARASITIC DISEASES. 161
nized by either, and officials who have done noth-
ing but antagonize the rank and file of sheep
men are kept in localities year after year where
their usefulness is greatly impaired if not actually
lost. This is one reason why so much enmity exists
upon the subject of ‘‘scab.’’
When ticks are present with the scab mites,
the tobacco or nicotin dips are probably pref-
erable, for they exterminate ticks better than
lime-and-sulphur. These are made up in several
different formulae, two of which are given:
EO DAC CO Wwe aie tace iste ioe onst greta a otelev aie ahel odsiernatets 30 pounds
RPMI Hatter peesy cua ec’ dncraferaisoe Wises als ste snatarch ere oS 7 pounds
ConcenibraledalyGar.. «as ote ohare odie e aes 3 pounds
IY UST ee ca Coho BOI aon ae RC a BE 100 gallons
Steep the tobacco in warm water for about a
day, pour off the solution, and add the sulphur,
lye and water sufficient to make up 100 gallons.
Stir while using, taking the same precautions
to keep the dip warm as with the common lime-
and-sulphur dip.
The nicotin dip is made up as lace
INGUIN aie ceiceinies oe Four-tenths of a pound
RO WMerseOt. SUlpl irs saw es lccie late cloister ae 16 pounds
WV eTare mies kane Seam cu daicmeteesl store. eseeseeae tars 96 gallons
Mix the nicotin and sulphur together in a quan-
tity of warm water, and add to the rest of the
water in the dipping vat. Keep a close watch
on the evaporation, as it may become too strong.
The nicotin solution found on the market con-
tains a statement on the package of the amount
of absolute nicotin, and the correct amount to
make up the above can easily be figured out from
this basis.
162 SHEEP DISEASES.
In making up dips one should take into con-
sideration the severity of the infection; the state
of weather; the kind of sheep; the hardness of
erusts, and the facilities for dipping and _ heat-
ing the water. This requires judgment and ex-
perience.
The sediment from the dipping vats is usually
diluted and thrown around
the corrals or pens as a
disinfectant.
Many other dips are
used with good success.
Coal tars, arsenicals, car-
bolic acid, potassium sul-
phid and patent dips are
all on the market. Since
the war, the prices of
certain chemicals
have so risen that the
Sena. Wikia Donal. eld lime-and-sulphimeiia
view, enlarged. _ gained somewhat in
(From Curtice, 1590.)
popularity.
To eradicate scab from a band of sheep, every
member of the flock should be dipped two or
three times; kept under close supervision, and
at the least symptoms of its recurrence, re-
dipped.
The vitality of the mite egg or the mite itself
is exceedingly great, although the exact length
of life is unknown. However, it is not considered
good policy to drive sheep into a corral or pen
that has been infested within a year.
PARASITIC DISEASES. 163
2. Head Scab.
Sarcoptes scabet ovis.
This is the smallest of the three varieties of
scab mites. It usually burrows under the skin
around the nostrils first, causing small light pim-
ples. The sheep scratches its nose as though in-
fected with the ‘‘grub.’’
This is not a common disease, and ‘‘hand
dressing’’ with any good dip will
usually clear up the trouble.
3. Foot Scab.
Symbiotes scaber ovis.
These are rather large mites,
and cause irritation on the feet and
legs. The symptoms are biting
Suzzr Louse and stamping, with crust - like
(Trichodectes formations.
sphaer o- : .
Genhalus).. This malady is a rare one, and
eae is treated by applying a lather of
(AtterG. Neumann, goap-suds or olive oil to loosen the
crusts, and then scrubbing with a
ten per cent. solution of creolin.
In all forms of seab, of course, the pens or
corrals must be disinfected, if the work be done
during the winter season.
4. Sheep Ticks.
Melophagus ovimus.
This is a six-legged, brownish-colored, mot-
tled parasite, resembling a wingless fly. It spends
its entire life on the sheep, the female laying
164 SHEEP DISEASES.
about fifteen eggs, which hatch in about three
weeks, the exact period depending somewhat on
weather conditions. |
While not so destructive as the scab mite, the
tick causes a great deal of damage by blood suck-
ing, in lambs, often stunting the growth.
It is not an essentially infectious parasite, as
it prefers to stay close to its old home.
Swingle of Wyoming
found a sheep can be
kept free of ticks by
keeping a_ three-foot
partition between it and
infected animals.
Coal tar or tobacco
dips are recommended
to eradicate this pest,
and two dippings, two
Surep Foor Louse (Haemato- ‘ays apart, will usually
pinus pedalis). Adult fe elear up the trouble.
male and egg, enlarged. :
(From Osborn, 1896.) It is the common pro-
cedure in the western states to dip the animals after
shearing; this is not only beneficial to the fleece
but rids the animal of ticks, lice and fleas, as well.
In the west the ticks are very numerous on
the sheep in the spring, but after shearing they
leave the older sheep and are found principally
on the lambs. Later, when the whole band are
driven up in the mountains for summer range,
practically no ticks are found at all in the band.
During the winter they become numerous again,
and do an incalculable amount of damage by suck-
ing the blood and causing a constant irritation.
PARASITIC DISEASES. 165
5. Lice.
Trichocephalus spherocephalus; common sheep
louse.
This is a very small white and reddish brown
parasite, measuring about one-twentieth of an
inch in length. The eggs are laid at the base
of the wool fibers.
Only a very careful examination reveals the
true cause of the irritation, as the symptoms are
much like seab. In the heat of the day, the lice
will be found to be sticking to the outer end of
the wool fiber.
If many animals are infected dipping with any
coal tar dip is advisable. If only a few, an oint-
ment composed of equal parts lard and sulphur,
rubbed into the affected parts, will soon eradicate
the lice.
6. Maggots.
Embryo of the Musca vomitorium or common
blow-fly. .
This is one of the most serious pests with
which the sheep man has to contend. When a
sheep is accidentally cut during shearing, or re-
ceives some other injury breaking the skin, the
blow-fly attacks the helpless animal. Sometimes
the wool becomes overlaid with fetid discharges
such as urine, feces, or pus, and here the fly lays
her eggs. Soon a festering mass of maggots
are present, and which in a large band are often
not discovered until the animal is nearly dead.
The treatment consists in getting the maggots
out of the sore, and painting the edges with tine-
166 SHEEP DISEASES.
ture of iodin. As turpentine is a common house-
hold remedy, this may be used. A little ether
mixed with sweet oil has a tendency to bring out
all maggots that are deeply buried. Solutions
of creolin are useful, or even coal oil (kerosene)
may be used.
The best thing is prevention. In case of in-
juries, smear pine tar over the part, or equal
parts lard and sulphur. All taggy wool should
be clipped.
7. Fleas.
Pulex irritans [human]; Pulex serraticeps
[dog|; Pulex avium: [bird].
These rarely attack sheep. It is sufficient to
merely draw attention to their existence. In cer-
tain localities, however, they are very prevalent.
Dusting the animal well with Persian insect
powder and disinfecting the pen or corral with
ereolin or lime will eradicate these pests.
8. Flies.
Under this heading come gnats, sandflies, mos-
quitoes and other winged parasites. Flies of
peculiar economic value to the sheep industry,
such as the Musca vomitorium (adult of the mag-
got) and the Estrus ovis (adult of the grub in
the head), have been considered at length under
their respective headings.
B. INTERNAL PARASITES.
Fortunately, due to the high altitude of the
common sheep ranges in the west, very few in-
PARASITIC DISEASES. 167
ternal parasites attack sheep. Only in isolated
localities are these found, and then usually in
low sections of the country, or in places long de-
voted to sheep husbandry.
| 1.- Gid.
Sturdy; turnsick.
This ailment is due to the larva or hydatid
phase of the tapeworm, the Tae-
nia coenurus.
The eggs of this tapeworm are
distributed around the pens or
corrals by carnivorous animals, &
chiefly dogs. Other animals, e
such as the coyote, wolf or fox,
may also be the host of this tape-
worm.
After the eggs are ingested
by the sheep, it is supposed that
they hatch and the embryos Estrus Ovis.
gain entrance to the circulatory } oe ane
system by piercing the walls of :
the stomach, although our knowledge of their
life history is incomplete. Those that reach the
brain or spinal cord develop into large cysts,
and cause this fatal malady among sheep.
Symptoms: The manifestations of gid are
general in character, and at first one may
suspect rabies, or some form of poison, but the
coma that soon follows, and an autopsy, will re-
veal the true cause. The animal becomes dull,
with loss of appetite. Later, it begins to stagger
around in more or less of a circle, hence the old
168 SHEEP DISEASES.
name, ‘‘turnsick.’’ Finally, it falls down and
dies in a convulsion.
The fact that there is no sneezing or nasal
eatarrh in gid differentiates it from grub in the
head.
Treatment: This is unsuccessful, prevention
being the only logical method to pursue. Treat
the sheep dogs with a vermifuge, such as the
following:
UL Vamp aneGa, MITGis os Retin pieis rove tcial cietenek be eaten gr. XxX
IVE le gehen te Gees crite mi tants ate. pk re me cena 3i
AE UTP CIMCUINE yathcvavoicactoval cose euen che la akctoh aw aie estan Reinke m.x
M. f. cap.
Starve the dog all day, allowing plenty of»
water. In the evening, give the above, and the
next morning administer four tablespoonfuls
eastor oil. Do not allow the dog to run over the
sheep pasture. This is the average dose for a
forty pound dog. Stray dogs are best treated
with lead administered with a well aimed gun.
Where sheep are known to be infected, all
heads of dead animals should be burned and not
fed to the dogs or left for coyotes.
2. Grub in the Head.
Grub; gleet; nasal catarrh.
Cause: The sheep bot-fly, Estrus ovis, de-
posits living larvae in the nostrils of sheep.
These crawl up into the nasal cavities, causing
a violent catarrh, and, in severe invasions, death.
Loss of weight and lack of thrift always occur.
In some localities, they are a very serious menace.
PARASITIC DISEASES. 169
Symptoms: These are very pronounced. The
infected animal runs around snuffing as though
it had something in its nose. The rest of the
band keep their noses close to the ground and
show signs of fear. Later, the infected sheep
lies down, sneezes, rolls its head in every con-
ceivable shape and exhibits the greatest of ex-
citement. The eyes grow watery while the nasal
membranes are inflamed.
To differentiate from gid is comparatively
easy. There is no violent staggering around in
a circle, and no disturbance of the functions of
the nervous system, the nasal catarrh being
the most prominent symptom.
Treatment: After infection, this is practically
hopeless. Some good results have been reported
by mixing snuff in olive oil and pouring it in
- the nose, while holding the victim on its back.
Wire snares formed of small loops have also been
tried.
Prevention is the only logical procedure. Keep
the nose well smeared with tar. In a large band,
this is done by boring large holes in a plank,
smearing the edges with tar, and filling up with
salt.
3. Lung Worms.
Hoose; husk; snots; verminous bronchitis.
The Strongylus filaria, a small, reddish-brown
round worm, less than an inch long, and about
as thick as a thread, is the parasite responsible
for this disastrous disease.
The life history of this worm is not exactly
170 SHEEP DISEASES.
known. According to some investigators, the
worms deposit their ova in the air passages of
the infected animal, and the embryos are expelled
either through the sneezing of the animal, or
through the feces. They can live in several in-
termediate hosts, such as the angleworm, and
when a sheep or a lamb eats or drinks in the in-
fected locality, the parasite reaches the air pas-
sages. Here again they pass through another life
eyele, which is repeated with startling rapidity.
Symptoms: The evidences of this ailment are
most pronounced in lambs, and depend upon the
number of parasites present. First, there is a
pronounced anemia, commonly known as ‘‘paper-
skin.’’ A broncho-pneumonia is next seen, accom-
panied by a short, hacking cough. The nose is
rubbed on a log, and the victim breathes with diffi-
eulty. Toward the last, a diarrhea sets in, and
the animal staggers around, until it falls to the
ground, never again to rise.
Treatment: This is useless when the lungs
are infested, or the disease in the last stage. If
the worms are in the trachea, one dram of gaso-
lin may be injected intratracheally.
Prevention is far more satisfactory than
treatment of affected animals. Separate the
healthy from the sick, and keep on high ground.
Infested pastures should not be grazed for a year
or two. The disease is seen at its worst in the
fall, following a wet summer.
PARASITIC DISEASES. LEE
4, Stomach Worms.
This is one of the most serious ailments that
affect sheep, especially is it serious in the young.
Another member of the Strongyles, the Stron-
eylus contortus, a brownish colored thread worm,
is the cause of this ailment.
The life history of this parasite has not been
worked out definitely. It is the common sup-
position that the ova are voided by in the feces
of the infected animals; other sheep pick them up
on the grass or in the water, and thus spread the
infection.
This parasite prefers a cool, damp _ habitat,
and experienced observers have pointed out the
fact that the infection is usually acquired around
shade trees where the lambs play during the heat
of the day. On desert ranges, in sandy or vol-
canie ash soil, very little trouble is experienced.
Symptoms: The experienced eye will easily
detect the symptoms of this disease. Along in
July or August, the infected animal begins to
hang back from the rest of the band. ‘‘Off color,’’
says the herder. Emaciation becomes notice-
able, and the walk is hesitating, like a sick person
getting out of bed and taking a first few steps.
The wool becomes harsh and rough, and the lamb
becomes very weak. Later, the victim staggers
about, keeping from tumbling on the ground by
the greatest of efforts. A swelling comes on the
lower jaw, just between the angles of the inferior
maxillae, while the visible mucous membranes
are pale, and the skin like parchment. Depend-
172 SHEEP DISEASES.
ing on the severity of the invasion, death may
take place in from two weeks to two months.
A postmortem examination reveals the pres-
ence of clumps of reddish-brown worms, about
half an inch long, and size of a hair, living in a
brown liquid, in the lower part of the fourth
stomach or abomasum.
Treatment: In a small band of sheep, treat-
ment can be instituted with a fair degree of suc-
cess if started in time. Segregate all suspected
cases and keep them in a corral. Drive the ap-
parently healthy ones to another pasture, pref-
erably a high and dry one. Keep all food away
from the ones to be treated for a whole day, al-
lowing plenty of water. That evening give to an
ordinary lamb one-half ounce each of gasolin
and raw linseed oil, to which may be added four
ounces of fresh cow’s milk. Repeat this dosage
for three evenings, allowing food several hours
after giving each dose of medicine. Very weak
lambs may be fed more often, and a little stim-
ulant given. Ten days later, give another course
of this same treatment.
Prevention of stomach worms is more to be de-
sired than any treatment however successful.
It is best accomplished by frequent change of
pasture. In case this is impossible, it is a good
plan to go out of the sheep business, for stomach
worms and profit do not go hand in hand. Fight-
ing this disease is not only an expensive battle,
but an uphill task as well.
PARASITIC DISEASES. 1735
5. Liver Rot.
Distomatosis.
This is a disease of deadly importance in low-
lying countries but is not common to the sheep
raising sections of the west.
The sheep is naturally an in-
habitant of high altitudes;
this factor is in its favor,
since to a large extent it
keeps it away from noxious
parasites to which it is so
susceptible.
DistoMA HEPATICUM.
2 a. Intestines.
Feeders who prepare the aerate can ey eo
best mutton for market, and c. Ventral sucker.
é ~ ™ | b heh d. Uterus.
who buy western lambs tha era ee
‘*Pathology.’’)
have never lost a feed and
that have spent their lives at an altitude of from
three to ten thousand feet above sea level, will
sustain me in making this statement.
Liver rot is due to the Distoma hepaticum or
Fasciola hepaticum; commonly called the liver-
fluke.
The life history of the fluke is an interesting
one, and may be briefly given as follows: The
feces of infected animals contain the embryos
which mature in about six weeks under favorable
conditions. They then bore their way into the
bodies of fresh-water snails, and after passing
through certain cycles, emerge as cysts. When
these are taken in by sheep in either food or
water, they undergo a further development and
migrate into the bile duct and on into the liver.
174 SHEEP DISEASES.
Just how long a period is spent in the liver is
as yet undetermined; nor does the sheep owner
eare. What he wants to know is how to keep the
flukes out of his animals entirely.
Treatment is hopeless. Prevention is the only
rational course to pursue. Do not attempt to
graze sheep in infected lands. Disinfecting water
troughs, if those are used, is a good precaution-
ary measure.
6. Tapeworms.
Monieza [Taenia] expansa is the largest of all
tapeworms. It is the cause of the so-called ‘‘tape-
worm plague’’ in lambs. This is a very rapid -
growing cestode, accounts being on record of a
month old lamb containing a thirty-six foot tape-
worm in its intestinal tract.
Momeza |Taenia| alba is a rather short, trans-
parent tapeworm.
Several other varieties of tapeworms are some-
times found in sheep, but as they are never dis-
covered until after slaughter, little attention need
be given them from a practical standpoint.
Symptoms: The symptoms of tapeworm in-
festation are a gradual anemia and lack of thrift
on good range. Many eases do not show any
symptoms whatever.
Treatment: This, as with the foregoing, is
largely a matter of prevention. If the ailment
can be diagnosed from previous histories of in-
fection in the same band, the following should
be given: Starve the lamb all day, allowing suf-
PARASITIC DISEASES. 175
ficient water. At night, given a_ teaspoonful
turpentine in several ounces raw linseed oil; oleo-
resin of male fern may be substituted for the
turpentine.
7. Esophagostoma Columbianum.
This minute parasite is the cause of the com-
mon ‘‘nodular disease’’ so often seen in packing
houses, where large numbers of sheep are slaugh-
tered. The nodules vary in size; the older and
larger ones being calcareous, while the smaller
ones contain the parasite embedded in a mucu-
purulent matter.
The symptoms are so obscure that the presence
of the parasite is not discovered until after
slaughter.
Treatment is hopeless. Prevention is the pro-
cedure for which to strive, and this is not thor-
oughly understood. The high dry ranges of the
extreme West seem infested, and each year more
western lambs are affected.
8. Sarcosporidiosis.
Sarcocystis tenella; Miescher’s tubules.
A class of minute parasites infecting the mus-
cular tissues of animals, also known as ‘‘Mies-
cher’s tubules.’’ It is becoming a very common
parasite.
Animals grazed in swampy pastures or near a
pond seem to be more commonly affected. Later
176 SHEEP DISEASES.
investigations seem to show that other animals
may be the distributing agent, the sheep being
the definitive host.
No antemortem
Symptoms are recog-
‘nized, and no treatment
nor means of prevention
is at present known. Re-
moval to a high, dry
range, and watering
from running streams
might prevent the para-
site from gaining a hold
in the band.
SAcs OF MIESCHER FROM While the meat of a
MUSCLES. carcass of mutton af-
(After Ziegler.) - .
fected with this para-
site is edible, the numerous hemorrhagic spots ren-
der it rather unsalable. The diaphragm, perito-
neum and other abdominal muscles are the parts
commonly affected.
9. Rare Parasites.
Several other rare parasites infest the diges-
tive tract and circulatory systems of sheep, but
they are interesting merely from a_ scientific
point of view, and have no practical significance,
to the practitioner.
Original water color from collection in
Smithsonian Institution by Walpole AHOENS.CO. BALTIMORE
DEATH CAMAS (Zygadenus venenosus)
“Permission Will C. Barnes ‘Western Grazing Grounds and Forest Ranges’”
SECTION XXIII.
POISONS.
Closely approaching in extent the losses among
sheep due to parasites are the losses from poison-
ing. The poisons destructive to sheep naturally
fall into three classes, as follows:
A. Mineral Poisons.
B. Vegetable Poisons.
C. Animal Poisons.
On the Western ranges whole bands of sheep,
numbering several thousand each, have been
wiped out in a week, sometimes even in a single
day, from eating poisonous plants or drinking
water impregnated with some unsuspected toxic
matter.
It is a well known fact that certain localities
abundantly supplied with springs are uniformly
deadly to sheep. Sometimes only one certain pas-
ture or part of a gulch is affected in this way.
In the mountain ranges a great variety of ore
formations occur, such as lead, zine, copper, sil-
ver and gold, salts of which sheep may ingest with
their food or drink. Sometimes the poisoning as-
sumes a chronic form, due to the fumes from
smelters being deposited on the grass that is eaten
by the animals. The diagnosis in these cases is
extremely difficult. In sections of the country
poisons, such as strychnin, phosphorus and ar-
177
178 SHEEP DISEASES.
senic, are used to eradicate predatory animals or
squirrels, and not infrequently are distributed
where sheep have access to them or are washed to
such locations by surface drainage.
In treating cases of poisoning, one should re-
member the three cardinal principles of toxicology
which consist in administering:
First: Chemical antidotes; substances that
change the composition of the poison into some-
thing inert.
Second: Mechanical antidotes; substances that
surround the poison and protect the absorbing tis-
sues.
Third: Physiological antidotes; substances that
antagonize the action of the poison by neutralizing
its effects on the animal.
Keeping these facts in mind, one can often use
ingenuity in selecting substances with which to
treat poisoned animals, where the proper anti-
dote is not to be had, a condition that is often the
case since sheep are usually found in the most
inaccessible parts of the country.
A. MINERAL POISONS.
1. Acute Lead Poisoning.
Acute lead poisoning is rather rare in sheep,
but it sometimes occurs in early spring.
Symptoms: Colic, with bloating; suppression
of the urine; slow, wiry pulse, with labored breath-
ing; gradual weakness, followed by convulsions
and death within a few hours.
POISONS. 79
Treatment: Dilute sulphuric acid (a 10 per cent
solution of the official dilute acid), commonly
ealled ‘‘oil of vitriol,’’ in one dram doses, given
in a pint of water, forms insoluble lead sulphate.
Epsom or Glauber’s salts in one ounce doses
dissolved in a pint of water, or a teaspoonful of
sulphur mixed with molasses and smeared on the
tongue may be given. A dram of potassium per-
manganate dissolved in a pint of cold water is
always good treatment, and may be administered
when the exact cause of the poisoning is not
known.
Small doses of morphin, atropin, or glonoin may
be given hypodermieally, or chloral hydrate may
be given per rectum.
Treatment in acute cases of lead poisoning is
not very successful, as the animals are usually
too badly affected to even drench.
Postmortem appearances: Only slight changes
are noticeable; this is especially true of the apo-
plectic form where the animals are found dying
in convulsions.
2. Chronic Lead Poisoning.
This is sometimes seen where lead mines are
found, or in the vicinity of smelters where the
fumes are blown on the grass.
Symptoms: Gradual emaciation, colic, bluish
eolor around the gums followed by death from
general weakness.
One must be guided largely by the history of
the case, and this is comparatively easy when one
is familiar with the country. Old or working
180 SHEEP DISEASES.
lead mines or smelters may give one a clue as to
the cause of the trouble.
Treatment: One-half dram doses of potassium
iodid dissolved in a pint of water will hasten the
removal of the poison by transforming the lead
into lead iodid. Gum acacia in water or raw eggs
help to protect the mucous membranes.
Postmortem appearances: -Paleness of the in-
testinal mucosa; ulcers and lead-gray discolora-
tions throughout the alimentary canal.
In a large band of sheep the only practical pro-
cedure is a complete change of food and water.
3. Acute Arsenical Poisoning.
Acute arsenical poisoning is very rare in sheep.
Symptoms: Great salivation, eroded tongue,
paralysis, stupor, and death in a few hours.
Treatment: Do not give oil. Hydrated iron or
even the common iron sulphate in large doses, one-
half ounce to a pint of water, may be given. Raw
eggs, lime water, sweetened water, sulphur and
potassium sulphate are also used. Treatment of
acute arsenical poisoning is seldom successful.
Postmortem appearances: Great redness and.
swelling of the mucous membranes of the alimen-
tary canal.
4. Chronic Arsenical Poisoning.
Chronic arsenical poisoning is sometimes seen
after using dips containing arsenic,
POISONS. 181
Symptoms: Chronic diarrhea, gradual emaci-
ation, and sometimes a short, hacking cough is
present.
Treatment: Change of food and water. Iron
sulphate in small doses—twenty grains per day—
may be given.
Postmortem appearances: Paleness of mem-
branes with a general hydremia. Sometimes the
postmortem findings are very obscure.
5. Phosphorus Poisoning.
This is sometimes seen in sections where this
poison is used to kill noxious animals, such as
squirrels. It usually occurs in the acute form.
Symptoms: Phosphorus poisoning greatly re-
sembles arsenic poisoning in that there is great
salivation, a staggery gait, and death from con-
vulsions.
Treatment: One dram copper sulphate (blue
vitriol) dissolved in a pint of water; same dosage
of potassium permanganate; one tablespoonful
turpentine given in mucilaginous solutions neu-
tralizes the poison, changing it into phosphoric
acid. Peroxid of hydrogen, lime water, charcoal,
and raw eggs are also very useful.
Postmortem appearances: Very similar to ar-
senical poisoning. In subacute cases no lesions
may be observable.
6. Copper Poisoning.
Symptoms: Colic; diarrhea; weakness; slow,
wiry pulse.
182 SHEEP DISEASES.
Treatment: Iron in large quantities; raw eggs;
mucilaginous drenches; milk and sulphur.
Postmortem appearances: Inflammation of the
intestinal tract is usually present. In chronic
light attacks calcareous deposits occur in the
kidneys,
7. Zinc Poisoning.
This usually occurs in the chronic form.
Symptoms: Colic; diarrhea; weakness, and gen-
eral paralysis.
Treatment: Tannic acid in dram doses; sul-
phur; raw eggs; sugar in water; gums; potassium
permanganate.
Postmortem appearances: Paleness and ulcers
of the intestinal tract.
8. Mercurial Poisoning.
This is comparatively rare in sheep, although
occasionally a sheep herder grows careless and
leaves blue ointment lying around so that a lamb
or two becomes poisoned.
Symptoms: Salivation; bloody diarrhea; ec-
zema; paralysis, and death from general weak-
ness,
Treatment: Sulphur; iron sulphate; raw eggs.
Postmortem appearances: Signs of inflamma-
tion in the bowels, with the liver enlarged, are
two symptoms that may help one to arrive at a
definite diagnosis.
POISONS. 183
9. Alkali Poisons.
This includes ammonia, soda, potassa, and salts
of these metals. Potassium nitrate, sodium chlo-
rid and sodium sulphate poisoning, being more
common than the others, are discussed under
separate heads.
Symptoms: Colicky pains; sloughing of the
mucous membranes of the mouth and throat;
bloody diarrhea, followed by collapse and death.
Treatment: Large quantities of vinegar; raw
eges; demulcents.
Postmortem appearances: Inflammation of the
mouth and throat; edema of the larynx.
10. Carbolic Acid Poisoning.
As this is purely an accidental poison, the his-
tory of the case will guide one to a correct diag-
nosis. The odor of the poison, together with the
coagulation of the tissues, are very plain symp-
toms.
Treatment: Alcohol; Epsom salt; Glauber’s
salt; raw eges.
11. Mineral Acid Poisoning.
The treatment consists of soapsuds, lime water,
baking soda, and an ounce of spirit of camphor
may be given as a stimulant.
12. Saltpeter Poisoning.
Treatment consists in giving emollients, such as
raw eggs, or mucilaginous gruels. Stimulants,
such as spirit of camphor or aromatic spirits of
ammonia or whiskey, are indicated, if available.
184 SHEEP DISEASES.
13. Common Salt Poisoning.
This occurs where sheep have been deprived of
salt for a long time and then given it in too gen-
erous quantities.
Symptoms: Chiefly a violent gastro-enteritis,
with a watery diarrhea and frequent urination.
Death oceurs in a few hours.
Treatment: Drench with large quantities of
water; raw linseed oil; raw eggs, and give spirit
of camphor as a stimulant.
14. Epsom Salt and Glauber’s Salt Poisoning.
Symptoms: Intense thirst; weakness; watery
diarrhea; death in a day or two.
Treatment: Give large quantities of water; raw
linseed oil; raw eggs; spirit of camphor, aromatic
spirits of ammonia or whiskey as a stimulant.
15. Sheep-Dip Poisoning.
After dipping, some of the animals may show
symptoms of trembling, staggery gait, paralysis
and death. This may not only have been caused
by swallowing some of the solution, but inhaling
it into the lungs. The sheepmen are very philo-
sophical about this, and when one or more die
they merely shrug their shoulders and take it as
a matter of course.
Very little can be done in the way of treatment,
for death ensues soon after the appearance of the
first symptoms. Alcohol, whiskey, spirit of cam-
phor, Epsom salt solution all may be given. The
poisonous action comes from the ecresol content
e.
SSS
€
es g Original water color by N, Brenizer
A HOEN&CO, BALTIMORE
WOOLLY OR PURPLE LOCO, (Astragalus mollissimus)
“Permission Will C. Barnes ‘Western Grazing Grounds and Forest Ranges'"'
POISONS. 185
of the dip, the action of which is similar to that
of carbolie acid.
16. Lime Poisoning.
Cases have been known where a bunch of lambs
have been confined to a rather close room and
lime sprinkled on them to make them sneeze to
get rid of the lung worms or grub in the head.
Quite frequently the cure has been more disas-
trous than the original ailment.
The antidote for lime poisoning is vegetable
acids, of which vinegar is a common example.
17. Petroleum Poisoning.
This is so rare that one should merely remem-
ber to give large quantities of stimulants. It is
not absorbed to any great extent, but acts as a
mechanical irritant to the tissues.
18. Rare Mineral Poisonings.
Every now and then some rarely used mineral
poison or a combination of such poisonings is
the cause of the death of one or more sheep,
usually lambs. The best thing one can do in case
several are still living when called is to admin-
ister demulcents and stimulants.
B. VEGETABLE POISONS.
Every experienced person is familiar with the
losses incurred among sheep from eating poison-
ous plants. Sometimes only a few are poisoned
and die, while in other cases whole bands of sev-
186 SHEEP DISEASES.
eral thousand have been pune out in from a few
hours to a few days.
It is a well known fact that most a: the losses
occur in the early spring when the sheep are hun-
ery for green stuff, or after shipment when the
animals are so
nearly starved
they will eat greed-
ily any plant they
chance to come
upon.
The two most
efficient methods of
prevention, there-
fore, are: First,
keep off the range
before the grass is
abundant, and, sec-
ond, keep the ani-
mals supplied with
sufficient food.
In the early
ihe spring certain pol-
A Prive Tree Growrnc 1x Soup sonous plants, such
Rocx—Favorite ranges for sheep
are composed of mountainous as death camas, be-
scenes like this. A sheep will gin to grow before
thrive where other animals would
starve. the grass. The
oreen, succulent
shoots are eagerly nibbled and soon trouble en-
sues. If the animal’s rumen is full, and it eats
but a few shoots of this plant, usually no symp-
toms of poisoning follow. That is due to a lack
of absorption or the very slow absorption of such
POISONS. 187
minute quantities as to cause nothing more than
a slight discomfort.
Old stockmen regard plant poisoning as prevent-
able diseases. Their young herders often grow
impatient to be off for the range, but the older
heads look wise and say nothing, and remain in
winter quarters. When first starting out in the
spring, the ‘‘old man’’ will ride ahead and eare-
fully peer over the grazing ground on the lookout
for ‘‘pizen.’’
As Glover of Colorado has well said, ‘‘ Through-
out the vegetable kingdom, from bacteria to the
mighty oak, we find species of plants poisonous
under certain conditions, but few of them poison-
ous under all conditions.’’? This is further illus-
trated by the following statements:
1. Some plants are poisonous only at certain
stages of growth; for example, the lupine is poison-
ous at the time of going to seed; larkspur loses its
toxic properties at flowering time; death camas
is very deadly in the early spring, but later
dries up.
2. Unusual conditions and ecological factors
may affect the quantity of poison in plants. The
wilted leaves of the wild cherry or choke cherry
are poisonous.
3. Poison is found in different parts of the
plant, such as in the roots of wild parsnips, the
seeds of lupine, the leaves of the wild or choke
cherry, and the entire plant of death camas and
aconite. :
4. Variations occur owing to season and
188 SHEEP DISEASES.
the climate. These depend also on cultivation and
location.
5. Some animals are more susceptible to poison
than others. Three sheep of the same age, size
and degree of health may eat a few leaves of death
camas. One may become violently sick and die in
a couple of hours; the second may show signs of
slight discomfort and soon recover, and the third
one may exhibit no ill effects whatever.
Loss from plants may be due to two causes:
1. The actual toxic material contained in the
plant itself, such as in the death camas, or
2. The mechanical irritation arising from the
sharp points or awns of the plant, such as foxtail —
or bearded barley.
Lambs succumb in either case more quickly than
adult sheep, due to the absorbing powers of the
abomasum, or fourth stomach, and the greater
danger from inflammation of the bowels.
Emergency Treatment.
Every sheep man should be advised to have in
his medicine chest one hundred or more powders
consisting of ten grains each of potassium per-
manganate and aluminum sulphate. Several long
neck pint bottles should be included, and when any
sheep gets poisoned, fill the bottle with water and
pour the powder into it. Shake well, and give
very slowly. Do not set the animal up on its rump
to drench it; to do so is to insure traumatic pneu-
monia, and death. This dose should be repeated
in twenty minutes.
POISONS. 189
Tannic acid in sixty-grain powders should also
be carried along, as this is an antidote for many
vegetable poisons.
Laudanum, in teaspoonful doses, may be given
to quiet the animal and relieve spasms, but treat-
ment at the best is a poor substitute for preven-
tion.
Such measures as slashing the ears and cutting
off the tail to bleed the animal, of course, can do
no good and are even harmful. There are times
when these procedures are useful, but not often
in poisonings. Pouring melted lard and other con-
coctions into the animals usually does more harm
than good. This has a tendency to dilute the poi-
son and render it easier of absorption.
Morphin, glonoin, H-M-C and atropin all may
be given hypodermically by the veterinarian.
But in all cases of plant poisoning, remember to
have on hand the potassium permanganate and
aluminum sulphate, the tannic acid, and opium in
some form as a hypnotic. Stimulants are often
valuable, but when the victim is so far gone as to
be unable to swallow, little hope can be entertained
for its recovery.
In all cases of vegetable poisoning, the usual
treatment given by sheepmen is to administer a
large quantity of stimulant, such as several ounces
of aleohol or whiskey. Ina short time, the animal
becomes sleepy, lies still for several hours or more,
apparently dead, and then, if recovery takes place,
gets up, shakes itself, and trots off, rather weakly,
to be sure, but otherwise as if nothing had hap-
pened. In many cases, where the exact cause of
190 SHEEP DISEASES.
the poisoning is not known, this treatment may
be given with as good results as any.
1. Death Camas.
Botanical name—Zygadenus venenosus.
Common names—Wild onion; lobelia; poison
camas; and porson sego to distinguish it from the
blue or edible camas.
The leaves are lance-shaped, with a simple stem,
and bulb-like root, greatly resembling a tough
onion. The flowers are greenish-yellow in color.
Its toxic principle is an unknown alkaloid.
It is found in all kinds of locations, such as
valleys, mountain sides and timber lands. Its
habitat seems to be South Dakota, Montana, Idaho,
Washington, and parts of Utah, Oregon, Wyoming
and California.
One must see this plant growing in its native
haunts to get a vivid mind-picture of it.
This has caused the loss of thousands of sheep.
Instances have been known where over two thou-
sand have died in one day from the effects of this
poison!
Symptoms: These greatly resemble strychnin-
poisoning in general. The animal becomes very
restless from the severe pain. Trembling and
frothing at the mouth are next seen. Death
usually takes place in one to three hours, and from
one-half to two-thirds of those exhibiting symp-
toms die.
Treatment: Give a drench of ten grains each
of potassium permanganate and aluminum sul-
POISONS. AO:
phate dissolved in a pint of cold water, or water
with the chill taken off it. This dose should be
mixed up just before using, as it soon loses its
strength.
2. Loco.
Botanical name—Astragalus mollissimus |pur-
ple loco|; and Aragallus lamberti [white loco].
Common names—Rattle weed; loco.
It may be said that when the loco grows in large
patches it resembles a field of alfalfa. It is a stem-
less herb, with numerous leaves, the whole plant
being about a foot high.
Its habitat is in the Rocky Mountain region, ex-
tending from Montana south to the Mexican line.
Horses are its commonest victims, but occa-
sionally a bunch of sheep become ‘‘locoed’’ to the
profane disgust of the owner.
Symptoms: Are characteristic and are not seen
from eating any other weed. The animal steps
high and seems to lose control of its legs. It de-
velops an insatiate desire for the weed. Other
animals imitate the victim out of curiosity and
also become victims of the weed.
Treatment: This is largely preventive. When
an animal is seen eating loco with apparent relish,
remove it from the band at once. If worth saving
it may be given teaspoonful doses of Fowler’s
solution of arsenic once daily.
Do not turn the animals out on pasture when
they are very hungry or in the early spring.
192 SHEEP DISEASES.
3. Larkspur.
Botancal name—Delphinum.
This does not cause so much loss among sheep
as among cattle. There are many varieties, all
more or less poisonous. The tall larkspur grows
to a height of nearly four feet, with very smooth
leaves and blue flowers. Purple larkspur grows
nearly a foot high, bearing very beautiful purple
flowers.
Its habitat is in the western range country, but
it is not thickly distributed.
Symptoms: The animal walks with a stiff,
trembling gait. Frothing at the mouth is noticed,
and the victim makes a start for the nearest water-
ing place, but often dies before reaching it. The
fact that many animals have been found dead
around a water hole has set up the mistaken cry
that the water was poisoned.
Treatment: Largely preventive. When the
animal is found poisoned, place its head higher
than the body. Carefully give the potassium per-
manganate and aluminum sulphate drench. One-
twentieth of a grain of atropin may be given hypo-
dermically. For lambs, reduce this dosage accord-
ingly.
4. Lupine.
Botanical name—Lupinus.
Common names—Wild pea; wild bean; blue
bean.
There are several dozen varieties of lupine, all
are legumes or members of the pea family, the
Original water color by N. Brenizer
PURPLE LARKSPUR (Delphinium bi-color)
“Permission Will C.-Barnes ‘Western Grazing Grounds and Forest Ranges’
POISONS. 193
group to which the clovers and alfalfa belong.
None seem to be poisonous until reaching ma-
turity.
The most common lupines are rather tall, with
branching forms. The leaves are green above and
silver-grey beneath. The flowers vary from blue
to white. Its habitat is pretty well distributed
over the United States, but it assumes a more poi-
sonous form out in the western range sections.
Symptoms: The sheep becomes excited; walks
in a circle, and butts its head against any inter-
vening obstruction. Paralysis then comes on, and
death ends the struggle within a few hours to
several days. The general symptoms resemble
strychnin poisoning greatly.
Treatment: The potassium permanganate and
aluminum sulphate drench may be given. In cases
of convulsions, laudanum in teaspoonful doses, or
chloral hydrate in two-dram doses, or one-quarter
grain morphin hypodermically, may be adminis-
tered. Acids have been tried also.
This is not a very common ailment among
sheep, except in small localities. In Germany it
often assumes the gravity of an enzootic under
the name of ‘‘lupinosis.”’
5. Aconite.
Botanical name—Aconitum.
Common names—Monkshood; wolfsbane.
This plant greatly resembles larkspur in that it
has a blue flower, but this is ‘‘hood shaped.’’
Much confusion exists between this plant and lark-
194 SHEEP DISEASES.
spur, and the chances are that owing to its pungent
taste aconite does very little actual damage. Sev-
eral species of aconite occur in the United States,
the commonest being the Aconitum Columbianum;
it grows in very high altitudes, up to ten thousand
feet, and occasionally a band of sheep, very hun-
ery for green stuff, may eat enough to cause serl-
ous results.
Symptoms: Muscular weakness, with labored
breathing, and a very weak, wiry pulse. Bloating,
frothing at the mouth, and, as death draws near,
the eye is greatly dilated.
Treatment: One dram (sixty grains) tannic
acid dissolved in an ounce of glycerin and a pint
of water is the chemical antidote; atropin given
hypodermically in one-tenth grain dosage is the
physiological antidote.
6. Water Hemlock.
Botanical name—Cicuta occidentalis.
Common names—Coubane; sometimes called
wild parsnip, but differing greatly from the real
wild parsnip.
It grows from three to six feet high. Its stem
is hollow, green and smooth. The roots are
bunched together, and are spindle-shaped, with
cross partitions in them. The real wild parsnip
has only one thick, fleshy root, which is an easy
way to tell the two apart.
The flowers are a dull greenish-white. The
plant grows along banks of rivers and marshes,
and is pretty well distributed over the West.
POISONS. 195
It is one of the most deadly of poisonous plants,
the toxic matter being found in the root, stem
and leaves.
Symptoms: Great abdominal pain, which grows
more intense in a few minutes, is the first symptom
noticed. Sweating, frothing at the mouth, con-
vulsions, and within half an hour to several hours
death takes place in terrible agony.
Treatment: Relief in the great majority of
cases is absolutely hopeless. Raw linseed oil, lard,
raw eggs, or any agent to soothe the irritated mu-
cous membranes may be given. The potassium
permanganate and aluminum sulphate drench may
also be administered. Stimulants, such as spirit
of camphor, whiskey, ether, aromatic spirit of
ammonia or brandy, are indicated.
7. Choke Cherry.
Botanical name—Prunus demissa.
Common name—Choke cherry; choke berry.
This is a shrub with glistening green leaves.
not ordinarily harmful, except when famished
sheep are driven through thickets of it. It is
found usually in gulches. The poison contained
in the leaves is hydrocyanic or prussic acid.
Symptoms: The first symptom noticed after
passing through one of these cherry thickets is
extreme giddiness; labored breathing, with spas-
modic contractions of the bowels and bladder.
Spasms continue until death ends the struggle.
The attack is speedily fatal if the animals eat of
these leaves when their stomachs are empty.
196 SHEEP DISEASES.
Treatment: Largely preventive; the wise sheep
man does not allow his sheep access to the leaves
while they are very hungry.
Throwing cold water on the head, with inhala-
tions of ammonia, and the hypodermic injection
of one-tenth or one-twentieth grain of atropin is
about all that can be done. Even this must be done
immediately, and therefore by the herder, to be of
any avail.
8. Laurel.
Botanical name—Kalmia angustifolia; kalmva
latifolia.
Common names—Laurel; sheep laurel; lambkill,
and in the southern states, wy. ;
It is a common plant in the eastern part of our
country, growing in the woods with great profu-
sion. It is a shrub with a pink flower. It is eaten
only when the animals are famished for food or
green forage.
Symptoms: Frothing at the mouth; labored
breathing; loss of sight; paralysis; coma and
death.
Treatment: The potassium permanganate and
aluminum sulphate drench may be given at once,
and one-twentieth of a grain of atropin hypoder-
mically. Usually the animal is beyond recall when
discovered,
9. Veratrum.
Botanical name—V eratrum viride or speciosum.
Common name—Hellebore, Indian poke root.
A stout, coarse plant growing about three feet
tall. The leaves are broad, with greenish-white
POISONS. 197
flowers. It is found in moist land. Very little
attention need be paid this plant, as sheep will
not touch it; a lamb, though, may nibble at it out
of mere curiosity and later regret it.
Symptoms: Frothing at the mouth; diarrhea;
labored breathing; bloat; great abdominal pain,
and death within a short time.
Treatment: One dram (sixty grains) of tannic
acid dissolved in an ounce of glycerin and a pint
of cold water may be given to form an insoluble
precipitate, or raw linseed oil, lard, or raw eggs
to soothe the mucous membrane.
10. Ergot.
Botanical name—Claviceps purpurea.
Common name—Smut.
Hrgot is a black parasitic growth found on va-
rious grasses, being very prevalent on both wild
and tame rye. The dust-like, powdery pod is
familiar to all.
Its greatest danger is to pregnant ewes, a very
small quantity being capable of producing abor-
tion. Sometimes it causes serious losses to a band
of sheep by being thickly distributed through the
hay.
Symptoms: The animal exhibits symptoms of
painful swallowing, gulping as though it were
choked. The pulse is slow, breathing shallow, and
in gangrenous cases the ears become swollen and
purple. Paralysis comes on gradually, death tak-
ing place quietly, as though the animal were tired
of life.
198 SHEEP DISEASES.
Treatment: Immediate change of food. One
dram of tannic acid (sixty grains) dissolved in a
pint of water, to which is added a teaspoonful
sweet spirit of nitre. The latter will neutralize
the action of the poison in the blood to some extent,
while the tannic acid renders the ergot in the
stomach inert. Cutting off the ears or tail is some-
times indicated. Painting the necrosed areas
with balsam of Peru will help these to heal, in case
of recovery.
11. Deadly Nightshade.
Botancal name—Solanum nigrum.
Common name—Deadly nightshade.
A smooth, wide-branching weed, growing one or
two feet high, with clusters of white flowers. The
berries, which ripen along in the late summer, are
black, almost round, and very juicy. It is com-
mon to all sections of the United States.
Symptoms: Giddiness; dilated pupils; great
abdominal pain; convulsions, followed by paralysis
and death.
Treatment: As this very rarely causes death in
sheep, treatment is a secondary consideration. A
teaspoonful of soda dissolved in a pint of water
may be given, and stimulants, such as whiskey,
sweet spirit of nitre or ether, are indicated.
12. Woody Aster.
Botanical name—Xylorhiza Parryi [Gray].
This plant, found in Wyoming, and growing on
gumbo-clay soil, has killed many sheep in the
POISONS. 199
past. It is infected with a fungus, and whether
this contains the toxic ingredients or the plant
itself is poisonous, has not yet been determined.
It is a medium-sized plant, blossoming about the
first of May, and grows less poisonous with age,
being entirely inactive when withered.
The poison is very fatal to sheep, from ninety
to one hundred per cent of the affected animals
dying in spite of all treatment.
Symptoms: From one to several hours after
eating the plant, depending on the fullness of the
first stomach, the animal begins to grow weak;
labored breathing is noticed; then bloating, with
frequent urinating. Later, a diarrhea sets in, the
eyes become dilated, and the animal dies in from
several hours to three or four days.
Treatment: No successful line of treatment has
yet been worked out. Stimulants, such as one-
half ounce aromatic spirits of ammonia in a cup
of warm water; dram doses of oil of peppermint
in a half-pint raw linseed oil; dram doses of lauda-
num in oil, have all been tried with varying suc-
cess.
The best line of treatment is prevention, and
avoiding aster patches when the sheep are hun-
ery, especially in the early spring.
13. Sneeze Weed.
Botanical name—Helenium montanum.
This belongs to the sunflower family, growing
from one to three feet high. It has long, lance-
shaped leaves, with bright yellow flowers.
200 SHEEP DISEASES.
It is a very bitter weed, and sheep will not touch
it unless almost starved. Sometimes, however, a
young animal will develop a taste for it.
‘Symptoms: Spasms; rapid pulse; labored
breathing, and extreme sensitiveness of the skin.
There is sneezing and coughing, and death ends
the clinical picture,
Treatment: If observed before convulsions take
place, a pint of melted lard may be given. Re-
moval from infected pastures is the only logical
procedure. The weed is very abundant on old,
worn-out ranges, and is mute testimony to the
folly of over-grazing.
14. Rubber Weed.
Botanical name—Hymenoxys floribunda.
Also known as ‘“‘pingue’’, the Spanish name of
the weed.
This is a small weed, bearing a yellow flower,
and is found in the semi-arid ranges of southern
Colorado and northern New Mexico. It does not
contain any poisonous principle, so far as is
known, but causes death by forming a rubber-like
obstruction in the intestinal tract. |
Symptoms: The animal appears drowsy, and
loses its appetite. It les down and refuses to get
up. Death takes place in from one to several
hours after the first symptoms are noted.
Treatment: As this is a very obscure disorder,
treatment is still in the experimental stage. It has
been found through practical experience that a
Water color by N. Brenizer
LUPINE (Lupinus)
“Permission Will C. Barnes ‘Western Grazing Grounds and Forest Ranges’
POISONS. 201
pint of warm brine given every hour will do as
much or more good than anything yet tried. This
may have a tendency to dissolve the mass.
15. Strychnin.
This is an accidental poisoning, the plant not
erowing in this country. The trouble usually
follows attempts to poison noxious animals, and
the sheep may get enough to kill them.
Symptoms: The signs of strychnin poisoning
are familiar. First is noticed a restlessness, la-
bored breathing, rapid, wiry pulse, and the animal
walks as though it were on stilts. The muscles
twitch, the eyes become bloodshot, and there is
frothing at the mouth. Convulsions set in and
the animal dies with spasmodic twitching of the
limbs.
Treatment: One dram (sixty grains) tannic
acid dissolved in glycerin and water, an ounce
of the former to a pint of the latter, followed by
two drams chloral hydrate dissolved in a half-pint
of water or given per rectum. Morphin in one-
fourth grain doses may be given hypodermically.
Raw eges are excellent, while raw linseed oil or
melted lard seems to assist in keeping the poison
from being absorbed.
16. Cotton Seed Meal.
Poison by this valuable food is usually seen
where there is too heavy feeding of oil cake.
Symptoms: There is a bloody diarrhea and
bloody urine; cramps; bloat, and great abdominal
pain.
202 SHEEP DISEASES.
Treatment: Immediate change of food. Lambs
may be given an ounce of castor oil and several
raw eggs.
17. Tobacco.
Botanical name—Nicotiana.
Sometimes seen after the use of tobacco or nico-
tine dips.
Symptoms: Great abdominal pain; frothing at
the mouth; diarrhea; bloat; convulsions, followed
by paralysis, and death within an hour or so after
the first symptoms are noticed.
Treatment: One dram (sixty grains) tannic
acid dissolved in a pint of water, to which has been
added an ounce of glycerin. Black coffee may also
be given.
18. Digitalis,
Digitalis poisoning very rarely occurs in sheep,
as the digitalis plant, commonly known as fox-
glove, is a cultivated drug plant.
The symptoms are variable and one must know
the complete history of the case in order to make
a definite diagnosis.
No cure or antidote is known, although the tan-
nic acid drench may be given a trial.
19. Turpentine.
In the western range sections sometimes when
the sheep are almost famished and food is scarce
they will eat enough shoots of young evergreen
trees to cause turpentine poisoning.
POISONS. 203
Symptoms: Acute gastro-enteritis; colic; con-
stipation, the pellets voided being covered with
a bloody, slimy mucus. The urine becomes bloody
and general weakness follows. The course is a
gradual one, sometimes lasting from several days
to a couple of weeks.
Treatment: Removal from the offending pas-
ture. Tannic acid in dram doses, together with
whole flaxseed jelly to soothe the irritated urinary
membranes. Small doses of lead acetate (from
five to ten grains) may be given daily.
20. Rape Seed.
This causes inflammation of the bowels, bloody
diarrhea, convulsions and death.
The treatment is wholly symptomatic, and when
the malady has reached an advanced stage, treat-
ment is hopeless.
21. Croton Oil.
When administered to cure constipation, some-
times an overdose is given. Violent cramps with
a watery dysentery follow. Raw eggs, contain-
ing teaspoonful doses of landanum, may be given,
but death is the usual sequel.
22. Hemlock.
Botanical name—Conium maculatum.
Poisoning by this is very rare; the acrid taste
of the hemlock keeps the sheep from eating it,
even though they be almost starved. The usual
victims are lambs and the end is death.
204 SHEEP DISEASES.
Symptoms: Are convulsions, followed by com-
plete paralysis.
Treatment: While almost always fatal, one may
administer one dram tannic acid dissolved in an
ounce of glycerin and a pint of water. Spirit of
camphor in tablespoonful doses can be given as a
stimulant.
23. Flax.
Botanical name—Linum usitatissimum.
In sections where flax is extensively raised occa-
sional cases of poisoning among sheep have been
known.
Symptoms: Colic; diarrhea; convulsions and
death.
Treatment: Give the tannic acid drench.
24. Horse Radish.
Botanical name—Cochlearia armoracia.
Sometimes in the early spring, sheep eat too
much of this common garden plant, and a violent
eolic and diarrhea takes place.
The treatment consists in giving one dram of
tannic acid dissolved in a pint of water. Sev-
eral raw eggs beaten up can be next given to
soothe the irritated mucous membranes.
If the horse radish is old and strong the animal
will not need to be blanketed to keep it warm,
and if it should die the flesh will not need sea-
soning.
25. 'Toadstools.
These are never eaten by sheep, but if a lamb
nibbles at one, the symptoms following are almost
POISONS. 205
maniacal in form. Not much can be done, but
a teaspoonful tannic acid dissolved in a cup of
water may be given with advantage in some cases.
26. Potato Tops.
The symptoms greatly resemble foot-and-
mouth disease, and the tannic acid drench should
be tried.
27. Poison Oak.
Botanical name—Rhus diversiloba.
Common names—Poison wy; poison sumac.
There are a number of varieties in this group,
and poisoning rarely occurs in sheep from any
of them. In ease it does, drenches of raw linseed
oil in pint doses seem to do more good than any-
thing else yet tried. The course of the ailment is
a lingering one, sometimes lasting over a week.
28. Kafir Corn and Sorghums.
Losses sometimes occur in sheep in the autumn
from turning in fields from which kafir corn or
sorghum have been harvested. The young stub-
ble contains hydroeyanic (prussic) acid, or sub-
stances that may be changed into this acid when
ingested by herbivora. It is very deadly to cattle
and sheep. Hogs seem to be immune.
The only beneficial treatment known is to give
a drench of the potassium permanganate and
aluminum sulphate, twenty-grain doses of each,
dissolved in a pint of water. However, as death
often occurs within a very few minutes after the
first symptoms of poisoning are shown, treat-
206 SHEEP DISEASES.
ment is frequently impossible. As kafir and sor-
ghum stubble is not uniformly poisonous it may
be worth while to ‘‘try’’ it with only a few sheep
otherwise it is unsafe to turn a band onto such ~
forage. The danger is greater in dry seasons
than in normal seasons.
29. Bearded Grasses.
A number of grasses such as foxtail, bearded
barley or wheat, cheat, needle-grass and sand-
burrs all cause trouble to sheep by mechanical ir-
ritation. A violent gastro-enteritis is often in-
duced by eating them. Sometimes a bunch of the
spikes or awns lodge in the mouth under the
tongue and the animal starves to death from in-
ability to eat.
When once affected, absolutely no treatment is
known that is successful if the irritation occurs
in the stomach or bowels. A careful post-mortem
examination will reveal the cause, and an exten-
sive repetition of the trouble can be avoided by
changing pastures.
30. Ensilage.
Cases have been known where a large number
of sheep have been killed by feeding on mouldy
silage, or silage that apparently was in good con-
dition, but contained the fungus, ‘‘Penteillium.’’
The symptoms are the same as from mouldy
feed of any kind: A violent colic, constipation,
followed by fetid diarrhea, convulsions and death.
Treatment is very unsuccessful, since, when the
animals begin to exhibit typical symptoms, fatal
POISONS. 207
quantities of the toxic principles have already
been absorbed.
Large doses of potassium permanganate, one
~ dram or sixty grains dissolved in a pint of water,
may be given. The triple sulphocarbolates, in
sixty grain doses, combined with a dram of tinc-
ture of ginger and an equal quantity of dioscorea
may also be tried.
If only camp remedies are at hand, give a tea-
spoonful of powdered ginger, and one-fourth
teaspoonful each of salt and pepper dissolved in
a pint of lukewarm water. Teaspoonful doses of
turpentine in raw linseed oil may be tried, but
in cases where there is great inflammation of the
mucous membranes of the stomachs and bowels,
this seems to make matters worse. Raw eggs
are always valuable in soothing this irritation.
31. Porcupine Grass.
Botanical name—Stipa.
While over a hundred varieties of this grass
are known to botanists, only one, ‘‘Sleepy Porcu-
pine Grass,’’ is known to be poisonous to sheep.
This is commonly a native of the Southwest,
abounding especially in southern Colorado, west-
ern Texas, lower California, Arizona, and New
Mexico. It grows at an elevation of from 5,000
to 9,000 feet; is a very hardy plant, about three
to five feet tall, with peculiar long, flat leaf-blades,
hence the name ‘‘porecupine grass.’’ The stalks
and leaves are bright green, and the seeds very
coarse.
208 SHEEP DISEASES.
Only when the animals are very hungry or the
feed extremely scarce will sheep eat it.
The symptoms of poisoning are insidious, but
not particularly fatal. The animal becomes
droopy and appears sleepy. Finally, it hes down,
and to the inexperienced, the band is minus an-
other sheep. However, in a little while, depend-
ing on the amount eaten, the victim awakes and
trots off as though nothing had happened.
32. Uncommon Plant Poisonings.
Occasionally a plant will cause trouble in some
locality that is not known generally. Also, one
comes into contact with poison cases that have
occurred in almost unheard of manners. Even
in the west, on one forest range, a peculiar
grass, such as ‘‘bear grass,’?’ may be found on
one side of the mountains, causing much trouble;
while on the other side it is unheard of. Many
local poisons have not been touched upon for the
reason that space forbids.
It requires often the utmost skill to unravel
eases that at first defy diagnosis. Eliminating
spoiled food, acute infectious diseases, parasites,
nearly all range enzootics can be traced to some
poison ingested in the food or water.
In every case where the diagnosis is shrouded
in mystery, the sheep should be moved to other
quarters and given different food and water.
These two precautions will often work wonders.
An investigation can then be made.
In some parts of the northwest, two plants
Original water color from collection in
Smithsonian Institution by Walpole AHOEN&CO BALTIMORE
ACONITE (Aconitum Columbianum)
MONK’S HOOD
“Permission Will C. Barnes ‘Western Grazing Grounds and Forest Ranges’ "’
POISONS. 209
found among the foothills of the summer ranges
have been condemned by sheep men as poisonous.
These are the scutellaria or skulleap, and a form
of wild pea, with small white flowers. Poisoning
from these usually occurs in the early spring, and
perhaps they are only harmful when ingested in
large quantities by a hungry animal.
In the eastern part of the United States, poke-
root, corn cockle, horse nettle, jimson weed, horse
chestnut and the castor bean have all caused oc-
casional deaths among sheep. It is not common,
however, and the animal is dead before discov-
ered, as a rule. The treatment for these cases,
if they are discovered in time, consists of large
doses of tannic acid dissolved in water.
In the central states, especially in the river
valleys, wild or blue pea has caused some fatal-
ities. It may be said, with safety, that almost
every vicinity, even neighborhood, where sheep
are kept, has its peculiar poisonous plants.
In all cases, however, the treatment is nearly
the same. Large doses of some form of alcohol,
tannic acid, or potassium permanganate may be
given.
C. ANIMAL POISONS.
Sheep are practically immune to this class of
poison, as under this head are found snake bites,
insect stings, caterpillars and grubs taken in the
food, and cantharides or Spanish fly.
As the sheep is such a dainty eater it is not
troubled by ingesting animal poisons, and the
others have no deleterious effect on the sheep.
SECTION XXIV.
PREDATORY ANIMALS.
While all live stock suffer from the depreda-
tions of predatory animals, the sheep man is a
heavier loser than the owner of other domesti-
eated animals. In the eastern states the mongrel
dog has nearly ruined the industry; in the west-
ern states, where sheep are raised by the million,
Coyote Ki~tters—The Russian wolf hound is a
favorite with coyote hunters.
a varied assortment of animal pests annoy the
stockmen.
Notwithstanding the bounties given by both the
state and live stock associations, it is not an
exaggeration to say that over five million dollars’
210
PREDATORY ANIMALS. 211
worth of sheep are destroyed annually by preda-
tory animals, in the west alone. Some years ago,
when California offered a bounty of five dollars
per coyote, over 70,000 were killed in one year,
and to keep from being bankrupted, the state re-
pealed the law. Last year, in less than nine
months, nearly 15,000 coyotes were killed in Idaho
and presented for bounty and the appropria-
tion exhausted. Because these campaigns against
predatory animals have been only sporadic they
have allowed them to increase enormously during
the past few years and become a serious menace
to the live stock industry. If every state would
offer a uniform bounty for the next ten years,
these marauders would soon become practically
exterminated.
The chief predatory animals are the coyote,
lynx, wild cat, cougar and wolf. The bear is
classed as a sheep killer but is grouped in bad
company, and prairie dogs are a nuisance in
destroying the grass on the range where they
abound. The coyote does as much damage as all
the others combined, the wolf does not care much
for mutton but is especially annoying to cattle-
men. It is a common estimate in the west that
a coyote destroys $100 worth of property a year,
and a wolf $1,000. The mountain lion or cougar
is the particular enemy of deer, one cougar kill-
ing, on the average, fifty of these beautiful, timid
animals a year. Only one bear, perhaps, out of
a hundred turns ‘‘meat eater’? and harms the
stockman.
212 SHEEP DISEASES.
1. The Coyote.
‘““Th’ durndest, sneakin’est reptile thet lives’’
is the unanimous verdict of all western stock-
men. This animal is a member of the dog family,
and has all the cunning attributes claimed for
him by disgusted ‘‘buckaroos’’?’ who have ex-
hausted their patience in trying to shoot, trap
or poison him.
While civilization drives the rest of wild animal
life still farther back into the mountains, the
PREDATORY ANIMALS. 213
-
coyote seems to appreciate the coming of the emi-
grant. With the greatest of enjoyment he lives
off of fat lamb or veal, and no eleric relishes
chicken any better than he. In the most unlooked
for places, sometimes not forty rods from the
barn, the coyote rears a husky family of five
to ten young, and manages to support them in
THE OL_p WoLr SHOT AND HELPLESS.
comfort and affluence despite the high cost of
living, which because of him is made even higher
for all meat consumers.
In the spring the coyote welcomes lambing
time, and when the band of sheep are driven to the
summer range he accompanies the outfit. Many
a lamb in straying too far from its mother pro-
vides a juicy dinner for the unseen but ever-
present coyote. in the fall, he returns, invig-
214 SHEEP DISEASES.
orated after a summer vacation in the mountains,
and dines with regularity on turkey, duck or
chicken. Too cunning to be trapped; too wily
to be shot, the best way to get rid of him is to
run the brute down with hounds.
i
nb NOP
WoLF Pups IN FRONT OF DEN,
In the past few years, in the northwest, coyotes
have been spreading rabies to an alarming ex-
tent. Due to this, the Federal government is just
starting an all-western campaign against this
animal, the worst enemy of the stockman in gen-
eral, and the sheep raiser in particular.
ov
' PREDATORY ANIMALS. 21
2. Wild Cat and Lynx.
A ‘‘bobeat’’ getting among a band of sheep
seems to kill for the sole pleasure of killing. A
hundred or more sheep will be found dead, un-
touched, save for the gash in the throat.
They are very cowardly and shy, and for this
reason do not perform a great deal of damage.
WiLp Cart.
Still, one bobeat with a taste for blood will make
hfe a tragedy for any sheepman until it is
destroyed. Bobeats are rather easily. treed with
good dogs; then they may be knocked in the head
amid great rejoicing.
In 1915 Idaho and Wyoming paid a bounty on
over fifteen hundred wild cats and lynx.
216 SHEEP DISEASES.
Lynx Car CAUGHT IN TRAP—Sopris National
Forest, Colorado.
3. Wolf and Cougar.
Fortunately for sheepmen these two animals
do not seem to relish mutton as much as they do
deer, cattle and horses.
The wolf is especially dangerous to the ecattle-
man, and often kills for mere pastime. It is very
diffeult to destroy, being almost as cunning as
the coyote. They breed rapidly, and some see-
tions of the west are so infested with them it
is almost impossible to raise horses or cattle.
The cougar or mountain lion is a great coward,
and shuns civilization. It does great damage to
deer, and occasionally one develops a taste for
Original water color from
collection in Smithsonian
Institution by Walpole
A HOEN 8 CO
“Permission Will C. Barnes ‘Western Grazing Grounds and Forest Ranges'”’
PREDATORY ANIMALS. 217
young lamb. They usually stay close to some
body of water where the deer come to drink, and
kill one or two a week.
The best way to hunt cougar is with good
hounds, for when treed they make little effort to
get away, resembling a cat in this respect. They
are very powerful; one who has looked into the
sneering face of a cougar treed by several dogs
will never forget the sight.
About one hundred wolves were killed in Idaho
and Wyoming, and possibly a dozen cougars in
1925.
4. Bear.
A SHEEP-KILLING BEAR.
This harmless animal is the victim of a bad
name, due to an occasional bear turning ‘‘meat
eater’’ and destroying stock with frightful rapid-
218 SHEEP DISEASES.
ity. The average bear, however, attends strictly
to his own business, and keeps away from the
white man as though the latter were a bill col-
lector.
Bears are often mischievous, and sometimes a
sheepherder will return to his camp to find his
light house-keeping outfit shightly mussed up and
worse from wear after the visit of a prowling
bear. The bacon and-sugar will be among the
things missing, and much profanity will be in-
dulged in by the outraged herders.
Bears are not predatory animals and should
not be classed as such.
5. Prairie Dog.
This pest merely destroys the range. It has
been estimated thirty-two of these busy little
animals will eat as much grass as one sheep and
as a single village contains thousands of these
rodents, it can readily be seen how destructive
they really are.
They are combatted with poisoned grain, and
in the early spring, when the grass is scarce,
this method kills them by the thousand.
SECTION XXV.
QUARANTINE AND TRANSPORT A-
TION REGULATIONS.
There was a time not many years ago when
all government and state regulations regarding
live stock inspection was looked upon as ‘‘fool
red tape.’’ In ‘‘them good old days’’ an un-
scrupulous and bull-headed man could drive a
band of scabby sheep wherever he desired so
long as he kept out of reach of the bullets from
angry cattle men or sheep men. State lines, forest
preserves, scab eradication, quarantines and su-
pervision of live stock were Greek to him. ‘‘ They
ain’t no sech thing as germs,’’ he would laugh
and drive on.
But a new era approached. Successful stock-
men began to see what a quarantine would do
in the control of contagious diseases, such as
scab. The benefits accruing from laws designed
to curb the migrations of lawless, careless men
who eared little how much infection they scat-
tered, were self-evident. This sentiment grew
in favor, until the western sheep raising states
have the most stringent regulations in the coun-
try. These laws have been enacted by the sheep-
men themselves and are models of clear, common-
sense rules, designed to be of the greatest bene-
fit to the greatest number.
219
220 SHEEP DISEASES.
It is true there has been friction. Sometimes
an officious, undiplomatic ‘‘two-bit’’ government
inspector was sent out from the extreme eastern
part of our country. Not being familiar with
the rough and ready methods of the west he be-
came about as popular as smallpox. In other
cases, ignorant and dishonest state officials, ap-
pointed through political trickery and not because
of merit, made enemies among the better class of
sheep men. Oftentimes sheep raisers without
any regard or reason for sensible laws caused
trouble. These three factors have caused more
or less turmoil, but it is fast dying down.
To keep sheep free from scab or other conta-
gious diseases has proven to be the greatest boon
to the industry. To be able to call in expert as-
sistance to diagnose some mysterious malady or
enzootic at the beginning of the trouble has been
of inestimable benefit. To enforce these laws
designed for the good of the greatest number
has been the duty of the government and state.
Within the boundaries of its own borders,
the laws of a state are supreme. When move-
ments of live stock occur between the states, con-
stituting ‘‘interstate commerce,’’ the Federal gov-
ernment is the master. Therefore, by govern-
ment regulations, a state that will not conform to
reasonable rules cannot ship out of the state into
another, and is, therefore, by indirection com-
pelled to comply with Federal regulations, even
in matters that are essentially intrastate.
Ten years ago over twelve million sheep were
dipped under the government supervision per
QUARANTINE AND TRANSPORTATION. 221
year, while unnumbered thousands were dipped
by state officials. The results of this campaign
have been so good that but little scab now re-
mains in this country.
1. Federal Regulations.
The Acts of February 2, 1903, and March 3,
1905, regulating the movement of sheep from one
state to another, are largely responsible for
eradicating the scab from our country.
To illustrate the stringency of these regula-
tions the text in full is herewith given:
REGULATION 4. TO PREVENT THE SPREAD
OF SCABIES IN SHEEP.
(Acts of Feb. 2, 1903, and Mar. 3, 1905.)
MOVEMENT OF SHEEP AFFECTED WITH SCABIES.
SEcTION 1.. Paragraph 1.—No sheep which are diseased
with scabies shall be shipped, trailed, or otherwise removed,
or allowed to drift, from one State or the District of Columbia
into another State or the District of Columbia, except as
hereinafter provided, and no sheep shall be shipped, trailed,
or otherwise removed, or allowed to drift, from a State or a
portion thereof quarantined for the disease of scabies in
sheep into another State or the District of Columbia except
as hereinafter provided.
Paragraph 2.—No sheep shall be trailed or driven or hauled
in private conveyances from the quarantined area in any
State to any point in the same State not included in the
quarantined area and subsequently delivered to a transporta-
tion company for shipment to any other State or the District
of Columbia until the sheep shall have been inspected by an
inspector of the Bureau of Animal Industry and found to be
free from disease and from exposure thereto, and are accom-
panied by a certificate from the said inspector.
Paragraph 3.—All of the sheep in a certain flock or ship-
ment in which the disease is present shall be classed as dis-
eased sheep, and none of them shall be removed or offered
for interstate shipment until dipped as hereinafter provided.
The practice of “picking” a flock—that is, removing any sheep
which are visibly diseased and then offering any portion of
the remaining sheep for either inspection or interstate ship-
ment, or both—is directly and positively prohibited.
222 SHEEP DISEASES.
SHEEP EXPOSED IN TRANSIT.
SECTION 2. Healthy sheep in an area not quarantined for the
disease of scabies in sheep which have not been exposed to
the disease by coming in contact with diseased sheep or in-
fectious premises may be shipped or trailed interstate without
restriction by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture
to prevent the spread of scabies in sheep; but if said sheep
be unloaded en route or at destination and are placed in in-
fectious premises they shall thereafter be treated as exposed
sheep and shall not be forwarded to destination for purposes
other than immediate slaughter until they shall have been
dipped, under the supervision of an inspector of the Bureau of
Animal Industry.
MOVEMENT OF SHEEP FOR IMMEDIATE SLAUGHTER
AND FOR STOCKING AND FEEDING.
SecTIon 3. Paragraph 1.—Sheep that are diseased with
scabies and that have been dipped once in a permitted dip
under the supervision of an inspector of the Bureau of Animal
Industry within 10 days of date of shipment may be shipped
interstate for immediate slaughter to a recognized slaughter-
ing center, and when so shipped the said sheep shall not be
diverted en route and shall be slaughtered within two weeks
after arrival at destination. If diseased sheep are to be
shipped interstate for stocking or feeding purposes they shall
be dipped twice as above indicated, 10 days apart, and shall
be submitted to inspection before shipment.
Paragraph 2.—Sheep that are not diseased with scabies but
which have been exposed to the contagion of the disease may
be moved interstate for feeding or stocking purposes after one
dipping, or they may be shipped interstate by rail or boat’
to a recognized slaughtering center for immediate slaughter
without dipping.
TRANSPORTATION REQUIREMENTS FOR DISEASED
AND EXPOSED SHEEP.
Section 4. When diseased sheep have been dipped once
and are shipped interstate for slaughter in accordance with
section 3, paragraph 1, or when exposed sheep are shipped
interstate without dipping for immediate slaughter in accord-
ance with section 3, paragraph 2, the transportation company
shall affix to both sides of each car or boat a durable placard
not less than 5% by 8 inches in size, on which shall be printed
with permanent black ink in bold-face letters not less than
1144 inches in height the words “DIPPED SCABBY SHEEP”
or “EXPOSED SHEEP FOR SLAUGHTER,” as the case may
be. These placards shall also show the name of the place
from which the shipment was made, the date of the shipment
(which must correspond with the date of the waybills and
other papers), the name of the transportation company, and
the name of the place of destination. Each of the waybills, con-
ductors’ manifests, memoranda, and bills of lading pertain-
QUARANTINE AND TRANSPORTATION. 223
ing to such shipments by cars or boats shall have the words
“DIPPED SCABBY SHEEP” or “EXPOSED SHEEP FOR
SLAUGHTER,” as the case may be, written or stamped upon
its face. Whenever such shipments are transferred to another
transportation company or into other cars or boats, cr are
rebilled or reconsigned to a point other than the original
destination the cars or boats into which said sheep are trans-
ferred and the new waybills, conductors’ manifests, memo-
randa, and bills of lading covering such shipments by cars
or boats shall be marked as herein specified for cars or boats
first carrying said sheep and for the billing, ete., covering
the same. If for any reason the placards required by this
regulation are removed from the car or boat or are destroyed
or rendered illegible, they shall be immediately replaced by
the transportation company or its agents, the intention being
that legible placards shall be maintained on the cars or
boats from the time of shipment until they arrive at destination,
and the disposition of the cars or boats is indicated by an
inspector of the Bureau of Animal Industry.
PERMITTED DIPS.
SEcTION 5. Paragraph 1.—The dip at present permitted by
the department for the treatment under official supervision
of sheep affected with or exposed to scabies is the lime-sul-
phur dip made in the proportion of 8 pounds of unslaked lime
(or 11 pounds of commercial hydrated lime—not air-slaked
lime) and 24 pounds of flowers of sulphur to 100 gallons of
water. The dipping bath should be used at a temperature
of 100° to 105° F., and must at all times be maintained at a
strength of not less than 1% per cent of “sulphid sulphur,”
as indicated by the Bureau of Animal Industry field test for
lime-sulphur baths.
Paragraph 2.—A proprietary brand of lime-sulphur solution
may be used in official dipping only after specific permission
therefor has been issued by the Bureau of Animal Industry.
No dip other than the lime-sulphur dip will hereafter be given
department permission for use in the official dipping of sheep
for scabies unless it has been shown to the satisfaction of
the Bureau of Animal Industry (1) that the strength of the
bath prepared therefrom may be satisfactorily determined in
the field by a practical portable testing outfit; (2) that, under
actual field conditions, the dipping of sheep in a bath of def-
inite strength will effectually eradicate scabies infection with-
out injury to the animals dipped.
LOSSES FROM DIPPING.
Section 6. The dipping shall be done carefully and the
sheep handled as humanely as possible. The department dis-
claims responsibility for any loss or damage resulting from
dipping, and those who wish to avoid any risks that may be
incident to dipping at the stockyards, as well as to avoid
liability to prosecution, should see that their sheep are free
from disease before shipping them to market.
224 SHEEP DISEASES.
SHEEP DISEASED OR EXPOSED IN TRANSIT.
Secrion 7. Sheep shipped interstate under a certificate from
an inspector of the Bureau of Animal Industry are not guaran-
teed uninterrupted transit, for in the event of the discovery
of scabies or of exposure thereto en route the sheep shall there-
after be handled as diseased or exposed sheep, as hereinbefore
provided, and the cars or other vehicles and the chutes, alleys,
and pens which have been occupied by them shall be cleaned
and disinfected, as hereinafter provided in section 9 of this
regulation.
© SHIPMENTS FROM PUBLIC STOCKYARDS.
Section 8. Paragraph 1.—Public stockyards shall be con-
sidered infectious and the sheep yarded therein as having
been exposed to the disease, and no sheep shall be shipped
interstate therefrom, except for immediate slaughter, without
dipping. Where, however, a part of all of the stockyards is
reserved and set apart for the reception of uninfected ship-
ments of sheep and is kept free of disease, sheep may be
shipped interstate from the uninfectious yards or portions
thereof without dipping.
Paragraph 2.—If diseased sheep are introduced into the
uninfectious yards or portions thereof, they shall be imme-
diately removed therefrom and the chutes, alleys, and pens
occupied by the said sheep shall be thoroughly cleaned and
disinfected. No sheep shall be shipped interstate from any
stockyards where an inspector of the Bureau of Animal In-
dustry is stationed without a certificate of inspection or of
dipping issued by the said inspector.
DISINFECTION OF CARS, PREMISES, ETC.
SEcTION 9. Cars and other vehicles, yards, pens, sheds,
chutes, etc., that have contained diseased sheep shall be cleaned
and disinfected in the following manner: Remove all litter
and manure and then saturate the interior surfaces. of the
cars and woodwork, flooring, and ground of the chutes, alleys,
and pens with a solution made with 6 ounces of 95 per cent
pure carbolic acid to each gallon of water, or a solution con-
taining 4 ounces of cresol compound U. S. P. to each gallon
of water. When either disinfectant is used sufficient lime
(not to exceed 114%4 pounds per gallon) should be added to show
where it has been applied. Cars and premises are not re-
quired to be cleaned and disinfected on account of their hav-
ing contained “dipped scabby sheep” that have been dipped
within 10 days or sheep that have been exposed to scabies.
AMENDMENT 6 TO B. A. I. ORDER 210.
Effective on and after February 1, 1916.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE,
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY.
Under authority conferred upon the Secretary of Agricul-
ture by the provisions of the acts of Congress approved May
QUARANTINE AND TRANSPORTATION. 225
29, 1884 (23 Stat. 31), February 2, 1903 (32 Stat., 791), and
March 3, 1905 (33 Stat., 1264), as amended by the act ap-
proved March 4, 1913 (37 Stat., 828, 831), it is ordered that
regulation 1, section 4; regulation 2, sections 4 and 8; regula-
tion 3, section 12; regulation 4, section 9; regulation 5, sec-
tions 2 and 3; and regulation 7, section 2, of B. A. I. Order
210, “Regulations Governing the Interstate Movement of Live
Stock,” dated May 20, 1914, and effective July 1, 1914, as
amended, be, and the same are hereby, further amended so
as to permit the use of “saponified cresol solution’ as a sub-
stitute for compound solution of cresol U. S. P. in the disin-
fection of cars, boats, other vehicles, and premises that have «
contained live stock affected with a contagious or communi-
cable disease, for the disinfection of swine to prevent the
spread of hog cholera and swine plague, and for preparing
a dressing for sheep to prevent the spread of lip-and-leg
ulceration (necrobacillosis); provided, however, that such
saponified cresol solution shall conform to the following re-
quirement:
1. The formula of the product shall employ not less than
28 per cent by weight of linseed oil. Hither caustic potash,
caustic soda, or a mixture of caustic potash and caustic soda
may be used to saponify the linseed oil. The cresol used
must be at least 95 per cent pure, and enough of this com-
mercial grade of cresol (cresylic acid) must be employed in
compounding the disinfectant to bring the actual amount of
cresol in the finished product up to 50 per cent.
2. The product shall’ remain a homogeneous liquid when
cooled to 32° F. -It shall contain substantially no unsaponified
linseed oil or excess alkali: It shall be readily soluble in
cold distilled water; the solution shall be practically clear
and shall contain no globules of undissolved oil or cresylic
acid. :
3. Manufacturers wishing to offer saponified cresol solution
as indicated above for use in official disinfection must first
submit a sample of at least 8 ounces for examination, together
with a statement of the formula employed and a guaranty that
the product will be maintained of a quality uniform with the
sample submitted.
4. To prevent confusion, each product must bear a dis-
tinctive trade name or brand, together with the name of. the
manufacturer or distributor.. There shall be no mention of
the United States Department of Agriculture or the Bureau
of Animal Industry on the labels, containers, or printed
matter accompanying products permitted to be used in offi-
1A “Rule to prevent the spread of scabies in sheep”’ is in ef-
fect through the entire year. This rule prescribes the quar-
antined area in the respective States and should be considered
in connection with these regulations. Copies of the rule may
be obtained from the Chief of the Bureau of Animal Industry,
Washington, D.C.
4.
226 SHEEP DISEASES.
cial disinfection. The permitted saponified cresol solution
shall be used at a dilution of at least 4 ounces of the solution
to 1 gallon of water.
It is further ordered that the regulations hereinbefore speci-
fied be, and the same are, modified and amended to permit
the use of substances for disinfecting infectious cars, boats,
other vehicles, and premises, as follows:
Compound solution of cresol U. S. P., or a specifically per-
mitted brand of “saponified cresol solution,” at a dilution of
at least 4 fluid ounces to 1 gallon of water, or liquefied phenol
U. S. P. (liquefied carbolic acid) at a dilution of at least 6
fluid ounces to 1 gallon of water, without the addition of lime
to show where the solution has been applied. Chlorid of lime
U. S. P. (strength, 30 per cent available chlorin). This chlorid
of lime solution to be used at a dilution of 1 pound of chlorid
of lime to 3 gallons of water.
Amendment 5 to B. A. I. Order 210, dated September 17,
1915, shall cease to be effective February 1, 1916, on and after
which date this amendment, which for the purpose of identi-
fication is designated as Amendment 6 to B. A. I. Order 210,
shall be effective.
Done at Washington this 20th day of January, 1916.
Witness my hand and the seal of the Department of Agri-
culture.
D. F. Houston, Secretary of Agriculture.
SECTION 5. Paragraph 1.—The dips at present permitted by
the department for the treatment, under official supervision,
of sheep affected with or exposed to scabies are as follows:
Lime-sulphur dip made in the proportion of 8 pounds of
unslaked lime (or 11 pounds of commercial hydrated lime—
not air-slaked lime) and 24 pounds of flowers of sulphur or
sulphur flour to 100 gallons of water.
Nicotin dip containing not less than five one-hundredths
of 1 per cent of nicotin, provided there is added thereto to
prevent reinfection 2 per cent of flowers of sulphur or sulphur
flour.
The dipping bath should be used at a temperature of 100°
to 105° F., and must at all times be maintained at a strength
of not less than 1% per cent of “sulphid sulphur” in the case
of the lime-sulphur dip, and not less than five one-hundredths
of 1 per cent of nicotin in the case of the nicotin dip as in-
dicated by the field tests for such baths approved by the
Bureau of Animal Industry.
This amendment, which for the purpose of identification is
designated as Amendment 4 to B. A. I. Order 210, shall be
effective on and after March 1, 1915.
Done at Washington this 20th day of February, 1915.
Witness my hand and the seal of the Department of Agri-
culture.
D. F. Houston, Secretary of Agriculture.
QUARANTINE AND TRANSPORTATION. 227
2. State Regulations.
State laws in regard to sheep are continually
changing due to unforeseen contingencies. The
most attention has been given state inspection
in the Rocky Mountain region, which is the home
of perhaps one-half the sheep in this country.
In brief, the laws of the several states may be
summarized as follows:
1. Those states at present having no laws re-
garding the admission of sheep into their boun-
daries from other states are: Arkansas, Con-
necticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas,
Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mis-
sourl, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Okla-
homa, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and
Virginia.
2. Those states requiring a ‘‘health certifi-
cate,’’ at present, are: Alabama, Iowa, Kentucky,
Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska,
North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina,
South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and
West Virginia.
3. Those requirmg compliance to Federal reg-
ulations, at present, are: Arizona, California,
Colorado and Florida.
4. States accepting only their own officials’
inspection and dipping the sheep before entering
their boundaries if from a state under Federal
quarantine, at present, are: Idaho, Montana, Ne-
vada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming.
Space forbids giving the state laws at length;
and, furthermore, they are of interest to only
a limited number.
228 SHEEP DISEASES.
LIST OF PUBLICATIONS CONSULTED.
Hutyra and Marek’s Pathology.
Friedberger and Frohner’s Pathology.
Moore’s Pathology.
Kinsley’s Pathology.
Sisson’s Anatomy.
Moller’s Surgery.
William’s Obstetrics.
Quitman’s Materia Medica.
Craig’s Sheep Farming.
Wing’s Sheep Farming in America.
Kleinheinz’s Sheep Management.
Stewart’s Shepherds’ Manual.
Barnes’ Western Grazing Grounds.
BULLETINS.
No. 20, Div. of Botany, U. S. Dept. Agr.
No. 20,, Div. Bureau Animal Industry.
Farmers’ Bulletin 575
Farmers’ Bulletin 713.
No. 88, Wyo. Exp. Sta.
No. 99, Wyo. Exp. Sta.
No. 113, Colo. Exp. Sta.
No. 211, Colo. Exp. Sta.
No. 86, Ida. Exp. Sta.
PERIODICALS.
American Journal of Veterinary Medicine.
American Sheep Breeder.
Breeder’s Gazette.
National Wool Grower.
The Country Gentleman.
INDEX
Aconite, poisoning by...... 193
PAGCOTMUGU YP senescence 193
Abdominal dropsy......... 121
Abnormalities of the milk. .143
Abortion, contagious ...96, 139
Abortion, enzootic ........ 139
Abortion, sporadic or
PI OMEA 7 SEN cperSru enlace 139
PUURVESRER RCo ire Oe gaukes 149
Accidental abortion ....... 139
BRCOLA MMT foo: <) a ecn = 28.9 ere 55
PNCH GMa fey Ne ase'ae feces Sy oes 128
Actinomyces bovis ........ 96
NCHINOMYCOSIS) en. a5. «is 96
Acute infectious diseases... 84
Administering medicines .. 76
PRE CHEAIS Sts sh cine eae 59
Alkali poisons ........... 183
PUIG yess, <2 Sch. «1 ral ae 127
Amputation of the claws...151
PAT AVON) 9 co 3ycilelatetsieoe sconces, 3 53
PALE INN AE tse as ch ahecisie sy a Sas aee 99
AMAL POISONS %4.).. 2: 2s... 209
Animals, predatory ....... 210
Ami nacemi ay... cies eels ein 84
PAara Mra eerctenc, cies) eee Oe Pe 84
Anthrax, symptomatic..... 87
Anus, imperforate ........ 132
A OPIORY: yt fckctch- eaceraetaumer te 124
Aphthae epizooticae ...... 90
Aragallus lamberti ....... 191
FAVE Oa Se diy ish citys oe NA ee 15
Arsenical poisoning, acute. . 180
Arsenical poisoning,
CHPONIG iG easels Sicks aves si eiene 180
Arterial system .......... 61
INS CIGES! Vee har teeth ar sete race cath 4 121
Ascites, sanguineous ...... 100
Astragalus mollissimus ...191
Peopbebial: 5 eis hs ae esscleaa sie 144
Bacillus anthracis ........ 84
Bacillus bipolaris septicus.133
Bacillus coli
GCOMMUNIS J. 54. +0. loo, eloo
Bacillus cyanogenus
Bacillus edematis maligni.. 85
Bacillus necrophorus .....
Bacillus necrosis
Bacillus ovisepticus ......
Bacillus prodigiosus
Bacillus pseudotuberculosis
OMIA co aon ate eas ccd s ata:
Bacillus synxanthum .....
Baewlustetami oi5.%< ase
PAGERS Yano ahaa) ersuchones oat
Bacterium Chauveaui
Bacterium tuberculosis ....
Bear
Bearded grasses .........
Belly-ache
ib O ora pM. tc see wears
IBYo heads cic arte ouleicyantn
PAPO A Wisner eeecsuetens. raters cua
BileRaue tora co seagate
Black-faced highland .....
Blackde gs misc cic sin wleyerehei avers
Blacksquarters.s-c.cce es -crnct:
Bladder
Bladder, paralysis of the. .
Bladder, puncture of the. .
WIAStING Wa) hee aan
Bleeding from the nose...
Bloat
Blood, diseases of the.....
Blood poisoning ....... 98,
Blood, quantity of........
Bloody urine ............
Blow-fly
Blwe: baer sh cnet hw then tae
Blue bean
Blue milk
Bot-fly
Bowels, inflammation of
WMG MAis cad eters: terete hele
Bowels, impaction of the...
Bowles ep cacecsacass sete
Bradsot
Brain, coneussion of the...
Brain, diseases of the....
229
SEAN
152
148
. 124
230 INDEX
BRAY, fiir fas ghee ewe eens 87 | Concussion of the brain....148
Breeds, classification of.... 24 }| Conium maculatum ....... 203
Breeds, history of the...... 15 | Congenital defects of lambs. 132
Breeds, lesser known...... 51 | Congestion of the lungs... .109
Bronchitis, non-parasitic ..109 | Constipation ............. 115
Bronchitis, verminous ..... 169 | Consumption ............. 95
Buck, care of the......... 73 | Contagious abortion ...96, 139
Buckwheat rash .......... 123). "Convulsions: a5. secsale ee cee 124
Bulletins consulted .......228 | Copper poisoning ......... 181
Cord, diseases of the....... 124
Caleuli; renal”. o2. 24.52 2. 105 Gorriedale-.4 2. 6 oe 51
Caleuli, urinary ...... 4,0 146) Cotswolds. ei: ge seem 48
Calendar, shepherd’s ...... 68 | Cotton seed meal, poisoning
Cakediibaga shai sist ania 143 Ly, Bice ac a a ae ee 2
Camals).death << tae. ce sce 190 COU Sais ec. ie eit ea aa 216
Canine rage ............. Ue) | Cawhtiniet i - s05 oer cee 194
Canker of the foot......... ee CONGUE, Chaar! pe one ee 213
@arrpolicracid ir... sae eees- Sily.\y Gieamiin aie ote eee 53
Carbolie acid poisoning. Beeslites: Cross-bred sheep OO aU ME SAC ey 52
CanCea gerard ewer tssere ets 97 | Croton oil, poisoning by. ..203
Care: joenenall 2.05 merce oie our 64 | Croupous enteritis ........ 118
Care of the buck.......... ie} Curdling milk... C-ricarsine 144
Carevor the ewes es.cer 69 Cystic kidneys ....... 123, 105
Care of the lamb.......... Td [NOyshitig: 3: pe: Ge ieee 105
Carpal joints ............. 56 | Cysts, abdominal ......... 123
Caepusity a. sestartit: on ore 54
Carrying sheep ........... 67 | Deadly nightshade
Caseous lymphadenitis..... 95 poisoning by ........... 198
Castration of lambs....... 72 | Death camas, poisoning by. 190
Catarrh, nasal ...:.).. 108, 168 Decomposition of the fetus. 140
Catarrhalofever. 2. 2.25. 88 Defects, congenital ....... 132
Catarrhal fever, malarial... 97 | Delphinum ............... 192
Catching sheep) 2133.05). - ses 66s) Dialbetesisicos 2: tee 103
Weems eke sete te ate pt cyan 284" Diaphrapml =.= 7.4.45 eae 56
Cheeks (2 aitioa ins she tecten a6); yDiarrhea’ 7.455 2c eee 117
Gheviot .. 32-20: 50-5 n5.5+ 09 [| Diarrhea, infectious). 40-8 135
Chilled lambs............. 71 | Diarrhea, non-contagious ..134
Chlorid of lime............ 81 | Digestive system ......... 56
Choke a5 Ger ueace ems ve 111 | Digestive system, diseases
Choke cherry, poisoning by. 195 Of thes sage cavern tieueeneee 111
Cicuta occidentalis ....... 194 | Digitalis poisoning ....... 202
Circulatory organs, diseases DAG TtS e226 teas cpt hore
afither era tte acre: LOG. be Dipping sa... ere cee 157
Circulatory system ........ 61 | Dipping, losses from.......223
Classification of breeds.... 24 | Dip, lime and sulphur..... 157
Claviceps purpurea ....... LOK feDip, MiColininery iene enr 161
Claws, amputation of the..151 | Dip, tobacco ............. 161
Claws; erythenia ‘of :the.:; 5-128) Dips oS at oes ie
ClOogweL® Mien cacrsesteae ee oe 115 | Dips permitted by
Cochlearia armoracia ...... 204 COVEINMENE > = soya | eo 223
GOlic rei crwe mien gerenely scorer ages 116 | Diseases and exposed sheep
Colon Ae ace kes pegs) wel 58 transportation require-
Common salt poisoning... .184 ments’ foro... acieeioee 222
Common ‘seab”......2...-. 154 Diseases, acute infectious.. 84
INDEX
Diseases of the blood...... 99
Diseases of the brain and
CONUS Teenie ee ek Tarte: 124
Diseases of the circulatory
ROAM Sopa rs erase he, sets 106
Diseases of the digestive
SVS UOT asain = uote wets, ctl Aa lll
Diseases of the ewe........ 138
Diseases of the heart
VAULT A Techs Sar he ea ae ts Meurer c 107
Diseases of the lamb....... 132
Diseases of the liver ...... 120
Diseases of metabolism ...102
Diseases of obscure origin. . 130
Diseases of the organ of
ROCOMOLLON = =... G)-). S20 see 126
Diseases of the peritoneum. 121
Diseases of rambs and
WEGHERS I teens esoccin oR 146
Diseases of the respiratory
OTUEER NEN Cnc Raney actos ee i 108
Diseases of the skin, non-
PUT ASUG Con rc dexs oy cca beret 127
Diseases of the urinary
ES AS ede ce ae ayiaves ores ws 104
Diseases, parasitic ........ 153
Diseases, surgical ......... 148
Diseased teeth ............ 148
Wusinfectants: for. as ess 81
Disinfection of cars,
premises, e6C:) 2... 3... boeies 224
Dislocations: 08... cde res: 151
Disorders of gestation..... 138
Displacement of the uterus.141
Distoma hepaticum ....... 173
Mrstomatosis sei. ee 173
WOES ES Tate ss ska oe 43
Dosage of medicines ....... 77
Drenchingy pba 76
Dropsy, abdominal ....... 121
Dropsy of the pericardium. 106
Drugs frequently used.
UEC) irc Ae BR aig eo 78
WAPI ALD oie es oho Sctchale Ss Oe 115
EVs LO bate tele ae 121,.154
Wy SGAD, sos aot hohe es 154
Dysenteria neonatorium ...135
DRG SENULEIYG: fit lo: j- uke oe old oe 117
PRGRCORID. 65x cg nceso cee hs 139
BAN ere secs ccs ots aie ern 61
Bathing) wool... tse ey. 102
Eehinococcus polymorphous. 105
HMelawmpsia. .. 22... yteles 125, 142
231
GAO cele ca hop Sera ral ares 128
Edema malignum ......... 85
Hibow: jointiet 205 oy sade tamed
Emergency medicine case... 80
Emergency treatment in
POISOMIN Ge. 2s cases eras 188
Emphysema, gangrenous ... 87
Bicep halitis:) ce. ase oe 124
Ensilage poisoning ........ 206
be RUGIS eno sata vireinds soe 117
Enteritis, croupous ....... 118
Enteritis, mycotic ......... 118
Enteritis, non-toxic ....... WT
WmtenwhISs toxics scive rea 119
Enzootie abortion ......... 139
Byprdidyamisi cer. eee cies se aes 60
Bipillepsiyaer. sitte ec nee cee 124
Hipistasas wae ss 6.5 fret cack tree 108
Epsom salt poisoning ..... 184
Ergot, poisoning by....... 197
BEY SUPCIAS kth sere ae pee tle es 154
Erythema of the claws. ...128
Esophagostomuin
Columbianum .......... 175
Hsophacus, <u. peer 58
Esophagus, obstruction of
Na deters eee Senha AMER aA 111
BISGMUMIN sree ts eve hepensis uke ee 69
HStris: OVIS! 2%). eke + 166, 168
thm ord ey.) Seperate 53
Biwe care of thers 2 spac. 69
Ewe, diseases of the....... 138
Ewe, restraint of, during
PAULUUDUG ON rete 139
IX bCNSOLS) chanson arama 56
External parasites ........ 154
WV Go as ha aot onsite ce ne 61
RACER 2 costs! a ikea ahaa eee 53
Falling out of wool........ 127
Fallopian) tubes)... <.0 2. 60
Randel bound? ij. pe isco 115
Fasciola hepaticum........ 173
HatesCalagaciee, cavers 128
WapiyMailkh ete Goa. tes teeuneps 144
Federal regulations ....... 221
ReeU IN oocyte Asha + Sika 67
Female genital organs..... 60
EMU soar eee 55
Fermenting milk.......... 144
Fetus, decomposition of
Ue et seein cing. art Pee 140
Fetuses, mummified ....... 123
Bulbulateee: beacnt set cconfndot OO
232
Rin'e-wools thew - 42k sec 24
1 Ne ep eee roo ca DC Bi De 124
Rilaxe pOlsOnimoyaany este et 204
ARI GaSe Rie ee See a 166
Bes) ot ae tena oee es 2 166
Foot-and-mouth disease ... 90
Foot, canker of the........ 152
Rooteroteen sere eee 97
NOObMS CAD eee eee cease 163
Hormralliinye x eee oss eee 81
RFACHUEES imei oe ee ee 151
Hrontallsre, settee eee es 5333
Brom alimbieencers ok eee oe 54
Fur-bearing sheep ....... vO
Gangrenous emphysema .. 87
Gastromycosis ovis ....... 87
General icarese sa. 72 oe 64
Genital organs, female .... 60
Genital organs, male....... 60
Gestation tanct. cuneate: cee 69
Gestation, disorders of..... 138
GID See oie ete cae 124, 167
Glanders' sss <1. sree he ee 96
Glauber’s salt poisoning. . .184
Gleet 3 hic, heat eter 6 ease 168
Grapesion c,h ter cacti ay tenis 95
Grasses, bearded .......... 206
Grass staggers ........... 115
Gray lhe, sc Sere te ead evil hate 146
Greasy: heels). pons, 128
Grub injthe: head... :. .:-.,... 168
Hampshire, 2. seat eye eve 36
Handling) 3 nares 5 oa ee 66
Heads erubyingthes: -ss.s: 168
Head ‘scabs. e524 = ces 163
Heart, valvular diseases
Ols GHENT cach ce cgahss 107
EEG G yaionine rasta ome eee 61
‘Heart, hypertrophy of the. 107
Heat stroke! Sites Sot wart. 124
Helenium montanum ...... 199
Hellebores 4.5 sitet cent oe 196
Hematurias sec ces 3 ae 104
Hematuria-ictero ......... 97
Hemlock poisoning ........ 203
Hemorrhage from the nose. 108
Hemorrhage, umbilical ....132
Hemorrhagic septicemia ... 88
Hepatitis W%c)..aee caem en dee 120
Hernia eee eetis 1325/1746
Highland, black-faced ..... 52
INDEX
Hip Olnts Seo seein ee oe 56
History of the breeds. ..... 15
Hock joint -2 ses ae Pyar OG
LO OS@° 2%, sch) cts oe ree 169
“Horse radish poisoning... .204
IROVeN ahecthet see eee 112
Humerus) 2 tes ons oe 54
IBIS: ice Yew c oe Seeerseree ie 169
Eiydrometia® ie sper 123
Hydrephobia -...2...5..-- 93
Ey dnOps aiScibess se ae net 121
FLV OTCTIGi:-s ier. Sees eure 63
Hymenoxys floribunda ..... 200
ER OLGIAES RY Fie Oe an see 54
Hyoid muscles’ 2.4. 4.2.52 56
Hypertrophy of the heart. .107
Hypodermic medication ... 77
Ictero-hematuria ......... 97
Teterus> fiansccc-s eres sc eee 120
TSA SRE ees ee ee oe 55
Immediate slaughter, sheep
TOP Nace gtices ache enero 222
Impaction of the bowels... .115
Impaction of the rumen....114
Imperforate anus ......... 132
Impotence sei. se gee eens 147
Indians poke TO0t oes a 196
Infectious diarrhea ....... 135
’ Infectious diseases, acute.. 84
Inflammation of the bowels. 117
Inflammation of the :
KIGMeY Sie oe cating teks ene 105
Inflammation of the liver. . .120
Inflammation of the lungs. .109
Inflammation of the
PleW A cian he tee 110
Inflammation of the udder. .143
Inflammation of the womb
OF ULErUS ais aceon ae . 142
THj UTIs” yhaers ye toca acne 149
Internal parasites ........ 166
Interpantetals ie... 26 oe ae 53,
Intertricow, 2/7 sra.. ieee 128
Intestines Seniesa ere 58
Ao aN Dhan lye, Ghee ety Sides sakes c 55
Itch, non-parasitic ........ 127
TVys SS ae acc, foe eee 196
Japp: disease-....2.....4.. 109
SAUNAICEN 33 Hei jets wane ee 120
JOM Wesson eee aes 133
SOMES sik Sh so ee ee
INDEX
Kafir corn, poisoning by.. .205
Kalmia angustifolia ....... 196
Kalmia latifolia ::.24.:..% 196
LSC HEE SERS COGS eae HR ama 51
IRGNE Cee laplens verte) tatbcohstes 51
HRIOM EY Sa eis sesttne tha nlek-oleie ahs 59
IKGUMEY SS VCYBLIC po wch ose: oo 105
Kidneys, inflammation of
WGA a ara cants cts ose mtcese 5 Barve 105
Lamb, care of the......... 71
Lamb, diseases of the...... 132
SDE UNI Dae ol atte ieee secs va aes ws 70
Lambing, difficult ......... 139
Bamba is arctey tae tae Sel 196
Lambs, castration of...... 72
emis chilled) .-8aee ke (al
Lambs, pustular eruption
CO Ta 4 Arce eet ee ER Oe Re PRE 137
Lambs, reviving
SAUIRGLGSS ie <a saires setts, x (ly, dare
Lambs, weaning of......... 73
Lacrimal bone ............ 54
ATIUTINUGIS) cscs) rs on lege prises 114
IDENT GTUIRG us ica tee rons ihc “e sacerhenkcteay nates 58
Larkspur, poisoning by....192
Laurel, poisoning by....... 196
Beading sheep) sic. 6a. es 66
Lead poisoning, acute...... 178
Lead poisoning, chronic. ...179
NTGICOCS TOT. sigcite es ates ore dues 44
ILTeet Seach ee eee ee te 165
ILiisr nadevan ise Po ero 5 aro os Glee 55
Ligamentum nuchae ...... 55
iLiren) OLSON hee ety eee O eee 54
Bunb,” pelvic = e350 2 cet 55
Lime and sulphur dip..... 157
Lime poisoning ........... 185
PAMIGOlnas see mtareselo ehh etaede 48
Linum usitatissimum ..... 204
Lip-and-leg ulceration .... 97
IES DSS Sy Brcteeeae Apa were eerie 56
Liquor cresolis compound... 81
J DIRK Rhea h Eines. Caen tie O 58
Liver, diseases of the...... 120
NOTVeT-MIey seiner aes 173
IDIKKGIe TIGL pice o boo Cmmia So oe 173
Loading sheep... ....:5.,+. 67
LUG AE TE ee ne cial Merete 190
ROCK a Wee icy atovant betes) oo oho a 92
Locomotory organs, diseases
i i Gee eens oaennerhr ys reas 126
Loco, poisoning by ........ 191
233
Long wools, the........... 44
PON pine iG. fee eat Ah 130
Lucilia macellaria ........ 165
Eaves \aWeer beter eset ee aie 96
NOU OMECVEN: Bee hF ein eo cece oe 109
Dune WOLMS! 9). oe vonhentye ages 169
LL Vb a2 fi cerry Se ers Vk rien e hr 59
Lungs, congestion of the. ..109
Lungs, inflammation of the. 109
Lupine, poisoning by...... 192
I UpPIMOSIS esa accu ecuieee wets 120
pS ee eee rete vara ts 192
Lymphadenitis, ovine
CASCOUS? iconts ecw. ho vue bios 95
Lymph. ‘syste 9.20 cate. 61
UDG 1: ON Bes seat pe nes fe tg ed Ane ES 215
RY SSB g Accor eede akc Lescceo om tkeraeNe 93
Mad=d0p Par. ccs cone cite = 93
Mad-staggers ............. 130
IMA COUS irri ee oie 165
Malar sibonew aciascinerets ties 54
Malarial catarrhal fever... 97
Male genital organs ....... 60
Malignant edema ......... 85
Malignant pustule ........ 84
Mammary glands ......... 60
IMNeTThiS) sole none oo oe bee ac 143
Miamtcipleneeyer tect ckroers: 54
Miao yr reesei en eases ey set 154
IMIASSOLER OS Wages estonia s Wisse cevets 56
IMA StIGIS ct septs tt staere eae ores 143
Mieixalll aisepegerstes otsncran trots aches 54
Meconium, retention of the. 133
Medicines and their
administration ......... i)
Medicine case, emergency.. 80
Medicines, dosage of....... 77
Medium wools, the........ 31
Melophagus ovinus ....... 163
Mercurial poisoning ...... 182
Mercuric echlorid ......... 81
IMC TAT O set Sess evens ares 24
Metabolism, diseases of... .102
Metacarpo-phalangeal
OMNES cure hee ate, . aaelee ee 56
MEtaCATpUS syne. aor outer ao
Meta SIS® “oni s.cscosnclecuae 55
Met eorism. sco sere er ae oe inl
WSETGISS. sc oer eo retiree ake 142
Miescher’s tubules .. ..... 175
Milk, abnormalities of the.143
Milk, absence of........... 144
IMG copa aly SISissrela sa nore ecoe cbs 72
234
VET Kea DLUC Waar eens olden 144
Milk; curdling 5 er eee 144
Mille Vdisense Serene er 142
WEIS, tabi s. saps aetna 3 144
Milk, fermenting’ <2. 22... 144
Milk, foreign matter in... .145
Milk, putrescent ......... 144
WIT REG LPs SO eo otocmeeneee 144
Milk, slimy, stringy
ANG SOLPYy ewer ss electors Sa 144
IETS wai leriverercy.tte tecc-he cuss 144
Milks nvyellow wotni..: stressor 144
Mineral acid poisoning..... 183
Mineral poisons .......... 178
Monieza (Taenia) alba....174
Monieza (Taenia) expansa.174
Monkshood i stevere een 193
MOU OMe yrcinter shen ere acts 15
Muscular system ......... 56
Miursimonre seis craure tai ie 15
Mycosis intestinalis ...... 84
Mycotic enteritis ......... 118
Nadal-caharrlion (ose areas 108
INIPISEMIE XO Geloctnia cis coe 54
Niaisalll (CaWIbY:, creer \nseue et 58
Navelet lle seravsiaca ssn stanarsl st 133
Necrotic stomatitis ....... 137
INGDHIGIGIS 7 sehen h caress cae 105
Nervous system .......:.. 61
“Nibbling” disease ........ 130
INIGO DIAM sos sietarae esse si 202
INT GO GMC IPS ose tet sees 161
Nodular disease .......... 175
Non-contagious diarrhea . ..134
Non-parasitice bronchitis ...109
Non-parasitie diseases of
the skign Qin oe ke shit he 127
Non-parasitic itch ........ 127
Non-toxic enteritis ........ ley
Nose, hemorrhage from the. 108
Wostrils sae iisveains selene © 58
GDESIEY. | oistettsis Shae ito ve the oe 102
Obseure origin, diseases of .130
Obstruction of the
ESO phaouSHi)-4) sous sane es 111
Occipital eee wee 53
Olfactory organs .......... 62
Omphalophlebitis ......... 133
OVATIES: Noes tents octane 60
Oxtord os cs tact vero crak 35
INDEX
Palate sun) s otc teeta heee 56
Palatine bone ........ 2... 54
Berm aritiitiy cro eee 152
Banniculiist shy see eee ee 56
Parasites, external ........ 154
Parasites, internal ........ 166
Pargiyigise inccit: beatae 125
Paralysis of the bladder . . .122
Parasitic diseases ......... 153
Parietalls: vi aks eee 53
Parturient paresis ........ 142
Parturition, difficult ...... 139
Pasteur treatment ........ 94
Rate asivatc.s) ok Sas OD
Pearly disease ............ 95
Pelyiel limbece So oe ene 55
Penis: "3c Gi er es er ates 60
Perleardium ) sso). 2 ae 61
Pericardium, dropsy of the. 106
Penicarditis’s 3 Ai 2 we 106
Periodicals consulted ...... 228
Peritoneum, diseases of the. 121
Peritonitis.<... 1.0 oe 123
Persian of... ain ates
Pertoleum poisoning ...... 185
Phalanges ie ai aeons 55
PRAT ye eso cenmrees 58
Phosphorus poisoning ..... 181
Pilesisses, stite cetaceans 119
Bingueltys 2.2. Ae aoe ae 200
PANT Opps ee 5 cach coo peer Ue ea 100
Piroplasmosis ............ 97
PLGULISY cones caste 110
Pleuritiss sta eee 109, 110
Pneumonia; 3/.305 25a 109
POISONS)s..2 ao). ee V7
Poisons:- alka... eee 183
Poisonsivysns: aa eee 205
Poisons, mineral ......... 178
Poison oak, poisoning by. . .205
Poison ‘seco. euyian noes ee 190
Poison, sumac ........... 205
Poisons, vegetable ........ 185
Poisoning, aconite ........ 193
Poisoning, acute arsenical. 180
Poisoning, acute lead...... 178
Poisoning, blood ....... 98, 133
Poisoning, carbolic acid...183
Poisoning, choke cherry. ..195
Poisoning, chronic
arsenical
Poisoning, chronic lead. ...179
Poisoning, common salt... .184
Poisoning, copper ......-..
Poisoning, cotton seed
meal
Poisoning, croton oil.....
Poisoning, deadly
nightshade
Poisoning, death camas
Poisoning, digitalis
Poisoning, emergency
PREALUMIEIG MM ienetay sos) syeneos
Poisoning, ensilage .......
INDEX
Poisoning, epsom salt..... 184
Poisoning, ergot ........- 197
Roisonine, flax... 2... 3. 204
Poisoning, Glauber’s salt. ..184
Poisoning, hemlock ...... 203
Poisoning, horse radish... .204
Poisoning, kafir corn..... 205
Poisoning, larkspur ..... 192
Poisoning, laurel ........ 196
Poisoning, lime.......-..- 185
Poisonime) lOCO ee oe 191
Poisoning, lupine ........ 192
Poisoning, mercurial ..... 182
Poisoning, mineral acid ...183
Poisoning, petroleum .....185
Poisoning, phosphorus 181
Poisoning, poison oak..... 205
Poisoning, porcupine grass .207
Poisoning, potato tops ....205
Poisoning, rape seed ..... 203
Poisonings, rare mineral...185
Poisoning, rubber weed... .200
Poisoning, saltpeter ...... 183
Poisoning, sheep dip...... 184
Poisoning, sneeze weed....199
Poisoning, sorghum ...... 205
Poisoning, strychnin ...... 201
Poisoning, toadstool ..... 204
Poisoning, tobacco ....... 202
Poisoning, turpentine..... 202
Poisoning, uncommon plant.208
Poisoning, veratrum ..... 196
Poisoning water hemlock. . .194
Poisoning woody aster.....198
IPGISONING, | ZING) ye) ne as 182
Poreupine grass poisoning. 207
Post mortem examinations. 82
Potato tops, poisoning by. .205
120b 2) dena Aapeovait Grd ce ist Oo. 89
(Prairie Ol. tis ater erts eben 218
Predatory animals ....... 210
iDiGagroilei= A oln olan ceo 0 0 54
235
PVOWUIGEI )poheties cave <iehste ce ielte 60
Prostabevnciiss)ac 2 suhilneus 60
Prunus demissa .......... 195
Pseudo-tuberculosis ....... 95
Psoroptes communis ovis... 154
IRteny Old ONE. ...r. drs « 54
Publications consulted ....228
lexan: vate itera anes 166
panlesc sieritanisi ess see sto 166
munlexasenratice psa. sere: 166
Puncture of the bladder. ...150
Pustular eruption of lambs. 137
Pustule, malignant ....... 84
Putrescent milk ....:....- 144
CRM cst he Saray 2 sae Ale Rah tae 98
vom einai eatery rice ae rten= 123
Pyo-septicemia of suck-
WEG: fic, haps east e see 133
Quarantine regulations ....219
Ouran terial seca ere enetauere 87
Ra DIES eqs aie Secrest rocco eke 93
RaChitisn rs cece sans 102
EVELCILUIB Raters pot noesie rn auees years 54
PRAM =N OES cist. esate ttete out meaane 128
Rampbouillet) se oe cienes, «1c 31
Rams, diseases of......... 146
Rape seed, poisoning by... .203
VAIS Wiggers tee ane paasee nie os erees 128
Rattle sweede <j. 5 20 am 191
Red samilkse eae are cahehe ose 144
(Redewateng ser cts ances 100
Regulations, quarantine
and transportation ..... 219
Regulations, state ......... 227
Removal of contents
Ole UM ene) ok rons 150
Renalealewlit er 2 ssn ite. 105
Renal inflammation ....... 105
Respiratory organs,
diseases of the ......... 108
Respiratory system ....... 58
Restraint of ewe during
Parturibion-% 2.2. onsk eae 139
Retention of the meconium. 133
Reviving “lifeless”
LENT nla Rae ee Milan rere tre: UR IB,
UNCUT hISIU a eee ct cee 126
hse GtVerESIvOuday esa 205
TEST) Senaptnes SRA he 8 io SOT Pare 53
GK etisalat s omeee 102
RINGER PES 16 ste) ..0 «here ohekot area 88
MRAM GWOT soo tivte evaieheperenspens 129
236
i MOMMA Mb 50 GE kna.o AE ao ohn 51
Rubber weed, poisoning by .200
Rumen, impaction of the. .114
Rumenotomy ............. 150
UUPRUEE Seer eects 132, 146
Sacro-iliae joint .......... 56
St. Anthony’s fire ........ 154
Salivary glands .......... 58
Salt peter poisoning....... 183
Sanguineous ascites ....... 100
Sarcocystis tenella ....... 175
Sarcoptes scabei ovis...... 163
Sarcosporidiosis .......... 175
Seab, common ............ 154
Scab; 2100 eee te een se 163
Scab.shead) ps ccerrtet ni 163
Seabies affected sheep,
movement of........... 221
SOO so boos tags oao8 eC 54
SCVOWUNN seer ereet a en 60
SCUIEEe Ai cece rene Seer cee 154
Sepiieenkia, . tor. 52s oe 98
Septicemia gangraenosa ... 85
Septicemia, hemorrhagic AOS.
Septicemia hemorrhagic
Gh/Witn MA ig eo macoloee alo SG 88
Sheep-dip poisoning ....... 184
Sheep exposed in transit. ..222
[Lote] Cn <0 (aa eR ee a, 89
Sheep scab .........-.,.--- 154
Shepherd’s calendar ...... 68
Shipments from public
SO Se, Goousos so nub 224
Shipping sheep ........-.- 67
Shoulder) jointiye eos. <a ens 55
Shropshine jcc qaep ers dl
SIRGUGHOVI Gs oho ciote ss ole bone 53
Slimane etre ontiioitucic: elektro os 61
Skinie drying... 41 es oe 132
Skin, non-parasitic
diseases of the ......... 127
Stipes eins dos ocron peer ape Lay
Silchar ee rele
DME | Ge ees nye thy etre 197
Sneeze wood, poisoning by.199
SHOGS ricerca rer epee easy 169
Sriillesiata cscs ee ee 108
Solanum nigrum .......... 198
Solar eczema ........-.--- 128
Sore: mouth! £3 -e wee 137
Sorghums, poisoning by... .205
Southdown tae rene 32
Special senses, organs of... 61
INDEX
Spermatic cord -/0:.. 55... 60
Sphenoideas quote 53
Spinali cords. . cw ee 61
Dpleenreds Ro eee ae 58
Splenic apoplexy ......... 84
Splenic fever... ss... Fae 84
Staggers ecm eek 115
State regulations ......... 227
Sterility cstpyss. sie cee senete 145
Shernumn 64/0. ysis dR 53
Slulesj Ot yc ./oe ce wee 56
SUPA ae Gate AS cua ae Soke eae 207
ISCOMACKY cays chairs stderr 58
Stomach worms .......... 171
Stomatitis .......,.. rhs 137
SETCUCHES ee cae ag tee es 116
Strongylus contortus ...... 171
Strongylus filaria ........ 169
Strychnin poisoning ...... 201
Sturdy )...22) sei ena 167
Sucklings, pyo-septicemia
OD eta Btn ee ee 133
STULOCATION steer einer 132
PUTO yes iene eso ee eee 43
Summer, ‘seals 2..0°8. 6 dea) suse 128
Suny Stroke, os .tes, vex. wsyertoorw 124
Surgical diseases ......... 148
SUULAED RAVER BANG SERA RIE Ac Oc 149
Symbiotes scabei ovis...... 163
Symptomatic anthrax ..... 87
Synovial SHS). Sam. sian 56
Taenia coenurus .......... 167
PLapewormMs: 2.2). seeeens 174
Tapeworm cysts .......... 105
MAPSUIS grit en cks rae etree ae 55
Taste, sense of..........., 62
Mesto. siiesnta ecu ae 57
Teeth, diseased ........... 148
Memporals<)5.6 tant 54
Temporo-mandibular
articulations ......,..-.- 55
Mesticleses.8)..d0c' os oeeeieacns 60
Tetanusyaci. «cease 92, 137
(NAOKO, CPM Ath Gon abo oo 59
Mhoracicslimnbs jee eee 54
THOT AXW ae senate nici erates 53
Marushh) sc0s4+: tah. sans ea ereeeee 137
Thy iiss, oo 62 ee eee bg
iy roid’. Ss stee chee 59
AD Ta. ever ye Sores pce eeees 55
Tibio-fibular joint °........ 56
TICKS His aie eee hte p ies 163
Toadstools, poisoning by. ..204
INDEX
SRODACCONGIP. re cierhe e epee eee 161
Tobacco poisoning ........ 202
MON GWE riteivn coi he ctnas Geeta 57
PONS Urata isles sea <a) s eee er 58
MOXACHENCETIbIS 2/0. la aes 1T9
ACHE a oWee ete totais seta 59
Transportation regulations .219
Mrembles, iPass cide. ote 130
Trichocephalus
spherocephalus ........ 165
AR USTINUS iyerclces: sieratot:, «fe eee © 92
“Trotting” diesase ....... 130
MMPETCULOSIS! we 4 )-)- 9 2 © a. 95
RIMINI ev eheics Laie Syaane 52
MINUTIAE ole exe succece eet 54
ALUMS IC Kage ears nds Sess sisal 167
Turpentine poisoning ...... 202
SINR b rie care w-cvhevarre ee ation 115
Udder, inflammation of the. 143
Ulceration, lip-and-leg .... 97
WIT SA Gre, Araceae nee ene ae 54
Umbilical hemorrhage ..... 132
Wireman ata aw lerseee pene 104
Wireter’ oko S as kus selves Oo
Urethra es. Vian. stones 60
Urinary caleuli ....... 74, 146
iniiary Organs: 2. oss x. 59
Urinary organs, diseases of
HIVE Meds (La Seat eee nad sca She 104
Wires bloodys wes. oon 2 ox 147
WWitemuSmweccee ass 2c eter Sener 60
Uterus, displacement of
WN GMs scene mere nao wc 141
Uterus, inflammation of
URS: Sake are, sercaeticne nh ieasee eee 142
"\W(Eah OE Sea NEDE OS Saree MEN 60
Valvular diseases of
phe heartsr quae: crass Melee 107
Wariola:, Ovi |. 6.8 ois oden 89
Wiast deferens... cst ose 60
Vegetable poisons ......... 185
Venous system ........... 61
237
Veratrum, poisoning by... .196
Veratrum viride or
SPECIOSUMD sin ste hia. ne 196
Vermifuge for sheep dogs. .168
Verminous bronchitis ......169
MERGE DIAG) ra ce eis cians. ears 53
Vesiculae seminales ....... 60
WOTILET:” arvver «ORCS he Ay ee 54
Water hemlock, poisoning
Dyer ay seaee pattie en: tal toe eaemere 194
Wratenyemillars a ro ari 144
Weaning lambs’... .:...... 13
Wethers, diseases of....... 146
x\Mibitey placer es arrester. 95
Wihiberscounsp ci ec erc er 135
Wald besimee cule atone ore 192
Wil dkcapirc vv lacmetanc cies 215
VValGifie ar te See ears: 154
Wail ontom pes. cvs eae 190
Walldisp ea tokio aa ite 192
AUC Nhe ei eens a eh 216
Wiolfsbanes 2(.5 27 <2 Anan 193
Womb, inflammation of the. 142
Wooden tongue ........... 96
Woody aster, poisoning by.198
Wioolpalllsen se oocc. ve neye ate 115
Wiooltsealibert Otewei cote 61
Wool! heating? 224.) es 102
Wool falling out.......... 127
Wool sorter’s disease...... 84
Wools. thesine==.— =... ach. 24
Wools) sthe Toner... S 546. 44
Wools, the medium........ 31
VOM IN Oeste eevee 169
Worms, stomach ......... 171
Xylorhiza Parryi (Gray). ..198
Mellow smile yee cat tere econ 144
Mellow sia. ncn aeae eee 120
ZING POLS ONIN Cre ce ee 182
Zygadenus venenosus ...... 190
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