BLACK SCOURS.
(Verminous Gastritis—Strongylosis)
Cause.—Due to a worm (Strongylus Contortus) measuring one-fourth to one inch in length, inhabiting the intestines and the fourth stomach of sheep and goats. This disease is frequently seen in low, marshy pastures, where animals infested with the worm pass the ova or egg with the feces, the eggs developing into an embryotic worm which is again taken with the food or water by non-infected animals, whereby this disease again attacks the intestines and fully matured worms develop.
Symptoms.—Naturally, the symptoms vary according to the violence of the attack. In well developed cases, the animal strains to defecate, and passes shreds of intestinal mucous along with blood-stained feces. Finally a severe dysentery takes place, the animal becomes correspondingly weak, and death takes place in two or three days. Some cases become chronic, in which death does not take place for a month or more. However, the latter is uncommon. Other signs are staggering gait, trembling, eyes fixed, showing wild expression, neck turned to one side. Then the animal appears as if in pain, and looks around at the flank frequently. There is a chopping of the jaws, and a very free flow of stringy saliva from the mouth. When an animal dies from the symptoms just described, it should be cut open and carefully examined for this particular parasite, which can be easily seen with the naked eye.
Treatment.—Very successfully treated when the first symptoms appear by administering one ounce of Gasoline with a pint of Milk. To lambs or kids give half the dose. Every precaution should be taken so as to prevent the drench from entering the lungs. Perhaps the best method is to set the animals on its haunches and pour the liquid slowly and carefully; if they cough, let them down. Any drench entering the lungs produces fatal pneumonia. Feed good nourishing food, and supply them with fresh water to drink.
CATARRH.
(Cold in the Head)
Cause.—Atmospheric changes, sudden exposure to cold, wet weather after being accustomed to warm, comfortable surroundings, inhaling dust, smoke and gases or, in fact, anything that will produce an irritation to the membranes lining the nose; commonly seen in the spring and fall.
Symptoms.—Chilling, elevation of temperature, nose dry, breathing hurried, sneezing, coughing, dullness, appetite varied. In the first stages of the malady, the nostrils are considerably inflamed, but in the course of a few days the temperature subsides and a yellowish-white discharge flows from the nose continuously.
Treatment.—Keep the affected animals dry, omit drafts, feed good, wholesome food, and provide bedding for them to lie upon. In the first stages of this malady, it is advisable to confine the animals in a barn, closing the windows and doors and compelling them to inhale steam from boiling hot water and Pine Tar. The best method to accomplish this is by placing a tub about half full of water in the center of the barn and add about one gallon of Pine Tar. Then heat bricks or stones and place them into the tub. In this way a large number can be treated at one time. The sheep should be compelled to inhale this steam for thirty to forty minutes twice a day. In addition to the above, the following is very beneficial: Chlorate of Potash, one ounce; Nitrate of Potassi, two ounces. Make into sixteen powders and give one powder to each sheep in its drinking water two or three times daily. Feed hot bran mashes and vegetables if possible.
DIARRHOEA.
(Dysentery)
Cause.—Diarrhoea, or Dysentery, is a sign of some irritation of the intestines resulting in increased secretions, or increased muscular contraction, or both. The irritation is sometimes the result of chilling from exposure, improper feeding, as contaminated or frozen foods, irritating foods, drinking cold or stagnant water, indigestion, organic diseases of the intestines, or parasitic diseases. (See Strongylosis.)