DISEASES OFSheep and GoatsCAUSE, SYMPTOMS ANDTREATMENT
DISEASES OFSheep and Goats
CAUSE, SYMPTOMS ANDTREATMENT
LOCATION OF PARTS OF SHEEP.
LOCATION OF PARTS OF SHEEP.
Location of Parts of Sheep1. Mouth.2. Nostrils.3. Eyes.4. Forehead.5. Poll.6. Ears.7. Neck or scrag.8. Throat or throttle.9. Brisket or breast.10. Shoulder vein.11. Shoulder.12. Legs.13. Fore flank.14. Heart girth.15. Crops.16. Back.17. Loin.18. Rump.19. Coupling.20. Ribs.21. Belly.22. Sheath.23. Scrotum.24. Rear flanks.25. Leg of mutton.26. Twist.27. Tail or dock.28. Rump.
Location of Parts of Sheep
This chapter on the diseases of sheep and goats has been written for the benefit of the Student of Veterinary Science as well as for the Veterinary Profession.
I feel it will suffice to say that I have endeavored to the best of my ability to render the matter contained in the following chapter of as greatpracticalvalue as possible, to present in the most plain and concise manner each disease in the form in which it most frequently occurs.
I wish to express a hope that this chapter will be appreciated by all into whose hands it may find its way, more particularly by Veterinary Students and Practitioners.
Charles J. Korinek, V. S.
Cause.—Is usually produced by injuries, or by the ewes being poisoned from eating poisonous foods, plants, etc. It has never occurred in infectious form in this country, although sometimes an outbreak is thought infectious on account of several ewes aborting about the same time, but all such outbreaks have been traced to some irritating poison which they had taken with their food or drinking water.
Preventive Treatment.—Remove the aborted lambs or kids and afterbirth from the yards, and also withdraw the ewe or nanny and place her in comfortable quarters. She requires care and extra nursing, or she will become very poor and lose a large portion of her fleece.
Medical Treatment.—If due to poisonous plants, etc., when the first symptoms of Abortion or poisoning are noticed, give six to ten ounces of Castor Oil. Warm the oil so it will run freely. Set the sheep or goat upon its haunches and pour very slowly. Great care must be exercised so as not to let any of the oil enter the lungs, as it may produce fatal pneumonia. Feed food that is easily digested and supply them with pure water to drink. When the general condition is weak or run down, so to speak, the following tonic is recommended: Pulv. Gentian Root, one ounce; Pulv. Nux Vomica, one ounce; Pulv. Potassium Nitrate, one ounce; Hyposulphite of Soda, three ounces; Protan, three ounces. Mix and make into twenty-four powders. Give one powder two or three times daily well back on the tongue.
Rememberall tonics are bitter, therefore beware ofany so-called tonics that the animals eat readily, as these possess no real tonic values.
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. Perhapsthe 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.
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 twoor three times daily. Feed hot bran mashes and vegetables if possible.
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.)
Symptoms.—Movements from the bowels are frequent, as first consisting of thin fecal matter, but as this malady progresses it becomes watery and offensive in smell, and streaked with blood. At first the animal shows no constitutional disturbances, but eventually it becomes weak and shows signs of abdominal pain by looking around to the flank, throwing the feet together, lying down, or moving restlessly. Sometimes this disease is accompanied by fever, great depression, loss of strength, rapid loss of flesh; terminating in death.
Treatment.—Determine the cause and remove it if possible. When the disease is due to irritating properties of food which have been fed the animal, it is well to give a physic of Castor Oil in two to six ounce doses, according to the size of the animal. When there is debility, want of appetite, and temperature normal, but continuous water discharge from the bowels, give Protan, two ounces; Gum Cathechu, one ounce; Pulv. Ginger, one ounce; Zinc Sulphocarbolates, eight grains. Make into sixteen powders and give one powder on the tongue every three or four hours, according to the severity of the attack. Feed food that is easily digested, as wheat bran mashes, steamed rolled oats, etc. See that the drinking water is fresh and clean.
Cause.—Foot Rot is produced by inflammation of the soft structures of the foot between the claws or toes. It may be due to an overgrowth and inward pressure, etc., or from filth accumulating and hardening between the claws, producing inflammation and softening or ulceration of the skin in the interdigital space (between the claws). Under some conditions several sheep or goats in the same drove become affected at the same time, leading many to think that the disease is contagious. When Foot Rot appears in a very short time, among sheep or goats, this condition can almost always be traced to filth, irritation, etc.
Symptoms.—The animal is observed to limp when walking. On careful examination of the foot we find it hot, swollen above the claws and in the soft parts between them, frequently spreading the claws apart to a considerable extent, or the inflammation may have advanced to softening and sloughing of the soft structure between the claws. If this condition is neglected at this stage, deep abscesses form and the pus burrows under the horny wall, and the joints within the hoof become inflamed and destroyed, in which case the treatment is difficult and recovery will be very arduous.
Treatment.—In the early stages of the disease, before the pus burrows beneath the horny structures of the foot, any foreign substances impacted between the claws should be removed. Then place a trough about one foot wide, six to eight inches high, and twelve to sixteen feet long, and fill with water and Coal Tar Dip, diluted in proportions of one part dip to fifty parts of water. Build a fence on each side of the trough, just wide enough for one sheep to pass through, and compel every sheep to walk in the solution slowly.
This treatment should be repeated once or twice a week until the lameness has disappeared. In cases where deep sloughing has taken place under the horny structures, saturate a piece of oakum or cotton in the following liniment: Oil of Origanum, Oil of Pisis, Oil of Turpentine, each four ounces. Place it between the claws and hold it there by means of a bandage. Repeat this application every other day. The animals that do not show signs of improvement under this treatment in a few days invariably have the joints of the foot affected and should not be driven.
Cause.—This condition is produced by animals eating various foliage (Grass or Shrubbery) at a time when the peculiar poisonous principles are developed in it, as appears to happen in certain seasons. The disease is liable to affect a large proportion of animals which are under the same grazing conditions.
Symptoms.—Generally takes two or three days to develop. The animal gradually becomes more or less unconscious and paralyzed, staggers when forced to walk, and it may have great difficulty in keeping on its feet, it is extremely averse to going down, and leans for support against any convenient object. It breathes in a snorting manner. The mucous membranes are tinged with yellow, and the bowels constipated. In other cases severe diarrhoea follows, and the animal becomes very weak and dies in convulsions or spasms. Recovery may be expected in cases that are not marked by severe symptoms.
Treatment.—Endeavor to find out the true cause and remove it if possible. Change range or pasture for a short time; this has successfully eradicated this malady. The animal showing the above symptoms should receive four to eight ounces of Castor Oil regardless of whether there is diarrhoea or constipation. In either casethe irritation will be relieved by its laxative effect. In cases where diarrhoea becomes chronic, after administering the Castor Oil, the following will be found very efficient in its control: Protan, three ounces; Ginger, one ounce; Gum Catechu, two ounces. Make into sixteen powders and place one powder well back on the tongue every four or six hours. Feed clean, wholesome food and supply clean, fresh water to drink. Provide shelter for the animal if the weather is hot.
Cause.—As a rule, in Garget or Congestion of the Udder in heavy milking ewes, just before and after lambing, the glands of the udder enlarge, become hot, tense and tender and a slight pasty swelling extends forward from the glands on the lower surface of the abdomen. This physiological condition is looked upon as a matter of course and disposed of in two or three days when the secretions of milk have been fully established. General breaking up of the udder may be greatly hastened by the sucking of a hungry lamb and the kneading it gives the udder with its nose is beneficial. The above mentioned congestion or Garget may emerge into active inflammation resulting from continued exposure to cold weather, standing in cold drafts or injury to the udder from stone, clubs, feet of other animals, overfeeding or rich food, like cotton seed or soy bean, sore teats or a ewe losing her lamb in the period of full milking; serious disturbances of the animal’s health is liable to fall upon the udder.
Symptoms.—The symptoms and mode of attack vary in different cases. Following exposure to cold drafts or cold, wet weather, there is usually severe chilling with cold ears and limbs and general dryness and brittleness of the wool. This is followed by a flush of heat, the ears and limbs become unnaturally warm andthe glands swell up and become firm and solid in one or both sides of the udder. The muzzle is hot and dry, temperature elevated two or three degrees above normal, pulse firm and quick, excited breathing, appetite and rumination suspended, bowels constipated, urine scanty and the yield of milk may be entirely suppressed in the affected side.
Treatment.—Determine the cause and remove it if possible. Move the affected animals to comfortable quarters, supply liberal quantities of bedding for the animal to lie upon. Give two to six ounces of Glauber Salts dissolved in a pint of hot water. Permit it to cool. Place the ewe on her haunches and drench carefully. Feed laxative foods as hot bran mashes, steamed rolled oats and vegetables, supplying the animal with pure water to drink, to which add two drams of Hyposulphite of Soda, two or three times a day. In some cases it is advisable to apply Camphorated Ointment to the udder once or twice a day.
Cause.—Gid is produced by a bladder worm, a larva or an egg of the tapeworm infesting the intestines of dogs, wolves and coyotes. The eggs of these tapeworms are scattered over the range or pastures in the droppings of infested dogs, wolves or coyotes, and these when swallowed in the food or water by the sheep, hatch out and the embryos migrate to the brain, spinal cord, etc., where they develop into cysts, bladder worms or water bags, etc. When the organs of sheep, thus infested, are eaten by dogs, wolves or coyotes, the cyst worms are also likely to be swallowed and then develop into mature tapeworms.
Symptoms.—In case a large number of embryos become lodged in the brain of sheep, the first signs will be shown in about eight to twelve days. Bladder wormsproduce a congestion of the brain which causes dullness, dizziness, indicating an affection of the brain, walking or turning in circles. If the left side of the brain is affected, they will turn to the left; if the right side is affected, they will turn to the right. The head eventually droops, the eyes become red and the vision is impaired, the head very hot over the affected region, the affected sheep become separated from the flock. Sometimes the sheep are partially or completely paralyzed.
Prevention.—Prevention is the only method by which this disease can be eradicated. Prevent the sheep from becoming infected with these parasites. Stray dogs, wolves or coyotes should be killed whenever found, and dogs too valuable to kill should be kept free from tapeworm. Meat should not be fed to dogs unless cooked or known to be free from tapeworm cysts.
Cause.—Grubs in the head of sheep are produced by the Sheep Gadfly which is yellowish-gray in color with five well divided rings around its body, covered over with fine hair and the lower portion of the head white. This fly is somewhat larger than the ordinary house fly. It attacks sheep and goats during the Summer and Fall and deposits its larva about the sheep’s and goat’s nostrils. This larva attaches itself to the mucous membrane of the nostrils with two hooklets by which it gradually works into the air cavities of the head, remaining there for about ten months. Then it again passes from the nostrils, burrows into the ground and becomes a fully matured Gadfly in six or eight weeks, which completes its life cycle, the head of the sheep or goat being its intermediate host where the newly born Gadfly again attaches its larva.
Symptoms.—When sheep or goats are attacked by this Gadfly, they run, strike at the nose with their frontfeet, rub the nose on the ground or against other sheep. In case only three or four larvae gain entrance to the sinuses of the head, they produce very little, if any, ill effects, but where they become numerous, they cause the animal to cough and sneeze continually, discharge from the nose, which is occasionally tinged with blood. The appetite becomes impaired, the animal shows signs of emaciation, becomes very weak, raises the nose in the air, but eventually becomes so weak it reels when walking and finally lies down. It becomes so weak it cannot toss the head or rise, and dies.
Prevention Treatment.—Very successful. Paint the sheep’s or goat’s nose with Pine Tar, or better still, place salt in a trough, covering it with boards, with holes bored in them just large enough for the animal to insert its nose. Smear Pine Tar about the holes once or twice a week. This treatment has proven very efficient in localities where sheep Gadflies are numerous.
Medical Treatment.—After the animal once becomes infected with these grubs, bore holes (trephine) through the skull with a sharp instrument made for this purpose and remove the grubs.
Cause.—Hoven is caused by various kinds of food which produce indigestion or fermentation and resultant gases in the rumen or paunch. When sheep are first turned into young clover, they eat so greedily of it that bloating frequently results. Turnips, potatoes and cabbage may also produce it. Middlings and corn meal also frequently give rise to it. In this connection it may be stated that an excessive quantity of any food, before mentioned, may bring on this disorder, or it may not be due to excessive eating but to eating too fast. Sometimes the quality of food is at fault. Grass, clover or alfalfa, when wet with dew or rain soaked, frequentlyproduce digestive disorders and bloating follows. Frozen roots or potatoes covered with white frost should be regarded as dangerous. When food has been eaten too hastily or when it is cold and wet, the digestive process is imperfectly performed and the food contained in the paunch ferments, during which process large quantities of gas are formed. This same result may follow when a sheep is choking, as the obstruction in the gullet prevents the eructation or passing of gas from the stomach so that the gas continues to accumulate until severe bloating results.
Symptoms.—The swelling of the left flank is very characteristic, as in well marked cases the flank at its upper part rises above the level of the backbone and when struck with the tips of the fingers emits a drum-like sound. The animal has an anxious expression, moves uneasily and is evidently distressed. If relief is not obtained in time the sheep breathes with difficulty, reels in walking or standing and in a short time falls down and dies from suffocation. The distention of the stomach or rumen may become so great that it pushes the diaphragm (the membrane separating the lung and intestinal cavity) forward against the lungs, so as to squeeze and stop their movements, thus preventing the animal from breathing and in some instances the case may be complicated by a rupture of the stomach.
Treatment.—Do not waste any time. Puncture about three inches downward and forward from the point of the hip bone with a clean sharp knife, or any instrument that is clean and sharp. A special instrument made for this purpose, the trocar, is a very useful instrument.
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.
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 animalsfall 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.
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.
Symptoms.—The signs are sometimes obscure and their real significance is frequently overlooked. The most prominent symptoms are the yellowness of the white of the eyes and of the mucous membranes lining the mouth, appetite poor, body presents an emaciated appearance, the feces is light in color, while the urine is likely to be unusually dark and there is great thirst present. The gait is weak and the animal lies down more than usual and while doing so frequently has its head around resting on the side of its chest. Temperature is slightly elevated above normal and breathing is somewhat hurried.
Treatment.—Remove the cause if possible. Give Glauber Salts in three to four ounce doses, diluted in a pint of hot water permitted to cool and give at one dose. When drenching, be very careful, as some of the liquid may escape into the lungs and produce severe complications. Feed green food or hot bran mashes and supply them with a liberal quantity of pure water to drink.
Cause.—The parasite that produces Liver Fluke in sheep has an oblong, flat, leaf-like body, brownish in color, measuring from one-fourth to one-half inch in length. Sheep become infected with this Liver Fluke from grazing on low marshy pastures infected by the larvae of Liver Fluke.
Symptoms.—A sheep, when first infected with Liver Fluke, generally thrives as the parasites tend to stimulate the process of digestion, being located as they are in the liver, but eventually rumination becomes irregular, the sheep becomes anemic, weak and the visible mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes become pale, bloodless, taking on a yellowish color as the disease progresses. Swellings will also appear under the jaw along the neck and under the lung cavity. The process of breathing becomes feeble and temperature irregular. Pregnant ewes will generally abort and nursing ewes’ milk will become so deprived of its nourishing properties that the lambs become emaciated, although not necessarily affected with the Liver Fluke.
Prevention.—Move to non-infected pastures, supply the animals grazing on low marshy pastures with a liberal amount of salt, also introduce frogs, toads, carp, etc., into the marshy ponds, as they destroy the parasite in its first stages of development, feeding on their intermediate host, the snail.
Medical Treatment.—This is of little value. After an animal once becomes infected with the parasite, it never makes a complete recovery, although Calomel administered in ten grain doses every two or three weeks appears to have a very good effect in some cases, if fed freely on nitrogenous food and permitted to drink well of pure running water.
Acute congestion and inflammation of the spongy tissues of the lungs is frequently seen in sheep, the same as in other animals.
Cause.—Sheep that are overdriven are subject to Lung Congestion in acute or chronic form and sometimes Pulmonary Apoplexy, and especially when in a plethoric condition are predisposed to inflammation of the lungs. The exciting cause is very much the same as in different diseases of the air passage and it is not uncommon for the inflammation to extend from these parts of the lungs. However, there are a number of causes in addition to those already mentioned. It frequently results when sheep are accustomed to warm, comfortable quarters and are changed to cold, drafty pens, or shipping some distance in open stock cars during cold weather. In fact, any sudden chilling of the body is a common cause of lung disorders. Giving fat sheep too much exercise when they are not accustomed to it is a very frequent cause of Congestion and Inflammation of the Lungs. This may occur when they are chased by dogs, etc., or when driven to a distant market at too rapid a gait. Exercise during the hot summer months is apt to cause congestion of the lung substance, as well as heat stroke. Dipping sheep during cold weather may chill the body and result in this disease.
Symptoms.—If due to severe exercise, the animal appears greatly exhausted and the Congestion of the Lungs is marked. Death may occur at this stage of the disease. Inflammation of the Lungs usually begins with a chill and is followed by a high fever. The sheep stand most of the time and may eat nothing, or very little. The breathing is hurried at first, but when the lungs becomebadly involved, it is also labored. The character of the pulse beat varies, depending on the extent of the inflammation and the stage of the disease. In most cases the pulse is full and quick during the early stages of the disease. A very weak pulse is present in severe and fatal cases of Pneumonia. The visible mucous membranes have a red colored appearance and there may be a slight discharge from the nostrils. The expression of the face is anxious and distressed in severe cases and rigors and chilling of the body occur. The respiratory sounds are more or less normal. The cough at first is deep and dry; later it becomes loose and moist. It may be accompanied by a hemorrhage during this stage of the disease. Other respiratory sounds are revealed by placing the ear to the side of the chest walls and listening to the sound of the lungs. This cannot be practiced in long wooled sheep with satisfaction, as the chest walls are so thick that the lung sounds are deadened, or the noise made by the animal hides the respiratory murmurs in the very early stages of Inflammation of the Lungs. A crepitating or crackling sound can be heard in the diseased parts and louder sounds than normal in the healthy areas. Later when the engorgement of the lung substance occurs and the air cells become filled with an inflammatory serum, the respiratory sounds are deadened, but on returning to the normal, a rattling sound occurs. These symptoms help greatly in determining the animal’s condition and in watching the progress of the disease. The chances for the recovery depend on the extent and the acuteness of the inflammation. Careless handling, exercising, etc., lessen the chances for a favorable termination in the disease, but good care helps more to bring about recovery than the medical treatment. The recovery is more unfavorable in fat than in lean sheep, as the inflammation is usually more severe in the former. The course is from seven to twenty-one days and it may become chronic if the irritation is kept up. In such cases, unthriftiness is a prominent sign.
Treatment.—The preventive treatment in Pneumonia must not be overlooked. Briefly, it consists in avoiding such conditions as may predispose the animal to the disease or act in any way as an exciting cause. Careful nursing is a very important part of the treatment. The sheep should be given a comfortable, well ventilated shed and kept as quiet as possible. If the bowels become constipated, give two or three ounces of Castor Oil and feed sloppy food. As one attack predisposes the sheep to a second, it should be protected from severe cold, or the other extreme, heat, for a month after making a complete recovery.
The following prescription will be found very beneficial: Iodide of Ammonia, one-half ounce; Chlorate of Potassi, one ounce; Pulv. Nux Vomica, one ounce. Make into twenty-four powders and give one powder every four hours well back on the tongue. Continue this treatment until the animal has recovered.
Cause.—Due to a white thread-like worm (Strongylus Filaria) varying in length from one to three inches. The worms affect and live in the trachea (windpipe) and bronchial tubes. Infected animals, in coughing, expel fertilized eggs which develop on the grass and stagnant water. The larvae are again taken up either in the drinking water or in eating grass or hay gathered on low marshy soil. Warm wet weather favors their development.
Symptoms.—This worm is liable to attack a number of animals at the same time. The weakest sheep and young lambs are the first to show signs by coughing forcibly, distressing, hacking and convulsive in character. A stringy mucus is sometimes expelled during the spasm of coughing. This mucus contains worms which can be detected, or their ova observed under a magnifying glass.In the latter stages of the disease, they cough severely at night. These attacks have a sub-acute character and prove very exhausting. The parasite by becoming entwined in balls severely affects the animal’s breathing which is always remarkably labored in the latter stages of the disease. The animal refuses to eat, becomes emaciated, anemic, mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth and nose become very pale and the sheep die in convulsions from suffocation.
Preventive Treatment.—Avoid grazing your sheep on low marshy soil, especially during warm wet weather. Young lambs and weak ones are especially susceptible to this disease.
Medical Treatment.—The writer has tried various treatments as fumigation with different substances and injection of remedies into the windpipe by the use of a hypodermic syringe, etc., but none have proven very successful, from a practical standpoint. I would recommend placing the affected animals in a tightly closed barn or shed, in the center of which place a pan of red hot coals and cover with Sulphur.
A person should remain in the barn or shed as long as he possibly can and after the fumes become so irritating that he cannot endure them any longer, he should immediately make his exit. The sheep should be compelled to stay a minute or two longer and then quickly open the doors and windows. Repeat this treatment once or twice a week. Feed affected animals well. Give them fresh water to drink and protect them from exposure. This treatment, as above described, has given very good results, providing the parasites were not too numerous.
Cause.—The mange mite (Psoroptes Communis). This parasite is equipped with stylets which pierce theskin at the seat where the mange mite penetrates the skin, and produces small red spots followed by a blister filled with serum, which ruptures, the serum drying and forming a small scab. It is in this way that innumerable mange mites cause the piling up of scabs thus producing a very scaly condition. As Mange advances, the scaly patches eventually pile up until they attain the thickness of one-half inch, unless these scabs have been severely rubbed.
Symptoms.—Very easily detected, as a bunch of sheep that have been recently infected will be uneasy or restless, rubbing against fences, posts, brush, etc., causing bunches of wool to loosen. The itching seems to be more intense at night and during warm weather. The affected animals will even make attempts to bite themselves, due to the agony produced by the mange mite. If the skin is examined by the aid of a magnifying glass, the mange mite can be easily noticed, or by scraping the skin with a knife and placing the scabs on a dark paper and exposed to the warmth of the sun, the mange mite moving about can readily be seen with the naked eye. Mangy sheep become very poor and eventually die.
Prevention.—This is important, for although the disease is treated with very good results, the mange mite annoy the sheep until they become very weak and emaciated and the loss of wool is enormous due to the affected animal continually rubbing against fences, brush, etc.
Treatment.—Consists of using various dips, as Lime and Sulphur, which is recommended by the United States Bureau of Animal Industry. This is very effective and inexpensive. Scabby sheep should be dipped a week or ten days after shearing; two dippings are necessary at the interval of ten days. After dipping, move to non-infected range or pastures.
Cause.—The tick that infects sheep has a very small head sunken into its round body. The head possesses a flexible trunk or snout that penetrates the skin. Through this trunk, the ticks derive their nourishment by sucking the blood from the body of the sheep. The tick is also provided with three pairs of legs. The female lays her young in the form of a spun egg (cocoon) which is oblong in shape and brown in color. This egg is cemented to the wool of sheep where young ticks are hatched in about four to six weeks.
Symptoms.—Long wooled sheep are more susceptible to this tick as their wool provides shelter for both the tick and its eggs. After shearing the sheep the ticks have a tendency to leave the body and to migrate to the legs or to unshorn lambs where their snouts or trunks pierce the skin which appears to become infected, producing a swelling and inflammation. The infected sheep run, scratch and bite themselves. When these ticks become developed in large quantities, they produce a paleness of the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth and nose, as the ticks suck large quantities of blood, which produces an anemic condition. The sheep become poor, weak and unthrifty.
Treatment.—Satisfactorily treated by dipping infected sheep in Coal Tar dips or Emulsions of Crude Petroleum. Shearing the sheep has a good effect, but care must be exercised as the ticks then rapidly migrate to the lambs.
DISEASES OFPOULTRYCAUSE, SYMPTOMS ANDTREATMENT
DISEASES OFPOULTRY
CAUSE, SYMPTOMS ANDTREATMENT
LOCATION OF PARTS OF THE FOWL.
LOCATION OF PARTS OF THE FOWL.
Location of Parts of the Fowl0. Beak.1. Comb.2. Face.3. Wattles.4. Ear lobe.5. Hackle.6. Breast.7. Back.8. Saddle.9. Saddle feathers.10. Sickles.11. Lesser sickles.12. Tail coverts.13. Main tail feathers.14. Wing bow.15. Wing coverts, forming wing bar.16. Secondaries, wing bar.17. Primaries or flight feathers.18. Flight coverts.19. Point of breast bone.20. Fluff.21. Thigh.22. Knee joint.23. Shank.24. Spur.25. Toes, or claws.
Location of Parts of the Fowl
This chapter, as its title indicates, is to give to the Students and Veterinary Profession a general view of the diseases of poultry, their causes, symptoms and treatment in a condensed and yet in a complete form.
Thousands of dollars worth of poultry are lost each year because of the veterinarians not having for immediate reference a book giving full information regarding the causes, symptoms, and treatment of diseases, with reliable and authentic advice on what to do for poultry that are sick or unthrifty.
If this brief chapter proves itself of value to our students to which it is most fraternally dedicated, the writer will feel himself amply repaid.
Charles J. Korinek, V. S.
Cause.—Produced by a parasite called Cylodites Nudus, which bears a close resemblance to the parasite causing mange or scabies in the domesticated animal. Owing to the peculiar construction of their breathing organs fowls are more susceptible to parasites than animals. In addition to effecting the lungs, the Air Sac Mite may extend its operations to the intestines, kidneys, liver and bones.
Symptoms.—Unthriftiness is first noticed, but after the parasites become numerous, the fowl shows signs of difficult breathing, perhaps terminating in bronchial pneumonia. In some cases death occurs without apparent cause. The bird will be inactive, becomes separated from the rest of the flock, comb pale, head drawn close to the body, wings hang pendulous, lose flesh, breathing becomes hard, coughing, sneezing and a rattling from the mucus in the windpipe is heard. Death is produced from suffocation.
Treatment.—Separate the sick from the healthy fowls. Disinfect coops and runways of both sick and healthy birds with Crude Carbolic Acid, undiluted. Also fumigate the fowls in their coops with steam from hot water and Pine Tar. This may be done by placing the water and Tar in a pan and then inserting a hot stone or brick in the solution. This perhaps is the simplest method of fumigation. Also mix Sulphur in their feed regularly.
Due to the rupture of a blood vessel of the brain and pressure from the escaping blood.
Cause.—Mechanical injuries, straining when laying eggs (hens are frequently found dead on the nest from this cause), overfeeding, stimulating food, etc., all tend to produce apoplexy.
Symptoms.—Appear very suddenly, bird is seen to walk unsteadily, falls, or perhaps is found dead.
Treatment.—In mild attacks, apply cold water or ice to fowl’s head until thoroughly cooled. Give one-half grain of Calomel, feed soft food, compel the bird to exercise. Owing to the loss of blood a tonic will be necessary. Pulv. Gentian Root, Pulv. Saltpeter, Capsicum and Ferri Sulphate Pulv. equal parts one ounce. Mix and place one teaspoonful in feed for every twenty-five fowls. This tonic purifies and builds up the blood, just what is needed in this particular condition.
Cause.—Due to fungi.
Symptoms.—The first noticeable sign is the whitish appearance of the comb due to gray spots about the size of a pin head. As the disease progresses, this condition spreads to other parts of the body; the feathers look rough and dry and break easily. The fowl grows weaker, refuses to eat and if not properly treated, dies.
Treatment.—Remove the scabs by separating the feathers and using a brush. Apply Sulphur Ointment. Repeat this treatment after two or three days. Greatcare must be taken to prevent the fowl from chilling or taking cold.
Cause.—Lodgment in the beak or food canal of a foreign substance, such as a kernel of corn, sunflower seed, bone, etc.
Symptoms.—Fowl jerks its head suddenly and frequently attempts to swallow. If a close examination is made the foreign body can be felt from the outside.
Treatment.—For the removal of such obstructions, no special treatment is needed further than to use care and avoid any injury to the beak or throat. Feed nutritious food, as wheat bran mashes and vegetables and see that they have a liberal quantity of good pure water at all times.
Cause.—Due to a protozoa taken into the system with the food or drinking water. This parasite enters the caeca which becomes inflamed and discolored and the liver is enlarged and studded with yellowish spots about the size of a pea.
Symptoms.—Although this disease is termed Blackhead, the discoloration of the head is not necessarily present in all cases; neither is this condition confined to this particular disease. One of the first symptoms is loss of appetite, followed in most cases by diarrhoea. The fowl becomes weak and loses weight rapidly. Examination of the liver after death will determine whether or not death has been caused by Infectious Entero Hepatitis. The dead birds should be burned to prevent the spread of the disease.
Treatment.—Prevention is one of the most importantfactors as this disease is very contagious and the protozoa once implanted in the turkey runs is almost impossible to eradicate. Provide clean, well ventilated coops and feed clean, wholesome food and good fresh water to drink.
Medical Treatment.—Give Bismuth Salicylate and Quinine Sulphate each one grain two to three times a day. Also mix Hyposulphite of Soda in the proportion of two to four grains to every fowl in their drinking water twice daily. Disinfect coops and runs with Crude Carbolic Acid, undiluted.
Cause.—Insanitary conditions. Communicated by direct contact.
Symptoms.—Young chicks become emaciated and die quickly. Older birds withstand the parasite much longer, but in time show signs of uneasiness by dusting themselves frequently. The comb and wattles become pale and bloodless, the feathers rough, dry and brittle. The birds grow weak, poor and eventually die.
Treatment.—Dust the birds with the following: Sulphur, one part; Napthaline, one part; Tobacco Dust, twenty-eight parts and seventy parts of middlings. Powder finely and mix well together and dust the birds once daily. Also sprinkle freely in the dust baths.
Cause.—Exposure to dampness, cold drafts of air, inhaling irritating gases, vapors or dust. The fowls should be carefully examined, as bronchitis is occasionally caused by the presence of gapeworms.
Symptoms.—Loss of appetite, the bird moves about slowly, breathing with difficulty and making a sort of whistling sound accompanied by a cough. As the diseaseprogresses, there will be a peculiar bubbling sound from breathing due to an excessive accumulation of mucus in the windpipe. At this stage of the disease the bird becomes very weak and if not properly treated and cared for will rapidly lose strength, the feathers will become rough, head and wings droop, and the bird dies.
Treatment.—This disease is most satisfactorily treated by placing the affected birds in warm, dry, well ventilated quarters, admitting sunlight if possible, but excluding all drafts of air. Feed stale bread, middlings, etc. Also place the fowls in a moderately air tight coop and compel them to inhale steam from hot water and Turpentine. This is readily done by placing the water and Turpentine in a pan and then insert a hot stone or brick in the solution. Force them to inhale this steam from twenty to thirty minutes twice a day. Also add Chlorate of Potash to their drinking water, one teaspoonful to every twenty-five aged fowls. To chicks add one-fourth teaspoonful to every twenty-five. If the weather is favorable and the above treatment is followed, bronchitis yields very favorably.
Cause.—Sharp-edged or narrow perches which bruise the feet or where the perches are high, heavy fowls often injure their feet by alighting on stones or other hard objects.
Symptoms.—The bird limps or hobbles about, moving with great difficulty. Examination will show the foot to be hot and tender to the touch.
Treatment.—Wash with clean, warm water and in some cases it is advisable to apply Hot Flaxseed poultices. When soft spots or abscesses develop, lance them with a clean, sharp knife. After abscesses and bruises are opened, treat them antiseptically by washing with asolution of Carbolic Acid, one teaspoonful to a pint of water. The foot should be bandaged to keep out dust and dirt.
Cause.—Exposure; poorly constructed coops which admit rain or drafts. Weak birds are very susceptible to Catarrh.
Symptoms.—The bird is dull, moves about slowly, coughing or sneezing; appetite is poor, the mucous membrane of the air passage becomes inflamed and the breathing difficult, especially through the nose. The discharge from the nostrils at first watery, becomes mucus-like and thick and sticky, closing the nose, causing the bird to breathe wholly through the mouth with a wheezing sound.
Treatment.—The cause of Catarrh shows the necessity of clean and comfortable quarters for the fowls. Keep the birds strong and vigorous by feeding clean, nourishing food.
Medical Treatment.—To each fowl administer in their drinking water or feed: Chlorate of Potash, one grain, twice daily.
Cause.—These diseases are due to low forms of parasites or fungi and occur most frequently in wet weather especially if the coops are leaky and allow the rain to fall on the droppings, causing mold or fungi. Poor ventilation and lack of light also promotes the growth of fungi.
Symptoms.—The disease is usually confined to the head and affects principally young chickens, pigeons and turkeys, but rarely ducks and geese. The infection appearsin form of yellowish warts or nodules about the nose, eyelids, comb, wattles, under the wings, or any unfeathered place. The warts vary in size from that of a pin head to the size of a pea and they discharge a fluid which at first is thin and watery but as the disease progresses, it becomes thick and sticky, yellow in color and fetid in smell. At this stage the appetite is poor, the feathers appear rough, and where the eyelids are affected, as in most cases, the bird cannot see, fails to eat, becomes emaciated, loses weight and strength rapidly and if not properly treated, dies.
Treatment.—This disease is very contagious, therefore the coops and runs should be disinfected with Crude Carbolic Acid, undiluted. In the drinking water add Hyposulphite of Soda in the proportion of one to two grains to each fowl (one-half grain to chicks). Wash the nodules or warts about the head with Carbolic Acid solution, one teaspoonful to a quart of water. Feed easily digested food, such as vegetables or warm bran mashes.
Cause.—Lack of exercise, overfeeding, tainted or moldy food, infection, or impure blood.
Symptoms.—Birds suffering from this disease seldom show signs of sickness and it is well to dissect the fowl after death to ascertain the exact cause. If death is caused by Congestion of the Liver, the organ will be greatly enlarged and easily torn.
Treatment.—If the fowls are fat and sluggish, compel them to exercise by driving them about. Also give fifteen to twenty grains of Epsom Salts to each affected fowl. Feed laxative foods that are easily digested, as vegetables and warm bran mashes. They are cooling and relieve congestion.
Cause.—Exposure; the bird chills, causing contraction of the blood vessels near the surface of the body, thereby forcing a large quantity of blood to the internal organs; the small blood vessels in the lungs become distended with blood and rupture.
Symptoms.—Rapid and difficult breathing; the bird appears stupid and sleepy and does not care to move about; appetite poor, wings drooping, plumage ruffled, a thick mucus, colored with blood, escapes from the mouth, comb and wattles show a dark-red color from lack of oxygen in the blood. This disease is of very short duration, the bird dying within a few hours. It is very common among young chicks and turkeys that are permitted to run out in the early spring rains.
Treatment.—Medical treatment is of no value, as the disease progresses so rapidly that the bird dies shortly after the first symptoms appear. Sanitary surroundings, good light, pure air and exercise are essential. Do not allow the birds to stand out in the cold or rains, especially during the molting season. Keep your poultry strong and vigorous by feeding clean, nourishing food and give them pure water to drink.
Cause.—Irritation of the membranes lining the intestines, caused by dry feed, glass or gravel; may also be due to parasitic worms. Obstruction may occur in any part of the intestines although the external opening is the part most frequently affected.
Symptoms.—Bird appears dull and stupid, walks with difficulty and attempts frequently to expel the obstructingmaterial. The appetite is poor and the feathers rough. By examination and manipulation the obstruction may be located. Dried masses of excrement by adhering to the feathers sometimes block the outer opening of the intestines.
Treatment.—Remove the waste matter clinging to the feathers with warm water or by clipping the feathers off. If the Cloaca is obstructed, give injections of Sweet Oil or Olive Oil with a small bulb syringe. Also give one to two grains of Calomel and feed clean food and soft mashes containing Pulv. Gentian Root, one grain to each fowl twice daily. This stimulates the worm-like movement of the bowels and assists in expelling their contents.
Cause.—Errors in feeding; birds that are not fed regularly are predisposed to any of the above conditions; may also be due to swallowing large pieces of bone, thread, nails, pins, glass, gravel, etc.
Symptoms.—Loss of appetite, frequent attempts to swallow, crop greatly distended and hard on pressure; eventually the food decomposes and a liquid may escape from the mouth and nose. The bird appears dull, stupid and sleepy, comb pale, feathers rough, beak open, owing to pressure on the windpipe. If caused by swallowing sharp objects, they may penetrate the crop and skin, causing a gangrenous condition. Grain in the crop will sometimes send out sprouts of considerable lengths.
Treatment.—If no sharp objects are present, give two teaspoonfuls of Sweet or Olive Oil. This will lubricate the esophagus and crop. Manipulate the crop upward, forcing the food gently through the mouth, adding oil occasionally. If, however, sharp objects penetrate the crop it is best to remove them through an artificialopening. Clip the feathers from around the intended seat of operation and wash the clipped surface with a Carbolic Solution, one teaspoonful to a pint of water. The incision should not be over one-half inch long and should be made as high as possible and in the center of the crop. After removing the contents, sew up with ordinary thread and needle and wash occasionally with the above antiseptic solution. The operation is not difficult and will be successful if the parts are not too badly inflamed.
After-treatment consists of feeding very little food until the crop is fairly well healed. Feed soft bran mashes and vegetables. To the drinking water add Boracic Acid, one grain, twice daily. It relieves the catarrhal condition that is present, such as irritations of the crop and intestines.
Cause.—Inflammation of the digestive organs can be traced in every instance to the quality or quantity of food and water consumed. The food or water may contain parasites, or large quantities of mustard, pepper, or may be moldy or tainted.
Symptoms.—Loss of appetite, the feathers appear rough, the crop is sometimes paralyzed and distended with gas, the bird moves slowly, the droppings vary in color from a white to a yellow or a green and finally becomes tinged with blood; at this stage there is a rise in temperature accompanied by great thirst and signs of pain. Mild cases of simple diarrhoea if not properly treated when first symptoms appear, will develop the same severe conditions described above.
Treatment.—Determine the cause and remove it if possible. See that the food is clean and nutritious, the coops well ventilated, the runs well lighted. Sunlight is very beneficial. Avoid exposures, drafts and dampness.Place oatmeal in their drinking water, also give two grains of Bismuth mixed with dough and make into a small pill. Give one every six hours.
When in addition to the above symptoms a bloody discharge is present, give six drops of Tincture of Catechu every four hours. Warm mashes made of bran or oatmeal are very nourishing and soothing to the intestinal canal.
Cause.—Due to a specific germ. The disease is very contagious and is communicated by direct contact. Great care should be exercised, therefore, when showing or buying birds. Any new birds to be added to the flock should be kept in separate pens for a week or two to make sure they are in good condition.
Symptoms.—The first symptoms are similar to those of catarrh or cold. A clear, watery liquid escapes from the eyes and nostrils, the head is drawn in toward the body, the feathers appear rough, the breathing fast, the temperature rises from three to five degrees above normal. The bird walks about as if blind, sneezing, swallowing with difficulty, and showing signs of great weakness. If the mouth is open small white spots or elevations will be seen on the back of the tongue. There may be diarrhoea of a green or yellow color. As the disease progresses the discharge from the nose and eyes becomes thick and stringy, obstructing the air passages and gathering in large quantities between the eyelids. The mouth, throat and tongue are very much inflamed and swollen and in most cases it is impossible for the bird to make a sound. Recovery is doubtful after the disease has reached this stage.
Treatment.—Isolate the affected birds in some clean, warm, light, well ventilated quarters, excluding drafts. Dissolve thirty grains of Chlorate of Potash in one ounce of water and one ounce of Glycerine, and to the average sized fowl give one teaspoonful three or four times a day. To chicks give one-fourth the dose. When the scum loosens in the back part of the tongue, remove gently. Care should be taken so as to prevent bleeding. Feed soft, nourishing food.
Eggs are frequently found with two yolks. This condition is produced by two ovary capsules bursting at about the same time and gaining entrance together into the oviduct where they are concealed in the same shell. Double-yolked eggs are larger than normal and may injure the oviduct when expelled. When hatched they produce twins or abnormal chicks.
Cause.—Generally due to irritating, indigestible food, causing inflammation of the membraneous lining of the intestinal cavity.
Symptoms.—The abdomen becomes enlarged, is tender to the touch and contains a watery fluid, the movement of which can be heard in most cases by pressure on the swollen parts. The bird appears stupid, the comb pale and the appetite poor.
Treatment.—Unless the bird is very valuable, treatment is not advisable. In case the bird is valuable, give one grain of Potassium Iodide twice daily in the feed or drinking water. Also feed nourishing food as beef-scraps, vegetables, wheat bran mashes, etc.