FOOT-ROT IN SHEEP.

Oxford Observer, Volume V, Issue V, 7 April 1894, Page 3

FOOT-ROT IN SHEEP.

From a Correspondent.

Anyone interested m sheep cannot fail to be grieved at seeing most of our flocks afflicted with this 'complaint. Some contend that it is, not contagious while others assert that it is. Both parties may have experience on their side. To ventilate this subject is the writers aim. In an article entitled foot-rot amongst sheep (Chambers Encyclopedia. ) The writer says tootrot is of two varieties, the commoner, consisting of inordinate growth of hoof which at tho toe or round the margin becomes turned down cracked or torn and thus affords lodgement for sand and dirt. Insufficient wearing of the hoof is the obvious cause and hence the prevelanc of footrot. In soft rich pastures and especially amongst sheep previously accustomed to bare rough or upland walk, where the hoof is naturally worn down by the greater amount of walking necessary to procure sustenence. Taken m time when lameness is first apparent and before the hoof is cracked and the foot inflamed a cure rapidly follows the careful paring of the superfluous and diseased hoof. Indeed further treatment is scarcely necessary unless any of the vasculai parts have been laid bare when a little tar may be applied as a mild astringent and protection from flies. When from inattention or neglect the hoof is separated from the sensitive parts beneath, when ulcers appear on the sole or proud flesh springs up, active astringents or mild caustics are necessary the shepherds old favourite, butter of antimony diluted with an equal quantity of tincture of myrrh is a good remedy when cautiously used. A convenient paste which m inexperianced hands is safer than a fluid caustic, it may be made with equal weight of flowers of sulpher and fnely powdered sulphate of copper (bluestone) rubbed up to the needful consistency of lard or oil. Many have great faith m a mixture of salt of copper with gunpowder and lard.

The second and more troublesome variety is allied to what is termed foul m the foot instead of commencing at the ground surface it begins at the interdigital space and appears to depend upon constitutional rather than local causes and frequently occurs along with the other variety but unlike it occasionall becomes contageous. The foot is hot tender and swollen round and immediately above the coronet. There are ulcerations m the interdigital space and the swelling and subsequently the sprouting of proud flesh causes a separation of the toes. 'When the tenderness and heat are great poultices are advisable but m the milder cases and earlier stages the parts should be well washed with a solution, containing to the pint of water half an ounce of sulphuric acid and oil of turpentine. When ulcers appear they must be touched ■witb. the lunar caustic or dressed with the paste already recommended.