lATf

OF THi:

f

inniuciciilu nf x^;alit"oifitta.

GU:berkeley

.A'o (^ ^/ ^^.^.l^L......

Division • ^,'

Range , :.'^'^... Js^.

BIOLOGY

bhelT "" G

Received J.^^^^:t^^-t-(^^i^ j. 187'-^

A BOOK POR EYERY FARMER.

THE

AMERICAN VETERINARIAN:

OB

DISEASES OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS.

SHOWING THE

CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND REMEDIES,

EULES FOR RESTORING AND PRESERVING HEALTH BY
GOOD MANAGEMENT.

■WITH

DIRECTIONS FOR TRAINING AND BREEDING.

BY S. W. COLh,

ronOB AQBICULTURAL DEPABTMEKT BOSTON CULTIVATOR, FORMBBLI
EDITOR YANKEE FARMER AND FARMEB'S JOURNAL.

NEW YORK:

ORANGE JUDD & COMPANY,

245 BROADWAY.

^

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1847, by

S. W. COLE,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District oi

Massachusetts.

The animals in our Frontispiece, " Lady Messenger," and
her colt, " Morgan Messenger," are descendants of the famous
Morgan and Messenger horses. They were formerly owned,
and the colt was raised, by S. W. Jewett, Esq., Weybridge,
Vermont ; but are now the property of General S. W. Bur-
roughs, Medina, Orleans county. New York.

Stereotyped by
GEORGE A. CURTIS;

BNOLAND TTPB AND STEBGOTYPB FOnTDSBT,

PREFACE.

In the whole routine of husbandry, there is not a subject
on which there is so great a want of infonration as in treat-
ing sick animals, and preventing diseases ; and in no case do
so serious and frequent losses occur, for want of knowledge.
These losses, in this country, amount to a vast sum annually,
not less than some millions of dollars ; the greater part of
which might be saved by good management and proper treat-
ment.

More than twenty years ago, we commenced collecting valu-
able rules and prescriptions, for managing animals and curing
diseases, for our own private use in pursuing the business
of farming ; and in a number of instances, neighbors con-
sulted these authorities, and by aid of a simple recipe,
saved the lives of valuable animals. A mere item of a
few lines, that costs less than one mill, may enable the
farmer to save the life of an animal. By the help of a single
prescription, v,-hole herds and flocks have been saved from the
"pestilence that walketh in darkness, and the destruction that
wasteth at noonday."

We have continued our collection of valuable matter, con-
sulting the best American and European authorities on the
veterinary art, and many skilful practitioners, from whom we
have obtained new and valuable prescriptions ; and in con-
ducting agricultural journals for more than twelve years, we
have carefully examined all the works of this character, in
this country, and some of the principal English periodicals,
through which numerous intelligent farmers have communi-
cated their experience in managing stock and treating diseased
animals.

Availing ourselves ol our own experience and observation
as a practical farmer, and conductor of papers devoted to the
farming interest, and of our numerous sources, we have col-
lected a vast heap of valuable materials on the subject of this
work. This we have examined, sifted, arranged, digested,
and reduced, by excluding words and retaining ideas, facts,
and opinions, so as to present the cream and substance of the
whole, in one neat, cheap volume, within the means of every
one, and in a clear, simple style, within the comprehension of
every one of common capacity.

This work is not' only adapted to the wants of the farmer.
but it should be in the hands of every mechanic, and persons
1*

Vl PREFACE.

of e7ery profession, who keep only a single horse, cow, sheep,
pig, dog, or a few fowls, tor every one who keeps animals
should not only learn to keep them in good health for pecu-
niary gain, but as a matter of humanity and benevolence, in
relieving distress and adding to the comfort of those animals
which a kind Providence has placed under his care and con-
trol, for his own special good.

On some nice and difficult subjects, as to the peculiar prop-
erties and effects of certain medicines, and some points in
the pathology of diseases, involved in the sciences of anatomy
and physiology, we have had the assistance of the most skil-
ful and experienced. We are more especially indebted to Dr.
Holmes, the worthy Editor of the "Maine Farmer," for freely
offering any aid, and giving valuable information, from his
own experience and observation, on some of the the most diffi-
cult cases that occur in the veterinary art ; and to Sanford
Howard, Esq., one of the able Editors of the " Albany Culti-
vator," who is excellent authority in breeding and managing
stock, for assistance on abstruse points and questionable sub-
jects.

It has been our object to give several remedies, especially
for the most common and destructive diseases ; as, in case a
medicine does not succeed in due time, it affords an opportu-
nity to try another ; and many simple remedies are brought
forward which the farmer has in his own house, or on his own
premises, while he does not have convenient access to the
apothecary's shop ; and these simple means are often as effi-
cacious as a compound collected from the ^our quarters of the
world, and New Holland besides.

Among the simple and valuable medicines which the far-
mer generally has at hand, are common salt, saltpetre, lime
wood ashes, soot, lard, eggs, oil, mustard, molasses, honey,
sugar, charcoal, ginger, tobacco, pepper, cayenne, bran, gruel,
spirits of turpentine, coffee, camphor, sulphur, vinegar, tar
rosin, chalk, and many other articles. And numerous herbs,
barks, roots and plants, afford valuable decoctions, infusions,
digestions and fomentations, that are among the most sov-
ereign remedies for beast or man.

We would invite intelligent men, who carefully investigate
the subjects in this work, to give us their candid opinions on
any part that claims particular attention, in the way of com-
ment. Such notice will be gratefully received.

March, 1847. S. W. COLE.

FouRTKEXTH Edition, or Thirtieth Thousand.

Kevi.-ed and Improved by the Author.

Niw F'l gland Fur, 'her Uffic- , Quincy Hall,, Boston, 1850.

S W. Q

CONTENTS.

ANIMALS.

Utility of Animals, . 13

Treatment of Sick Animals, 15

To promote the Health of Stock 17

Comfort of Animals, 20

Exercise, 20

A.bstinence, 22

Unhealthy Meat, 24

Animals Differ, 26

Training and Breaking, 27

Gestation, 29

Water and Watering Places, 30

Cooking Food for Horses and Cattle, 31

Symptoms of Diseases, 32

Physic, 33

Diuretics, 34

Seton or Rowel, 35

Bleeding, » 37

Back-Raking, 39

Accidents, die., 40

Holding the Tongue when g^iving Medicine, 41

Mode of giving Liquid Medicine, 41

Mashes, 42

Fomentations, 42

Poultices, 43

Caustics, 44

Disinfectants and Anti-Putrescenls, . 44

Clysters, or Injections, 45

Astringents and Tonics, 47

Anodynes and Sedatives, 48

Stimulants and Carminatives, 48

Aromatics and Stomachics, 50

To stop Blood, ,50

Liniments, Opodeldoc, Embrocations, Ointments, &c., . 51

Poisons of Various Kinds 53

Wounds of Various Kinds, 56

Brokec Bones, 60

Vlll CONTENTS.

Inversion of the Rectum, 63

Locked Jaw, or Tetanus, 64

Rheumatism in the Joints, 66

Inflamed and Sore Eyes, 66

For a Fihn on the Eye, 67

HORSES.

Description of a Good Horse, 69

Choosing a Good Horse, 71

To ascertain a Horse's Age, 74

Blind Bridles 76

Check Reins, 77

Stables, 78

Docking and Nicking, 80

Exercise, 80

Rearing and Traioing Colts, 81

Taming, Training, and Breaking, 82

Care of a Heated or Wet Horse, 89

Dressing Vicious Horses, 89

Utility of Dressing and Friction, 90

Shoeing, 90

To Save Horses from Fire, 91

Food of Various Kinds, and its Preparation, 91

Water, 99

Care of Horses in Travelling, 99

Feeding on the Road, 100

General Management, 101

Stomach and Intestines, 102

Physic, 103

Diuretics, 105

Bleeding, 105

Fever 106

Scours, 107

Hove, 107

Distinction between Colic and Inflammation, 108

Colic, 108

Inflammation of the Stomach and Intestines Ill

Bots, 112

Indigestion, or Stomach Staggers:^, 117

Vellows, or Jaundice, 117

Glanders, 119

Horse-Ail 121

Distemper, or Epidemic Catarrh, 123

Cold, or Common Catarrh, 123

Cough, 125

CONTENTS IX

Bronchitis, 126

Pleurisy, 127

Inflammation of the Lungs • 128

Heaves — Thick and Broken Wind, 130

Diseases of the Urinary Organs, 132

Poll Evil, 138

Phrenitis, or Inflammation of the Brain, 141

Vertigo, Megrims, or Fits, 142

Big Head 143

Rabies, or Madness, (see also page 277,) 145

The Horse Disease, 145

Lampas, 146

Black Tongue, 146

The Ears, • 147

Founder, 147

Eating too much Grain 148

Hide-Bound, 149

Lice, 150

Moulting, or Shedding the Hair, 151

Abortion, 151

Wounds and Bruises, 152

Cramp, or Drawing of the Nerves, 152

Castration, 153

Salivation, or Slobbers, 155

Fistula, 156

Sweeney, 157

Galled Back, 157

The Sheath and Penis, 158

Spring Halt, 159

Stifle, 159

Splent, 161

Spavins, 161

Swelled Legs, or Weed, 163

Ring-Bone, ... • 163

Scratches, or Selenders, 164

Diseases of the Feet, * . • .165

NEAT CATTLE.

Marks of a Good Cow, 169

Marks of a Good Working Ox, 170

To ascertain the Age of Cattle, 170

Training, 172

Food, 174

Managing and Feeding Working Oxen, • • 176

Feeding and Managt" ig Mi/xh Cows, 177

X CONTENTS.

Soiling, . . 179

General Management ... 179

Rearing Calves, 180

The Hair and Skin, 182

Perspiration, '83

Currying and Friction, 183

The Pulse, 183

Organs of" Digestion, 1S4

Giving Medicine to Ruminants, 185

Free Martins, 1S5

Bots in Cattle, 185

Warbles, or Grubs in the Back, 186

Lice, 186

Physic, I'fe?

Diuretics, 183

Hernia, or Rupture, 183

Colic, 189

Warts, Wens, and Tumors, 190

Loss of Cud, 190

Over-Heating and Over-Drawing, 191

Mad Itch, 192

Jaundice, or Yellows, 192

Wounds, 193

Fever, 194

Inflammation of the Bowels, and Co«tiveness, 194

Vomiting, 195

Rabies, or Madness, (see also page 277,) 196

Staggers, 197

Inflammation of the Brain, 197

Horn or Head-Ail 193

Tail Sickness, 200

Hoof-Ail 20C

Wolf, or Holdfast, 201

Colds, Cough, and Hoose, 201

Inflammation of the Lungs, 203

Husk, or Hoose, in Calves, 203

Diarrhcna, or Looseness, 204

Dysentery, 204

Looseness, or Scours, in Calves, 206

Mange, Scurf, or Scab, • 207

Choking, 207

Blain, or Bladders 208

Black Tongue, 209

Hoven, or Bloat, 209

Ulcers, 212

Milk Sickness, 212

CONTENTS. XI

Bloody Murrain, 214

Red Water, or Bloody Murrain 217

Black Leg, or Blood, 220

Inflammation of the Bladder, 222

Stub Com}olaint, 223

Inflarr.ratiou of the Shap€, 223

Bone Disorder, 224

To prevent a Cow sucking herself, 225

Kicking and Refractory Cows, 226

To cause a Cow to give down her Milk, 226

For Cows drying up suddenly, 226

Drying up a Cow, 227

Perforating Cows' Dugs, 227

Abortion, or slinking Calf, 227

Management of Cows before Calving, 229

Milking Cows before Calving, 230

Management at Calving, 231

Management after Calving, 237

Cows eating the Placenta, 238

Giving Cows Biestings, 238

Sore Teats and Udders, 239

Milk Fever, or Dropping after Calving, 239

Garget, . • • • • 240

To cause a Cow to go with Young, 240

Broken Horns, 241

SHEEP.

To know the Age of Sheep, 243

General Management, 243

Treatment of Sheep after Shearing, 246

Lambs, 247

Wool in t lie Stomachs of Lambs, 248

Browse for Sheep, 249

Castration, 250

Tails of Sheep — Docking Lambs, 250

Physic, 251

Manner of Bleeding, 251

Excretory Ducts in the Feel, 252

To destroy Vernfiin, 252

Scab, 253

Stoppages in the Throat, 255

Sore Mouth and Johnswort Scab, 255

Disorders of the Eyes, 255

Worms in the Head, 258

Stiirdy, or Water in the Head, 258

inflammation of the Brain 259

Xll CONTENTS.

Apoplexy 260

Staggers ., ... 260

Foul Noses, 26)

Influenza 261

Scours, or Diarrhoea, 261

Dysentery, 263

Rot, 263

Fever, 265

Consumption 266

Stretches, 266

Braxy, 267

Dropsy, 267

Fool-Rot 268

Hoven — Abortion — Swelled Udders — Management

when with Young, 269

SWINE.

To preserve Health, 271

Issues, 272

Swellings, 272

Ruptures, 272

Giving Drenches, 273

A General Medicine, 273

Disorder, 273

Fever, 273

Swine Pox, 273

Catarrh, 273

Measles, 273

Itch, or Mange, » 274

Blind Staggers, 274

Is Tobacco Poisonous to Hogs? 274

Sore Throat, 274

Quincy, 276

Scours, 275

Black Teeth, 275

Kidney Worms, 275

Murrain, 276

Sows devouring their Offspring, 276

Sows after Littering, 276

Abortion from Biestiogs 276

Dogs, 277

Hens, 281

Turkeys — Ducks, 283

Geese — Birds — Bees, .284

Principles of Breeding, 285

DISEASES

OP

DOMESTIC ANIMALS.

Domestic Animals lessen the solitude and retirement
ul" the country. They please us with their gambols when
young, and by their actions in maturer life. Tliey fur-
nish the means of improving the soil, and perpetuating
its fertility ; and we are gratified with our sovereignty
over them.

The Horse greatly adds to our pleasure and our
profit by his labor in the field and on the road, and his
fleetness in carrying us from place to place. He aids in
keeping up a communication vntli distant sections of the
country, and serves as a necessary part of the cement
of civilized society. He administers to our health, as
well as to our pleasure and general welfare. He often
evinces great sagacity, and a strong attachment for his
master.

Neat Cattle contribute largely to the blessings and
comforts of life. The strength and patience of the ox in
the plough and team, have greatly contributed to the
wealth and happiness of the husbandman, in every age
of the world. The cow has strong demands upon our
gratitude. Her milk furnishes subsistence to ,a great
part of mankind ; and its products in cream, butter, and
cheese, form agreeable parts of the sustenance and
luxuries of our table. A pustule upon her udder sup-
olies a matter, which, when introduced into the human
system, defends it from one of the most fatal and loath-
some scourges that ever afflicted mankind. Their flesh
aflfords an agreeable nutriment ; their tallow serves as a
substitute for the sun, and enables us to prosecute our
business during a part of the long and dreary night. Their
2

14 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

hair affords a necessary ingredient in jilasicr ; their skins
protect our feet from injuries and the weather, and fur-
nish covering for books, carriages, trunlcs, and form the
best material for harnesses, saddles, bands, and many
other valuable purposes. Their horns supply combs,
and, with their bones, are used in a variety of ways.

Sheep are a pattern of mnocence and a symbol of
purity. In all nations, and in all ages of the world, their
flesh has been admired as a delicious and wholesome
food ; and they annually yield their warm and liberal
fleeces to defend us from rigorous cold, protect us from
inclement weather, and contribute to comfort, elegance,
and taste.

TuE Hog, while living, will make manure for the
farmer, being one of the most useful of manufacturers
for this purpose ; and at his death, he furnishes his
flesh for food, his bristles for brushes, and other impor-
tant uses, his fat for medical and culinary purposes, and
his oil for light.

The Dog is distinguished for his courage and fidelity
in defending our persons and property ; for his strong
attachment for his master; and, in many cases, his sa-
gacity in saving the life of his friends, commands our
admiration, and commends him to our kindness and
attention.

Poultry have strong claims upon our kindness and
care. They adorn our yards and fruit-trees with their
beautiful plumage and various lively actions. They
inform us of the approach of day. They furnish
quills for writing, and feathers for beds ; and their
eggs and flesh are a mild sustenance for ihe iuvalia, a
delicious food for the hale, and a banquet to grace the
board of hospitality and elegance.

Although different species of animals differ materially
m some respects, yet .they are nearly the same in others,
[n regard to good, wholesome food, pure water, fresh
iir, exercise, dieting, abstinence, protection from expo-
sure, kind treatment, and general management, the
<ame, or nearly the r-ame rules and remarks apply to
%\l ; and some few diseases, their causes, the treatment
ind lexiedies are nearly the same in all.

DISEASES OF ANBi ^LS. 15

Therefore, to save repetition, and compriss as much
useful matter as possible in this compend, we have
arranged, under the general head of " Domestic Ani-
mals," several articles that appertain to all, or to several
kinds ; and we have treated of those diseases and the
management peculiar to each species, under their appro-
priate heads. Owing to this arrangement of the work,
those who consult it, on the diseases of any species,
should consider these general articles first.

TREATMENT OF SICK ANIMALS.

There are many erroneous notions prevalent in the
community, in regard to the treatment of sick animals,
and numerous unnatural and injurious practices prevail,
in consequence of these notions. If animals could
speak, they would tell sad tales of ''wrongs and out-
rage."

No wonder that this course is pursued with anmials,
when we consider that many human beings frequently
have their stomachs converted into apothecaries' shops.-,
and after taking emetics and purges, emptying the
stomach and washing it out, the patient, poor and debil-
itated by the severe operations and necessary starvation
attendant upon them, is again built up, with all possible
despatch, by roast beef, baked lamb, boiled pork, and a
host of other substantial dishes, and numerous condi-
ments to excite the appetite ; when a little abstinence,
allowing the over-tasked digestive organs a little rest,
would have cured, without impairing the powers of the
system.

We recommend to owners of animals to exercise
common sense, act with moderation and discretion, and
not take hasty and harsh measures, and kill an animal
by rough treatment, and by numerous and powerful
doses, when, perhaps, if he was left for nature to do her
own work, first removing the caitse of disease, he would
recover without medical aid. Be cautious against to*
mitch doctoring. Remember the distich,

" You say you doctored me wlien lately ill ;
To prove you didn't, I'm living stilL"

16 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

Remember, also, the remark of a celebrated physician
of England, whom the faculty attempted to keep down,
as he was not rising by rule, but who came up in spite
of their influence, and when he had attained eminence,
and become a celebrated lecturer, he often told his stu-
dents, that when they had pursued a regular course of
treatment with a patient, and noted the treatment and
his condition from time to time, till he recovered, it was
of the greatest importance to consider whether he got
well by virtue of the medicine, or iti spite of it. This
remar'n shows profound wisdom, and a monument
shvvuld be built to the memory of the man who made it ;
to him who saves life, by wise direction, rather than to
him who, as a hero, destroys it.

Diseases, directly opposite in their nature, are often
treated with the same medicine. A quack once said to
his patient, who was taking his medicine without amend-
ment, "My medicine is good for all diseases." '-'But,"
says the patient, " I want a powerful medicine applying
directly to my peailiar disease, which is severe and
obstinate." He dismissed his medical attendant, pro-
cured a simple medicine of a friend, good for that par-
ticular disease, and he immediately recovered. This
shows the folly of giving medicines at random, or giving
general medicines without regard to their quality or the
nature of the aisease. The disorder should be well
known, and the medicine and treatment particularly
adapted to it.

]\Iost diseases in animals closely resemble those of the
human family, and require similar treatment, though with
some variation and peculiarities, but not those outra-
geous departures from common sense which are often
witnessed.

A horse with pleurisy or inflammation of the lungs, or
apoplexy, requires a very diflferent treatment from one
with colic or worms.

There is, everywhere, too great a propensity to feson
It once to active treatment and powerful medicines,
without proper regard to the disease, its causes, the symp-
toms, or the remedy ; forgetting, or perhaps never having
\earned, that tht re is in nature a restorative power, under

L.SEASES OF AN tVIALS. IV

favorable circumstances, and the grand object cl all
medicines, and all treatment, is to nssist nature.

In the human family, great cures are performed by
proper attention to food, abstinence, exercise, air, bath-
ing, rest, and to the various habits of the patient.
Some severe and obstinate diseases, that have refused to
yield to the most poweriul medicines, have been com-
pletely conquered by abstinence — even sometimes ap-
proaching to starvation.

Why should not some of these gentle means, or the
last severe course, if necessary, be pursued wath brute
patients ?

Keep animals constantly under favorable circum-
stances for health : and, in case of sickness, remove and
withhold all causes of irritation and disease, and place
the patient under the most favorable treatment for
recovery. Keep the bowels open, the skin clean and
well rubbed ; give pure water, good food, suited to the
condition, fresh air, yet protect from exposure ; and but
very little medicine mil be necessary, excepting in
sudden attacks with acute diseases.

Judicious management is the main thing, both in
preserving and restoring health. We say of good man-
agement in regard to animals, as Demosthenes said of
prommciation in oratory, — it is the FIRST, the second,
and the third important requisite.

TO PROMOTE THE HEALTH OF STOCK.

Under various heads, in other parts of this work, we
nave given directions for the management cf stock ; we
here give some general rules, with a few remarks on
subjects not elsewhere considered.

MLx, occasionally, one part of salt with four, five, or six
parts of wood ashes, and give the mixture to different
kinds of stock, summer and winter. It promotes their
appetite, and tends to keep them in a healthy condition.
It is said to be good against bots in horses, murrain in
cattle, and rot in sheep.

A correspondent of the " Southern Planter" says, that
be put ashes into his hogpen, and sprinkled them with
2*

18 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

salt, and his hogs ate greedily of the mixture. He gave
it to his cattle, and they improved wonderfuily. "Wc
have given it to cattle and sheep, apparently with good
eflect. Tiicy eat it freely. It neutralizes the acid in the
stomach.

Horseradish root is valuable for cattle. It creates
an appetite, and is good for various diseases. Some give
it to any animal that is unwell. It is good for oxen
troubled with the hea.t. If animals will not eat it volun-
tarily, cut it up fin'j and mix it with potatoes or meal.

A quart or two of new chamber lye, frequently given
to each animal is a preventive of disease. A piece of
rosin, the size of an egg. pounded fine and given to a
horse once a month, in his provender, is excellent foi
seeping him m good health ; it keeps the urinary pas-
sages open.

Feed all animals regularly. They not only look foi
their food at the usual time, but the stomach indicates
ihe want at the stated period. Therefore feed, morning,
noon and evening, as near the same time as possible.

Guard against the wide and injurious extremes of
satiating with excess and starving with want. Food
should be of a suitable quality, and proportioned to the
growth and fattening of animals, to their production in
young and milk, and to their labor or exercise. Animals
that labor need far more food, and that which is more
nutritious, than those that are idle.

Those with young should be well kept, as they have
an extra draught upon their resources ; but they should
not have very rich food, as high condition, in such
cases, is often attended with difliculty and danger.

Animals with young will do better by having moderate
exerci.se, as it tends to insure health, strength, and per-
fection in their offspring. When giving milk they should
have an abundance of rich food, but not such as will tend
loo much to tlesh and fat, nor so much to milk as tc
make them poor.

Males used for propagating their species extensively,
should be well kept at all seasons, and fed high at the
time their services are most in demand ; and, at other
seasons, th?y should have a moderate share of exercise,
to give them strength, symmetry and health

DISEASES or A^ MALS. 19

Young liumals, that are gioviug last, are very hearty
and need good keeping. Those that are fattening require
rich Ibod and a good supply. Yet there are seasons in
which some animals are not growing, fattening, nor
laboring, and there are rio heavy draughts upon them ; in
such cases they should be fed only moderately, and with
plain food, as that whicb la rich will tend to cloying and
disease.

In grazing, animals are often injured and their health
destroyed, by feeding on uiivvholesome plants in luxuri-
ant, wet, marshy lands, and ty the unwholesome exha-
lations and water of such regions. In such cases, give
salt, ashes, a little salt-petre now and then, tar. and other
condiments that are conducive to health ; and keep ani-
mals from such lands at night, and supply w^ith water
from high lands, if possible.

Unwholesome food is often fed to animals in wmter,
such as bad grain, musty hay, and other fodder, and
hay salted too highly, to save it when got in green. In
such cases a peck of salt to a ton is too much, if it all be
salted at this rate ; for thirteen cows will eat about a ton
of hay in a week ; and we have observed that when cattle
are at grass, at a season in which they eat more salt thah
in winter, thirteen grown animals will not, on an average,
through the summer, eat four quarts of salt a week, given
to them twice. This would indicate four quarts to a ton
to be an abundance.

Musty hay is improved by cutting and moistening
with water, adding occasionally a little salt to the water,
if no salt was put on the hay.

Guard all descriptions of stock against cold and expo-
sure, especially against cold storms of rain, sleet and
damp snow, and against lying out on the cold ground, in
200I nights, in the spring and fall.

In a dry time, see that animals have a good supply of
pure water. When the fountains are low, they drink the
drainings of fountains, streams, and passages of water,
which are unwholesome.

If barns and stables are very tight and warm, ventilate
\n mild weather, even in winter.

In feeding animals on apples or roots, begin wijh a

20 DISEASES OF ANIM LLS.

small quantity anrl gradually incease it. It would be
better to have all changes in food made gradually, when
there is a material difierence in the nature of the food ;
as from hay to grass, and the reverse ; from much fodder
to much grain, and the reverse.

COMFORT OF ANIMALS.

An animal may be well fed, and apparently well
attended, and yet be uncomfortable, owing to an uneven
floor to stand or rest on, a bad rack or manger, or some
other inconvenience in the stable. There may be a want
of exercise, or condiments, or change of food, pure air,
currying, pure water, or something else necessary to
comfort. He may breathe on his food, and render it
offensive ; something not very apparent may incom
mode, vex, tease, or render the animal in some way un-
comfortable. Of course, his digestion is impaired, his
appetite declines, he will not grow or fatten, and is unfit
for labor, and the female will not be in good condition
for propagation, or yielding plentifully good, wholesome
milk. Therefore, make your animals comfortable.

EXERCISE.

The health of man depends more on exercise in the
open air than on any other one thing. A proper diet,
bathing, protection from exposure, regular rest, regu
larity in meals, suitable employment for the body and
mind, freedom from trouble and vexation, and many
other favorable circumstances, are all conducive to health,
and some of them highly important, and to those who do
not exercise, they are not only indispensable to health,
but to life 5 for they cannot live without great attention to
them.

But, as important as these are, let a man of common
constitution be acctistomed to a plenty of exercise in the
open air, and he will often bid defiance to them all ; and
even contend strongly for many a long year against the
gigantic monster intemperance. Ho will li\e on the fat
ot the land, or flourish on plain living or hard fare. He

DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

21

^ ill neglect bathing for a whole year, unless he is caught
in a shower. He will bear the sun of a torrid summer,
and face old Boreas in the sternest winter ; he will take
Juck Frost by the nose, and manage him to his advan-
tage ; will handle him in all shapes and conditions, and
even pack him up, send him off, and sell him.

He will sleep ten hours a night, if necessary to kill
time ; or he will sleep fast, and occasionally get along
comfortably with only a few hours' rest. He can eat foui
or five meals a day, when convenient, and at other times,
he will flourish on two meals, and in cases of necessity he
will endure labor on only one. He will attend to any
employment, or, Yankee like, pursue every profession
under the sun. And he will stem a torrent of vexation
ind trouble.

We have spoken of bipeds, as their habits and the
influence of their habits are accurately known ; for

" How can we reason but from what we know?"

N'ow, when we see that in man exercise is of more im-
Dortance to health than anything else, and consider that
mimals in a state of nature take much exercise in pro-
:uring their sustenance, or as a matter of pleasure, and
u'e consequently in good health, should they not have
jxercise in a domestic state, when, from high feeding
md plethoric habits, they have far more need of it ?

This subject has never received the attention its im
ix)rtance demands, and we fear that it never will ; bul
R'e make these remarks, hoping that, in many cases, they
ivill set the intelligent and discriminating to thinking,
lud lead to improvement. We pursue a course with
animvV.s which would kill ourselves, and when they are
half dead from inaction and repletion, we kill and con-
uume them; and thus Uve fast and short — wearing out
our machin." by too much speed, or we are suddenly
thrown oC" the track and smashed — unless we save our-
selves from these evils by an abundance of exercise.

But the wise inan, in addition to this first thing for the
pw.^crvation of hct^^th, will attend to all others also ; for
sitfcough of minor h' portance compared with exercise,
yitthey are of grca.' loment. The subject of healthy

oo

DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

meats should receive particular attention m legard to
exercise, this indispensable requisite to health — tlis
emphaticai sine qua iiou, (not without which.)

Let all animals have suitable exercise ; it is alike con-
ducive to their health, comfort and happiness; and it
contributes largely to their utility for every purpose for
which we keep them, whether for labor, propagation, for
the production of milk, or for their flesh.

ABSTINENCE.

A great many diseases may be cured by abstinence,
or by living a few days, or longer, if necessary, on light
food. Many a person, by living on gruel, porridge,
potatoes, turnips, fruits, and other light food, for a short
time, has warded off threatened disease, or saved him-
self from active treatment under medicine that would
have prostrated him, weakened the powers of digestion,
and perhaps impaired the strength of the constitution.

Physicians generally, and the most skilful in particu-
lar, are too wise to take much medicine, however lib-
erally they may deal it out to satisfy the expectations
of their anxious patients, who depend mostly en them
for recovery. Howard, Napoleon, and many other dis-
tinguished men, who had a great knowledge of the
human system, seldom took medicine ; but, on the
approach of disease, they fasted, or lived abstemiously,
and thus avoided sickness. We make these remarks
with a view of urging the importance of abstinence, or
light feeding, in treating animals that are suffering from
inflammatory complaints, and various diseases brought
on by too rich and too liberal feeding. Light food, such
as bran mashes, roots in small quantities, coarse fod-
der, straw, &;c , will fill 'he stomach, satisfy and make
the animal comfortable, and prevent the danger that
might arise from an empty stomach, in ca.se of total
abstinence, and yet afford but little nutriment to support
inflammation, and feed a disease. In this way, many
diseases may be prevented by timely consideration, and
this course of treatment, while the animal is undei
disease, may cure, or serve as a valuable auxiliary id
connection with the medicines

DISEASES OF ANIMALS. 23

Those who consult this work will please bear this
subject n mind, and regard its importance in those
cases in which light food is recommended ; for more can
be done to keep an animal in health, or restore health
when he is diseased, by good management, than by
medicines.

Nature wisely provides that oiir appetites shall fail
when we are sick and the system cannot dispose of food.
"We should improve upon this hint, and prevent sickness
by moderation in all things. On this our health and life
depend. And as health depends so much on temper-
ance in eating and drinking, so, in case of illness, resto-
ration to health depends greatly on abstinence, or light
food. Few are aware of its importance ; many who
are essentially benefited by it, lose sight of the cause.

A man, who was sick from high living, consulted a
physician, who put him on the most rigid, spare diet, as
the only means of restoring health. He pursued it
awhile ; (suffering like the famous Sancho Panza, who
saw the table groaning beneath rich viands which he
dared not taste ;) at length he resolved that his belly,
which was his god, should be filled with something bet-
ter than gruel and bran, and he nullified the physician's
directions, and soon demolished a plate of mutton chops,
and washed it down with brandy, and then said that
these things cured him of such a disease ; giving the
physician no credit for curing him by starvation, allow-
ing his system rest, and chance to regain its powers of
digestion, so as to dispose of anything that was put
into it.

AiiOthei case directly to the point : — A young man
was ailing, and it was "thought that he was going into a
decline. He consulted several physicians, and tried
their prescriptions, but in vain ; and mesmerism was
tried, with no better success. A friend proposed to
undertake his cure, if he would follow his severe direc-
tions ; to which he agreed. He was kept on gruel, and
only a small allowance of that, as his case was an obsti-
nate on'^. Under this regimen he recovered, and wc
saw him some mDnths after, hale and robust, pursuing
the sturdy labors i )f the farm.

24 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

The sick often injure themselves by feasting, being
tempted by the excellent, rich dishes provided for them.
The following is an illustration : An invalid had a
favorite food prepared for his iveak stomach ; aiid when
he had despatched the eleventh dumpling, and u-^is about
making an attack on the last, his little daughter ex-
claimed, " Oh ! dad, give me dat ! " when he replied, with
a most lugubrious countenance, and in a melancholy
tone, " Go away, child ; poor dad is sick ! "

We give these cases as illustrations, as they show the
importance of abstinence, where we can and have judged
of its effects. By reasoning, we can see its bearing on
the health of domestic animals, and make the applica-
tion ; for, in this respect, all animals are much the same
whether two-legged or four-legged.

UNHEALTHY MEAT.

Great labor injures meat. A fat ox was overworked,
and then killed, and his flesh sent to market. Of twenty-
four persons M'ho ate of the meat, fourteen died, mostly
with diseases of the stomach and bowels.

Driving animals rapidly in hot weather, so as to pro-
duce excessive fatigue and exhaustion, renders theii
meat unwholesome, as well as unsavory' ; hence the
superiority of the meat of animals brought to market in
steamboats and cars, or allowed to travel leisurely, feed
by the roadside, and gain on the way, over that of ani
mals driven rapidly, and far, in hot weather.

All very young meats are hard to digest, and of course
unwholesome. A calf at three weeks old is harder to
digest than an ox at ten. A young pig is more unwhole-
some than a piece of an old hog. A chicken one month,
old is more difficult of digestion than a hen of one year.
Young animals, in this respect, are like fruits, that not
only lack maturity, but are only partially grown. With
this view of the subject, the authorities of Paris have
ordained that no veal shall be offered for sale, unless
the calf was six weeks old.

Putrid exhalations produce obstructions and ulcers in
the livers of animals, which render them unfit for food ;

DISEASES OF VNIMALS. 2d

hence the importance of pure air for healthy meat. Any.
ching that tends to make animals unhealthy, tends also
vO render their flesh unwholesome.

Animals are ahva)'s unwholesome m the seastn in
which they propagate their species. Hence the wisdom
of that church w^hich substitutes fish for flesh during a
part of the spring months.

Even the heat of summer, in middle climates, renders
their flesh unwholesome. Hence the propriety of living
mostly on vegetable food, with a small portion of salted
meat, during the summer and early part of autumn.

Animals sometimes become so fat that they cannot see,,
and for weeks or months before their death, cannot get
up without help. Such have the fat disease, that would
soon destroy them ; but they are saved from ivaste by beijig
killed and eaten. Some animals are kept in filth and
foul exhalations, and are fed on the most nasty and
putrid vegetable and animal matter, taking no exercise,
and are thus fatted without a breath of fresh air, or a
mouthful of pure food. This course would soon termi.
nate their existence, but the butcher's knife kindly saves
them from a lingering death, and they are sold in the
market, and eaten by the purchaser, who is unconscious
that death is in the -pot.

Some persons are so great epicures that they only wish
to feast on those fat meats that the man of common sense
would pronounce fit only to aid in the composition of
soap. They seem to live merely for the sake of eating, .
but they defeat their own purpose, by living too highly,
and feasting on \neats so rich and unw^holesome that
their career is as short as it is inglorious.

In and about cities there is a vast amount of filth, fit
only for manure, that is converted into food for man ;
and with so little change, that the meat produced from
it engenders disease and death. To insure life and
health, an animal, as well as man, should have pure
air, pure food and exercise ; and any deviation from
these rules produces disease, and those who eat diseased
matter, animal or vegetable, violate nature's laws, and
must, sooner or later, pay the sad penalty annexed to
the transgression; no matter whether they do it from,
3

26 DISE,i.-_"S OF ANIMALS.

iement} or indiscretion, — she knows no exceptions.
Her laws are inllexible, — as lixed as those of the INIedes
and Persians.

Again we say, keep your animals, for your own eat-
ing, on wholesome food, pure water, and in good air :
allow them exercise, and place them under all those
various circumstances that produce good health, and of
course pure meat. And if you make meat to sell, love
. your neighbor as yourself, and

" Be to others kind and true,
As you 'd have others be to you."

Steal from a man's pocket, or rob him on the high-
'way, — as criminal as it is, and as horrid and awful as
may be the consideration of svich crime, — rather than rob
him of his money, his health, and his LIFE. Oh, that
the ^^auri sacra fames,'' (cursed love of gold,) could find
some less criminal mode of gratification, some other
way of accomplishing its purpose, than that of tamper-
ing with the health and life of human beings !

ANIMALS DIFFER.

There is not only a great difference in the diseases
peculiar to different species of animals, but the effects of
medicines on them x-Axy.

Knowledge of the diseases of animals in general can-
not be inferred from a knowledge of one particular spe-
cies ; for in the diseases of diff"erent races, the causes
vary, the peculiar nature of diseases is different, and
there is also a great difference in the effects of medicine
on different species. The anatomy and physiology of
animals differ. The dog has no insensible perspiration.
Hogs do not perspire over the whole system, like cattle
and horses, but they have issues on the inside of their
fore legs, which are an outlet for the superflous fluids of
the body.

In the horse, the mouth conveys nothing to the lungs

•or from them. The passages to the lungs and to the

stomach are distinct. The horse and deer, unlike other

v.j[ua drupe.'.?, have no gall bladder. Cattle have bots in

DISEASES OF ANIMALS. 27

their skin, LWt not in the stomach, like the h Orse, unless
from associating with that animal, and licking the nits
from him.

Hove, or bloating, is peculiar to cattle and sheep, from
their organization, in having four stomachs, and rumina-
ting, or re-chewing their food. It is unusual in the horse

The effects of medicines on different species of ani
mals vary as much as their structure and diseases.
Salts, which are a valuable physic for cattle and sheep,
operate on the horse as a diuretic ; while aloes, which is
the surest and best purgative for the horse, is very un
certain for cattle, and sometimes dangerous, from pro
ducing inflammation.

Calomel, rhubarb, and colocynth do not operate as
purgatives on the horse ; nor do any medicines operate on
him as tartar emetic and ipecacuanha upon the human
species. The horse can vomit only through the nose.
Mercury will not salivate him, (but various plants will,)
nor will" sugar of lead poison him. But wheat, the natu
ral food of man, is poisonous to the horse, when taken
in very large quantities. Spirits of turpentine, which a
child may handle without injury, operates as caustic
when applied to the skin of the horse ; yet it may be
applied to sores without pain. It is also like fire, when
applied to the skiii of the dog. [For other differences,
see Poisons.]

Notwithstanding these and other peculiar differences,
animals in general are alike in many respects, both as to
the causes and nature of diseases, and some remedies
operate alike favorable on all. And as to treatment, in
regard to wholesome food, pure water and air, exer-
cise, protection from cold, wet, excessive heat, regularity
of feeding, diet, keeping the bowels open, and the skin
clean, &:c. ^c, nearly the same rules apply to all.

TRAINING AND BREAKING.

Animals should be tramed, not broken. Train up an
animal in the way he should go, and he will never need
breaking. Some lei their animals run wild, until three
or four years old, and they become strong, wajrward, and

28 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

ignorant ; and then Ihey underiake to brea f them, — ani
heakiiiii: it is, emphatically ; for they often break their
conslitulion, their courage, their spirit, and sometimes
their bones ; and occasionally the breakers themselves
get their own bones broken in this hazardous business.

Besides these evils, there is great loss of time, and
frequently a smash of carriages, a destruction of har-
nesses, and a large consumption of whips ; and the ani-
mal, by this hard usage, — this breaking instead of train-
ing,— often contracts bad habits, from which he never
can be broken ; and frequent fright, and sometimes seri-
ous injury, or loss of life, is the consequence.

The most valuable animals for service, — tMe kindest,
the safest, the most pleasant, and the most tractable, — are
those that are trained in the way they should go, and
well educated in their duties from their youth, or infancy,
up to mature years. In all this training there should
be great kindness ; the most gentle means should be
used, and the young animal should be taught, with
patience and perseverance, what he should perform ; not
driven to do what he does not know, what he cannot im-
derstand, while threatened, frightened, and excited under
the exercise of arbitrary authority and dictation ; and
sometimes smarting under the lash, or groaning under
the unmerciful blows of the cudgel, until enraged and
infuriated to desperation.

If managed with intelligence and discretion, with due
regard to their tenderness and habihty to mjuries from
bad treatment, no matter how early the training com-
mences, — even when the animal is a few weeks old ; he
will soon become familiar, docile and tractable.

While the animal is young, and unaccustomed to con
trol. and strongly inclined to follow his dam, or his fel-
low's, great caution and kindness should be used in urging
him in away contrary to his habits and affections, while
these form a ruling passion, and he has but little intelli
gence or knowledge ; as fright and sad distress would be
the consequence of crossing them. Under such circum-
stances, a young animal may be shut up or tied, and thus
tamed and controlled, but he should not be driven by
brute force, against his will.

Yov PTV conft' -e a young animal to a spot against hi»

DISEASES OF ANIMALS 29

*ill, or carr)' him in your arms, by youi superior force,
without injury ; but if you attempt to compel him to
stay on that spot, or go the way you would have him,
by the use of the lash or cudgel, you might kill him, but
you could not overcome his inclination while it is strong-
er than the love of life, or he knows not the cause of the
punishment so liberally and unmercifully inflicted.

GESTATION.

The experiment made by order of Earl Spencer on
cows, has been reported in the Journals of the Royal
Agricultural Society, and is very full and satisfactory.
The number of cows noted was 764. The shortest period
in which a live calf was produced was 220 days, or not
much over seven months ; but no calf, produced in less
than 242 days, or about eight months, could be raised. .
The longest' period of gestation was 313 days, or ten
months and nine days. Of the 764 cows, 314 calved
before the 284 days, and 310 calved after the 285th day.
From this it would appear that the probable gestation in
the cow may be fixed at 285 days, or nine months and
twelve days.

The report of I\I. Teissier of Paris, of his experiment,
made on the experimental farm established by the French
government, both on cows and mares, shows the follow-
ing results : — Of 5S2 mares which received the male but
once, the shortest period of gestation was 287 days, or
little less than nine months and a half — and the longest
419 days, or about thirteen months and a half j making
a difference of 132 days, or over four months.. Of 575
cows, 21 calved between the 240th and 270lh day; 544
calved between the 270th and the 299th day — mean 282
days; and 10 calved between the 299th and 321st daj
— mean 313 days.

A German publication gives the following table : —

Animal. Shortest period. Longest period. Mean period

Mare 322 days. 419 days. 347 days.

Cow 240 do. 321 do. 283 do.

Ewe 146 do. 161 do. 154 do.

Sow 1C9 do. 143 do. 115 do.

3*

30 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

Proiessor Johnson observes, '• That any calf, producec
at an earlier period than 2()0 days, must be considered
decidetlly premature ; and any period of gestation exceed-
ing 300 days must also be considered irregular ; but in
the latter case the health of the produce is not affected.''

Youatt says the usual lime of gestation with cows is
270 days ; but Bement, of Albany, who has made many
observations on this subject, finds a different result. He
sets it down at 283 or 288 days. Mr. Parolett, an Enghsh
farmer, found, from his experiments, that sheep went
with j'oung from 114 to 158 days. Those that came
earliest were ewes, and those that came latest were rams,
proving that animals go longer with males.

WATER AND WATERING PLACES.

Every farmer should have a good watering place con-
nected with his barn-yard, if possible, and it can gener-
ally be done at a small expense. It is not only a great
advantage to stock, but it makes a great saving of ma-
nure.

When animals have water in or near the barn-yard,
they will drink as they need it, and keep m better con-
dition. When the water is far off, they often go without,
even when they suffer for want of it. The distance, and
often deep snows, and a cold blast, prevent their quench-
ing their thirst at all times, as they would if water was
at hand ; and when very thirsty Ihey drink to excess,
and thus injure themselves.

In many cases, cattle, after going a distance for water,
meet with troubles. The supply may be insufficient, or
the water may be covered with drifting snows, or the ice
may have accumulated so that the water is reached with
great difficulty. Strong animals molest the weak ones
on the way, or exhibit theif domineering spirit by driving
them from the water, or preventing their approaching it.

These evils can only be properly remedied by having
a good supply of water in the barn-yard, or very near it ;
but if this cannot be done, provide, in a trough, or by
other means, a good supply of pure water, of convenient
access : Ij 3ep it veil cleared of snow and ice, and s-ee that

DISEASES OF ANIMALS. 31

I he weaker animals are protected from the encroach-
ments of tae strong and tyrannical ; if it be exposed to
the north, put up a high board fence, or other protection,
on that side, near the water.

In summer, stock should not be doomed to get an
insufficient quantity of water from a mud-hole, as is often
ijie case, when the fountain is small ; but a good trough,
ur other vessel should be provided as a reservoir, that
s^ill hold enough for the v/hole stock, and these should
be often cleaned out, that the water may be pure.

We made the following arrangement where the sup-
ply was small, and one or tv,-o animals would drink
nearly all the water in the spring or fountain, and roil
the rest. A duct was laid some feet, to give the water
a little elevation. This was covered with earth, and the
spring was also covered over. From the duct the water
was conducted into a large trough, and then it ran into a
half hogshead tub. In this way, a good supply of pure
water was provided for the whole stock, when they all
came to slake their thirst. These vessels were often
emptied, and washed out clean.

Some farmers have provided a good supply of water
in their barn-yards, at a cost of fifty or one hundred
dollars, and would not now be deprived of it for the
interest of five hundred dollars. It is less labor to pump
water for stock at the yard, than to go some distance,
and keep it clear of snow and ice, and see that the
weaker animals can drink ; besides the great saving of
manure.

Cold, hard well-water, is very injurious to animals
that are heated. It should stand awhile before using.
Hard water, of a suitable temperature, is not injurious
to animals that are accustomed to it. Sometimes a
change from soft to hard water has an unfavorable effect
for a few weeks.

COOKING FOOD FOR HORSES AND CATTLE

If grain be ground, it is more easily digested for this
operation, ?,nd there is not so much need of cooking it.
Green food; su2h as roots, grass, green corn fodder, and

32 DISEASES OF ANIMALS

Other herbage, is easiiy digested; but in litej.miiig .try
hard fodder, it is softened, and afibrds more nutriment
In this way, straw was substituted for hay, where con-
siderable grain or meal was used, in an experiment
made in England, on ninety head of cattle and hcirses,
in which a saving of sixty-seven pounds was made. The
cost of cooking was only five pounds.

In some cases it has been found profitable to cook-
potatoes and other roots, for horses and cattle, and there
is no doubt that meal of any kind is greatly improved by
cooking, but whether this improvement is sufficient to
pay the expense and trouble, is another question. Mix
up bran unth a small quantity of water, and it appears
much like sand, add more water, and it seems thin and
light, but put it over the fire, and boil it a short time,
and the whole mass becomes thick, and evidently
greatly improved.

As to the economy of cooking food for cattle and
horses, much depends on circumstances, such as the
price of food and fuel, and the value of labor. Some
thing depends, likewise, on the convenience for cooking.
Some can cook food with half the labor and fuel that
others can, owing to improved apparatus for the purpose

Horses, cattle "and sheep, are accustomed to the use
of coarse food, and their powers of digestion are great ;
therefore there is not so much need of cooking food foi
them as for hogs, which thrive far better on cooked
food,

SYMPTOMS OF DISEASES.

The following is from the American Agriculturist : —
A full and frequent pulse, loss of appetite, dejected head,
and a languid or watery eye, with a disposition to lie
down in a dark or shady place, are certaia marks, in all
brute annuals, of one of the most frequent diseases with
which they are affected — that is, the fever. The watery
eye, an inability to bark, or barking with a sterterous
hoarseness, indicate the approach of madness in the dog.
The elevation of the hair on the back of a cat. and its
not falling upon its feet when tlirown from a moderate

DISEASES OF ANIMALS. 33

height, are the premonitory signs of that disease which
has long proved fatal to that species of animal both in
Europe and America. The tail of a horse Ic^mg its regu-
larity of motion from side to side, indicat**3 that he is indis-
posed, and the part in which the disease is seated is
pointed out by one of his ears inclining backwards to the
side affected. The seat of disease in the abdomen,
where the signs are concealed, may be known by press-
ing the hand upon his whole belly. When the diseased
part is pressed, he mil manifest marks of pain.

PHYSIC.

There are few medicines so much abused as purga-
tives. They are often given without any reason, fre-
quently in powerful, and injurious, and sometimes ir.
fatal doses. Many animals, particularly horses, are
destroyed by excessive doses of physic. Yet purgatives
judiciously administered, are highly useful.

In inflammator)' complaints, by rapid evacuations
from the bowels, they expel the chyle, and cut off tem-
porarily the supply of nutriment, and they promote the
secretions on the inner coat of the intestines, drawing
from the fluids of the body, and reducing the circulation ;
and thus they relieve an affected organ, or abate a gen-
eral inflammation.

Physic removes from the stomach and bowels causes
of irritation, and gives rest to the digestive organs which
have been over-tasked, and relieves the stomach which
has been overloaded.

By the moderate use of physic, together with proper
attention to diet and general treatment, many diseases
may be cured, which are now generally treated with
bleeding and other harsh modes.

In chronic and slow diseases, it is best to prepare Ihe
animal for one, two, or three days, if convenient, by
giving mashes, as this will loosen the bowels, and no*
only require a less dose of physic, but it will be more
effectual in its operation.

But the most impo:tant considei ation is, that the bow-
els being open, he pn rgatives can freely operate without

34 DISEASES OF ANir,IALS.

ajiy obstruction, and obviate the danger that att'-'Aits
giving physic when the bowels are constipatcil, which
is like the working of cider in a cask that is bunged,
ami sometimes produces severe and fatal cases of colic.

But if the disease be acute, and of so great severity
that it will not admit of delay to prepare for physic, then
a clyster should be given to aid the operation of physic,
and if the bowels are constipated and apparently dor-
mant, give some stimulant with the purgative, as gin
ger ; and give an exciting injection to evacuate the
bowels, and make way for the physic, and to rouse to
healthy action the sluggish intestines.

In cases of very obstinate constipation of the bowels,
ten or fifteen grains of the farina of the Croton nut,
freshly prepared, may be added to the dose of physic, for
horses or cattle. This is very powerful. [See under
each species, the kinds of physic adapted to each, and
the quantity for a dose.]

DIURETICS.

Diuretics cause a copious flow of urine, reducing the
circulation, tending to abate fevers and inflammatory
complaints. Several diseases are mitigated by the use
of diuretics, and they may be used in some cases instead
of bleeding, which it is desirable to avoid, as it is a
harsh course of treatment.

In swollen legs, cracks, or dropsical affections, and in
grease in horses and foul foot in cattle, or any unnatural
enlargements by fluids, diuretics are given to great ad-
vantage. They are good to alternate with other medi-
cines, in the treatment of mange, and other cutaneous
diseases.

But in all accumulations connected with debility, they
may do harm. We may remove swellings and extrava-
sations to-day, and they may return to-morrow. In
such cases, we must strengthen the system by tonics,
proper feeding, and mild exercise ; and aid the local
debility by hand rubbing and bandages.

There must be caution in the use of diuretics, for
%i they produce a powerful effect on the l--; dneys, by

DISEASES OF AMMALS. 35

increased secretions in these organs, there is danger ol
mjary and debility from over-action. [See Diseases of
the Urinary Organs in Horses.]

Diuretics are used more in the treatment of horses,
than m cattle practice. The following are diuretics :--
rosin, turpentine, juniper, gin, saltpetre, honey, potash,
digitalis, squills, tobacco, and cream of tartar. Many
kinds of food have a diuretic effect, such as apples,
pumpkins, roots generally, green corn-stalks, and most
kinds of green herbage, at first. [For the principal diu-
retics in use, and the dose, see this subject tmder Horses
and Cattle. For sheep, use the same as for cattle, only
one eighth part as much for a dose.]

The following is good, as a general diuretic drink : —
Powdered saltpetre, two drachms; powdered rosin, half
ounce ; ginger, two drachms ; mix well together in a lit-
tle molasses, and give in warm gTuel.

SETON OR ROWEL.

A seton is a piece of leather, cord, coarse tape, braided
horse-hair, or tow, passed, by means of a large needle,
through the base of an ulcer or abscess, such as ulcer-
ated poll evil, fistula, (kc, to drain off the acrid and
irritant humors ; or they are inserted between the skin
and muscular, or other parts beneath, in a sound part,
to create an artificial issue, and make a general improve-
ment in the whole system, or relieve a neighboring
affection.

Setons are inserted in the breast of horses, and in tlie
dewlap of cattle, in case of general inflammation, which
is abated by a discharge of matter. They are also good
m case of inward strains, and for swellings that cannot
be dissolved. When the blood is in a bad state, a setou
wdl draw off the foul humors, and thus improve the
condition of the blood.

m cases of local complaints, this general issue will
draw superfluous kimors from all parts of the body, and
discharge them, and thus relieve the complaint. When
the local affection is very severe, and \\'ill not yield tc
other treatment, a seton may be inserted near it, sa

36 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

a hand's breadth below it, which will excite a new and
artificial inflammation in the vicinity of the old one, and
thus reduce its intensity, giving a new direction to the
olood and humors, and concentrate a part of the nervoiD'
power on a new point.

A seton should be tolerably thick, and from eight to
twelve inches long, and before inserting it, dip it into
spirits of turpentine, or other exciting matter. In
cattle, insert the needle in the upper part of thetbrisket
or dewlap, and in the horse, in the breast, and bring it
out four inches or more below the place of insertion.
Fasten the seton by tying a large knot in each end.

Matter will begin to run the second day ; and after
that, draw the seton up and down two or three times a
day, to irritate the parts and increase the discharge.
When, for inflammatoiy diseases, or other complaints-
you would produce a more copious discharge, rub th^
seton with blistering ointment. This will stimulate thf
parts to action, and hasten suppuration.

Clater says that the root of the common dock is a
speedy and powerful seton for cattle, and the root of the
blaclf hellebore is still more powerful. The American
hellebore, ( Veratrum viride,) often called Indinn poke, or
poke root, strongly resembles the white hellebore (Vera-
tum aJbiirri) of Europe. Whether it is like the black
hellebore here recommended, we cannot say. The
American hellebore, or poke root, which grows in
swamps, is very different from poke weed, {Phytolacca
decandra,) generally called garget, also cocnm and
jalap, which grows on dry land, the root of which is
much used in New England, in the dewlap of cattle,
instead of a seton. [See Garget, under the general head
"Cattle."]

When there is a considerable discharge of matter
wash the place once a day in warm soap suds, and con
tinue this after the seton is removed, while the sore is
healing.

DISEASES OF ANIMALS. 37

Bleeding is practised as a very speedy leliet in some
disorders. It reduces at once the circulation in the sys-
tem, and diminishes nervous power. It is considered
Useful in the following cases :

1. In all kinds of inflammatory complaints, whether
general or local.

2. In violent colds, catarrh, and influenza.

3. When inflammation is apprehended from bruisei,
internal or external strains, wounds or injuries of any
kind.

4. When, from the exhibition of humors, as in cutane-
ous eruptions, sores, swelling of the glands, &:c., the
blood appears to be in a vitiated condition.

5. In cases of yellows in horses, and jaundice in cattle,
attended with fever and constipation of the bowels.

Bleeding does not remove the cause of disease, but ii-
gives temporary relief, and sometimes saves from a sud-
den and fatal termination, affording time and opportunity
to remove the cause, and administer restorative medicines.
We will suppose that there is a violent affection of the^
brain, by the determination of blood to that organ, that
would prove fatal before medicines could operate, or a
restorative course could be pursued. By bleeding, the
circulation could be reduced immediately and relief
afforded, and then by physic, diuretics, light food and
other favorable treatment, the animal might be restored
to health.

In acute inflammation, it is not only necessary to bleed •
copiously, but it should be done speedily, and the blood
should run largely, as more effect is produced on the
disease by one quart taken quickly, in a full stream, than
by double that quantity allowed to dribble down slowly ;
OS a powerful effect is produced on the disease, before
ihe organs can accommodate themselves to the loss.

The quantity of blood taken must depend on various

circumstances, such as the nature of the disease, size and

condition of the animal, <fec. &c. In very sudden and

violent cases, it is recommended to bleed freely, even till

4

38 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

the animal falters, and the force of the circulation is sen
sibly reduced. In other cases, it is better to bleed mod-
eratel)-, or only slightly.

This remed}- should be used with sound judgment, and
with great caution; fjr, though it sometimes arrests a
disease at once, at other times it may take away what
little remaining strength the animal has.

Always catch the blood in a vessel, that the quantity
may be determined. Give warm water after bleeding,
and light food for several days, or longer; if the animal
-be in a weak condition, and keep him dry and Avarm.

We are aware that many, of very respectable authori-
ty, are opposed to bleeding in almost all cases, whether
in the biped or quadruped race ; and we must say that
we regret to find that in works that are generally regard-
ed as the best extant, bleeding is recommended for almost
every disease that poor animals are liable to. Verily, it
seems that the writers on the veterinary art are a blood
thirsty set. One, who is regarded as high authority, in
treating of twenty-nine different diseases incident to one
species of animals, recommends bleeding in tweiity -three
cases ; directing to bleed the poor creatures to the amount
of six, eight, or ten quarts, or until they faint and fall,
and, in some cases, repeat the operation.

The English term, cow-leech, is very appropriately ap-
plied to a cow-doctor, as they draw blood so profusely
They are leeches in very deed. The English veterina
rian surgeons bleed for most disorders.

Although bleeding to so great an extent as reconi
mended by foreign authorities, and as practised by some
in this country, who follow in their track, is, by no
means, to be recommended, yet there are two reasons
why bleeding may be more necessary in animals than in
the human subject.

1. The animal is often very severely attacked before
it is known that he is diseased, and some very powerful
remedy is necessary, and that which will produce a verj
sudden effect ; on the contrary, the human patient can
give notice of disease at its first approach, when it ii
more easily subdued.

DISEASES :f animals. 39

and ill numerous cases an excellent substitute for bleed
ing, as it subtracts very largely from the blood, reducing
temporarily ihe circulation, producing debility, and puri
fying the b.ood ; this may be practised conveniently in
the human subje;t, but in animals it is very difficult.

In this work, we have preferred other remedies to that
of bleeding, so far as others seemed efficacious, as shown
by practice ; but as all works on the diseases of animals
have run so much on bleeding, and as this has been the
practice to a great extent, it is impossible to avoid intro-
ducing bleeding occasionally, in giving the modes of treat-
ment that have been generally pursued ; as few or none,
who are opposed to bleeding, as a general thing, have
given their views to the public on the treatment of ani-
mals. Mild means one preferable to bleeding.

As we give the modes pursued by those who practise
bleeding, all who prefer that way can pursue it, and of
course they ^vill not complain ; whilst those who depend
raore on other remedial means, will find that we have
given various other remedies and modes of treatment,
which may generally be substituted for bleeding by those
who prefer them. Among the substitutes, are purga-
tives, diuretics, setons, abstinence, light feeding, astrin-
gents, anodynes, sedatives, &cc. &cc. Abstinence is far
preferable to bleeding, as it is more convenient, more
pleasant, -^nd more economical; and in many cases, it
will answei the same purpose, not only checking the
disease, but removing the cause.

[See further directions and remarks on this subject,
under different species of animals.]

BACK-RAKING.

This process is very useful in cases of fever, costive-
ness, colic, and other diseases, in order to favor the oper-
ation of purgatives and injections ; for in these diseases,
the dung in the rectum, or straight gut, becomes dry and
hard, to the great inconvenience of the animal, and se-
rious disadvantages as to the operation of medicines.
When he has not dunged for some time, and a fulness
IS perceived about the flank and fundament, back-raking
should be attended to, as follows :

40 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

Let the operator strip his arm bare, and having wefl
anointed it and his hand with soft soap, lard or butter,
preferring tlie first, the fingers should be brought to a
point, and the hand gently introduced into the rectum
and draw away the indurated faeces. This should be
done several times, and then the animal should be left to
himself a short time, while a drink for physic, or an in-
jection, or both, as the case may be, is preparing. This
simple process often affords much relief, and it is imme-
diate, which is important in cases of great distress.

ACCIDENTS, &c.

Accidents and various affections are incident to ani-
mals, that are not readily perceived ; therefore they should
be thoroughly examined, occasionally, in every point,
especially young animals, and those not generally used,
so as to allow of casual inspection, in order to see that
no accident has befallen them, or that some affection is
not creeping upon them imperceptibly, that will, neg
lected, become a formidable evil.

It is highly important that animals be timely relieved
from accidents, as sometimes a delay will prove fatal,
and diseases of every description are far more easily
cured, when taken in their first stages, than when they
have

" Grown with their growth and strengthened with thf.ir strength."

A horse that appeared sick, was examined very atten-
tively for the cause of complaint, and a piece of cob was
found across the roof of his mouth, nearly stopping up
his throat. This is only one among thousands of in-
stances. Theri are numerous accidents and complaints
with which animals are afflicted, that may escape the
notice of a superficial observer, or that may occur on
those animals not generally handled, and by neglect they
may increase, from small beginnings, to severe and otsti
Date di^sases.

DISEASES OF ANIMALS. f)

HOLDING THE TONGUE WHEN GIVING
MEDICINE.

That animals may swallow freely, and the medicine
gi) down the right way, their tongues should be free
As a caution on this point, a case was related to us fo.
publication. An ox, after eating hearty, and drinking
late in the morning, was puffed up. On being worked,
the swelling went dowm. On drinking again at night,
tlie swelling returned. Some medicine was prepared,
but the swelling had abated, and the ox was eating hay.
The medicine was given, to prevent a recurrence of the
disorder. It was given by holding his tongue out of his
mouth, and pouring the medicine down his throat. He
breathed not again, but fell down, and died immediately.

On examination, his windpipe, for eight inches in
length, was completely filled with chewed hay. It is
supposed that on holding the tongue, the windpipe is
open, and is liable to receive whatever is poured dovm
the throat ; and the reason that no more injury is done in
this way, is because the medicines are generally liquid.

Pouring medicine dowTi the throats of animals, with
the tongue held, generally occasions coughing, which is
doubtless owing to some of it going down the wrong
way. The use of those parts connected \\ith the roots
of the tongue, is doubtless necessary in closing the
passage into the windpipe, which is effected in the act
of swallowing in the natural way.

MODE OF GIVING LIQUID MEDICINE.

Sometimes, when medicines have no nauseous taste,
animals will drink them voluntarily. Or, if refused in
this state, they may be induced to take them in palata-
ble food. But there are numerous cases in which it is
necessary to turn the medicine down the throat. Some
use a junk bottle for this purpose ; a horn is better, as a
bottle is liable to be broken. In using a horn, stop up
the large end, and pour from the small one, as it is les»
liable to waste.

4*

42 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

MASHES.

Mashes of bran and shorts are a soft diet, and high if
valuable for many purposes. They relax the bowels,
and prepare them for administering physic with safety
and good effect. They will, in common conditions,
operate gently on the bowels, clearing out their con-
tents, and thus save the necessity of resorting to purga-
tives. When horses are not used on Sunday, a bran
mash may be given on Saturday night, instead of grain,
which will have a favorable effect, and prevent injury
from full feeding, while at rest. Mashes are very useful
to horses in high condition.

As a food, mashes are remarkably soothing, cooling,
and emollient. In all inflammatory complaints, and other
disorders, when light feeding and laxative food are rec-
ommended, this will be found a most excellent article of
diet, as it fills the stomach, affording the stimulus ol
distention, without furnishmg much nutriment. It is
like keeping the fat and gouty patient, who has had
more than his share of the good things of this life, on
turnips, or on bran or saw-dust puddmg.

Mashes may be made of ground malt, bran, or shorts,
or other similar substance, in hot or cold water. When
the animal is in a w^eak or low condition, boiling water
should be poured on the substance, so as to wet it well,
then stir it thoroughly, and when lukewarm, give
it. By boiling bran or shorts a short time, the water
becomes thick, like mucilage ; and we have no doubt
that this process renders it more valuable as food, and
more soothing.

In cases of catarrh or sore throat, or any intestina"
affection, an emollient mash may be made by adding to
the bran or shorts, a decociion of linseed or oil cake.

FOMENTATIONS.

These are highly valuable in opening the pores of the
nkin, and keeping up perspiration in the part, and thus
i^bating Ijcal swellings relieving pain and lessening

DISEASES OF ANDIAL£. 43

inflammation. Hot or warm water may be used, or a
decoction of any herbs. The principal virtue is in the
warmth of the water or decoction. In obstinate cEises
of diseases, fomentations should be often applied, and
continued long. They have a very soothing and san-
ative effect.

POULTICES.

An external app ication for producmg inflammation,
promoting suppuration, cleansing and preparing wounds
or sores for healing ; for mitigating pain, and pre\entmg
mortification.

Poultices are generally prepared with linseed meal, to
which is added oil, lard, or other greasy matter, to pre-
vent adhesion to the parts, and keep up the moisture for
a longer time. Indian meal may be used instead of
Unseed meal, but it is not quite so soothing.

A good scattering poultice, to reduce inflammation,
may be made of equal parts of hops, Indian meal, and
pulverized slippery-elm, mixed with a strong decoction
of raspberry or other astringent liquor. Any powerfully
astringent substance may be used as a scattering poul-
tice, and meal is good to form a body.

A poultice may be rendered more soothing by adding
opium, or more active and drawing by adding turpen-
tine, or chloride of lime.

For old sores or ulcers, the chloride of lime is excel-
lent to add to the poultice ; so is finely powdered char-
coal ; and both of these substances are good to prevent
mortification.

The pulp of roasted carrots is a most valuable poul-
tice for cleansing and healing old sores or ulcers.

Alum curd is a valuable application for ulcers. It
has a very healthy effect, and tend^ to prevent mortifi-
cation. Prepare it by putting powdered alum into new
milk. No matter if there be more than will dissolve.

"W^eat flour, mixed with molasses, and applied as a
poultice, is somewhat drawing, and hastens suppuration.
It is much used on boih to bring them to a head, thit
they may break, or be prepared for opening.

14 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

CAUSTICS.

BoTVR (chloride) of Antimony is certain for destroying
proud flesh, or otherwise unhealthy surface to which it
is applied ; and its destructive power is confined to the
surface.

LuNAK Caustic (nitrate of silver) is an excellent reme-
dy for proud flesh. Wet a stick and rub a little on the
part you would have affected by it.

Burnt Alum is a good caustic for the destruction of
proud flesh. Sometimes it is not sufficiently powerful.

Blue Vitriol, (sulphate of copper,) one ounce pow-
dered, and dissolved in a pint of water, forms a mild
caustic. The powder, sprinkled on the sore or wound, is
still stronger.

DISINFECTANTS AND ANTI-PUTRESCENTS.

These are chloride of lime, plaster of Paris, charcoal,
and gum myrrh.

Chloride of Lime. — After contagious or infectious
diseases in the cattle-house or stable, the walls, floor, and
furniture should be washed a few times with it, and then
the sound animals may return in safety. Applied to the
pudenda of the cow, that has aborted, it destroys that
peculiar odor which causes abortion in others, more eflfec-
tually than any other preparation.

Inblain, foul in the foot, and sloughing ulcers of every
description, it removes the fetor, and if decomposition
has not proceeded too far, it gives a healthy surface to
Ihe ulcers. Administered internally, in blain, in the ma-
lignant epidemic, and in diarrhoea and dysentery, it is
iiighly useful. In the last disease, it is very beneficial in
changing the nature of the discharge, depriving it of its
putridity and infection, and disposing the surface of the
intestines to take on a more healthy character.

Half an ounce of the powder, dissolved in a gallon of
water, will give a solution of suflicient strength, both aa
a disinfectant applied to the cow-house, and as an inter-
nal or external remedy applied to the animal.

DISEASES OF ANIMALS. 46

"Plaster of Pakis is a powerful disinfectant. It ab-
sorbs putrid smells, exhalations, and unpleasan gases,
Eind tends to purify the air around. It is used in
stables to absorb the ammoniacal gas, and render the air
more wholesome.

Charcoal is, in many cases, used as a disinfectant,
with wonderful success ; a piece of fish, or meat, becom-
mg putrid, is rendered completely sweet by being boiled
with a few pieces of charcoal. In the treatment of ulcers
and foul sores, finely pulverized charcoal is used as an
ingredient in poultices, as it absorbs the fetor, tends to
cleanse the. sore, and, from its powerful anti-putrescent
quality, it prevents mortification.

Some cases of mortification have been cured by this
simple substance alone ; but of late years, pyroligneous
acid, containing the same anti-putrescent quality, has
been used for this purpose, and with wonderful success.

Gum Mvrrh is valuable. Apply it in a strong tincture
of four ounces to a quart of alcohol. It is good to guard
against mortification.

CLYSTERS, OR INJECTIONS.

Injections into the fundament arc highly useful, when
a speedy action of the bowels is required. Sometimes
they are so obstinately constipated, the dung having be-
come dry and hard, that physic will not remove the
obstruction. In most cases of costiveness, clysters are
more effectual in relieving and curing than purgatives.
They should be used in all severe cases.

Clysters m^ay be made of soap suds, in the proportion
of two ounces of soft soap to a gallon of water ; or for a
more active operation, use half a pound of Epsom salts.
In severe cases of colic and constipation, in order to
open a way for the immediate action of physic, an excit-
ing clyster should be given.

Mild injections, such as herb teas, warm water, gruel,
Ace, produce effects only from their softening influence,
and mechanical effect, in expelling the hardened fceces ;
but exciting clysters have eff"ect on the nerves, and influ-
ence the whole bowels, producing copious discharges far
beyond their reach.

4«

DISEASES PF ANIMALS.

Soap has some exciting effect — salts int'rease it , bul
the most exciting clysters are made by adding to a gallon
of any common injection, as herb tea, or tlie like, half a
pint of strong decoction of tobacco, or a great spoonfm'
of fine Cayenne pepper. The pepper produces a more
speedy action. Lobelia, added to an injection, has an
exciting effect ; but if used liberally, it excites vomiting
also. Any of these exciting substances, made up into a
little ball, and put into the fundament, will excite the
bowels and produce discharges ; and sometimes they
answer the purpose of an injection. In severe cases of
costiveness, back-rake before giving injections, as this
will render them more effective.

The importance of clysters is not sufficiently known.
In numerous cases bipeds, as well as quadrupeds, are
dosed and dosed with physic ; days pass without relief,
and the bowels are almost ready to burst with the power-
ful fermentation caused by physic, when the use of liberal
and exciting injections would afford immediate relief, and
save the patient from days of distress, from prostration,
and serious and permanent injury in the bowels.

When the bowels are tender, or irritated, a soothing
and emollient injection may be thrown far up the intes-
tines, and brought in contact with the inflamed bowels,
give relief and promote a cure by its soothing influence.

For soreness and tenderness of the bowels, use a tea
of either of the following substances, as a soothing injec-
tion. Slippery-elm, bass wood (linden) bark, marsh-mal-
lows, or flax-seed. Linden is similar to slippery-elm,
but it has not so much virtue.

For inflamed and irritated bowels, or over purging,
use a decoction of either of the following astringent sub-
stances : — Rosemary, barberry bark, cranesbill, hard-
hack, raspberry, and chocolate or Jones' root.

In locked jaw, or other affections, as sore or swelled
throat, when the animal can take no food, nutriment may
be given by injecting gruel. Let it be dene in moderate
quantities, that it may be retained.

There are various modes of giving clysters. The old
fas'Aioned way is with a bladder and pipe, and this will
answer. By elevating the bladder, the iiquid w:!l be

DISEASES OF ANIMALS. 47

mjected from its weight. A syringe is good for this pur
pose. A pr-'tty good one may be made of tin. In Eng-
land, Reed'& stomach pump is used for this purpose, in
preference ti all other apparatus.

ASTRINGENTS AND TONICS.

These medicines are of a binding nature, and tend to
the reduction of inflammation, and to constipation in the
bowels ; on this account, while they are given, internally,
to cure some disorders, it is necessary to use laxative
food, such as mashes, potatoes, &:c., or gentle physic, to
keep the bowels in good condition.

Opium, or laudanum, is a powerful astringent, and i^
is also a good anodyne. It is used both for cattle and
horses, for colic, spasms, locked jaw, &cc. It should
however, be given with great caution. It is mostly used
internally. In fevers it irritates, but after a fever it
soothes. The usual dose is one ounce of laudanum for
a full-gro\ra animal.

Alum, as an astringent, is used both internally and ex-
ternally. Catechu is a powerful astringent, and is often
given to animals. It is mostly used internally, but as a
Tincture, it is good externally. It is generally used in
connection with other medicines, entering into the dose
to the amount of four drachms.

Blue Vitriol (sulphate of capper) is used internally,
to check nasal discharges, and externally for hoof-ail,
warts, and sometimes, lightly, in the treatment of wounds.

Powdered Chalk is a valuable astringent in some
cases, particularly as the alkali unites with the acid in
the stomach and neutralizes it. There is much acid in
the stomach of calves afflicted \\ath dysenteiy ; hence
ihe advantage of supplying them with a lump of chalk
to lick.

Black Cherry and Yellow Birch Bark are good
astringents for the jaundice.

Raspberry Leaf Tea is a mild astringent, and an ano-
dyne. It is used internally and externally. It allays
inflammation of the bowels, and fever, and tends to tne
reduction of external inflammation or swellings.

48 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

CAMOiMiLE IS a mild tonic, and is sometimes given lu
doubtful cases, when, from a mistaken view of the dis
eeise, a powerful astringent might do injury.

ANODYNES AND SEDATIVES.

OriuM, or laudanum, is a powerful anodyne, as wel.
as astringent. A decoction of poppy heads, which far-
mers can raise, answers the same purpose, it being the
same thing in another state. In human and animal
practice, opium is used more than all other anodynes, by
doctors of the old school. Thomsonian and botanic phy-
sicians use American valerian and Cayenne pojjpir

Fox-GLOVE, or digitalis is a valuable and powerful
sedative, and is considerably used. There should be
caution in its use, as it is far more powerful when fresh.

A man was killed, in Boston, by talcing a dose of
fresh, the apothecary not being aware that it was so
much stronger.

RAsrBERRY is a sedative as well as astringent ; it is a
valuable medicine in numerous cases. It is not very
powerful, but it is quite safe.

American Valerian, or lady's slipper, (Ci/pripediuvi
pubescens,) is a valuable anodyne. There are several
varieties, but they ditier very little in their virtues.

Cayenne Pepper and Hot Drops are safe anodyms,
and though stimulant at first, become sedative.

STIMULANTS AND CARMINATIVES.

These medicines, which warm and excite to healthy
action those parts with which they come in contact, and
lend to prevent flatulency and colic, are often used with
the best success with purgatives, even in cases of inflam-
mation. Hence ginger or other stimulants are added to
aperient medicine, which greatly aid it in producing the
desired operation ; and hence the use of wine in low
fever. The success of a purgative often depends as
much on the stimulant accompanying it as on the med-
icine itself.

Aedent Spirits. Among the stimulants

DISEASES OF /VNIMALS. 49

oiinaives, are all kinds of ardent spirits though seme
may be noodiJied, or have other qualities from the addi-
tion of other substances ; as gin is made a sedative by
ihe addition of juniper berries ; and brandy is a power-
ful astringent as well as stimulant, from the addition of
the extract of oak to alcohol.

Ginger is a stimulant as well as aromatic.

A War.m Stimulaxt Drink. Powdered ginger, half
an ounce ; caraway seeds, six drachms ; allspice, half
an ounce ; in a quart of warm water-gruel, or ale.

Cayenne Pepper alone, or m compositions, is a pow-
eiful and highly valuable stimulant in the human
patient. It is excellent m colds, clearing the pipes and
'ungs of phlegm ; and in low condition it warms and
revives ; when the stomach is dormant, it rouses it to
action, crsates an appetite, and promotes digestion, and
has many other favorable effects, when judiciously ad-
ministered It is equally valuable for animals.

It has been but httle used in animal practice, there-
fore we cannot give precise directions for its use ; but
as it is powerful, it should be used m moderation. We
hare reports on few cases. A horse M'as drooping, and
had no appetite ; as his pulse was regular, he evidently
had no fever. Two table spoonfuls of Cayenne pepper,
and a small portion of ginger and lobelia, were given to
him in warm water ; and he soon revived and recovered.
In another case, a horse had been driven nearly all dav.
jind he failed, and refused to go, from disease, fatigue,
or 1: \n ger ; and, a physician being in the carriage with
his medicine chest, he gave him a pint of hot drops, (a
Thc-mpsonian preparation in which there is Cayenne,'!
and he immediately revived, started off with spirit, and
chajrfully performed the rest of the journey, of about
sewm miles. In both of these cases, we think the dose
was very large, — large enough for two.

Hot Drops are considerably used, of late, for horses.
The.y are good for colic, for cold shivering fits, for 3
duU, low state, as they warm into action the dormant
bowels, promote digestion, and thus create a healthy
appetite. They are one of the bejit medicines.

50 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

AIIOMATICS AND STOMACHICS.

Stomachics are soothing, emollient, warming, and
strengthening. They allay irritation in the bowels,
reduce soreness and tenderness, and they warm and
excite to action, the bowels, when in a torpor or dormant
condition.

Powdered Caraway seeds are a good stomachic, but
not equal to ginger, excepting in cases of flatulency
Yet they may be used as an occasional change for gin-
ger. Dose, from half an ounce to two ounces. Like
ginger and other stomachics, it is often given m connec-
tion with other medicines, such as purgatives and astrin-
gents.

Ginger is the best aromatic in the list of cordials.
Dose, from half a drachm to four drachms. Gentian is
an excellent stomachic and tonic, whether at the close
of illness, or as a remedy for chronic debility. The
dose varies from one to four drachms, and should be
almost invariably combined with ginger.

The following is an excellent stomachic : — Powdered
ginger, half an ounce ; powdered gentian, one ounce :
carbonate of ammonia, (volatile salts,) two drachms ;
infusion of camomile flowers, one pint. Mix for one
dose.

Sage, Pennyroyal, Peppermint, and other aromatic
and warming teas, or essences, are good stomachics.

TO STOP BLOOD.

Cold water is often sufficient. Cobwebs applied to
the wound, are a still more powerful remedy ; so is a
strong alum water, or powdered alum.

The soft, inner part of sole leather has a powerful
effect in stopping blood. Scrape it fine, and apply it as
lint, or apply a soft piece to the ruptured vessel.

Charcoal, in f ne powder or dust, is a good styptic ; so
is a puff-ball. A strong decoction of sweet apple-tree
bark has a very powerful effect in stopping blood, mor«
«o than most ot'ier styptics.

DISEASES OF ANIMALS. 51

LINIMENTS, OPODELDOC, EMBROCATIONS,
OINTMENTS, &c.

Opodeldoc, Three ounces common white soap j one
ounce camphor ; one eighth ounce oil of rosemary ; one
eighth ounce of oil of origanum ; and one pint alcohol.
Put all the articles but the soap into the alcohol, and when
they are dissolved, cut the soap fine, and dissolve it in
the alcohol, with a gentle heat. Pour into wide-mouthed
vials or jars, to cool.

Liquid Opodeldoc. Take two ounces castile soap,
mstead of the common soap, as above.

Opodeldoc to scatter Swellings. Warm, over
coals, one quart of proof whiskey, or other spirit, and
dissolve in it half a pint of soft soap. When cool, put
it into a bottle, and add one half ounce of camphor.

LiNDiENT. The following liniment has been long in
use, and is in high repute, being found very efficacious
for sprains, bruises, cracks, sores, wounds, rheumatism,
external or internal, in beast or man ; and no family
should be without it, or some other valuable liniment.
Half an ounce spirits of hartshorn ; two ounces cam-
phor ; one gill spirits turpentine ; half pint sweet oil ;
and one pint alcohol. Shake all together, and apply,
rubbing it in with the hand.

King of Oils. This name has been given to the fol-
lowing preparation, from its valuable efiects in curing
wounds in animals, particularly horses. It has per
formed surprising cures : —

1 ounce green copperas, {sulphate of iron.)

2 " white vitriol, (sulphate of zinc.)
2 '• common salt, (muriate of soda.)
2 " linseed oil.

8 " molasses.

Boil over a slow fire fifteen minutes, in a pint of
urine ; when almost cold, add one ounce of oil of vitriol,
(sulphuric acid,) and four ounces spirits of turpentine
Apply it to the wound with a quill or feat! er.

Embrocation for Strains, Bruises, and Rheumatism
Bay salt, four ounces ; oil of origanum, one drachm

52 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

rub them well together, until the salt is reduced to a
powder ; then add half a pint of vinegar, two ounces of
brandy, and one quart of water. Bathe the parts fre-
quently with this. It is good for cattle, horses, and
men, when the skin is not broken. Fomentation with
hot water should precede the application. Bay salt is
made naturally in the bays of St. Ubes, at high tides in
spring and fall. It is the purest and best for medical
and culinary purposes, containing 960 parts of chloride
of sodium in 1000.

A Stronger Embrocation for deeply-seated strains.
Spirits of turpentine, half a pint; oil of origanum, half
an ounce ; olive oil, a pint and a half; caniharides, one
ounce. Mix together; shake often; keep in a bottle.
Rub it in, morning and night. This is not intended to
blister, and should it produce redness and tenderness,
reduce it by adding olive oil.

Rheumatic Embrocation. Neat's foot oil, four ounces ;
camphorated oil, spirits of turpentine, and laudanum,
one ounce each ; oil of origanum, one drachm. Mix.

Camphorated Oil, or Stimulating Embrocation.
Camphor broken into small pieces, two ounces; olive
oil, or spermaceti, one pint. Put them into a bottle ;
cork tight ; set it in a warm place, and shake it daily,
until the camphor is dissolved. This is good for stiff-,
ness and swelling of the joints, rheumatism, &;c.

Cooling Ointment. Melt lard five or six times, and
cool, by pouring each time into a fresh pailful of water.
Then simmer it with sliced onions, and it will make an
excellent cooling salve, almost infallible for inflamma-
tions from taking colds in wounds.

Blistering Ointment. One part of cantharides,
(Spanish flies,) finely powdered; three of lard, and one
of yellow rosin. Melt the lard and rosin together, and
add the flies when the other ingredients begin to cool.
To make it more active, add one pint of spirits of tur
pentine.

Another. Yellow basilicon, one ounce ; powdered
cantharides, three drachms ; spirits of turpentine, two
drachms. This is applied to setons, to cause a more
speedy operation, and a more powerful eifect.

Anotheu. Melt together four ounces palm oil, and

DISEASES OF ANIMALS. S3

oi'« ounce rosin ; and when they begin to cool ad 1 one
ounce of finely powdered cantharides, and continae to
stir the whole together till it is set. This ointment, if
well rubbed in, will always blister, and never blemish.

Ointment to promote the Growth of Hair. Cala-
mine powder, (an ore of zinc,) finely rubbed down, tw(*
drachms ; levigated charcoal, one drachm ; liquid tur-
pentine, one drachm ; lard, four drachms. Rub them
well together; and then add one drachm of the last-
named blistering ointment, and rub the whole together.
Let this be well rubbed, but not hardly, into the part,
morning and night.

Healing, Cleansing Ointment. Lard, two pounds,
rosin, half a pound ; melt together, and when nearly
cool, stir in half a pound of very finely powdered cala-
mine.

Ointment. Equal parts of Venice turpentine and
lard, beaten together.

Compound, for Bruises in Horses or Cattle. One
quart of vinegar ; half an ounce of laudanum ; and
quarter of an ounce of sugar of lead. Mix well, and
apply three or four times a day. If possible, apply a
flannel wet with the mixture.

Vinegar and Salt. Strong vinegar saturated with
common salt, used warm, is good for strains, and for
reducing swellings.

For Swellings. One ounce of white vitriol ; one
ounce of green copperas ; two tea-spoonfuls of gun-pow-
der. Pulverize all, and dissolve in a quart of soft water.
Use cold, rubbing it on thoroughly. A skilful physician
informs us that he finds this powerful for the reduction
of swellings. It was given to him by a man who had
used it extensively and successfully on animals.

POISONS OF VARIOUS KINDS.

YEW.

The tender branches of yew are poisonous to horses,
cattle, sheep and deer ; and yet these animals have eaten
of yew wi*h 5Ut injury. It is said to be harmless when

5*

54 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

the animal ha:^ azolized food. Horses and cattle will
graze by the side of growing yew, even hedges, and not
touch it ; but when it is dry, the appearance is changed,
and then they will eat it freely.

Symi'toms. They are afi'ected in the brain, and with
reeling and vertigo. They usually die suddenly.

Remedy. Give to full-grown horses or cattle, caie
and a half pints of linseed oil each.

Another. Give a strong dose of physic, in a pint o!
gruel, to which add a gill of vinegar.

CHERRY leaves. PEACH LEAVES.

Several cases have occurred in which cattle and sheep
have been poisoned by eating the leaves of the wild
cherry ; the lame cherry is equally poisonous. It has
been stated that cherry-leaves are free from poison until
the leaves have wilted, but cases have occurred in which
the green leaves have poisoned animals. It is said that
they contain Prussic acid. Peach-leaves are said to con-
tain Prussic acid also, and they are supposed to be poi-
sonous.

Remedy. C. 0. Kimball, in the "'Massachusetts
Ploughman," recommends as a remedy a pint of New
England rum, mixed with a pint of molasses, and given
to each grown animal. Salt would doubtless be benefi-
cial, as it is useful in cases of poison from the bite of
snakes, sting of bees, &c.

ELM BARK,

A horse died from eating elm bark. On post mortem
examination, it was found that the bark had produced a
violent inflammation of the intestines.

LOW LAUREL OR LAMBKILL.

Sheep and calves will eat of low laurel, (Kalmia angus-
tifolia,) in the winter and spring. They swell a little,
grow stupid, and throw up greenish fluid, which runs
out of the mouth, discoloring the lips.

Remedy. Gag the animal, that the fluid may be
thrown out. and not swallowed, and give roasted onions
and sweetened iiilk.

DISEASES OF ANIMALS. 55

Another. Bruise well the green twigs of white ash ;
boil them one hour, in wat-er enough to cover them when
pressed down. Two table-spoonfuls will generally cure,
if given within twenty-four hours of the poisoning.

Another. Take two quarts of pure red or yellow
earth from under the surface soil. Pour on water
enough to cover it. After ten or fifteen minutes, drain
off the water, and give two or three table-spoonfuls for a
dose. Give three or four doses, at short intervals.

Another. Give a gill of sweet oil, or castor-oil, —
lard or fresh butter will answer, — in a pint of new milk,
to each animal. In addition to any of these remedies,
give salt freely.

BEECH-NUTS.

These are a good food for swine, a favorite with
pigeons, and much admired by human bipeds ; yet both
the oil and the cake that is left after the oil is pressed
out, are fatal to the horse, and have caused death in
twelve hours.

WATER PARSLEY AND WATER DROPWORT.

Water Parsley has produced palsy in the horse. Wa-
er Dropwort has poisoned brood mares, and it has poi-
soned cattle early in the spring.

CROWSFOOT AND WATER HEMLOCK.

Crowsfoot, of some species, and "Water Hemlock, have
poisoned cattle in the spring, before other herbage started.

GARGET, OR POKE WEED, (^Phytolaca decayidra.)

The root of this plant, which is excellent for cattle,
taken internally, or used as a seton in the dewlap, foi
the garget, is very poisonous to the horsfe. An ear of
corn, with garget root in the pith of the cob, was given
to a horse, and it killed him. A dose of garget was
prepared in meal for a cow ; she refused it and it was
given to a horse, and was fatal.

M$ DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

MAYWEED.

Mayweed, (^Anthemis cotula,) or wild camomile, haa
sometimes poisoned the horse, and produced death. He
will not eat it green, but will when mixed with hay.
"We have taken a decoction of this plant, in strong doses,
for a cold, (not being aware that it was poisonous,) for
which it is very efficacious in producing perspiration, but
we were never pleased with the taste nor the feelings
produced from its use.

GENERAL REMARKS.

One of the best remedies for poisons is the use ci the

stomach-pump, by which water is thrown freely into the
stomach, which often excites vomiting and gives relief,
if this fails, the water may be drawn out, and the opera-
tion repeated. In this way the poisonous matter is
diluted and removed.

Most vegetable poisons are acids, and alkalies will
neutralize and destroy them. Ammonia, lye of wood-
ashes, and pot and pearl ashes, are used for this purpose.
We have inquired and sought in vain for a remedy for
cattle that eat white lead, by licking paint on buildings.

BITES OF SNAKES.

Cut the wound and squeeze out the blood ; then apply
fine salt or some alkali, as named above. Give inter-
nally half a pint of olive oil, or rape oil, or half an ounce
of volatile salt, dissolved in a quart of water.

We were told, in Pennsylvania, that a sure cure for
the bite of poisonous serpents was cutting the wound to
make it bleed, applying fine salt and pulverized gun-
powder, and keeping the patient on sweet milk, until
sickness ceased, which is generally in two or three days.

WOUNDS.

Dr. James Bates, Superintendent of the Insane Hos-
pital, Augusta, Me., says, in the "Boston Cultivator,"
"The best possible coatings which can be applied to
injured parts are, first, the blood, then the serum, ihe

DISEASES or ANIMALS 57

coagiilable lymph, afterwards the matured matter. It is
the business of art to assist nature, and do that which
she cannot do. In cuts and lacerated wounds, she has
made no provision for bringing the sides into immediate
contact. This should be done in the first place ; and
when this is impossible, then bring them as near as may
be, with the least pain and irritation.

'' In all cases of man or beast, if we can bring and re-
tain together the sides of wounds by adhesive plasters
and bandages, it should be done. If stitches must be
resorted to, they should never remain more than thirty-
six or forty hours, as they will have done all the good
they are capable of in that time ; and they will do injury
if they remain longer. No stitch should ever be used
over or near an important joint. In some rare cases, it
may be necessar)'' to put straight needles through the
sides of a wound, and wind them with ligatures in the
form of a figure 8 ; but they should never remain more
than forty-eight hours.

" Discard healing-salves and plasters, as the healing
process is carried on by the living functions of the ani-
mal, and not by what is applied. Applications are use-
ful, not for their healing properties, but simply to exclude
the air, and allow nature to do her work, and we should
use the most inoffensive and least stimulating covering,
such as one part of beeswax and two parts of lard, melted
together.

" If the granulations become spongy, and a great flow
of matter takes place, apply powdered rhubarb daily, or
even some more powerful astringent, if necessary ; this
will give tone to the granulations. Should the matter
from the wound become thin and bloody, attend to the
general health of the animal. Old sores or ulcers, which
refuse to heal, must be made new ones, by destroying
the old surface by the knife, caustic or actual cautering,
(hot irons,) and then treat them as fresh* wounds. In
some such cas^s, setons or issues, in adjacent parts, may
aid the cure." Here is the conclusion of Dr. B.'s ji\di-
cious lemarks.

DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

SIMPLE CUT WOUNDS.

When only small blood vessels are cut t uite through
they draw back, and the blood soon ceases to flow.

When wounds made by sharp instruments are consid
arable, they are generally attended by a How of blood.
If the effusion be great, and if, from its florid color, and
flowing in jets, it appears to proceed from an artery, it
must be quickly stopped. If there be no means of ap-
plying pressure on the course of the artery, between the
heart and the wound, the finger may be introduced into
ihe wound, and pressed on the artery, to stop the bloQfi
till the artery can be taken up, or some means used to
stop it.

An instrument called tenaculum, which is a sharp^
pointed hook, is the most convenient for taking up an
artery to be tied. A double thread being waxed, and
an open knot made on it, it is put over the instrument.
The artery is then laid hold of by the point, and drawn
out a little, the open knot is slipped over it, and firmly
drawn, and the ends of the thread allowed to hang from
the wound. Veins may be secured in the same way.

If a blood vessel cannot be tied, and no means used
to stop the effusion, fold a piece of linen rag to a quarter
of an inch in thickness, and apply it to the orifice of the
olood vessel, and press it with the finger, first wetting
the rag in strong alum- water. [See directions to stop
blood.]

The cure of wounds is effected by adhesion or suppu-
ration. AVhen the sides of a fresh wound art brought into
accurate contact, and kept togethtr, they adhere very soon,
and the wound soon heals, with little or no trciible.
This is called healing by the first intention. The flesh
of horses does not unite so readily by the first intention
as that of other animals, and the wound is more likely
to heal by suppuration.

PUNCTURED WOUNDS.

These are made by pointed instruments, splinters oi
wood, bites, &c. They are more dangerous than c\A
wounds, as they excite more inflammation, and it is difSx

DISEASrS OF ANIMALS. 59

cult to g^t the sides to adhere uniformly. When the
orifice heals before the bottom of the wound,, collections
jf matter are formed, which corrode the parts. Poultices
are useful in such cases. Fomentations with a decoc-
tion of camomile flowers may be preferable. It is some-
times necessar}'^ to make an incision, to allow the col-
lected matter to escape.

CONTUSED AND LACERATED WOUNDS.

In such wounds, the parts are torn or bruised, so as to
leave the texture destroyed. There is less appearance of
danger in these, as well as in punctured wounds, from
the flow of blood usually being less ; yet there is the
more to be dreaded. The danger of wounds is too often
estimated from the flow of blood alone, yet from the most
dangerous, there is sometimes no flow whatever.

When the texture of the wounded parts has been com-
pletely destroyed, or wounds have been neglected or
badly treated, healmg must be effected by suppuration.
After the wound has been cleansed, and freed from all-
extraneous substances, such parts as are almost torn or
squeezed off", should be removed. But if the parts are
not much injured, there is a chance of their adhering, if
placed as nearly as possible in their natural position.
The wound should be carefully guarded against expo-
sure, but not tightly bandaged. As it proceeds, it may be
cleansed and softened, by washing with Castile or mild
shaving soap. Some mild and emollient salve may be
used to keep the parts soft and pliant.

In case of inflammation, poultices may be used to
bring on suppuration. A large, warm, oiled poultice,
folded in a piece of thin linen or muslm, should be laid
over the wounded and neighboring parts, and changed
twice a day. Unless the injury is very severe, this
treatment w'ill probably soon bring on the formation of
good matter, and the parts where the texture is com-
pletely destroyed, will slough or mortify, and fall off".
When this has happened, and the inflammation has
abated, the poultice should be discontinued, and some
mild and soothing salve used to promote the healing.

"Bnt sometimes, instead of the suppuration, there is

60 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

violent inflammation, tliat causes a mortification in tn«
surrounding parts, which is attended with danger.
When there is no mdication of a suppuration, and morti-
fication is apprehended, use a scattering poultice, (as on
page 53,) to which add freshly burnt powdered charcoal,
which is a preventive of mortification, from its disin-
fectmg and anti-putrescent qualities.

WOUNDS IN THE JOINTS.

These are very difficult to manage. A cure may be
attempted by keeping the air from the wound, and bring-
ing the sides into contact by adhesive plaster, and em-
ploying poultices. An extensive wound in a joint is
generally incurable. For joint or sinew water, burn a
cork to a coal, pulverize it finely, and put the dust into
the wound.

MAGGOTS IN WOUNDS.

These may be destroyed by tar or honey ; both are
healing ; but tar is too harsh alo»e ; mix it with lard,
and it will be equally good against worms.

BROKEN BONES.

The mending of a broken bone is by no means diffi-
cult, when the parts covering the bone have not been
injured. Let the limb be stretched, and the broken ends
of the bone placed as nicely together as possible, and
held in that position till a piece of stiff leather, or thin
wood, as a splint, is laid along, so that it may extend
a few inches beyond the contiguous joint. This must
be kept in its place by winding flannel, an inch and a
half broad, and as long as may be necessary, around it.

The splint should be worn ten days or a fortnight j
and after it has been removed, the bandage should be
continued moderately tight, till the limb has acquired iti
former strength. \\'Tien any considerable swelling ap
pears, the bandage should be slackened, and tightened
again when the swelling abates. Wheii a bone ih
broken in more than one place, all the pieces are to be
Drought into their proper place, and secured.

DISEASES OF AM?.1ALS. 61

Sometimes a fracture is made, and a part ot a bone
protrudes through the skin. In such case, a wound
must be made of sufficient length to allow the bone to
be replaced; and it may be proper to remove some of
the splintered portions by a saw or nippers. The splint
and bandage must then be applied in such a way as to
leave the wound accessible, that it may be dressed.

Some persons kill an animal on his having a limb
broken, supposing that there is no cure. But we have
known cases of broken bones, that, by careful setting,
splintering, and good management, have been cured,
and with but little trouble. The following is from the
Farmers' Cabinet : —

BROKEN BOXES CURED.

An idea prevails with many persons, that broken bones
of horses and other quadrupeds cannot be cured, owing
to the difficulty of keeping the part sufficiently at rest
during the time necessary for a broken bone to heal.

I heard of a case, some months since, which was suc-
cessfully treated in the following manner, viz. : — Two
pieces of scantling sufficiently strong to support the
horse, were placed over and parallel with him in the
stable ; a piece of strong linen was then passed under
him, and the two opposite ends confined to the scantling,
so as to raise him from the floor ; a wooden box was
provided with a bottom, i^wo sides, and one end, com-
posed of boards nailed together, and of sufficient length,
width and depth to contain the leg from the knee to the
foot, inclusive, besides a space of half an inch or more,
on each side of the leg, to admit the necessary bandages,
(Sec, with the bottom cut away sufficiently for the foot to
enter, and retain its natural relative position with the
leg.

The broken leg was confined in this box, and treated
in the usual manner, and the box, together with the leg
from the knee to the foot confined in a horizontal posi-
tion, or nearly so, by straps of leather passmg over the
horse's back, and the two ends confined to the box ; the
horse was permitted to put his other three feet upon the
floor, sufficiently to preserve a healthy action of *he
G

62 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

fimbs, but not so as to displai e the broken limb in the
Dox. A cure was effected in a few weeks. This waa
one of the fore legs. I see no difficulty in treating the
hind leg, by partially suspending the animal in this
Tianner. and varying the other parts according to the
Particular nature of the case.

The following singular cases are from J. Sanford, of
Vlarcellus, New York, as appears in the Genesee Far-
mer : —

YOUNtt CATTLE THEIR OWN SURGEONS.

I had a very fine young hull, which I found with his
right fore leg broken, about half way between the knee
and fetlock joint. The bone was not only broken, but
appeared to be shattered in pieces for several inches,
and pricked through the skin. I got him up, and, on
three legs, he worked his way six or eight rods, to an
open shed, where he could be by himself. I splintered
and bound up the leg as well as I could, and left him for
the night ; but in the morning, the bandage was off.
He had got up, and moved about, and sometimes bear-
ing on the foot, which had nothing but the skm and
tendons to support it. I saw no w^ay to manage it bet-
ter, and gave it vip, and sent for a man to kill him.
But, on further reflection, as he ate well, and was con-
tented to stay where he was, I concluded to let him live,
if he would, and see how he would manage it himself,
and let the leg alone. He kept in flesh ; would move
about two or three rods, and I have seen it bent at
nearly right angles. No appearance of healing the
bones in sight, when the leg was bent, I concluded it
would perish, and come off. In this manner he contin-
ued, until the first days of Blay, near three months,
when I moved him to a pasture, having good shade and
water.

Then he adopted a course of conduct for himself ; had
his abtxle at a fine maple-tree ; would get up, feed
round as far as necessary to get a good bite of grass, go
to the water two or three rods, and back to his tree. In
ihis way he continued about two months ; was in good
heallh, gained in flesh, and, except the leg, appeared

DISEASES OF ANIMALS. 63

fine. The leg had been enlarging some time, and now
was double the size of the other at the place broken, but
as yet had no strength, and v/ould yield to pressure and
bend about, as he happened to hit or bore any weight
upon it, and during this time, several bones had worked
out of the w^ound, w^hich still kept open, to w^hich no
application w'as applied, except his own tongue, which
was very frequent. I saw him from day to day, and
watched the progress until about the middle of July,
when I found he could bear some weight on it, and was
getting into shape ; and about one month more it became
strong ; the wound had healed, and he walked as well
as ever. The joints above and below were perfect, the
leg straight, the length exact with the other, and as good,
but for the odds in size. He was in line condition, com-
petent for all purposes by September, and fought as
good a battle as others. When coming four years old,
I fattened, and butchered him ; and sawed up the leg,
and found an entire new bone had formed, of about
three and a half inches in diameter, and graduated
above and below so as to fit the former, and no appear-
ance of the old one for six or more inches, which had
doubtless been discharged as I stated above.

Also, I have now a fine three year old steer, which
had his thigh broken by the kick of a horse, at about
seven months old. Him I left to manage as he might.
He was in a distant pasture with a large lot of other
young cattle ; took his own position wide from the
rest, and in about two months he got well ; and now nc
one, without a close examination, would suspect that he
had ever met with the accident.

INVERSION OF THE RECTUM.

Sometimes, from straining in dysentery, a portion of the
rectum comes out of the fundament, and the animal can-
not draw it back. Give a pint of castor-oil, with two
drachms of opium, to a fuU-growTi animal, as an ox oi
horse. The part protruded should be cleaned with soap
suds ; then fomented an hour wdth a decoction of poppy
heads, or other mollifying herb, and then gentry returc
•t. Cold wate" should then be applied around the anus

64 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

LOCKED JAW, OR TETANUS.

This is tlie effect of some acute disease, and in some
cases it is a symptom of approaching death. In most
cases, the muscles of the jaws become so contracted and
rigid, that it is impossible to open the mouth to give food,
or medicine, and the animal dies of starvation. In some
3ases, a tooth has been knocked out, and medicine given
that has relieved and cured.

Causes. Pricking in shoeing, running a nail or other
thing into the foot, or other parts where there are many
nerves. Also, turning animals out on cold, wet nights,
after hard work and perspiration, and over driving.
Docking and nicking horses are causes, also.

Symptoms. In the horse, there is a stiffness of the
neck and tail, and a constant spasm of the muscles of
voluntary motion. It is seldom preceded by any serious
illness, although the horse will appear dull for a few
days. As it approaches, he gulps his water, (swallows
with forcible action,) and quids his hay, (partly chews
and lets it fall out.) He stands stiff, with his legs
bracing, his tail quivering, and despair in his looks.

In cattle, the animal is off his food, and ceases to rumi-
nate, and stands with head protruded ; but as there is
no dryness of the muzzle, or coldness of the ears, the
attendant may not be alarmed, and not thinking of the
locked jaw, the animal is neglected. He continues the
same, rarely moving, and when made to turn, moves
stiffly. By examining the mouth in season, the disorder
may be known, and the animal saved.

Remedy. At the Maryland Farmers' Club, Mr. Pearce,
U. S. Senator, stated that he had a horse that stepped on
a nail, and symptoms of locked jaw appeared eighteen
days after. He being absent, no remedies were used
till the third day, when the animal was bled, and aloes
administered, but without effect. He could scarcely
walk ; his nostrils were distended and inflamed ; nis
breathing difficult ; his tail stiff; he could not bend his
neck, and could eat nothing but a little mash.

Galvanism was then tried, in shtcks as severe as the
hor.'iu could bear The currents were first passed through

DISEASES OF ANIMALS. 6?

tfae head, and then applied at different points along the
spine. His tail and neck soon lost their rigidity, he
moved his limbs rapidly, and kicked smartly. These
applications were repeated five or six times, with inter-
vals of a day or two, beginning with slight shocks, and
gradually increasing them.

His neighbor insisted that he should also try his rem
edy, which he said he had tried five or six times with
complete success. Accordingly, the horse was plunged
into deep water every day, and made to swim three or
four minutes. He improved slowly. In a fortnight he
was turned to gra^s. and the harness put on him in a
month. He became well, and as active and spirited as
ever.

Another. Some very severe cases have been cured
by dashing thirty or forty pailfuls of cold water suddenly
all over the animal, and repeating the operation, if neces-
sary, at intervals of two hours. This was recommended
by the late eminent Dr. Rush. A mare that seemed
almost dead with locked jaw, was revived and cured by
repeated applications of cold water.

Another. IMix strong soft soap with pulverized chalk,
so as to make them of the consistence of biickrv^^heat bat-
ter. Apply this to the wound that causes the locked jaw,
or from which it is apprehended, and keep the chalk
moistened vvith soap, until the wound begins to discharge,
and the patient is relieved.

Note. In cases of human patients, it is said that the
application of a piece of brass or copper, — if rusty the
better, — a cent, for instance, is excellent for drawing a
wound made by a nail in the foot, and thus prevents the
locked jaw. In cases of a nail in the foot, we have used,
and known others to use, with excellent success, the rind
of salt pork, the flesh part appUed to the wound, and, in
severe cases, renewed every day.

Anctther. English authorities recommend bleeding
freely, almost to faintness ; and when the jaws have re-
laxed, give gentle physic, and turn it down slowly, (in
cattle or sheep,) that it may go into the fourth stomach
and not into the paunch, as it will if pouted doAvn a*
ance. At the same time, administer clysters *^very three
6*

66 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

hours, till there is an operation on the bowels. If the
physic does not operate in eight hours, repeat half doses
every six hours. After purging is establi.shed, admin-
ister some sedative, such as opium. Give the animal
mashes at first, and then light food, sparingly. He will
need many kind attentions.

Another. It is stated in the " Boston Bledical Jour-
nal," that Dr. Isaac Heister, of Reading, Pa., cured a
boy, sixteen years old, by the use of a solution of the
extract of Indian Hemp, (Indica ca/uwhis — but Apocynum
cannabinum of Bigelow.) He directed an aqueous solu-
tion, containing two grains to the tea-spoonful, to be ad-
ministered at intervals ; and in the course of a few days.
the patient was entirely relieved.

RHEUMATISM IN THE JOINTS.

Cattle and horses, from great exposure to cold and wet,
particularly cows after calving, have a stiffness in the
joints ; they sometimes swell, and cannot be bent without
pain and difficulty.

Remedies. Good shelter, and sulphur and ginger ; and
rub the joints with camphorated oil, or spirits of turpen-
tine. Turpentine and hartshorn are good. In bad tu-
mors of the joints, rub on iodine. Use the solution of
the chloride of lime with water, for ulcers about the
joints. [For further remedies for rheumatism, see Lini-
ments, &:c., page 51. J

INFLAMED AND SORE EYES.

Causes are various ; sometimes from colds. It is often
caused by a diseased state of the body, or head, and is
only a symptom of disease.

Remedy. Remove the cause. Ifthe system generally,
or the head, is diseased, restore it to a healthy condition.
The eye is one of the most tender and delicate organs,
and if its texture is destioyecl, nature will not restore it.
Therefore, put the body in that healthy state that wiL
carry restoration to every diseased part anc' use only
mild applications to the eyes.

DISEASES OF ANIMALS. 67

For Inflamed Eyes, foment them in a strong decoc-
tion of raspberry leaves, or beech bark, or other astrin-
gent tea.

Another. Put a handful of the inner bark of sassafras
twigs, of one year's growth, into a pint of cold water ;
let it stand several hours, and it will become a thick
mucilage ; wash the eyes out well with this.

The Haw of the eye, in the horse, is a membrane that
is used to clear the eye of dust and protect it from injury.
It descends and returns with astonishing velocity. When
the eye is inflamed, the haw hardens and projects ; and
some ignorant persons cut it off, to the serious and last-
ing injury of the poor animal.

For Sore P^yes, wash them in Castile or other mild
soap ; this will have a cleansing and curative effect.
Warm milk and water is a soothing wash, and if honey
or molasses be added, it will be still better. A weak lye
of the ashes of beech bark is excellent for sore eyes.

For Weak Eyes, wash them in warm milk in which
camomile has been steeped. Raspberry tea is also good.

FOR A FILM ON THE EYE.

Pulverize loaf sugar finely, put it in a quill, and blow
it into the eye. We have observed excellent success to
attend this simple remedy. In some cases, sight has been
restored when the animal had become completely blind.

Another Remedy. An effectual mode of removing
a film from the eye of an animal is, to apply a tea spoon-
ful of molasses to the eyeball ; so says one who has cured
oxen, horses, cows, and sheep in this way.

Another. Mr. Isaac Hamblin, of Livermore, says in
the " Maine Farmer," if the left eye be injured, he puts
a piece of fresh butter, as large as a hen's egg, into the
right ear ; and if the right eye be affected, into the left
ear. If the film is of long standing, two applications
may be necessary. It will remove it in a short time.
He has tried this remedy for forty years, v.'ithout i.nlure.

To Prevent a Film. If any horned creature si ould
have a film growing on the eye, from a hurt, put in i:ne
sa.t. It is a sure cure, but rather harsb.

HORSES.

TEBMS DENOTINa THE EXTERNAL FAKTS OF THE HORSE.

1. Muzzle.

2. Race.

3. Forehead.

4. Poll.

5. Crest.

6. Jowl.

7. Gullet.

8. Windpipe.

9. Point of the Shoulder.

10. Breast or Bosom.

11. Arm.

12. Elbow.

13. Girth.

14. Flank.

15. Sheath.

16. Stifles.

17. Withers.

18. Back.

19. Loins.

20. Hip.

21. Croup.

22. Dock.

23. Quarter.

24. Thigh or Gaskin.

25. Hamstring.

26. Joint of the Hock.

27. Ham or Hock.

28. Common.

29. Fetlock.

30. Large Pastern^

31. Small Pastern.

32. Coronet.

33. Hoof.

34. Knee.

35. Common.

36. Fetlock.

37. Heel.

38. Large Pastern.

39. Small Pastern.

40. Hoof.

The engi'avmg on the left represents the English carl-
horse, to which the highest prize of the Royal Agricul-
tural Society was awarded, in 1843. These horses are
of a large size, distinguished for strength and endurance,
and are well adapted to slow, heavy draught.

DESCRIPTION OF A GOOD HORSE.

The head should not be large, but rather light, and
neatly, not abruptly, affixed to the neck ; the eyes
bright, full, rather prominent, and set well apart ; horses
with white, or wall-eyes, cannot see well, and are more
liable to be skittish; eyelids thin and dry; the quir.
high in tte forehead; ears thin, narrow, erect, of mid.
dli^g leng h, and not distant from each other ; forehead

70 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

flat, not too large or square, and running nearly in a
straight line to the muzzle ; nostrils capacious ; muzzle
small ond fine; lips thinj mouth tolerably deepj the
iaw bones wide at top.

The neck rather short and light, as the reverse, as
well as a heavy head, induces stumbling ; ' it should not
be gross and thick, nor large and deep, but rising strong
and promptly from the shoulders and withers, and after-
wards declining and tapering to the head, with a strong
crest, and somewhat crowning at the top ; on the under
part, the neck should be straight from the chest, and by
no means convex.

The shoulders capacious, of large extent, and spread-
ing well back ; they should reach fairly to the top of the
withers^which should be well raised, but not too high ;
if the withers are low and flat on the top, the horse will
be inclined to plunge and stumble ; the chest should be
deep, rather broad, and full.

The body substantial, deep, and round, a cylinder
being the best form for capacity ; round horses have the
best wind, as their lungs have full play, and they keep
in the best condition, and require the least food; the
back a plane of good -width, handsomely rounded ; back
bone straight, or M'ith a trifling inclination, and rather
short ; a very short back indicates strength, but not
speed and action ; loins wide, and the muscles of the
reins full and swelling on each side the back bone , ribs
well rounded out ; the hip bones thrown well forward,
forming a strong loin, with a sufficient space between
the ribs and hip bones, which should be round ; the
buttocks deep and oval ; the rump level with, or not
much elevated above, the withers ; the croup must have
reasonable space, and not sink too suddenly, as that
would set the tail too low, which ought to be nearly on
a level with the back ; the dock should be strcng, and
well covered with hair.

The hinder quarters should spread to a wider extent
than the fore parts, and the hind feet stand further
asunder than those before ; the thighs should be straight,
large, muscular, and of considerable length ; the hock
wide and clean ; the shank not too long, but flat, and of

HORSES. 71

sufficient substance, its sinew large and distinct ; the fet-
locks long; the hocks should form an angle of such an
-extent as to place the feet immediately under the flank.
The fore arms, like the thighs, should be large, muscu-
lar, and of good length, the elbows not turning outwards ;
the knees large, and lean ; the shank, or cannon bone^
flat, strong, and not too long; the tendon large; the
fore arm and shank must form nearly a straight line ;
fetlock joints large and clean ; pasterns inclinmg to a
certain degree, not too long, but large in proportion to
their length ; the coronary rings not thick or swelled, bui
clean, dry, and hairy ; the feet neither too high nor too
flat, and of size apparently a sufficient base for the
weight they have to sustain ; hoofs, of color dark and
shining, without seams or wrinkles, tough and strong,
not hard like oak ; foot internally concave, sole hard,
but not shrunk, heels wide and of middling height ; frog
not too large or fleshy, but tough and sound ; the feet
of equal size, should stand exactly parallel, so that the
front or toe incline neither inward nor outward ; the
fore feet should stand perpendicular to the chest ; not
too much under it, and they should be less wide apart
than the fore arms ; the legs should not be loaded with
hair.

CHOOSING A GOOD HORSE.

Besides regarding the most prominent marks of a
good horse, there are many other things to be taken into
consideration. Perfect feet are indispensable. A horse
with bad feet is always unsafe; he will trip, and is very
liable to fall. Any tenderness or uneasiness about a
horse's feet renders him unsafe.

When a horse is offered for sale, the purchaser should
ask one question, viz : — '' Is he, in all respects, perfectly
sound ? " Should a cheat be practised, damages could
be recovered. View his feet and legs : large ridges on
the hoofs, or very flat feet, discover a horse to be subject
to founder ; large, gouty legs, with enlarged tendons,
indicate strains and other injuries. Examine his hind
legs with great attention, just below the hock, and inside
^e hind knee ; if there is anv unnatural proniinence. or

72 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

knot, unlilce the other knee, it wears the appearance ol
spavin, which renders a horse of but little value. Splent
which appears on the inside of the fore leg, and wind-
galls, upon the ankles, are unpleasant to llie eye, but
seldom produce any other injuiy than stifl'ness, as he
advances in year->.

Ride, yourself, for the purpose of trying his gaits and
other qualities, as s. rider accustomed to a horse by pri-
vate signs, such as manner of riding, bearing on the bit,
leaning forward or backward, holding tlie heels close to
the sides, &c., can make a dull horse appear gay and
spirited ; a wild horse, gentle ; a stumbler, sure-footed ;
one that is blind, appear to see ; and a starting horse,
free from that great objection, 6cc. Before mounti ng him,
examine his knees, to discover if they are skinned, the
hair off, or scarred. These are strong symptoms of his
politeness, to a fault. Ride with your bridle loose, over
an mieven ground ; if he is in the habit of stumbling, he
will very readily inform you. Then approach some
object offensive to the sight; if he. appears much
alarmed, you may judge he has long been in the habit
of that bad practice. Ride him in all his difierent gaits,
to ascertain if they are smooth, easy, and agreeable
Move him about a mile, out and back, in fully half
speed ; frequently stopping him suddenly, to try his
wind ; also if he is spavined. If his wind has been
injured, he will blow unnaturally, making a loud
wheezing noise, with great difficulty of breathing.

When a horse is rode by any person for you to judge
of his gaits, you should have him moved towards you,
from you, and finally by you, that you may have the
opportunity of discovering if there is any turning in or
about his knees and ankles, before or behind. A wel.
shaped horse will track as true, or his legs will follow
each other in as direct a line, as the wheels of a well
constructed carriage. Hard steps, short going, and great
apparent labor, is offensive to the sight, unpleasant to
the rider, and fatiguing to the horse himself.

The following judicious remarks on choosing a horsi
are from Dr. Paul Jewett, of Rowley, who, some forty or
fifty years ago, conferred an "mportant favor on the pub-

HORSES 73

lie by valuable directions for managing itock and treat-
ing sick animais :

*' There is much pleasure and profit in the service of a
good horse, and but very little of either in a bad one.
There are many mean horses that make a good appear-
ance when taken from the hands of a jockey. In pur-
chasing a horse, then, trust not too much to the seller's
word ; let your own judgment, or that of a friend, be
chiefly relied on. See that he has good feet and joints,
and that he stands well on his legs. See that his fore
teeth shut even; for many horses have their under jaw
the shortest ; these will grow poor at grass. See that
his hair is short and fine, for this denotes a good horse.
Observe his eyes, that they are clear, and free from blem
ishes ; that he is not moon-eyed, or white-eyed ; for such
are apt to start in the night. A large, hazel colored eye
is the best.

'- Take care that his wind is good ; let him be fed on
good hay for twenty-four hours ; take him then to water,
and let him drink his fill, placing him with his head the
lowest ; if then he will breathe free, there is no danger.
See that his countenance is bright and cheerful. If his-
nostrils are broad, it is a sign that he is well winded ;
narrow nostrils, the contrary.

" See that his spirits are good, yet gentle and easily
governed. In travelling, mind that he lifts his fee(
neither too high nor too low ; that he does not interfere
nor overreach, and that he carries his hind legs the
uadest. Age from five to ten is the best. There are
many tricks practised by jockeys, to make horses appear
young. Horses' teeth, when young, are wide, white and
even ; the inside of their mouth is fleshy, and their lips
hard and firm. On the contrary, the mouth of an old
horse is lean above and below ; the lips are soft and easily
turned up ; their teeth grow longer, narrower, and of a
yellow color."

I

^4 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

TO ASCERTAIN A HORSE'S AGE.

The age of a horse is only determinable with precision
by his teeth; and that rule I'ails after a certain period,
and is sometimes uncertain, even within that period. A
horse has 40 teeth ; namely, 24 double teeth or grinders,
4 tushes or single teeth, and 12 front teeth or gatherers.
Mares have no tushes, in general. The mark which
discovers the age is to be found in the front teeth, next
the tushes. In a few weeks, with some, the foal's 12
. fore teeth begin tc shoot ; these are short, round, white,
and easily distinguishable from the adult or horse's teeth,
with which they come afterwards to be mixed. At some
period between two and three years old, the colt changes
his teeth ; that is to say, he sheds the 4 middle fore teeth,
2 above and 2 below, which are some time after replaced
with horse's teeth. After three years old, 2 others are
:.hanged, one on each side the former; he has then 8
jolt's and 4 horse's teeth. After four years old, he cuts
4 new teeth, 1 on each side those last replaced, and ha;>
at that age, 8 horse's and 4 foal's teeth. These last new
teeth are slow growers, compared with the preceding ;
they are the corner teeth, next the tushes, are called
pincers, and are those which bear the mark : this ma,rk
consists in the tooth being hollow, and in the cavity
bearing a black spot, resembling the eye of a bean. The
tushes may then be felt At fotir years and a half old,
these mark teeth are just visible above the gum, and the
cavity is very conspicuous. At five years old, the horse
has shed his remaining 4 colt's teeth, and his tushes ap-
pear. At six, his tuslies are up, and appeal white, small
and sharp, near about which is observable a small circle
of young growing flesh ; the horse's mouth is now com-
plete, and the black mark has arrived at, or very near,
the upper extremity of the corner teeth At seven, the
2 middle teeth fill up. Between the seventh and eighth
year, all the teeth ace filled up, the black mark has van-
ished, and the horse is then said to be aged, and his
mouth full.

From that time forwa i, the age of the horse can only

HORSES.

76

be guessed at from certain indicaticns ; but these guesses
are usually made with considerable accuracy by experi-
enced people. If his teeth shut close, and meet even,
are tolerably white, not over long, and his gums appear
plump, you may conclude he is not yet nine years old.
At that age, and as he advances, his teeth become yellow
and foul, and appear to lengthen, from the shrinking and
receding of the gums. The tushes are blunt at nine ; bu.
at ten years old, the cavity or channel on the inside of the
upper tushes, until that period to be felt by the finger, are
entirely filled up. At eleven, the teeth will be very long,
black, and foul, but will generally meet even ; at twelve,
his upper-jaw teeth will overhang the nether; at thir-
teen, and upwards, his tushes will be either worn to the
stumps, or long, black and foul, like those of an old boar.
Beside those exhibued by the mouth, nature ever fur-
nishes a variety of signals, denoting the approach of old
age and decay, tnroughout the bodies of all animals.
After a horse has passed his prime, a hollowness of his
temples will be perceived , his muscles will be continu-
ally losing something of their plumpness ; and his hair,
that gloss and burnish which is the characteristic of
youth and prime, will look dead, faded, or entirely lose
its color in various parts. In proportion to the excess of
these appearances, will be the horse's age.

The following are among the devices practised by a
set of unfeeling rascals, who have no other rule of con-
duct than their supposed interest to counterfeit the marks
of age in horses. At four years old, they will frequently
knock out the remaining colt's teeth, in order to make
the horse appear five ; but you will be convinced of the
fraud by the non-appearance of the tushes ; and if it be
a mare, by a shortness and smallness of the corner teeth,
and, indeed, of the teeth in general. To give an old horse
the mark, is termed to bishop him ; from the name of a
noted operator. They burn a hole in each of the corner
teeth, and make the shell fine and thin, with some iron
instrument, scraping all the teeth to make them white ;
sometimes they even file them all down short and even.

76 DISEASES OF ANI3IALS.

BLIND BRIDLES.

" Look and reflect; use your own intellect."

" Yes, use your thinking powers, friends ; they were
given you to use, and not abuse. Blind bridles! truly
named, surely. Art never invented a more fatal thing to
the eyes of horses than when she devised this plan of de-
priving the horse of what nature intended he should enjoy.
But, says one, how are blinders injurious to the horse ?
Because they gather dirt and heat around the eyes
Dirt irritates the eye, and heat produces inflammation.
These bridles so entrammel the eyes of the horse that he
is compelled to be constantly straining them, to see his
way. The over exertion of the nerve brings on disease.
Eyes were not made in vain. Had they been needless,
the Creator would not have located them in the head.
They were placed on the corner of the head that he might
have the advantage of looking in different directions.
Men, in the abundance of their wisdom, concluded the
horse had too much sight, and they wished to curtail it ;
hence the origin of blind bridles. Think of this seriously,
and you will abandon the use of so destructive an ap-
pendage. Remember, that blind bridles and diseased
eyes are inseparably connected. Custom hoodwinks the
senses of men as much as blind bridles do the vision of
horses." — [J. Maddock, Farrier.']

We once had a young horse that was so frightened on
removing the blind bridle to bait him, which suddenly
brought the chaise to his sight, that he v/as restrained
with great difficulty, and would have cleared with the
carriage, had he not been pent up by the fence. We
never used the blinders again, but made him familiar
with carriages before harnessing him.

Without blinders, horses can see objects as they ap-
proach them behind , but when blinded, the object comes
close and suddenly upon them, and often occasions af-
fright.

HORSES. 77

CHECK REINS.

The check or bearing reins of a horse inswer lo good
purpose, but are a great evil ; a severe restraint and rela-
tion ; confining his head in an unnatural position, by
which he is constantly tormented. He cannot travel at
ease, nor see impediments in the road, and, when he
makes a misstep, is more liable to stumble.

We have observed that the greatest travellers are those
horses M'^hose humane masters have allowed their heads
10 be free ; and as they draw a load up hill, a motion of
the head is perceived, which supports the motion of the
feet and legs, in the same way as a man, in walking,
assists the motion of his legs by a counteracting motion
of the arms. How would a man walk with his arms
tied to his sides ? Let those who torment their horses
with unnecessary restraint, try it on themselves.

Besides these serious disadvantages in travelling, the
horse, by the use of the fixed bridle, is in a painful posi-
tion at all times ; even when standing, he cannot rest at
ease, but is incessantly tossing up his head, to get momen-
tary relief from this painful position ; which violent and
constant action produces inflammation and ulceration on'
the point upon which the head articulates with the spine ;
hence the poll evil, and here we have the reason for this
formidable disorder being almost exclusively confined tc»
carriage horses.

"We found, a long time since, by experience and obser-
vation, that horses would travel better, perform more
labor, and were less liable to stumble, when their heads
were free ; therefore, we abandoned the cruel practice ;
and we hope that it will be totally abolished, and, with
that absurd custom of using blind bridles, sink into obliv-
ion, so that, in regard to these fashions, our grand-
children may laugh at the folly of their forefathers.
7*

78 D SEASES OF ANIMALS.

STABLES.

Stables should be on an elevated, dry situation, sc
that a horse can go in and out, clean, in bad weather.
He delights in cleanliness, and would snuft' the pure
breeze, and slake his thirst at the crystal fountain. Sta
bles should be capacious, and well ventilated. These are
important requisites to the health and comfort of the
horse. All offensive matters should be removed from
the stable, lest diseases be generated. After cleaning
the stall, strew plaster on the floor, to absorb the gas.
This will pay all expense, in the improvement in the
manure.

Stables should be light, but a very strong, glaring light
should be avoided. Dark stables are injurious to the eyes ;
so is the ammonial gas that arises from impure stables.
Close, hot, foul stables, are very unwholesome. They not
only cause disease, but they make the horse tender, and
predispose him to other diseases than those generated in
the stable.

Over the horses, stables should be ceiled tight or plas-
tered, to prevent the hay from being scented by the
exhalations from the dung, urine, perspiration, and
breath.

The rack should be smooth, and the uprights about
four or four and a half inches apart, so that the horse
can conveniently draw out the fodder, and yet not draw
it out so fast as to waste it. The part of the rack next
the horse should be upright, that the chaff", dust, and
seed, may not fall down into the horse's fa !e, eyes, ears,
and mane. In some stables in England, there is no
rack, all the fodder being cut, and fed into the manger.
The halter should run through a ring, or hole in the
manger, and be kept tight by a weight of about one
pound ; then, when the halter is slack by the horse's
advancing, it is drawn up out of the way, so that he
cannot step over it. If the length of a halter is station-
ary, t is too short to allow the horse to lie down : or so
long thn\ there is danger of his stepping ove.* it, and

HORSES. 79

being cast. Many a fine horse has been ruined in this
way.

The stalls should be four and a half or five feet wide
that the horse may lie down with ease. As a level posi
tion is most natural for the horse's feet, the floor of the
staL should slope barely sufficient to drain ofi' the urine.

STABLE FLOORS.

There is no doubt that a floor of plank, or other hard
substance, is injurious, not only from its hard, unyield-
ing nature, but from its keeping the fere feet dry. The
horse, in his natural state, stands on a soft and yielding
substance, and which is often moist. The hoofs of
horses are a horny, porous, elastic substance, often
receiving moisture, which is necessary to their well
being. The constant dryness of their fore feet in stables,
may account for their being more lame in these feet.

riank floors, as usually constructed, cause horses to
stand uneasy, constantly straining some of the muscles
of their legs, while sustaining themselves in an unnatu-
ral position.

To remedy these evils, on plank floors, make them
almost entirely level, and allow horses bedding to stand
on, to mollify the hardness ; and frequently wet the fore
feet. IMany prepare a floor of earth, and there is no
doubt that it is better. Many farmers have a room
for a horse, where he can stand on the manure all win-
ter, having it levelled occasionally, especially where he
stands to eat, that it may not accumulate too high under
his hind feet. There is less waste of manure than when
thrown out, and it will not ferment so early in spring.

One of the best kind of stable floor, where the soil is
dry, is made of lime, clay, and ashes, in equal parts.
Mix into a mortar, and spread a foot deep. It will soon
dry, and make a smooth, fine flooring, easy and agreea-
ble for horses to stand on, and free from objections to
sti-^ne, brinks, and wood. When the corks on the shoe3
are L3ng and sha*^^.', have the litter deeper, to preserve
Ihe floor.

80 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

DOCKING AND NICKING.

Nicking is an innuman practice, that has gone almosi
entirely out of use. It not only inflicts severe punish-
ment on the beast, during the tedious operation, but it
weakens him forever afterwards ; it is also liable to pro
duce locked jaw.

Of late years, there are many reflecting, intelligen;
persons, who think the horse's tail was made for some
useful purpose, and that he should have it to defend him-
self from myriads of flies and insects that swarm around
him, in the warm season, to his great annoyance and
vexation. Some think the horse will look better for
being docked, and that this operation \vi\\ cause his hin<^
quarters to fill out fuller and stronger. Docking •- per
formed by a single stroke of some sharp instrument. If
it bleed too much, put the inner, soft part of sole leather
on the wound, and tie the hair over it. The tail should
be cut in a joint. This custom is declining.

EXERCISE.

Horses constantly stabled should be moderately exei-
2ised two hours a day, when the weather permits, in
order to keep up their health and strength ; for a horse
will soon lose his strength as well as health, without
exercise, if confined. Much depends on age, as a young
horse requires more exercise than an old one. For
neither should it be violent ; and the horse should not
be put up till he is cool ; nor should he be allowed to cool
at rest ; but during very gentle exercise. Horses run-
ning in the pasture are better for moderate exercise
frequently.

A horse's exercise should be in proportion to his
strength, manner of feeding, labor required, &c.

Horses should not be rode fast after having been
newly fed and watered. A fat horse requires a long
20urse of moderate exercise before he c an be safely put
lo a violent trot.

It should be a general rule to ride a horse moderately

HORSES. 81

at the beginning of a stage ; afterwards increase the
pace, and slacken it again a mi]e or two before stop-
ping, so as to bring hira tolerably cool into the stable
[See remarks on Exercise, page 20.]

REARING AND TRAINING COLTS.

In his infancy, the colt will generally get along very
U'ell by his own exertions, with the affectionate care of
his mother. But sometimes, colts, like calves and lambs,
are weak or foolish, and need assistance ; and, again,
the mother may be ignorant or unfeeling, and some
attention may be necessary.

The sooner the training commences, the better, after
the colt is several weeks old, if it be done by a discreel
person, so that he may receive the kindest treatment
He may be fastened by a halter, where he cannot mjure
himself, or shut up in a safe room. The better way is
to fasten him, generally ; then, after having tried in vain
to break away, he will learn to stand hitched, and by
leading him, and handling him when fastened, he will
the sooner be tamed and rendered familiar.

There are many disadvantages in colts following their
dams, and they should frequently be left at home when
their mothers are going far and will return the same
day or evening, or are going a moderate distance and
back quick, so that the exercise would be too much for
the colt. If the mare travels far in hot weather, the colt
will not only be injured by travelling, but he will be
greatly injured by using heated milk. If he be left at
aome, the milk can be extracted on the way, to prevent
injury to the mare ; and. on returning, it should be
nearly all drawn out, to prevent injury lo the colt ; then
he will gradually fill his stomach, as the milk is secreted.
This is by far the better way of the two ; but the best
way of all is to use the mare but little. Some would
object to the colt's going M-ithout milk all day. What
io they think of thousands of calves that do this, and
grow and flourish well ?

Sometimes colts will go off after another horse. Again,
ihty will start *; go abroad, and will not follow well ;

82 DISEASES OF ANLCALS.

and they often busy themselves in eating harnesses.
These are all vexations.

Colts are weaned when four to seven months old.
They should be put into a small enclosure, for conve-
nience in seeing to them often, where there is pure
water, a plenty of sweet herbage, and trees, or some-
thing that will be

" From storms a shelter, and from heat a shade."

Give them a little salt. If weaned after the green herb-
age is gone, feed on rowen, well saved, clover, and a
few roots. A little meal and a few oats are good.

Take colts to the barn in the fall, when cold nights
come on ; and give them clover hay, roots, and some
provender. They require special attention the first
winter. A little exercise is of great advantage. Under
a wise manager, they may be trained to a sleigh. When
well disciplined, drive moderately ; walk up hill, and
down hill, too, if quite steep. Consider that a colt is a
" wee bit of a thing," compared with a horse, in strength ;
and he should be put to no hardships. Gentle training
will save breaking, and he will make a more intelligent
and tractable horse. Put no weights on his back in his
tender age.

Colts are seldom or never vicious by nature. If well
educated, by first learning them what they are required
to perform, and then encouraged and directed, by gentle
means and the kindest treatment, there would seldom be
any trouble, or need of compulsion or severity. [See
Training and Breaking, page 27, and the following
article.]

TAMING, TRAINING, AND BREAKING.

We have given some general rules on this subject.
We here give modes of taming wild and vicious horses,
and training horses, generally, to specific purposes.

TAMIXO VICIOUS HORSES.

Mr. Denton Offutt, of Kentucky, distinguished him-
self in taming horses, in all their varieties of vices and
faults. He would make any horse follow him in the

HORSES.

83

street, in a few minutes. His mode was very gentle
He slijwly approaclied a horse, rubbed him gently on the
nead in the direction of the hair, the faster the better ;
then rubbed and patted him all over, going to his head
whenever he seemed alarmed. He would put on the
bridle and halter ; talk kindly to him, saying, '"■ come
along." Put on and took off the saddle, always calming
his fears with kindness. In this way, he would tame
and subdue by gentleness ; the horse would become
familiar, pleased, and tractable.

TA.MIXG ANIMALS.

Mr. Catlin, m his work on the North American Indians,
gave the following account of their method of taming the
wild buffalo calves, and vnld horses : —

" I have often, in concurrence with a well-known cus-
tom of the country, held my hand over the eyes of the
calf, and breathed a few strong breaths into his nostrils ;
after which, I have rode several miles into our encamp-
ment, with the little prisoner busily following the heels
of my horse, as close and affectionately as its instinct
would attach it to the company of its dam. During the
time that I resided at this point, in the spring of the
year, on my way up the river, I assisted in bringing in,
in the above manner, several of these little prisoners,
which sometimes followed for five or six miles close to
our horses'" heels, and even into the fur company's fort,
and into the stables where our horses are led.

In the same way the wild horses are tamed. "When
the Indian has got him well secured with thi lasso, and
a pair of hobbles on his feet, he gradually advances
until he is able to place his hand on the animal's nose,
over his eyes, and at length to breathe in its nostrils, when
it soon becomes docile and conquered ; so that he has
little more to do than to remove the hobbles froDi his
feet, and ride him into the camp."

The following is an account of an experim.ent by this
mode. A horse-tamer saw a farmer and his tenants
trying, ineflectually, to break a horse in the old way ;
Knd he proposed to try the effect of his new mode. The

84 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

filly was tied short up to a tree by the wall, aud the
tainer was warned to be cautious, as she would strike
him with her fore feet. He apiv cached cautiously ovei
the wall, and by the tree. Immediately upon his touch
mg the halter, the horse pranced about, and finally
pulled away, Math a dogged and stubborn expression,
which seemed to bid defiance. Taking advantage of
this, he leaned over as far as he could, clinging all the
time to the tree with his right hand, and succeeded in
breathing in one nostril, without, however, being able
to blind the eyes. From that moment, all became easy.
He was very skilful in the management of a horse,
coaxed it, and rubbed its face, and breathed from time
to time into the nostrils, while the horse offered no resist-
ance. In about ten minutes, he declared his conviction
that the horse was subdued ; and he then unfastened it,
and, to the great and evident astonishment of all, led
it quietly away with a loose halter. Stopping in the mid-
dle of the field, with no one else near, he quietly walked
up to the horse, placed his arm over one eye, and his
hand over the other, and breathed in the nostrils. It
was pleasing to observe how agreeable this operation
appeared to the horse, who put up his nose to receive
the puff'. In this manner, he led the horse through all the
fields to the stable yard, where he examined the fore feet
of the horse, which off"ered no resistance, but while he
was examining the hind feet, bent its neck round, and
kept nosing his back. He next buckled on a surcingle,
and then a saddle, and finally fitted the horse with a
rope. During the whole of these operations, the horse
did not ofler the slightest resistance, nor did it flinch in
the least degree.

BREAKING AND TAMING WILD HORSES.

The following mode was practised by Mr. Jonathan
Smith, of Virginia. A vicious mare was given him to
tame? which, it was said, he could not manage, unless he
dealt with the devil, for she was a wild, skittish young
thing, high-tempered, and disposed to kick and bite.

He orcteicd her into a stable, and then entered and
fastened the door. Before she had time to suiTcy him

HORSES. 85

he was giving her the lash smartly. Around she weni,
kicking and jumping. No rest was given; the sweat
flowed, and she slackened in her movements. When
she approached him, he slacked his M-hi[-, held out his
hand, and said, "Come along."' Again she was off, and
the lash applied. This was repeated several times before
she would advance, and when she moved towards him
he approached and patted her, and as he moved away,
and said, •'•' Come along," she followed. In a moment
she darted off; he applied the lash smartly. She stopped,
trembled, and approached him ; he patted her neck, and
said, '-'Come along," and she followed him several times
round the stable. "When she lagged, he was away, and
the whip applied. After that, she would not remain two
feet from him.

He ordered the door opened, and the mare followed
close to him to the crowd and back to the stable. This
shows the general course, but not all the acts, in the tragi-
comedy. It required about half an hour ; and he said
that it would not need repeating ; that it was humane.
as it prevented further contention.

TO TRAIN A SHY OR SKITTISH HORSE.

Never strike him for swerving, as this will increase
his fears ; but gently rub him in the face, and walk by
the side of his head to the cause of alarm, and let him
examine it ; then go back, and let him slowly approach
the object again ; repeat, if necessary. We were once
training a high-spirited and skittish colt, and he stopped
with affright at a lock of hay in the road ; we gently
led him to the frightful object, and allowed him to "eat it,
to show him his folly.

Notwithstanding his spirit and shyness, we trained
him to stop short or lie still at the word wha ! (long a,
that he might distinguish from the word go !) on any
emergency, even if lying uncomfortably in a snow-bank ;
and we taught him to stop suddenly, whenever the har
ness broke or halter fell, even when travelling rapidly on
a dark night. [See Blind Bridles.]

Lead a horse carefully over bridges, till his shyness
abates; but if he continues shy, always lead h'm orer

86 DISEASES OF AISIAALS.

Vidges that are not well railed, when you have any per-
son in a carriage, as lives have been lost by horses
springing suddenly from bridges, and plunging into the
stream.

TRAINING TO VAKIOUS PURPOSES.

To MAKE A Horse follow you. You may make any
horse follow you in ten minutes ; go to the horse, rub
nis face, jaw, and chin ; leading him about, saying to
him, ''come along;" a constant tone is necessary; by
taking him away from persons and horses, repeat rub-
bing, leading, and stopping. Sometimes turn him round
all ways, and keep his attention by saying, " Come along.'-
With some horses, it is important to whisper to them, as
it hides the secret, and gentles the horse ; )'ou may use
any word you please, but be constant in your tone of
voice. The same will cause all horses to follow.

How TO MANAGE A KicKiNG HoRSE. First make a stall.
or pen, for your horse, in which he cannot turn round,
and with slats, through wh:ch you can put your hand to
rub him in the face, and all over, two or three times, —
raising his tail gently, three or four times ; then touch
one of his fore legs, and say to him " foot," " foot," until
he shows a willingness to raise his foot ; raise his foot
up, and put it down, some three or four times ; then gc
all round, until fear is removed. All you wish a horse
to do ought to be done three or four times, repeated two
or three days in succession.

To TRAIN A HoRSE TO THE Saddle. You may begin
by showing him the blanket, rubbing him with it, and
throwing it on his back ; in a short time, you may lay
the saddle on, and, after fondling him a few minutes,
you may fasten it, and ride him with safety. It is better
for one person to stand by his head at first, and keep
him quiet ; and then to lead him along until all danger
is over. If he is dangerous, you may exercise him for
some time, by leading him, and leaving him, as he be-
comes more and more gentle in working. You can then
manage him with more safety. It is better to wcrk a
horse to make him very gentle.

To TRAIN A Horse to the Harness You must be

HORSES. 87

verj- gentle vnih him. You may commence by throw-
mg a rope over the back, and letting it hang loose on
both sides ; then lead him about, caressing him, until he
becomes satisfied that it will not hurt him ; then put
on the harness, and pull gently on the traces — in a short
time, by this kind treatment, he will be prepared for
work.

To MAKE A Horse stand ^v^ILE you mouxt. Get on
and dismount four or five times before you move him
out of his tracks ; and, by repeating this, any horse will
stand still.

To CURE A Biting Horse. Biting is a bad and dan-
gerous habit. It is said that the bite of a horse that is
not mad will sometimes produce madness. The follow-
ing is regarded as an effectual, but barbarous remedy ;
but it is to cure a savage habit. A horse would better
burn himself than bite people repeatedly. Roast or bake
a piece of meat, and present it hot as he attempts to bite.
Be cautious lest he bite a piece of live flesh instead of hot
meat.

To ACCUSTOM A HoRSE TO THE USE OF A GuN, UmBRELLA,

&c. Commence by shoAnng your friendship, by rubbing
the horse's face with your hand ; then snap and explode
percussion caps with a pistol ; let the horse frequently
smell the powder and smoke ; then you will fire small
reports, until fear is removed; then overhead, and be-
hind the horse, until all is free. If you have a very wild
horse, place him in a stall, so as to have him safe ; then
fire a gun all around him, and go often up to him, speak
to him, and rub him in the face, and then fire the gua
again, until he is free from starting. To make a horse
used to an umbrella, walk before him, raising it up and
shutting it again ; let him smell it, and rub it over his
head ; then get on him, gently raise it, and ride him
ilong, until the fear is over.

To TEACH A Horse to lie down. First, with some soft
tiandkerchief or cloth, tie up one fore leg ; then, with a
■stick, tap him on the other, and say " kneel ;" sometimes^
oy rubbing him on the head, and patting him on the leg,
you will induce him to lie down. It appears thaf; all
horses are inclined to obey, when you teach them that
vou will not hurt them.

88 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

To PREVENT A HoRSE BREAKING A HaLTER OR ErIDLS.

First, strong halter liim with one that will not draw, as
that often makes his jaw sore ; then fasten him to some-
thing which he cannot pull loose, and let him pull ; in-
deed, make him pull until he is unwilling to pull any
more. You then get on and ride him a mile or two, and
tie him so again, and let him stand quiet. To prevent a
horse breaking a bridle, put a thin, soft pad under that
part that passes over the top of his head, with little sharp
nails, so arranged that they will run through the pad and
prick him when he pulls.

To PREVENT Stu.mbling. If a horse stumbles or trips,
it is a common iractice to strike him for it. This will
not mend his ha jits, but will add to them, if he has spirit,
that of springing forward with dangerous quickness
whenev^er it occurs — as he will expect the lash to follow.
The remedy is, to keep an eye upon the road, and where,
from stones or unevenness, falling is apprehended, tighten
the reins and enliven the horse, but never strike him after
the accident.

To MANAGE A CONTRARY RaCE-HoRSE. If he StOpS or

sulks, go to him, and speak kindly to him ; rub him down
the face, using the bridle no more than you can help ;
ttirn him to the right or left, until he starts, as he will be
most apt to start, at the second or third motion ; then
continue rubbing him in the face, talking to him as in
other cases, keeping him quiet by leading him about.
Continue to rub him in the face, and use the same tone
of voice.

To MANAGE A SuLLEN HoRSE. If a horsc Ucs down,
and will not get up, drive a stake in the ground and
fasten him down for ten or twelve hours ; then loosen
him, work him for about an hour, water and feed him,
and he \v\\\ "know better next time." Or apply your
hands to the nostrils and stop his breath, and he will
soon start.

To STOP A Headstrong Horse. Connected with the
reins have a covering that, by a spring, may be suddenly
thrown over his eyes, which will blind and stop hini.
Or have extra reins extending from the top of the head-
stall through rings on the hames, near the top, or D's

HORSES. 89

in the saddle. Put a narrow or round strap under the
throat, and fasten to these reins, on each side bringing
the reins down low. On drawing these reins, the strap
will chokt and stop the horse.

CARE OF A HEATED OR WET HORSE.

Walking. When a horse comes to the stable sweat-
ing copiously, he must not stand still, especially in cool
weather, as he will be likely to take cold, inflamed lungs,
or founder. But, by gentle motion, he will gradually
cool, and these evils will be avoided.

If a horse be wet, he should be walked until dry ; for,
in this process, the evaporation carries off a great deal
of heat from the body, and produces chill, colds, and
diseases. But by moderate exercise, the heat is kept up
till the drying is completed.

WispiNtt. If a horse be wet from water, or perspira-
titn, and cannot be dried by moderate exercise, the
water should first be scraped out of his coat, and the
drying completed by wisping; and it should be done
immediately, attending first to the belly and legs. To
do this well, requires skill and a strong arm.

Clothing. If several horses need drying at the same
time, and there is not sufficient help, put warm clothing
on them J but if possible, scrape them first.

DRESSING VICIOUS HORSES.

Some horses seem naturally averse to the operations
of the groom. But many are rendered vicious by the
harshness, timidity, or folly of the keeper.

Biting may be prevented by tying he head to the
rack, or ring outside the stall, or by fitting on a muz-
zle. Some horses are so prone to biting, that it is dan-
gerous to pass near their heads. Some biters are safe
with the bridle on, and the bits in the mouth. Others
behave very well when blindfolded. But some are so
vicious that if prevented from biting by restraining the
head, they will beat down their keepers with their fore
feet.

8*

90 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

Kicking is a worse habit. A groom of courage and
authority, sometimes threatening, and now and then
striking with a switch, will gene:ally keep a kicking
horse in subjection. The strap is a good remedy
Take up a fore leg, and bend the knee till the foot
almost touches the elbow ; then apply a strap over the
fore arm and pastern ; then he cannot kick ; or the
exceptions are few. Change the legs each time. They
should be held up at first. Keep out of the reach of a
kicking horse, or so near him that an attempt to kick
will be only a push.

UTILITY OF DRESSING AND FRICTION

It improves the appearance, and renders the hair
glossy and smooth. When the coat of a horse is in
good condition, it is a little oily, which causes it to shed
the water. The anointing matter is secreted by the
skin, and this secretion is much influenced by the
grooming. A want, or redundancy, of perspiration
injures the coat. Hence a horse that is often and
severely heated, needs much dressing to keep him in
tolerable plight.

Grooming has an important effect on health, as well
as in the appearance. A healthy state of the skin is
very conducive to a healthy condition of the bowels and
lungs, as there is an intimate connection between them.
If, from a sudden cold, the pores of the skin become
closed, insensible perspiration is impeded in its usua.
course, and the system becomes diseased. Hence the
importance of washing, bathing, and rubbing the body
of the human subject, and of currying, brushing, rub-
bing, and occasionally washing animals ; not on.y
horsesj but all others.

SHOEING.

A smith who shod for the hunt, and who said that he
should have to shut up shop if a shoe was lost, as it
might cause the loss of a horse worth a thousand pounds,
fastened /he shoe as foil ws : — As he drove the nails, he

HORSES. 91

merely bent the pmnts down to the hoof, without twist-
ing them off, as the usual practice is. He then drove
the nails home, and clenched them. He then twisted
off the nails, and filed them lightly, to smooth them ;
thus having, as he remarked, a clench and rivet to hold
the nail. [See Diseases of the Feet.]

TO SAVE HORSES FROM FIRE.

Horses are frequently burnt to death, when bams oi
stables are on fire, owing to the impossibility of leading
or driving them out of the building, while their eyes are
dazzled by the light. But we are assured that by sim-'
ply covering their eyes with a bag, blanket, coat, or
pocket handkerchief, they may be led out of danger
without trouble or difficulty. It is said that by throwing
a saddle, or anything else, on the back a*' a horse, in such
cases, he may be led out.

FOOD, AND ITS PREPAl ATION.

GREEX HERBAGE.

Green herbage, in great variety, is the natural food
of the horse. This is the most wholescme : for on this he
is less liable to disease than when .mder an artificial
course of feeding. This food is rathar laxative, so that
It keeps the bowels in good condition ; it contains suffi-
cient nutriment, and is not liable to produce plethora
nor does it have the heating and constipating effects of
grain and other concentrated food.

Grasses are the principal food of horses : yet they eat
of almost every kind 'if herbage. In this way, they are
supplied with a great variety of food, affording all the'
necessary elements of nutrition. The principal grasses
cultivated in this country, are herds-grass, red-top, and
red and white clover ; all of which are excellent. There
are other grasses cultivated to less extent, and many
kinds grow spontaneously. A few grasses salivate the
horse. [See Salivation.]

IiiDiAjf Corn. Green coras.alks are a good food for

92 DISEASES OF ANIMyiLS.

horses and other stock. Some have worked on it foi
months, without grain. In such cases, it is tne better
for having age and substance. [See Food tor Cattle.]

Small Grains and other Plants. The small grains,
while the straw is green, or while they are growing, and
led off like grass, are excellent food for horses. Millet, in
the green slate, is good horse feed. Besides the things
we have named, there are hundreds of plants, far too
numerous to mention, indigenous and exotic, cultivated
and spontaneous, that are nutritious and palatable food
for horses, cattle and sheep.

' DRY HERBAGE.

Hay is the principal dry fodder used in this country
for horses and other stock ; and although a few varieties,
such as herds-grass, red-top and clover, are the principal
kinds used, yet owing to soil, their growth, the time of
cutting, the weather for saving, the manner of curing,
and the condition in which they are saved, there is a vast
difference in the quality of hay. Whilo some kinds are
worth 820 per ton, others are not worth v^5, and some lots
are fit only for manure.

Herds-grass, (Timoth)',) with a little red-top and clo-
ver, makes a very substantial fodder for animals that are
at hard labor ; but for milch, growing, or idle animals,
clover, well cured, is a superior article. To make it
without wasting the leaves, put it into tumbles when
partially dry. This will cause the moisture to spread
from the stalk to the dry portions ; then open and dry
again. If not well made when got in, put it with straw^
old hay, or coarse vines or herbage, in alternate layers.
These will save it. and become sweet by contact.

Quality of Hay. Hay is of various qualities, as we
have named. Some is cut too early, and is flashy c.nd
too physical for laboring animals. Some stands too long
in the field, and becomes lifeless. It sometimes lodges,
and is poor when cut. In bad weather, or by neglect, it
is exposed to rains or dews, and much injured. The hot
sun, after it is pretty well made, destroys its sweetness
and fine fragrance. Hay is often put into the barn m
too green or damp state, and mow-buiQ?, and becomes

HORSES.

93

musty and poor. Some save hay by much salt ; but if
more salt is put on than animals would eat while con-
suming the hay, which is about four or five quarts to the
ton, it will be injurious. This would give a horse that
eats four Ions a year, about forty or fifty pounds of salt,
which is much more than the usual allowance of an
ounce a day, or eight ounces a week. Avoid all kinds
of bad hay," if you would keep your animals in good con-
dition.

Straw, of various kinds, is used as food for stock. It
contains some nutriment, and when animals are fed
highly on grain, straw is better than hay, as it gives
bulk to fill the stomach, with less nutriment. The value
of straw depends much on the time it is harvested, and
the manner of saving It is much better for being cut
in a machine.

Corn fodder is valuable, being very nutritious and
palatable, when cut in season and well cured. A good
crop will afford six tons of dry fodder to the acre.

Other Plants. As we have said of green herbage,
there are hundreds of plants that afford good dry fodder,
when cut in their tender state and well saved. Some,
that animals will not eat in their green state, are quickly
devoured when dry. Horses and other animals will eat
poisonous plants, and lobelia, in a dry state, which they
avoid when green. [See Poisons.]

GRAIN.

Oats are used more extensively for horses than any
grain. They are an excellent food, giving strength and
spirit ; and, owing to the hull, they afford the stimulus
of distention, as well as nutriment. They are less liable
to injure horses than corn, wheat or rye, which are more
solid, or concentrated food. There is a vast difference
in the value of oats, — some having full meat, others
bemg mostly hulls. Some weigh twice as much as
others, and this should be considered in purchasing and
feeding.

Bad oats are often given to horses, which have an un-
favorable effiect, producing the diabetes and other dis-
eases. Sometim=,s oats are injured by storms, or in

94 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

suring. New oats, not well saved, are harvi to digest,
and rather purgative. If too old, they become musty,
and full of insects. Some contain dirt, dust, earth, ikc.

Freparati'm and Feeding. Horses prefer oats whole
and raw. Grinding is not generally considered profita-
oie. Bruising is good, but it is much labor. Soaking
is good ; even wetting is beneficial in hot weather
When horses are travelling, they waste oats from a
trough, and they lose many from provender baskets by
tossing up the head. Nose-bags are best, with a good
fit, to prevent waste, yet allowing room for the jaws tt-
operate.

Indian Corn is used to a great extent in this country
for horses ; it being the cheapest grain raised, consid-
ering the nutriment it contains. But, owing to its heat-
ing properties, and the large amount of nutriment in a
small space, it should not be given alone, excepting in
moderate quantities. Hence the advantage of grinding
the cob with the corn, to add to the bulk. The cob con-
tains some nutriment, also. Meal, or craeked corn, is
better than whole corn. If a horse be fed on whole corn,
fowls will live well on the manure, or particles of undi-
gested grain that are voided. Some soak corn a day or
two before feeding, which is doubtless an advantage.

Bakley. Some regard barley as valuable as oats,
pound for pound. Others say it is heating and laxative.
Its laxative effects soon cease. It is better for boiling or
soaking ; or grind and scatter it on cut, moistened fodder.
Feed lightly at first.

Wheat is hard to masticate and digest ; therefore it is
not good food without preparation. Horses are very fond
of It, and will eat it to excess. It is said to be poisonous
in large quantities. It has proved fatal in several cases.
Wheat bran, pollard, and shorts, are valuable for mashes.

Buckwheat is but little used for horse feed. In some
parts of Europe it is used, being first made into bread.
Some say this grain is too laxative ; others, that it has
stupefying effects.

Rye is but little used as food for stock. We have
observed that it is laxative ; and this might be inferred
from its peculiar qualities. A good preparation would
be to ^nd it and strew the meal on fodder

HORSES. 95

KOOTS.

POTATOES, both raw and cooked, are a gooc food for
horses. They are rather laxative, especially raw. In
large quantities, raw, they are apt to produce colic in
horses not accustomed to them. They are in some
measure a substitute for grain, in horses accustomed to
slow work, md they are better than grain to keep idle
horses in an healthy state ; but for horses accustomed to
speed and violent exertion, this food is not sufficiently
solid. A very few may be given at night, or a moderate
mess on Saturday night, when the horse is allowed to
rest on Sunday. They prevent costiveness.

Turnips are much used in England as food of farm
and cart-horses. Ruta-bagas are best. The white are
poor. For sIom' workers, turnips, to a moderate extent,
supersede grain ; but for fast workers, they are a substi-
tute for hay. They are better cooked. Turnips produce
a good skin, and a smooth, shining coat. It is best to
give them at night.

Carrots are probably the best roots for horses. "When
first given they are slightly laxative and diuretic, but in a
short time these effects abate. They improve the condi-
tion of the skin. They are a good alterative for horses
out of condition. To sick and idle horses they render
grain unnecessary. They are good in diseases of the
skin ; and they are very useful in chronic cough and bro-
ken wind. They are excellent in restoring a worn-down
horse. Carrots are fed raw. They should be washed
and sliced. For slow working' horses they answer in-
stead of grain. One bushel of oats and one of carrots
are considered equal to two bushels of oats. Horses
like carrot-tops, and they are considered wholesome.

Parsnips are much used in France as horse feed. In
some places they are used for fattening all kinds of
stock. It is said that they injure the eyes of horses, but
this is not well established, as in some parts they are
used extensively, without this effect. Parsnips are used
raw and boiled. Their leaves, in good^ condition, are
eaten as readily as clover.

Beets, Artichokes, Vegetable Oysters, and other
roots, have been but little used for horses.

96 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

Washing Roots. A little dirt may do no injury,
sspecially in winter. Some think it is beneficial. Sheep
are doubtless benefited by a little. The dirt has a laxa-
tiv^e effect ; and the roots, and salt used on them, have
the same effect. This may be sufficient without dirt.
The dirt may wear the teeth too fast, and sometimes
horses loathe it. It is but a little trouble to Avash them
in a machine, or by putting them into a basket, and
shaking them in a tub of water.

VARIOUS OTHER FOOD.

Beans are seldom used in this country. In England,
they are much used. Old beans are preferred, as new
are more datulent and harder to digest, producing colic
and founder. Sometimes they are mouldy, and insects
may eat out the flour and vital part. Beans are very
nutritious, heating and constipating. Therefore, use
them sparingly. Grind them, and strew the meal on
fodder. The meal is good for diabetes.

Peas are much the same as beans, only rather harder
to digest. The meal is still better for diabetes.

Flax-seed, in small quantities, either whole or ground,
raw or boiled, is sometimes given to sick horses. It is
too nutritious for a fever, or any condition that requires
light food. But it is excellent for a cough ; it makes
the skin loose, and the coat smooth and shining. Half
a pint may be mixed with the food every night. For a
cough, it should be boiled, and given in a bran mash,
and the compound will be improved in its medical qual-
ities by adding a little coarse sugar, honey, or molasses.

Oil Cake, ground, which is called oil meal, is very
good in boiled food, which is not very rich ; or it may
be prepared by turning on water, and let it stand awhile.
En this state, it may be sprinkled on to cut feed, or any
fodder. Two pounds a day is the usual allowance ; it
makes the hair glossy, and the skin soft and pliant.

Hemp-seed is supposed to be invigorating and good for
the wind. It is given to stallions in the travelling sea-
son The allo^^ance is four or five ounces every night.

Egmjs and New Milk are given to stallions in the sea-
mm they are much used, but the former is a very expen

I

HORSES. 97

5've food. In Arabia these articles are consid ^nbly
used for horses. IMilk is the natural food of the colt, for
the first four or six months.

Bread is considerably used on the continent of Eu
rope, as horse feed. It is made from various kinds of
gTain, and fermented. It is nutritious and wholesome,
and, in some sections, economical.

Fkuits, of various kinds, are used, such as apples,
pumpkins, sweet potatoes, chestnuts, dates, &:c. Some
ihink pumpkin-seeds should be removed ; lest, from their
diuretic quality, they produce diabetes.

Flesh and Fish are fed to horses in Iceland, and some
parts of Norway.

PREPARATION OF FOOD.

Something has already been said on this subject, in
regard to several kinds of food which we have named
[See, also, page 31.]

Cutting Fodder. There are several advantages in
cutting fodder. Different kinds may be mixed together,
and all consumed without waste, the unpalatable with
the good. "When a horse is heated, hungry, and thirsty,
he may eat moistened food, and thus quench his thirst,
satisfy his hunger, and cool gradually ; when, without
this preparation of food, he would be too hot to drink,
and too thirsty to eat dry fodder.

By this preparation, a horse has time to eat his food,
and lie down, and rest, instead of standing all night, and
chewing hard, long, dry fodder. This is important,
v/hen a horse has been on his legs all day.

Cut and moistened fodder prevents the heaves, and it
cures this disorder, or so far relieves it, that animals
which have been thus affected, are enabled to do good
service, and appear to be cured. The superintendent of
a stable of forty horses, informed us, that during many
years' experience, and his horses in very hard service, he
never had one affected with the heaves ; and several that
he procured, when they had this disorder, in some cases
severely, were cured in the course of a few months, and
not troubled in this way again while under his care.
He attributed these favorable results to the constant use
9

98 DISE SES OF ANIMALS.

of moist fooi'.. Foddijr should not be cut very short, as
some animals swalloA'it without chewing it well. In
such cases, the sharp ends of fodder have cut the intes-
tines so as to produce blood in the dung. From one and
a half to two and a iialf inches is short enough. Some
cut it two or three inches long.

Soaking Fodder. Some soak fodder from morning
:ill night, and the reverse, and prefer this to cutting.
It greatly promotes mastication and digestion. In this
case, it would be well to have stock in a cellar during
winter.

GENEKAL REMARKS ON FOOD AND FEEDING.

When great labor is required, feed a horse on dr)' fod-
der, cut and moistened, and grain ground or cracked.
This is the best practice in this country and Europe.
When horses are heated, and pressed hard, without time
to rest, give them meal in soft, but not cold water. If the
horse has time to eat, give him moistened fodder. Grain
gives the horse strength, affording much nutriment to
support the wear of muscle under great exertion. But
for his health, he should occasionally have roots ; or
feed these in very small quantities, if" violent exertion is
required; and to slow working and idle horses, feed
them constantly. They keep the animal in better health
than grain ; they open the bowels, cool the blood, deter
mine the secretions to the surface, render the skin loose,
and the hair smooth and glossy ; and besides the advan-
tage of keeping the horse in good condition, roots are a
cheaper food than grain.

The food of a horse has great effect on diseases.
Wounds heal more kindly ; inflammatory diseases are
not so fatal, or are more easily cured ; and chronic dis-
orders frequently abate, or entirely disappear, under the
use of grass or other green herbage. But on such food,
his flesh is .soft, he sweats more, and is sooner exhausted.
Such food is not suitable for horses at hard labor ; but it
will answer for slow, moderate work.

When horses are first taken from grass, they shoii.d
be gradually accustomed to a dry diet, by giving them
laxative food, such as roots, mashes, clover hay, ice,
with their otter fodder, which should be gradually

HORSES. 99

increased, and oats or other grain should be fed lightly^
at first. They should be put into a cool stable, and have
a plenty of walking exercise, or light labor. Thei:e pre-
cautions will save medicine and horses.

As horses for labor are to be kept only in condition,
not fattened for slaughter, they should always have
moderate exercise, and food should not be kept con^
stantly before them ; but there should be intervals
of three or four hours between eacli meal, that they may
rest, and regain their appetites ; and that one meal may
be well digested, before another is taken into the stom-
ach, to over-tax the digestive organs with a double task
at once. Some animals have no discretion, and some
keepers of stock exercise no more judgment, but keep
horses always eating, causing a burthen of fat and
disease, in horses not exercised.

WATER.

Pond, river, or brook water, if it be pure and sweet,
agrees well with horses. Hard water is said to be im-
proved by throwing in chalk or clay, and exposing it in
cisterns to the open air. Sometimes hard water at first
relaxes the bowels, and affects the skin, causing the coal
to staer. When water is taken from cold fountains, in
hot weather, it should stand an hour or two before used ;
or add warm water or meal. Cold water is refreshing
to a thirsty, heated horse ; and, if allowed, he would
drink to his own destruction. After he has stopped two
or three minutes, to recover his wind, he may drink a
little cold water, and travel on immediately, to keep
up the temperature of the system. In winter, guard
against extremely cold water, by ice or snow in it, oi by
exposure to the freezing atmosphere.

CARE OF HORSES IN TRAVELLING.

Take particular care of your horse at every stop; ng-
place, and see yourself that he is properly treated.
Sometimes the hay at taverns is poor : in that case,
your horse must have more grain. If you feed freely

100 DISEASES OF ANI3IALS.

on grm.n, he should be accustomed to it, else the s'addea
change may prove injurious. Oats are not so solid food
as Indim corn, of course less liable to injure the horse.

If grain be given mostly at night, it will become well
diges|ed, and nourish and strengthen the horse ; but if
fed freely just before starting, the horse v»'ill travel with
difficulty ; the digestion will not be complete, and the
food will pass off without affording proper nourishment.
Hard driving after eating is more injurious than eat-
ing after hard ariving.

Many persons, on starting from home, or on the road,
will stud' their horses with fodder, and then with grain,
which ihey will eat, though full enough before ; like the
thoughtless child, who will eat a piece of pie, though
already pretty full. Hard driving, under such circum-
stOxices, is ruinous; the horse should go moderately till
the contents of the stomach are reduced.

When travelling, allow the horse to drink often, and
but little at a time, especially if he be heated, and the
water cold ; then he will not wish to drink to excess ;
and when he stops, let him cool before drinking. I\Iean-
while, he may eat moist food. If a horse grows costive,
give him some mashes of scalded bran, or a mess of
potatoes or carrots, at night.

After travelling, a horse's feet should be picked, and
all dirt and gravel washed out. In hot weather, wash-
ing his legs is proper, but they should always be well
rubbed and dried, afterwards. In cold weather, cold
water is injurious to the heels, and apt to bring on swell-
ing, and tile grease. V/ashing a horse's legs and feel
in brine prevents stiffness in the joints, and it makes
the hoofs tough. [For further directions on this subject,
see Food, Water, Feeding on the Road, General Man-
agement, &c.]

FEEDING ON THE ROAD.

Many persons, in travelling, feed their hoises too
much and too often — continually stuffing them, not
allowing the » time to rest and digest their f wd ; of
course they suffer from over-fulness, and Cc rrying

HORSES. 101

unnecessary weight. Some make it a lale to bait everj
ten miles, which is very inconsistent, £s in some jases,
with a lleet animal, good road, favorable weather and
load, this distance may be travelled in one third the
time that it can under unfavorable circumstances as to
speed. It would be better to regulate the feeding by
time rather than distance.

Mr. S. B. Buckley, who made a botanical tour among
the Cumberland IMountains, says, in the Albany Culti-
vator, " Four young men came in, travellers on horse-
back, who, according to the southern custom, ride all
day, \\ithout stopping to dine or feed their horses.
Horses will do well and keep in good condition under
such treatment, as I can testify from experience."

Horses should be well fed in the evening, and not
stuffed too full in the morning, and the travelling should
be moderate on starting, with a horse having a full
stomach. If a horse starts in good condition, and trav-
els rather quick, he can go twenty or twenty-five miles
without baiting ; this is evident, when we consider the
time necessar}'' to accomplish this space with tolerable
speed ; as it will require only three or four hours. On
:he contrary, with a heavy load and bad road, a horse
would only go eight or ten miles in that time. Why
cannot horses travel half a day. or four hours, without
eating, as well as to work that time on a farm ? If there
be more exertion on the road, it is a reason against fre-
quent feeding at that time.

GENERAL MANAGEMENT.

We make a few remarks on stibjects not considered
elsewhere. The whip or spur she aid never be used, for
any fault but dulness and obstina y ; and the latter can
be cured better by gentleness. With kind treatment,
the horse is generally gentle and tractable.

Washing horses, or allowing them to swim immedi-
ately after hard work, or when heated, produces colds
fevers, colics, and fat\l chronic complaints. Even th«
partial application of cold water to the legs, head, 02
back, when the horse is heated, should be avoided.
9*

102 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

Wl en liorses are at hard sen'ice, in hot weather, before
feeding, cleanse their nostrils, inside and out, witi a
sponge or rag, wet in water and vinegar, or water alone,
if vinegar be not at hand.

Sometimes a horse will not lie down, when tied up in
a sto.ble, and he may suffer in his feet, joints, and in his
whole system, by standing constantly. As a remedy,
put him untied into a stall or pen, with a good bed to
tempt him to rest his weary limbs.

If you would improve the condition of a horse, and
prepare him for hard service, you must work the flesh
on to him, as the saying is; that is, give him moderate
exercise or labor, while he is gaining flesh ; this will
prevent the accumulation of fat, and increase the mus-
cular part of the system ; it will give good health, and
solidity and firmness to the flesh, and greatly increase
his strength and power of endurance.

In different stables, the quantity of salt varies from
one to two ounces daily, for each horse. In others, none
is giv^en excepting on Saturday night, when eight ounces
are given to each. This prevents any evil from liberal
feeding while at rest on Sunday. Better give a small
portion in food, and allow the horse to help himself tc
more when he pleases.

For loss of appetite, give mashes, a few roots, and
once or twice a week, three or four drachms of saltpetre,
and give gentle exercise. A little Cayenne pepper, or
Jioi (ZroT^s may be good. [Seepage 49.] We have revived
a horse's appetite b}' feeding on sheep's orts.

Sometimes a cold bit freezes to the tongue, and takes
the skin off". For ulcers in the mouth, apply a tmcture
of myrrh, or a solution of alum. For bridle-sores at the
corners of the mouth, touch them daily with salt water ;
and cover the bit in soft leather, unless the horse is at
rest.

STOMACH AND INTESTINES.

Stomach. There is a strange difference between the
four stomachs of the ox, and one of them so large, and
Ihe one small stomach of the horse — very small in pro-

HORSES.

103

portion to his size. He seems admirably calculated for
exertion, speed, and strength, on every emergency, full
or fasting; yet by hard driving, after over-fulness, he
is very liable to injury. If the harse had a large stom-
ach, it would render him clumsy and heavy, when full,
and it would press heavily on the lungs, and impede
inspiration. A part of the horse's stomach, like the
paunch of cattle, is insensible, and serves as a reservoir
for food, which he is ,->ften compelled to eat fast, and
without sufficient che\/ing, where it is macerated and
prepared for digestion, which process is partially per-
formed in the other parts, and then the food passes on
to the

Intestines, in the first portion of which digestion is
continued, as it is larger than in other animals, and is
well adapted to digestion, by a thick, villous coat, with
numerous folds, like a second stomach. This process is
continued in the small intestines, and is not perfected
until the food has passed the larger intestines ; the first
of which, the colon^ is very large in horses, compared with
that in cattle ; here the food is retained av/hile among
the deep cells, and further digested. It then enters the
cceciwi, which is large, and adapted to digestion by its
complicated cells. After its retention, and further diges-
tion here, it passes into the rectum, or last in'xstine, and is
discharged, a part still remaining undiges'.cd after pass-
ing through this long and complicated appnratus.

PHYSIC.

Sometimes it is necessary to physic horses, under
treatment for diseases, and in cases of a change of food
to that which is more astringent. Wher a horse comes
from grass to hard food, or from the coo-, opei\ air to a
heated stable, a dose or two of physic mf y be necessary
to prevent the tendency to inflammation com'rjuent on
sudden changes. A dose of physic is or en vvcful to a
horse that is becoming too lat, or has >urf< it, grease,
mange, old cough, worms, or that is f t of condition
from inactivity dI the digestive organs. But the peri-
•»dical physicking of horses, in the spri ? and fall, as

104 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

practised by some to an injurious extent, should be
avoided.

It is best to prepare a horse for physic by giving bran
mashes, until the dung becomes softened ; then a less
quantity of physic will suffice, and it will i.iore readilj
pass through the intestines, and be more equally difi'usea
over them. Five drachms of aloes will generally be suf-
ficient when a horse has been prepared for the physic ;
it is equal to seven drachms when the intestines are
obstructed by hardened fccces.

On the day of giving the physic, the horse should have
walking exercise, or may be trotted gently for a quarter
of an hour, twice in the day ; but after the physic begin.s
to work, he should not be moved from his stall. Exer-
cise then would produce gripes, irritation, and possibly
dangerous inflammation. It is an absurd and too com.
mon a practice, to give the horse the most exercise after
the physic has begun to operate. As much mash may be
given as the horse will eat, and as much water, with the
coldness taken off, as he will drink. If he refuses warm
water, it is better for him to take cold water than to con-
tinue without taking any fluid ; but he should take not
more than a quart at a time, with intervals of an hour.

When the purging has ceased, a mash should be given
once or twice a day, if another dose is to be given, which
should be a week from the first. It is best to give mod-
erate doses, as in some cases a less dose is required than
in others, and then repeal in half or partial doses, at
intervals of three, four, six or eight hours, according to
circumstances. Be cautious and not carry this too far,
nor give too large doses, lest the horse become swelled
up and distressed more by the medicine than by the
disease.

Very powerful doses of physic cause lowness and
weakness to hang about a horse for many days, or some
weeks ; and inflammation will often ensue from over-
irritation of the intestinal canal. Aloes is a very sure
and safe purgative for a horse, and is used more exten-
sively than any other physic, and in preference to any
other. The Barbadoes should be preferred. The dos<
for a horse is from five to seven drachms. It Is ustom

HORSES.

105

r.ry to give it in tne form of a ball ; but n solution of aloes
acts more speedily, safely, and effectually.

Linseed oil is a safe but uncertain purgative ; doses
from a pound to a pound and a half. Olive-oil is more
uncertain, but safe. Castor-oil, a mild aperient jn the
human being, is both uncertain and unsafe. Epsom
salts are not efficacious, excepting in large doses of a
pound and a half, and then not always safe. Rhubarb
and jalap have no effect as a purgative on the horse. A
strong decoction of thoroughwort is an excellent cathartic
for a horse. He may take it in Indian meal, or pour it
down his throat. [See Physic, page 33.]

DIURETICS.

The principal diuretics for the horse are, rosin, sail
petre, turpentine, and potash ; the milder ones are, digi-
talis, squills, tobacco, cream of tartar, juniper, &c.
Digitalis is peculiarly adapted to high inflammatory af-
fections, to be used either with or without saltpetre.

Rosin is the most active of any in use, and, m a dose
of three to six or eight drachms, is very sure in its oper-
ation. Saltpetre, in like doses, is sure, but not quite so
Ttctive : it is much preferred in inflammatory diseases
in urinary obstructions from the gravel. Turpentine or
potash is certain ; give of either from half an ounce to
an ounce, in two or three quarts of water, fasting. A
dose of cream of tartar is four to six ounces.

In giving diuretics, observe the same precautions as
with purgatives. Keep warm, but not hot ; avoid over-
exertion ; but above all, allow a large quantity of tepid
water, which increases the effect, and renders the action
less hurtful. [See this subject, page 34.]

BLEEDING.

The best vein for bleeding horses is that in the neck,

particularly in all affections of the head, and in fever.

Tie the horse's head up for several hours after. In af

Cectious of the shoulder, or of the fore leg or foot, Weed

com the plate vein, which comes from the inside of the

106 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

arm. In afiections of the foot, it may be taken from the
coronet, or more safely from the toe, by cutting down
with a fine drawing-knife, between the crust and the
sole, at the very toe, till the blood flows, and making it
bleed more by dipping the foot into warm water. The
bleeding may be stopped with the greatest ease, b)
placing a bit of low in the little groove that has been cut,
and tacking the shoe over it. [See page 37.]

FEVER.

To judge of the state of the fever, you may examine
the pulse, which you will find by pressing the fingers
gently on the temporal artery, about an inch and a quar-
ter back from the upper corner of the eye ; or at the
lower jaw, by pressing the artery against the bone ; or
on the inside of the fore leg, just above the knee. In
health, the pulsations are from thirt}''-six to forty a min-
ute. When they reach fifty or sixty, fever is indicated;
seventy, seventy-five, or eighty, indicates a high fever.
They are sometimes one hundred. Or put your hands
to the nostrils and judge by the heat of the breath.

Avoid all stimulating food or medicine. Bleeding may
be necessary in the beginning of the fever, to reduce the
force of circulation, and gentle purging to remove irritat-
ing substances from the bowels. In an advanced state
of the disease, when the heat is great, and the dung hard,
clysters may be necessary. Feed sparingly, and Avith
light, moist and easily digested food, that the digestion
may not be oppressed ; and giv^e cool drinks, to allay
thirst, such as clover tea, lukewarm, with a quarter of
an ounce of saltpetre in it, morning and evening, till the
fever abates. Allow him rest ana quiet, and prevent all
undue excitement. For a while, sprinkle warm water
on his fodder.

Those who are opposed to bleeding, (and gentle means
are preferable.) may reduce the system by gentle physic,
light and .spare diet ; and diuretics will be an auxilary,
and often serve as a substitute for bleeding ; but like
physic and other unusual operations, they should be used
very spa ringly . The sal tpetre recommended is suffic lent

HORSES. 107

i?!eedin,£: is not necessarv. as there is no increase of
blood in a fever. B}- mild means the animal may be soon
restored to health and strength, hut if bled, he reccvei-s
slowlv At first, equalize the circulation, by rubbing the
extremities, giving light, laxative food, as bran mashes,
etc., and soothing teas, such as ras])berry. clover, sage,
mint, etc. In severe cases, in addition, throw warm rugs
over the animal, hanging down to the floor, and place
undei his body and head vessels of hot water, which renew,
or put in hot stones, and sweat him. Apply cloths from
hot water, and friction, to the legs, ears, etc. This will
relax the rigid veins, and promote a general circulation
and equilibrium of the blood.

SCOURS.

Causes are various. Sometimes it is an effort of
nature to throw otF morbid matter, preventing disease ;
therefore do not check it suddenly, but give dry food and
it may abate.

Remedy. If violent, give raspberry, camomile, clover,
sao-e. or other soothing teas, and if these do not begin to
check it, in one day, give light doses of lime water, or
baben-y tea, or other astringent. Scald the me.-il given as
food, and give clover tea for di-ink. Light doses of hot
drops, or Cayenne pepper, or composition are good to re-
lieve pain, and give a healthy tone to the stomach. The
teas are good to check inflammation of the bowels. Strong
coffee, with a little flour and some eggs beaten up in it is a
good remedy. If the disease continues, or is becoming
chronic dysentery, give once in a day or two, to a large
animal, three or four lare spoonfuls of finely pulverized
charcoal,

HOVE.

Not common in the horse, give a pint of strong saltwatet.
or quarter of an ounce of chloride of lime in a quart
of water, or a pint of gin or other spirits.

108

DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

DISTINCTION BETWEEN COLIC AND INFLABl
MATION.

The following table will enable one to distinguish
between colic or gripes, and iiiflammatiuK of the boivels : —

Spasmodic, or Wind Colic.

1. Pulse natural, though
sometimes a little lower.
In health, the pulsations are
thirty-six to forty per min-
ute ; being rather slower in
large, heavy, and in old
horses, than in young ones.
Exercise, animation, or
fright, increases the pulse.

2. The horse lies down,
and rolls upon his back.

3. The legs and ears
generally warm.

4. Attacks are very sud-
den, and are never preceded,
and seldom accompanied by
any symptoms of fever.

5. There are frequently
short intermissions.

Inflammation of the Bowels.

1. Pulse very quick and
small. Fever often in
creases the pulsations m
double the healthy number
In violent fever, attended
with inflammation of the
bowels, the strokes some
times rise to one hundred a
minute, or more.

2. He lies down, and
suddenly rises up again,
seldom rolling upon his back.

3. The legs and ears
generally cold.

4. Attacks are generally
gradual, and are commonly
preceded, and always ac-
companied, by symptoms of
fever.

5. No intermissions can
be observed.

COLIC.

Causss are numerous. The principal are an over,
loaded stomach, particularly when water is given imme-
diately before or immediately after a large allowance of
food ; violent exertion on a full stomach ; a sudden
change of diet, particularly from hay to grass, and the
reverse ; the cliange to grass is still worse if the feed be
Tcry luxuriant, and the evil of a change from grass to
lay, (which produces constipation,) is aggravated by

HORSES.

109

I

feeding provender fi ely, particularly Indian corn, if the
animal has not been accustomed to it. We have known
severe cases of colic by a change from grass to hay aiict
com.

Sometimes a change from oats to barley vriW produce
colic ; and so vdW a large allowance of any food to which
the horse has not been accustomed, as raw potatoes, car-
rots, turnips, or other green food, which produces fer-
mentation. If a horse swallows his food hastily, without
mastication, he is liable to colic. Feeding too often, that
is, filling the stomach with one meal before the previous .
one is digested, and the contrary extreme of long fasting^ ,
and then full and rapid feeding, is apt to produce cnlie. .
Cold water, in excess, is sometimes a cause.

Symptoms. The horse is taken suddenly ill, and.
slackens his pace, and sometimes attempts to lie down
Again, he falls do^^■n suddenly, and rolls, and perhaps
starts up suddenly. If in the stable, he paws \A-ith his .
fore feet ; and, if the pain be severe, he is in constant
motion, and strikes his belly with his hind ones. He
lies down and rolls ; in moments of comparative ease, he
looks A\astfully at his flanks. When standing, he makes
fruitless attempts to urinate, and the keeper thinks there
IS " something wrong with his water." In a little while, .
the belly swells, perhaps mostly in the right flank. In .
severe cases, the swelling is usually general. As tUe ■
-^lisease increases, the pain becomes intense ; he dashes
aoout with terrible violence ; the perspiration runs in
streams, and his contortions are frightful. [See other.
S3"mptoms, in the last article.]

' Remedy. The fermentation should be stopped, and .
the digestive powers reestablished. A good old-fa. h--
ioned medicine is whiskey and pepper, or gin and pep-
per. About a gill and a half of spirits to a tea-spoonful
of pepper, given in a quart of milk, or warm water. If
the pain does not abate in thirty minutes, repeat the
dose ; and again in an hour, if necessary. Rub the
horse's belly with a soft msp, and walk him abou?
gently. Give the medicine as early as possible.

A Better Remedy should be prepared thus : — Take
a quart of good brandy ; add four ounces sweet spirits
10

llO DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

of nitre, three ounces whole ginger, and three ounces
of cloves. In eight days it -will be ready for use. The
dose is not named. This quanvily would be enough foi
five or six strong r".3ses, or eight or ten moderate doses.

Another. An junce of laudanum, given in a little
water, has invariably succeeded with some who have
tried it many times. Laudanum is a powerful anti-irri-
tant, and a diflusive stimulant. There is no danger in
giving this medicine at the commencement of the disease ;
but if a fever and inflammation have set in, it would be
improper. This condition of the system would requin,
• bleeding, purging, and clystering, and frequently the
application of cold water to the surface, immediately
followed by rubbing, wisping dry, and warm covering.

Another. As soon as tlie animal is attacked, make
a strong soot tea, and add half a pint of whiskey, new
rum, or other spirit, and pour it down.

Another. Take a handful of the white part of hen-
dung, and simmer it a few minutes in a quart of human
urine ; strain, and drench the horse with it, and if not
eflectual, repeat the dose in half an hour.

Another. Give a quart of common salt and water,
as strong as it can be made.

Another. Give half a pint or a pint of linseed oil

Another. Half a pint of hot drops is excellent.

Another. Put a pint of hot wood-ashes and embers
into two quarts of cold water, and stir. Cut off an inch
and a half of hand tobacco, and shred it into the mix-
ture. Stir all up ; let it set fifteen minutes and settle ;
th:?n pour off a common junk bottle full, and drench
your horse. It is called a speedy cure. A writer in the
Southern Planter says that he has seen this given in
one hundred cases, without a single failure, and that it
would not injure a well horse.

E-EiMARKs. Sometimes there is an introsusception, or
falling of one part of the bowels into another ; or a
dottbling of the intestines, so as to completely stop the
passage. In such cases, it may be impossible to afford any
relief; and doses of physic and other medicine which pro
. duce fermentation, may only aggravate the difficulties
' Uack-rake, and give a powerful exciting injection, whicb

HORSES. Ill

may open the bowels ; and give alkaline medicines,
such as chloride of lime or ammonia, to abscrb the gases
and reduce the swelling.

In all severe cases of colic, back-rake, and give excit
ing injectivins. [See page 46.] These aid physic, and
all other remedies, and frequently give immediate relief,
alone. They are sure, and they generally obviate the
danger that often attends giving powerful doses of
physic, when the bowels are constipated.

TNFLAIMMATION OF THE STOMACH AND

INTESTINES.

When either the stomach or intestines are mflamed,
the other part is generally soon atfected from continuity.

Causes. ]Much the same as those that produce fever;
such as sudden check by cold, to the external parts,
while the bowels are under excitement, from over-action,
hard labor, fatigue, excessive heat, the operation of cor-
dia.ls, v.V:c. Also, long rests in currents of air ; driving
into cold water when covered with perspiration ; and
neglect of the necessary evacuations. It is often brought
on by costiveness.

Symptoms. [See them contrasted with those of colic,
page 108.]

Remedy. Bleedmg is often practised, but it is not
absolutely necessary. Give gentle physic, with soothing
herb tea. If there be severe costiveness, back-rake, and
give injections, such as recommended on page 46, for
inflamed bowels. Exciting medicines and injections
should be carefully avoided, as they aggravate the
disease.

After an operation on the bowels, give sedative and
astringent teas. Raspberry tea combines both of these
qualities, and has been used for horses with excellent
success. Give light and laxative food. Give green
herbage, if in the season ; if not, give a little clover
hay, and pure straw, mashes, potatoes, A:c. Curry well,
and rub thoroughly, to promote a general circulatiM..,
and invit/3 the blood outwardly.

112 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

BOTS.

The hjrse-fly, or bot-fly, (^Oe^trus eqjii,) appears it
July, and continues till cool nights in the fallj she lays
her egg on these parts of the horse liable to be licked by
his tongue, on which he takes the eggs, and ihey soon
find their way to the stomach, where they are hatched ;
or they hatch on the horse, and may be passed into the
stomach.

The young bots adhere to the stomach by little hooks,
and are nourished by the mucus of the stomach, or the
food it contains, until the next spring, or first of the
summer, when, having attained full size in the larvae
state, they drop their hold, and are carried along with
the contents of the stomach, and voided. They then
burrow in the ground, and remain a few weeks in the
chrysalis state, when they undergo a more important
transformation, and become flies, or perfect insects,
pursuing the course of their predecessors.

This is the course that nature has provided for their
propagation ; and some persons contend that bots never
injure a horse, but are beneficial. Others contend that
they never injure a healthy horse ; but when a horse is
iliseased, they are deprived of their usual food, and then
they may seize upon the stomach, with a view of clear-
ing out for better quarters.

Bots have sometimes collected in large numbers, and
stopped up the passages to and from the stomach, and
have thus occasioned death.

Numerous remedies have been recommended for the
destruction of bots, which are said to be sure ; and yet
it is contended that any medicine sufhciently powerful
to kill them would kill the horse also; for bots have
lived in rum, twenty-five hours ; in a decoction of
tobacco, eleven hours ; in strong elixir or vitriol, two
hours ; in spirits of turpentine, forty-five minutes ; in
fish oil, linseed oil, and brine, ten hours, without any
efiect. IMore powerful substances would kill the horse.

Yet certain malicines may disgust and nauseate the
bots, and others i-'.ay be datable, and serve to quiet

HORSES.

113

them ; or this vexatious creature mar gulp down luxu-
rious food, and become so extended as to allow medi-
cines to act upon him more powerfully, or he may
become drowsy with satiety, or dormant, or drunk, and,
like bipeds thus situated, know not what he is about,
and let go his hold, and be carried off by a powerful
cathartic.

Many a horse that has had the colic, inflammation of
the bowels, obstinate constipation, or other disease, has
been doctored for the bots, and sometimes killed by im-
proper treatment, or by numerous and powerful doses;
when he might have 'been cured, with good manage-
ment, or nature would have done the work if he had
been let alone. In one case, boiling water was poured
down a horse's throat, to destroy the bots, and it was
effectual ; but it was similar to the case of poor Pat Mur-
phy, who was sentenced to be hanged, and saved his life
by dyivg in prison. Again, a medicine may cure the
colic, or the horse may recover in spite of the medicine,
and then that medicine is recommended as infallible for
bots.

As the symptoms of the bots and colic are similar, and
one may be mistaken for the other, it may be well to
give a medicine that is good for both. Be cautious
about giving powerful doses in uncertain cases. Some-
times horses are supposed to have the bots when consti-
pation of the bowels is the trouble.

Symptoms. Sometimes old horses that are hard
worked exhibit no symptoms until a short time before a
severe attack, or death. In 3'oung horses, the s}Tnptoms
are more evident. In general, the horse loses flesh, eats
sparingly, coughs, bites his flanks, strikes forcibly on the
ground with his fore feet, and at his belly with his hind
ones ; shows symptoms of uneasiness, such as groaning,
and looking back on his sides, lying down, &:c. His
belly projecting and hard. In violent cases, without
remedy, these symptoms increase, and a discharge from
the nose commonly takes place, and at length stiffness
of the legs and neck, staggering, laborious breathing,
spasms, and death.

Preventives. IMake as few sudden changes in focxl
10*

114 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

as possible. Be careful to keep the horse in a healthy
state. Keep liim well supplied with salt. Occasionally
mix with the salt five parts of wood ashes, or give ashes
in his water. Give occasionally a table spoonful of lime
with his food. Give him, once a week, a little sage with
his fodder.

The eggs or nits may be scraped off the horse with a
ivnife. By applying a warm, moist rag to them, they
cvdll soon hatch and be destroyed, if the horse be kept
from taking them on his tongue. Apply grease or oil to
the eggs, and it will destroy them ; and it is said it will
prevent the fly depositing any more ; but to effect this,
it should be repeated frequently.

Feed the horse occasionally with the heads of rye ;
this cuts out and carries off the grubs. If more conve-
nient, the rye may be fed in the sheaf. J. L. Smith,
Esq., an extensive dealer in horses, at the south, recom-
mends this very highly. Tobacco leaves, cut fine, or
coarse horse-hair, mixed with a horse's provender, will
prevent the bots and worms collecting in the maw, and
will often kill them. But as hair is indigestible, it
should be avoided. A farmer of much experience says
that he never knew a horse to be troubled with bots that
was fed with a few raw potatoes every week. For
other preventives, use some of the mild remedies recom-
mended.

MR. SCOTt's views.

In the Indiana Farmer, S. J. Scott makes the follow-
ing observations : —

1. Wild horses, in a state of nature, never die of bots.

2. Domestic horses that run at large never die of
bots.

3. Horses whose food is not changed, or stinted, and
who are not over-heated, never die of bots.

4. The bot worm does not eat through the stomach,
but is invariably found attached to the stomach of the
horse, by its tail, and goes through tail foremost.

5. Bots are most apt to hurt a horse in the spring and
fall, or soon after changing he food from d ,' to green,
and the reverse.

HORSES. 115

His TiLEORY. The bot worm eats of the the food the
horse eats, and h'^s its preference ; and when deprived
of its clioice food, or stinted in quantity, it pierces the
horse's stomach with the horns in its tail, "by which it also
adlieres to its position, and continues to bore deeper, and
tinally gets through. The gases and juices of the stom-
ach escape into the abdomen through the holes made by
the bots, which soon destroys the horse.

The worm is necessary for the health of the horse, by
piercing (not through) the coats of the stomach, and
exciting the appetite by irritation. But error of food
induces it to irritate too long, and pierce through the
stomach.

Sometimes bots collect in such numbers within the
lower orifice of the oesophagus, or swallow, as to choke
the horse, and he dies suddenly.

REMEDIES.

IMr. Scott oflfers the following preventives and reme-
dies, some of which are already suggested : —

1. Never change the horse's food from green to dry,
suddenly and perseveringly.

2. Never change from dry to green, unless you can
keep him to the green food a length of time.

3. Observe the same rule in changing from corn to
oats, and the reverse.

4. If the horse is seized with bots, either drench him
with something the worm will not eat, and that will
nauseate it, such as sweetened milk, blood, fresh meat,
entrails of fowls, &c., or drench him with something
that \\i\\ satisfy the cravings of hunger in the bots, such
as green moss of old logs, or a decoction of moss, green
blue grass. &cc.

5. Or, which should be first tried; — if the horse,
when found sick, does not refuse to eat, turn him into a
lot ol green blue grass, or if . \ the winter, into a wood
where different kinds 3f moss grow, and the horse will
soon make a selection hat wil ^uiet the bets.

116 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

OTHER REMEDIES.

Put eight ounces each, of bees-wax, mu on tiilkw
and sugar, into a quart of new milk, and warn it till all
is melted ; then put it into a bottle, and give it just before
the wax begins to harden. Two hours after, give physic,
and the bots will come away, with wax sticking to them.

Another. Give a table spoonful of slacked lime, in a
bran mash or other food, three times a week. In cases
evidently severe, give a dose every day, for several days.
A writer in the American Farmer says that he consulted
authorities, and tried various experiments, in vain ; and
after giving lime in bran mashes, three times a week,
for two weeks, the bots began to pass off. He has since
used lime, and has not lost a horse with bots. Voided
bots die in lime.

Another. Vinegar, soft soap, gm, molasses, half a
gill each, poured down while foaming. A correspondent
of the Albany Cultivator, says this is a speedy cure, and
he has given it in fifty cases, with good effect.

Another. Two ounces of soot in a quart of milk.

Another. Dr. Phillips, of Mississippi, recommends,
m cases where a horse is supposed to have the bots, when
m reality it may be colic or other disorder, to give sage
or soot tea, or an ounce of laudanum ; the first two may
be given freely, but the last should not be given oftener
than every six hours.

Another. Give the horse a few sheaves of barley,
and it will clear every bot out of him ; so says a writer
in the " Western Farmer and Gardener," who says he
never knew it to fail.

Another. One quart of new milk, sweetened with
honey, molasses or sugar, given fasting ; and in two
hours drench with a pint of brine, as strong as hot water
will dissolve common salt. Two hours after, give a pint
of linseed oil.

Another. Half a pint of train oil, (sperm or other
fish oil will answer, but not so good,) giver, to a horse,
will usually give immediate relief.

Another. One quart of new milk and one pound of
•ugar; mix, warm, and give. Prepare the same again,

HORSES. 117

and add half a pint , f ground mustard-seed, and admin-
ister.

Another. Sweeten one quart of milk with honey CT
molasses, and give it ; then powder half an ounce of
aloes, and give it directly in a strong decoction of savine
Doughs ; if the worms have not eaten through the intes
tines, this is sure.

Another. Take half a gill of spirits of turpentine,
turn it into the hand, and rub it on the breast.

INDIGESTION, OR STOMACH STAGGERS.

Causes. Over-distention of the stomach. The horse
may get loose and eat to excess of grain, beans, peas,
&c. ; or he may work longer than usual, and then ear,
too freely after fasting ; he may eat a meal before the
previous one is digested, and thus overtask the digestive
powers. There are other causes, and sometimes it is
difficult to account for.

Symptoms. Staggering, sleepiness, unconsciousness,
hard breathing, staring eye, apparent insensibility and
helplessness. Sometimes this drowsiness abates, and
violence, as in inflammation of the brain, succeeds, only
not to so great an extent.

Remedy. Give injections ; give oil for physic ; and
feed moderately on light food that will keep the bowels
epen.

YELLOWS, OR JAUNDICE

This disease is similar to jaundice in men. Bile is
secreted in the liver, and passes by a duct into the intes-
tines, and it is highly important to digestion and a healthv
state of the bowels. Sometimes, from inflammation or
other disease in the liver, or obstructions in the gall-duct,
or from thickened bile, this fluid is interrupted in it?
natural passage into the intestines, and is thrown back
into the circulation, giving a yellow tinge to the whole
system. The horse and deer, unhke all other animals,
have no gall-bladder, but the bile p. sses directly from
me liver, thro, jh the gall-duct, to the 'ntestines.

118 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

Causes. It is sometimes caused by low cone tion, bm
more frequently by high feeding and want of exercise.
Inaction is a fruitful cause of this disease, loth in ani-
mals and the human race.

Symptoms. Yellowness of the eyes, mouth nd tongue,
higher yellow color of the urine, palpitation cf the heart,
weariness in the limbs, dulness, stupidity, sleepiness,
drooping of the head, general debility ; the hair of the
mane and tail becomes loose ; the dung scanty and pale,
generally hard, and sometinies covered with slime.

General Treatment. In all cases see that the bowels
are in good condition ; this may be etfected by giving
laxative food, such as bran mashes and roots ; and if
there be costiveness, this feed for two or three days will
prepare the bowels for physic, a moderate dose of which
should be given ; and if the bowels be not relaxed a little
by the mashes, back-rake, and give exciting injections
before giving physic.

It would be well to back-rake as soon as the disease is
discovered, if there is much costiveness. Continue light,
laxative and green food. In very severe cases, that will
not yield to medicines, roweling may be resorted to.
Most cases may be cured by diet, (and physic, if the
bowels do not become relaxed by the food.) and some of
tlie following medicines. Bleeding should be avoided,
as the pulse is generally slow and weak.

Remedy. One fourth of an ounce of gamboge, half an
ounce of saltpetre, one ounce of alum, one ounce of green
copperas, {sulphate of iro7i) — pulverize all, and put them
into a bottle with a pint of cold water. Stop tight, shake
well, and let it stand over night, and it will be fit for use.
Give a table spoonful for a dose, three mornings run-
ning 5 then omit three, and so on until nine doses have
been given.

Anothe?w. Take equal quantities of aloes, Venetian
soap, and honey ; make into pills, and give half an ounce
daily, for a week. If this does not cure, steep celandine
and saffron in cider, and give a quart a day.

In the human subject, raw eggs have cured in obsti
aate cases.

From our youth up we have knowr the following as a

HORSES. 119

sovereign fa^nily medicine, in jaundice. It may be used
by patients in a very weak, low state, and with a cough,
without injury, wlien powerful astringents would not be
safe. It restores to action the digestive powers, corrects
the derangement in the biliary organs, relieves when
food injures, or prevents the injury, restores the appe-
tite, and regulates and does not bind the bowels, like
most astringents. \Ve have no doubt that it is valuable
for animals, in the same complaint. Prepare it thus :

Take the bark of white ash ; if from old trees, take off
the ross to the live part. If green, partially dry a part
of it; sweep the oveu, and kindle the bark in it, using
the dr\^ part ; then lay on the green ; burn in a slow
draught ; throw in the ends and raise up the bottom, and
it will all burn to pure white ashes. Put two heaping;
table spoonfuls into a bottle of very good, strong old cider,
and shake it a few times. A common ^^-ine-glass full is
a dose for the human patient, to be taken three times a
day, before eating. Give an animal a pint for a dose,
sprinkled on fodder, or mixed with oats, bran, or meal
or turn it down the throat. A larger dose may be neces-
sary. A quart would not injure.

We regard this as one of the safest medicines in all
conditions of the system, and one of the most efficacious.
We have known it to cure in almost hopeless cases, when,
from the severity of the disorder, it was thought that
consumption was connected with it. ^\Tiite ash is the
variety used so extensively as timber for carriages, han-
dles for hoes, shovels, forks, rakes, and many other pur-
poses.

GLANDERS.

This IS one of the most formidable and disagreeable
of diseases. It commences in an irritation in the mem-
brane of the nose ; as it advances, tubercles form, matter
is discharged, the bones of the nose and head become
diseased and carious, and the poison is absorbed into
the circulation, and affects the whole system.

This disease may be produced, as it often is, by bad
stable management, svi',h as hot, filthy and ill- ventilated

120 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

Stables; or it maybe communicated by .nfec lion, con
tagion, or inoculation, which last form includes conta-
gion. In some lew cases, nature will cure, it' the cause
of the disease be removed. But almost all cases of
confirmed glanders will prove fatal in spite of care and
medicine. If taken in season, some cases may be cured.
Almost every drug and medicine has been used for this
disease, and generally without success ; a few cases have
been cured by a decoction of tobacco. It is of the high-
est importance to guard against its production or propa
gation.

Dr. Burgis says : '' I have known several instances in
which there was no possibility of contact with glander-
ous matter, and yet the disease was developed in healthy
horses. A gentleman of fortune in the west of Ireland
had had his stud infected with glanders ; every particle
of wood- work in the stables, including stalls, rack, man-
ger, &:c., was taken down and replaced with new mate-
rials ; the plastering on the walls was completely re-
moved, and the ])avement ripped up ; and all was replaced
with entirely new work ; but the first horses that were
again put into those stables became infected, and they
were ultimately razed to the ground. It Avould even
appear that the contagious principle remains for a long
period in any stable where glanders may happen."

GLANDERS IN MEN.

A number of cases have occurred of glanders in men,
from inoculation, by getting some of the glanderous mat-
ter from the horse on some part of the body where the
skin was broken ; and some cases of glanders in men
have occurred without inoculation, but by infection. In
Paris, a groom slept in a stable occupied by a glandered
horse ; some days after the death of the horse, he was
attacked with the same disease, characterized by pustular
and gangrenous sores over the wdiole body. He died,
and with some matter from the sores, a foundered mare
v\'as inoi.ulated, and she had a true case of t'\e glanders,
of which she died.

A young groom was in the habit of wiping the face of
3 glandered horse with his pocket handkerchief; he

HORSES.

121

aught the disease, of which he died in dres. iful agony,

very bone in his head becoming carious. In severe

cases, there is no cure for man or horse. We have an

account of one case being cured in man, by filhng the

wounds with lint or cotton, steeped in turpentine.

In managing glandered horses, great care should be
taken to prevent the infectious matter coming in con-
tact -Jiith the membraneous linings of the mouth or nose.

It was slated in an English paper, in 1844, that since
the year 1833, no less than thirty persons had sunk un-
der this terrible malady, which counted as many victims
as patients.

Scarcely a year passes without an account in Euro-
pean journals of some person dying of glanders. A stu-
dent lately died in Paris of glanders, contracted by cutting
himself while dissecting a glandered horse at the cele-
brated veterinary school of Alfort. He had the best
medical aid from' the beginning of the sad occurrence.

HORSE-AIL.

This disease occasionally prevails extensively among
horses. It is often very severe, and unless properly at-
tended to in season, it gradually reduces the horse to a
skeleton, and often proves fatal. Badly managed cases
sometimes cause the glanders 5 otherwise the glanders is
not common in this part of the country. It prevails most
in the cold season, generally commencing in the fall.
Horse-ail is infectious, and very liable to occur without
infection, as it is common to young horses, which do not
go from home, or come in contact with others that are
infected. The English call this disease strangles.

Syjiptoms. Stoppage of the head, running at the nose,
swallowing in the throat, loss of appetite, dulness about
the eyes, general stupidity, and sudden debility. The
symptoms are similar to those of a cold, or the influenza
in the human race. It often causes a tumor under the
jaw.

Remedy. E. AVood, Esq., an intelligent correspon-
dent of the " Maine Farmer," recommends the foUowhig
treatment : Take up a piece of skin on the breast, and
11

12'J DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

cut crossways through the skin, so as to make a hole
sufficient to get in the forefinger, which put in and skin
downwards and crossways the length of the finger.
Fill the bag thus made with cut raw onion. Then bleed,
if the cough is hard and distressing ; and feed with pota-
toes, if the animal can eat them ; if not, give gentle laxa-
tives. Under this treatment, he has never lost a horse
or colt, and they have seldom lost much flesh.

Another. We have treated horses in the following
manner, with success : Make a slow fire of old boots,
shoes, rags, herbs, roots, &:c. When fired a little^
smother them so as to make much smoke and steam ;
then set a barrel, without heads, over the fire, and hold
the horse's head down in the barrel, and smoke him
well. This will soon produce a copious running at the
nose, and he will be so well pleased that he will volun-
tarily hold his head in the smoke. Continue this half an
hour or more daily. IMeanwhile, give him potatoes and
warm bran mashes, and gentle physic, if there be much
costiveness which the laxative food will not remove. If
he has much fever, treat him for that.

Further Treatment. In addition to other remedies,
if the case be severe and the blood has become bad, put
a rowel in the breast ; and if the swelling under the
throat tends to suppuration, encourage it by applying
emollient poultices, or blistering ointment, and foment-
mg baths ; and when the swelling becomes soft, and the
matter fluctuating, lance it. Blow snuff' up the nostrils.
Keep warm ; give warm, soothing drinks ; curry and
rub frequently. Give a little walking exercise in pleas-
ant weather, if the animal has strength to bear it with-
out fatigue. If there be much fever or cough, treat as
recommended in these disorders. Keep the head run^
ning and the bowels loose ; and if the heat and fever
abate, and the animal is poor, give tolerably nourishing
food, continuing roots or mashes to keep the bowels in a
ffoo state.

HOKSES. 123

DISTEMPER, OR EPIDEMIC CATARRH.

Symptoms. This disease usually commences with a
bhivering fit, hot mouth, heaving of the flanks, and
cough. There is a discharge from the nose, first watry,
then thicker, and then offensive matter. The glands of
the throat swell, weakness succeeds, the legs swell, and
there are swelUngs on the body, but these are favorable.

Remedy. Sweat well, and rub till quite dry; oack-
rake ; give two drachms of Barbadoes aloes, and in
twelve hours another drachm. If the constipation be
obstinate, give exciting injections. Clothe warmly, par-
ticularly about the head. If the animal will not eat, on
account of sore throat, clyster ; hot meshes should be
put under his nose, in a nose-bag, to encourage the run-
ning. Feed with corn meal, bran or mashes, and damp-
ened hay. Potatoes are good. If he refuses to eat,
drench with very thin mash or thick grtiel.

This disease is similar to the horse-ail, or a modifi-
cation of the same disease, and the treatment is similar.
The steaming and smoking recommended in that disease
would be good to clear out the head. Camphorated
spirits, with the addition of cayenne pepper, is good for
the throat, rubbed on externally; so is the liniment on
page 51.

COLD, OR COMMON? CATARRH.

The Causes of this disease are numerous and the ef-
fects are various, as different parts are affected, and an
affection of the same part varies at different periods.
Sometimes the head is principally affected ; at other
times the eyes share largely in the complaint ; again it
may be mostly in the nasal orifices, producing a copious
discharge of mucus ; at times it is mostly in the mouth ;
again in the throat ; and sometimes in the back and
limbs, producing stiffness and soreness In many cases,
this disease is similar to horse-ail.

It arises from the same causes as bronchitis, pleurisy
and pneumonia, as named oil other pages. It is moit

124 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

common m the spring and fall, not only from the changes
of weather at these seasons, but from the great change
the horse imdergoes from moulting or shedding his coat,
which produces fever, debility, sweating on the least ex-
ertion, and susceptibility to colds and other kindred dis-
eases.

Colds are often produced by suddei changes in the
temperature of the atmosphere, without proper protec-
tion. Sometimes they are caused by a peculiar state of
the atmosphere, and then they become epidemical, and
often very extensive and severe.

The Symptoms are numerous and various, according
to the nature and severity of the disease, and the part
that is affected. Sometimes there is moderate fever ;
sometimes the inflammation is high ; at other times the
pulse is slow and weak. The eyes are sometimes much
affected, and are red, dull, running and weak, and occa-
sionally much inflamed. The head is often affected in-
ternally, and there is a copious discharge from the nose.
Sometimes the mouth is inflamed and sore, so that the
animal cannot chew without great difficulty. The throat
often shares largely in the evil, and is so inflamed that
swallowing is very difficult. Sometimes there is shiver-
ing, the mouth hot, the coat staring, the belly tucked up,
the nose red, the flanks heave. These are the most
prominent symptoms. Some exist in one case, others in
another.

Remedies. These are various, as there are different
degrees of severity in the disease, or it varies in its pecu-
liar nature, and different parts of the system are affected,
or all share in its influence. The best remedy is good
management in avoiding causes, and predisposing
causes, and placing the patient under favorable circum-
stances for recovery. In many cases medicines will not
avail much, as the disease will run its course in spite of
them, and nature may work a cure in time. When there
is high fever, treat the horse for that affection. If there
be costiveness, remove it, using mild means, if sufficient,
and powerful ones if necessary. While the fever con-
tinues, feed lightl} , and with laxative food. But if the
animal is in a low condition, and there is no fever, give
LDurishing food; leep warm, and apply remedies foi

HOKSES. 125

the local affections. If the head is a Tectec , promote the
discharge, as in horse-ail. For iuflaiiimation of the eyes,
or cough, treat as in those diseases. For sore mouth, use
a wash of alum-water, or a strong astringent tea j for
sore throat, treat as in distemper.

COUGH.

In all disorders accompanied by a cough, the true
cause should be ascertained. Sometimes the cough is
only a consequence of a chronic or seated disease, as is
the case in heaves, &:c. At other times it is symp-
tomatic of recent inflammation in the throat or lungs
Sometimes it is brought on by horse-ail, which is an
inflammation of the mucous membranes of the head and
glands about the throat. We have found salt, given
freely, together with an occasional dose of saltpetre, to
be an excellent remedy in cases where a horse has had
the horse-ail, and the cough holds on after the original
disease seems to have gone. For a dry, husky cough,
not attended with the heaves, green or laxative food,
such as roots, or mashes of scalded bran, in which is put
the pulverized root of elecampane and lovage, has been
found beneficial. If there should be found indications
of heaves, put a spoonful of ginger, once per day, in his
provender, and allow him to drink freely of lime water.
Horses that are kept on musty hay, will very soon begin
to cough. The best remedy for musty hny cough is, to
change the diet to good, sweet clover. — Maine Farmer.

Another Remedy. Human urine put into a a bucket
of water, and given to the horse, or sprinkled on his fod-
der. This remedy has been much used by some, and
with excellent success.

Another. The boughs of the cedar have been used
as a remedy, with complete success. They should be
cut fine, and mijced with the grain given to the horse.

Another. Arse-smart, as dry fodder, has often been
jiven to horses for cough, with good success. A dose
of this fodder occasionally, in the winter, is good for the
health of the horse ; and it should be saved for that pur
pose.

11*

126 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

Another. "We once cured a horse of an obstinate
^ough, on which a number of medicines were tried with*
out effect, by feeding him exclusively on sheep's orts.
They have peculiar medicinal properties, which they
imbibe from the dung and urine. [See Calves among
Sheep, under the head " Neat Cattle."]

Another. Boil a small quantity of flax-seed ; mix it
.n a mash of scalded bran, adding a few ounces of coarse
sugar, or some molasses or honey.

BRONCHITIS.

This is an inflammation of the air passages in the
lungs, and it often extends to the windpipe and throat.
It is produced in the same way as a common cold, and
is often the extension of inflammation from the throat
downward. It is sometimes slight, and soon disappears ;
at other times, though it may come on gradually, or
almost imperceptibly, it becomes obstinate and danger-
ous, as it may extend to the lungs, and affect them also.
Therefore it deserves early attention. The causes are
the same as those of influenza, pleurisy, inflammation of
the lungs, and colds.

Symptoms. Cough, loss of appetite, a discharge from
the nostrils, quickening of the pulse and breathing.
These are the early indications of this disease. The
pulse soon becomes very quick and weak, the respiration
accelerated, the membrane of the nose and eyelids of a
deep red color, and the discharge from the nose dimin
ished or suspended. When these last symptoms ai*»
exhibited, it frequently proves fatal.

But it generally appears in a milder form, with only
the symptoms first named. It is distinguished froni
common catarrh by the quickness of the pulse, ranging
from forty-five to sixty pulsations in a minute, and the
disturbance in the breathing. It may be known from
inflammation of the lungs, by warmth at the surface
and extremities, and the more moderate action of the
pulse. Sometimes it is complicated with other diseases,
and the s) mptoms will confound the practitioner.

R EMEDV , Those who pr^ctice bleeding to great extent

HORSES. 127

onsider it necessary in this case ; but a cure may gen
erally be effected without this operation. Give a mod-
erate dose of physic, but not of aloes, in this case ; and
if there be costiveness, give clysters ; and back-rake, if
necessary, owing to obstinate constipation. Give the
following fever medicine, or some other sedative dose : —
Powdered digitalis, one drachm ; emetic tartar, one
drachm ; saltpetre, three drachms ; sulphur, one drachm :
linseed meal, two drachms ; beat together, and make
into a ball, and give twice a day ; or mix in gruel, and
tiu'n down.

After the inflammation has abated, a seton may be
inserted in the breast, or the breast and sides may be
blistered. Keep warm ; well clothed ; rub often ; allow
pure air ; give bran mashes and green food ; or, if in
winter, give carrots or potatoes, and a little clover hay;
but feed lightly, until the inflammation abates.

PLEURISY.

This is an inflammation of the pleura, which is a thin
membrane enclosing the lungs and lining the chest.

Causes. The principal are exposure to cold and wet,
sudden changes in temperature, hard riding, and the
absurd practice of riding horses, when hot, into cold
water, to save trouble in washing them ; riding against
a sharp wind on a very cold day ; and wounds pene-
trating into the chest, and injuring the pleura.

Symptoms. In some respects, there is no difference
between the symptoms of an inflammation of the pleura
and the lungs. Fits of shivering ; loss of spirits and
appetite ; hanging of the head, and disinclination to
move, are the same in both complaints. In pleurisy,
the cough is shorter and more painful. The breathing
is different. In the lung complaint, the inspiration or
dra^ving in of air is very slow, and the expiration or out-
breathing is quick, and almost spasmodic. In pleurisy,
the inspiration is a short, sudden effort, and seems
broken off suddenly, before completed ; and then the
animal expires as shnvly as possible, in order to avoid
the repetition of the p lii 'ul spasm.

128 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

As pleurisy is not so deep-seated as the ther disorder,
there is more pain and tenderness on tapp ng or pressing
on the side. The pain is sometimes so great, that the
horse Ues down and rolls. When the lungs are in
Uamed, the membrane of the nose, which is an extension
iVom the lungs, is inflamed also, and looks extremely
red ; but as there is no connection between the pleura
and nose, it is not so red in pleurisy. Sometimes the
color is not changed until the inflammation extends to
the lungs.

When the lungs are inflamed, the extremities are cold ;
but in this disease, the heat is increased, or the tempera-
ture is variable. In that disorder, the pulse is rarely
quickened ; but in this, it is strong and rapid. It is
necessary to observe these nice distinctions.

Remedy. Sweat and rub i'reely to invite blood out.
Give injections and gentle physic ; and then give seda-
tive medicines, and feed on light, cooling food, such as
mashes, potatoes, or carrots, and green herbage, if in sea-
son. Clothe the animal warmly, this will Invite the blood
outwardly to the skin, and reduce the internal heat.
Frequent friction on the skin will also promote this
favorable tendency of the blood. For the cough, give
flax-seed tea, sweetened with molasses, sugar, or honey.

INFLAMBIATION OF THE LUNGS.

This disease, called also pneumonia, does not occur so
often as many suppose ; as a common cold, catarrh,
bronchitis, and pleurisy, are often mistaken for this dis-
order ; and as all these have their seat in the neighbor
hood of the lungs, or on those parts connected with them,
they will, when very severe, or when neglected, or ill
treated, all tend to this complaint.

Causes. They are numerous. The same as produce
severe colds. The perspiration which is thrown off
through the pores of the skin being checked, it is
thrown upon the lungs. The blood, in a measure,
leaves the extremities, and tends inwardly, producirjg
an unusual action on the vital organs. [See page 90.''

Among the causes are, exposure to c:»ld and wet, sue

HORSES.

129

den cooling after being heated ; neglect of drying prop
erly after being wet; [see page S9 ;] lying out cool
nights after labor ; standing in the cold after being
heated by fast driving ; sudden changes to cold, without
sufficient protection ; over-exertion, and neglect : change
from a warm to a colder stable j and sometimes a change
from a cold to a hot stable.

Symptoms. Shivering fits; icy coldness in the legs
and ears: an obscure, oppressed feeling in the pulse,
without material change in its motion, at first indicating
congestion in the kings, and the heart has not power to
impel the blood onward ; quick and laborious heaving
of the Hanks ; indication of pain by a turning of the
head, and gazing at the sides; standing stiff and
bracing; expansion of the nostrils; drooping of the
head ; mouth hot ; membrane of the nose red ; entire
loss of appetite.

Remedy. Sweat freely, (as on page 107. ) to aid
the diaphonetic medicine. Give clysters, and if there
be much costiveness, only mild clysters ; and feed bran
mashes and warm gruel, and feed lightly on loosening
food ; but do not give physic, on account of the sympa-
thy between the lungs and the bowels. After the inflam-
mation abates, if costiveness continue, give half doses of
physic. In the beginning, the following, or some othe'
sweating or diaphoretic medicine, should be given.
Tartar emetic and asafoetida, one drachm each ; liquorice,
one drachm ; make into a ball, and put down the throat,
or dissolve, and give in gruel. Clothe warm, and hand-
rub thoroughly, but gently, on account of tenderness, to
mvite the blood outwardly.

As pure air tends to abate the heat of the lungs, place
the animal where he can enjoy it, but not in a current,
nor where it is much colder than he has been accustomed
to. If it be a little cooler, supply the deficiency of heat
by warmer clothing. Close, hot stables are veiy inju-
rious in this case; and the animal seeks relief by
placing his head in the direction of pure air, even some-
times inhaling it from a crack or knot-hole.

After the sweating, give some sedative medicine, suck
a-i are good in feve-s. Clover tea, or raspberry tea is

130 DISEASES OP ANIMA. S.

good. Roweling is sometimes practised in s'^vere ctses,
rubbing the seton in blistering ointment, to give more
speedy and greater effect ; but generally, hand-rubbing,
often and thoroughly, particularly on the legs, will obvi-
ate the necessity of roweling.

Blistering is preferred to roweling, as more neat and
expeditious. An extensive application should be made
over each side the chest. The following is a good blis-
ter ointment for this purpose : — Powdered cantharides,
five drachms ; lard, four ounces ; spirits of turpentine,
one ounce; or use cantharides with sweet oil or lard.
Sometimes the rubbing on of spirits of turpentine is suf
ficient, without the blistering application.

Some distinguished veterinarians object to roweling ot
olistering, until the inflammation has abated, as it tends
at first to promote it ; others, of equal authority, think
these modes may be resorted to, even in the early stages
of the disease. This is only one among numerous cases
in which we are led to inquire, " Who shall decide, when
doctors disagree ?"

HEAVES — THICK AND BROKEN WIND.

Under this general term, are classed several afl^ections,
frequently originating from the same or similar causes ;
all affecting seriously the respiration of the horse. There
is broken wind and thick wind, which, in their various
modifications, and degrees of severity, produce what are
called, pipers, roarers, wheezers, whistlers, and grunters.

Thick Wind. When the lungs are inflamed, there is
a great deal of congestion, and many of the air-cells are
filled with coagulated blood ; and when they have been
long distended, that blood becomes organized, the cells
obliterated, and this portion of the lungs a solid mass,
unfit for respiration ; of course the act of breathing will
be laborious, and more rapidly repeated, to make up the
deficiency. This is called thick wind. Sometimes it is
a consequence of bronchitis or catarrh ; and then it arises
from the lining t)f the air par^sages being thickened by
inflammation, which lessens the calibre of the air-tubes,
and makes the breathing difficult j and on this accoun
\he breathing will be more rapid as well as laborious.

HORSES. 131

There a f ; o*.her causes of thick wind. A horse unaccus-
tomed to exercise is thick-winded, because the lungs can-
not at once accommodate themselves to the full and deep
breathing which the exertion requires. A horse, under
exertion, on a full stomach, is thick-winded, as there is
not room for the lungs to expand freely. The practice
of grooms in galloping horses after drinking, is very
injurious,

Remedy. There is no cure for cases arising from the
obliteration of the cells in the lungs, and this shows the
importance of prompt attention to those diseases which
produce this complaint. Much may be done by good
management to relieve the animal, and fit him for ser-
vice. Give the food in small compass, feeding freely
with roots and grain, and sparingly with fodder. Feed
regular 5 give water often ; give moderate exercise ;
work moderately and regularly ; but not on a full stom-
ach. Let all the food be pure, and of a good quality ;
and cut and moisten the fodder. In this way, the con-
dition of the horse may be improved, so that he will do
good service.

Broken "Wind is sometimes caused by violent and pro-
tracted inflammation of the lungs ; it is also produced
by over-working a thick-winded horse ; but it is more
frequently caused by sudden exertion with a loaded
stomach, either from eating or drinking. It is owing tc
a rupture of some of the cells of the lungs ; consequently
the air is readily admitted during the expansion of the
ungs, but in the expulsion of the air, it becomes en-
tangled in the ruptured cells, and is forced out with
great difticulty ; hence the in-breathing is naturally per-
Ibrmed by one effort, and the out-breathing by two,
occupying a longer time.

Remedy. There is no cure. Much may be done to
alleviate. Pursue the course recommended for thick
wind. [See page 97.]

Heaves. Although there is no remedy for severe

cases of heaves, yet horses may be so far relieved thai

they ma)' appear to be cured, while under good manage-

m2nt. We add several remedies, as they are regarded.

Remedy. Two table spoonfuls of tar, mixed with th«

132 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

yolk of an egg, given in the morning, fasting, wi. b«
useful.

Another. Lime-water, or a little po-w'dered lime, in
the feed.

Another. Tar and honey, a table cpoonful each ;
ball licorice, half the quantity; opium, eight grains;
mix, dissolve and give in a quart of new milk, every
other morning, fasting, and feed on smart-weed hay.

Another. A pound of antimony, four ounces of rosin,
eight ounces of sulphur, eight ounces of saltpetre, pow-
dered fine and thoroughly mixed. Give half a table
spoonful once or twice a week.

Another. Three quarts of sweet milk and a tea
spoonful of oil of vitriol, (sulphuric acid :) mix with the
food.

Another. The root of blue flag is said to be one of
the best remedies. It may be used green or dry. If
green, cut it fine ; if dry, pulverize it ; and give with
meal or oats, morning and night. Haifa table spoonful
is a dose. After eating it a few times, horses like it. It
is also good for stallions that have been injured by ex
cess in their peculiar line.

Asatoetida is considered a good ingredient in a medi-
cme for the heaves. As it is strong, use only a small
quantity.

DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS.

Strangury, or difficulty in staling, and suppression ol
urine, are great evils that are incident to the urinary
organs, and most people, judging from these prominent
mdications of disease, attribute them all to the same
disease, and give the same medicines, which are diuret-
ics, that in most cases have an injurious effect, aggra-
vating the disorder, and increasing the pain.

These evils are the result of several diseases, different
m their 7iature, location, causes and remedies ; and we have
here arranged them all under one general head, in order
to obviate the confusion and difhculty that now exist.
from a wrong view of the subject. AVhethe. there is a
suppression of urine from inflammation of the Iridneys.

HORSES. 133

ur from ihe kidneys becoming inactive and ormant, so
that the secretions are suspended, or a <;top]»age fiom a
stricture at tlie neck of the bladder, or other cause, or an
mflammation of the bladder, there will be, after a while,
frequent vain and painful attempts to discharge urine
This leads superficial observers to treat all diseases of
the urinary organs in the same manner.

INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS.

This is a very serious disorder, as it attacks a part
already, in too many cases, injured by previous absurd
treatment.

Causes are, over-fatigue, bad iood, exposure, driving
a horse long without staling, which produces excessive
pain, from a large collection of water in the bladder that
is absorbed by the kidneys, to their serious injury. Giv-
ing diuretics too freely produces excessive action on the
kidneys in the secretion of urine, which weakens and
inflames them. This shows the importance of caution
in treating this disease. Diuretics may afford temporary
relief, but the disease will return with increased violence.

Symptoms. There is considerable fever. This is
clearly indicated by the heat of the mouth, the heaving
of the flanks, and the acceleration of the pulse. The
feeling of very acute pain is plainly shown by the fre-
quent, steadfast gaze at the affected part ; and that parf
is marked out by the direction of the muzzle to the loins
more than to the belly. There is disinclination to move,
because the inflammation rapidly spreads from the kid-
neys to the muscles of the loms, and the least motion of
them will give mtense pam. In order that there shall
be as little stress as possible upon these muscles, the
hind legs are straddled widely apart.

This inability to move without pain assumes, in bad
cases, the form of palsy of the hinder extiemities, and
occasionally runs on to actual palsy. If tlie land is
placed on the loms, an unnatural warmth is felt, and the
horse shrinks and crouches under the slightest pressure.

The urine, which, from the beginning, was voided
with some difficulty, escapes in smaller and smaller
quantities, and the discharge of it is accompanied by
12

134 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

increasing pain. It becomes high-colored, perhaps
bloody. It diminishes by degrees, until only a few
drops are voided at a time, and at length it ceases alto-
gether ; yet still the horse strains on, and the straining
is accompanied by increased agony. The secretion of
urine cannot be suspended but a little while without
danger or death.

Remedy. Profuse sweating is recommended. Then
give physic, but not such as has a diuretic effect. Give
no salts nor calomel. Give a moderate dose of aloes, with
ibout one third dose of linseed oil. Give injections of
warm water frequently, as it will aid the physic, and act
as a fomentation in the neighborhood of the inflamma-
tion. A decoction of marsh mallows is excellent as a
mollifying clyster, and given as a dose, it has a soothing
effect.

Foment the loins with hot water, and apply a blister
over them ; but use no blistering plaster or composition
that contains cantharides or turpentine, as they have a
diuretic effect, and sometimes cause great pain in the
urinary organs. Apply the following poultice, which
lias no such effect : Ground mustard and linseed meal,
(or Indian meal.) equal parts ; mix with boiling vinegar,
and apply on the loins. This will have a very favorable
effect. Give gentle physic and light laxative food, and
give sedative medicines.

If the horse does not regain the strength of his hind
limbs, apply the following strengthening compound to
nis loins : Pitch, three pounds ; tar, one pound ; bees-
wax, half a pound ; mix together, apply thick to the
loins, when cool enough, and scatter some locks of light
low or other similar material, before it gets qtiite coo..

INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER.

Sometimes an inflammation of the mucus lining of
the bladder exists at the same time with inflammation
?f the kidneys, and is caused by it ; as the nature of the
urine is changed by the diseased state of the kidneys.
It becomes acrid and irritates the coat of the bladder.
Other causes: of this disease, are stimulating food, pciscn-
cus heibage, and foreign substances, such as a stone or
gravel n the bl vdder.

IIORSKS.

135

Symptoms. Frequency of su.jing; mingling of mu-
I as or pus, or blood, with the urine ; a slight additional
heat felt when the hand is introduced into the rectum
and rests on the bladder, and the acute pain which that
pressure occasions, as shown by the shrinking of the
animal.

Remedy. Sweat freely, rub dry, and give aloes as
physic ; only a mild dose, as the lower intestines sym-
pathize with the sensitive state of the bladder. Give a
plenty of linseed tea. Give mild and warm injections,
such as water, or herb tea. as these come near the blad-
der, and serve as fomentations. In England, linseed tea
is injected into the bladder by means of Reed's catheter.
In case of mares, this may be done with a more simple
apparatus.

INFLAMMATION OF THE NECK OF THE BLADDER.

In this disease, there is a spasm of the sphincter muscle
at the neck of the bladder, closing the orifice, so that
little or no urine can pass. To determine whether there
IS a difficulty in staling, from inflammation of the neck
of the bladder, or a suppression of urine from diseased
kidneys, the hand, well oiled, should be introduced into
the rectum. If there is inflammation of the kidneys, tlie
bladder can scarcely be felt under the gut ; but if the
neck of the bladder is inflamed, the bladder will be full,
and this will be evident from the protrusion upon the gut.

Causes. A severe cold, irritability of the bladder gen-
erally, a stone pressing on or near the neck of the blad-
der, gravel passing through and injuring the urethra, oi
the cruel and worse than savage custom of injecting into
mares a tincture or infusion of cantharides, or other pow-
erful stimulant, to hasten the periodical heat. Some-
times driving the horse long, without an opportunity to
stale, causes a spasm in the neck of the bladder, and is
unattended with intiammation.

Symptoms. At first there will be frequent discharges
of urine, then a gradual decrease, both in the quantity
and the size of the stream, and at length a total cessation.
The extended bladder can be plainly felt under the hand
in the rectum, rather tender and painful, but not hot.

136 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

Remedy. Sweatinc;. toilic fullest extent vs recom-
mended ; and then, during the temporary relaxation of
the spasmodic action, pass the catheter into the blad-
der, and evacuate its contents. An elastic catheter,
made for this purpose, is necessary, with which relief
may be readily given, without any injury. For want
of this valuable apparatus, an incision is made into the
urethra, at the curve, and the water let off with a com-
mon catheter ; but this wound is difficult to heal, and
sometimes it never heals, and the water is discharged
there with great inconvenience, as it may unfit the
animal for labor. An opening is sometimes made in
this way, when there is an obstruction in the passage
oelow this point.

Back-rake, give mild physic, mashes, and linseed tea
for drink ; and if means are provided, empty the bladder
whenever it is full, of which the attendant may judge, or
ascertain of a certainty, by introducing the hand into the
rectum. An infusion of belladonna, (two ounces of
leaves, or two drams of extract, to a pint and a half of
water,) may be injected into the urethra, and thrown
into the bladder.

At the same time, give a scruple of powdered bella-
donna internally, morning, noon, and night, made into
a ball with linseed meal (or other meal) and molasses,
or give in linseed tea or gruel ; or (me drachm o*'
opium, may be added. Fomentations, as hot as could be
borne, and frequently applied, have given relief; and it
may be well to try this simple application in the begin-
ning. Use thick cloths, and apply them all along the
urethra, particularly at the upper part, and use injec-
tions in connection. Dr. Holmes, of the Maine Farmer,
informs us that he was requested to see a valuable horse
suffering under this disease, and still more by leason of
numerous diuretic doses given him ; and he was relieved
by the application of bags of boiled hops, frequently
changed.

Another Cause of Strangury. Sometimes a stoppage
:)f urine is caused by a pressure of dung on the neck of
the bladder ; and this immediate cause is produced by
constipation o" :he bowels. The hardened foeces pass

HORSES. 3^

off slowly, lodging in the rectum, and pressing or the
bladder.

Remedy. Back-rake, and give injections for immedi-
ate relief, and remove the costiveness by bran mashes,
roots, and green food.

DORMANT STATE OF THE KIDNEYS.

Sometimes the kidneys become dormant or inactive^
and cease to secrete urine. To ascertain their condition,
when there is no discharge of urine, but frequent and
painful efforts for this purpose, examine thoroughly, and
see whether the symptoms indicate any of the disorders
we have named ; if they do not, a suppression of urine
may be supposed to exist from a torpid or sluggish state
of the kidneys, and diuretics may be given. But give
only mild doses, lest there be a mistake ; for it requires
skill and experience to judge accurately of these disor-
ders, which have been so much confounded one with
another.

GRAVEL AND STONE IN THE BLADDER.

It is common for a horse to discharge gravel with his
urine. There is nothing that can be given safely that
will dissolve these calculi, and all that can be done is tc
give a diuretic dose, and, in an hour after, half a pound
of common salt in a quart of water, to excite thirst, that
large quantities of water may be drunk and discharged
and the gravel washed out. Stones are more common
m the kidneys of the horse than in the bladder. In
either case, the symptoms are very obscure. A horse
affected with stone in the bladder is subject to colicky
pains, and, during these pains, he voids liis urine with
difficulty and violent straining. Mind th s, in examin-
ing for gripes or colic. The presence, size and situation
of stones in the bladder may be felt from the rectum, as
named in other diseases of the urinary organs. Lith
atomy, or cutting, is sometimes practised for this ccm-
plaint ; but this requires a skilful and eipeneiiced
urgeon.

12*

138 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

DIABETES, OR PROFUSE STALING.

Tnis IS a very weakening disease. The horse urinates
very olicn ; the urine is colorless, and is discharged in
Immense quantities. He would drink forever : and the
water is hardly down his throat till it is thrown among
his feet as urine. He cannot e idure hard labor, and his
coat soon stares : he refuses to eat. loses flesh, and
becomes extremely weak. As the disorder proceeds, the
pulse becomes quick and weak.

Causes. They are various, and sometunes difficult to
trace. Among them, are mow-burnt hay, bad oats, and
other bad fodder; sometimes it is caused by an impov-
erished state of the blood, arising from the use of strong
medicines. Ill usage, and the want of green food at the
proper season, are also causes.

Remedy. Change the food, and let the horse rest from
hard labor. Put lumps of coarse salt, and a piece of
chalk, in his manger ; put pea or bean meal in his water,
and give carrots and good hay. By a change of diet,
and good treatment, he will generally recover without
medicine ; but if the disease continue, give a dose of
physic.

If this course does not cure, astringents must be
resorted to ; the following is good : — Catechu, two
drachms ; opium, half a drachm ; linseed meal, two
drachms ; make into a ball, with molasses, or mix in
gruel. Give this dose morning and night; and if it
binds the bowels, add one drachm of aloes, or some
Dther laxative, in small portion, to each dose ; or keep
the bowels open with bran mashes. If it be in season,
give green food.

POLL EVIL.

This disease is a swelling on the poll of the head, just
back of the ears. If not dispensed, it suppurates, and
generally becomes a formidable disease. Some regard
vt as incurable ; but severe cases have been cured.

Causes. They are numerous. The most commo-
are, a painful blov,' inflicted du the poll, striking or rut

HORSES.

139

bing Ih. head against the lower part of the manger or
other tn.iig, striking the poll in passing into a low stable
or elsewhere ; jerking back the head, when hitched by
the bndle or halter. It is sometimes occasioned by a
general morbid state of the system. It is often caused
by tossing up the head to avoid the pain and discomfort
occasioned by the check or bearing reins, which constrain
the head in an unnatural position. [See page 77.]

Symptoms. At first, the animal appears restless,
throwing up his head, and returning it. He soon drops
his head, holding it first on one side, and then on the
other. He appears dull about the eyes, and sluggish in
all his movements. Heat and swelling of the poll follow.
[f the evil is deep, the swelUng is wide ; but when near
the surface, it presents a point.

Remedy. When taken early, the disease may some-
times be dispersed. Abate the inflammation by bleed-
ing and physic, and frequent application of warm vine-
gar, saturated with salt. Observe a cooling regimen,
reducing the quantity of oats, and soon discontinue them
altogether. Apply an astringent or scattering poultice ;
but be careful and not pursue this course far, unless it
is likely to succeed.

If heat, swelling, and tenderness increase, matter will
form in the tumor, and the whole course of treatment
must be changed; a full habit will be necessary, in
order to bring it to a suppuration as fast as possible ;
and the parts should be softened and drawn by a poul-
tice of oat or Indian meal, applied lukewarm, twice a
day. The power of the poultice may be increased by
roasted onions. Mix with it a small quantity of hog's
lard or sweet oil. It should cover the whole swelling
two inches thick.

When the tumor is ripe, if near the top, it may break j
but if deep, it must be opened. The opening should be
a little below the centre, and lengthwise, lest the cervic-
ular hgoment imder the mane be cut, which will cause
ihe head to droop ever after. In order that the matter
mav run out as fast as formed, and not collect at the
bottom jf the ulcer, corioding and irritating it, a seton
should be inserted, penel rating Through the bottom, and

140 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

coming out on the side cf the neck, a little beJow the
bottom of the abscess. Perhaps, by pressing the parts, in
order to produce a discharge, keeping it open at the top,
and by cleansing with frequent washings in strong soap
suds, the matter can be expelled without a seton.

If the ulcer deepens and spreads, and threatens to eat
the ligatures of the neck, cleanse it by a weak lye of
wood ashes, and apply a poultice of the soft pulp o
roasted carrots, to Avhich add a small quantity of char-
coal powder. Should the healing of the wound proceed
too fast, the granulations should be touched with some
caustic. The operator should be cautious, as the acri-
monious matter discharged from the abscess may be
absorbed at the roots of his finger nails, and infect the
system with poison.

Another. Friend Solon Robinson says, in the Frank
lin Farmer, ^'Here is a cure for poll evil, in its worst
state; when the swelling breaks, put into the opening
from which the matter discharges, a lump of pearlash
or potash, as big as you can with your finger. These
applications will cure the worst cases of poll evil or fis-
tula I ever saw."

Another. A correspondent of the Albany Cultivator
recommends, as soon as the tumor appears, to make a
strong decoction of the root of the meadow plant or vine,
known by the name of poison ivy, mercury, or poison
vine, (^Rus radicans ;) bathe the tumor with this decoc-
tion every day, as hot as the horse can bear it, and heat
it in with a hot iron. It will soon begin to subside, and,
after some weeks, disappear. He cured a horse in this
way, that was so bad that he could not drop his head to
drink.

Another. Several severe cases have been cured by
washing with soap suds, and putting common salt into
the ulcer, repeating it frequently.

Another View of the Case. D. P. Closely, of West
Liberty, Kentucky, thinks this disease may be crused
otherwise than by external injuries. He says, '' The
cerumenous glands are internalJy connected with the
ear and occiput, (hinder part of the head.) Their office
<s to secrete cerumen, (ear wax,) which lubricates the

HORSES.

141

organs of hearing. When these glands oecome injured
by colds, fatigue, &c.j the secretions become obstructed,
ant' produce swellings, and suppuration. He recom-
mends a stimulant upon the muscles of the ear, as fol-
lows ; — Put three spoonfuls of finely pulverized flint
glass into a bottle containing a pint of urine ; bury it
in the ground for three days ; then shake it up, and put
one spoonful into each ear of the horse, once a day, for
three, four, or five days. He states the cure of a very
severe case, from this application, in which the tumor
had broken, and become very offensive. After pulver-
izing the glass, it should be scronched through very fine
eambnc or gauze. Perhaps some other stmiulant would
answer.

PHRENITIS, OR INFLAIMMATION OF THE
BRAIN.

The term staggers used to be applied to this disease,
but it is only a symptom of this and other diseases.
Phrenitis is produced by a determination of the blood to
the brain.

Causes. Change from poor to high feeding and rich
pastures, over-exertion in close, suitry weather, espe
cially in fat, high-fed horses, lately accustomed to only
a little labor. It sometimes results from other diseases,
or a change of inflammation from one organ to another ,
it may suddenly leave the bowels, lungs, or other parts,
and attack the brain. But it is usually caused by a
diminution of the excretions which produce cosliveness
and induration of the contents of the intestine, and a
strong flow of blood to the head.

Symptoms. Hanging of the head, dulness, watery
eyes, reeling of the body, and sleepiness. While eating,
the animal becomes lethargic, droops his head, with the
tongue hanging out and saliva dribbling ; and he will
stagger and almost fall. If aroused, he fjtares around,
ancl "then slumbers again. If he falls, he will start up
as though frightened, wander about, stagger and fall
again.

This nay co inue some hours, or a day, and then th^

142 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

scene changes; he is alive, his ears up and i»y < glar-
ing; he Is constantly changing his posture, pawing and
stamping. He has intervals of calmness for a short
time. Again he is active ; he whinnies, moans, dashes,
plunges, bites and kicks, without object or conscious-
ness. He exhausts himself, and then he is stupid and
.sleepy. And so he generally goes on, till he has rup-
tured a blood-vessel in the brain, or worn himself out
by violence.

Remedy. Bleed profusely. Give a gallon of herb
drink, made of mallows or other herbs. Give flax-seed
tea to lubricate the bowels and prepare for physic.
Back-rake, and give an exciting injection. In the course
of six or I en hours, give a dose of physic. Then give
mashes and feed sparingly, and keep in a dark stable.

Another, Make an incision in the forehead, in the
form of a cross, two inches in extent, down lo the bone ;
dissect up the angles, and introduce a tea-spoonful of
cantharides ; then close the skin, and confine it by sliches.
[n a few hours an inflammation lakes place, a copious
flow of mucus from the nose ensues, and the symptoms
of the disease abate. A deep sore is formed, which
should be cleansed daily by soap suds. In this case the
cause should be removed by laxative food and gentle
physic.

Another. Give physic and keep on light food. After
an operation on the bowels, give the following fever
drink : emetic tartar, one drachm ; powdered digitalis,
half a drachm ; saltpetre, three drachms ; mix, and give
in a quart of gruel. When this medicine cannot be ob-
tained, give, as a fever drink, two quarts of strong rasp-
berry tea, or other soothing astringent tea, adding the
saltpetre, or some other light diuretic dose, if convenient.

VERTIGO, MEGRIMS, OR FITS.

This is an inflammation of the brain in its mildest
term. The horse appears well, but owing to heat, fu r
ness of flesh, rather fast driving, or the effects of exer-
^on after inaction, he is suddenly seized, stops, shakes
«is head, is giddy, looks around half unconscious. After

HORSES. 143

a few minutes' rist, he revives and goes on, but net so
well as before. Sometimes, without any warning, he
drops, lies a few minutes apparentl}^ insensible, then
starts up and goes on again. Or he drops and struggles
violently for a few minutes, then calmly rises and pro-
ceeds, though somewhat oppressed and weakened. Oc-
casionally Le drops and dies at once.

Prevention. Keep the horse in a good, healthy con-
rUtion, and give moderate exercise. Be careful and not
feed too high.

Remedy. Give physic and fever drinks, with light
diuretics, and feed lightly.

BIG HEAD.

Young horses are more liable to this disease than older
ones. It does not seem to be contagious, yet when it is
in a large stock of horses, many are liable to be affected
before it can be eradicated. It is slow in its progress,
both in its effects on those attacked, and in attacking
others ; in this way, it -v^^ll sometimes remain on a place
several years. Some say this disease is caused by blind
teeth, which should be removed. English writers do not
speak of this disease. It is unknown in the Northern
States. It prevails in the South, and in some sections
of the West. It is most prevalent in new countries, and
usually attacks horses that run at large and live in the
woods.

Appearances after Death. The bones of the head,
particularly of the jaws, are heaved up and distended.
The bone at the surface appears solid and of the usual
consistence, but when broken open, the inner part is
distended and not compact, exhibiting the appearance
of dry honey-comb, or pumice-stone. The teeth also are
affected, and have the same unnatural distention and
want of solidity as the jaw bones. Some of the bone«
ii: other parts of the system are affected.

Symptoms. The first appearance of the disease is an
enlargement of the front of the head, between the eyes
and nostrils. This unnatural bulk continues to increase,
with greater or less rapidit}-, in differer.t subjects. Aftei

144 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

the lic.se lias been some time affected, the under jav
also begins to exhibit a like growth and distention
Sometimes it exceeds the other in increase. At an early
period, some, and a later period, other subjects, begin to
languish and lose their activity and strength ; the joints
gi'ow stiff and unshapely ; the back becomes weak and
unelastic, until he dies, or is killed to terminate his suf
ferings.

Rej-\iedy. Numerous modes of treatment have been
tried for this disorder, without success. The following
has been attended with favorable results, when the dis-
order has been taken in season. Take a piece of bar
u'on, and have it formed into the shape of a chisel, about
two inches wide. Let it be about as sharp as chisels or
axes usually are before ground. Heat this in the fire
until it is quite red. Search out a gristle or ligament
which extends from near the eye to near the nostril. It
is almost as large as a person's little finger. Apply the
edge of the heated iron across this ligament, about mid-
way betAveen the eye and nostril, and sever it by burn-
ing entirely into the bone, on both sides.

Let the wound alone. The severed ligature should be
prevTsnted from reuniting again too readily, and the
irritating and suppurating state of the wound may be
advantageous ; and having kept open the sore for some
time, it will heal of itself.

If the disease has not advanced far, the head wil.
gradually and slowly shrink to its former dimensions.
If it has advanced further, the horse may be servicable,
though the head may not regain its natural shape. It is
said to be attended with no danger.

Another Remedy. One quart of hog's lard ; one
quart of tar ; one pound of sulphur, or brimstone ; put
all together in a pot over a slow fire, and boil until the
brimstone disappears. Then make a mop on a strong
•stick, and rub the horse's head, from the eyes tc the
nose, once a day, with this mixture, till it is all gone

HORSES. 146

RABIES, OR MADN1S6.

This dreadful disease is produced by the tite of a maoi
aog, or by such dog licking the muzzle of a horse whose
lips are galled by the bit.

Symptoms. The horse stops, looks round, staggers
and falls. He -will soon rise, proceed again, and again
stagger and fall. After a while, he becomes violent and
furious ; stamping, biting, tearing, and endeavoring to
demolish everything around him ; acting with apparent
consciousness and intent on mischief.

Unlike other domestic animals, even the dosr, in whick
this disease ongmates, the horse, hke the human being,
generally has a dread of water, or hydrophobia ; as the
head is suddenly snatched from a pail of water, amidst
drinking, and he trembles and sometimes falls to the
ground, convulsed, at the sound of falUng water.

There is no cure, but it may be prevented by cutting-
out the wound immediately after the bite, before the
poison has entered the circulation, or by the applicatior
of lunar caustic, so as to destroy every part that is in
jured. It must reach to the very bottom of the wound
It is dangerous to do anything with a horse when thif
malady controls him. [See page 277.]

THE HORSE DISEASE.

This term was given to an unusual and very fatal
malady that prevailed among horses around the city of
New York, particularly on Long Island, in the summer
and early fall of 1846. It mostly affected those tha
were pastured. It seemed to be a congestive fever on
the brain. The internal organs were free from inflam-
mation.

Cause. It was supposed to be caused by miasma in
the air, arising from the decomposition of vegetable and
animal matter, which, taken intr the lungs, vitiated the
blood, or prevented the usual p irifying effects of vita
air.

Symptoms. These varied. In some cases, it com:^
13

146 DISEASES OF ANOIALS.

menced by the hone refusing food, and hanging lown
nis heail. He soon became stupid, and leaned against
any object for support. In a lew hours he fell, and in a
day or two expired. In other cases, it commenced by
weakness across tlie loins, and stiffness of the limbs,
which gradually increased till the animal fell, generally
to rise no more. In the latter case, the brain cid not
appear to be affected.

Remedy. Many medicines were tried, and mostly in
vain. General bleeding usually hastened death; in
some few cases, M'hen it was attended to at a very early
stage, it seemed to have a favorable effect. Moderate
bleeding in the head was considered useful ; after this
operation, cold water was applied to the head, with appa-
rent benefit. In some cases, it was thought that cam-
phor, in others, calomel, had a good effect. But, in most
cases, it proved fatal, in spite of medicines and treat-
ment. About five hundred died.

LAMP AS.

A swelling of the bars of the mouth. Young horses
are most subject to it. It will generally subside without
medical treatment. A few mashes, with light physic,
will generally relieve the animal. A few cuts across
the bars, with a penknife, in the middle part, to avoid
the principal artery and vein of the palate, will relieve
the inflammation. Burning is unnecessarily cruel, and
renders the part callous. Sometimes the lampas is
caused by the tushes coming through the gums. In that
rase, lance the gums above the teeth.

BLACK TONGUE.

In the winter of 1834, an epidemic, under this name,
prevailed extensively in Maine, among cattle and horses.
The tongue sn'elled, turned dark, cracked, and the skin
peeled off, and it was so sore that it was difficult for the
animal to eat. Cooling laxatives, and w^ashing the
tongue in a de::(3Ction of white pine bark, had a good
■effect. The remet'y used for cattle would doubtless be
i-teneficial. [See this subject under the head, " Cattle."]

HORSES.

THE EARS.

147

The ears of horses are covered with i short do\m on
the inside, mixed with large hairs, to prevent cold air,
snow, sleet, rain, dust, and flies, from hurting the inter-
nal ear. Therefore, trimming this part is very inju-
rious.

In hot weather, there is a species of flies that eat the
inside ol the ear till it is raw ; they are exceedingly tor-
menting. To pievent this, apply some oil, lard, or other
grease, to the inner part of the ear, once in a few ^yeeks,
in the warm season. Begin before the flies, else it will
be difficult to touch the ears, from their tenderness.

FOUNDER.

This disease is caused by riding the horse until much
heated and fatigued, and then allowing him to cool sud-
denly, by drinking freely of cold water, or standing in
an exposed situation, or in a cold stable without cover-
mg; or, without sudden cooling, it may be produced by
too bountiful feeding, and his swallowing his food gree-
dily, while very warm and hungry.

Under such unfavorable circumstances, the poor ani-
mal, after resting, instead of being refreshed, is stiff" and
sore ; his rest, food, and drink, being more destructive
to health than constant action and abstinence. On the
contrary, had he been allowed to cool gradually, and fed
sparingly, he would have escaped injury.

Remedy. Take from the neck vein a gallon of blood,
and give as a drink, in a quart of' strong sassafras tea, a
table spoonful of saltpetre, and a quarter of an ounce of
assa&etida ; withholding any drink for six hours ; at the
end of which, should he not be better, take half the
quantity of blood, repeat the drink, off'ering him bran or
oats scalded with sassafras tea, his drink being mixed
with tea. His feet should be well cleaned, and filled
with cow dung.

Another. As soon as your horse is founder ec, bleed
lim in the neck in proportion to the severity of the case

14& DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

In extreme cases, bleed him as long as he ?an staad.
Then draw his head up, and with a spoon, lay salt back
on his tongue, till he has swallowed one pint. Let him
drink onl}' moderately. Anoint his feet with spirits of
turpentine, and he will soon be well. The founder per-
vades every part of the system. Bleeding arrests it in
the blood, and the salt in the stomach and bowels. At-
tend to it immediately after the injury.

Another. Curry the horse with a sharp curry-comb,
very briskly, against the hair, from his hoofs over the
whole body, and with sufficient severity to draw blood
slightly, in places ; then jump on him, and ran him some
distance, and he will 1 e relieved.

Another. If youi horse founders over night, take
him the next morning, and, by turns, set each hoof in a
pint of boiling hot hog's lard, first cleaning the hoof;
and better still, if the shoe be taken off. Have it boil-
ing hot for each foot, and with a spoon, put it over the
hoof as near as possible to the hair. He will be fit for
use in three or four hours ; so says a Kentuckian who
had practised this mode of cure for fifty years without a
single failure.

Another. Immediately on discovering the founder,
give the horse about a pint of sun-flower seeds in his
feed. This may aid in the cure ; but it may not be
sufficient alone.

H. Cole, in the Prairie Farmer, recommends, as a
simple and certain cure, to bleed the horse freely in the
neck, as soon as the founder is discovered, and as soon
as practicable, place him in water about up to his belly ;
the colder the better, and let him stand two thirds of a
day ; or, if badly foundered, longer. This drives the
founder from his feet and legs, and prevents its settling
there.

EATING TOO MUCH GRAIN.

Some animals eat grain to excess when they get
access to it, and it would often kill them, unless relieved.
The gram absorbs the juices of the stomach, and with
the heat becomes so swelled as to be in danger of burst-
ing it. Or if ;his d -^s not take place, the stomach may

HOKSES. 145

»ose its action fron. over-fulness, anc fever and other
diseases ensue. BeMdes the distention from swelled
grain, there may be gases from fermentation.

The general opinion among farmers has been, tha^t
after a creature has eaten too much grain, he must not
drink, lest the water cause swelling of the grain. Some
say he would better drink ; and our opinion has been,
that he would better drink moderately of salt water, or
of an alkaline solution, as this will absorb the gas, and
prevent swelling and fermentation, and at the same
time supply moisture to the dry stomach.

On this contested point, we have obtained the opinion
of Dr. Holmes, of the Maine Farmer, who makes the
following judicious remarks : — '■ The injury arises from
two causes, the swelling of the mass by absorption of
the juices and Huids in the stomach, and gases arising
from fennentation. The animal should drink moder-
ately, for the grain, warmed and moistened by the stom-
ach, will swell, and by absorbing all the juices in the
stomach, is apt to bring on a fever. A small portion of
water will relieve the dryness in the stomach, and put
the mass of grain in a condition to move out of the
system.-'

Remedies. Give drink moderately, and let it include
a good dose of lime or chloride of lime, or a lye of wood
ashes. If the case be severe, back-rake, and give injec-
tions— exciting ones, if obstinate constipation require it.
Soon after giving the alkaline solution, give a pint of
any kind of oil, or melted lard. A little gentle exercise
may be useful. Ardent spirit of any kind is good, or
any warm stimulant in a small cor ipass, as Cayenne
pepper or hot drops, as it checks fermentation, and
warms and excites the stomach to afttion. For some time
after, feed lightly, and treat kindly, for the stomach will
be weak and tender.

HIDE -BOUND.

This often results from poor keeping and bad usage ;
sometimes from surfeit. The animal grows poor, his

skin becomes dry and rigid, and seems to adhere to his

13*

150

DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

bones., and sometimes small boils break out on his back.
It is generally only a symptom of disease, particularly
of the digestive organs.

TreatmExVt. Feed liberally, and give bran mashes,
roots, or green food, to keep the bowels open ; work
moderately, oil the skin, and curry often, but not harshly,
as the bones are too prominent for such an operation.
This, with good usage, will generally cure, when the
complaint is owing to poverty and harshness.

But if it does not yield to the above treatment, the
digestive organs are probably disordered, and medicine
may be necessary. Give alternative medicines : — two
drachms of levigated antimony, the first night ; three
drachms of saltpetre the second night ; and four drachms
of sulphur the third night, in bran mashes.

The bran will keep the bowels loose ; the antimony
and sulphur are fine for the skin ; the sulphur for the
bowels, and the saltpetre for the urine. If the horse can
be spared from labor, gentle physic v/ill be beneficial.
Rub him well, and use warm clothing, if the weather be
cool.

LICE.

See this subject under the head " Hens." The smallei
kind of lice that infest hens often get on horses, when
the hen-roost is near them. They multiply rapidly, and
notwithstanding their small size, they become a formi-
dable enemy, tormenting the poor animal almost to
death. He rubs and scratches, tearing off the hair and
skin, but all in vain ; they continue to tease and bite.
They are diflicult to destroy, and some ,K)werful means
that are recommended would sooner kiL the horse than
the lice, as they are more hardy, and -w 11 long endure
what would kill the horse instantly.

Mr. Albert Todd, of Smithfield, R. ] had a horse
sadly afflicted with lice, from having the -en-roost near
him. As he knew not what ailed him, tL^v became an
awful scourge tefore he discovered the can '.e of the evil.
After he learne I the cause, he tried tobacco, soap suds,
and oil, but in vain ; .:e then soaked him all over in

HORSES. 161

aew rum, and this destroyed them. In such cases, the
litter should be removed beyond the reach of any ani-
mals, and the stall and fa'^^^niture whitewashed, with a
liberal portion of salt in the wash; and the harness
should be carried off, and brushed, washed or oiled.
For these lice will live long without food, and then re-
vive and increase. "VVe have kept them alive nearly a
vs'eek in a phial, A\dthout food.

MOULTING, OR SHEDDING THE HAIR.

This is not a disease, but a condition that requires
attention in the management of the horse. It takes
place in the spring and fall, — more thoroughly or sud-
denly in the spring, and then the animal is more affected
by it. It produces indisposition to a moderate extent ;
sometimes a slight fever, as the vital power, which, in
health, is equally distributed through the whole system,
is, in this condition, determined to the skin, and employed
in the reproduction of hair. Consequently, there is lan-
gor, and less capacity for labor.

At these seasons, give cooling and loosening food ;
manage carefully, clothe well, and let the labor be less
than usual. JMore than common attention to currj'ing
and rubbing is necessary while the moulting process is
going on, as it will remove the old hair and promote the
growth of the new.

ABORTION.

Abortion frequently happens to mares. It often arises
from over-exertion during the latter period of pregnancy.
They are also liable to various accidents in the pasture,
which cause them to slip their foals ; such as kicks-
tumbling into holes and ditches, leaping over fences,
ice. Stinting the mare in the quantity of her food, or
food of a bad quality, is a cause of abortion. On the
contrary, if she be fed high and not worked at all, there
is equal danger of miscarriage, by high condition and
Idleness, causing inflammafion and other disorders.
There .'ji 2 avoid extremes am when the beast is near

1^ DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

her time, put her in a suitable pasture by herself. Thir
iubject is treated of more fully under the head '' Cattle.'

WOUNDS AND BRUISES.

One who has much experience confidently recom-
tnends the following treatment : Dissolve saltpetre in
warm water, in such proportions as to be moderately
strong to the taste, and add blue stone, blue vitriol,
(sulphate of copper,) until the solution is slightly tinged.
Use this, and nothing else, for a week, two or thret
times a day.

It purifies the wound, destroys proud flesh, produces
granulations, and heals the worst wounds in a short
time. It is good for a kick, and is not liable to leave a
scar. It will generally do well without any covering.
It protects from flies, and as the skin will approximate
as the wound heals, under this treatment, there is not so
much need of sewing up wounds.

Another Mode. "Wash the wound, morning and
night, in warm soap suds, and anoint immediately
with whale oil. This purifies and heals the wound as
fast as desirable for soundness, protects it from cold
and flies, and the hair is replaced of the natural color.

Another for Flesh Wounds. Steep Life of Man
root in chamber lye, boil it down one half, and wash the
wound with it several times a day. It is said to be very
effectual. [See Wounds, page 56.]

CRAMP, OR DRAWING OF THE NERVES.

Cause. Taking cold after hard labor and sweating.
The excretions being suddenly diminished brings on
spasmodic and convulsive symptoms. Every nerve
seems contracted to overthrow its antagonist and dis-
member the ungovernable body. The eyes are con-
torted, and generally nothing but the white appears.

Remedy. Sweat the horse, by taking a large pot filled
with mayweed and tansy, and when boiled, place it
under his belly, and cover him with a large rug or cov-
erlet, to keep the steam confined to his bcdy. A little

HORSES.

153

Defore the steaming, give him sixteen grams of ipmm
in half a pint of wine. Keep him covered for a few
days, and give him warm water, and be careful that the
cold be not repeated.

If opium be not at hand, give some warm drink, such
as ginger and water, peppermint or pennyroyal tea,
adding two tea-spoonfuls of pulverized Cayenne pepper.
This will greatly promote the perspiration, and warm
the whole system. Hot drops are also very good as a
warming medicine, [See page 49.]

CASTRATION.

If horses are constantly worked, so as to be no trouble,
they are better for being entire, as they will be stronger
and endm'e more hardship, ^n this account, many that
are kept almost constantly in harness are not altered,
and they are perfectly kind and docile. But as most
horses are sometimes idle and run out with others, it is
a general custom to castrate them.

This operation, as with calves, lambs and pigs, could
be done with the least trouble, injury or risk, when the
colt is only a few months old. But as the form of the
neck and shoulders are materially improved by his re-
maining perfect, he is not generally castrated till after he
is a year old.

If the fore quarters are then large and full, the sooner
it is done the better ; but if they are thin and weak, he
should remain six months longer. Many do not castrate
the colt till he is two years old. The operation should
be performed in mild weather, and the patient should be
prepared by a dose of physic.

Many new modes of emasculation have been recom-
mended, — such as turning the testicles, cording, apply-
ing the clams, &;c., — but the old mode of ctitting is
generally preferred ; and if it be properly done, under
favorable circumstances, it generally, or almost univer-
sally, succeeds.

After carefully casting the colt the operator should
examine the scrotum and see if t]i i testicles have come
down thoroughly, s that he cat grasp them rml)

154 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

They mi ; not have come down well. If there is any
prospect c ' a difhculty in retaining them in the grasp,
he should pull them down as low as he can without
violence, and place a pair of clams above them.

He grasps the testicle, pushes it to the bottom of the
bag, and then makes the bag tight over it ; then with
one incision, from before backwards, he cuts along the
whole extent of the lower edge of the testicle ; he cuts
through the scrotum, the dartos muscle, and the tunica
vaginalis, and the testicle slips out. Some make the
incision with a red-hot firing iron, but this is unneces-
sarily painful, and the wound will not heal so soon.
There may be some cases in which it heals too soon,
while matter is in the scrotum ; but these cases are rare.

The operator must now seize the testicle, hold it
steadily, not draw it viotently, humoring the struggles
of the animal, and when he is still, draw it out a little
further, and place the clams upon the cord, havmg first
wound a little tow around them. The vas deferens,
which is continued from the lower part of the testicle,
should be divided, which will save the colt much un
necessary pain.

He then settles in his mind where he will divide the
cord, so as not to leave it so long as to protrude out of
the scrotum, nor so short as to be difficult to seize in
case of bleeding. The clams are then closed, and fast-
ened sufficiently tight to stop the blood, but not so hard
as to bruise the cord. The cord is now divided.

Some cut the cord with a knife, and sear the end to
prevent bleeding, but the difficulty is that bleeding will
sometimes occur after this precaution. The better way
is to draw a firing iron, with a sharp edge, rapidly and
repeatedly, yet lightly, across the cord, and not wholly
in the same line, until it is divided. The vessels will
then be more securely closed, and bleeding will seldom
follow. The clams should be a little loosened to see if
bleeding is stopped. If only a little blood oozes out,
apply the firing iron again. This is a nice point, as the
application should be just sufficient to accomplish the
intended purpc ie ; for many of the colts that are lost die
of inflammation from needless severity in the applica
tion of the hot iron.

HORSES.

15d

P.T)ceed in the same manner with the other tisticle,
and :he operation will be completed. Cleanse the pait
with cold water, as nothing is better. No balsam or
salve need be applied, nor is it generally necessary
during the healing of the wound. At tirst he should be
kept up in a pen, as stirring a little will cause the pus
and other fluids to run out, and prevent swelling and
inflammation. He may be walked out daily for a quar-
ter of an hour. To turn him out, exposed to the flies
and cool nights, is cruel and dangerous.

But little attention will be necessary afterwards.
There will often be considerable swelling, and some-
times extending beyond the scrotum along the belly.
But if there be a healthy discharge of pus on the third
day, there will be no danger, and the swelling will grad-
ually subside. Whether There is swelling or not, if there
36 no discharge of pus, the wound should be opened a
ittle with the lingers, that any pus pent up in the bag
may escape. If there be great swelling, foment the
parts long and often. A stfong decoction of raspberry
leaves, or^other astringent, will be good for this purpose.
In case fever attend, give gentle physic, and light food,
«:uch as bran mashes, &c.

SALIVATION, OR SLOBBERS.

Causes. The food is doubtless the cause, whether it
be green or dry, as is shown by experiments in chang-
ing food. Some have attributed salivation to the second
crop of clover, but from very nice experiments that have
been made, it is evident that clover has no such effect,
unless the seed be a cause. There are several grasses,
weeds, and other plants, that will cause salivation. Lo-
belia will cause it when eaten by horses ; but in the pas-
ture, they generally, if not universally, avoid it ; but
when mixed with hay, horses will eat lobelia, and it will
produce slobbers, as experiments have plainly showTi.
Some say that clover seed will cause salivation ; hence
this disease from eating ripe clover.

The principal cause of salivation is doubtless spurge
{Eufhorbia maculata,) whicr. is generally found in a se€

156 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

3nd crop of clover ; and a later variety Qiypericifolia.)
It comes forward, flowers, and ripens at the same time
as the second crop, and it is gathered with clover
seed. In this way, it may be diffused all over the coun-
try, and it is found in most parts of the United States.

AH the plants of the genus Euphorbia contain a very
acrid juice. [Some of them stand at the head/of vegeta
bl«; poisons.] It has the greatest effect in the green
state, and is most effective when in flower, which is in
July and August.

Symptoms. They are very apparent. A profuse dis-
charge of saliva from the mouth, to the great annoyance
of man and beast. It doubtless weakens the animal
very much.

Remedies. Change the pasture, or the fodder. Take
a horse that is salivated, from grass, and feed him on
pure hay, and the salivation will be stopped in one night.

Feed with cabbage leaves ; and if they be not at hand,
use turnip tops, radishes, mustard, or other crumiferous
plants. Mix, occasionally, a table spoonful of sulphur
with the salt that is given to the horse, and give salt
freely.

FISTULA.

This disease may generally be attributed to careless-
ness. If the saddle has not been properly champered,
or the padding has shifted so that the saddle presses on
the edge of the withers, swellings and sores will be pro-
duced, which, in bad cases, may run to ulcers of the
same kind as those of poll evil. If the sinuses penetrate
between the shoulder and the ribs, it is even more seri-
ous than poll evil, and the seton must pass through the
very deepest of them. In many respects, this disorder
is similar to poll evil, and the treatment should be sim-
ilar.

Another Remedy. If it has broken, or has teen
lanced, and runs, make a wash of elder, (Sambucus can-
adensis,} wild cherry and sassafras root, equal parts,
boiled After washing, apply salaeratus to the sore.

HORSES. 157

SWEENEY.

Sweeney is ihe name given to a certain disease in
which there is a wasting of the flesh in the bone, called
the scapula [shoulder-blade] of the horse. It is generally
occasioned by a sprain of one of the joints of the leg.
causing an interruption of the circulation of the fluids
which nourish the muscles [flesh] of that part of the
shoulder — hence the wasting of the flesh occurs. Farm-
ers call the disease sweeney, but it is not found under
that name in the books.

The remedy is simple. In the centre of the wasted
part, take hold of the skin, and pull or lift it up with the
thumb and finger, and with a sharp knife, cut off" the
piece thus lifted up, so as to remove entirely a piece of
the skin about an inch in diameter ; then dress the spot
with a suppurating salve, to make it run matter for two
weeks ; then let it heal. The cure depends upon the
inflammation occasioned by the wound and the salve ;
this occasions an increased flow of nourishment to the
wasted part.

We would suggest whether the insertion of a rowel
would not answer the purpose more efiectnally, and with
,ess trouble, than removing a piece of the skin, and
applying suppurating salve.

Another Remedy. " Take half a pint of grease.,
tried from old rusty bacon ; half an ounce gum cam-
phor, shaved fine ; "four or five red peppers ; simmer all
together till thoroughly mixed. Apply this every other
morning to the affected shoulder, rubbing it briskly with
a smooth stone until it becomes quite hot. Pulling up
the skin two or three times a day, where the flesh is
wasted will expedite the cure."

GALLED BACK.

Remedy. White lead moistened with milk is an ex-
cellent remedy. Keating, in his expediri^n t5 the source
of St. Peter's River, found this the most successful appli-
14

158 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

calion. When milk cannot be had, sweet oil may be
substitiiled.

AiNOT lER. Gather a quantity of smart weed, (arse-
smart.) which generally grows in moist land around
stables ; bruise i: well, and put it into an iron vessel, in
the corner of the stable ; cover it with chamber lye, and
wash the galled places whenever the horse enters or
leaves the stable, or oftener, if necessary. A cure will
be effected. If tadly galled, bruise some of the leaves,
and lay on. To prevent galling, wash daily the parts
most exposed to injury.

Another. If the skin is worn off" the back, and the
sores are swelled, bathe it with hot urine, or with warm
salt and water ; this will disperse the swelling. If you
wish to dry up the sore, powder chalk, or old shoes burnt,
and cover the back with it. If the back is full of hard
lumps or saddle boils, bleed him freely in the mouth,
which will serve him as a dose of physic ; then wash
his back often in hot rum and vinegar.

THE SHEATH AND PENIS.

Sometimes the sheath of the horse becomes foul from
dust and perspiration, which causes irritation and inflam-
mation. Wash it thoroughly, internally, with soap suds,
and remove all the foul matter. When well cleansed
and dry, anoint it with some soothing ointment or lini-
ment. Lard, or oil of any kind, will answer. If there
be not much inflammation, the washing alone may be
sufficient. If there be much inflammation, after wast-
ing, foment it, externally and internally, with some
astringent. Sometimes, at the close of a severe illness,
the sheath becomes suddenly inflamed Give gentle
physic and mild diuretics, and foment the inflamed
parts with astringent liquor.

If the sheath be not occasionally examinee and
cleansed, filth may collect and remain there long, caus-
ing excoriations and ulcers, eating deeply into the parts,
and producing a mass of disease on the glans c£ the
penis, so that amputation becomes necessary. Some-
times massi?s of fungus, ■'veighing several pouncls. will

HORSES. ^59

cover the glans. They cannot be successl ally removed
with the knife or cautery, as they will sprout again.
Amputation of the penis is the only remedy ; which is
neither difficult nor dangerous.

Turn back the sheath, and draw out the penis as far
as possible, and then cut it off as far below the diseased
part as may be deemed necessary. The remaining
portion will be retracted within the sheath. Little
bleeding will generally follow ; excepting a slight flow
of blood for a few days, in the passing of urine. The
orifice of the urethra is kept open by the urine, and no
unpleasant circumstances usually follow from this oper-
ation.

SPRING HALT.

Spring halt, or string halt, is a kind of lameness pecu
liar to the hind quarters of a horse, which causes a sud-
den jerking of the legs upwards in his going. When it
seizes the outside muscles, the horse straddles and throws
his legs outward. When the inside muscles are aifected,
his legs are twitched up to his belly. It is in one or in
both legs. The cure is difficult. Rubbing and fermen-
tations are recommended, with moderate exercise daily.

STIFLE.

Cause. It is caused by the dislocation or slip of a
small bone, about as big and as long as a man's finger,
at the stifle joint, above the inside bend of the hough or
gambrel, which is much the same as the knee-pan in
man.

Symptoms. Lead the horse over bars or other imped-
iments, one and a half or two feet liigh, and he will drag
a stifled leg over, being unable to raise it up, and step
over.

Remedy. If the stifle is not slipped cut of place, but
only strained, it may be cured by bathing it in a lini-
ment made of three parts of brandy and one of the oil
of spike, heated in by a chafing dish of coals. This wiU
co.'Xract and strengthen the ligament, and if the lame

160 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

ness is recent, it will be likely to cure. But if the stifle

is out of place, fasten a strong rope or chain round the
foot-lock of the lame leg, and let a strong man hold it ,•
then move the horse directly forward, while the rope is
held fast by the man behind, pulling the rope, so as to occa-
sion the leg to be extended back as far as it can be drawn.
Let this be done three or four times before the rope is
taken off. Be careful and pull the leg directly back
behind, for if turned on one side, the leg may be injured.
It is said that this treatment never fails ; but if the stifle
has been of long standing, the operation should be re-
peated in a few days. This restores the bone, and the
application of astringent medicines, like the liniment
just named, will have a tendency to keep it in its place.

Another. If the stifle is dislocated, make a stifle
shoe, three inches high, using a common shoe for the
base ; put this on the well foot, that the horse may stand
four or five days on the lame one ; that will keep thf
joint in its place, and in the mean time bathe the join"
with the liniment above mentioned. The stifle shoe ir-
preferable to strapping the well leg, as it hinders circu
lation, takes ofi' the hair, and often lames it.

Another. " A handful of sumach bark, and a hand-
ful of white oak bark, boiled in a gallon of water, dowR
to two quarts ; bathe the stifle with this solution twice a
day four days ; then put on a salve made of the white
of an egg and rosin, and bathe the same in, with a hot
shovel, two or three times, and the horse is cured."

Another. Take one gallon of urine, and put therein
a small handful of junk tobacco ; boil down to one
quart ; then add two ounces of the oil of spike, one
ounce of the oil of amber, two spoonfuls of spirits of
turpentine, and two spoonfuls of honey. Put it into a
jug, and cork it tight for use.

Process of Application. Rub the stifle bone hard with
the mixture, fifteen or twenty minutes ; then dry it in
thoroughly with a red-hot fire shovel ; then ride the
horse forth and b-ick one hundred rods. Repeat tht;
above two or chre* \\ ues. and the cure w\\. be eflected.

HORSES.

SPLENT.

16.

Splents, strictly speaking, are bo: substances inter-
posed between the larger and smaller bones of the leg.
But horsemen generally call any bony tumor along the
side of the leg, a splent. They are caused by early and
over work, and external violence, and are most common
to young horses. The growth of the splent is attended
with heat, tenderness and pain, and some lameness.
When they have become grown, and the other parts
around them have become accommodated to tnem, they
do no material injury, though unsightly, unless they
interfere with the action of any joint. This disease is
most common to the fore legs.

JRe.medy. If they produce lameness, or are in situa-
tions where they are likely to, cut off the hair arounc
them ; put on a smart blistering plaster, to be kept on
three days ; chafe the part strongly with a tincture of
flies, and once a day rub in opodeldoc, with one quarter
spirits of turpentine, unless this substance is in the
opodeldoc.

Another. Rub on well, for four days, a little mercu
rial ointment ; or, better still, a compound of iodine and
mercurial ointment. Then wash cleanly, and apply a
blister.

Blister. Mix four drachms of cantharides with sweet
oil, to the consistence of molasses, and rub it on with
the hand, five or ten minutes.

SPAVINS.

Bone Spavin is similar to splent, excepting it is con-
fined to the joints, and common to the hind legs. Some
call all bony excrescences spavins when on the joints, and
splents when on other parts of the legs. The bone
spavin, definitely considered, is a bony enlargement at
the upper end of the shank bone, inside the hock joint,
or a little below it. It belongs to the hind leg only.

Al the seat of this disorder, the leg is composed of
three bones, fitting into one common cavity at the hock
U*

1()2 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

yet possess separate motions to give elasticity to the
animal's tretii, and assist him in progression. By
mounting the ;olt while too young to bear much weight,
and pushinp: him too hard at work, these bones are
strained asu ader, inflammation ensues, and a spavin is
thrown out.

Remedy. Blister the part affected, first shaving oflf
ths hair.

Another. Two table spoonfuls of melted lard; one
table spoonful cantharides, made fine ; a lump of corro-
sive sublimate, as big as a pea, made fine ; all melted
together, and applied to the callous, once a day till used
up. This quantity for one leg. It will make a sore and
weaken the joint while applied, but be not alarmed.

Another. Take six ounces of oil origanum, two
ounces of camphor, two ounces mercurial ointment ;
mix them well together, and rub the place aflected two
or three times a day, keeping the horse dry. This is
said to be a good remedy from actual experiment. It is
also good for ring-bone.

Bog Spavin owes its origin to hard work in early life.
It commonly comes in the ham, and is caused by the
joint-oil of the hough issuing into the membrane that
surrounds it, and, stagnating under the vein, causes it to
swell. Prick the swelling, but take special care and not
injure the nervous cord, as this may bring on the locked
jaw. Upon opening the swelling, you will find a gela-
tinous humor to issue from it. Now apply a turnip
poultice for a few days, to draw out the humors, and
then strengthen the part by bathing it in good brandy.

Blood Spavin is caused by a vein being ruptured,
the blood extravasates, and forms a protuberance.

The following remedies are good for bog spavin, or
blood spavin :

Take a strong mixture of copperas and vinegar, with
which rih the parts affected, keeping the horse dry, and
stirring him only enough for exercise.

Take about a pailful of urine, into which throw a
quantity (the more the better) of old rusty iron ; put the
vessel nea" a fire, and let it stand three or four days
stirring ii oc:asionally, when it will be fit for use

HORSES. 163

Apply this mLxture l\\-ice a day ; and in all cases it will
soon effect a radical care, or prove highly beneficial.

SWELLED LEGS, OR WEED.

This complaint is frequent and troublesome. The
causes are various and difiicult to determine. Young
horses are most subject to this disease, especially if high
fed on being taken from grass. It is more common and
more severe in the hind legs. It frequently comes on
very suddenly. Sometimes it is only the shifting of an
inflammation from the lungs, intestines, or other parts.
Sometimes a general fever attends it, the pulse quickens,
the mouth is hot, and the horse ceases to eat.

Remedy. Foment the legs with warm water, give a
good dose of physic, and follow it by a diuretic medi
cine. In very severe cases, bleed freely. The legs
should be well rubbed and slightly bandaged, and
gentle exercise used. The legs of horses that are over
worked frequently swell, without much pain, on stand-
ing a day or two in the stable. The legs of some horses
swell every night. This is owing to debility, either
general, or of the part. It may be omng to over work
or high keeping.

Remedy. Give mild ph3^sic and diuretics ; use regular
exercise, and rubbing, and bandages around the legs.
Decrease the quantity of food a little, and give mashes,
and green food, if in the season. Attend to the general
management of the horse, to promote his health.

RING-BONE.

This is an ossification or bony excrescence on the front
of the smaller pastern bone, just above the hoof, and be-
low the fetlock joint; generally it is not A'cry injurious,
but sometimes the same affection on the lower part of
the larger pastern, at the joint, causes much lameness.

Causks. Colts that are kept on stable floors that are
cleaned daily, and not littered, are subject to this disease.
Low keeping, by -sTeak niug the joints, has a tendency

164 DISEASES :f animals.

to produce it. In young horses, it is often caused fcif
strains, in being driven too hard ; and by running in
pastures, and leaping fences.

SvMPTOMs. Lameness is sometimes the first intima
tion that we have of ring-bone, which may be ascer-
tained by passing the hand down over the part affected.

A Remedy is difficult, out somethmg nay be done
by way of preservation and relief, and if the ossifica-
tion is not at the joint, it will not be a serious injury.
As soon as the evil is discovered, foment the part fre-
quently and apply the following linament. One quart
of vinegar, two ounces of salt, and one quart of hot
drops.

Another. One pint tincture of lobelia, one pint
tincture of Cayenne pepper, and four drachms oil of ori-
ganum. Beat up the last in a small quantity of i:lcO-
hol.

Another. Clean and dry the part afiected. Then
rub on it, well into the hair, some good common house
soap, and dry it in with a hot iron, but not so hot as to
burn. Try this three mornings, and if a cure be not
effected, repeat it. It is perfectly safe.

SCRATCHES, OR SELENDERS.

A disorder between the hinder pastern joints and
hoofs, consisting of cracks, soreness, with suppuration.
It is most troublesome in spring, while the roads are
muddy, which obstructs the perspiration of the parts,
together with snow-water, which is very unfavorable.

Remedy. As a preventive or cure, cut off the hair
close, and wash the legs in strong soap-suds or urine.
Washing in warm vinegar, saturated with salt, will be
an additional advantage. In severe cases, apply for a
few days a turnip poultice, with a small quantity of
hog's lard. In inveterate cases, a run at grass may be
the only remedy.

Another. Wash the legs in warm, strong soap-suds,
and then in beef brine.

Another. With warm soap-suds wash the part
aflfected, and with a cob or other rough substance rub

HORSES. 165

off all scabs ; hen apply oil or hog's lard just so as to
moisten the skin ; then take a fine powder of hemlock
bark, and cover the parts well with it ; a few applica-
tions will effect a cure.

DISEASES OF THE FEET.

Brittleness of Hoof is a disease arising from keep-
ing the hoof too dry ; though it is a natural defect in
some horses. It prev^ails most in hot, dry weather, and
is a serious inconvenience. The hoofs chip away at
every shoeing, until at last there is scarcely nail-hold,
and there is danger of pricking the horse. For this
complaint, stopping is commonly used. The best stop-
ping is cow dung, with a small portion of clay to give it
consistency and tenacity. Apply it to the soles of the
feet when not at work. But the following liniment is
preferred. Oil or spirits of tar, one pint ; common fish
oil, one quart ; mix them together. AVhen the horse
comes from work, cleanse the feet, and rub this liniment
over the whole crust and sole. Brittleness in the hoof
would be prevented, in some measure, by the horse stand-
ing on the ground instead of a plank floor.

Sand Crack is a longitudinal crack in the hoof, the
predisposing cause of which is brittleness of hoof. It is
most common on the inner quarter of the fore foot, that
part being rather weak, and liable to much stress and
pressure. But in the hind foot it is the most frequent at
the toe, for there is the principal stress in drawing.

The slightest appearance of sand crack should be
attended to. It begins from without, and penetrates
inwardly, and may be arrested in its progress, when
superficial. Rasp the hoof; if done in season, the crack
may be rasped out. If it proves to be deep, and yet no
lameness, the foot should not be weaken ed by cutting to
the bottom of the fissure, but a line sh ould be deeply
drawn, with a sharp firing iron, above and below it, to
prevent its spreading.

If lameness attend sand crack, the fissure has pene-
trated hrough the horn to the sensible parts, and eithef
gravel has '^isinuated itself, and is giving pain by its

166 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

pressure, or a portion of the sensible part bei eath Yau
protruded itself into the crack.

The crack must be searched to the bottom, the fides
must be pared off a little, and then, with a very small
irawing knife, the fissure must be o])ened and examined.
When the dirt or gravel is removed, a piece of tow,
dipped in balsam, should be put into the crack, the foot
immersed in a linseed poultice for a few days, and a
stimulating liniment rubbed on the coronet, to encourage
the growth of horn.

Split Hoof is sometimes occasioned by corking when
the travelling is bad, and the inconvenience of a horse
lying idle several months is very great. A case is re-
ported of two horses that had spUt hoofs from corking,
which were kept constantly in the team, without any
signs of lameness. The blaclfsmith bored the hoof in
two places on each side the split, and then passed nails
through the holes, and clenched them tightly.

On this point, Sylvester Staftor, of Thetford, remarks
as follows, in the Boston Cultivator : — " 1 had a horse
that had a split hoof, caused by being corked the winter
previous ; it had become a cloven hoof on the outer part,
and the horse was very lame. I met one of my neigh-
bors on the road, and he observed that my horse was
lame ; he took his jack-knife and cut through the soft
hojigh, a little above the crack, a cross slit, extending
three fourths of an inch each way. I kept it soft with
stimulating ointments, and as soon as a new hoof could
grow, it was as good as any other. Rattlesnake's oil is
one of the best ointments."

To Make the Hoofs Tough. Wash them frequently
in brine, and turn up the feet, and turn brine upon
the bottoms, and soak them a few minutes. This
will make the feet tough, and prevent brittleness in
the hoof. A correspondent of the Western Farmer and
Gardener, Iried this, on the recommendation of an old
Kentuckian teamster, and it relieved his horse from
stiffness in the joints, and his hard, brittle hoofs became
soft and tough, and he drove him fourteen hundred m.iies
without further trouble.

Some regard water as the best application t(^» keep the

HORSES.

167

hoof soft and in good condition. It vnW penetrate the
hoof belter than oil, and other oleaginous preparations
for this purpose. In warm wea her, moisten the feet
often in water.

HooF-Bouxn. The hoofs are dry and hard, and con-
tracted at the top so as to pinch the quick, and prevent a
free circulation.

Remedy. Keep the hoof cool and moist, as a preven-
tive ; and for a cure, open the hoof a little at the edge of
the hair, that it may spread. Then grease it daily with
any soft grease, such as that of woodchucks, skunks,
dogs, or geese.

Wash for the Hoofs. The following wash is excel-
lent for softening and toughening the hoofs :— Spirits
of turpentine, four ounces ; tar, four ounces ; whale
oil, eight ounces ; mix, and brush over the hoofs often.

THPtUSH.

This is a disease of the frog of the foot. At first
there is a discharge from the cleft of this protuberance.
It is caused by frequent, k)ng continued, and extensive
application of moisture. A plethoric state of the body is
a predisposing cause ; but too much water is the princi-
pal cause.

It is sometimes produced by standing constantly in
moist dung. Stopping, or frequent wetting the feet in
water, as a remedy for brittle hoofs, when carried to the
extreme, will produce thrush.

If thrush be neglected, it spreads, affecting the whoie
foot. The horn becomes ragged and irregular ; the frog
shrinks, and the foot contracts. The horse is disposed
to go on his toes to favor his heels. Rut generally, he
shows no lameness until the disease is much advanced,
except when the frog comes on a stone, or is pressed in
rough or deep ground.

Preventi\t=:. To prevent thrush in feet predisposed to
it, keep the frog dry ; and if the sole needs moisture.,
stopping i.iay be applied, first covering the frog in pitch.

Remedy. Clean thoroughly the cleft of the frog, and
dll the mcist crevices, and fill them with pledgets of tow
dipped in warm tar, every day, ani keep the foot dry.

169

NEAT CATTLE.

The lettered engraving on the left; with the exf^ana
lion, shows the terms usually used in designating the
principal external points and parts of cattle. The figure
represents the short-horned Durham breed, remarkable
for depth in the breast and large fore quarters. It is
also distinguished for large size and early maturity. It
differs materially from the following description, in re-
gard to the size of the fore and hind quarters.

MARKS OF A GOOD MILCH COW.

John Brooks, Esq., of Princeton, who pays particular
attention to raising cows, selecting such calves as have
the best marks for this purpose, has favored us with the
following description of a good, native, milch Cow :

" Head and face rather long ; muzzle small ; eyes
protninent, bright, and mild ; forehead, between the horns,
narrow ; wide between the eyes ; horns rather long, small,
oval shaped, and wax colored ; smaller near the head
than three or four inches from it ; neck slim and flat,
not approaching to round ; on leaving the shoulders,
the neck should fall a little below the line of the back ;
straight on the back ; wide in the loin ; the outlines of
the loin should be nearly parallel ; thigh should be thin ;
hind legs straight and small, standing wide apart ; in
walking, the cow should carry her hind legs straight
forward, not sling them out, describing the segment of
a circle ; fore leg, above the knee, should be rather large ;
below the knee, small, approaching to round ; foot rather
large than small, but round, and of a dark wax color;
oreast wide, brisket projecting well forward ; milk veins
large ; deep in the flank ; large hind quarters, and small
fore quarters ; bag, when empty, small and skinny, not
fleshy, running well forward on to the belly ; teats
middling size, neither large nor small, but rather long
and elastic ; color of teats reddish brown, never white ;
hair upon the bag soft, short and silky, growing or
lo

170 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

poinling on the hind part upward, except if "-he be a
very good cow, she may have an oval spot of hair grow-
ing downward, a little above each hind teat ; if not quite
so good, one spot above the left hind teat ; if a little
poorer still, one spot above the right hind teat ; hair
thick, short and glossy ; color red, dun, or brindle, with
a light, golden color©, ring around the eyes and muzzle."

MARKS OF A GOOD WORKING OX.

Mr. Asa G. Sheldon, of Wilmington, who has grea*
experience in cattle, particularly in working oxen, an(*
is regarded as the best authority, gives the following :

" Long head, broad and oval between the eyes ; the
eye full, keen and pleasant. Such marks denote ability
to receive instruction and a readiness to obey. The
short-faced ox starts quick at the whip, and soon forgets
it. The black-eyed ox is inclined to run away. An ox
with very large horns near the head is apt to be lazy,
and he cannot endure heat well.

'< Forward legs straight ; toes straight forward ; hoof
broad, not piked ; the distance short between the ankle
and knee. These properties enable an ox to travel on
pavements and hard ground. If tlie ox toes out, the
strain comes on the inside claAv, and when travelling on
a hard road, he will be lame at the joint between the
hoof and the hair. When the toes turn out, the knees
bend in. An ox with crooked knees is apt to become
lame by holding heavy loads down hill.

" Breast full ; straight on the back ; round ribs, pro-
jecting out as wide as the hip bones. These are indica-
tions of strength and a good constitution."

TO ASCERTAIN THE AGE OF CATTLE.

By their Teeth. The calf is usually born with two
fore or cutting teeth, and at a month old the whole eight
are cut. The age is then guessed at by the wearing
do\vn of these te^th, until the calf is eight months ola,
when they begin ;o become narrower and smaller. At
eight months thr two centre teeth are smaller than the

NEAT cattl::.

171

rest ; and from that time until eighteen moiiths, the
others gradually diminish, until the whole are consid-
erably lessened, and stand apart from each other.

At tAVO years old, the two middle teeth are pushed out,
and succeeded by two permanent ones ; at three, there
are four permanent teeth ; six at four years ; and all
the eight at five, when the animal is said to be full-
mouthed ; but he is not actually so until six years old,
when all the eight are level.

A good judge of cattle will generally determine the
age with considerable accuracy for many years after
that. From six to nine, he will be guided by the wear-
ing down of the teeth ; and after that, by the diminution
in their bulk, as in the milk teeth. At nine, the two
middle fore teeth are evidently smaller and narrower
than the rest; at ten, the two 'next are so; and so on
until twelve, when, as in the steer of two years old, the
teeth again begin to stand singularly apart from each
other.

By their Horns. The surface of the horn continues
nearly smooth until the expiration of the second year,
when a wrinkle or circle of thicker horn begins to be
formed around the base. This is fully completed in *a
twelvemonth, and another ring then begins to appear,
so that if the perfect rings or circles are counted, and
two added to them, the age of the beast is ascertained.

These rings, however, are not always clear and dis-
tinct, and it is very easy to remove one or two of them
with a rasp, at least to the unpractised eye, when the
animal begins to be too old for the market. In addition
to this, a well-known fact should be stated, that if a
heifer has a calf when about two years old, the first
ring is formed about a tw^elvemonth before the usual
time, and, consequently, she would always appt ar to he,
reckoning by her horns, a year olde; than she jeally is

172 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

TRAINING.

We have already treated on this subject, under " Ani-
mals" and '^ Horses." The remarks on taming and train,
ing horses, in their leading principles, are applicable to
cattle, showing the importance of subduing by gentleness
rather than by harshness and force ; they also show the
great importance of exercising common sense in this busi-
ness.

We have found, from experience and observation, that
by far the best time to train steers is when they are
calves, the first winter. A person can then manage
them with ease, and put them under good discipline,
and they vnW never forget it. When a boy, vje trained
calves the first winter, so that they were completely
handy, and would take as large a load for their size as a
pair of oxen. Let this be done by a person of discretion,
and not allow boys who were rtever trained themselves
to do this by way of a frolic.

In the neighborhood where we resided, a pair of calves
was raised on a small farm, where some seven or eight
tons of hay were cut, and a few acres of land tilled, and
no oxen kept. The first winter, these calves were
worked by boys of moderation and good judgment.
They hauled all the wood f(H- the family, which was no
small amount, as it was for an old-fashioned fireplace.
They also carried grain to mill, about four miles. The
next spring, they were furnished with cart and wheels
suited to their size, and hauled out the manure, hauled
in the hay and other crops, hauled fencing, ^c, and
from that time did most of the work on the farm ; they
proved to be a superior pair of oxen, and at seven years
of age, they were sold at a high price, considerably
above the value of any other pair of oxen in the vicinity.

We should no more think of allowing cattle and
horses to go three or four years without training, than
allowing children to run wild, wayward, and ignorant,
until fifteen or sixteen years old, before being trained
or educated. Illustration. — An oid gentleman threat-
ened his son a big boy, for disobedien j. • 3.^uld you

NEAT CA1~LE.

173

once bend tliat tree, yonder ? " said the son to the father.
" Yes, with the greatest ease." " Can you bend it now ? ■''
"No, I cannot move it." "Neither can you move this
chap ! •' retorted the son.

On this subject, 3Ir. Sheldon remarks, that the best
pair of oxen he ever knew were trained before they
were six months old, and that cattle that are trained
early are worth twenty-five per cent, more for hard
labor than those that are growTi before they are broken.
In learning cattle to back, he strikes them on the nose
with the hands, instead of a stick.

If steers or oxen are sullen, and lie down, and refuse
to move, do not strike them, but place the palms of youi
hands tight upon their nostrils, and stop their breath.
In this way, we have started them up more suddenly
than it can be done by whip or goad.

If steers run away, do not thrash them, as this will
induce them to run the faster next time ; but feed them
with a few nubs of corn, or something else that is good,
and treat them kindly.

We once noticed 'that a teamster, who was offended
with the nigh ox, in unyoking him, took out the bow as
easily as possible, and then with the bow gave him a
sudden and violent blow. For a long time after, that ox
would start suddenly, as soon as the bow was out of the
yoke, knocking away the yoke, frightening the other
ox, and sometimes nearly knocking over the teamster.
This shows the effect of bad management in producing
bad habits.

The charge of stupidity and tardiness that is often
made against cattle is unfounded, or must result from
want of training and good usage, so as to call out their
natural instincts, faculties, and powers. The Hot-
tentots use oxen in the saddle, and train them to war,
and they make terrible havoc among the enemy. They
are also used as dogs, to guard flocks and herds, which
they faithfully perform, caressing friends, and attacking
enemies with great rage. If trained to the purpose, prop-
erly fed, and never over- worked nor heavily loaded, cat
tie would travel fast, instead of their usual slow motion
In Africa, they generally travel on a trot, and frequently
16*

174 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

go four or five miles an hour. In India, they often per-
form journeys of sixty successive days, at thirty to forty
miles a day. A Sussex ox ran four miles, at the rate of
fifteen miles an hour. A calf will run as fast as a colt.
We have often found their speed sufficient, when we
have attempted to catch them.

FOOD.

We have treated more particularly of food under the
head " Horses," and the remarks there as to quality of
food, its condition and preparation, and efiects, vdll
generally apply to other animals, but the horse, from
more violent exertion, and greater exposure to the ex-
tremes of heat and cold, is more affected by food of an
unfavorable nature.

GREEN HERBAGE.

The grasses are the principal food of cattle during the
warm season. It is superior for milch cows, growing
animals, and for fatting or idle animals ; and it answers
very well for working cattle, when at moderate labor.
Cows feeding on grass alone, and having a good supply
of the best quality, produce the largest quantity and the
best quality of milk, especially in June, when grasses
are in their prime. There is a variety of grasses in our
pastures ; the clovers are superior. They flourish well
in new lands, but decline in old pastures that are neg-
lected.

Rye is used for early feed, before grass starts, both
for soilmg and for pasturage. Orchard grass starts
rather early in spring. When pastures fail in the latter
part of summer, green corn fodder is given to cattle to
supply the deficiency. It is raised to considerable extent
tor rd.izh cows. With but little labor, great crops are
raised,, which make excellent feed. We have credible
accouks of thirty or forty tons of green food to the acre.
Southern corn is generally used, from its luxuriant
growth ; but Chinese Free com is best, and next to thia
ihe sweet corn.

NEAT CATTLE. 176

DRY HERBAGE.

Hay is the principal iry herbage for cattli. Herds
grass, with a small portion of clover and red- top. is the
best for oxen at hard labor. It is good for cows ; but
clover, timely cut, and well saved, is a superior fodder
for milch cows, young cattle, and sheep. We have
found, by experiments, that herds grass, cut about a
week after it is in blossom, when the seed is about full,
is preferred by cattle, in a long run ; gives the greatest
weight, affords the most nutriment, and is better for
working oxen than when cut at any other time. Some
cut it in blossom, for cows.

Straw of various kinds is good food for a spare diet,
and with grain, meal, or roots, it is good for store cattle.
Straw and hay are better for all kinds of stock for being
cut. [See page 97.]

Com fodder is excellent for cattle ; and when there is
a prospect of a light crop of hay, it is in season to raise
this crop. An acre of good land will yield six tons of
dry fodder. If it be large, it should be cut, to prevent
waste.

GRAIN, MEAL, &C.

Indian corn and meal is the principal grain fed to
working oxen. It is far better for all kinds of stock for
being ground, as it is more readily digested, and affords
more nutriment. It is used in stall feeding. It is too
rich for milch cows, excepting in a small way. It is best
to grind the corn and cob together ; as there ^vill be more
bulk. Corn alone, is too rich. Cobs contain some
nutriment, as appears from their producing alcohol.
Those who will not allow the chemist's test, must meet
the irrefutable argument of the case of the old lady,
who, in a scarcity of hay, kept her ;ow in fine condition
most y on boiled cobs.

Oil meal and flaxseed, in quite small quantities, are
excellent for cattle, and all animals of hard tallow ; but
for animaib of yoft t-^>c, as swine aid poultry, they are
not good.

76 DISEASES OF iNIMALS.

ROOTS.

Roots are valuable for cattle, as they answer adraira
bly the place of succulent food, for want of which ani-
mals often suffer in winter, being confined to dry fodder,
tvhich produces costiveness and various diseases. Roots
have a slight laxative effect, and keep the bowels in fine
condition, and guard against diseases of almost every
description, during our long and trying winters. They
keep young cattle in a thrifty condition ; produce in
cows nearly as much and as good milk as on grass ; a
few are excellent for working oxen, and fine beef may
be made on roots alone. \Ve have fatted young cattle
on ruta-bagas as fast as hogs fatten on the best of food.
Roots may be raised, in dry seasons, to supply a defi-
ciency in hay.

MANAGING AND FEEDING WORKING OXEN

We quote again from Mr. Sheldon, who excels as a
teamster. The following is from the Yankee Farmer : —
'* Oxen, working on a stone-drag, on the foot of a plough,
on the sled-tongue, cart-spire, or twitching stones or tim-
ber, should carry their heads well up, as this will enable
them to do this work much easier. Those that work as
leaders forward of other oxen should carry their heads
low.

" Feed regularly ; have the yoke the right length.
Let the bows suit the neck. The yoke and bows to the
leaders should set a little snugger than to the nib oxen.
Never use the whip but from necessity. When about to
strike the young steer or ox, ask yourself, ' Will he know
what I strike him for ? ' Let each ox have a name, and
be sure that he knows his name. Never speak a word
to an ox without meaning. Have a particular word to
Stan your team by, that all may haul together. Never
hurry your oxen while you are riding behind them, lest
they learn to haul apart.

" Oxen shofild be shod with a broad shoe. To travel
on a hard road, the shoe on the fore feet should be set
back, at the heel, nearly half an inch further than thp

NEAT CATTLE. 177

hoof bears upon it. Oxen are frequently lame by reason

3f short shoes.

" The best feed for oxen at hard work is to give tc
each ox two quarts of meal wet, mixed with good
chopped hay, thret times a day, and as much hay as he
will eat. This is the highest feed working oxen ought
to have, and on this, they will work ten hours a day.
[Eight hours is enough, long followed.] A portion of
rye with Indian meal is better than all Indian. Farmers
who do not work their oxen hard, need not give them so
much meal.-' r

FEEDING AND MANAGING MILCH COWS.

The grasses, particularly the clovers, are the best sum
mer feed. When these begin to fail, the deficiency may
be supplied by green corn, which is very sweet, and pro-
duces a large quantity of milk, of excellent quality.
The tops cf beets, carrots, parsnips, and cabbage and
turnip leaves, are good. Pumpkins, apples, and roots,
may be fed as the feed fails. Give only a few at first,
especially apples, and gradually increase.

Roots are of great importance when cows are kept
on dry fodder. Potatoes, carrots, beets, turnips, pars-
nips, artichokes, and vegetable oysters, are good. The
ast three and cabbage turnip keep good, in the ground,
through the winter, and are fresh and fine in the spring,
before the grass starts.

Potatoes produce a great flow of milk, but it is noi
very rich. A little Indian meal is good with them, to
keep up the flesh and give richness to the milk ; and
this is the case with beets and most kinds of turnips, as
they tend largely to milk. A little oil meal or flaxseed
is excellent, in addition to the Indian meal, to keep up a
fine, healthy condition, and impart a rich quality to the
milk, and gives a lively gloss to the hair of cattle, and
softness and pliancy to the skin.

In all cases of high feeding in winter, particularly
when cows have but few roots, shorts or bran are excel
lent to promote digestion and keep the bowels open
Three p nts each of oil n al and Indian meal, or two

178 DISEASES OF .'. NIMALS.

quarts of one and one quart of .he other, is as high teed
in these articles, as cows shouU ever have. On shorts,
bran and roots, they may be fed liberally. Four quarts
of Indian meal, in a long run, will dry up and spoil the
best of cows, so that they will never recover.

Carrots are among the very best roots for milch cows,
producing a good but not very great mess of rich milk,
and keeping the cow in good health. Parsnips are nearly
the same. Ruta-bagas are rather rich, and keep up the
condition. To prevent any unpleasant taste in the milk
from feeding turnips, use salt freely oij them, and milk
night and morning before feeding with turnips. Cab-
bage turnip, (or turnip-rooted-cabbage-below-ground,)
has no such eftect. It resembles ruta-baga, is raised in
the same way, and yields as much or more.

Some keep cows in the barn, by night, in the warm
season. They are saved from storms, and more manure
is saved. There should be good ventilation in hot
weather. Cows are much better for being kept in the
barn nearly all the time in cold weather. To drink
freely of cold water, and then stand out half chilled to
death, is highly injurious. But they should go out a
little while daily, in favorable weather, and be driven
around gently, for exercise. Inaction is death to all the
animal race. [See page 20.]

Cows and other cattle are generally badly managed.
They are not watered, in short days, until ten o'clock in
the morning, and their last chance for drinking is abou*
four in the evening. Thus they go sixteen hours with
oat drink, and during that time they take nearly all
their food, which is as dry as a husk. They suffer to
a great degree from thirst, and then drink to excess.
As a remedy, give cattle a part of their breakfast only
and then water them, and water again after finishing
their morning meal ; and if kept up, water at noon,
and again at night. If it be too much trouble to take
good care of stock, then keep less, and they will be as
productive and more profitable, if well managed. We
have fed sheep that had constant access to water within
eight or nine rods, and after eating thirty or forty
minutes in the morning, they would all go and ilrink.

NEAT caTTLL. 179

Milcftcows are injured by being driven far to pasture,
especially in hot weather, and still more if hurried by
thougntl«ss boys.

SOILING.

In soiling cattle, they are kept up or in a yard most
of the time, and they are fed on green herbage, which is
cut and carried to them, such as rye for early feeding,
and grass in its season, and when that fails, corn stalks,
&c. This system is best adapted to sections where land
is high and pasturage scarce. The advantages are, dis-
pensing with interior fences, making more manure,
keeping more stock on the same land, getting a larger
mess of milk, and having animals always at hand. Tho
disadvantages are, the trouble of cutting and carrying
the feed, inferiority in milk when the feed is rank and
luxuriant, and from want of exercise and pure air, unless
particular attention be given to this subject, and greater
liability of cattle to disease from the causes just named.

Some, in soiling, keep their cattle in the bam most of
the time ; others allow them to run out in the yard most
of the day, and in other cases they have a range for a
few hours, or half a day, in a barren lot, or one of short
feed. Mr. George E. Adams, of Medford, who keeps
forty or fifty cows, and is a very skilful manager, and
feeds highly, soils a part of his cows, and, in addition to
green food, gives them a little salt hay, chopped, and
gives to twenty cows, daily, fifty pounds of Indian meal,
oil meal, and shorts, in equal quantities in bulk. Soiled
cattle in the yard or in a lot, should be protected from
the hot sun by sheds or trees.

GENERAL MANAGEMENT.

Keep cattle at all times in a comfortable condition,
free from undue exposure to cold, wet, heat, or other
eviU Supply them with a suitable quantity of food,
and jf a quality suited to their condition and occupa.
tion. Si5 various are the circumstances under which
cattls fo- diflTerent purposes are placed, that there should

180 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

be a great difference, not only in the quality, but also in
the quantity of food. Some are idle, while others are at
hard labor. Some give a bounteous supply of mi.Jf, ot
produce young, while others are unproductive m every
respect.

Give cattle a good supply of salt ; but let them judge
of this, and not put much on their food, and compel them
to eat too much for the sake of food. This is the case
when hay is salted liberally. Four or five quarts to a
ton is enough. If the cattle need more, let them have it
by itself. Give them a j)lenty of pure water, and let
them be so situated when sheltered that they can have
a good supply of pure air; they need much, as their
lungs are capacious. Close air will injure the quality
of the milk, as well as injure health.

In cold weather, keep cattle well sheltered, and in
houses that are usually well ventilated, but which may
be made warm in cold weather ; and in mild weather,
open them for a supply of fresh air ; but do not let a
strong breeze blow directly upon them. Do not allow
cattle to lie out nights in the spring until the weather
and ground are warm, nor in the fall after the nights
become cool ; and in the warm season, cows, and oxen
at the time of laboring, should be sheltered during
stormy nights.

REARING CALVES.

The least troublesome way of rearing calves is to let
iliem take a natural course, and suck until old enough
o wean, which, if economy be regarded as to milk, is
when they are about two months old. If a cow gives a
good mess, a calf will do well on half the milk by having
clover hay or grass, when a few weeks old, and his sizf
requires more food. But some who have a favorite
breed, and wish to make a large calf in a short time,
allow him to suck all summer, and sometimes two cows,
when large enough to require so much food ; and this
may be economy, when the animal, in consequence of
iberal feeding, can be sold at a high price.
When milk is in great demand, or is much wanted m

NEAT CATTLE. 181

-ne family, or for dairy purposes, calvt^s may be fed on
scalded skimmed milk, thickened with meal, given
warm, three times a day. It is better for the calf and
cow for him to suck one or tw^o days ; then learn him to
drink new milk, by holding the hand in the vessel of
milk, and turning up the fingers in his mouth. Change
gradually to porridge. He will soon learn.

We have raised calves in this way that were worth
as much as others raised on pure milk, and all ran
together. Pure milk generally gives the best growth
while sucking, but those that are fed may be weaned
more gradually, and are less affected by the change.
"We had only one cow that calved early, and we bought
another calf, and two pigs, and fed all four on the
skimmed milk, and had milk to use in the family, and
made butter enough for a small family and some to sell ;
all from one cow. They all did well, very well.

We have been told that hasty pudding (mush) and
milk are better than porridge. In artificial feeding,
keep the vessel very clean, and scald it out often, and
let it dry, and have the milk a little more than blood
warm when first given, as it will cool a little before
eaten. If calves scour badly, give a mess or two of '
new milk ; if it continue, attend to the remedies recom-
mended for that complaint ; but this will seldom occur,
if the following directions be attended to, which are
necessary under any course of feeding : Keep calves in .
a clean pen, throwing in earth to absorb all impurities, .
and frequently remove and renew it. Keep by them a.
box of pure yellow earth, and some wood ashes, and a,
lump of chalk to lick ; then they will seldom have tht
scours.

Wlien two or three weeks old, give them a little sweet;
clover hay, if they do not have access to grass ; and when
three or four weeks old, commence giving them gradu-
ally a few roots, cut fine ; carrots are best. In artificial
feeding, flax-seed has been used to great advantage in
making fine calves, and with great economy.

The Quality of Milk for Calves. Cows that give a
arge quantity of milk are better for nursing calves than-
those that give a small quantity of rich milk. There--
16

182 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

fore, it is best for calves to suck their share first, when
they do not have the whole from the cow, as the last
drawn is the richest. Milk which contains a large
quantity of cream is apt to clog the stomachs of calves,
and this obstruction puts an end to their thrift, and often
iproves fatal. Numerous experiments and observations

• of farmers confirm these remarks.

Calves with Sheep. We have kept calves with sheep,
and highly approve of the plan. They are free from
lice; are more healthy and active. The sheep eat the
fine part of the fodder, and calves do w^ell on the coarse,
as they have strong powers of digestion. The dung and
urine of the sheep, dropped on the fodder, have a favor-

• able effect ; they even possess medicinal virtues. We
have had calves that came to the barn late, and were
poor and lousy, and they would not move out of the
path ; on putting them with sheep, w^hich had nothing
but water, hay, salt, and ashes — the calves the same —
they gained in two or three months so that we could
hardly catch them. The lice disappeared at once.
When the weather was fair, they ate out door on the
snow, with the sheep, and at night retired to the shelter.
Young lambs like this plan, as they often lay on the
calves.

THE HAIR AND SKIN.

The hair serves as a protection and ornament ; it is
supported by roots in the skin. The appearance of the
hair and feeling of the skin should be carefully noted, as
they indicate health or sickness. A soft, supple skin,
and bright, glossy coat, show good health, and a dispo-
sition to thrive ; but a hard, dry skin, adhering to the
ribs, and a dull, rough, staring coat, indicate something
wrong, and that fattening is out of the question till
health is restored. Let the ey'3lashes, the hairs in the
ears and on the tail, remain j ;iiey were made for good
^purposes.

NEAT CATTLE.

PERSPIRAT.ION.

1&3

While in good health, a fluid is constantly passing
from the surface of the body. No small portion of the
food and drink taken by the animal passes off' in this
way. Excepting from exercise or hot weather, this is
invisible, and is called insensible perspiration; but
from great exertion and heat, it increases, and rises in
visible vapor, and rims in drops. It is necessary to
health that considerable perspiration should thus escape-
When, from colds or other causes, the pores of the skin
are closed, and perspiration is checked, this produces
mfiammation of the lungs, catarrh, rheumatism, or
other disorders ; and it is by turns the cause and conse-
quence of disease. As a remedy, guard against expo-
sure ; keep the skin clean and w ell rubbed, and promote
health in every respect.

CURRYING AND FRICTION.

On the utility of these operations, see page 90 ; also
the last two articles. In this respect, cattle, excepting
Dxen, are generally neglected ; but cows and young cat-
tle, as well as oxen, would be far more comfortable and
healthy, and of course more productive to the owner, for
daily rubbing and currying, especially when confined to
the barn. These operations serve the same purpose to
animals as washing and bathing to the human sys-
tem. In both cases, they are indispensable to health
and comfort.

THE PULSE.

The natural pulse of the full-gro%vn ox is fifty to fifty
tive beats in a minute. But it is some quicker in milcn
cows, particularly towards the period of parturition. A
pulse much quicker than that here stated denotes fever
or inflammation, while one much slower denrtes slug-
gishness or debility. Yet circumstances are to be con
sidered, as the pulse is quick and b( unding at the begin

184 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

ning of a fever, and weak when the fever is assuming a
putrid fomi.

ORGANS OF DIGESTION.

Cattle and shejp ruminate or chew the cud, and they
have four stomachs. After the food is chewed, it passes
down the gullet to the first stomach, paunch, or rumen,
which is the largest, and lies on the left side. The food,
after remaining awhile in the paunch, and becoming
macerated, is forced up into the inouth again, in small
masses or cuds, and ruminated. After this operation, it
is swallowed again, and passes into the second stomach
or reticulum. The gullet ends where these two stom
achs meet, and the animal has power, in a great meas-
ure, to direct the food into either. This peculiar con-
struction of the stomachs gives an important hint on the
administration of medicine. [See next article.]

The second stomach consists of a great number of
cells on the inside, resembling honey-comb. In this tb<;
food is further prepared, and then it passes to the third
stomach, manifold or maniplus.

From the third stomach the food passes into the
fourth, called the red. A ruminating animal will be
satisfied with one third less food than another of equal
bulk that does not chew the cud. The reason is obvi-
ous ; as ruminating animals have many and strong
digestive powers, and a greater amount of nutriment is
taken up from the food.

Calves and lambs do not chew the cud while on milk,
which descends directly to the fourth stomach. It is this
stomach of the calf, with the milk curdled in it, that is
used for making rennet. The most favorable time to
kill the calf for this purpose is about two hours after
oucking. After the food leaves the stomach, it meets with
the bile secreted by the liver and deposited in the gall
bladder, which further prepares it, and the pancreas or
sweetbread, and spleen, contribute also to digestion. As
the food passes along the intestines, the nutritious part
is absorbed by vessels, and is taken up in the circulation,
and carried to all parts of the body, and the innutritions
part IS reduced into excremer\:s, and expelled.

NEAT CATT1.E. 185

GI\ING MEDICINE TO RUMTNANTS.

All medicines given to ruminants, or cud-chevving
animals, of a nauseous nature, should be given in a fluid
form, and poured slowly and gently down the throat,
holding the head of the animal no higher than is neces-
sary to prevent the liquid from running out of the mouth,
and leaving the tongue free, that the animal may have
command of his swallow. If medicines are given in
solid form, they ^vi\\ go into the paunch, and if nauseous,
they will give a distaste to the contents of the stomach,
and prevent rumination, which is attended with danger.
Therefore, nauseous medicines should not be given in
solid form. If liquid doses are given to arouse the first
stomach to action, or to abate fermentation, or absorb
gases in that organ, or as a remedy for poisons, turn
them down suddenly, and then they will be more likely
to enter the rumen. But the surest way is to put them
down through a tube or a stomach-pump. When the
paunch is not aflected with hove, or poison, or by the
animal's eating too much grain, it is best to give liquid
medicines, and slowly, that they may pass on into the
other stomachs and intestines, and produce a more
speedy action.

FREE MARTINS.

When a cow has twins, one a bull calf, and the other
apparently a heifer calf, called a free marti?i, the heifer,
by some singular law of nature, limited to cattle only,
seldom breeds. It was long positively asserted, that
free martins never breed, but we have heard of six excep-
tions. Several distinguished surgeons have examined
into this singular phenomena, and it evidently appears
to result from a deficiency in, or malformation of, the
organs of generation.

BOTS IN CATTLE.

A neighbor gave the author an account of a cow that
was slaughtered in the fall, and she had so many bots in
16*

186 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

her that the tripe was thrown away. That cow, in the
first of the fall, ran witli a horse, and she was frequently
licking liini, by which she got the eggs into her stomach
that produced the bots. Another case of the same kind
occurred with a steer that associated with a horse.

WARBLES, OR GRUBS IN THE BACK.

In July and August, the CEstrus bovis, or gadfly, de-
posits its eggs in the hide, along the back of cattle. In
the course of a few months, the grub is developed, and
remains in the abscess it has formed in the skin till the
spring months, when it escapes from its residence, bur-
rows in the earth, changes to a perfect insect, and ther
emerges, to pursue the course of its parent. The heac
of the larvoe is always towards the bottom of the cyst
and the respiratory organs are near the tail, and of
course near the opening in the skin.

Some suppose that warbles do not interfere with the
condition of the animal, and the butcher regards then,
as a proof of a disposition to thrive. But the effect oe
the hide is another affair. In tanning, the holes may
seevi to close. Some nice observers think that they
cause great annoyance, fever, and emaciation.

When the grub is sufliciently grown to have its place
known, a little corrosive liquor poured into the hole will
destroy it. Perhaps some liniment, or other substance
that will not injure the animal, may be used to destroy
the grub. Sometimes it may be pressed out. It is said
^at strong brine will destroy them in any stage. When
this fly attacks a herd of cattle, they will stick up their
tails, and run as though possessed.

LICE.

Remedy. Mix lime and ashes together, and sprinkle
the floor, particularly under their fore feet, as it will not
be removed in cleaning the floor.

Another. Grease, fat, lard, or oil, rubbed on cattle,
wrill destroy lice ; but this should not be done in very
cold weather, unless they are protected as it makes
them very c<)ld and chilly.

NEAT CATTLE. 187

Another. Wash them in a decoction of cedar bark a
few times.

Another. Buttermilk.

Another. Throw fine sand on them. Bulls paw in
sand, and are never troubled with lice.

Ajs^other. "WTien calves are thus afflicted in winter,
let them run among sheep, and the lice will soon clear
out.

Another. Take water in which potatoes have been
boiled, and rub it all over the animals — cattle, horses
or hogs.

Another. New rum or whiskey.

Another. Yellow snuff.

PHYSIC.

For the general effects of physic, see page 33. The
principal purgative used for cattle is Epsom and Glau-
ber's salts ; one pound for a common dose, for a full
grown animal ; and half doses may be repeated every
four or five hours, until an operation is produced j or,
instead of the repetition of salts, give six or eight ounces
of sulphur. Sulphur alone, in half pound doses, is a
moderate laxativ^e, but rather slow in its operation.

Linseed oil, from a pint to a pint and a half, is a good
purgative ; it is as good as castor-oil, or olive oil, and
much cheaper ; and it is surer than the former. Either
of these oils may be used. Thorough wort tea is a good
physic. Aloes, though the best purgative for the horse,
is uncertain for cattle, and sometimes dangerous, pro-
ducing irritation and fever. The staple purgative for
cattle is Epsom salts; they are more certain than Glau-
ber's, and dissoh^e in less water. In all cases of severe
costiveness, back-rake, and give injections — exciting
ones if necessary ; else it may be dangerous to give
powerful doses of physic, or to repeat them, when the
bowels are obstinately obstructed.

Physic is useful in the following cases : —

i. A purging drink, soon after calving, prevents the
milk fever in cows.

2. A moderate purge given :> old cattle once in fivf

188 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

or six weeks, is good to preserve hea'.th, and present
garget in cows.

3. A purge is good in cases of constipation of the
bowels.

4. In fevers physic is good, as it keeps the bowels
open when there is a tendency to costiveness.

5. When, from too luxurious food, cattle eat to excess,
and grow dull and heavy, with loss of appetite, and
have symptoms of fever, purgatives will give relief.

5. In jaundice, physic is good ; tonic medicines should
follow.

7. When medicines are given to cows to prevent
abortion, they should be preceded by gentle physic.

8. Purging medicines are good in inflammatory com •
plaints, whether general or local.

DIURETICS.

Saltpetre, turpentine, and rosin are used for cattle.
The dose of either is from half an ounce to an ounce.
The following is a good diuretic drink : saltpetre, half
an ounce ; rosin, half an ounce ; ginger, two drachms ;
mix in a little molasses and gruel.

HERNIA, OR RUPTURE.

In this complaint the intestine protrudes through the
walls of the abdomen. It is occasioned by external
violence and other causes. Some calves are dropped in
this condition. The external wound may be small, or
the injury such that the skin is not broken, and yet the
internal wall of the belly may be ruptured. A tumor
soon appears, which is a portion of the mtestme. Some-
times it seems to affect the health of the animal only a
little at first, but it soon becomes painful, strangulation
takes place, and the contents of the intestines are ob
structed in their passage through the protruded parts

Throw the beast and place him on his back, ^vith the
hind parts somewhat elevated. Make an incision
through the skin, corresponding with the length of the
tumor, taking especial care that the intestine immedi

NEAT CATTLE. 189

itely underneath be not wounded. If there be net room
to return the protruded intestine, owing to strangulation,
then make the wound larger, carefully cutting between
the fingers wi*h a crooked knife or bistoury, and return
the bowel.

Then bring the edges of the wound through the walls
of the belly together, and retain them with stitches. The
skm, if necessary, must be dissected back a little, in
order to get at the whole wound. Then take stitches in
the skin, bringing the edges close together. In a few
cases, it is possible, and when it is, it is advisable to
include the skin and muscular wall of the belly in the
same stitch. A little simple ointment may be applied
to the external parts to keep them soft and prevent
soreness.

Apply a bandage of cloth some mches wider than the
wound ; sew it on, and let it remain ten days. When
the edges of the wound shall have adhered mostly, re-
move the stitches and treat it as a common sore.
Should much swelling appear under the bandage,
foment it with warm water. The beast should be kept
on light tbod, such as bran mashes, grass or hay, and on
short allowance, and a dose or two of physic should be
given during the progress of the cure.

In some cases the animal has recovered when there
has been a rent in the intestine, if it has been stitched
carefully. Thomas Brayer, an English cattle doctor,
opened an ox in the flank, took out the most of his
bowels, found a stoppage in the intestine, that was
putrid three quarters of a yard in length, which he cut
away, drew the sound ends together, upon a hollow
keck, three inches long, sewed the ends together on it,
leaving the keck within the bowels, and then sewed up
the flank. In an hour the ox dunged, and the keck
came away. He recovered and did service for years.
An extraordinary case of healing power.

COLIC.

Symptoms, The beast is uneasy ; lying down and
getting up often, a id sometimes swelling much, withoui
signs 0 ■ fever at fi n.

190 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

Remedy. Half a pint or a pint cf hot drops is safe
and sure.

Another. A pint of linseed oil, with half an ounce
of laudanum.

Another. Give exciting clysters, and aromatics, such
as sage, pennyroyal, peppermint, or other warming tea,
in liberal doses.

Another. Take a quart of warm water, add half a
pint of gin. sweeten with molasses ; then put in half a
pint of ground mustard seed, and pottr it down.

WARTS, WENS AND TUMORS.

Mix tar and salt, and apply them ; continue the prac-
lice, renewing the application frequently, until a cure is
effected.

As a remedy for wens, some cast the animal and cut
out the wen, then fill the cavity with powdered rosin and
salt, well mixed ; and carefully bring the skin back to
its place and sew it up. Or wash the wen often, and
for a long time, with warm vinegar, saturated with
common salt. We have knouTi large wens cured by
warm salt water alone. Or put a hair seton through
those that are not a sitfasts, or a Avolf on the jaw, when
they appear to be ripe, and wash them daily in soft soap.

For warts, cut them open, and apply blue vitriol,
(sulphate of copper,) in powder. A physician was in-
auced to try this, (and it was attended with excellent
success,) from learning that a boy had many warts
cured on his hands by sorting brass nails, from the
influence of the' copper in the brass. Neither the cut-
ting nor the application is painful. Or apply to warts
raw grated carrots, mixed with salt. Warts are some-
times cured by the application of spirits of turpentine,
or lunar caustis.

LOSS OF CUD.

The food of cattle and sheep, and other rumirating
animals, is returnei from the stomach to the mouth, to
undergo a second grinding. The loss of cud is only

NEAT CATTLE. 191

a symptom of disease, not a disease of itself. Fever,
debility, indigestion, and other causes, produce loss of
cud. In cases of fever, give physic, as salts, and then
aromatics, as ginger and caraway. In case of debility,
give tonics, as gentian, columbo, and cascarilla. In
case of indigestion, give exercise, if the animal does not
have enough, and give roots, bran mashes, and other
Ught and laxative food. Take a cud from anotlier ani-
mal, divide it, and give the patient one half; or take
the fine inner part of white elder, (^Smnbucus alba or
cajiadeyisis,) scrape it fine, and give a wad for a cud.

OVER-HEATING AND OVER-DRAWING

Sometimes cattle, especially oxen, from too much
labor and fatigue, in hot weather, become over-heated
and almost melted. This relaxes the whole system, so
that it is seldom restored to its original state The
circulation becomes slow, the perspiration diminished
and retained, and the beast is sluggish and compara
tively useless through life.

Remedy. Give immediately, to each grown animal, a
quart of gin, or, for want of that, a quart of West India
rum, or new rum, or whiskey, in a little less quantity.
This, acting as a stimulus, will restore, in a measure,
the system to its primitive tone, quicken the fluids, pro-
mote all the secretions, and generally cure.

AxoTHEK. Cayenne pepper, or hot drops, or any
warm, diffusive stimulus, is good. The effect of v.^arm
medicines is to keep up the circulation and induce a
slow and gradual cooling, and prevent the great evil
resulting from a sudden change from hot to cold ; as in
cases of freezing, the frost is taken out by snow or cold
water, to prevent the sad effects of sudden thawing.

Another. Mr. Jedediah Dow, of Portland, JMe., has
often tried, and highly recommends, a strong liquor
made from a peck of ivy leases, often called mercury or
poison vine, (RJnis radicans,] while green, boiled dcwn
to a strong liquor. Give a pint for a dose. A few
doses may be given at suita Die intervals. It is said tt
beha.'mless. I* seem^ that his is a remedy some time

192 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

after the evil has occurred. Be cautious in *he use ol
this plant, as many persons are poisoned by touching it,
and even some by looking at it, or by its effluvia.

For Oxen strained by Over-Drawing. Half a pint
of soft soap, stirred up in a pint of new milk, and poured
down the throat, is said to be a speedy cure.

MAD ITCH.

This disease frequently comes on with a kind of cough
or jerk, at every breath. The brute jerks itself full of
wind, frequently licking its sides and back, occasion
ally rubbing its head, and if not stopped in five or six
hours, it rubs with apparent madness, and continues to
swell till death, which will be within ten or twelve hours
after the attack. It is supposed that this disorder is
sometimes caused by cattle following hogs and eating
corn-stalks which hogs have chewed and rejected, after
extracting the sap or nutriment, and thus rendering
them indigestible, which creates a fever and destroys
the animal.

Remedy. Give the animal as much salt and soot as
she will eat, and in a few hours give her from three
quarters to one pound of sulphur or pulverized brim-
stone. In twenty-four hours give her a pound of salt.

JAUNDICE. OR YELLOWS.

This disease is not acute, nor is it marked at once by
any prominent symptoms, but it creeps on insidiously,
and it frequently gains a strong hold before it is known,
and it is often obstinate and very difficult to remove.

Causes. The immediate causes are, an affection of
the liver, by which there are too great secretions of the
bile, or it is too thick to pass freely, or the duct by which
the bile passes into the intestines is obstructed, and it is
thrown back into the circulation. The remote or origi-
nal cause is hard to trace. Food, drink, atmosphere,
exposure, want of exercise, and other circumstances,
have an influence. Inaction is the most fruitful cause,
especially under high feeding.

NEAT CATTLE. 193

Symptoms. Dulness, langor, loss o appeatej wan-
dering about, dejection, reduction of milk, (in cows,)
dryness and hardness of the skin, staring of the coat,
yellowness of the eyes, mouth and urine.

Treatment. If the bowels are constipated, physic
thoroughly, and continue partial doses of physic ; give
also loosening food, such as bran mashes, potatoes, car-
rots, and green herbage ; or, if in winter, good clover
hay. This treatment will prepare the system for as-
tringents, which are the main curatives in this disease ;
stomachics are necessary to arouse to action and give
proper tone to the digestive organs ; and by giving
gentle purgatives, or partial doses, and laxative food,
astringents may be given without producing costive-
ness.

The following astringents are good to remove the dis-
ease : A decoction or cold infusion of yellow birch, black
cherry, or barberry bark, or all mixed together. Give
at the same time some warming medicine, such as gin-
ger, caraway seeds, a small quantity of Cayenne pepper,
pennyroyal, or other warm aromatic herb tea. Raspc
berry tea is good as a mild, moderate tonic and anodyne.

The following tonic is excellent: Powdered gentian
root, half an ounce ; powdered ginger, one drachm ;
Epsom salts, two ounces ; mix in a pint of gruel, and
give half in the morning and half at night. [See page
117.]

WOUNDS.

Very aggravated wounds in cattle are frequently cured
with the yolk of an egg mixed with spirits of turpentine.
Bathe the parts afiected with the. mixture.

Another Remedy. Steep Life of Man root in chamber
lye ; boil it down one half, and bathe the wound several
times a da} with it. It is said to be very f.ffectual
[Sec pages 51 and 56.]
17

94 DISEASES OF ANIMALS

FEVER.

Cattle are liable to this disease at all seasons, but it
prevails most in the spring and fall. It is most common
.o young aninrnl. Sometimes it is caused by too rich
food. Colds, from exposure, or change of atmosphere,
may produce it. There are various other causes.

Symptoms. Stronger and more frequent pulsations,
coldness at the tips of the ears, and m the horns, and heat
at the base of the horns, s.nd in the mouth and breath ;
dulness and redness of the eyes ; want of appetite and
rumination 5 dryness of the nose, and fallen counte-
nance.

Remedy. Sweat, or bleed lighly, early, but when
the disease has advanced, bleeding would be dangerous
or fatal. Physic with one pound of salts. If there is no
effect in six or eight hours, give a clyster of soap suds,
and repeat in half doses of physic, which continue every
six hours, till an operation. If the constipation be obsti-
nate, give an exciting injection. Those who do not
bleed should continue light doses of physic, and give
light diuretic doses ; and give daily, till the fever abates,
a good dose of raspberry tea. Nurse carefully, and give
light and laxative food

fNFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS AND COS-

TIVENESS

Causes. Going into rivers and ponds after oemg
heated and fatigued, and other exposures to cold ; change
from green to diy feed ; change of pasture to higher
feed ; too rich feed of any kind, with too little exercise,
and various other causes.

Symptoms. The bowels are obstinately constipated ;
the dung is voided with difficulty, and in small quanti-
ties, hard, covered with mucus, and sometimes stained
with blood. The animal lies down, and then rises
quickly ; strikes at his belly with his hind feet. Contrary
to colic, a fever attends this disease, and the muzzle is
dry , ai d the mouih hot.

NEAT CATTIJi. 195

Treatment. First, back-rake in a Inorcugh Qianner ,
then give exciting clj'sters, to clear out the intestine?
and stimulate the bowels to action ; and as the third
stomach, in this disease, is choked up with dry food,
wash this out, so as to open a passage through to the
fourth stomach, by giving warm water or thin gruel,
and if the beast will not drink it, turn down several
quarts.

Then sweat, if necessary from the severity of the case,
and administer a dose of physic, and repeat half doses
every five or six hours, till an operation is produced.
See that there is a thorough purging, by which large
quantities of faeces are removed from the bowels, else
there has been only a partial operation, and hardened
matter still obstructs the passages. After the physic has
operated well, feed lightly, at first on mashes and
green food, gradually changing to common diet, and the
usual quantity.

Sometimes inflammation of the bowels occurs ^nthout
costiveness, and the symptoms are the same, excepting
those that result from costiveness. In this case, large
quantities of raspberry tea, which is excellent for the
reduction of inflammation, internal or external, will gen-
erally afibrd relief; or give other astringent or sedative
teas. "

VOMITING.

This evil is rare, but when it does happen, it is fre
quently serious. An ox, that vomited for fifteen days,
throwing up his food and drink soon after taken, became
much reduced, but was cured as follows : — An infusion
of mint was given, with an ounce of camphor, suspended
m a sufficient quantity of vinegar, added to every two
bottles of infusion. This remained on the stomach. In
three hours after, a very little hay was given, which was
retained. He drank some water, whitened with rye
meal, and he soon began to ruminate. The owner now
indiscreetly fed too largely, and the disorder rettirred
but was again checked by the infusion. He soon re
covered.

196 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

To a COW that waa taken violently with vomiting,
ihree p'.nts of an infusion of peppermint, with six
drachms of camphor, dissolved in vinegar, were given
and retained. Food that was given was soon returned.
But after three drinks had been given, (at what intervals
not named,) the stomach retained hay, and she ruminated.
Next day, she vomited a little after eating, but another
drink checked it ; food was given her in a few hours, and
she was sick no more. A similar case was treated in the
same way, with a like result.

Other cases have been treated in the same manner
with success ; but sometimes obstinate cases require a
course of infusion for several days, before food can be
safely taken in considerable quantity. We published
this treatment in the Yankee Farmer, and from that,
some have practised on it with success.

Another. Boil tansy and mmt together ; give one
quart of this to the beast . If it does not stop, repeat the
dose every hour.

RABIES, OR MADNESS

This terrible malady is produced by the bite of a mad
dog, and it shows itself from a few weeks to several
montl^ after the bite.

Symptoms. Dull appearance; loss of appetite ; anx-
ious looks ; red and protruding eyes ; pitiful lows ; con-
stant voiding of dung and urine ; driveling of saliva
from the mouth ; after a few days, the discharge dries up,
and terrible thirst succeeds ; then follows weakness of
the loins and staggering ; palsy of the hind limbs suc-
ceeds, and after lingering some six or seven days, the
animal dies. Sometimes he is terribly ferocious, run-
ning furiously at every object, bellowing and tearing up
the ground, and goring his companions.

There is no cure for this disease ; and the most pru-
dent way is to kill the animal as soon as the disease is
well known. Perhaps it may be prevented, immediately
after the bite, by cutting the wound so as to cause it to
bleed, pressmg out the blood, and afterwards applying
lome alka . such aj ammonia, a solution of pot or pearl

NEAT CATT. E.

197

ash, or a lye of wood ashes ; or apply some caustic. The
bleeding may expel the poison, and thtis prevent its
entering the circulation. [See page 277.]

STAGGERS.

Cause. A change from poverty to rich feeding. It
is most common in cattle turned into luxuriant pastur
age in the spring, or early in the summer ; and those
that have been kept poorly during the winter are most
liable to this disease.

Symptoms. Dulness ; a constant disposition to sleep,
resting the head on any convenient place, and reeling
and staggering in attempting to walk. If this disease
is not checked soon, it will be likely to terminate in
inflammation of the brain, or a general fever.

Remedy. BleedinG: is prictised.but sweatine: may be
preferable. Give physic, and if there be constipation of
the bowels, give injections ; if the costiveness be severe
and obstinate, back-rake also. Feed lightly, and let the
animal gradually return to good keeping. Those who
do not bleed may aid in the cure by giving a mild diu-
retic. Saltpetre is good.

INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN.

This is not common, but it is a very severe disease.
It is sometimes called frenzy. It is most prevalent in
well fed cattle, and in the hot season.

Causes. A redundancy of blood, induced by cattle
thriving too fast when turned into rich pastures ; or
being fattened too fast, to fit them for show or sale. It
is sometimes caused by an intense sun, when they are
in fields without shade. It may be brought on by con-
tusions or fright.

Symptoms. The beast is dull and stupid, in the early
stage ; his head is protruded ; he ceases to eat or rumi
nate, and appears unconscious. He will stand motion-
less ; after awhile he may drop, and then start up sud-
denly, look ^\ald, sT.agger, fall, and rise ; runs against
everjthing in his way. At other times, he is inclined
17*

19£ DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

to mischief; he stamps, tears up the ground with his
liorns, bellows tremendously, attacks every one within
nis reach, and so continues till exhausted, and he soon
dies.

Remedy. If the animal be costive, back-rake and
give injections. Bleed till he falters, and give physic.
If the disease dc ^es not abate, insert a seton on each side
of the poll, well smeared with blistering ointment. Give
mashes and green food, if in the season ; if not, give a
few roots. Feed lightly. If he will not eat, turn gruel
down the throat. Avoid tonics and stimulants

HORN OR HEAD-AIL.

Some have attributed this disease to an affection in the
tail, and have commenced doctoring the animal at that
end. But some cattle that have unfortunately lost their
tails, have had this disease. In some severe cases, there
is no doubt that the affection extends through the spine
and the tail is affected also.

Sanford Howard Esq., one of the editors of the Albanv
Cultivator, distinguished as an excellent manager oi
stock, says that the liollow horn, as it is called, is inci-
dent to cattle without horns ; that it is an inflammation
of the lining of the nostrils and the cavities of the head
and horns, sometimes extending to the brain, and pro-
ducing vertigo, and in its advanced stages affecting the
digestive organs, the heart, lungs, and the whole sys-
tem, and death follows. The predisposing causes of
this disease are weakness, debility, and exposure ; and
the effects are similar to a severe cold in the human
race. Sometimes the nostrils are nearly filled by inllam-
mation, and matter collected in them.

Symptoms. General dulness ; tardiness in moving ;
yellow, viscous matter about the eyes ; failure of appe-
tite ; a disposition to lie down ; giddiness, and frequent
tossing of the head ; often a stiflness of limbs, and, in
cows, the milk fails, and there is always a wasting of
flesh ; the horn loses its natural heat, and feels cold to
the hand. ♦

Prbventive^;, Turpentine applied to the head, be-

NEAT CATTLE.

199

tween the horns. The occasional use of garget root,
poke weed, {Phytolacca decandra.) Soot, salt, and pepper,
given occasionally.

Treatjient. Some recommend bleeding, but this
sometimes proves fatal. Perhaps it has been useful Ie
some cases, of animals in high condition, and in a fever,
which has induced this recommendation. Animals in
low condition are most subject to this disease, and they
shouli have nourishing food to keep up their strength,
unless a fever prevails. Keep them in a warm shelter,
clothe warmly, and give warming, soothing teas, and
warm gruel. If the tail is affected, cut it off. If there
be a pressure of matter in the horns, boring them vnJH
give temporary reUef. Give gentle physic. Rub the
animal frequently, particularly on the back. An appli-
cation between the horns, as hot as can be borne, of
spirits of turpentine and good vinegar, one gill each,
and salt and black or red pepper, half a gill each, sim-
mered together, and retained by a cloth wound round
the horns, will be highly useful, and has, in some cases,
cured alone. This general course of treatment, or parts
of it, will be useful in aid of other remedies.

Remedy. Joseph Fichner, veterinary surgeon, who
had long practised in France and Philadelphia, says,
" The animal is in a high fever, as perceived by the
throbbing of the breast. Bleed one or two quarts, and
give two table spoonfuls, three times a day, of the fol-
lowing mixture, dissolved in a pint of warm water, until
the animal recovers: — Glaubers salts, six ounces;
cream of tartar, two ounces; purified saltpetre, two
ounces ; powdered root of althese, one and a half ounces.
If the animal be costive, give a clyster of one handful of
camomile flowers, and two handfuls of flax-seed, boiled
in two quarts of water, and strained; to which add
half a pound of linseed oil, and half a gill of salt.
Or use a quart of wheat bran, instead of the flowers and
flax-seed."

If a discharge be effected at the nose in season, there
will be no need of boring the horns. Mr. Abel Gleason,
of Wayland, iNlass., hts pursued the following method,
with excellent si ccess " Put ha'.f of a table spoonful of

200 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

spirits ot turpentine on the head, between the horis, amd
with a syringe inject into the nostrils strong vinegar
salt and pepper, keeping the head up during the c;pera
tion. This will produce a copious discharge from the
nose." Give gentle physic, and if the animal is in higL
rondition, feed lightly for a while.

Another. The JMassachusetts Ploughman says, thai
Mr. Eliphalet Collins, of Bradford, cures the horn-ail by
soft soap and common salt, equal parts, in a bag, and
tied on between the horns. It may be necessary to
"enew the application two or three times. Mr. Sheldon,
of Wilmington, uses this remedy, and he thinks the cure
is effected by the animal's licking the soap and salt that
run down on its nose.

Another. It is said that some cases have been cured
by pouring half a gill of spirits of turpentine into the
cavity on the head, just behind the horns, and repeating
it once a week ; but this is used mostly as a preventive
Some say that this is good, but a spoonful of hot brim-
stone is better.

TAIL SICKNESS

This disease is a wasting of the end of the tail, and if
it be not cut off above where it is affected, the disease
will generally extend, and prove fatal. It is attended
with weakness and sluggishness. The end of the tail
becomes hollow and relaxed.

EEiMEDY. Amputate a small piece of the tail, which
will be attended with the loss of some blood. But when
the tail is but little affected, and near the end, a sjit of
an inch and a half in length is preferable to amputation

HOOF-AIL.

Cause. Driving cattle on hard or muddy roads :
numerous other causes are assigned, among which is
bad food.

Symptoms. Lameness, inflammation, swelling in the
feet, soreness between the claws of the hoof.

Remedy. Wash the foot in a strong pickle of salt and

NEAT CATTLE.

501

water; lud if this does not cure, use an ointment of
corrosive sublimate and lard. If the parts between the
hoof have become dry and hard, cut them out and apply
a healing ointment.

Another. We have found blue vitriol an excellent
emedy. Apply a solution t\\dce a day.

Another. With a chisel cut off three fourths of an
nch of the toe of the hoof ; if it does not bleed freely,
ake a shaving more, till the blood runs freely. It will
top bleeding in fifteen or twenty minutes. Keep the
..nimal out of wet and mud two or three days, and he
vill soon be fit for labor.

WOLF, OR HOLDFAST

This generally occurs m cattle from two to four years
old, when they are shedding their teeth. It is supposed
to be caused by the old teeth being retained when the
new ones are starting, which causes the new teeth to
grow out on the side of the jaw, in bony excrescences.
Some have cured by pulling out the old teeth, that are
in the way, and which are generally carious. One
writer says that spirits of turpentine, applied externally,
will cure the wolf, if taken in time. It affects the ani-
mal sensibly at first, but he soon gets over it.

COLDS, COUGH AND HOOSE.

When the cough is slight, warm housing alone may
cure ; it may be necessary to give a warm drink, such
as sage, pennyroyal, or other herb tea, sweetened with
molasses ; or, as a more effective medicine, give a table
spoonful of tar, and the same quantity of honey or mo-
lasses, mixed with a quart of new milk, in which steep
a head of garlic, or two onions, bruised fine. Give green
food if it can be had ; if not, feed partially with roots and
mashes.

If the disease continue, and the animal loses flesh,
becomes hide-bound, and its coat is staring, it is a seri-
ous aff"air, and in addition to the above treatment, give
gentl ? laxatives, say half doses of physic, and nourish

202 DISEASES Ob AlVIfl.ALS.

ing drinks, such as gruel, flax-seed tea, infusion oi raait^
and if there be no symptoms of fever, give with the laxa-
tive medicines some cordial, such as an ounce of cara-
way seeds, and three or four drachms of ginger. Keep
the animal dry and warm, and give good ventilation,
[n favorable wcallier, the field is the best place in the
day time. Many practise bleeding for colds, but this
should be done in its first stages, before the animal is
reduced in flesh and strength. As soon as the disease
assumes a serious form, a seton should be put into the
dewdap.

Stimulating drinks should not be given. If there be
difficulty in swallowing, rub the following liniment on
the throat : one ounce of the spirits of turpentine, or
any common oil, and half an ounce of liquid ammonia.

Sometimes an epidemic prevails extensively, from
•udden changes in the weather, or atmospheric influ-
ence, often called catarrh and influenza, afl'ccting the
head and throat, and sometimes the lungs, similar to
these diseases in the human race, and often proving
very severe, without early attention. If the lungs be
not affected at first, they soon will be if the disease be
neglected. As a further treatment in such severe cases,
bruise two ounces of liquorice root, steep it well in a
quart of water, then add two drachms of powdered
squills ; sweeten with honey or molasses, and give
morning and night.

If this treatment does cure, the cough continues, and
there is reason to suppose that there are worms in the
air passages, which, in cases of the hoose, or advanced
stages of colds and coughs, is often the case, give a
drink for worms, prepared thus : spirits of turpentine,
two ounces ; sweet spirit of nitre, one ounce ; laudanum,
half an ounce ; linseed oil, four ounces ; mix, and give
in a pint of gruel. This medicine enters into the circu-
lation, and affects the worms in the lungs, and in the
passages to them : for the turpentine can be smelled in
the breath of the animal, after taking this medicine.
Those medicines recommended for Husk in calves wiU
be good when the disease has run on to that state.

NEAT CATTLE.

INFLAJMIMATION OF THE LTJNGS.

203

Causes. Catarrh or cold neglected may end n the
disease ; it is also caused by obstructed perspiration
from sudden and great changes m the weather, or expos-
ure to wet ; by being driven long distances and exposed
to damp, cold air at night. Young cattle, particularly
calves, are most liable to it. Neglect of currying and
rubbing is a predisposing cause.

Symptoms. Dulness, shivering, a sore cough, cold-
ness in the ears, legs and roots of the horns, heat m the
breath and mouth, ropy discharge from the mouth, inac-
tivity, and heaving of the flanks.

Remedy. Sweat or Bleed in the beginnmg, and put a
seton in the dewlap, and give a dose of physic. Give
warm water for di-ink, and give bran mashes. Give
flax-seed tea, and soothmg herb teas, with molasses or
honey. Keep the animal dry and warm.

HUSK, OR HOOSE, IN CALVES.

It may be seen by the last article the lirst or rarigmai
cause of this disease The immediate cause is worms
m the windpipe, which occasions violent irritation, and
a constant hoosing, or coughing, and if no remedy be
used, the organs of digestion become impaired, and con-
sumptive symptoms soon follow. The disease often
runs through the whole herd, occasioning great mor-
tality. It is most prevalent in dry summers. It re-
quires prompt attention.

Remedy. Asafoetida, three ounces ; aloes, three
ounces ; one quart of vinegar. Boil together till dis-
solved. Give each calf a table spoonful, in each nostril,
every third day, taking care to h Did the head well up, so
3^ to prevent waste. Generally three applications will
cure.

Another. One pmt of sjiirits of turpentine, one ditto
ot train oil, two ounces of spirits of vitriol, two ditto of
asafoetida, and two ditto of hartshorn, IMix the whole
in a bottle, and shake ■ weL. Pour one table spoonful

204 DISEASES OF ANIIV'.JVLS.

down each nostril, three successive mornings. The
calves must fast the night previous to giving the dose.
If the first trial does not succeed, repeat it after eight or
nine days.

DIARRHCEA, OR LOOSENESS.

There are various causes for diarrhoea, such as a
change from dry to green food, or from short to luxu-
riant pastures, change of climate, change of food oi
water, poisonous plants, atmospheric influence, and
other causes.

It should not always be regarded as a disease ; there-
fore it should not be stopped immediately, as it may be
only an effort of nature to throw off disease, or prevent
it, by discharging something that is injurious. Let it
run twenty-four hours. Then if it be violent, give half
a dose of physic, with a table spoonful of ginger, in ordei
to assist nature in ridding the bowels of any irritant
matter. Next day, give astringent medicines, and keep
the animal on dry food. If neglected or ill treated, this
disease is liable to degenerate into dysentery, which is a
more serious complamt.

These diseases are often confounded ; diarrhoea is the
voiding of dung in too fluid a form, in large quantities,
and in a full stream. It sometimes has an offensive
smell, and is occasionally mingled with blood ; it is
incidental, occurring at all seasons of the year, and
often stopping of itself. Yet this is often the precursor
of

DYSENTERY.

Causes. Long journeys, and lying out on cold, wet
nights, exposure to sudden changes of weather, taking
cold after calving. It is most commci in spring and
fall, and in low, wet, swampy situations. It sometimes
results from neglected diarrhoea.

Symptoms. If not preceded by diarrhoea, it begins
with frequent and painful efforts to discharge dung,
which is thin, slimy and stinking, mingled with mucus,

NEAT CATTLE. 205

and olten with blood , i.^ie animal is restless and in pain,
often lying down and rising ; a rumbling noise is heard
m the intestines. If neglected, he grows poor, though
the appetite and rumination continue for some time ; at
length these fail, and the food passes off half digested.
As it continues, the raucous membrane, or lining of the
intestines, sloughs off, and mingles with the dung.
This disease consists in the inflammation of the lining
of the large intestines.

Remedy. Sweat, and give a pound of salts, with an
ounce of powdered caraway seeds, in order to remove
from the bowels the offensive matter which may cause
the disease. Put the animal in a house or yard, and
feed on hay, and gi-ound oats or mashes, and oil cake.
If he will not eat, for two or three days make thick gruel
of these, and turn down a little three or four times a day

If the purging be not checked in twenty-four hours
after giving physic, give- moderate astringents only, as
it will be dangerous to stop it suddenly. Raspberry tea
is a mild astringent ; it is an anodyne, also, having a
very soothing effect on the irritated and excoriated
bowels. If it do not stop soon, give mutton suet one
pound, and new milk two quarts, boiled together till
the suet is dissolved ; then add half a drachm of opium,
and half a drachm of ginger, first mixed with a spoonful
or two of liquid.

Another. The follo\ving is a good astringent medi-
cine, after the bowels have been well cleared oat with
a purgative : Powdered chalk, one ounce ; opium, one
drachm ; catechu, four drachms ; ginger, two drachms ;
mix, and give in gruel.

Another. Sweet gum bark. [See pr ge 107.]

Another. Charcoal powder has cured almost hope-
less cases in the human subject, when the patient was
reduced to a very low state. Burn soft seasoned pine,
that is pure and lively or bright, to a coal, then quench
it. Pulverize, and mix with honey or lard, and then
grind fine as possible. IMix in warm milk or water,
and give. A tea-spoonful is a dose for an infant, and
nearly a great spoonful for an adult. Give an ox or
cow four to eight table spoonfuls. Charcoal is a disin
18

■06 DISEASE OF ANIMALS.

feciant, and nas a salutary effect on the bowels, which,
m a severe case, and advanced stage of this disease, are
tending; to a putrid condition.

Some of the remedies recommended for Looseness in
Calves, and for Scours and Dysentery in Sheep, are good
for cattle.

LOOSENESS, OR SCOURS, IN CALVES.

Young calves are frequently destroyed by scours, il
not stopped soon after the attack. The disease is often
caused by exposure to too great heat or cold ; sometimes
to rains, and frequently to too great a flow of milk,
when the dam's udder is feverish, or when she eats
unwholesome food. The mucous membrane becomes
inflamed, the discharges are white and watery, and if
the disease is not checked in a few days, or weeks at
most, the lungs inflame, and death ensues. When the
little animal becomes affected, it should be put in a
warm, dry stable, and not permitted to suck more than
half the quantity of milk it is wont to do, but should be
let to the cow regularly three times during the day.

Remedy. Make a tea, of equal portions of white oak,
beech, and slippery-elm bark, and give in moderate
doses, twice a day. Linden or bass wood, or white pine,
may be substituted for slippery-elm ; and raspberry, or
other vegetable astringent, for white oak.

Another. A little powdered chalk, given daily. If
calves are supplied with chalk, &cc., as recommended on
page 181, they will seldom be troubled with this dis-
order.

Another. A table spoonful of ground allspice in a
gill of boiling water, given when lukewarm, twice a
day.

Another. Give, twice a day, half an ounce of salts,
equal proportions of Epsom and Glauber's. An experi-
enced veterinarian recommends this as very safe and
effectual.

Another. Break, and beat up two eggs, and pour
kern down the throat, twice a day. [See the last two
arti2les. page 3 '4 .]

]s:e:at cattle. 207

Caution. Be careful in giving astringent medicines,
lest the looseness be checked too suddenly, as this may
prove fatal.

MANGE, SCURF, OR SCAB.

This IS a cutaneous disease, which is very contagious,
for as many cows as come in contact wath one having
the disorder, will be sure to catch it. Its symptoms ara
a scurf on the external part of the body, which is ahvays
attended with an itching. Some say that it is a kind of
animalcule, which burrows in the skm. It generally
attacks those animals which are low in flesh, and have
been fed on poor forage.

The first step is, to take a currycomb, and gently cur-
ry off the scurf. After this, the foUowmg application is
to be rubbed on the parts affected, which may be repeated
every three or four days till a cure is effected ; and it
seldom requires more than two or three applications : —
Sulphur, one pound ; spirits of turpenline, half a pint ;
train oil, enough to make it into a liquid.

Another. Mix tar and soft soap, and apply it to the
parts affected.

Another. Lard and sulphur, in equal parts ; melt,
mix, and apply all over the affected parts ; or, in severe
cases, all over the animal. [See Itch, in *' Swme."]

CHOKING.

As cattle are cholced with various substances of differ-
ent forms, and of different degrees of hardness, and the
substance may be high or low in the throat, no one
mode nor any definite rules will do in all cases. The
operator must judge what is best from the circumstances.

When the obstruction is at the upper pan of the
throat, the hand may be run down, through a wheel-box,
or piece of wood with a hole in it, put in the mouth, tc
prevent being bitten, and the impediment removed; or
by placing some gun-powder on the lower part of the
tongue, the coughing which follows may throw it out

When the substance is far dowTi, near the stomach, i'

208 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

may be puslied down with a stick, like a iioe handle
square at the end, that it may not slip by the article,
and woimd the g^uUel. One of the surest and best modes
of relief is to have a probang, or hollow tube, to run
down the throat, with metal at the end, nearly large
enough to encircle the obstructing substance, and with a
rod in the tube, and a corkscrew attached to the end
bore into the obstruction, and extract it. The corkscre^^
should play in the centre, to avoid wounding the throat

Anothi^r Mode. Sometimes by turning soap suds or
oil down the throat, and rubbing it, and pushing up and
down externally, the obstruction can be removed.

Another. An animal was choked with an apple, and
uo means were at hand aflbrding relief; he Avas cast,
and an incision made in the throat, and the apple re-
moved. In a few days he seemed to be well.

Another. A butcher grasped the windpipe of a cow
that was choked, just below the potato, and held firmly
a minute or two, stopping her breath ; she sprang for-
ward violently, and was relieved by the potato's going
down.

Another. We have known animals that have been
choked with potatoes relieved by putting a block against
the tliroat, and smashing the potato, by a mallet, and no
injury followed. This is condemned as too harsh, as the
bruising of the throat may produce inflammation.

BLAIN, OR BLADDERS.

The tongue is swelled, and on the side, and under it,
are bladders filled with a glutinous matter.

Causes- High condition and rich pasturage, prodtic-
mg a redundancy of blood, or from taking cold in that
state. Yet it occurs sometimes in various situations,
and at all seasons, but is most common in wet, marshy
situations, and in hot, sultry weather.

Symptoms. Langor, red and inflamed eyes, with
tears ; swelling about the eyes ; blisters under the
tongue ; quick pulse ; heaving of the flanks ; slavering
Ei, the mouth, and sometimes constipation of the bowels.

Remedy. In mediate actic : is necessary, lest the

NEAT CATTLE. 209

disease assume a malignant form. "Jut the blisters
along the tongue, or break them with the fingers, and
considerable matter will ooze out, and give relief. Give
physic, and feed lightly. If there be a fever, give a
iever drink, as follows: — Emetic tartar, one drachm;
powdered digitalis, half a drachm ; saltpetre, three
drachms ; mix, and give in a quart of gruel, night and
morning, and keep the bowels open by gentle physic.

Should loss of appetite and weakness continue after
the fever has subsided, give the following tonic : —
Gentian, two drachms ; tartrate of iron, one drachm ; gin
ger, one drachm ; mix, and give once or twice a day, in
a quart of gruel.

As the animal may not eat hard food, on account of
soreness in the mouth, give soft food, and offer gruel ;
and if he will not drink it, pour it down his throat two
or three times a day.

Blind that no matter from the blain fall on any sore
place on the hands, as it will cause ulcers, — for cure of
which, apply lunar caustic,

BLACK TONGUE,

[See page 146.] V/e cured cattle of this disease, and
prevented its spreading, as follows ; — The head ox W£,s
first violently seized, so that he could hardly eat for sev-
eral days. The whole stock were fed liberally with
potatoes, with a good portion of salt. In a short time
the second ox was attacked, but not more than half so
severely. The next animal had it quite mild, and it
tapered off to nothing, being barely perceptible in the
fifth, where it ended. They all soon recovered.

HOVEN, OR BLOAT.

This disease is caused by turning cattle from short
pastures, or when empty, upon luxuriant clover. They
eat to excess, and as the large mass of food is not
readily digested, fermentation takes place, evolving
large quantities of carbonic gas : the stomach swells
almcsl to bursting, pressing upon the lungs, and pre«
18*

210 DISEASES OF ANIIMALS.

venting their expansion, and if not relieved, the anima
dies of sufibcation. Other tender and luxuriant grasses
as well as potatoes, turnips, and other succulent food
will produce this disorder, when taken in excess
Horned cattle are most liable to this disease ; sheep and
swine are also subject to it, and horses do not always
escape.

Prevention. Do not turn cattle upon luxuriant feed
until the dew or rain is exhaled ; and if changed from a
lean pasti;'"e, or when empty, allow them to remain but
a short time, espscially at first. Give salt often.

Symptoms. The paunch is swelled enormously, in
severe cases, i ^ the last stages of this disease, the
tongue hangs out of the mouth ; the eyes are protru-
berant, and the rectum, or last gut, is distended exter-
nally ; and the beast f-^lls, and exhibits signs of the most
severe pain.

Treatment. In mild cases, or in the first stages of
almori any case, drenches of various kinds will aiford
relief , but in a severe case^ far advanced, the passages
of thj stomach are not only si -^^ed by the great disten-
tion, but the stomach is so full tuit medicines will not
have their ustial eff'ect ; and sometimes, without imme-
diate relief, by the probang, or by tapping, the anima^
must die. A leaden tube may be useJ to open a pas-
sage to the stomach, and the medicine may be turned
down through it. In some cases, farmers have opened
a passage with a flexible stick, and let off' '.he gas, and
in this way a passage may be opened for med.'^me. All
medicines given for this disease should be pou ""d down
suddenly, that they may enter the paunch [S ^age
185.]

Remedy. Make a quart of lye of wood ashes, -^d
turn it down. Judge by the taste whether it is as stri
as can be taken safely. The alkali neutralizes the gase
and the swelling subsides.

Another. Give volatile spirit of ammonia, a table
spoonful to an ox or a cow.

Another. Give a tea-cupful of spirits of turpentine
didused in oil. In this way, S2veral pairs of oxen were
saved, in very severe cases, which it was thought would
prove fatal. The turpentine is- nore safe in oil.

NEAT CATTLE. 211

Another. Give a dose of rennet, about twice as
much as used for a common-sized cheese.

Another. Give a good strong dose of thoroughwort
lea, with a little tansy.

Another. Give a large dose of salt.

Another. The infusion of camphor, as recommend-
ed for vomiting in cattle. [See page 195.]

Another. Incorporate, over a fire, a pmt of sharp
vmegar and half a pound of hog's lard, and add more
vinegar, that it may not burn. Col. S. Jaques, of the
Ten Hills Farm, Somerville, distinguished for his atten
tion to stock, has used a pint of vinegar with success.

Another. Give two drachms of chloride of lime, dis-
solved in two quarts of water.

Another. Give a pint of gm, or a good dose of any
ardent spirit.

Another. Twist a band hard, place it m the mouth,
and tie the ends tight over the top of the head. Chew-
ing the band gives' a motion that causes gas to escape.

Another. Draw the tongue out suddenly and forci
bly, which cfuses eructations of gas.

Another. In tapping, the operation is performed on
the left side, between the last rib and hip-bone, a little
nearer the former. It should be done two or three
inches deep, in order to reach the paunch. A trocar^
such as used in tapping for dropsy, should be inserted,
or an elder or other quill may be used to conduct out
the gas and contents of the stomach that may escape.
After the gas has escaped, apply to the orifice an adhe-
sive plaster. Shoemakers wax vA\\. answer. Althoagh
this may at first relieve and seem to cure, yet bad conse-
quences sometimes result from it, that are not known
until weeks or months afterwards. As the paunch sub-
sides, leaving the flank, gas and particles of food may
be thrown into the abdomen, unless a trocar is carefully
used.

Another. The surest and most speedy remedy is the
stomach-pump, or the probang, by which the gas is let
off, and immediate relief given ; and then the fermenta-
tions may be checked by some alkali or stimulus, and
the contents of the stomac. carrii^d cfF by a dose of

212 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

physic. The probang is a leather tule, one and a hill
inches in diameter ; it may be made stiff' enough to enter
the stomach by inserting in it a rod or stick. At the
insertion end of the probang, there should be a leaden
tube, with holes in it. The distance from the teeth to
the stomach of a large ox is six feet.

When cattle have suffered a severe attack, the stom-
ach will be weak for some time, and they should be fed
lightly, and have a good dose of herb drink daily, for
several days.

ULCERS.

When ulcers break out, physic, but do not bleed. Fo
ment with warm water, and wash in soap suds ; and
apply equal parts of turpentine, hartshorn, and campho-
rated spirits. Wash the ulcers several times a day in a
solution of chloride of lime. Give mashes and thick
gruel. A poultice made of the soft pulp of roasted car-
rots is excellent for old sores and ulcers.

9

MILK SICKNESS.

This name, together with "Trembles," has been
applied to a peculiar and most malignant disease, occur-
ring in some sections of the Western States, affecting
horses, cattle, sheep and goats, and persons who use the
meat or dairy products of infected cattle. It prevails
more or less in all the Western Stales, and extends as far
south as Mississippi. It is most common in Indiana and
Illinois ; never occurs east of the Alleghany Mountains.
Among early settlers it made dreadful ravages, and often
caused the breaking up of communities, and seeking
more favorable locations.

Animals may be so much diseased that their flesh and
milk will aflfect persons partaking of it, and yet the ani-
mals themselves exhibit no evident symptoms of disor-
der. The latent disease may be discovered by subjecting
the animals to violent exercise, that will bring on tre-
mors, spasms, convulsions, or death, according to the
amount of disease; in this way butchrrs try suspected
animals.

NEAT CATTLE.

213

Symptoms generally exhibit themselves but a short
ime before the disease becomes violent. The animal
«-alks about without any apparent object in view ; all
food is refused, and there is evidence of impaired vision.
The eye is first of a fiery appearance, increasing to a
deepened red color, until the animal staggers and falls,
when, if he rises, there will be trembling in the whole of
the muscular system. He usually dies after a few con-
Milsions, seldom hngering beyond a few hours. Some-
times he falls suddenly, as if from a heavy blow, and
expires in a few minutes.

Cause. Numerous investigations have been made by
practical, observing men, and by men of science, ana
lyzing soils, waters, and plants, and rewards have been
offered by legislatures, and yet no satisjactory cause has
been assigned for this terrible malady ; but of late yearb
it is supposed to be caused by poison oak, ( Ri/s toxicoden-
dron,) a shrub that grows from one to three feet high, and is
pecuUar to flat lands, as this disease prevails only where
this plant is found. It disappears before good cultiva-
tion ; hence its greater prevalence in new countries.

As to a remedy, it is very seldom found. It is said
that if the bowels can be opened, the animal generally
recovers ; but this is very difficult indeed. First, attend
to back-raking, and then give several large injections
with a double quantity of Cayenne pepper or tobacco, to
excite a discharge from the bowels. Then give a large
dose of physic, of one kind, and follow with half doses
or more, of other kinds, at intervals of four or five hours.
Give also a diuretic. In addition, steam or sweat the
animal smartly, by standing him over vessels of hot
water, to which add hot stones, to keep up the heat, and
lay rugs or quilts over him, to hold the steam, and apply
cloths from hot water to the extremities, that do not havfl
the benefit of the steaming. This steaming and sweat-
ing will aid in the operation of the medicine, and be
beneficial also from the perspiration and warmth at the
surface. At the time of steaming, it would be well to
pour down several quarts of quite warm sage, penny-
royal, or other hot herb tea, to which add a little Cay-
enne. This will tend to excite the action of the stom
ftch, and increase the perspiration

214 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

BLOODY MURRAIN.

Cause. A disordered state of the digestive organs
brought on by an unwholesome state of the atmosphere,
or by feeding on unhealthy pastures of low, damp, cold
meadows, infested by aquatic plants, which, taken
into the stomach, become indigestible and putrid, and
thus engender disease ; for cattle are affected on various
low land pastures, while they have escaped in interufle
diate pastures of high lands. Bad water promotes it.
Some attribute this disease to the overflowing of the
gall, (which is only a secondary cause,) affecting the
liver, and causing leeches therein, and a flow of blood
outward or inward. In this country it is most common
in new sections, in the western region, where cattle run
in the woods. One writer thinks that a sudden change
of food, from green to dry, and the reverse, or other
changes of food, will cause this complaint ; hence its
common occurrence in spring and fall.

Symptoms. Decrease of appetite, stretching of the
neck, shaking of the head, drooping of the ears, dulness
of the eyes, and deafness. These signs increase for
several days ; then ensue stupidity, unwillingness to
move, great debility, total loss of appetite, running at
the nose and eyes, a husky cough, shivering, sometimes
sickness and throwing up of bile, pulse quick, contracted
and uneven, a constant diarrhcea of green excrements,
and frequently bloody matter in the excrements and
urine, a stinking breath, a nauseous steam from the
skin that infects the air. tumors or boils under the fleshy
membrane of the skin, and eruptions appear all along
the skin. These symptoms- generally increase for about
a week, when the crisis takes place for the better or
worse. In the last stages, bloody matter is often dis-
charged from the mouth and nostrils. Sometimes the
attack comes on very suddenly, and the animal seldom
lives more than twelve to thirty-six hours after the
bloody discharges commence, and these may be the
firr>t symptoms noticed.

Preventives. Air-slaked lime, or wood ashes. These

NEAT CATTLE. 215

correct the foul acid matter in the stcraach. Salt freely
as a preventive. Give pure water, if possible. Sulphur
is goo I. So is tar. Give from a gill to half a pint to
each grown animal, every two or three weeks. Rub tar
on the head, between the horns, and on the nose. A
writer in Ohio says that he used salt and air-slaked
lime with good success for twenty years. The alkali
prevents the enlargement of the gall. A wTiter in the
"American Farmer" gave his cattle a little slaked lime
with their salt, two or three times a week, and thus pro-
tected them, while his neighbors lost many, sometimes
nearly all, by this disease. In one case, a farmer lost al)
his cattle by murrain, while the cattle of a neighbor, to
which he gave salt and lime every morning, all escaped,
though daily running among those that died.

Treatment. It is best to pay particular attention to
preventives, as this disease is difficult to cure, or seldom
cured in severe cases. As soon as an animal is infected,
remove it from the rest into a well-ventilated shed or
house. Bleeding copiously is recommended; but do this
early. Wash the body all over with lukew^ .Ji water
and vinegar, and rub the skin frequently, ih^i the pores
may be opened. Make a rowel in the dewlap, and keep
it open until a cure is effected. If the dung be hard and
dry, which m.ay be the case in the first symptoms, give
a cooling purge, such as salts. In case of very obsti-
nate constipation of the bowels, back-rake, and give
exciting injections before giving physic.

Give a drink of bran and water, lukewarm, but give
no hay until the animal is sufficiently recovered to cheAV
the cud. When a purging comes on voluntarily, check
It by giving four ounces of powdered chalk, two ounces
of powdered anise-seed, one ounce of poWL.-ered ginger,
and one drachm of opium, cut fine, mixed in a quart ot
warm gruel. In all cases, give physic and laxative food
when there is costiveness ; and when there is diarrhcea,
check it gradually, avoiding extremes.

Caution. All the litter about a sick animal should
be burned, and all the cattle that die of the complaint
should be buried five feet deep, to prevent the effluvia
rising from the carcass and spreading the infection.

216 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

Another Remedy. Mr. Brooks, of Princeton, whom
we have already quoted, bleeds, in the first stages, till
the animal falters, and, when diarrhcra prevails, gives
one ounce of chloride of lime and one drachm of opium.
To prevent constipation following, give bran mashes
and other laxative food, and if this treatment does not
prevent too sudden a check to the looseness, give two or
three ounces of salts daily. Dissolve the opium in water

Another. Make an infusion of half a pint of cedar
berries in a quart of water, and give it as a drench. A
considerable discharge from the bladder and bowels will
follow and give relief, and a cure often follows. In
severe cases, it may be necessary to repeat the dose four
or five times.

Another. Boil half a pound of garget root, poke
berry, {Phytolacca deca?idra,) in two quarts of water, to
one quart, and pour it down when warm. Repeat once
a day, till cured. It may be well to give this in two
doses, with an interval of a few hours, as very power-
ful decoctions have killed animals.

Another. Melt one pint of fat ; add one gill of tur
pentine and half a pound of sulphur. Stir till thin, ana
turn it doAvn the throat.

Another. Bleed freely, in the first stages, and give
a liberal supply of salt.

Another. Give soot and salt.

Another. It is said that a few doses of sugar, one
pound each, have cured in severe cases. Give with a
plenty of warm water.

Murrain in Man. A man, in skinning a cow that
died of the murrain, cut a little gash in his hand ; it
swelled up immediately, and caused his death. Two
pigs that ate the flesh of the cow died also. Another
man, who assisted in skinning the cow, had a scratch
or pimple on his hand, to wdiich the matter w^as com-
municated, and his situation became critical.

In England, this disease is considered not merely an
epidemic, but infectious ; this is the general opinion of
veterinar}-- surgeons throughout the country ; conse-
quently, the well cattle are separated from the afiected
One gentleman caused the cows on his estate to be inof

NEAT CITTLE. 217

olated with the vaaine virus, (pus,) which appeared to
operate as a preventive; for although his neighbors'
cows were dying around him, not one of his — se\'«n in
number — evinced the slightest symptoms of murrain.

In Europe, this plague has prevailed occasionally for
thousands of years, and frequently with great malignity.
In the spring of 1714, more than 70,000 cattle died of
this disease in England. In 1745 it made a second sad
visitation in Holland, and destroyed 200,000 cattle. In
1747, 40,000 in one county, and 30,000 in another county,
in England, died of this pest, in one year. Last sum
mer and fall it was very fatal in some parts of England
and Scotland. Two cow-feeders in the vicinity of Glas-
gow lost 500 cows. Some lost their entire stock. Thij
disease originates from various causes ; the animals are
variously affected, and, of course, the symptoms and
remedies vary. Several disorders are classed under
this general head.

RED-WATER, OR BLOODY MURRAIN.

This disease, in some respects, as to causes, symp-
toms, nature, and remedies, resembles that last de-
scribed, and they are, in some cases, evidently blended
together. Red-water is of two kinds, acute and chrome.
The causes are different ; they have their seat in difier-
ent organs, and the symptoms anc* remedies vary. Yet
some writers comfound and blend \hem together.

ACUTE RED-WATER.

Causes. Cows in too high condition are subject to
his disease a week or two before calving, and, at other
.irnes, a few days after calving, when they have not been
cleansed well, and have not had any purgative, which .
should always follow parturition in animals of high con-
dition. Owing to the redundancy of blcod, it is strongly
determined to the womb, and the kidneys participate in .
this inflammation, and, by unusual secretions, throw off
the redundant blood in the urine. It is also caused by
external injuries, such as severe blows in the region of
the kidneys, and violent bruises about the loins, from ,
19

218

DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

the ramping of animals. The over-driving of oxen
causes inflammation of the kidneys. It is sometimes
caused by atmospheric influence, and by moist, swampy
pasturage.

Syimptoms. The first evident symptom of this dis-
ease is generally the discharge of bloody urine, but it is
usually preceded by dysentery, which is changed to
• obstinate costiveness, and as soon as costiveness is
-established, red-water appears. Otiier symptoms are,
feverishness, shivering, succeeded by increased heat,
■ laborious breathing, dry muzzle, heaving at the flanks,
'Ceasing to ruminate, bowed back, cold extremities, hot
mouth, tenderness of the loins, straining to void urine,
which is in small quantity and expelled by force, highly
tinged with blood, and sometimes it is almost pure blood.
It often runs its course wath fearful rapidity. Sometimes
the animal dies in a few days ; at other times, she con-
tinues ten or twelve days.

Treatment. Bleed or sweat very early. This will
reduce the action on the kidneys. Then give physic.
I f the physic does not operate in due time, back-rake ;
give clysters — exciting ones, if necessary; repeat the
physic in partial doses, of a different kind, if convenient,
and give with it sage, pennyroyal, or other warming
herb tea, and a little ginger-

Another. Bleed or sweat, give six ounces of salts,
one ounce of saltpetre, six ounces of linseed, castor or
olive oil, in one pint of whey or gruel.

CHRONIC RED-WATER.

This is most common in cows of weak constitutions,
and in calves. In its first stages, it is far more a dis-
ease of the digestive organs than of the kidneys. The
following causes are assigned : relaxed vessels ; thin
blood ; cold ; change from poor to rich pasture ; luxuri-
ous pasture for cows recently dried, and scarcity of water
In a long, dry summer. Some of these are only secondary
causes, and there are doubtless various other primary
causes, among which is the want of exercise.

Symptoms. The u-me is of a brown color, or browiv
Unged with yellow. The bc^st feeds nearly as well »-

NEAT CATTLE 219

before, but ruminates more lazily. In lew days a natu-
ral diarrhoea comes on, and then the animal is well
again ; or a purgative is given, Lnd a cure is soou
effected.

At other times the animal is dull, heavy and languid ,
the ears ckoop, the back is bowed, she separates from the
herd, refuses food, and ceases to ruminate. Again she
is better, and then suddenly changes to worse ; the urine
assumes a dark color, resembling foul coffee or porter _
it increases in quantity, and is sometimes discharged
with difficulty and in little jets. The milk diminishes,
and acquires a tinge of yellow or brown, and the taste is
unpleasant. The pulse is accelerated to sixty or seventy
beats a minute. The slcin is yellow, but of a darker
yellow than in jaundice ; it has a tinge of brown. The
urine becomes of a darker hue, and is almost black.
Sometimes the animal shrinks when the loins are
pressed, but not usually, nor so much as in acute red-
water. There is loss of condition and general debility,
and the legs and ears are cold. In every stage there is
costiveness very difficult to remove, yet generally there
was violent diarrhoea at the beginning, which suddenly
stopped. The dark color of the urine is caused by viti-
ated bile, not by blood, as in acute red-water.

An examination, after death, shows that the contents
of the maryphis, or third stomach, are perfectly dry and
almost as hard as though they had been baked. This
is doubtless the disorder which many farmers call dry
belly-ache; and some call it dry murrain. The liver
is inflamed, and darker than usual ; the gall bladder is
full to distention, and the bile is thick and black. These
circumstances show that the seat of the disease is in the
liver, and that the gall is obstructed in its passage to the
intestines ; and indigestion is the result.

Remedy. As in this disease constipation of the bowels
is generally obstinate, back-rake, and give an exciting
injection ; then give a good dose of physic, with ginger,
or other stimulant, and if there be no operation in six or
eight hours, repeat, in half doses, and continue mild
injections occasionally, until an operation of the physic.
Q-ive also warming teas, such as sage, peppermint, flee-

220 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

Feed on laxative food, and give astringents, as for jaun*
dice, to restore the digestive organs to their usual tone
and action. We think that ashes and cider would be
excellent. [See pages 118 and 119.] Saltpetre, in doses
of an ounce, is good. Change the food, and remove all
cause of disease. Small doses of sulphur are good.

Another. Take milk, and bring it to a curd with
rennet ; mix it with ash leaves and nettle seeds chopped
fine. Give it in food, or put it down the throat.

Another. Give a junk bottle full of train oil. This
is recommended for dry murrain.

BLACK LEG, OR BLOOD.

This disease is also called Quarter Evil, Black Quarter,
and Blood Striking. It is mostly confined to young cattle,
between one and two years old. But some of three,
four, and older, have been attacked with it. Cows giv-
ing milk, and lean cattle, generally escape. It is most
common in the spring or early summer, when the feed
is luxuriant, and in the fall.

Cause. Very high feed, by which the animal im-
proves too fast, producing a redundancy of blood and
powerful inllammation. It is most likely to attack ani-
mals suddenly changed from poor to high feed. In
England, it is sometimes produced in winter by high
feeding on turnips. It prevails most in low, marshy
pastures, and in woodlands. Fatigue and exhaustion
from long journeys, previous to high feed, is a cause.
Owing to the general use of highland pastures in this
country, this disorder is not so common here as in Eu-
rope. Acrimonious or poisonous plants and unfavora-
ble atmosphere are influences, but are not the principal
causes.

Symptoms. Dry muzzle, hot breath, protruding eyes,
extension of the head ; heaving of the flanks ; quick and
hard pulse, and every symptom of high fever. He
moans lowly ; is half unconscious ; wild ; stands for
hours motionless, or only moves by compulsion ; there
IS a peculiar staggering in the hind limbs, and in one
aaore than the o her. He shifts his weight from one

NEAT CATTLE. 221

foot to the other ; pa"\vs, and lies down. Ht- .uay rise, and
then drop down again. Sometimes there .5 swelling on
the back of the loins, over one quarter, which at first is
hot, tender, and firm ; but it soon yields to the touch, and
makes a crackling noise. One of the limbs enlarges,
and sometimes enormously, through its whole extent.
This limb is also first hot, tender, and firm, and then it
becomes soft and flabby. Large ulcers break out on this
limb, and become mortified, and large pieces slough off.
The breath produces a horrible stench, and sometimes
bloody fiaid runs from the mouth ; the urine is high-
colored or bloody, and the faeces are streaked with blood,
and intolerable in stench. In so bad a state, the ani-
imal generally dies suddenly ; but with early good treat-
ment, some recover.

Preventive. From what has been said of the
causes, the management, in order to prevent this dis-
ease, is very evident. When animals are in rich feed,
and thriving too rapidly for health, a dose of physic,
now and then, will be a good preventive. When this
disease breaks out in a herd, physic, and remove to
poorer feed, all the well cattle that have been exposed to
the same causes.

Remedy. If the disease be kno^;\Ti on the first attack,
bleed copiously. But do not bleed after it has advanced.
Soon after bleeding, give physic, with ginger, or some
aromatic. In case of constipation or other cause, if the
physic does not operate, give injections, and repeat half
doses of physic. After the physic operates, give a fever
drink, morning and evening, as follows : — tartar
emetic, one drachm ; powdered digitalis, half a drachm :
saltpetre, three drachms ; mix, and give in a quart of
gruel. Or give a strong decoction of raspbeny tea, two
or three quarts, according to the size ff the animal.

At the first attack, foment the parts most affected, sev-
eral times a day. Feed very lightly, on scalded bran
mashes, &:c. When the fever subsides, and the animal
revives, omit the fever drink, unless it be mild, like the
tea. Give, for awhile, mild tonics and loosering food.
It would be well to put a seton in the dewlap, at the
beginning, first rubbing it in blistering ointment ; and
19*

222 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

bathe the affected parts in warm vinegar, saturated with
salt. If ulcers appear, apply chloride of lime in a poul-
tice of roasted carrots.

The Putrid Sore Throat is doubtless a variety of
this disease, in which the throat is the part most severely
attacked. In this :ase, in adrlilion to the other treat-
ment, apply to the throat internally some astringent
wash, to allay the inflammation, and externally blister-
ing ointment, to invite the blood outward. Give soft
food, such as scalded mashes, and gruel ; and if the
animal cannot drink, turn a little gruel down gently.
Sometimes the sort throat may be regarded as belong-
ing more properly tc the bloo(?" murrain, as it is at times
a symptom of that disease.

INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER.

This disease is not common in cattle, excepting from
eating poisojious or acrid plants, or when cows are near
their calving. Sometimes there is an inflammation of
the neck of the bladder, from cold, or from eating hot
and stimulating plants, in pasture, (the broovi, in Eng-
land, often causes it,) which causes a stricture, and pre-
vents the urine escaping.

It is important to distinguish between inflammation
of the neck of the bladder, and that of the bladder itself.
When the neck is affected, no urine will be discharged
in the early stage of the disease ; but when the bladder
is inflamed, it will be discharged in large quantities,
and more frequently than usual. And when at length,
urine is voided, in case of inflammation of the neck of
the bladder, it is after much straining, and forcibly
squeezing it out from the closed but distended vessels.
The most certain way to determine is to put the hand
into the rectum, and if the neck of the bladder is aff"ected
so as to obstruct the passage of the urine, the distended
bladder may be plainly felt under the hand.

Remedy. If the neck of the bladder be inflamed, it
must be relaxed, or there will be danger of the bladder's
bunting. Sometimes, liberal bleeding will effect this.
Then give sulphur, or other physic that has no diu-
refii qualit}'. Give injectioi 5 into the anus, wliich

NEAT CATTLE.

223

may have a good effect from their being in the vicinity
of the disease ; and fomentations should be used freely
as nearly as possible to the part affected. If these
means fail, a cow could be reUeved by a catheter ; but
with the ox it is difficult, more so than in the horse,
owing to the double curvature of the penis and urethra.
It requires skill and experience. Some make a cut at
the bend of the urethra, and introduce a catheter ; but
this wound is difficult to heal. The hand may be put
into the fundament, and the urine gently pressed out.

When the bladder itself is inflamed, which is more
common, bleed, physic, foment across the loins, and
carefully avoid diuretics. Clysters are good. After the
operation of the physic, give the following : — Antimo-
nial powder, two drachms ; powdered opium, one scru-
ple ; rub them together with a small portion of thick
gruel, and repeat morning and night. Sometimes the
pecuhar situation of cows near parturition causes an
irritation of the bladder, which will cease after calving.
[See pages 132 to 133, and for inflammation of the kid-
neys, see page 217.]

STUB COMPLAINT.

A sandy substance collects in the sheath, where the
water escapes, and the disease gives pain whenever the
ox passes his water. Cleanse the part affected, with
soap and warm water, and then apply a solution of
sugar of lead, or alum, or a very strong decoction of
raspberry leaves, or other astringent.

1NFLA3DIATI0X OF THE SHAPE.

Sometimes the external parts of a cow become in-
flamed, and there is a discharge of glairy fluid, and
occasionally pustules about them that break and dis-
charge matter. This may occur from difficult calving,
or from taking cold after easy and natural calving, it
sometimes occurs at other times, from causes not wel'
icnown. The cow, m sudf cases, suffers greatly by the
rr'tation.

224 DISEASES OF AN DIALS.

Remedy. In very severe cases, bleed or sweat
at first. Give physic, and if there be c •)stiveness,
give injections. Foment the shape several times a day,
in a strong astringent tea, as beech bark, raspberry, or
barberry, and continue it till the inflammation abates.
In three or four days, it may be necessary to repeat the
physic. Give light food, and protect from exposure. If
gleet continue to run after the swelling has abated, and
the ulcers healed, astringent injections into the parts
affected will be useful. Vegetable astringents are more
soothing than alum or other mineral preparations.

BONE DISORDER.

This disease has prevailed some ten or twenty years
in some sections, and long before that time it existed in
a milder form. It is common only to milch cows, and
they recover on becoming dry.

Cause. A w^ant of bone earth, or phosphate of lime,
and carbonate of lime, necessary to support the common
wear or decay of the bones. Milch cows require so much
of the phosphates as constituent parts of milk, that there
is not enough to repair the gradual waste of the bones ;
hence the weakness and disorder that ensues, which may
be called the bone disease. This disease is common to
old sections only, as, by a long course of cropping, the
bone earth is exhausted, and those grasses and other
food containing little bone earth only are produced.

One hundred parts of bones contain thirty -eight parts
of phosphate of lime, and ten parts of carbonate of Hme ;
and it has been ascertained that twenty gallons of milk
contain one ounce of lime. Cows pastured constantly
on land will carry off in their milk, one ton of bone
earth from an acre, in seventy-five years ; hence a defi-
ciency, and this disorder.

Symptoms. Weakness in the bones ; falling in of the
sides ; loss of appetite ; dulness ; general debility, and
desire to eat bones when cows can have access to them.

Preventives. On old lands use bone dust cr ground
Dones, guano, lime, and plaster for manure, tnd then
cultivate those grasses and plants generally, for cattle

NEAT CATTLE.

225

food, which take up largely the bone earth, or phosphates,
in such manures. Clover contains more lime than other
grasses, and it readily takes it up from plaster. Oats
contain more lime than other grain. Ruta-bagas ahound
in lime and phosphoric acid. Many pastures and mo-w-
ing fields may be greatly and cheaply improved by plas-
ter, and for many crops, especially on old lands, bones
are a good manure.

Remedy. Bone meal given in food, about a pint at a
time. Some soften bones by soaking in a lye of wood
ashes, and then give them to cows. Seven pounds of
good sulphuric acid, diluted in two or three times the
quantity of water, will dissolve a bushel of ground bones.
Dilute half a pint of this in water, and sprinkle it on the
fodder, or mix with meal or grain. Care should be
taken that the bones used for medicine be pure, not filthy
from putrid animal matter, as they may be unheahhy,
and impart bad taste and impurities to milk. Chalk is
good, as it is a carbonate of lime. Give it pounded,
and mixed with food, or lay large pieces where cattle
can lick them ; but consider that it is astringent, and
use laxative food. During medical treatment, use, as
an auxiliary, food that contains much lime, as clover,
oats, potato tops, &;c.

TO PREVENT A COW SUCKING HERSELF

Put on a girth as tight as may be with comfort. Put
straps or lines on each side the girth, and carry them
upon the sides of the neck, and fasten them on the sides
of the head, to a strap. Put one strap around the lower
part of the neck, and another near the upper part, and
fasten these straps on each side to the straps that extend
up from the girth, to keep all in their place. If well
fitted, a cow cannot turn her head round far enough to
help herself to ir .Ik.

226 DISEASES OF AN MALS

KICiaNG AND REFRACTORY COWS

Place a kicking cow in a stall, with a beam jvei
bead ; fix a rope round her horns, throw it over the
beam, and pull away till her head is pretty well ele-
vated, but not so as to injure her. In this position she
cannot kick, and will give down her milk. If a cow be
refractory, tie her to some place so that you can rub her
all over ; then salt her from your hand ; feed her from
your hand, on half feed, and in three days you may dc
as you please with her.

TO CAUSE A COW TO GIVE DOWN HER
MILK.

Sometimes cows refuse to give down their milk, foi
days together, from the loss of their calves, contrariness,
or other cause. This is liable to injure their health
Deal gently with them, and sit down and perform the
operation upon the teats precisely as though the milk
flowed. Persevere, and it will come after a while. In
this way, a boy nine years old milked cows which others
could not. It is doubtless an effort of the cow to hold
up her milk, which soon tires, and she yields to nature
after a short restraint.

FOR COWS DRYING UP SUDDENLY.

A cow that dried up suddenly produced a return of
milk in a short time after administering an ounce of
saltpetre in a quart of meal. Diuretics tend to a flow
of milk.

Another. Give to the cow, two or three mornings in
succession, two cubic inches of garget root, [see page
199,] cut up fine. It is said to be effectual.

Another. Put a young calf to the cow; and as an
auxiliary to any other means that may be used, feed
with grass, green corn, roots, apples, melons, pumpkins
or other succulent food that tends to a flow of milk .

NEAT CATTLE.

DRYING UP A cow.

227

Pour two quarts of soft water on a fresh rennet bag ;
iK)il it down to one quart ; strain it, let it cool sufficientl)
and give it to the cow, and she will generally be dry in
a few days. If she will not drink it, it may be turned
down her throat.

Another. Take an ounce of powdered alum, boil it
m two quarts of milk till it turns to whey ; then boil in
this whey a large handful of sage, till it is reduced to
one quart ; rub the cow's udder with a little of it, and
give her the rest to drink. First milk her clean, and
afterwards drav/ a little milk every second day, lest the
udder become overcharged. Repeat the dose and opera-
tion if necessary.

If the bag be full of milk, and it be hot and inflamed,
milk her and repeat the astringent dose.

PERFORATING COWS' DUGS.

It sometimes happens that when cows calve their
teats are hard and knotted, and the passage through
them becomes impervious, and they consequently give
no milk.

Remedy. IMake a small skewer of whalebone, or of
smooth hard wood, anoint it with goose grease, or other
soft grease, and force it up the dug ; take it out daily
and anoint it, and do this till it heals round the skewer.
This course is attended with success.

ABORTION, OR SLINKING CALF.

" This is most probably occasioned by tying up cattle
and feeding them on bad hay or stale grain, and should,
therefore, be prevented by pursuing a belter method.
Feeding on unwholesome food, with want of exercise,
occasions indigestion and flatulency, and this probably
so disturbs the young calf in the uterus, as to cause
either abortion, or such an alteration in its position as
x> lender c^iClivery diflrult, and often impracticable

228 DISEASES OF ANIM^^LS.

When a cow slips a talf, and anything offensive is lefl
in the field, all pregnmt cows smelling ii are liable to
the same. Everytliing that is of an oil'ensive smell,
especially putrid llesh or blood, should always be care-
fully removed. In Gloucestershire, they suffer the cows
to eat the afterbirth, and it is supposed to be useful." —
White's 2attle 3Iedicine.

The 3jw is more subject to abortion than any othei
domestic animal. Besides the causes enumerated above,
there are various others, and sometimes the cause is
hard to trace. A very severe blow on any part of the
body, or even a light blow on the nose, is liable to pro-
duce it. Various diseases, that are incident to cattle, may
cause it. Bad water is often a cause. A farm in Eng-
land had been given up by three farmers, successively,
on account of losses by abortion. The cattle drank of f,
stagnant pond, impregnated with dung and urine. "Wells
were then dug, the pond fenced up, and abortion disap-
peared. Violent exertion, as well as the other extreme,
inaction, is a cause. The extremes of starvation, and
plethora from luxuriant pasture or high feeding, are
causes ; also the extremes of exposure, and a close, hot
stable. Anything that seriously affects the comfort
or health of the animal may produce it. Sometimes it
seems to be infectious, as when one cow in a herd mis-
carries, others are soon affected, and it often runs nearly
through the whole herd. In this case, it is supposed to
be caused by the odor produced. [See page 44.]

Cows are most liable to slink their calves about the
middle period of gestation. If, about that time, a cow is
uneasy, feverish, off her food, or wandering about for
something for which she seems to have a longing, or
most greedily and ravenously devouring some particular
kind of food, she should be physicked immediately. Give
a pound of Epsom salts, and half an ounce of powdered
caraway seeds, or a table spoonful of ginger. Give warm
drink till after the operation of the physic ; then give
two to four quarts of raspberry tea, or other sedative
and anodyne medicines, and feed moderately.

Preventives. Attend to numerous direct: .)ns given
in this work for the preservation of health. Avoid all

NEAT ca:t. e. 229

extremes xn feeding, exercise, heat anc ctld ; give pure
food, Avater and air, and keep the boM'els open by roots,
bran, shorts and oil meal ; attend to currying and rub-
bing ; manage Avith kindness, gentleness and discretion,
or common sense.

MANAGEMENT OF COWS BEFORE CALVING.

Great evils may befall the cow which cannot be reme-
died; therefore prevent them. During the first of the
season that the cow is going with young, she should be
pretty well kept, for she has to provide nourishment for
her young, and a supply of milk for the dairy ; yet the
feed should not be very high ; she should be kept only in
gooa condition.

It is better for the calf, and it is generally better for
the cow, as she needs a little respite to recruit her, and
It is better for the udder, that she go dry as long as six
or eight weeks ; and during a short period previous to
calving, the milk is of an unnatural taste, and inferior
quality. Many cows go dry longer, even three, four or
five months. Three months is not an unusual time, and
there can be no great objection to it, when milk is not
much wanted in the family. But if a cow goes dry a
long time, she is more liable to indurations and other
affections of the udder.

If she is kept pretty well before going dry, her feed
should then be reduced, or it should be less rich ; for
being too fat and full of blood at the time of calving, is
frequently the cause of difficult labor, garget, milk fever,
and sometimes death. High feeding and consequent
plethora is worse than starvation and its concomitant
poverty.

After the cow is dry, she should not have many roots,
apples, pumpkins, or any food that produces a large flow
of milk, lest the bag become too much distended before
calving, and the udders become indurated or calced, and
jgarget and other diseases follow in their train. But feed
a very few roots, as they tend to keep the bowels open,
and are conducive to general health. The best are car-
rots, as they tend to keep up a prettv good condition, and
20

230

DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

cause less flow to the lacteal secretions ; and the ^icl^
ness of the carrot, as to causing too high condition, cait
be counteracted, if necessary, by moderate keeping in
other food.

Wlieat bran, or shorts, is a very good light laxative
food, and may be given without fostering too high, or
tending much to milk. Some straw, of a pure quality,
may be given, when the cow is becoming too fleshy
on hay. When at grass, if she is becoming fat, put
her into a pasture where the feed is not very luxuriant.
But give tolerably good keep.

It is better for cows to calve without a very full udder ;
yet with precaution, and especially when they calve in
summer, amidst full feed, their udders become distended
almost to bursting before calving. In such cases, the
cow should be milked, and she should be pretty well fed,
m order to sustain this unusual draught and her young
at the same time ,• but the food should be dry, and such
as does not produce much milk. Be careful and iiot
produce costiveness by too much dry food, but give
shorts, &c.

MILKING COWS BEFORE CALVING.

Sometimes, from high feeding, or from rich pasturage,
heifers and cows have their udders so distended with
milk before calving, that there is much pain and great
danger of matter forming in them, and causing them to
break. Therefore, it sometimes becomes necessary to
milk them before calving. When running in luxuriant
pastures, and they calve in summer, it is often necessary
to milk them a few days, and occasionally a week or
ten days, before calving. Sometimes it has become
necessary to milk a cow regularly two or three weeks
before calving, and no injury seemed to result from it.

It is stated m the "'Tennessee Agriculturist," that a
Durham heifer was affected in this way previous to hei
having the first calf. It commenced nearly three months
before calving, and it gradually increased for about two
months, when the udder was enormously swoller and
inflamed. S^e was then mi ked, and gave sixteen oj

NEAT CATTLE. . 231

eighteen quarts a day until she calved. Tlie calf found
the udder in a fine condition.

MANAGEMENT AT CALVING.

A short time before calving, turn the cow loose into
a pen or room by herself, that is level and dry. She
should be seen to frequently, but in such a "vvay that she
shall not think that she is watched, as in such cases ani-
mals seek retirement. We copy the following from
Clater, the distinguished English veterinarian :

"'The usual symptoms o'f the approach of calving are
uneasiness, slight lifting of the tail, lying down and
getting up, the evident labor-throe, gentle at first, and
increasing in force, and the commencement of the pro-
trusion of the membranes from her shape. The still
earlier symptoms, and preceding the labor by a few
days, are enlargement of the udder, and redness of the
space between her shape and the udder.

''The labor having actually commenced, the mem-
branes will more and more protrude, until they break,
and the fluid by which the calf was surrounded will
escape. If her pains are strong, the cow should for a
while be scarcely meddled with ; but if an hour or more
elapses, and no portion of the calf presents itself, the
hand, well greased, should be introduced, in order to
ascertain the situation and position of the calf. The
natural position is with the fore feet presenting, and the
muzzle lying upon the fore legs. If the foetus is found
in this position, and advanced into the passage, some
time longer should be allowed to see what nature wiU
do ; a^d the strength of the animal may, if necessary,
be supported by some gruel, with which a pint of warm
ale has been mixed, being horned down. As soon, how-
ever, as the throes begin to weaken, and before that, it
no progress has been made, manual assistance must be
rendered.

" Here it will be recollected that there are l\^ ^ objects
to be accomplished, — the saving of the lives of both the
mother and the young one, — and that, consequently, the
means at first employed should be gentle. The tand

232

DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

should be introduced, and the fore legs of the calf laid
hold of and drawn down, the eflorts of the operator being
employed at the moment of the throes of the mother. If
the legs are brought forward a little way, care should be
taken that the head is accompanying them. The hand
will sometimes be sufficient for this purpose. If the
head cannot be moved by the hand, a cord must be pro-
cured with a slip-knot at the end, which is to be passed
carefully into the passage, and, the mouth of the young
animal being opened, fastened round his lower jaw.
The end of this must be given to an assistant, who
should be instructed to pull gently, but firmly, at the
moment of the throes, while the principal operator is
endeavoring to draw on the feet.

" Should not this succeed, it will appear that, either
from the narrowness of the pelvis, or the size of the
foetus, there will be difficulty and danger in accomplish,
ing its extraction. The operator must then begin to
think less of the safety of the calf, and endeavor to
secure that of the mother. Two other large cords or
ropes must be procured, and one fastened round each
leg. The service of two assistants will now be required.
One should pull at the head, and the other at the feet,
while the operator ascertains the progress that is made ;
too much force, however, should not immediately be
used, for the chance of saving the young one must not
yet be given up. This not succeeding, greater power
must be applied, until the assistants begin to use their
full strength, ptilling steadily, and with the pains of the
cow, if they still continue.

" In the natural position of the calf, the young one is
almost uniformly extracted by these means, and its life
is preserved ; for both the mother and her progeny will,
without serious injury, bear the employment of more
force than would by some be thought credible. When
the womb is unable to discharge its contents, and the
throes are diminishing, or perhaps ceasing, much benefit
may be derived from the administration of the ergot of
rye, which appeirs to act as a stimulus specifically on
the uterus ; two drachms of this medicine, finely pow-
dered, may be g /en in i pi it of ale, and repeated seve

NEAT CATTLE.

233

ral times, if required, with intervals from half an hour
10 an hour.

'' The foetus is not, however, alwa; s presented natu-
rally, and it is the duty of the operator to ascertain its
exact position in the womb. This he will not find much
difficulty in accomplishing.

"The most usual false position is the presentation of
the head, while the feet of the calf are bent and doubled
down under his belly, and remain in the womb. A cord
must be passed as before around the lower jaw, which is
then to be pushed back into the womb. The operator
now introduces his hand, and endeavors to feel the situ-
ation of the feet. He is generally able to find them out,
and to fix a cord round each pastern, or at least about the
knee, and then he can usually bring them into the pas-
sage. The head is next to be brought forward again by
means of the cord ; and, the three cords being afterwards
pulled together, the foetus is extracted. Should the calf
have been long fixed in the passage, and be evidently
much swelled, it is certainly dead ; the head may then
be opened, in order to lessen its bulk, and the extraction
accomplished as before.

" When the feet present, and the head is doubled under
the rim of the passage, the case is more difiicult, and
the calf is very rarely saved ; indeed, it may be reckoned
to be dead if "it has remained in this position for any
considerable time. Cords are first to be placed round
the feet ; the hand must be afterwards passed into the
womb, and the situation of the head exactly ascertained,
and the cord passed round the lower jaw. The calf be-
ing then pushed further back into the womb, the head
must be brought into the passage, and, the three ropes
being pulled together, the delivery eflfected as quickly as
may be, without the exertion of more force than is neces-
sary.

" The last false presentation . shall mention is -hat of
the breech, the tail appearing f,t the mcuth of the shape.
The hand is to be passed into the uterus, and the cords
fastened round each hock. The calf is then to be pushed
as far back as possible into the womb, and the hocks,
one after the other, brought mto the passage, the ropes
20*

234

DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

being shifted as soon as possible to the fetlock. With
the exertion jf considerable force, the calf may now be
extracted, and sometimes without serious injury.

''By studying these cases, the operator will be enabled
to adapt his measures to every case of ialse presenta
tion ; and they are numerous. Great force must some-
times be used to eflect the extraction of the calf. The
united eflbrts of five or six men have been employed,
and (although such practice can scarcely be defended in
any case) a horse has sometimes been attached to the
cords. The foetus has been necessarily destroyed, but
the mother has survived ; too often, however, she has
evidently fallen a victim to this unnecessary violence.
If by the united force of two or three men, the loctus
cannot be brought away, any ruder and more violent
attempt must always be fraught with danger, and will
often be fatal. The safer w^ay for the mother, — j'^et that
is attended with considerable risk, — is to cufr off some
of the limbs of the foetus. One or possibly both shoul-
ders may be separated, slipped, and then the head and
trunk may, without much difliculty, be brought away.
The knife must be one that can be concealed in the
hand, and that is hooked at the end, and rounded and
thick at the back; but, notwithstanding that, there is
much danger of wounding the womb, which is forcibly
pressing on the hand of the operator.

" Labor is not unfrequently prevented by the diseased
state of the entrance or neck of the womb, which be-
comes hard and scirrhous, and thus prevents the calf
escaping. When this is found, by examination, to be
the case, an operation should be performed, which con-
sists in dividing the contracted entrance by means of a
small knife passed up, protected by the hand and fingers.
Considerable care must be exercised, so as not to cut too
deeply ; and it is better to divide the stricture slightly in
several places.

" From the violent efforts of the cow, or from unneces-
sary artificial violence, the uterus, or calf-bed, may
protrude, and be absolutely inverted.* The case is not

♦ Falling of the withers in a general term among farmers to denote
this condition. Tlij womb is protruded and completely turned insida

NEAT CATTLE. 235

desperate. The part must be cleaned from blood and
dirt, and supported by a sheet ; then, the operator begin-
ning at the verv fundus or bottom of the womb, it may
be gradually re:urned by the union of seme little inge-
nuity and a great deal of patience. The animal should
be copiously bled before this is attempted, in order to
relax the passage ; and the application of cold water for
a considerable time may contract the womb itself, and
render its return more easy. A stitch or a couple of
stitches should be passed through the lips of the shape,
'n order to prevent a repetition of the protrusion, and
.he following anodyne draught administered: — Take
powdered opium, half a drachm ; sweet spirits of nitre,
two ounces. Rub them together, adding the fluid by
small quantities at a time, and give the mixture in a
pint of warm gruel.

'^ If the cow has calved unseen and unattended, she
will, like every other quadruped, set diligently to work
to devour the cleansing, and lick the new-born animal
clean. This, however, is often carefully prevented when
there is the opportunity of so doing. The calf is taken
immediately away, and the cleansing thrown on the
dung-heap. We act contrary to nature in this. She
would not have given to herbivorous animals this pro-
pensity to eat the placenta, had not some useful purpose
been affected by it. Cleanliness was one object, the next
was either to support the strength of the animal, or to
have an aperient or salutary influence on her. The

out. In returning it, the fist is applied to the extreme outer or lower
part, as you would apply the hand outwardly to the toe of a stocking
that is itiside out. to turn it outside in. The protruded parts should
be cleansed in warm water ; and if they have been out long, and be-
come inflan-vel. as is sometimes the case, from neglect^ foment them
some time in a warm decoction of raspberry leaves, or of white oak,
beech, yellow birch, black cherry, barberry, sweet apple-tree bark, or
other astringent. The operator should perform very gently in return-
ing the withers, and having done this, and taken a stitch of strong
twine across the vulva, the application of cold water will produce a
contraction of the parts. Then place the cow with her fore feet the
lowest, and so that she cannot lie down for a day. Give gentle physic
rfthoroughwort tea, or salts, and gentle astringents to allay inflamma-
tion, as raspberry tea. &c. It would be well to let the cow go farrow
ene year, that the ps rls may become firm.

236 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

mother and the young will be happier if they are eff to
pursue the dictates oi" nature. I\lany a cow has tret ed
herself into a fatal fever from "the sudden loss of her lltle
one, and many a calf has died from the neglect of that
cleanliness which the mother could best effect.

'' A great deal has been said of the necessity of cleans-
ing the cow after calving, or the removal or expulsion of
the placenta. There is much error in this. The pla-
centa comes away with the calf;* and it is that natural
discharge from the womb, continued during several days,
and which is observed to a greater or less extent in all
quadrupeds, that gives the notion of anything being re-
tained. Medicine, nevertheless, is necessary in order to
prevent that access of fever to which the cov/ in high
condition is liable; but that medicine shoulctbe admin-
istered, not in the form of a stiinulating cordial, from the
false supposition that the animal wants support after the
fatigue and pain it has undergone, but in that of a pur-
gative, in order to prevent an attack of fever, to which
the animal is so naturally exposed after parturition, and
which is so often hastened and aggravated by absurd
management. The mother requires little care after calv-
ing, except that of protection from too great severity of
weather.''

* This remark is not correct. The placenta or " clearings " gener-
ally come away soon after the calf; but sometimes, owing to a con-
traciion of the neck of the womb, or the placenta adhering to the
inner surface of the womb, it does not readily come away ; and it
soon acts as a foreign body, producing irritation and fever; and it
will rapidly become putrid and noisome. Yet, in some cases, it has
been retained seven or eigiit days, wiiliout serious injury. In these
difficult cases, give no powerful stimulants. Give a dose of thorough-
wort tea, or one pound of Epsom salts, with two draclmis of ginger in
addition to either dose, a few hours after calving, which will have a
favorable effect in this particular, as well as oi the general health of
the animal. [See next page.] Some tie a weight of si.x or eight
ounces to the cord, the action of which rray separate the placenta
from its adhesions.

Sometimes it adheres so firmly to the surface of the womb that it
is retained till it becomes putrid, and the hand must be introduced to
separate it in the gentlest manner possible, else dangerous inflamma-
tion will follow. Sometimes, when there is an inversion of the womb,
or " falling of the withers," the placenta is found adhering closely to
the then outer part of the womb, and should be very gently separated,
before the womb is ri;turned.

NEAT CATTLE.

MANAGEMENT AFTER CALVING.

237

We give separate articles on the important subjects of
.he Placenta and Biestings. Be careful and not give
cold water after calving. The following is excellent :
Throw a few embers into a pailful of water. This will
warm the water, and the slight alkaline quality will be
good. It is much better to give warm water for several
days. If a cow be in a high condition, or tolerably high,
it is best to give a dose of mild physic. To guard against
fever and garget, it would be well, in all cases, to give
a gentle laxative. For a few days feed lightly. Warm
mashes are excellent. Do not feed largely, even on hay,
but if she be greedy after food, give l^me good straw.
If a cow be weak and exhausted, after calving, give
herb drinks, as warm as can be borne, and warm gruel,
for nourishment. Thoroughwort tea is excellent, as it
serves as a stomachic to warm and strengthen the
bowels, and as a good physic. If the cow be weak, do
not give a strong dose of physic, yet a large quantity of
tea will have a favorable effect. Dr. Holmes, whose
excellent authority we have occasionally quoted, informs
us that he had a heifer that was exhausted in her efforts
in giving birth to her young. She was cold in the ex-
tremities, and unable to stand. He gave her a gallon
of thoroughwort tea, as hot as she could bear. In a few
minutes she revived, rose up, and immediately dis-
charged the afterbirth, or placenta. This immediate
effect was owing to the heat in the liquor.

When a cow is so exhausted that she cannot rise, she
must be assisted in rising, and moving round a little, if
possible, or fastened up awhile, by sacking or wide straps,
else she' will soon lose the use of her limbs. Cows that
calve in March, or during cool weather in April, often
suffer by standing out exposed to cold winds, and still
more when standing in deep mire or manure. Kind and
gentle treatinent, and great care and attention, are ne-
cessary at this critical period ; and well does this highly
useful and bou-iteous animal deserve these favors from
those whom sh ; nourishes and supports, and their chil

238 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

dren also. Her rich treasures are divided between them
and her own offspring.

COWS EATING THE PLACENTA.

The general practice in this country, in New England
at least, is to prevent cows from eating the placenta,
after-birth, or cleanings ; but some intelligent managers
of stock allow cows to eat it, and this is the general
custom in England ; and, as it is in accordance with
nature, the vigilance of man cannot always prevent it.
We have known many instances of cows eating the
after-birih, and never had reason to suppose that any
injury arose from their following the dictates of nature.
It is supposed to have some salutary medicinal effect.
Some apprehend danger from cows choking themselves
in this way ; but we have no account of an instance of
the kind, and it has been remarked that there is no more
danger of this than of a tobacco-chewer getting choked
with his quid.

GIVING COWS BIESTINGS.

Numerous cases are mentioned in which cows have
been injured by drinking biestings, or first-drawn milk
after the calf has sucked, especially when they gave a
large mess. In some cases it has proved fatal. In one
case an examination was made, and the milk was in the
manifold; '^it had shut those parts close together, so
that nothing could pass." Giving a cov/ her milk is
unnatural, and it is very rich food for an animal in a
weak and delicate condition.

Lovett Peters, Esq., of Westborough, a farmer of long
experience and nice observation, offered to the public,
through the "Massachusetts Ploughman," several arti-
cles against giving cows biestings ; he was supported by
a number of farmers, who showed its injurious effects
On the contrary, several intelligent farmers gave in-
stances of cows drinking biestings without injury. The
8»^cr "« ay is to avoid this unnatural course.

NEAT CATTLE. 239

SORE TEATS AND UDDERS.

■

Sometimes, before calving, and more frequently after,
the teats and udders are swollen and sore, otherwise
than the internil inflammation called garget.

Remedy. Foment the parts affected with warm water,
or warm soap suds, and in severe cases foment long and
often with some astringent tea, as beech, barberry, or
raspberry. Or use one of the last two recipes on page
53. After the parts are dry, apply a cooling ointment.

MILK FEVER, OR DROPPING AFTER CALVING.

This disease is most common to cows in high con-
dition, and in the hot season. The cows that have
large, full udders some time before calving, are most
liable to be attacked with this disease.' It generally
appears about the second or third day after calving ;
occasionally she is down a few days after calving, and
is seldom able to rise for several days.

Symptoms. Refusing food; looking dull and heavy ;
restlessness ; lowing ; nose dry and hot ; tongue fre-
quently protruded ; eyes wild and staring ; the udder
swelled and inflamed ; the secretions of milk suspended ;
weakness; staggering; heaving of the flanks; weak-
ness of the loins, and every symptom of fever. Palsy
soon steals over the whole frame, and she falls.

Treatment. Bleed freely, and give a pound of Epsom
salts, and give aromatics, such as ginger or herb teas.
Half an ounce of saltpetre and a pint of linseed oil are
good to give with the salts. If there be much fever,
treat as for that complaint, and feed with mashes, and
light food generally. Get her up as soon as possible.

GARGET.

This disorder attacks the udders of cows, particularly
young ones after their first calving, or cows in high con-
dition. The internal part of the udder becomes inliamed.
generally in one part at first, but if not relieved, it often

24C DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

extends to the whole bag; it becomes tender, much
swelled, and feels hard and knotty. The milk coagu-
lates, and is drawn ofiin thick masses, olten bloody.

Causes. Too high feeding ; allowing the cow to gc
dry too long ; not drawing oft" the milk when the bag
becomes full before calving ; humors in the system that
collect at this tender place ; and taking cold.

Preventives. Mr. Fisher, of the State of New York,
in his prize essay on dairying, in the " Albany Cultiva-
tor," recommends giving each cow, while dry and with
calf, a table spoonful of sulphur weekly, to prevent gar-
get; and Mr. Jenne says, in the ''Maine Farmer," that
he has used it with satisfaction ; and he names several
cases in which this disease was not produced by a great
flow of milk, but indurations or cakes in the bag. Put
tar on the noses of cows, and on their heads, between
the horns, in March and April.

Remedy. In very severe cases, the surest and mosi
speedy remedy is bleeding and physicking, giving light
food and cooling drinks. This has an immediate effect.

Another. Blany farmers in New England cure with
the root of garget, or pokeweed, {Thytolacca decandra.)
In mild cases, it is sufficient to give cows some in their
food ; and, in severe cases, a piece of this root is put in
the dewlap, as a seton. In bad cases it is too slow.

Another. Give saltpetre. An ounce is a common
dose, but, in severe cases, two ounces have been given.

Another. The ''Genesee Farmer" says, a dairyman
cured two bad cases, in which the milk was clotted,
stringy and bloody, by bathing the udder a few times in
a strong decoction of arse-smart, or smart weed.

Another. Tobacco, cut fine, and simmered in urine :
then stir in pure clay, and apply to the udder.

Another. Foment the bag with warm soap siids
vinegar and spirits. If it will break, apply poultices.

TO CAUSE A COW TO GO AVITH YOUNG.

Cows and heifers are not always with young in sea
son. Poor keeping is one cause. JFeed nourishing food ;
give rye meal, oat meal, or oil meal ; prefer rye. This
cordial is good : — Caraway seeds, one cunce j ge atian

NEAT CAT! .E.

241

half a.n ounce ; ginger, half an ounce , and twenty drops
of peppermint ; mix in gruel or water. Avoid cantharides
and all powerful stimulants, as dangerous. A further aid
is running alone with the bull. She may be in too high
condition ; then give gentle physic, moderate feed, and
reduce gradually. She may be barren, though often in
season, and taken to the male. The excitement may be
insufficient ; then feed better, as above ; or it may be too
great ; then let her take the male towards the close of her
season, when it is abating. Bleeding freely is good. _ A
heifer was driven often without eifect. Then, on taking
the male, twelve or fifteen pailfuls of cold water were
poured on her immediately. It succeeded. It was a
single case, but seems founded on philosophy. Drive
the cow from the male immediately, not allowing her to
stop to dung or urinate, nor to come near other animals,
till her season is past. When in season, give her milk
to the pigs.

BROKEN HORNS.

Joseph Frost, Esq., of Elliot, Me., says, in the ''Boston
Cultivator:" "We see cattle with broken horns, which
may be easily replaced, if proper means are seasonably
adopted. We had a cow that broke her horn ; it came
off by the hair, and the core or pith of the horn came off
about three inches from the head. We replaced the
horn, and tarred a strip of cotton cloth, and wound it
around the horn by the head, and then corded and stayed
the lame horn to the well one. It grew on and remained.

•'' We have a cow that broke her horn two years ago,
and it was free from the head an hour. AVe re])laced it,
and the horn shows no appearance of havmg been in-
jured. When cattle have their horns broken down, or
what farmers generally call droop horns, they may be
replaced, and fixed properly by an iron, shaped in the
natural position of the horn, and fastened to the head
and well horn. The tarred bandage should be applied
to the wound. In all cases the animal should be placed
in a situation to prevent the lame horn coming in con-
lact with anything."

21

SHEEP.

The engraving on the left represents a group oi Me*
rino sheep, a specimen of the prize flock of S. W. Jewett,
Esq., of Weybridge, Vt. The Merinos are distinguished
for fine \vool, and for that purpose they are kept fa"
more extensively than any other breed in the country.

TO KTsOW THE AGE OF SHEEP.

The age of sheep may be known by the front teeth.
They are eight in number, and appear the first year, all
of a' small size. In the second year, the two middle
ones fall out, and their place is supplied by new teeth,
which may be easily distinguished by their larger size.
In the third year, two other small teeth, one on each
side, fall out, and are replaced by two larger ones ; so
that there are now four large teeth in the middle, and
two pointed ones on each side. In the fourth year, the
large teeth are six in number, and only two small ones
remain, one at each end of the range. In the fifth year,
the remaining small teeth are lost, and the whole front
teeth are large. In the sixth year, the whole begin to
be worn ; and in the seventh year, sometimes sooner,
some fall out, or are broken. It is said that the teeth of
ewes begin to decay at five or six ; those of wethers at
seven, and those of rams at eight.

Sheep sometimes continue strong and productive until
fourteen or sixteen years old, and occasionally longer.
When a boy, we had under our care a very smart old
sheep, that invariably brought and raised two lambs
every year, until fifteen years old.

GEXERAL MANAGEMENT

Almost all the disorders mcident to sheep are caused
by a want, and seldom by an excess, of acti/ity in the
vital organs. The nerves are very susceptible, but
when Ihey are powerfully excited, the excitement soop

244 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

Dasses off, and leaves the animal extremely -weak.
Therefore, most of the means used for the cure of dis-
eases of sheep should be calculated to excite, rather than
allay, the activity of the functions of life.

Daring summer, give them a good supply of salt, and
occasionally some tar ; and if they do not have access tc
burnt lands, give them wood ashes mixed with their salt,
of four or five parts of the former to one of the latter.
Sheep running on freshly burnt lands are generally re-
markably healthy. The coal and ashes are specifics
against several disorders, and they will go far to get to
such places.

As to sheep wanting water in summer, the question is
not wiiolly settled. We have a number of cases in
which they have succeeded remarkably well without
water ; and we have kept sheep in a pasture in which
there was but one spring in a dry time, and we never
saw their tracks around it, and though we have worked
in sight of it many a day, for years and years, yet we
never saw a sheep drmk there. Yet some say that
sheep need water in summer. The majority of evi-
dence seems to show that they will do well without it.

Carefully select the best sheep to keep, though the
butcher offers a high price for them. One good sheep
for breeding is worth more than half a dozen poor ones ;
otherwise the poor ones are worth nothing, and the value
of the best is seldom estimated.

Wean lambs in season, as it will benefit themselves
and their dams. They will get accustomed to the
change, while on green food, and their mothers will have
a chance to gain flesh against the coming winter.
Early in fall, examine the flock, and select for fattening
such as are not fit to winter. When a sheep is once
very fat, she should be slaughtered, as she will not prob-
ably be in so fine a condition again.

When sheep are brought to the barn in the winter,
smear their noses well with tar ; it tends to keep thera
in good healtli, and prevent their taking disorders.

As sheep sufl'cr from being kept long from the ground,
it is best to let them run out late in fall, or early in win-
ter, while th'v can get a good support ; but they should

SHEEP.

24^

Do fed "rom the barn before feed is so scarce that they
fall away for want of a supply. If they lose condition
before housing, they will hardly recover in the winter,
without extra keeping, and the consequence will be the
loss of lambs, or a stinted race ; loss of wool, and a poor
article, and perhaps a loss of sheep. It is an important
hinge, on which much turns.

Sheep suffer in our long winters for want of green
food. Give them roots of various kinds, such as pota-
toes, carrots, beets, parsnips, and turnips. For a month
or so before yearing, they should not have roots, or only a
few, as they will produce a premature flow of milk, and
cause it to cake in the bag. At this time, they may
have a very few roots, to keep the bowels open, and pre-
vent their faltering for want of access to the ground.
Carrots are best, as they do not produce so large a flow
of milk as other roots, but tend in part to keep up the
condition. Do not feed too high before the yearing sea-
son. See remarks on the management of cows before
calving. The same apply to sheep.

Give sheep, in winter, as condiments, salt, wood ashes,
clay, and pure earth. Give them also as salutary or
medicinal food, cedar, pine, spruce, hemlock, fir, and
other boughs. [See Browse, page 249.] And by all
means give them a good supply of pure water. As they
eat dry fodder, they will drink often and freely. They
cannot satisfy their thirst by eating snow, any more than
a man can by devouring snow or sucking an icicle. We
have kept sheep and cattle about the same distance from
water, say seven rods, and the shefep would go and drink
t^^nce as often as the cattle. They would not eat more
than half an hour in the morning, before they would all
run and drink. They will go a considerable distance
for this purpose, if kindly invited at first, by a lock of
hay, or something else to entice them, instead cf fright-
ening them with dogs and noisy boys, ir the vain at-
tempt to drive them.

Sir. Thomas Noble says, in the Ohio Cultivator;
" My sheep consist of sixteen hundred head, and so far,
1 have lost none. We cut all their feed, and the saving
thereby is at least one third."
21*

246 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

When sheep have been long from the ground, ihej
u lU often do as well to let them out in spring as soon as
the ground is bare, feeding them also with the best of
hay, and with roots and provender.

Clover hay is the best for sheep ; we have known
flocks to do well and raise fine early lambs, when theii
feed during winter has been nothing but excellent clo-
ver hay, and pure water, to which they had access in
the yard.

TREATMENT OF SHEEP AFTER SHEARING.

A correspondent of the Albany Cultivator says : —
■' There is nothing that conduces to the health and com-
fort of sheep more than a clean skin ; any application
that has that tendency will be of service ; anything tc
the contrary must injure them, and the growth and qual-
ity of their wool, in a greater or less degree. Smearing
of any kind is injurious, particularly so after shearing,
when the wool is short ; it stops the pores, checks the
growth of the wool, and leaves it dry and brittle, far intc
the season. If, when sheep are sheared, there is a large
hogshead of very strong brine made, and as the sheep
are shorn they are taken to it, and v/hile one man holds
the sheep, another takes a strong scrubbing brush, and
after pouring some of the brine along the back and
shoulders, he scrubs the sheep well all over, until he
raises a lather as with soap ; nothing more is necessary
The skin will be left bright, red, and clean. Every tick
and sheep louse instantly disappears, and if the skin had
any tendency to itch, it is entirely cured ; perspiration is
promoted and the growth of the wool improved. In this
way, I think that the general strength of the sheep, to
withstand the effects of any storm, will be better pro-
moted than by smearing of any kind, which is Dever
admissible.

SHEEP. 247

LAMBS.

Young lambs require particular attention. If the
weather should be cold or stormy, they should be in a
dry, warm place, yet pretty well ventilated. If there be
wool around the sheep's bag, in the way of the lamb
when sucking, cut it off. Sometimes lambs are so feeble
soon after they are born, that they cannot suck without
assistance, or they are so weak or stupid that they will
make no effectual exertion to help themselves. In such
cases it often becomes necessary to press out the biest-
ings in the teat, as the lamb has not strength to draw
out the thick matter ; then he may suck ; if not, lay the
sheep on her side, and pat the teat into his mouth, and
if he will not draw the milk, press it out into his mouth,
and he will soon learn to suck.

Some young sheep will not own their lambs, or own-
ing them, they will not stand still and allow them to
suck, owing to their ignorance, or the tenderness of their
bags ; and attention is necessary, else the lamb will be
lost. Some lambs are troubled in cutting their teeth,
and cannot suck well for soreness of the gums. In such
cases, rub hard the swelled gums with the thumb-nail,
or other hard, smooth substance, which will promote
teething.

Some sheep, old as well as young, will not own their
lambs, so as to allow them to suck at all ; this is a very
troublesome case, and sometimes difficult to remedy.
Bringing a dog near the lamb may have some effect, as
she may be disposed to protect her lamb, and fight
bravely in its defence. If she persist in her unnatural
course, hold her often, and let the lamb suck ; he will
soon learn to run to his mother for this purpose, as soon
as his kind assistant appears. Let him suck as often
as morning, noon, evening, and at night, just before
bedtime ; in this way, sheep will often own their lambs,
sometimes in one week, and again not till after two or
three weeks.

If a single Ian b die, and another sheep will not own
her lamb, or anc ;he sheep has twins, skin the dead

248 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

lamb before it is stiff, if convenient, and put the »kin on
the lamb you would have the lambless sheep own. When
a boy, and we had the care of sheep, one brought three
lambs ; at that time a single lamb died, and we put the
skin on one of these thrices, and the poor childless sheep
owned it. By holding a sheep that had some time be.
fore lost her lamb, the other two sucked her, occasion-
ally, but she did not own them until turned out, in the
spring. But after they had been out a few days, we
noticed that the three lambs were carefully cared for
each having a mother exclusively.

When the excrements of a lamb are so glutinous as
to fasten the tail to the vent, it must be washed clean,
and the tail and buttocks should be rubbed with pow-
dered clay or loam, and give some mild remedy, as
recommended for scours. When you give a lamb cow's
milk, use that of a new milch cow.

WOOL IN THE STOMACHS OF LAMBS.

Sometimes lambs die in consequence of little balls of
wool in the stomach, matted together into a hard sub
stance, and sometimes closing the entrance into the g its.
Lambs are most affected in this way when they are from
three to six weeks old. Most that are affected die, and
among the number are the fattest, and apparently the
most healthy of the flock.

Symptoms. A lameness in the legs that causes them
to reel and stagger, and at last to fall down. Sometimes
they die suddenly. Those that do not show an aver-
sion to moving about, exhibit distress after sucking,
weakness in their legs, and, in extreme cases, a total
loss of the use of their legs.

No Remedy is prescribed, to our knowledge. Purges
produce no good effect. Emetics may. Means should
be taken to prevent the lambs taking wool into their
stomachs ; and this is difficult, as it is not known why
and how they do it. One author says, " When the dung
of the ewe is covered with wool, the lamb is apt to seize
it instead of the teat, and swallow it, and the lambs, see
ing bits of hay fall on their mothers and on other lambs,

SHEEP. 249

are apt, in their desire to eat them, to draw out filaments
c f \vool and swallo v them, from which these balls are
ibrmed."

One writer says that when fodder is given to sheep in
the open yard, or when the lambs have access to hay in
the barn at all times, he has not known them to be affected
in this way. On feeding his sheep from racks, and not
allowing his lambs to range in the barn, and eat hay at
pleasure, the ' imbs could get hay only while the sheep
were eating, one or two hours a day; and in the season he
adopted this plan, a great many died, having balls of
wool in their stomachs. Being anxious to get something
to chew, they might take the loose locks of wool that are
hanging about their mothers.

Another supposes that after the lamb is a few weeks
old, he has not milk enough, and eating freely of food
too hearty for his tender age, an acescent state of the
stomach is produced, which requires absorbents to neu-
trahze the acid, and they may take the wool as most
convenient. With these conjectures, we leave the sub-
ject, not having facts at our disposal as to the cause.

BROWSE FOR SHEEP.

Browse of various kinds is good for sheep in winter
They are very fond of it, as it affords a change, being a
green food. The browse of oak, and other powerful
astringents should be avoided. The browse of ever-
greens is used, not only as a wholesome food, but for its
medicinal qualities, particularly pine and hemlock. And
in some cases it is used to considerable extent as a sub-
stitute for other fodder. Pine and hemlock are best, but
spruce an.l fir are also good.

Some farmers have nearly supported their sheep on
browse for months, when hay was scarce. J. Whitman,
of Turner, Maine, has used pine and hemlock for his
sheep foi more than forty years, and he has known no
injury frjm them, but a benefit, and a saving of hay.
He says that hemlock does not injure sheep with lambs,
He pre » rs pine and hemlock boughs to spruce and fir

250 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

CASTRATION.

The younger lambs are when altered, the .ess risk there
is. The best rule is to cut them as soon as the testicles
are accessible. Some wait till the youngest are old
enough ; but in som)e cases this will render the opera-
tion on the oldest more hazardous, when they come at
periods somewhat different. Therefore, small lots should
be altered as they become fit.

Though there is less danger at an earlier age, yet if it
be performed on horned sheep when the lambs are two
months old, the horns will be more full, and the wethers
will look handsomer. Care should be taken that, in
catching the lambs, they be not harassed and disturbed,
which will cause them to become heated and agitated.
Heavy ewes are also liable to injury, without caution in
disturbing the flock.

Apply to the wound a little tar and lard mixed, or
some soothing salve, but no salt, ashes, or other harsh
substances. Do not expose the lambs till they gel well.
Lying out nights on the cold ground is very injurious,
and frequently fatal. There is nothing belter than cold
water to apply to the wound.

TAILS OF SHEEP — DOCKING LAMBS.

When sheep are affrighted, they frisk their tails, and
are liable to dislocate their spines, and render them par-
alytic, if their tails are long. Therefore, docking lambs is
important. This is often very improperly done, by
holding the lamb by the tail, and cutting off the tail as
he is pulling. In this case, the skin is pulled back on
the tail, and when cut off, it recedes, leaving the bone
naked. When cutting the tail, push the skin towards
the rump, and then cut, and the skin will return and
cover the bone. Cut off in a joint, and the wound will
be less sore. It is best to cut short, as sheep discharge
dung as they are lying down, and if their tails are not
shcrt they become foul.

SHEEP. 251

PHYSIC.

Fcr the general effects of physic, see page 33. Give
the same purgatives as for cattle, only a tenth or twelfth
part as much for a dose. In case of severe costiveness,
give mjections, ard treat generally as cattle.

MATsNER OF BLEEDING.

This operation is most easily performed on a large
vein, the branches of which are spread over the face of
the sheep. The vein may be felt passing over the angle
of the jaw, into the neck, about two inches from it, or
opposite to the third of the grinding teeth. Press upon
the vein a little below where it is to be opened, and the
blood will flow out freely when the opening is made,
which should be obliquely, not directly across or along
the vein. When the point of the lancet has fairly
entered the vein, it shovild be raised a little upwards,
and carried forward, that it may not go through b</th
sides, and that the wound may be large enough to allow
the blood to flow freely. There is a small nerve running
across the vein, and to avoid cutting it, which is impor-
tant, the incision may be made as low down as possible.

In diseases of the head, requiring bleeding, and in

inflammation of the eyes, it is best to open this vein ;

but in diseases of other parts, blood may be procured

from a vein that runs along the leg. This vein passes

from the foot, along the back of the leg, to the ham, and

then goes obliquely over to the fore part of the limb. It

is nearest the surface, and sufficiently large a little above

he knee. By grasping the limb above where the vein

s to be opened, it swells. This is the course generally

pursued by shepherds, but veterinary surgeons recom

mend bleeding in the jugular vein, as more effectual

A''ith proper treatment, the harsh remedy of bleeding

may generally be avoided. Indeed, it is not a remedy

out onl}' temporary relief.

252 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

EXCRETORY DUCTS IN THE P'EET.

The legs of sheep are furnished with a duct which
terminates in the fissure of the hoof, from which, when
the animal is in health, is secreted a white fluid ; but
when sickly, these ducts are stopped by the hardening
of the fluid. In some cases, they may be relieved by
merely pressing out the hardened matter from the orifice
of the duct, in each foot. But to open and cleanse th*^
passages thoroughly, it may be necessarj'' to place their
feet in warm water or soap suds, and to use a probe or
hand brush.

TO DESTROY VERMIN.

Sheep are often infested with ticks, which, in difFeren
ways, do much damage. In grown sheep, they cause
the animal to pull out the wool with its teeth, in biting
and scratching to obtain relief from the intolerable itch-
ing which they suffer. Sometimes almost the whole
fleece is lost in t;his way. Ticks always tend to reduce
the flesh of the sheep ; and in young lambs they are par-
ticularly injurious, by keeping them poor and weak, so
that they are unable to bear up under the effects of
inclement weather ; thus remotely causing death.

Remedy. There are several M^ays of ridding sheep
from this annoyance. In a day or two after the sheep
are sheared, the ticks hpjving lost their natural shelter
and protection, the wool, will nearly all, go on to the
lambs ; the fleece of which is generally started enough
to afford them better harbor than they can get on the
closely shorn skins of the old sheep. At this time they
may be very easily destroyed by immersing the lambs
in a strong solution of tobacco. For this purpose, a tub
or vat of suflTicient size, should be procured, into which,
after having sufficiently boiled or steeped the tobacco,

5 tobacco stems are just as good as anything,] turn the
.ecoction. In this immerse the lamb all over, except
the head, a sufficient time to allow the liquor to pene-
trate to the ')kin. In this way, with convenient appara-

SHEEP.

25o

tus, two hands will re.idily dip a huudred in an nour.
If the solution is of proper strength, not a tick will bf
found alive in ten minutes after immersion.

Another. One of the most effectual and convenien
modes, both to the operator and the animals, is to fumi-
gate with tobacco smoke. We have observed that smoke
is instant death to the filthy rascals. It may be taken
up into a bellows, in the same way as air, and blown
into the wool. A very cheap and convenient apparatus
may be made of tin or green wood, into which tobacco
and a live coal may be put, and with the bellows the
smoke may be blown into the wool. The apparatus
should be pointed, and the wool opened, and the point
put near the skin and closed around it. After blowing
in the smoke, take it out, close up the wool, and move
to another place some eight or ten inches off, and thus
go over the whole fleece, which requires but a short
time. We prefer this to all other methods, as nothing
is more effectual and harmless to the sheep. Sometimes
tobacco makes sheep sick, and it has killed lambs.

New rum or whiskey, rubbed all over the animal, is
a good remedy for vermin of almost every kind.

' SCAB.

This is one of the most destructive diseases that sheep
are liable to in this country. It is so contagious that
where it has once entered a lock, it generally passes
through it, unless stayed in its course.

Cause. It is the work of a parasitical insect of the
acariis family, similar to the itch in the human race.

Symptoms. It first makes its appearance on the
shoulder and back ; the animal rubs itself against every
object, — the irritation constantly increasing till it tears
out the wool with its teeth, — and exhibits intense sufier-
mg. Little red pustules will appear along the back, and
are succeeded by a dry scab.

Remedy. Chancellor Livingston recommended spirits
of turpentine and hog's lard, parts not named. One
says he tried it with success.
22

2f54 disej^ses of animals.

Another. Apply an ointment of three parts grease
and one of turpentine.

Anutmer. Running on freshly-burned land, if turned
on immediately after shearing, that the coal and ashes
may come in contact with their bodies. This is also
good for foot-rot, and worms in the head. It promotes
the general health of sheep, and they will go far to visit it.

Another. Anoint the parts affected with a mixture
of equal parts of tar and grease ; first wash in strong
soap suds, and dry well.

Another. A correspondent of the ''American Far-
mer" had two hundred sheep; forty were badly aff'ected
with scab in N >vember. At shearing time, he had lost
one hundred. . le cut sixteen pounds of tobacco up fine
and boiled it. lie put the liquor into a cask, and when
cool enough to use, he put a gill of spirits of turpentine
into the cask, and repeated this for every twelve sheep.
The sheep were put into the liquor up to the head and
ears, moved around so as to be thoroughly wet, and then
drained. He did not lose another, and the ticks were
destroyed. One writer says the liquor may injure if
there be more than quarter of a pound of tobacco to a
gallon.

Another. IMercury is very destructive to acari, but
it is a dangerous medicine, excepting in skilful hands.
Some think it is more safe, more easily applied, and
surer than decoctions of tobacco or solutions of arsenic.
With one part of mercurial ointment, known as unguen-
tum, mix five parts of lard, and apply it, in moderate
quantity only, to the parts affected. Or, as the power
and quality of the ointment are uncertain, make one that
can be depended on, as follows : Crude quicksilver, half
a pound ; spirits of turpentine, one ounce. Rub them
together for several hours, till perfectly united. Rub a
little on a piece of glass, with the finger, and if shining
particles remain, continue the rubbing. To this mix-
ture, well reduced and mixed, add two and a quarter
pounds of lard, of the temperature of new milk, and stir
till stiff". After using mercurial ointment, protect the
sheep from old ; nd storns.

SHEEP.

STOPPAGES IN THE THROAT.

255

This disease causes wheezing and difficult breathing,
and it is commonly produced by colds or bad pasturage.

Remedy. If colds cause the disease, keep them warm ;
if it is owing to unfavorable pasturage, put them on
higher grounds. Make a strong tea of pennyroyal, and
to one quart add a pound of honey or half a pint of mo-
lasses, and half a pint of sharp vinegar. Give half a
pint of this, warm, every night. Other warming aro-
matic teas will answer.

SORE MOUTH AND JOHNSWORT SCAB.

Sometimes sheep have sore mouths from eating poison
hemlock, St. Johnswort, or other irritant or poisonous
plant. The poison may also afiect the intestines ; and
eating St. Johnswort will cause scales of the skin over
the whole body.

Remedy. Apply tar plentifully for the sore mouth ;
and for inflammation of the bowels, give tar and salt.
Put tar in troughs or on boards and strew salt over it.
If they will not eat it, put it far back on their tongues,
and they must swallow it. Apply to the scabs a salve
of lard and sulphur, or give these for internal inflamma-
tion. They are also good for the sore mouth.

DISORDERS OF THE EYES.

Sheep are often affected with colds falling upon their
eyes, and almost blinding them ; and at other times they
have this complaint without any visible cause. In either
case, the remedy is the same. Press ou the juice of
great celandine, and drop a quantity of it into the eyes,
night and morning. [See page 66.1

256 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

WORBIS IN THE HEAD.

This is probably the most destructive disorder with
whicli sheep are alllicted ia this country ; and many die
with it, and the owners know not the cause, or learn i!
too late. In some cases, half of large flocks have diec
of this disease in one year. The annual loss in thif
country is estimated at one million of dollars ; but ol
late more attention is paid to preventives and cures.

Cause. A large fly, or bee, (Oestrus ovis,) lays its eggi
in the nostrils of sheep, in August and September, and
perhaps earlier and later, where they hatch, and from
twenty-five to one hundred small white grubs, Avith
black heads, and a black streak on the back, may some-
times be found in the cavity between the nostrils and
windpipe. They continue in this place till the next
summer, when they get their growth, and are as large as
a pipe-stem, and nearly an inch long, with four large
teeth, as hard as bone. They then leave the sheep, and
soon cast ofl" their skin, when the bee appears, and is
ready to lay a new lot of eggs. Some say that the
worms do not injure fat sheep, as they find sufficient
support in the nostrils, but in poor sheep, for want of
(bod, they ascend in the head. When attacked by the
fly, sheep run with their noses to the ground, and often
thrust them into loose earth to shut up the avenues of
approach to the enemy.

Symptoms. They do not generally appear till towards
spring, at \niich time they may be discovered by a sickly
countenance and loss of flesh, notwithstanding the best
of keeping ; sometimes running at the nose, (though not
always,) and snorting, as if trying to blow something
from the head. In some cases, the sheep suddenly
spring about in a wild, frantic manner, and drop down
diead. When this symptom is exhibited, the grubs have
assailed some vital part. When they do not die
m this manner, they become so poor that their wool
stops growing and hlls off", and they give little or no
milk. Sometimes th->y linger, pining away, and do not
die till Ju '.e r July.

SHE :p. 257

Preventive. Smear I e noses of sheep with tar fre-
quently, from the coming until the departure cf the fly.
To be sure, begin in July, and continue the use of tar
till October. It may be applied directly to the noses of
sheep, but the better way is to lay it in a trough or on a
board, and strew salt on it, and the sheep, in eating the
salt, will smirch their noses pretty well themselves.
Give them salt in this way frequently, or keep a supply
by them. Tar is also a specific against other diseases.

Remedy. Take half a pound of good Scotch snuflf,
pour on it two quarts of boiling water, stir it and let
it stand till cold ; with a syringe inject about a table
spoonful of this liquid and sediment up each nostril.
Repeat this three or four times, at proper intervals, from
the middle of October to the first of January. The grubs
are then small and more easily destroyed than after-
wards, and they will not have injured the sheep as they
will if this operation be deferred till later. Half an
ounce of asafoetida, pounded in a little water, and added
to the snuff, will make it more effectual. There need
be no alarm if the sheep be very drunk, and apparently
in the agonies of death, when the operation is performed,
as they will soon recover. Dry snuff may be blown up
the nose with a quill, and have a good effect, but it is a
slow and dirty job.

The reason for repeating the operation is, there are
many cavities and folds where the grubs may not be
exposed, and by repeating the application often, they
may crawl out, and, by a change of situation, become
exposed to the snuff. The sediment is thrown up, as it
will be likely to remain longer, and pro 'e more effectual
than the liquid.

Another. Blow tobacco-smoke well up the nostrils,
by inserting the stem of a tobacco-pipe, well charged
and lighted, and blow at the bowl, through a covering of
cloth, for a few seconds, then in the other nostril.

Another. Pour into each nostril of every sheep
affected, a tea-spoonful each of spirits of turpentine and
olive oil.

Mr. J. Brown, of Akron, Ohio, a distinguished flock*
Blaster, of much experience, says, in the '-ObioCulti
22*

25S DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

vator," that the fly, which is of liglit drab color, deposits
a cra>rli/is ma i' got at the nose of the sheep. He had
taken iuuulreds of them, dive and active, from flies
His son had them deposited tw^pe at his nose, while at
work among the sheep. The flies work in summer, and
in the fall till cool weather. The act of depositing is
done very quick, and the maggot is ready to pass im-
me(4iaiely into the head. The only chance to destroy
them is dur'ng their infancy, before they pass high into
the head, w .lich is not under five or six weeks. There
are two sets in a year, if not more. Matured ones have
been found in the heads of lambs not more than foui
months old.

Remedy. He uses tobacco-water with excellent suc-
cess, commencing the last of July, and applying it till
the last of October, generally three times in the season.
Boil one pound of good tobacco in a gallon of water
Turn the sheep on their backs in a little trench dug in
the ground, and with the head held back on the ground,
inject M'ith some force about a table-spoonful of the
liquor into each nostril, pointing the syringe so that it
will go into the cavities in the head, instead of falling
into the throat. If at first the animals appear sick and
cannot stand, they will soon get over it. Two persons
will go through with several hundred in a day.

STURDY, OR WATER IN THE HEAD.

The most common forms of this disease arise from a
collection of water in cysts or bags connected with the
brain, on which it acts fatally, by pressure. Lambs
and yearlings are the principal sheep liable to this dis-
order.

Cause. It is supposed to be caused by the exposure
of the back to cold and wet. Hence it is common to
young animals whose wool parts on the back and ex-
poses it. It prevails most after wet, cold winters, and
m flocks most exposed.

Symptoms. Dulness ; languid appearance ; ceasing
to graze and ruminate ; walking in a staggering
mannnerj giddiness ^ lo* lin^ wildly; starting off as

SHEEP. 259

though frightened ; loss of flesh ; haggard countenance
blue color in the eye ; after awhile, a rotary motion,
always one way blindness and death ensues.

PreveiNtive. In some sections of Europe the backs
of young sheep are protected, during the inclement sea-
son, by a covering of cloth or other article.

Remedy. Examine the skull for a soft spot in the
bone, which indicates where the water is collected.
Then perforate the skull with a trocar, accompanied by
a tube through wh.ch the water may escape. After
which, apply a few drops of the essence of myrrh to the
aperture. Shelter the animal and dress the wound.
This sometimes succeeds, but more often the reverse.
But better save a few than lose the whole. A writer on
this subject says that he knew a shepherd in Europe
that saved nearly all on which he operated in this man-
ner, while he himself lost almost all on which he operated
in this way, but saved nearly all on which he operated
by running a sharp wire up the nostril into the bram,
and letting out the water. He thought that in tapping
through the skull, he might not open deep enough. Ir
either way, it is a nice operation, that requires skill.

A sheep with this disorder was pronounced incurable,
and left to die ; and a boy bored a hole with a gimlet
exactly on the top of the scalp ; the water streamed out ;
in a few minutes, the sheep started up, and ate grass,
and shortly recovered.

INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN.

This disease is caused by confinement in bad air, or
high feeding, whether stall feeding or luxuriant pasture.

Symptoms of this disease are so very different from
still dy, which we have just described, that they are
easily distinguished. This disease generally attacks the
healthiest sheep, and of all ages, and more in hot weather
than early in spring. In this complaint there is no
stupidity, no disinclination to move, no moving round
and round ; but the eyes are protruding, bloodshot and
bright, and the countenance seems eager and ferocious,
not depressed and nxious. The animal is i ' constan*

260 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

motion ; he gallops about ; attacks his com jianions ant
the shepherd, and even assaults a tree or post. He is
under wild delirium, and so continues till exhausted ; he
then rests, and again starts as wild as ever.

Remedy. Bleed rather lifi'^tly and if there be
blindness, bleed in the vein running from the corner of
the eye to the nose. Give each two ounces of castor-oil
or other physic. Wash the head in hartshorn, or in cold
vinegar and water. Give to drink herb tea sweetened
with molasses. Give a plenty of room, pure air, and
light food.

APOPLEXY.

This happens only to sheep in high condition, and
then from journeys, worrying, or over-fatigue. Sheep,
though very fat, if kept quiet, are seldom affected with
this disease.

Treatment. Give physic, and feed sparingly on
light food. Bran mashes and roots are good. Prefer
grass to hay in the season of it. In winter give clover.
if there are feverish habits, give raspberry tea, or some
other sedative.

STAGGERS.

Caused by improper food, which produces constipation
af the bowels, and staggers follow. Oak leaves and
buds, and other astringent substances are injurious, as
they bind the bowels.

Symptoms. Giddiness in the head, and trembling in
all the limbs. The sheep stagger and fall.

Remedy. Dissolve an ounce of asafoetida in two
quarts of water. Give a gill to each animal, warm,
every three hours. This commonly opens the bowels,
and gives relief; it also has remedial effects on the ner-
vous system. When recovered, let them not return to
the same food.

Another. Melt half a pint of hog's lard, and pour
down the throat of each. Any other physic may be
used, as salts, oil, thorough wort tea. Feed or lighti
laxative food.

SHEEP. 261

FOUL NOSES.

Put tar in troughs, or on boards, and put salt on it,
and if the sheep will not eat it voluntarily, in this or in
Bome 01 her way that you can devise, put it into their
mouths, and so near their throats that it Mali go down.
Fine boughs are also good for this complaint.

INFLUENZA.

Cause. Exposure to storms and cold. Lambs or
young sheep are most liable to it.

Symptoms. The first are a dulness of countenance
and a disuiclination to join the rest of the flock, or to
look for Ibod. They soon become more dull ; a thin,
mucous discharge from the nose and eyes ; drooping of
the ears ; grating of the teeth, and a staggering gait in
walkmg. As the disease advances, these symptoms be-
come more manifest. When it is considerably advanced,
diarrhoea generally sets in.

Treatment. To those afflicted with purging, give
astringents of chalk, &c., combining them with an aro-
matic. To those that are costive, give a gentle laxative,
followed by a tonic. Keep them in a warm, dry place,
till recovered. Small doses of tar are also good. Keep
the bowels open with laxative food, such as bran mashes
and roots.

SCOUES, OR DIARRHCEA.

Causes. These are numerous, such as eating a soft,
tathy pasture, particularly if fouled by inundations of
the previous winter ; feeding on too rich a pasture ; sud-
den change from a poor to a rich paisturc ; change
from dry to succulent food ; transition from heat to cold ;
giving salt very freely ; weakness and relaxation of the
bowels ; improper food ; change of place, and other
causes.

Remarks. Diarrhoea is frequently only tlj^e '.ymptomji
of other disorder: exlibit^d in this sanativ effort of

262 DISEASES OF ..' Nl lALS.

nature to ward off a more serious evil ; therefore, it ma)
be well to let it continue twenty-four hours before at-
tempting to check it.

Remedy. When purging is brought on by a soft,
tathy pasture, or by too rich a pasture, a moderate
allowance of good hay will generally slop it. When it
is caused by exposure to damp, or by sudden transition
from heat to cold, it may be arrested by keeping the ani-
mal in a house a lew days, and feeding on dry food.

But when crude, trashy matter has been swallowed,
and it keeps up irritation, medicine must be resorted to.
Administer to each animal an ounce of castor-oil in
gruel ; adding twenty drops of laudanum, if there has
been any straining or evidence of pain. When the bow-
els have been yoell deemed by a cathartic, if the discharge
continue, it should be checked by astringents. For this
purpose, a decoction of raspberry leaves, or of black-
berry roots, may be used, or other astringent, and molli-
fying drinks.

Another. After tagging them, give to each from four
to six table spoonfuls of rennet, prepared as for making
cheese. To lambs, give in proportion to their size. If
they are not relieved in twenty-four hours, repeat the
dose. One dose generally cures.

For Scours in Young Lajibs. Give each a tea-spoon-
ful of ginger and rhubarb, in warm gruel, with ten drops
of laudanum.

Another for Sheep or Lambs. Give them a small
dose of castor-oil, and, the next day, give some milk in
which have been boded a little Hour and some suet.

Another. Take soot from the chimney, and give a
table-spoonful to each sheep, every three or four houi'S;
or pulverized charcoal will do as well.

Diet has an important effect. Give flax-seed gruel,
wheat bran, or shorts, well cured hay, and a plenty of
salt. Fresh boughs of evergreen are good, in the wiutei
season.

SHEEP. 263

DYSENTERY.

The diarrhoea, or s;ours, continuing from neglect or
Dad treatment, or being very severe, degenerates into
dysentery, and then the disease assumes a more serious
form. A considerable discharge of mucus takes place,
and blood occasionally. This disease is attended with
severe griping in the bowels, and sometimes with inflam-
mation in the intestines generally.

Remedy. Give small doses of physic, such as castor-
oil or salts, for a few days, to clear the bowels of impu-
rities, before giving astringents. The remedies recom-
mended for scours will generally prove effectual in this
disorder. If not, give, once or twice a day, in lard or
oil, an even table-spoonful of fresh charcoal, reduced to
an impalpable powder. This is a powerful remedy, and
the lard or oil tends to prevent checking the discharge
too soon. [See page 205.]

ROT.

Cause. On this subject there are various opinions.
Some suppose that the numerous fluke worms which
are found in the livers and gall-bladders of sheep dying
with this disease, are produced from eggs that have
been taken into the stomach with the grass on which the
sheep have been feeding ; while others think that they
are the effect, not the cause, of disease — that these ani-
malcules are engendered by the putrid contents of the
stomach, caused by the watery and acid properties of
food taken by sheep while feeding on aquatic plants,
indigenous to wet pastures. This is the opinion of the
celebrated shepherd and poet, William Hogg, who had
an experience of more than half a century. He thinks
it may also be caused or promoted by bad management,
or some adventitious circumstances in the animal's life,
as a sea -voyage, Ace.

On low lands, the soft, washy sustenance imparts
no consistence of vigor to the muscular and essential
parts of the lody he viscera are increased; a bad

264 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

shape is acquired ; the )ungs become obstructcc in theil
full play, and finally affected ; the unripe food produces
an unusual degree of serum in the abdomen, which is
difiused through many parts of the system, the miasma
of the low lands promoting the disease, and after awhile
the waste of the body falls into a tumor under the chin,
called the poke.

Hogg says, '' Excess of fluid in those varieties of
gi'ass which the animal selects for its food, and a defi
ciency of those firm, consistent kinds which are pecu-
liarly adapted for strengthening the stomach, for animat-
ing and establishing the muscular system, I take to be the
radical cause of this disorder ; yet secondary causes may
operate with such force and vigor as to unhinge the best
constitution, and dissolve the best constructed parts, and
when this is done, the rot is always the consequence."

It prevails the most in cold seasons, especiall}'' when
3old dribbling rains come on soon after shearing. Flocks
not sheltered at night in unfavorable weather, are most
liable to this disease. Want of food will also occa-
sion it, as well as eating grass full of unwholesome
plants.

This disease is not common in this country, but in
Great Britain it is very frequent and fatal, causing the
destruction of many thousands annually. This difference
is doubtless owing to their moister climate, luxuriant
pastures, and artificial mode of feeding. Sheep do best
in dry climates, in dry seasons, and on high and dry
lands. Wet and dampness is destructive to them, espe-
cially if it be cold. In this country sheep are generally
kept on hilly lands, (and mostly on short pasturage,)
where the air and water are pure, and the herbage is
firm, sweet, and wholesome. On the flat and luxuriant
lands of the west, where the atmosphere and water are
less pure, and the herbage more luxuriant, the rot, in o
modified form, or some disease that resembles it, pre-
rails considerably.

In some countries, rot is the most destructive disorder
to which sheep are liable. Some consider it infectious,
as it often spreads throughout the flock, and frequently
over a whole neighborhood ; but this general preva

SHEEP 265

vCnce may be owing to the priiB -.ry cause being general.
Some remark that this disease is not infectious, as it
often happens that only a few sheep are attacked in a
large flock.

Symptoms. This disorder does not at first exhibit
itself externally. The blood loses its high color and
tendency to coagulate, and becomes watery. The first
symptoms, therefore, are a bright-red appearance about
the eyes ; the lips and the inside of the mouth become
pale, as well as the skin generally under the wool ; the
animal has a faint aspect, is feeble, and the skin is foul ;
he is dull and listless in motion, and heavy, as though
his legs could not carry him. But he continues to feed,
and does not grow poor, though the natural vivacity is
diminished, and signs of weakness appear. The disease
commonly gains strength in winter. Watery swellings
are formed under the chin, which are often absorbed
and then reappear. Soon after these the animal gener
ally dies, without symptoms of pain.

Remedy. A change of the sheep to a high, airy situa
tion, especially where there are many aromatic herbs, is
sometimes sulhcient to effect a cure, if taken in season,
and the weather be dry and warm. But when this dis-
order has reached such a point that the symptoms are
evident to a common observer, it is generally incurable.
Horse chestnuts are an excellent fodder in this case ; also
a mixture of juniper berries, sage, wormwood, gentian,
angelica root, willow bark, and other bitter substances,
with a little salt and grain, which things they will gener-
ally eat of their own accord, if given them in the morn-
ing, in small quantities, without other food. Tar is an
excellent preventive ; of course it will aid as a restora-
tive. Wood ashes added to the salt is excellent. This
is used as a preventive.

FEVER.

Dissolve half an ounce of saltpetre in water and vine-
gar, and give it to the sheep lukewarm. Give also gen-
vie physic. A tea of raspberry leaves, in addition to the
othei remedies, wi.l be useful. So will other sedative
leas [See Fever i n " Cattle."]
23

266 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

CONSUMPTION.

C/usEs. There are various causes. The most com
moil is exposure to storms of rain and damp snows in
the cold season. Sheep will endure severe cold without
mjury, when kept dry, but they suffer severely by wet
in coi „ weather, is their fleece, which serves as a pro-
tection when dry, becomes, when wet, a cold, uncom
fortable mass, that holds the moisture for a long time.
Bucks that have been put to too great a number of ewes,
are most liable to this disease.

Symptoms. The eyes uncommonly bright and shining,
water constantly running from them, and a gradual loss
of flesh, running at the nose, and a cough.

Remedy. Tar or tar-water is good; but after the
disease is seated, it is doubtful whether anything will
avail. We heard of a case of a sheep that had a severe
cough, and was failing fast in the spring ; on being
turned out and eating fresh herbage, she began to im-
prove, and soon recovered. She became very fat, and
was killed in the fall, when a new growth of the liver
could be plainly perceived. Sweetened teas and syrups,
of various kinds, as used for the human patient, have a
favorable effect.

STRETCHES.

Causes. It is caused by the bowels not being kept
sufficiently open, costiveness resulting from the sheep
being kept a long time from the ground in hard winters
and on dry food. Sometimes it is caused by an involu-
tion of one part of the intestine into another. In this
case a cure may be effected, at times, by taking the ani-
mal by the hind legs, and jerking them back several
times.

Symptoms. They frequently lie down and rise again,
stretching themselves, and refusing food. If not re-
lieved, they generally die in seven or eight days. Me-
rinos are said to be most subject to this complaint.

PRErENTivi;s Fee I twice a week, or a little every

SHEEP. 267

Jay, with green food, such as potatoes, carrots beets,
parsnips, cabbages and apples. Boughs of hemlxk and
pine are good; those of spruce and fir will answer, bui
are not so good. Bran mashes are good to keep the
bowels open. Clover hay is more laxative than other
fodder.

Remedy. A table spoonful of castor-oil to each sheep
generally gives relief, and soon effects a cure under good
treatment as to food.

Another. Give each a gill of hog's lard.

Anothek. Give each an ounce of Epsom salts.

Another. In Morrell's ''American Shepherd," a
work of great merit, it is said that a neighbor gave
each a quid of tobacco, which always proved effectual.
This is physical.

BRAXY.

Causes. Exposure to severe storms, poor keep,
plunging into water when hot, feeding on frost-bitten,
putrid, or indigestible food. Many die of this disorder
on the prairies.

SyaiPTOMs. Loathing of food; hanging the head;
drawing up the back ; swelled belly, and feverishness.

Re:\iedy. Give a dose of physic of Epsom salts, one
and a half ounces or two table spoonfuls of castor-oil.
If the physic does not operate in six hours, give an in-
jection, an exciting one if necessary, to cause the physic
to operate. Give gruel, and light laxative food. Pro-
vide warm, dry shelter, pure water, and good food.

DROPSY.

Sheep are often swelled with water in their bellies,
and if not attended to it is certain death. There are
two states. The one is water between the outward flesh
and the rim, the other within the rim. In the first case
.he cure is easy ; in the other, nothing can be done.

Remedy. In the first case, the cure is by a kind ot
lai)ping. An opening is to be made in the flesh, and a
quill put in. This will give the water a free passagfl

268 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

out, and tlie wound heals of itself. But when the sheep
is poor and weak, the wound must be examined daily,
and tlressed with tar and grease ; and the animal must
be put in a dry pasture. This disorder is likely to re-
turn on mismanagement in keeping. Diuretics are good
for this disease, as they carry off the water by increasing
the discharge of urine ; but these must be used in mod-
eration lest tie kidneys be injured by over acuon.

FOOT-ROT.

This disorder is occasioned by sheep go'.ng in wet
pastures. There is an issue in the division of each foot,
a little above the hoof, which some have erroneously
supposed to be a living worm. When sheep stand long
in the water, it affects the issues in their feet, so that an
mflammation takes place, and their feet will rot off,
without some remedy. One great cause is that soft, low
lands encourage a rapid growth of the hoof, which would
be worn away if the sheep travelled far on rough, high
lands.

Some suppose that this disease has been imported into
this country in modern days, and that it is produced and
propagated only by contagion and infection, and that
diseased sheep may leave infectious matter when they
travel, that wall communicate the disorder to others that
pass the same way months afterwards.

Preventive. Though nature has provided the issues
in the feet of sheep for a useful purpose, as well as those
in the legs of swine, yet some recommend taking out
those issues when sheep run in low lands. It may be
done thus : put the finger on the under side of the foot
and press upward, then with a sharp knife cut through
the skin around the movith of the issue, and with a strong
pair of tweezers it may be pulled out ; the place will then
heal, and the sheep will not be liable to the foot-rot,
though they run ir. wet pastures.

Another Preventive. Make the sheep travel every
diy ever a rough surface that will wear away their hoofs
as t}'.ey grow or 2very fortnight rub them down with

SHEEl

269

a pumice stone ; or pare and lasp the n. Having done
this, give a gentle purgative.

Another. Mix with the salt given to sheepj one
twentieth part of sulphur, and this will tend to prevent
the foot-rot, or aid in the cure. In using remedies, it may-
be well to use some of these preventives as an auxiliary.

Remedy. Take one pound of blue vitriol, (sulphate of
copper,) one ounce of alum, and pulverize them as fine
as flour ; mix them with a table spoonful of honey and
lard enough to make a salve. Pare the feet thoroughly,
and apply this mixture to the sore. Tar may be used in
place of honey.

Another. Place a few bushels of hme where the
sheep frequently pass, as by the bars or gate, so that it
may be three inches deep when they alight on jumping.
Pare their hoofs first. The lime should be fresh and
slaked. If deeper than three inches, it may take the
hair off" the legs. This is called a speedy remedy. _

Another. Pare the hoof as far as there is any dirt or
fester under it, wash it in soap suds, and wvpe it clean
and dry. Then bathe the tender parts with a feather
dipped in the butyr (chloride) of antimony. Turn the
infected sheep into a dry lot by themselves ; in a week
examine again, and turn the well ones into the flock,
and repeat the application to the others.

Another. Three parts of finely pulverized Eoman
or blue vitriol, and one part of white lead ; mix into a
thin paste with linseed oil. Slightly cut the hoof, so as
to come at the aifected part, and apply the remedy. It
may need repeating. This is recommended by Hon.
William Jarvis, who is high authority in sheep manage-
ment, in his letter in the "American Shepherd."

Another. Running on freshly burned lands. [See
page 244.]

Another. Pare the hoof as before directed, and then
apply, daily, spirits of turpentine to the aff'ected parts.

Note. — For Hoven, Abortion, Swelled Udders, Man
agement when with Young, Sec, see these subjects in
Cows.

23*

SWINE.

The figure on the left is an excellent representfition of
^he White Chester breed of hogs, considerably known in
Delaware and some parts of the neighboring States.
They are noted for large size, rapid growth, early ma-
turity, and propensity to fatten ; they are also distin-
guished for symmetry and beauty of form. We know
not how they will compare with many very fine varieties
in other sections of the co mtry.

The diseases of swine are less known than those ot
other animals, owing to their being regarded as dirty,
obstinate, unsocial animals, averse to being handled and
petted, "as contrary as a hog;" and from this distant
acquaintance with their keepers, they are but little
aiFected by suasion, and, of course, are very diflicult to
doctor. Therefore, it is of great importance to preserve
the health ol the hog, for, with this animal, prevention is
emphatically the better cure.

TO PRESERVE HEALTH.

In summer, keep hogs in a cool, airy situation, and do
not make them extremely fat in hot weather. Allow no
carrion or filth, with noxious effluvia, to remain near
them. If confined, give them green food, such as grass,
weeds, and other herbage, and occasionally raw roots.
Give them pure water to drink, and, if possible, a supply
to wallow in. Wash them now and then in buttermilk
and if they are very dirty, wash them in soap suds, and
then in buttermilk. This will keep their skin clean,
soft, loose, and add greatly to their health and thrift.

In cold weather, give them a dry, warm shelter, well
ventilated in moderate \^'eather, and a good, soft, warm
bed, and renew the litter occasionally. Cobbett says,
give ycur hog ^ bal in v lich you could pass a night

572 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

comfortably yourself; give pure water, and generally
warm food, and occasionally green food, such as raw
roots, cabbage leaves, raw apples, &c.

At all seasons, when hogs are confined, give, in addi-
tion to the above, pure earth, charcoal, and occasionally
rotten wood, for an absorbent. Give a suitable quan-
tity of salt, and now and then a small dose of sulphur
and antimony, and a little tar, and let them have access
to alkalies, such as wood ashes and lime. If not sup-
plied with condiments here named, urine, given occa-
sionally, in swill, will be beneficial. And though we
name it last, it should be first, as it is the most important,
— keep the issues open.

Issues. Hogs have no insensible perspiration of the
whole body, like the horse, ox, and many animals. But
they have issues on the inside of their fore legs, just
below the knee, which are porous, like the top of a pep-
per-box. These serve to drain off the superabundant
fluids and humors of the body. Sometimes, from their
being much in the mud and filth, or from a diseased
state of the system, the pores in these issues become
obstructed, and the animals fail, appearing as though
they were foundered.

Remedy. Take a cob, or other rough substance, and
with soap suds, rub open and wash the issues.

Swellings. To scatter swellings, take two quarts of
whiskey, or other proof spirits ; warm it over coals ; but
not to blaze, and dissolve in it a pint of soft soap. When
cool, put it into a bottle, and add one ounce of cam-
phor. [See Poultices, Liniments, &;c.]

Ruptures. In this case, a hole is broken in the rim of
the belljt, where a part of the guts come out, and lodge
between the belly and the skin, giving an appearance
similiar to a swelling in the testicles. Blale pigs are
most liable to this disorder.

Geld the pig thus affected, if it has not been done, and
cause him to be held up, with the head downward ; flay
back the skin from the swelled place, and from the situ-
ation of the pig, the guts will return to their place. Sew
np the place with a needle, which should be crooked, to
arork between the hind legs. Then replace the skin and

SWINE. 273

sew it up. Apply a little lard or mild salve externally,
to keep the parts soft, and feed lightly for a few days.

Giving D renciies. Do not give drenches to hogs while
they are hungup squealing, with a rope in their mouths j
for in this position and condition, the drench will gener-
ally go down the wrong way, and choke them. But give
the medicine in milk, if they will take it ; if not, let them
fast awhile, and try them again. Medicines may be
given in the form of a clyster. This is safe and effectual.

A General Medicine. The Am. Farmer says, when
hogs are sick, and you know not what ails them, nor
what to do for them, give them ears of corn, first dipped
in tar, and then rolled in sulphur. Ten to one it will
cure in common cases of disease. In addition, we
would recommend opening the issues, if they need this
operation, and giving a few ashes and some charcoal.

Disorder in Hogs. In hot weather, hogs are some-
times attacked Avith a lameness in their hind legs, so
that they can hardly move. Owing to high feed, such
as corn and barley meal, without fermentation, inflam-
mation ensues, and the issues of their legs become closed,
which open. Give green food, pure air and water.

Fever. Bleed in the tail ; give, twice or thrice a day,
water wherein pepper and parsnip roots have been
boiled. Mild physic is also good. Feed lightly.

Swine Pox. Pound an ounce of saltpetre, and dissolve
it in a pint of cider ; add half a pint of sAveet oil, and a
table spoonful of honey, and give it lukewarm.

Catarrh. Two ounces coriander seed, one of ginger,
three of honey, and half an ounce of tumeric ; powder
fine, and boil in three quarts of new milk, and give.

INIeasles is caused by carrying the fattening pro-
cess too far, or too rapidly, by sudden change from poor
keep to rich food. It is mostly in the throat, which
is internally filled with small pustules or tumors.

Remedy. Give, twice a w'eek, to each animal, crude
antimony, finely powdered, as much at a dose as will
lay OTi a shilling piece.

A7iother. A small quantity of sulphur given occa-
sionally to swine, is good for their general health, and
prevents the measles ; it has a curative effect also, and
will succeed with good management.

274 DISEASES OF A.^IKALS.

Anoihcr. Rub them all over with i stiff brush,
dipped in cold water ; then boil parsley roots and rue in
salt water, and give.

Itch, or Mange, often appears among pigs only a
few weeks old. They are seen rubbing their sides, and
on examination, it will be found that their bellies arc
broken out with fine water blisters, somewhat like itch
on a person. If nothing be done to cure them, the dis-
order increases, and they grow poor, and rub themselves
until they rub off the hair, and most of the skin from
their sides, and the greater part of them die.

Reviedij. Lard and sulphur, in equal parts, melted,
and mixed together, and applied very liberally all over,
effects a speedy cure. Mr. Isaac Stone, of "NVatertown,
informed us of this remedy, which we published in the
Farmer's Journal. He used it with invariable success.
Previous to his discovering this remedy, he lost many
swine by this disease, though trying various medicines,
external and internal. At the same time, give sulphur.

Blind Staggees is caused by a determination of blood
to the head. But there are causes for that, and one may
be the stoppage of the issues, which should be opened
the first thing. High feeding, and the want of pure air,
exercise, and condiments, are causes.

Reviedy. A warming medicine is needed. Give a
good dose of new rum and pepper.

Another. Cut the smooth knob in the roof of the
mouth, until the animal bleeds freely, and then rub it
w'ith a powder of loam a..d salt, and give urine to drink.

Another. With a sharp knife, make an incision
-hrough the skin, about two inches in length, vertically,
)n the forehead, about one and a half inches below the top
)f the head, and insert in the wound and under the skin,
is much fine salt as possible. Repeat the salt often.

Is Tobacco Poisonous to Hogs ? Tobacco is a deadly
poison to hogs, when taken internally ; so says one, as
he lost some hogs that had eaten tobacco. But another
says that he gave to four hogs a good sized hand of
tobacco, as a remedy for the worms, and they did well.

Sore Throat. Turn hogs thus affected into an open
pasture, where they can have fresh herbage, pui e air and

SWINE. 276

water, and fresh earth to root. If this be not convenient,
give them a goal dry shelter, good air, pure water, fresh
earth, charcoal, and green food, such as grass, weeds, &;c
A few raw roots will be good. Give the following for a
swelling in the throat : — Half a pint of molasses, a table
spoonful each of hog's lard and sulphur, and a tea-
spoonful of Cayenne or black pepper. Melt, and mix
all together, and when just cool enough, pour down the
throat, unless you can make him eat it in light food.

QciNCY. This is a sore throat, and the enlargement
of the glands of the throat, with a stiffness of the limbs.

Remedy. See that the issues are open. Give mod-
erate doses of physic, say two ounces of salts, which may
be mixed with light food. Feed lightly, and add to the
food, lye of wood ashes and salt.

Scours. Give raw tomatoes, or give powdered chalk,
and remedies recommended for other animals. Among
the most valuable is freshly burnt, powdered charcoal,
ff hogs will not eat it, pulverize, and mix it with their food.

Black Teeth. Cause. Close cenfinement from the
ground.

Symptoms. Loss of appetite, dizziness, and weakness
of the hind legs and hips. The teeth are black.

Remedy. Extract the black teeth ; give sulphur ; and
v/ash the patient in butter-milk, rubbing smartly with a
curry-comb, cob, or stiff brush ; rub open the issues, and
allow the animal pure air and water, fresh earth, rot-
ten-wood and charcoal ; and grass, weeds, &c.

Kidney Worms. This disease is indicated by weak-
aess about the loins.

Remedy. Corn, soaked in lye of wood ashes, perse-
veringly used, has cured in many cases.

Another. D. H. Maxwell, in the Baltimore Farmer,
says of the above, that it may do in recent and slight
affections ; but a more certain treatment is to make an
mcision about an inch long, and on each side of the
backbone, over the kidneys, and after separating the
skin slightly from the parts beneath, insert two or tliree
cloves of garlic. Take a stitch to confine the garlic.
First, shave off the hair. Dr. Holmes, of the Maine
Farmer, thinks that pieces of onion or garget root, would
do as well.

U76 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

MuuRAiN OR Leprosy. Cause. Chiefly hot summers
conscquenily, the blood becomes inflamed.

Si/?np(u)ns. Shortness and heat ol' breath ; head hang
ing down ; staggering, and the secretion of viscid mai-
ler from the eyes.

Preventive. Follow the directions for preserving health
in summer, on a preceding page.

Remedy. Boi] i i&,iidful of nettles in a gallon of
small beer • ti.cn add half a pound of the flour of sul
phur a 4uarter of a pound of pulverized anise-seed
Liiree ounces of liquorice, and a quarter of a pound of
jlecampane root, and give this in milk, in six doses.

Sows DEVOURING THEIR OFFSPRING. Some haVC SUp

posed that this is caused by a desire for meat, and the)
have fed pork to their sows to remedy the evil. But i»
is a mistaken view of the case. When they are confinea
to a sty or small pen, they are deprived of pure earth,
and various condiments that conduce to tlieir health ;
consequently, a feverish habit is induced, which causes an
unnatural appetite, and the unfortunate animal, in her
frenzied state, attempts to satisfy it by eating her own
offspring.

It has been found that when hogs run at large, seek-
ing various condiments as they please, they do not
devour their young. Allow the sow as much room in
the yard as convenient, and throw in fresh, pure earth,
if there be not a supply ; and if she be limited to a small
space, where there are no green vegetables, give her
weeds and grass sods, also charcoal and rotten-wood.

Sows AFTER Littering. Feed sparingly for a few
days, and with light food, for sows are sometimes
injured or killed by too much feeding while in a feeble
and delicate state. If she be feeble, and her appetite fail,
let her out, to run, root, and eat as she pleases.

Abortion from Biestings. Many farmers believe
that the first drawn milk from the cow will produce
abortion in the sow. The editor of the I^Iaine Farmer
once gave some to a sow, and that effect fcllowed;
whether from this cause, he knew not.

DOGS.

This is a portrait of the Scotch Shepherd's dog, which
IS distinguished for fidelity and intelligence, performing,
by his sagacity and agiUty, what no man, or any num-
ber of men, could possibly accomplish. One of these
affectionate animals once took care of a lost child for
several days, dividing with him his allowance of food,
which the child was eating in a cave when found by its
friends.

The dog is liable to various diseases. In most re-
spects they are similar to those of other animals, and
the remedies are nearly the same. Spirits of turpentine
is more powerful to the dog, and calomel is more de-
structive. He is a hot animal ; his stomach will digest
bones. While the pulse of the horse is thirty-six to forty, .
and of the ox fifty to fifty -five beats per minute, that of
a large, lazy dog is one hundred, and of a small, active
one, one hundred and fifteen to one hundred and twenty.

Rabies, or Madness, is one of the most important sub-
jects in veterinary pathology, as it involves not only the
life of animals, but that of human beings. In this dis-
24

278 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

ease, there is not that dread of water, or hydrophobia^ in
the dog as some imagine, iliough it is common to ihe
human patient, and to some animals, as he (the dog)
will often drink almost incessantly till death. There is
frequently a carelessness, and an ignorance, in regard to
madness, from which follow the most direful conse-
quences. Dogs are allowed to lick wounds and sores
when the first symptoms of madness are upon them, yet
not known by the superficial observer. A lady lost her
life by allowing a dog tc lick a pimple, not aware that

• he was becoming mad. Dogs have bitten persons unex

i pectedl}', and for a week or two the most skilful surgeons

• could not determine whether they were mad or not.
There should be more caution in children playing with
and teasing dogs, and dogs should be more closely
watched, lest madness steal upon them unnoticed.

Symptoms of madness, in the early stages, are rather
obscure. There are generally sullenness, fidgetiness, and
changing of posture, in regtilar succession. For several
hours, the dog may retreat to his kennel, and laggardly
answer calls upon him. He is curled up, with his head
between his paws and breast. At length he becomes
fidgety and searches out a new resting place, which he
soon changes for others. He goes again to his old bed,
and constantly changes his posture. He gazes around
strangely, with a clouded and suspicious countenance.
He comes to one and another of the family, and gazes
steadfastly on them, as if invoking their aid in the ter-
rible malady that he feels creeping upon him. A pecu-
liar delirium is an early symptom ; so is an increased
attachment for his master, and he licks his hands and
face. In this case, the poison may come in contact with
a wound, pimple, or scratch, and infect the whole sys-
tem. As the dog is becoming mad, he will sometimes
refuse his fo?)d, and then snatch it up and suddenly drop
it. Some dogs vomit once or twice in the early stages,
and never return to their natural food, but are eager for
something filthy and horrible. He often eats his own
dung and that of the horse. Even in a room not fouled
by the urine of dogs, he examines and licks unceasingly
•tevery corcer ; this is a positive sign of madness. As to

DOGS. ' 279

the fabulous stories ^f froJi abcut the mouth, this is more
common in fits, and some other disorders. The bark or
other sound of the dog in madness is unnatuial ; in fero
cious madness, it is peculiar and characteristic, resem
bling no other sound. It often commences with a bark
and ends with a howl.

In persons, madness generally takes place from three
weeks to six or seven months from the time of being
bitten — (cases are named in which the virus la)- dormant
for years) — in the dog, usually in five or six M-eeks, sel-
dom in less than two weeks, nor beyond three months,
though sometimes not till seven or eight months. In
man it usually runs its course in twenty-four to seventy-
two hours ; in the horse, from three to four days ; in
cattle and sheep, from five to seven ; in the dog, from
four to six. Fits and other diseases in dogs are often
mistaken for madness. The cry of " Mad Dog!" is often
raised without cause. It is said that the poison matter
will produce no effect when taken internally, unless there
is canker, or the skin is broken on the lips, mouth or
throat.

Preventives. Although there may be no c^j;-e for this
disease when it has taken effect in the system, yet it
may be prevented. The wounded part should be cut
out, if possible, every part that is touched by the teeth,
and great care should be taken that the knife does not
pass from the wounded part out into the flesh, and thus
extend the poison. If the knife chance to enter the
wound in cutting, it should be cleaned immediately.
Veterinar}'" surgeons in Europe, after cutting the wound,
and some without this operation, apply lunar caustic
(nitrate of silver) to every part'of the wound, even to the
very^ bottom A hot iron will have the same effect, but
it is more painful.

Or apply the following as soon as possible ; if the
wounded parts be carefully cut out the better : Take two
table spoonfuls of fresh chloride of lime, mix wuh half
a pint of water ; wash the wound with it, then apply it
in a cloth, and renew often. In addition to excision of
the parts, and the application of this caustic, keep the
wound open five or six weeks, keeping up suppura-

28V) DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

tion and running. All these preventive means are
founded in reason. They have been extensively tried
in some parts of Europe — in Breslau and Zurich,
several hundred cases, with success in almost every
case.

The following is said to be effectual ; it may aid as an
internal medicine, but we should rely more on the above :
Mix three table spoonfuls of very fine oyster-shell limv
with the white of an egg, to the consistence of dough.
Fry it in fresh butter or olive oil. Give this three morn
ings in succession, without food or drink for six hours.

Distemper is an extensive and fatal malady, in some
respects resembling glanders and horse-ail in horses.
In England it destroys one third the canine race, attack-
ing all ages, but mostly the young, and especially those
from six to twelve months old. It is contagious, and is
generated also. Early symptoms are, loss of appetite,
spirits and condition ; weak ej^es, slight running at the
nose ; in a kw weeks, a husky cough, feverishness, shiv-
ering, and sometimes fits. These and other symptoms
increase. It may run its course in five or six weeks, or
linger two or three months.

Kcmedies. Bleed, physic, and give injections. A
writer in the '' Southern Cultivator," says : ''Give a dog
a table spoonful of salt, and if he does not vomit in
twenty minutes, repeat it till he does. In half an hour,
burn under his nose tar, feathers and a little sulphur, to
induce running at that organ. Repeat this three times
a day, and the salt every morning. I raise many dogs,
often have distemper among them, and never lost one."

Worms are frequently in the stomach, intestines and
rectum. Give oil for physic, and oil and water as injec-
tions.

To PREVENT Dogs killing Sheep. Put the flock in a
yard or small enclosure, and tie the dog to a stout horned
buck, at less than a respectful distance, and let him butt
the dog, moderately if he never off'ended, and severely if
ne is an old transgressor. Mind and not allow the dog
to assail the sheep.

For various other diseases in dogs, treat as generally
recommen led for otl er animals.

HENS.

This cut represents the Dorking race, distinguished fol
uniting many excellent qualities.

Location and Hen-house. Select a southern aspect,
that the hens may enjoy the sunshine in cool weather.
Have a dry, airy situation. Make the house so that it
can be well ventilated in wa'^m weather, and yet warn'
in the coldest weather. It snould be well lighted, and
so arranged that the windows maybe taken out to admit
the air in summer. A house may be made warm by
buikling it in the side of a bank, or by banking it up
with earth.

Food and Feeding. Hens may be fed mostly on the

cheapest grain. They do well on Indian corn, oats,

buckwheat, or barley, alone ; but it is best to give them

two or three kinds. Corn is their favorite. Keep grain

24*

2S2 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

constantly by them, but not much at a time. Give thew
boiled potatoes also ; mash them while hot, and stir in
wheat bran and Indian meal. This is an excellent dish
for chickens. In winter, give green food, such as cab
oage-leaves, large slices of turnips, potatoes and apples
In winter, and when confined in summer, give anima.
food, and keep by them constantly gravel, old lime mor
tar, pounded bones or oyster-shells. When closely con
fined, they often suffer for want of exercise ; bury theii
grain in dry earth, and let them scratch it out. This
promotes laying in winter.

Diseases. The Croup, or Catarrh, is the most destruc-
tive. There is a running at the nose and eyes ; the eyes
swell and are closed ; the whole head, mouth and throat,
become affected. It is a slow, lingering disorder, some
times continuing in the same subject a whole year. It
is caused by danipness, foul air and close confinement.
Last fall we had some fine Dorking chickens, running a»
large. We shut up only five or six in a house not very
close. In a few weeks, they had the croup. We gave
them a few pills of powdered charcoal and lard, washed
their heads and mouths in soap suds, gave them a few
doses of Cayenne pepper, and turned them out, and they
soon recovered. This is the best treatment. Allow
chickens exercise in pure air, pure food and water, with
a little asafoetida in the water, and they will seldom be
sick. For the Pip, take the scab from the tongue, and
apply fine salt. For Looseness, give lard mixed with
charcoal powder. For Costiveness, give lard.

LioE. For large lice that appear on chickens' heads
soon after hatched, apply lard, new rum or yellow snuff.
For the very small lice, or ticks, a most insidious and
formidable enemy, apply yellow snuff or new rum.
Giving a little sulphur in food is good. By all means
whitewash the hen-house as warm weather comes on,
and repea it, filling all the cracks and crevices. Pul
much salt n the whi ewash

TURKEYS AND DUCKS. 283

TURKEYS.

All Irinds of young poultry should have a dry, airy
Sielter in bad weather, as cold and dampness are de-
structive to them. The curd of milk is good food for
young turkeys. It may be prepared by boiling sour
milk. Eggs^ boiled hard, are excellent. Indian meal
is injurious. After they are a few weeks old, it may be
given, if prepared by scalding. Brown bread is good.
In some parts of the west, young turkeys are fed almost
wholly on shorts, and with great success. They are
scalded or boiled, and stale bread added, if convenient.
Boiled potatoes, mixed with bran and meal, are a very
good food. If young turkeys become chilled and droop-
ing, add to their food, chopped chives or onion tops, or a
little pepper, or other warming food. When the weather
is fair, turkeys do better to range in the free air, and seek
their food. They are great ramblers, and cannot well
bear confinement.

DUCKS.

The management of ducks is often bad when it is sup-
posed to be good. They need fresh, pure water, not a
nasty mud-hole. If you have no clear stream or pure
pond, make a little artificial puddle or pond, and every
morning change not only the water, but the mud and
filth produced by the ducks ; and give a lot of fresh
gravel every day, else they will soon decline. If they
have water from the pump, let it stand in the sun before
they enter.

The best food for young ducks is scraps, from the
tallow-chandler, cut fine and sifted to the size of large
peas, then swelled half a day, and mixed with an equal
quantity, when swelled, of Indian meal. On this they
will be fit for the market in five or six weeks. Protect
from thr- wet and cold. Some succeed remarkably well,
and nev r let ducks g> > into water, having only a little to
drink through slats.

284 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

GEESE.

Geese will do well on the same food that cattle usua ily
have. They have wintered well in the yard with cattle,
having no other food. At the time of laying, hatching,
and rearing their young, they should have a good, dry,
warm house, in a warm, airy location. They will do well
with only a little water to drink, yet they are fond of
swimming and playing in water. They are raised on
the prairies with no other water than a little to drink.

BIRDS.

Birds in a domestic state, should be kept in a dry, airy
place, where it is cool or warm, according to their nature.
Yet a current of air should be avoided, even in warm
weather. Carefully guard against the effects of sudden
changes in weather, especially when there are young
birds. Their house, or cage, should be kept clean, and
the former whitewashed, and the latter varnished, to
prevent vermin. Wash the roost and cage often in
whale-oil soap, for the same purpose.

Feed generally on such food as the birds have been
accustomed to in their native state. Give rice birds
rice, and Canary birds canary seed, and give the latter
a little hemp seed in spring, and hard-boiled eggs, mixed
with crackers or stale wheat bread, also millet and dr}
Indian meal. Give occasionally Cayenne pepper. Keep
pure water constantly by them. Most birds need little
animal food Supply all kinds of birds constantly with
gravel and sand, old lime mortar, powdered bones, oyster-
shells, chalk, charcoal; &c.

BEES.

Keep them in a place free from all filthy odors, and
unpleasant effluvia. In the spring, clean the bottom
board, and whitewash it and the lower edge of the hive,
and the inside up to the comb. Put much fine salt into
the wash, and apply it several times in the season. It
promotes health and prevents moths j it also prevents
01 cures dysentery.

PKINCIPLES OF BREEDING

In breeding and rearing animals, it is in the power ot
every individual to make great improvements in races
not already of superior blood, by selecting the best
formed animals to raise, and then selecting from these
best, the very best to breed from. Some of the following
principles are evident to every common obsen-er ; others
are the result of exact experiments and long observation
Some of them are well established and universally ac
knowledged ; others are questioned, and a few of them
are disputed.

Lihe produces like. This is a general law in the ani-
mal and vegetable kingdoms. It is a governing princi-
ple thioughout animated nature. But there are some
slight deviations, which may be carried out to a consid-
erable extent and form new varieties. This general law,
with these few deviations, lies at the foundation of all
successful breeding. When we have obtained an excellent
race, we can retain it with proper care. And from the
deviations we have a vast number of varieties, thai
originally belonged to one variety. The principle, that
like produces like, only holds good in animals of a fixed
race or blood stock ; for mixed breeds have no perma-
nent qualities.

Like produces like, in blood stock that has been care-
fully bred for a white color, forty or fifty years, almost
every animal will be wholly white. Now as to the de-
viations. Select those that have a little red on them.
and breed from them, continuing to select those that
have the most red, and after a long course of careful
breeding, a red race will be obtained. Then reverse and
select those with spots of white, and you can breed
bacK to the pure white.

Sometimes the intellectual powers, or imagination,
may have an influence over the organic power, and
cause a material deviation from this general rule ; anc
ill some instances a strong resemblance, to generations
even 'ong pist, has been revived. A cow ran with a

286 DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

horned white ox, with some black spots, u ule she wu
in season, before taken to the bull. Neither the cow,
bull, nor any of the herd, had horns or any white on
them ; yet the calf had horns, and was black and white.
Within a few years, in Maine, an animal showed distinct
qualities of a bull that was in the herd forty years be-
fore, which properties had not been apparent for a num-
ber of generations previous to their late exhibition.

Breediiig ''in and in,'^ and Close Breeding. The former
term implies breeding from precisely the same race, or
blood; and although this course is absolutely necessary,
in some cases, to propagate a race in its purity, and may
succeed very well for a few generations, yet it should
not be carried far, as it will eventually tend to weakness
of constitution and degeneracy. Breeding betwi^en a
parent and its offspring, though Close Breeding, and ob-
jectionable, is better than to breed between animals from
the same parents, especially if the parents were of differ-
ent races ; for, in the first case, the two animals are only
half of the same blood ; bat, in the second, they are of
the same blood. A connection of those animals that are
allied to each other should generally be avoided. In
breeding from the same race, it is better to extend the
stock into different families, that there may be a wider
range for selection.

Crossing. By judicious crossing between animals of
different breeds, the greatest improvements are made.
In this case, the two races should not be widely differ-
ent. If the two breeds are of different sizes, the male
should be sel^ted from the small race, and the female
from the large breed. The reason for this is obvious;
for then the dam will have sufficient capacity for her
young; it will not, nor herself, oe endangered at its
birth, and she will have a supply of nourishment for it.
But if it be of a larger breed, the progeny might be
limited, endangered, stinted, and wanting in symmetry
and form.

Superior Influence of Blood Stock. If one of the parents
is blood stock, or a fixed breed, and the other is not, the
blood stock will generally prevail. This is very evident
as the animal of blood stock has its qualities permanently

BREEDING.

287

established, and will transmit them to the offspring, while
those in the animal of a mixed race may be merely inci-
dental and transient, not extending beyond that animal,
or perhaps lie dormant for some years, and appear in
future generations. For instance, one of the parents
belongs to a fixed red race, and the other is a white ani-
mal, in a mixed herd of various colors; the progeny
would generally be red.

What determines the Sex ? There is some reason for
believing that the animal in the greatest vigor gives
character to the sex. Put a stout buck, in the prime
of life, and in fine condition, with only a fe7v ewes,
not vigorous, being young or old, and in low condition,
am most of the offspring will be males ; but take a very
young or very old buck, rather poor, and put him with
a large number of ^strong, vigorous ewes, three or four
years old, in good condition, and the majority of the
Iambs will be ewes. A French breeder would pro-
dtice a majority of males or females, in herds or flocks,
at the pleasure of the owner, on this principle, yet it is
disputed.

The Influence of Sire and Dam. Many contend that
the male has the greater influence on the progeny ;
others say that the influence is equal ; and a few con-
tend that the dam has the greater influence. The reason
that so many think thai iho sue has the greater influ-
ence is doubtless from more attention having been given
to the improvement of the male, as he is the more im-
portant animal, from his greater progeny.

It is the opinion of many breeders that the offspring
more resembles the sire externally, and the dam inter-
nally ; that in sheep, the lamb will resemble the sire in
fleece, and the dam in disposition and constitution ; but
this difierence probably obtains only in a moderate de-
gree.

It is generally acknow'edged that the male offspring
mors resembles the mother, and the female the fat;ier.
On vhis principle, to get good cows from a superior cow,
raise bulls from her and heifers from them, and the re-
verse. Here we may have the reason for so many fail-
Dres in attempts to raise up fine cows from some very

28S DISEASES OF ANIMALS.

superior native cows ; but another important reason foi
the failure is that our native breed is mixed up and con-
stantly varying.

Causes of Degeneracy. They are numerous. Amon-g
the most prominent are, breeding from worthless animals
and in a hap-hazard manner ; breeding in and in ; close
breeding; want of good keeping; want of good man-
agement ; bad training, and excessive use of males. In
some towns, not one good horse, male or female, can be
found, and yet every sorry jade has a foal, and perhaps
by the most worthless horse in the place ; and this be-
ginning is of a piece with the whole mangement in rear-
ing and breaking. In some cases, a buck is shut up and
poorly fed, and greatly reduced, and then turned into a
large flock.

Bad keeping, irregular feeding, the want of a regular
supply of pure water, inaction, exposures, ill-usage, and
bad management of any kind, are causes of degeneracy.
To improve a race of animals, then, they must be well
and regularly, but not too high fed, well educated, prop
erly exercised, well curried, and managed every way
for the promotion of their health, strength, and comfort

THB £ND.

THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE LAST DATE
STAMPED BELOW

AN INITIAL FINE OF 25 CENTS

WILL BE ASSESSED FOR FAILURE TO RETURN
THIS BOOK ON THE DATE DUE. THE PENALTY
WILL INCREASE TO 50 CENTS ON THE FOURTH
DAY AND TO $t.OO ON THE SEVENTH DAY
OVERDUE.

BIOLOGY

LIBRARY

OCf 27 1942

Jc25'59ES

rif'^^

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY