Sometimes bloating becomes chronic, and if such is the case dissolve two teaspoonfuls of Turpentine in one-half pint of milk and drench the animal very carefully, as some of this drench may escape into the lungs and produce fatal pneumonia. Set a sheep upon its haunches to give the medicine; if it coughs let it down quickly to prevent strangulation.
INDIGESTION.
(Dyspepsia)
Cause.—Irritant food, damaged food, overloaded paunch or sudden change of diet may produce this disease. Want of exercise predisposes an animal to it and it is caused by woody or indigestible food. Food which possesses astringent (drying) properties tends to check the digestive secretions and may also act as an exciting cause. Food in excessive quantity may lead to disorders of the digestion and to this disease. It is very likely to appear towards the end of the protracted season of drought, therefore a deficiency of water must be regarded as one of the conditions which favors its development.
Symptoms.—Appetite diminished; rumination, or chewing the cud, irregular; tongue coated, mouth slimy, feces passed apparently not well digested and offensive in odor, dullness and fullness of the flanks. This disease may, in some cases, assume a chronic character, for in addition to the above mentioned symptoms, slight bloating of the left flank may be observed. The animal breathes with great difficulty and grunts with each respiration. The ears and legs alternately become hot and cold. The rumination, or cud chewing, at this stage ceases and the usual rumbling sound in the stomach is not audible. The passage of feces is entirely suspended and the animal passes only a little mucus occasionally. Sometimes constipation and diarrhoea alternate; there is a rise in temperature in many cases. The disease continues for a few days or a week in this mild form, while the severe form of the disease may last for several weeks. In the severe form the emaciation and loss of strength may be very great. There is no appetite, no rumination or rumbling sound in the stomach or intestines. The mouth is hot and sticky, the eyes have retracted in their sockets and the milk secretion has ceased. In such cases the outlook for recovery is unfavorable. The affected animals fall away in flesh and become very weak, which is shown by the fact that one finds the animal lying down.
On examination of sheep or goats which have died of this disease, it is found that the lining membranes of the fourth stomach and intestines, particularly the small intestines, are red, swollen, streaked with deep red or blushed lines or spotted. The lining of the third stomach is more or less softened and may be easily peeled off. The third stomach contains dry, hard food masses, closely adhering to its walls. In some cases the brain appears to become affected, probably from the pain endured and weakness and absorption of poisons generated in the digestive canal. In such cases there is weakness and a staggering gait; the sheep or goats do not appear to see, and will consequently run against obstacles. After a time it falls down and gives up to a violent disordered struggle. This delirious condition is succeeded by stupor and death.
Treatment.—Successful, if fed in its first stages on small quantities of roots, sweet silage or select grasses or hay. This should be offered several times daily. Very little food should be allowed if the animal is constipated, in which case give two to four ounces of Glauber Salts dissolved in a pint of hot water. When it cools, set the animal on its haunches and pour slowly and carefully. If they strangle or cough let them down, as some of the drench may escape into the lungs and produce lung complications. After the Glauber Salts have acted and if there is a lack of appetite and the animal does not chew the cud regularly, the following tonic will be found beneficial: Pulv. Gentian Root, one ounce; Pulv. Nux Vomica, one ounce; Pulv. Anise Seed, two ounces. Mix thoroughly and make into thirty-two powders. Give one powder two or three times a day well back on the tongue. The food must be rather laxative and of a digestible character. After an attack of this form of indigestion, ice cold water should be avoided. Food should be given in moderate quantities, as any excess by overtaxing the digestive functions may bring on a relapse.
JAUNDICE.
(Liver Congestion—Inflammation of the Liver)
Cause.—Jaundice or Liver Congestion is due to constipation where there is an inactive or torpid condition of the bowels and the bile which passes into the intestines is absorbed and produces a yellow staining of Jaundice. Jaundice is merely a symptom of a disease and ought to direct attention to ascertain if possible the cause or causes which give rise to it. Inflammation of the liver usually occurs as a complication of infectious diseases. It may also occur as a complication of intestinal catarrh, or in hot weather from overheating, eating decomposed or irritating food or from drinking stagnant water.