ROT.
The progress of this disease is generally very slow, and a person unaccustomed to the management of sheep would find some difficulty in recognizing it. A practical eye would distinguish it, even at a distance. The disease is known by one or more of the following symptoms: The animal often remains behind the flock, shaking its head, with its ears depressed; it allows itself to be seized, without any resistance. The eye is dull and watery; the eyelids are swollen; the lips, gums, and palate have a pale tint; the skin, which is of a yellowish white, appears puffed, and retains the impression; the wool loses its brightness, and is easily torn off; the urine is high colored, and the excrement soft. As the disease progresses, there is loss of appetite, great thirst, general emaciation, &c.
The indications are, to improve the secretions, vitalize the blood, and sustain the living powers. For which purpose, take
| Powdered charcoal, | 2 ounces. |
| Powdered ginger, | 1 ounce. |
| Powdered golden seal, | 1 ounce. |
| Oatmeal, | 1 pound. |
Mix. Feed to each animal a handful per day, unless rumination shall have ceased; then omit the oatmeal, and give a tea-spoonful of the mixed ingredients, in half a pint of hyssop, or horsemint tea. Continue as occasion may require.
The food should be boiled, if possible. The best kind, especially in the latter stages of rot, is, equal parts of linseed and ground corn.
If the urine is high colored, and the animal is thirsty, give an occasional drink of
| Cleavers, (galium aparine,) | 2 ounces. |
| Boiling water, | 2 quarts. |
When cold, strain. Dose, one pint. To be repeated, if necessary.