Foot-rot amongst sheep is of two varieties, the commoner consisting of an inordinate growth of hoof, which, at the toe or round the margin, becomes turned down, cracked, or torn, and thus affords lodgment for sand and dirt. Insufficient wearing of the hoof is the obvious cause, and hence the prevalence of foot-rot in soft rich pastures, and especially amongst sheep previously accustomed to bare, rough, or upland walks, where the hoof is naturally worn down by the greater amount of walking necessary to procure sustenance. Taken in 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 vascular 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 shepherd's old favourite butter of antimony, diluted with an equal quantity of tincture of myrrh, is a good remedy when cautiously and temperately used. A convenient paste, which in inexperienced hands is safer than a fluid caustic, may be made with equal weights of flowers of sulphur and finely-powdered sulphate of copper, rubbed up to the needful consistency with lard or oil. Many have great faith in a mixture of the salt of copper with gunpowder and lard.
The second and more troublesome variety is allied to what is termed foul in the foot: instead of commencing at the ground surface, it begins in the interdigital space, appears to depend upon constitutional rather than local causes, and frequently occurs along with the other variety, and is supposed to be contagious. The foot is hot, tender and swollen around and immediately above the coronet. There are ulcerations in the interdigital space, and the swelling and subsequently the sprouting of proud-flesh cause a separation of the toes. When the tenderness and heat are great, poultices are advisable; but in the milder cases and earlier stages the parts should be well washed with a solution of chloride of zinc, and in all cases the loose and semi-detached horn carefully removed, the parts thoroughly cleansed before applying the dressing, and afterwards protected by a bandage or a leather shoe well padded with tow. When ulcers appear they must be touched with lunar caustic or dressed with the paste already recommended.