Liver Rot—Liver Fluke Disease
This is a very destructive disease and causes much loss to sheep raisers each year.
It is caused by a small worm called the Distoma; which is swallowed by the sheep in water or on grass and which makes its way to the liver, where it lives. These worms only exist in low damp land, high dry pastures are free from them.
Symptoms.—The sheep becomes dull and listless, followed by loss of flesh and strength, the wool comes off easily. The loss of strength continues and death usually ensues.
Treatment.—Since the worms only exist for any length of time in low damp land; and high dry pastures are usually free from them; the sheep should be removed to the dry pastures. Rock salt should be given freely to the infected sheep. There is no known cure for this disease.
CHAPTER II.—Part III.
DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
Encephalitis, Inflammation of the Brain
This disease may arise from internal causes, but more frequently from sun-stroke, blows upon the head, too plentiful food, etc.
Symptoms.—The animal ceases to eat; hangs its ears and head, which are hot to the touch; walks along staggering, unconscious whither it goes; the eyes are bright and red and projected from the head; the air it expires is hot; the breathing short, rapid and accompanied with violent beating of the flanks; it remains lying down, head stretched on the ground, and, as the disease draws to a close, it ends in convulsions.
Treatment.—Give A.A., a dose of three or five drops every hour, during the height of the disease, and then at longer intervals as the case improves.