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A

COMPENDIUM

OF

THE VETERINARY ART:

CONTAINING

PLAIN AND CONCISE OBSERVATIONS ON THE CONSTRUCTION
AND MANAGEMENT OF THE STABLE ;

A BRIEF AND POPULAR OUTLINE OF

THE STRUCTTJRE AND ECONOMY OE THE HORSE;

THE NATURE, SYMPTOMS, AND TREATMENT OF THE DISEASES AND
ACCIDENTS TO "WHICH THE HORSE IS LIABLE ;

THE BEST METHODS OP PERFORMING VARIOUS IMPORTANT OPERATIONS;

WITH

ADVICE TO THE PURCHASERS OF HORSES;
AND

a CDopi'ous i^latevta JWlEtitca anb ^^armacopata.

BY JAMES WHITE,

LATE VETERINARY SURGEON OF THE FIRST OR ROYAL DRAGOONS.

SEVEXTTEEirTH EBITION',

ENTIRELY RECONSTRUCTED. WITH CONSIDERABLE ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS,
BRINGING THE WORK UP TO THE PRESENT STATE OP VETERINARY SCIENCE,

BY W. C. SPOONER,

VETERINARY SURGEON,
HONORART ASSOCIATE OP THE VETERINARY MEDICAI, ASSOCIATION,
AUTHOR OF TREATISES On'I'HE INFLUENZA, AND THE STRUCTURE, FUNCTIONS, AND
DISEASES OF THE FOOT AND MG OF THE HORSE,
AND EDITOR OF WHITE's COMPENDIUM OP THE DISEASES OF CATTLE,
SHEEP, SWINE, AND DOGS.

LONDON:

LONGMAN, BROWN, GREEN, AND LONGMANS;

T. tegg; whittaker and CO.; siMPKiN, Marshall/ AND co.

HOULSTON AND STONEMAN; AND C. DOLMAN.

184-2.

LONDOK :

Printed by A. Spottiswoode,
New-Strecl-Squarc.

PREFACE.

Sixteen editions of this work have, it is hoped, sufficiently
stamped it as a favourite of the public. In undertaking the
seventeenth, with which he has been entrusted by the proprietors,
the Editor feels that he can best carry out the wishes of the
late respected Author by endeavouring to effect what improve-
ments in it he is capable of doing, and such as the advanced
and advancing state of the science on which it treats appears
to demand.

It will be seen that the work, which has hitherto been pub-
lished in three volumes, is now embodied in one. In accom-
plishing this, considerable alterations were necessarily required.
Much superfluous matter has been removed ; and in arranging
the work more systematically, it has been in many instances
found necessary to re-write subjects entirely, as the more con-
venient method of incorporating the Author's ideas with the
desired improvements. Besides this, many articles altogether
new have been supplied, which it is hoped will add both to the
interest and value of the work.

The engravings, fifty-six in. number, by Mr. Branston, are
entirely new, and most of them are on new subjects.

In effecting these alterations and intended improvements, the
original plan has yet been preserved; for although the work has
been much extended, it still gives a general and popular outline
of the structure of the horse, and a compendium of the diseases
to which he is liable.

In former Prefaces the Author has reviewed in some measure
the productions of our authors in this country, as well as on
the Continent. Veterinary works being now however too
numerous to permit us to follow out this plan to the same ex-
tent, a glance at them must suffice.

France has furnished a considerable addition to our veterinary

PREFACE.

literature. Messrs. Girard, both father and son, have pro-
duced works of considerable eminence. Professors Rigot and
Delafond have also by their writings established their claims as
men of considerable scientific and veterinary acquirements. The
Dictionary of Hurtrel d'Arboval, extending to four volumes,
possesses great merit, and has reached a second edition ; and
Professor Gelle has lately produced a valuable work on Cattle
Pathology.

To these we may add the writings of Vatel, Renault, Grognier,
Moirond, Dupuy, Bernard, and Bouley, besides two veterinary
periodicals, which are carried on with some spirit. Professor
Gurlt, of Berlin, has published some excellent plates of the
anatomy of the horse and other animals, which, with those of
Miiller, evince much accuracy and research ; and Professor
Del wart, of Brussels, has presented the public with a useful
pathological work.

In this country, although our authors have not been quite so
prolific, they have not been less worthy of approbation. First
and foremost we must notice the works of Mr. Percivall, who
some years since presented us with three volumes of lectures,
embracing the greater part of the anatomy and physiology, and
extending itself to much of the pathology of the horse ; and
more recently they have been followed by a work on the anatomy
of the horse, which for correctness and comprehensiveness has not
been surpassed. This work has been succeeded by two volumes
styled Hippo-pathology, both of which justly hold a foremost
rank in our veterinary literature.

Mr. Bracy Clark has from time to time presented us with
elaborate treatises on various subjects, such as the Foot, Shoeing,
Worms, &c. ; and, lately, on the Vices of Horses. They all
display much talent, and develope considerable learning and
ingenuity.

Mr. Blaine's work, both on the Horse and the Dog, have
gone through several editions, each of which evinces consider-
able and progressive improvement. This gentleman has re-
cently completed a work, entitled "An Encyclopasdia of Sport-
ing," which for its amplitude of detail and depth of research is
well worthy the latter days of this veteran in literature.

Mr. Youatt has, under the superintendence of the Society for
the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, presented the public with

rUEFACE,

V

three elaborate works, entitled severally the Horse, Cattle,
Sheep. These works evince an extraordinary degree of labour
and research. A great portion of each is devoted to the natural
history of the animal on which it treats ; and the one on sheep
contains some interesting discoveries on the nature and structure
of the different wools. Mr. Youatt has also written an essay on
Humanity to Animals, which has been very generally and de-
servedly praised. Its arguments are not based on any crude and
Utopian theories, but on sound practical grounds.

Mr. Youatt is also the able editor of a monthly periodical, called
"The Veterinarian," which first appeared in 1828 under the
auspices of Mr. Percivall. This work is greatly supported by
the contributions of veterinary surgeons in different parts of the
country ; and it is not saying too much in its favour in asserting
that by thus collecting from so many sources, it has acquired a
mine of valuable facts, which by distributing amongst the pro-
fession has greatly assisted the progress of veterinary knowledge.

For several years past a large space of this periodical has been
devoted to reporting the proceedings of the Veterinary Medical
Association, an institution arising out of the ashes of a former
society, and consisting of practitioners and students who hold
weekly meetings at the Veterinary College during the session,
at which meetings many excellent essays have been read, and
followed by valuable discussions. The association is composed
of four classes, viz., members, fellows, honorary fellows, and ho-
norary associates. Mr. Sewell is the patron, Mr. C. Spooner
the president, and Mr. Morton the secretary of this institution ;
which it is hoped will continue to flourish, as it is calculated to
assist greatly the acquisition and communication of scientific and
practical knowledge. The council have lately resolved to pub-
lish their own proceedings quarterly.

Mr. James Turner has collected together and published his
valuable papers on the Navicular Disease, the merits belonging
to the discovery of which is justly due to him. He has also
more recently published a Register of Experiments on the
Nature of the Blood-vessels, which evinces much originality, and
in some degree militates against the opinions of physiologists.

Mr. Morton, Professor of Chemistry at the Veterinary College
has published a Manual of Pharmacy and a Toxicoloo-ical Chart'
Each exhibits great excellency, and places the accomplished

A 3

vi

PKEFACE.

writer high amongst our list of authors, and as a diligent inquirer
after truth. To the former work this volume stands indebted.

Mr. Stuart, of Glasgow, has published a useful work on the
Soundness of Horses; and more lately a larger one on Stable
Economy. The latter has obtained a large share of public
favour, and contains much useful and practical information.

The Editor of this work has written two others ; one on the
Influenza, and the other on the Structure, Functions, and
Diseases of the Foot and Leg of the Horse. With regard to
their claims he begs to refer to the opinions of the various ve-
terinary, medical, and sporting reviewers by whom the works
have been noticed.

Mr. Vines has written a treatise on the subject of Glanders, in
which he displays some novel ideas, and in which he strongly
advocates the exhibition of cantharides.

Ml-. Darvill has published a work on the Race Horse, which
exhibits much practical knowledge, and communicates useful
information.

There are a few other minor authors, some of whom are
justly entitled to merit; and there are others whose works we
could not notice without expressing censure.

It remains but to add that since the last edition of this work
was published, the ruthless destroyer, Death, hath summoned away
Mr. Coleman, who for nearly half a century had held the office
of senior Professor at the Veterinai'y College. In his earlier career
he was a diligent inquirer after truth, and a zealous friend of
veterinai'y science. His mantle has fallen on Professor Sewell,
so many years associated with him, whilst the sub-professorship
is deservedly bestowed on Mr. C. Spooner, and Mr. Morton has
more recently been appointed Professor of Chemistry. From the
extensive experience and intuitive knowledge of the first gen-
tleman, the talents and scientific acquirements of the second,
and the active and zealous genius of the third, much is expected
towards the future progress of veterinary science, and much
will undoubtedly be obtained.

Southampton, December 27th, 1841.

PREFACE

TO TI-IE THIRTEENTH EDITION.

About two years only have elapsed since the twelfth edition of
this small volume was published : such kind encouragement
cannot fail of increasing the author's ardour and industry in the
cultivation of his profession ; and he trusts, by continued and
zealous attention to veterinary practice, to make st411 further
improvements beyond those he has now to offer. In the last
edition, I gave some account of veterinary writers, especially
those of the French nation. I have now to pay some tribute of
respect to the memory of those of our own country, who have
written many works of great utility, though not what are consi-
dered scientific performances ; as well as a short account of the
works of living veterinary authors.

The earliest English writer on Farriery we have an account
of, is Mascal, who lived in the reign of Edward the Sixth. He
published a treatise on Farriery, which was greatly esteemed,
and passed through several editions. At the same time lived
Martin Clifford, who also wrote a treatise on Farriery ; but it
was not considered of any value, and passed through two
editions only. Next to him appeared Captain Burden, of the
Dragoons, who published a very small treatise on Farriery,
which was universally read and esteemed in the reign of Queen
Elizabeth. This small work was republished, with notes, by
Dr. Bracken. Three years after appeared Gervase Markham,
the most renowned of ancient farriers. He published a work
under the name of « Markham's Masterpiece," in the year 1666 •
It passed through twenty-five editions, the last of which appeared
in 1729. He was in practice more than sixty years. In the
year 1740, De Grey published his "Compilation on Farriery,"
which was not much esteemed. Snape, farrier to King Charles
the Second, published the first English treatise on the Anatomy
of the Horse ; but it was taken in great measure from Ruini,
w-ii -^^^''^^ author of great merit. In the year 1770, Sir
William Hope published a translation of Solleysel's work, which
was much read and esteemed. In the reign of King George
the l^irst. Dr. Layard published an Account of a dreadful Epi-

A 4 ^

VJll

PREFACE TO THE THIRTEENTH EDITION.

demic which raged among Cattle. Other publications of a
similar nature appeared about the same time. In the year
1750, appeared the best book on Farriery that had ever been
written, by William Gibson, a surgeon. It went through many
editions, and is still considered valuable. About the same time
Dr. Bracken published two volumes on Farriery, which were
greatly esteemed, and are still read. Bartlett's " Gentleman's
Complete Farrier" next appeared. He published also a Veteri-
nary Pharmacopoeia. The former was in great measure an
abridgment of Gibson. It contained, however, a new method
of nicking, and a description of Lafosse's supposed cure for the
glanders. Osmer next published a treatise on Lameness, con-
taining many new and useful observations; also, a " Description
and Recommendation of Lafosse's Half- Moon Shoe" — a shoe
that I do not consider proper on any occasion whatever; be-
cause, with such a shoe, the heels are constantly wearing, while
the toe is growing, which must be a great injury to the flexor
tendon, or its appendages, and cause the frog to receive more
pressure than it was designed for. He afterwards wrote a book
on an epidemic disease that prevailed, which contained many
useful observations. In the year 1780, Mr. James Clark, of
Edinburgh, published a small work " on the Prevention of
Disease by Exercise, Feeding, Bleeding, &c." This is an excel-
lent work, and may be still read with advantage by veterinary
students. Lord Pembroke, about this time, published a work
on Horsemanship, which contained many sensible observations
on the diseases of horses and on shoeing. His lordship was
Colonel of the First, or Royal Dragoons, and had the horses of
his regiment shoed according to a plan of his own. This plan
was continued while I was in the regiment, and is, I believe,
still in use. This shoe is that which I now recommend for good
feet. About the year 1789, Mr. Taplin's "Stable Directory"
appeared : a book that was much read, and passed through many
editions in a few years. A supplementary volume was after-
wards published, and a small pamphlet, named, not very justly,
" Multum in Parvo."

In the year 1792, the Veterinary College was established, and
M. Saintbel, a French veterinarian, was appointed Professor.
He died about a year after. Saintbel was the person who disco-
vered that glanders may be communicated through the medium
of the stomach. A few years after his death, a quarto volume
appeared on veterinary subjects with his name to it, but it con-
tained nothing of importance. The Professorship of the College
was afterwards filled by Mr. Coleman and Mr. Moiecroft, jointly;
but the latter soon gave it up for a more lucrative situation, as a
private practitioner in Oxford Street, in which he acquired the
highest reputation. In 1807, he was induced to go out to India,

PREFACE TO THE THIRTEENTH EDITION.

to superintend the breeding stud of the East India Company. He
published a small but very useful book on Shoeing. 1 should
have noticed before a small book by Mr. Prdsser, a surgeon, on
Strangles and Fever, in 1786. Mr. Prosser contends that the
strangles could be, with certainty and advantage, communicated
to colts by inoculation. In 1796, a quarto volume appeared on the
Economy of the Horse's Foot and Shoeing, by Mr. Freeman, a
gentleman much celebrated for his knowledge of horsemanship,
.on which he afterwards published a large treatise. The former
work contains some good plates of the different parts of the
horse's foot. About the year 1800, Mr. Coleman published his
splendid work on the Structure, Economy, and Diseases of the
Horse's Foot, and Shoeing. This work contained many beau-
tiful and accurate plates of the horse's foot. There afterwards
appeared one volume of Veterinary Transactions, and a pam-
phlet, describing an artificial frog, by the same author. About
this time two octavo volumes were published, entitled, "A Philo-
sophical Treatise on Horses," by Mr. John Lawrence. The first
volume merits particular notice : it contained a forcible appeal
to the feeling of the public in support of the rights of horses,
and ought to be read by all horse proprietors. The other con-
tamed much useful practical information ; but, as Mr. Lawrence
was not a regular student of the veterinary profession, it of
course contained some errors, and is valuable chiefly as a com-
pilation. In the year 1801, Mr. Richard Lawrence published a
quarto volume on some of the diseases of the horse, with some
useful and accurate plates. This is a work of considerable
merit, and has been since published in one octavo volume. Mr
Blaine's work first appeared in 1802 and 1803, in two volumes
octavo. It has since been published, however, in one octavo
^1° T^" regular system of veterinary medicine

that has been attempted in this country ; and, notwithstandino-
the severe remark of Professor Girard and M. Gauze on it, I
think the work much more valuable than that of the latter
author, although his large quarto contains more than a hundred
plates; and of equal value to M. Girard's works, not excepting
his "Iraite du Pied." About this time appeared a book b?
Downing and another by Topham, on the Diseases of Cattle.
Clater s " Every Man his own Farrier" had been published some
years before; and about this period appeared his volume "on the
Diseases of Cattle " A quarto book on Cattle Medicine was
published soon after by Mr. Skerrett, which contained some
good representations of the calf in utero, and some useful ob-
servations on the subject. But one of the best books that have
ever appeared on cattle medicine was by Mr. John Lawrence.
Ihe great merit of this work consists in pointing out the pro-
priety of attending to preventive measures, and the absurdity of

X

rREFACli TO THE TIIIIITEENTH EDITION.

incurring the useless expense of inert or poisonous drenches,
and of attempting to cure incurable diseases. In 1803 a quarto
volume, by Mr. Feron, appeared, whicli contained nothing
valuable. It has since appeared in an improved state in one
large octavo volume. About the year 1804, Mr. Riding, of the
28th Dragoons, now of the Royals, published his " Veterinary
Pathology;" and Mr. Denny, of the 10th Dragoons, his " Trea-
tise on the Diseases of Horses ;" both small octavos, and of con-
siderable merit. In 1805 a large quarto dictionary appeared,
by Thomas Boardman, of the 3d Dragoons. This book con-
tained some good plates reduced from Stubbs, and is altogether
a valuable compilation. In 1809, Mr. Bracy Clark published
his " Dissertation on the Foot of the Horse." This is the best
work on the subject that has appeared in any language. He
has since published another work, named " Stereoplea," of great
merit; and a Treatise on Colts; also, an Essay on the Flatulent
Colic, showing that it depends on indigestion. About two years
ago, Mr. Goodwin, veterinary surgeon to the king, published an
octavo volume on Shoeing, and the various metliods practised
by foreign nations. He recommends an improvement on the
French mode of shoeing, which, he says, has been found ex-
tremely useful. As the book will, no doubt, be generally read,
no further description, is necessary.

In addition to the French veterinary works noticed in the
preface to the twelfth edition, the following have since ap-
peared : —

1. Traitement pour toute Espece de Maladies des Chevaux.
Par M. Desmare.

2. Extrait d'Abrege de Medicine Veterinaire Pratique, public
en Italien, 1813. Par J. P. Volpi.

3. Tableau Indicatif des Maladies du Cheval, et des Remedes
qu'on pent appliquer selon les Manx et Accidens. 2 feuilles,
folio.

4. Pathologic Veterinaire. Par M. Dupuy.

M. Jauze's promised work in five octavo volumes has not yet
appeared.

In concluding this preface, I think it necessary to observe
that, in the present edition, I have not given many receipts for
medicines ; but these have been so abundantly supplied in the
last edition of the second volume, or Materia Medica, that I
thought it better to let them give place in this volume to what I
considered more useful matter.

PREFACE

TO THE TWELFTH EDITION.

Nearly twenty years have elapsed since this work was first
published, and during that time eleven very large impressions
have been sold. So favourable a reception could not fail of
stimulating the author to continued and increased exertions for
the improvement of veterinary science, and leading him to con-
sider it as a duty he owes the public to communicate, when
opportunities offered, any useful discoveries that may come to
his knowledge, whether the result of his own experience or that
of others. The present edition is called for at a favourable
time, as the ready intercourse we now have with the Continent
enables him to give a short account of the state of the veterinary
art in foreign countries, particularly in France, where it at-
tracted the notice of scientific men, and where veterinary schools
were established at an earlier period than in any other country.
Bourgelat, the first director, and the principal projector of the
French veterinary schools, has been justly regarded as the
founder of the veterinary art, being the first who placed in a
clear point of view the indispensable necessity of anatomical and
physiological knowledge to the veterinary practitioner. Several
works were published by Bourgelat on veterinary subjects, which
are still held in considerable estimation : the principal are, — "A
Treatise on the Anatomy of Domestic Animals;" "A Rational
Materia Medica;" "A Treatise on the Exterior Conformation
of the Horse ;" « Essays on the Theory and Practice of Shoeing
and on Bandages," &c. " Bourgelat's Anatomy" appeared first in
1769, and has passed through several editions. It was trans-
lated into German, Italian, and Spanisli. Though Bourgelat
was the first to place the veterinary art on a proper foundation,
some attempts were made, at a much earlier period, to diffuse a
knowledge of veterinary anatomy, the principal of which was by
Ruini, an Italian. This work was published at Venice in 1598,
and entitled, " Anatomiadel Cavallo; Infermita, et suoi Rimedi ':
dal Signor Carlo Ruini, Senator Bolognese." It treats of the
anatomy of the horse as well as of diseases. This book seems to
liave been the groundwork of many others that were published

Xii PREFACE TO THE TWELFTH EDITION.

at different periods afterwards, particularly the anatomical part
and the plates, which appear to have been almost literally copied
by all of them. Vitet, in his " Analysis of Veterinary Works,"
in speaking of Sollysel's, which was published in 1698, says,
« In the feth century, many veterinary books appeared, but
Sollysel's work has caused them to be forgotten ; nor have we
reason to regret their loss, as they contained only a very imper-
fect description of the structure of the horse." It appears, how-
ever, that Sollysel's celebrated work is in great measure copied
from that of Ruini. " Snape's Anatomy of the Horse," and the
little that Gibson wrote on that subject, seem to have been
drawn from the same source. One difference is observable in
the plates ; those of Ruini being engraved on wood, and his
imitator's on copper. La Fosse was contemporary with Bour-
o-elat, and communicated several memoirs on veterinary subjects
to the Royal Academy. In 1766 La Fosse's son published his
" Farrier's Guide," which treats, also, of the anatomy of the horse ;
and in 1772, his Cours d'Hippiatrique appeared, a splendid
folio, containing sixty-five highly finished plates, illustrative of
the anatomy of the horse. In 1775, a Dictionary of Farriery
was published by the same author, in 4 vols. 8vo. This work
contains much useful information. In 1771 Vitet's " Vete-
rinary Medicine " appeared, in 3 vols Bvo. This work treats
of the structure of the ox as well as the horse. After the
revolution, the art seems to have made but little progress. In
1797, a useful pamphlet on the glanders appeared, the joint
production of MM. Chabert and Huzard. This book was
printed and distributed by order of the government, in conse-
quence of the great number of horses that had been lost, and
the contagious nature of the disease. It does not contain, how-
ever, any information that would be new to the English reader.
About the same time, M. Chabert published " A Description of
the Digestive Organs of Ruminating Animals," and soon after
there appeared " A Manual of the Veterinary Art," by La Fosse,
son of the author before noticed, in one 12mo. volume. This
practical compendium of the veterinary art seems to have been
much esteemed, as a third edition was published in 1803. Irom
this work, as well as from others of a more recent date, it
appears that the practice of veterinary medicine has not made
much pro<Tress in France since the time of Bourgelat. In 1 81 1
an accoun° was published of some successful experiments on the
treatment of glanders and farcy, by M. Collaine, Professor of
the Royal Veterinary School of Milan. The successful remedy
in these experiments was sulphur, given m very large doses,
beginning, however, with four ounces, and gradually increasing
the dose until it caused purging and violent colic. It was then
discontinued until these symptoms ceased. On repeating it
afterwards, it was found that much larger doses could be given

PREFACE TO THE TWELFTH EDITION.

Xlll

without inconvenience. In some cases it'was given to the extent
of two pounds in the course of the day, made into an electuary
with honey. It is stated that a considerable number of horses
were thus cured. Besides giving the sulphur, about two quarts
of blood were taken off every third or fourth day during the
treatment. The following statement is annexed to the pam-
phlet : —

" The veterinary surgeon attached to the imperial breeding
stud of Borculo in Holland has practised M. Collaine's mode of
treatment, and after two months' trial, thirty glandered horses
were perfectly cured, ten are in a state of convalescence, and
twenty have died during the treatment." Notwithstanding the
boasted efficacy of this mode of treatment, it appears from a
recent publication on glanders, by M. Dupuy, that it has been
fairly tried at the Veterinary School at Alfort, and has not in a
single instance succeeded. M. Dupuy's work appeared in 1817,
in one volume 8vo., and treats of glanders as a tubercular or
tuberculous affection, having for its title, " De I'AfFection Tuber-
culeuse, vulgairement appellee Morve (glanders), Pulmonie
(consumption, or phthisis), Gourme (strangles), Fausse Gourme
(spurious or bastard strangles), Farcin (farcy)." Some observ-
ations on this work will be found in the Appendix, under the
head Glanders. The most valuable work that has appeared in
France since the Revolution is A Treatise on the Anatomy of
Domestic Animals, by Professor Girard, 1807, two volumes 8vo.
In 1813, there appeared A Treatise on the Feet, &c., by the
same author, in one volume, 8vo., with six plates illustrative of
the anatomy of the foot, not only of the horse, but of the other
domestic animals, and poultry: this, also, is a work of consider-
able merit. In 1817, the first part of a theoretical and prac-
tical treatise on the horse's foot, and on shoeing, was published,
under the title of" Cours Theorique et Pratique de Marechalerie
Veterinaire, par F. Jauze." This work was completed in 1818,
and forms one large 4to volume, with no less than 110 plates.
M. Jauze announces another work as about to be published in
five volumes 8vo., with numerous plates. This work is said to
treat of the internal and external pathology of the larger do-
mestic animals, the veterinary Materia Medica, and the vete-
rinary jurisprudence. « Every article in this treatise," the
author says, " will be described with particular order and pre-
cision, and nothing superfluous will be found in it." If we may
judge from the work already published, and the number of
volumes announced, it seems probable that the readers of the
work will be of a different opinion. The introduction to his
"Cours de Marechalerie" consists of an enumeration and short
description of the works that have appeared from the earliest
times on the art of shoeing; and among tliese, the ingenious
and valuable works of Mr. Bracy Clark made a conspicuous

xiv

PllEFACE TO THE TWELFTH EDITION.

figure, but appear to be brought forward merely as a subject for
criticism. " Mr. Clark," says the author, " takes great pains to
prove that he has discovered that the hoof is elastic, a circum-
stance that has been known for more than two hundred years ;
and that shoeing is productive of injury to the feet, which was
known even before it was generally practised. Wild horses, as
well as the greater part of those employed in agriculture and
commerce, in Persia, Ethiopia, Tartary, Japan, &c., are never
shoed ; how is it, then, that shoeing is so generally practised in
Europe? The answer is, that shoes are absolutely necessary, in
consequence of the heavy burdens they have to carry, the hard
stony roads they are obliged to travel on, and the necessity
they are under of exerting, with so little cessation, the whole of
their power," &c. " These considerations are sufficient to
prove that shoeing is both injurious and necessary, and should
arrest the pens of those modern writers who are daily claiming
as discoveries what have been known for four hundred years."
Mr. Clark has certainly taken pains to prove that shoes, of what-
ever form they may be, are always injurious, and that however
carefully the hoofs are pared and otherwise treated, as long as
inflexible iron shoes are nailed to them, the feet are constantly
in a progressive state towards disease. If this be really the
case, — if shoeing is invariably so injudicious, — Mr. Clark has
an indisputable claim to the discovery.

I cannot find any passage in Mr. Clark's work to justify our
author's assertion, that he has taken great pains {fait tons ses
efforts) to prove that he is the discoverer of the elasticity of the
hoof. He says, " I have detected some undiscovered parts in
the hoof, and some circumstances in the plan of its structure,
before unknown, and especially pointed out for observation its
elastic properties." This surely cannot be considered as laying
claim to such a discovery. One of the circumstances or parts
of the hoof which Mr. Clark claims as a discovery is that which
he calls the coronary frog hand. " This," says M. Jauze " has
been described by Bourgelat, under the name of Bourrelet grais-
seux." Bourgelat, in his Essay on Shoeing, says, " When the
foot is taken out of its horny box (the hoof), the first thing that
strikes us is un bourrelet, which forms the superior part of it."
This name is evidently applied by Bourgelat to that part which
Mr. Coleman has named coronary ligament. In speaking of the
hoof, Bourgelat says, " the thickness of this horny box is not
the same through its whole extent; it is most considerable in
front, and diminishes gradually towards the heels ; it is much
thinner at the upper part, or coronet, than below, and the
inside quarter is weaker than the outside ; the thickness ot these,
as well as the fore part, increasing towards the bottom. On
examining the inner surface of the hoof, we find it extremely

PREFACE TO THE TWELFTH EDITION.

XV

thin in its upper part, and presenting a sort of circular groove
{un sorte de hiseau)." This blunder has been noticed by the
translator of Mr. Clark's work, and M. Jauze attempts to pass it
olF as an error of the press ; for in the third part of this work,
which was published some time after the first, there is a list of
en-ors, in which the word come is substituted for graisseiix.
There is also a reply to some observations on M. Jauze's book,
by M. Huzard ; but it is evident from the above quotation from
Bourgelat, that the coronary frog band of Mr. Clark was not
noticed by that eminent veterinarian, nor is there any descrip-
tion of it in his other works, or in the " Ti-aite du Pied" of Pro-
fessor Girard. " Mr. Clark," he says, " has erred in many
other passages (dans une infinite)" Page 28., line 1., he says,
" In the foot of the ox there is neither pad nor cushion to
diminish the reaction of the ground. {B n'y a ni matelas ni
coussin pour pallier les reactions du sol.)" He is in error also
when he states that the camel and the elephant have a cartila-
ginous pad on the under part of their feet. Now, in Mr.
Clark's work, p. 119., the reader will find the matter thus stated :
— " Indeed, we discover most clearly, on investigation, that to
every animal is given a share of elastic yielding to the foot, in
order to destroy all jar and resistance, reciprocally to the parts
of the foot as to the body, and a change of form takes place in
the foot according to the weight or exertion brought upon it.
In the elephant, cartilaginous cushions, for this purpose, are seen
disposed under the foot, and in the camel oblong pads ; in the ox '
this non-resistance to the load is effected hy a deep division of the
foot to the fetlock joint, thus making of it two members, thereby
giving a flexibility that answers the same end. In the horse, a
single pad is seen, for of such nature is the frog ; and this yield-
ing property in the foot of him and his tribe, or family, is less,
perhaps, than any other family of quadrupeds, on account, it
would appear, of the difficult combination of properties found
with him, viz., an extraordinary degree of speed with a large or
heavy body, which, to be impelled with effect, required parts
that should not be too yielding, by which the impulse had been
diminished, and hence it is that this property has been nearly
overlooked, and the foot treated by the smiths as though this
necessary provision and property had in him no existence more
than in a mass of wood of the same figure." It appeared ne-
cessary to transcribe the whole of the passage from Mr. Clark's
work, that the reader may form a just estimate of M. Jauze's
criticism.

Mr. Clark is accused of another error in saying that " the
thickness of the wall of the hoof diminishes from the front to the
back part." There may be some few exceptions to this rule,
but the truth of the statement with respect to the fore feet is'

XVI

PREPACK TO THE TWELFTH EDITIOlsr.

well known to those who are acquainted with the structure of
the foot, and the hoof is so described by Bourgelat in the above
quotation.

The reader will not, it is hoped, think it wholly uninteresting,
if a brief account be added of the present state of the veterinary
schools in France and Germany ; drawn from a report made by
Mr. Sewell, assistant professor ofthe Veterinary College, London,
to the governors of that establishment. Mr. Sewell first visited
the Veterinary School at Lyons, which was established January
1st, 1762. " The museum," he says, " contains many prepara-
tions of great utility and novelty ; particularly subjects of the full
size, displaying the muscles and blood vessels and the whole of the
nervous system with the brain, entirely separate from the other
parts, and well preserved : shoes of every description and from
various countries, are also shown. The infirmary stables are
not extensive, but paved and drained in the ordinary way, and
ventilated by the windows only : there are appropriate places
for the other domestic animals. The forge is commodious, and
well adapted for shoeing horses,' and instructing the pupils in
the art of making and putting on shoes ; all which is superin-
tended by a director of that particular branch of the art. A
botanical garden is attached to the school, and lectures are given
on botany and chemistry in rooms adjoining a laboratory. The
theatre of anatomy is capable of containing about one hundred
pupils ; where lectures are delivered on veterinary anatomy,
surgery, and diseases; and a convenient dissecting room is con-
tiguous to the theatre. Behind the building are a yard and
paddock, into which sick or lame horses are occasionally turned."*
The present director is M. Bredin, who furnished Mr. Sewell
with letters of introduction to M. Huzard, inspector of the
French veterinary schools, with which he proceeded to Paris.
He was accompanied by M. Huzard's son to the Veterinary
School at Alfort, about four miles from Paris, which was opened
in 1766, and is now the principal school in France. This is
much more complete than the school at Lyons: three large
rooms are occupied by the museum and an extensive collection
of veterinary works. There is a powerful electrical apparatus
for medical purposes. Lectures on agriculture, rural economy,

* According to a report, made to the National Convention by Messrs.
Gilbert and Huzard, in 1795, the veterinary school at Lyons was in a very bad
state, and so situate (in the faubourg de la Gudlotiere), as to be sometimes in-
undated by the Rhone. In consequence of then- representation, it was re-
moved to a spot opposite to the city near the road leading to Paris, During
the siege and bombardment of Lyons, the students were dispersed l)y tiie
bombs or shells that were thrown into the house and stables ; but M. Bredin,
the director, contrived to secure the preparations, &c. that were in the mu-
seum, and sent them ofFto a house he possessed at some distance from Lyons,
where he collected the students and continued his instructions.

rilEFACE TO THE TWELFTH EDITION. • XVli

and medical jurisprudence are delivered at this school, in ad-
dition to those given at Lyons. Stallions are kept at the ex-
pense of government, and sent annually into the provinces to
improve the breed of horses ; asses are also sent for the purpose
of producing mules, which are much used in some of the pro-
vinces. The infirmaries for horses and the other domestic
animals are more extensive, and better arranged than those at
Lyons ; and the forge affords more convenience for giving in-
structions in shoeing: there is also a portable forge, which may
be removed to any part of the stables where its use is required.
A field of about six acres is set apart for agricultural expe-
riments. The royal stables at Paris are well constructed build-
ings — well paved, drained, and ventilated : the horses do not
stand on litter during the day. They appear capable of con-
taining about two hundred horses. An infirmary and forge are
attached to the stables. All the royal stud, as well as the
cavalry horses, are shoed upon the plan established by the vetei-i-
nary schools, under the superintendance of a resident veterinary

surgeon.

_ The following year Mr. Sewell visited the veterinary schools
m Germany ; and, on his return, made a report of his ob-
servations to the governors of the London Veterinary College,
of which the following is an extract : — The Veterinary School
at Vienna is inferior to that at Alfort; but it affords a greater
scope for practice, the stables and other accommodations beino-
calculated for receiving a considerable number of patients ; afl
of them were then occupied, which afforded Mr. Sewell an op-
portunity of seeing some diseases peculiar to the season which
was very hot and dry; the principal of these were lameness,
called fever in the feet, and lethargic attacks. The lameness
was treated as it is in this country, with the addition of turnincv
the patient into a paddock, where the grass was hi^-h, kept
watered, and well shaded with trees. The horses withlethar-ry
were also kept in the paddock under the trees, and their heads
were often placed under a shower bath. From the number of
those that were in a convalescent state, Mr. Sewell concludes that
the treatment was successful; though he says, it does not accord
with the theory or treatment of the disease taught in this coun-
try. 1 hey consider the lethargic symptoms as dependant on
some disorder of the digestive organs and liver, and treat it
accordingly, fhe pupils are taught shoeing practically at the
forge, llie shoes are different from our own and Ihose of
J ranee.* The stables are not of the first order, but roomy and

. * According to M. Jauze, " tlie German shoes are, of all others the mosf
injurious for horses that have sound feet. There are three aS^Jrno'
Ccaulking) ; one at the toe and at each heel, whicli make the shoP v^rv
and takes off the aplomb of the foot " ^^'^

xvili

PREFACE TO THE TWELFTH EDITION.

floored with wood, a common practice in Germany. The other
accommodations are very good ; such as box stalls, and places
for other domestic animals. The stables have no other means
of ventilation than by the windows, some of which open above
the horses : the plan of draining is very good, and the litter is
removed during the day imless required for particular cases.
The pharmacy (place where medicines are prepared and dis-
pensed), and other offices are well arranged. The buildings are
constructed of wood, and are considerably dilapidated ; but it is
expected that the whole will be soon rebuilt. An old herma-
phrodite horse is shown here in which tlie male form seems to
predominate ; of which, Mr. Sewell considers it a malformation.
The imperial stable is a fine spacious building, floored with
wood, well drained, and ventilated, and capable of accommo-
dating several hundred horses ; an infirmary is attached to it ;
also a forge, and a good contrivance for suspending and securing
restive horses, for shoeing, or other operations. The horses, as
well as those of cavalry, are shoed upon the school plan. Prince
Charles's stables are exceedingly good as a model on a small
scale ; the floor is peculiar, being made of wooden piles or pieces,
cut out of a rounded figure, like large paving stones : they are
well drained and ventilated.

At Prague and Dresden, Mr. Sewell found nothing very in-
teresting except the royal stables at the latter place; in the
coach horse stable, a covered stream of water passes down the
centre, which keeps it always clean and sweet. They are well
ventilated, lofty, light, and spacious, and flooi'ed with wood.
The saddle horses work unshoed from spring until autumn,
when the wet season commences ; their feet are in a fine state
of preservation in consequence : the kennel of boarhounds is
worth attention.

Late in August, Mr. Sewell visited the Veterinary School at
Berlin ; which was founded by the late king, Frederic II. The
theatre of anatomy, museum, and dissecting rooms, form one
detached building, probably the most handsome and commodious
structure of the kind in Europe. The museum is less extensive
than that at Paris, but larger than the museum at Vienna, and
contains some novelties which the latter does not possess. It
has a complete series of skeletons, from the horse and ox down
to the smallest quadruped, and the skin of an African horse,
which has not the slightest appearance of hair upon it; there is
a good collection of shoes of different countries. The forge is
well conducted, and the pupils, manually instructed by the pro-
fessor. The method of securing horses for shoeing, or opera-
tions, is very ingenious, and worthy of imitation. Ihe king's
horses are shoed at the school forge, and the cavalry are shoed
according to the plan of the school. The stables are well con-

PREFACE TO THE TWELFTH EDITION.

XIX

structed, paved, and ventilated ; the box stalls, and places for
other domestic animals, are Avell arranged. Litter is not used
during the day, but sand is strewed under the horses. The
stables were full of patients of all descriptions : theve were
several cases of lameness and lethargy similar to those at
Vienna, and their treatment was nearly the same. There was a
case of locked jaw that had been cured by a method different
from that employed in this counti-y.* A riding house is at-
tached to the school, for the instruction of pupils intended for
the army ; who receive pay from the time of entrance. There
is a beautifully constructed warm water and vapour bath, with a
room adjoining, to receive the patients after bathing, which is
heated occasionally by a stove; the bath is supplied with hot or
cold water by an ingenious hydraulic contrivance. The royal
stables are handsome buildings, and kept in excellent order.
Sand is used under the horses instead of litter in the day time.
They adjoin the river Spree, into which there is a paved slope,
which enables them to bathe or wash their horses. Mr. Sewell
bi'ought with him some useful instruments for relieving oxen or
sheep that are hoven or bloicn ; he has, since his return, sent them
into the country for trial; they are said to be employed, with
great success, in Germany.

On arriving at Hanover, Mr. Sewell was introduced to Pro-
fessor Havemann by assistant Professor Housemann, whom he
had seen in England. The infirmary stables had much dila-
pidated during the war, from being occupied by foreign cavalry.
There were no patients in them. The royal stables which will
contain between two and. three hundred horses, are near the
school ; they are handsome buildings, well constructed, light,
airy and spacious ; the windows have canvass shades.

In Holland there are no vetei'inary schools. The royal
stables at the Hague are well consti-ucted, and in fine order.
The heads of the stalls and bottoms of the mangers are lined
with glazed Dutch tile, and are kept in the cleanest state, with
very little trouble. Sand is used in the stalls in the day time.
At Brussels, there was nothing worthy of attention, except an
effectual method of draining a large barrack stable, which Mr.
Sewell does not describe. He says, that by inquiries and ob-
servation, he obtained in Holland some useful practical inform-
ation, which, with the new remedy for locked jaw, the German
method of treating lethargic complaints, and the various im-

* Had the governors of the Veterinary College known that locked jaw is
very rarely cured in this country, they would perhaps have desired Mr. Sewell
to describe the successful mode of treating it to which he alludes. This com-
munication, probably, with the other ■useful observations he may have made
will be published at a more convenient time. '

a 2

XX PREFACE TO THE TWELFTH EDITJON.

pi'ovements he may have observed in the practice of the vete-
rinary art, he will, no doubt, communicate to the public.

It is difficult, perhaps impossible, to form a correct com-
parative estimate of the state of veterinary science in this country
and France, merely by perusing the works of the French pro-
fessors and veterinary practitioners; but if one might presume
to judge from such evidence, the author would feel no hesitation
in saying, that he thinks the veterinary art has made greater
progress in England than in France. In the latter country, it
was cultivated by men of science, at an early period ; but here,
it can scarcely be said to have existed till the establishment of
the Veterinary College. Some good practical works appeared
before that time, particularly Gibson's and Clarke's; but the
anatomy and physiology of the horse had not been attended to.
Since that period, however, it has been assiduously studied ; and
to the acquisition of this essential branch of knowledge we may
attribute the great improvement that has been made in the
treatment of diseases. French practitioners appear to be still
influenced by the humoral pathology, as it is termed, and, con-
sequently, depend too much on decoctions of plants, and other
vegetable prepai'ations, in acute diseases, many of which are
nearly, if not quite, inert, with respect to the horse; while
similar diseases in this country ai'e often subdued by one copious
bleeding. Much praise, however, is due to the veterinary prac-
titioners of France for the great attention they appear to pay to
morbid anatomy. The accui-acy and minuteness with which
morbid subjects are examined after death, and the scrupulous
attention with which every symptom of a disease is observed and
noted, is worthy the imitation of British practitioners.

Wells, Somers^, October, 1819.

CONTENTS.

PART 1.

THE ECONOMY OF THE STABLE.

Page

Introduction - _ „ _ 1

Chap. I On the Stable - - . i

Chap. II. — Feeding - - . . y

Chap. III. — On the Treatment of Horses in Summer - ] 1

Chap. IV Exercise, Training, &c. - - 12

Directions for managing a Horse on a Journey . 15

PART II.

THE STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

Chap. V A general View of the Structure of the Horse - 17

Chap. VI On the Skeleton - . - 20

Bones of the Head - - - 23

Trunk - . * - 27

Fore Extremity . .29

Hind Extremity . . - 33

Chap. VII. — On the Joints - - - 35

Chap. VIII. — On the Muscular System - . 37

Chap. IX. — On the Brain and Nerves - .4,3

Chap. X On the Chest, its Contents and Connections - 4.5

The Sternum — Diaphragm — Pleura — Lungs — Wind-
pipe — Bronchije — Larynx — Nostrils 45 43

Structure and Functions of the Heart - . 43

Chap. XI On the Circulation of the Blood - - 501

Chap. XII. — The Blood, its Nature and Composition - 54,

xxii

CONTENTS.

Page

Chap. XIII On Respiration, and its Effects - - 57

Properties of Atmospheric Air - -51

Production of Animal Heat - - 60

Chap. XIV. — Tlic Mouth and Throat, &c. - - 62

The Tongue — Pharynx, or Food-bag — CEsopha-

gus — Os hyoides, &c 63

Chap. XV. — The Viscera of the Abdomen or Belly - 61'

The Peritoneum — the Stomach - - 64
The Intestines — Duodenum, Jejunum, Ileum, Colon,

Caecum, Rectum - - 66 — 68

The Liver - - - 69

The Pancreas, or Sweetbread - - 69

The Spleen - - - 69

Chap. XVI. — On Digestion - - - 70

Mastication — Swallowing — Chymification - 70

Gastric Juice - - - 71

Sympathy between the Stomach and Skin - 73

The Chyle, its Properties and Uses - - 75

Office of the Intestines - -76

Chap. XVII. — On the Urinary Organs - - 78

The Kidneys — The Urine — The Bladder - 78, 79

CiiAP. XVIII On the Organs of Generation - - 80

Chap. XIX. — On the Functions of the Generative Organs, and

the Growth of the Foetus - - 85

Chap. XX. — On the Principle and Practice of Breeding - 88

PART III.
diseases of the hokse.

Chap. XXI. — On Inflammation - - - 96

Its Nature, Causes, and Termination 97 — 99

The Pulse, its Varieties - - 100

Treatment of Inflammation - - 101

Chap. XXII. — On Fever - - - 103

Symptomatic — Synochus - - 103

Treatment of - - - 104

Chap. XXIII. — Diseases of the Brain and Nerves - 104?

Inflammation of the Brain (Phrenitis, or Mad

Staggers), Epilepsy, Megrims - 104 — 107

Rabies, or Hydrophobia - - 107

• Palsy— Kumree - - 108

Tetanus, or Lock-jaw - - 110

String Halt - - - 114

CONTENTS.

xxiii

Page

Chap. XXIV. — Diseases of the Chest and Air Passages - 115

Inflammation of the Lungs — Pneumorxia - 115

Sub-acute Pneumonia - - 119

Pleuritis, or Pleurisy - - 120

Hydrothorax - - - 121

Chap. XXV. — Inflammation of the Bronchial Passages and

Windpipe - - - 122

Bronchitis — Trachitis - 122 — 125

Chap. XXVI. — Catarrh, Cold, Sore Throat, &c. - 125

Scarlatina - - - 128

Chap. XXVIL— On Strangles - - - 129

Chap. XXVIII. — Chronic Diseases of tlie Air-passages - 131

Chronic Cough - - - 131

Broken Wind - - - 133

Thick Wind - - - 135

Chap. XXIX. — Roaring — its Natm-e, Causes, and Varieties 136

Chap. XXX. — Diseases of the Diaphragm and the Heart - 141

Chap. XXXI. — Diseases of the Stomach and Bowels - 143

Inflammation of the Stomach, Gaslritis - 143

Cancer of the Stomach - - 145

Loss of Appetite - . . 145

Voracious and depraved Appetite - 147

Chap. XXXII. — Stomach Staggers — Palsy of the Stomach 149

Chap. XXXIII. — Diseases of the Bowels - - 160

Inflammation of the Bowels, Enteritis, Peri-
tonitis, &c. - - -160
Diarrhoea - _ - 162
Dysentery, Molten Grease - - 163

Chap. XXXIV. — Diseases of the Bowels, &c. - - 164

Colic, Fret, Gripes - - 164

Ruptures of the Stomach and Bowels - 168

Stones in the Intestines - . jgg

Strangulation of the Bowels - - 170

Intus-susception - - - 172

Crib-biting - - - 173

Chap. XXXV. — Worms - . . 174.

Chap. XXXVI. — Diseases of the Liver - . 273

Hepatitis, or Acute Inflammation of the Liver - 179

Chronic ditto .. ] gg

Decayed Structure of . - 181

IlepatirrlicBa - . - 184

XXIV

CONTENTS.

Page

Chap. XXX VII. — Diseases of the Kidneys - - 186

Inflammation of (Nephritis) - - 186

Hffimaturia, or Bloody Urine - - 187

Chap. XXXVIII. — Diseases of the Bladder - - 188

Inflammation of (Cystitis) - - 188
Retention of Urine - - 1 89
Calculi in the Bladder - - 191
Operations for Calculi in the Bladder (Litho-
tomy) - - - 192
Diabetes - - - 195

Chap. XXXIX. — Diseases of the Mouth - - 195

Lampas, Bags, Ulcers in the Moutli, lacerated

Tongue, Quidding - - 196

Obstructions in the Oesophagus - . 200

Chap. XL. — Acute and Chronic Rheumatism - - 201

Chap. XLI. — Epizootic or Epidemic Diseases - - 205

Influenza - - - 206

Chap. XLII. — Glanders, &c. - - - 214

Farcy - - . - - 232

Chap. XLIII. — Anasarca, &c. . - - 234?

Swelled Legs - - - 235

Weed — Chapped Heels - - 237

Grease ... 238

Bursautee ... 239

Chap. XLIV The Structure and Diseases of the Skin - 210

Surfeit - - - 241

Hide-bound - - - 242

Mange - - - 242

Mallenders and Sallenders - - 244

Crown Scab and Rat Tails - - 245

Chap. XLV Warts — Wens — Encysted Tumours - 245

Melanosis ... 246

Chap. XL VI. — The Structure and Functions of the Eye - 248

On Vision - - - 256

Chap. XL VII. — Diseases of the Eye - - 258

Simple Ophthalmia - - 258

Specific Ophthalmia - " 259

Cataract - " " 2G2

Amaurosis, or Gutta Serena - - 264

CONTENTS.

XXV

Page

Chap. XLVIII. — On Lameness from Strains - - 265

Shoulder Strain . - - 266

Strains of the Knee Joint - - 268

A Description of tlie Tendons, &c. of the Leg - 268

Strain of the Flexor Tendons, or Back Sinews - 271

Strain of the Fetlock Joint - - 271

Breaking Down « - - - 272

Strain of the Suspensory Ligaments - 272

Windgalls ... 273

Strain of the Coffin Joint - - 273

Strain of the Loins - - . 274

Strain of the Hip Joint - - 274

Strain of the Stifle - - - 275

Dislocation of the Patella - . 275

Chap. XLIX. — Exostosis - - _ 276

Splints - - - 276

Periosteotomy - . . 276

Ringbone . - - 278

Ossification of the Lateral Cartilages . 279

CiiAP. L. — Structure and Diseases of the Hock Joint - 280

Strain of the Ligaments, &c. - . 281

Bone Spavin ... 282

Bog Spavin - . - 283

Thorough-pins - . . 284

Curb - . . - 285

Chap. LI. — Wounds, Bruises, Abscess, &c. - - 285

Wounds of various Parts and Cavities - . 285

An Abscess - . _ 288

Serous Abscess, Capped Hocks, Capulets . 288

Injuries of Bones - . . 289

Wounds of the Abdomen _ . 290

Broken Knees - _ - 291

Opened Joints - _ 292

Saddle Galls, &c. . . _ 393

Fistula of the Withers - . 904

Poll Evil . ^ _

Chap. LII. — On Fractures . - . 297

Chap. LIIL— On the Structure and Economy of the Foot - 298

Chap. LIV. — On Shoeing and the Management of the Feet 306

Chap. LV. —Injuries connected with Shoeing, and Wounds

of the Foot - . _ gjg

Punctured Wounds of the Foot . qn,

Bruises of the Foot - . "

Cutting - ' „o

Over-reachmg - . '

Halter Cast - . ' „„„

b

326

XX vi

CONTENTS.

Chap. LVI. — Diseases of the Foot
Corns -

Sand Crack — False Quarter

Quittor

Thrush

Canker

Laminitis, or Founder

Chronic Lameness. — Contracted

The Navicular Joint Disease

Chap. LVII. — Operations, &c.

Bleeding
Inflamed Vein
Physic -
Clysters
Blisters
Rowels
Setons -

Chap. L VIII. — Operations - - . 350

Casting, or Throwing - - _ 350

Common Hobbles - - . 350

Improved Hobbles, &c. - - 351

Firing - - - - 355

Nicking - - . 357

Docking - - . 353

The Nerve Operation - - . 353

Castration - - - 365

by Caustic Clams - . 3gg

by Ligature - . 358

by Torsion - - . 359

On Hernia, or Ruptures - . 370

Chap. LIX. — The Structure of the Teeth, and the Method

of judging the Age - _ 374

Chap. LX. — Hints to the Purchasers of Horses - - 379

Warranty - _ 339

Soundness - - - 390

Heels

Page
327

327
328
329
330
331
333
336
338

- 340

340
344
345
347
347
348
349

PART IV.

MATERIA MEDICA AND PHARMACOPCEIA.

Introduction .... 394.

Weights and Measures - . _ 396

Materia Medica and Pharmacopceia - - - 399

xxvii

LIST OF ENGRAVINGS.

No- Page

1. A coloured Engraving of a perpendicular Section of the Foot

anfl Leg, showing their internal Structure - Frontispiece,

'2. Improved Rack and Manger - - .3

3. The Skeleton - - _ - 22

4. The Stomach and Duodenum cut open - - 65

5. The Intestines - - . - 66

6. Read's Vapour Inhaler ' - . _ jg^

7. The healthy Larynx ' - . - 138
Roaring produced by —

8. Curvature of the Larynx - - - 138

9. Contracted Windpipe - - - 139

10. Diseased Larynx - . - 139

11. Absorption of the Muscles _ . 139

12. Strangulation of the small Intestines - - 171

13. of the Rectum - .. - 171
of the Ileum and Colon - _ 171

15. Intus-susception of the small Intestines into the C«cum - 172

16. Strangulation by Means of a fatty Tumour - . 172

1 7. Fig. 1 . The Eye with expanded Pupil - . 253

18. Fig. 2. with contracted Pupil

19. Fig. 3. with partial Cataract

20. Fig. 4. with complete Cataract - _ ^^.j,

21. The Tendons, &c. of the Leg - - . 270

22. Periosteotomy Knife • - . . 277

23. Fig. 1. The Foot with the Crust removed - - 300

24. Fig. 2. The Bottom of the sensible Foot - . 300

II' 5^" ^'^^ ^'^"es of" the Foot and Pastern 301

26. Fig. 4. Back View of ditto - . - 301

27. 'Fig. 5. Back View of the Pastern and Fetlock, showing the

Flexor Sinews - . „ 3Q2

28. Fig. 6. Back View of the Pastern and Fetlock, with the

Sinews removed - . qno

29. Fig. 1. The Bottom of the Foot - ' fJ,

30. Fig. 2. The French Shoe - . ^ WcVr

31. Fig. 3. The French Shoe on the Foot -

32. Fig. 1. The English Shoe

33. Fig. 2. A hinged Shoe - .

34. The Bar Shoe - . . WTc

35. Fig. 1. Mr. Turner's unilateral Shoe - " flf

36. Fig. 2. Mr. Turner's unilateral Shoe modified - .

253
254
254

307
312

xxviii

LIST OF ENGRAVINGS.

No. ' Page

37. Fig. 1. Side View of a Sound Foot - - 33.5

38. Fig. 2. Side View of a Pumice Foot - - 335

39. Fig. 3. Side View of a Foot too upright - - 335

40. Fig. 1 . A healtliy Foot in an unpared State - - 336

41. Fig. 2. A contracted Foot . - - - 336

42. Lancets - - - - 340

43. An improved Fleam _ - . 34.0

44. A Seton Needle - - - - 349

45. Frog Seton Needle - - - 349

46. Improved Slide Seton Needle of great Extent - 349
47.. Figure of a Horse, showing the Mode of fixing the Hobbles;

also the Seat of several Diseases, and the different Me-
thods of firing - - - - 350

48. Improved Hobbles - - - - 352

49. Docking Knife . - - - 358

50. The Nerve Operation, showing both the upper and lower

Section - - - - 359

51. Nerving Knife . . - _ 364

52. New Nerving Knife - - 364

53. Clam for castrating - - - 366

54. Clam, with Regulating Screw .... 366

55. Bistouri Cache - - - - 371

56. The lower Incisor Teeth, showing the Changes effected by

Age ; also the internal Structure and several Sections of

a young permanent Tooth - - - 377

ERRATA.

Page 65 , in the description of the cut, read " duodenum " instead of " liver."
Page 253., in the description of the cuts, for " left " read « right," and for " ng).t "
read " left."

A

TREATISE

ON

VETERINARY MEDICINE.

PART I.

THE ECONOMY OF THE STABLE.

INTRODUCTION.

As the preservation of the horse's health is an object of the high-
est importance, I shall begin my treatise with some observations
on that subject. The most effectual method of accomplishing this
is to keep him in a wholesome stable, work him fairly, feed him
properly, and to observe all those attentions which, taken toge-
ther, and considered generally, are named grooming. Accord-
ing to this view of the subject, the first object of consideration is
the construction and arrangement of the stable.

CHAPTER I.

ON THE STABLE.

Loftiness is very desirable in a stable. It should never be less
than twelve feet high, which will admit of its being properly
ventilated, without the necessity of currents of cold air. The air,
by being breathed, becomes unfit for the purpose again, having
undergone a change in its constituent principles. This change
consists in the deprivation of a portion of its oxygen, which is
essential for the purpose of life, and the substitution in its stead
of carbonic acid gas, the inhalation of which would quickly
deprive an animal of existence. Fortunately the respired air,
from being heated, quickly ascends, whilst a supply of fresh
air enters the nostrils. The foul air, from this circumstance, does
not enter the lungs again, unless the pure air of the stable be
exhausted, or so diminished as to become mixed with that pre-
viously expired. Thus the partial deprivation of oxygen is

2

THE ECONOMY OF

productive of disease, and its total loss fatal to life. Ventilation
is necessary all the year round: in the winter, for supplying
pure air for the purpose of breathing in the place of that which
is impure and unfit; and in the summer, not only for this pur-
pose, but also to cool the stable as much as possible. Stables
should, therefore, be constructed to admit both these purposes —
in the summer to admit as much cool air as possible, and in the
winter sufficient for the purpose of purity, without rendering the
stable too cold, or occasioning draughts. It follows, however, that
if we can ensure our end in cold weathei-, we can readily do so
in hot weather, by means of the doors and windows. The
heated foul air may be allowed to escape by means of a chimney,
or square opening in the ceiling, communicating with the open
ail', or it may be made in the form of a dome or cupola, which
would be more ornamental. The chimney need not be open at
the top, so as to admit the rain, but should be roofed, and have
lateral openings by means of weather-boards, as they are termed.
A still better plan is, by having smaller openings over each
stall, any of which may be closed when the horse is absent. The
admission of pure air is likewise to be provided for : if allowed
to come in at the windows, there will be a great draught on the
horse's hind quarters, where it is least required. The best plan
is to admit it towards the animal's head, by means of a pipe or
wooden box having a number of perforations, so that there may
be no sudden draught in any direction. Cold air should not be
allowed to enter the stable door or near the horse's heels, as this
is very likely to produce grease, or chapped heels. — Ed.]

A stable, when properly paved, and kept moderately clean, re-
quires only a shallow wide gutter, twelve inches wide, and one
inch deep. The best floor for a stable, by far, is hard brick ;
and, next to that, limestone, not less than one foot square. I
have seen a stable belonging to Mr. Lovell of Wells, that is thus
paved, but with wider stones, and so chipped as to have nume-
rous small furrows, all of them tending towards the centre and
back part, and I never before saw so clean or so nice a stable,
except one belonging to Mr. Atkinson, at Cheddington, and that,
I think, was superior to any I ever met with, especially in its
interior arrangement. The floor of the stall should never incline
more than one inch in a yard, and the inclination should be con-
tinued back to the gutter only. Some litter should always be
allowed for a horse to stale upon, which should be swept away
as often as is necessary. This, with a pail or two of water thrown
upon the flooi-, and swept off" while the horse is at exercise, will
keep the stable perfectly clean, and free from offensive smells.
This plan can be further insured, and the litter saved, by means
of small gratings, nine inches by four, placed in the middle ot the
stall for horses, and at the back part for mares, covering a small

THE STABLE.

3

underground drain, which may be made to communicate with
the dung-heap or cess-pool. The depth of a stable should not
be less than eighteen feet, nor the height, as I observed before,
less than twelve. The width of a stall should not be less than
six feet clear. But, when there is sufficient room, it is a much
better plan to allow each horse a space of ten or twelve feet,
where he may loose and exercise himself a little. This will be
an effectual means of avoiding swollen heels, and a great relief
to horses that are worked hard. With respect to the rack and
manger, I have given a plate of one which I have seen employed
in a waggon-stable with the best effect. It is intended for two
horses; for horses when a little accustomed to each other, and
working together, will always agree well when kept in the same
stall, especially when they have, as is the case here, separate man-
gers, and are prevented by their halters from interfering with
each other's corn. The space for two horses is twelve feet. The
mangers and rack are all on a level, and about three feet from
the ground. The manger should never be less than eighteen
inches deep, eighteen inches from the front to the back part,
and two feet in length. The rack should be four feet for one
horse ; for though the cut represents a stall for two horses, the

A, The rack. ring and plug : the left-hand D shows

BB, Tlie mangers. the head-stall, its reins heing drawn

CC, The sides of the stall. between two rollers by invisible pul-

DD. Tlie right-hand D represents the leys; an improved plan, by which the

end of the halter, with the common danger of casting is avoided.

same kind of contrivance is equally or better adapted for one
and that is what I am now describing. The rack is represented
with staves in the front, like a common rack, but this is not
necessary ; indeed, it is better to have it closed in front. The
back part of the rack should be an inclined plane, made of wood •

B 2 '

4

THE ECONOMY OF

should be gradually sloped towards the front, and should termi-
nate about two feet down. Sucli a rack will hold more hay than
ever ought to be put before one horse. 'J'he advantages of this
rack are numerous. In the first place, the hay is easily put into
it, and renders a hay-loft over the stable unnecessary ; and this
may be an inducement to the builder to make the stable as lofty
as it ought to be, and render other ventilation unnecessary. All
the hay that is put into this manger will be eaten ; but in the
common rack it is well known that a large portion of the hay is
often pulled down upon the litter and trodden upon, whereby a
considerable quantity is often wasted. It prevents the bay-seeds
or dust from falling upon the horse, or into his eyes; and what
is of considerable importance, though seldom attended to, there
will be an inducement to the groom to give the horse hay in
small quantities at a time, and frequently, from the little trouble
which attends putting it into the rack. The saving in hay that
may be effected by the use of this rack is so apparent tliat it
need not be dwelt upon. Some mischievous horses will throw
out the hay with their noses : but this may be effectually prevented
by one or two cross bars — that is, crossing the upper part of
the crib from the back to the front. * A great saving, also,
may be made in oats by so fastening the horse's head during the
time of feeding that he cannot throw any of them out of the
manger.f If a horse is allowed a peck of oats a day, and has, as

* Mr. Staccy, lately groom of the stables of the Earl of Derby, produced
some models of" his newly invented and improved racks and mangers before
the Veterinary Medical Association. A wooden partition is erected at the
head of each stall, reaching from the pavement to nearly or quite the ceiling,
and with a closed lateral division, or floor, a little above the height at which
the top of the manger would be placed. The partition is divided by this floor
into two compartments, one above the other. The upper one is designed to
receive the hay for each feeding, which is introduced by means of a circular
aperture in the upper part of the front, and which a sliding door immediately
closes. Below this is another opening, square or circular, or of any form that
the owner pleases, containing round upright staves, constituting a rack, and
against which the hay introduced at the upper opening lodges. Moveable
slides may be drawn before this aperture also.

Under the rack are three parallel drawers, each of which may be pulled out
or returned at pleasure. The central one is the manger ; that on the near
side may hold a mash or gruel, while the one on the off side, by means of a
cock projecting from the back, and communicating by means of a pipe with the
pump or reservoir, supplies the horse with water.

In the central drawer, or manger, green meat may be placed ; and then there
are some iron bars which run across it, thus preventing the forage from being
drawn out in too large quantities, and consequently wasted. This constitutes
a very good soil-rack or manger. The space under the rack has likewise
sliding doors to it, and here the straw and litter may be kept. The situation
of the rings to which the halter is attached may be varied at pleasure. ( Vele-
rinarifin, vol. 12. p. 193.) — En.]

•j- This may be effected by a cross-bar six or eight inches from each side.
— Ed.]

THE STABLE.

he may have, one eighth part thus saved, it will amount to nearly
a peck m a week. There must not, however, be a diminution
m the horse's allowance on this account, if my advice with
respect to feeding be followed. This kind of rack and manger,
from benig boarded up in front, will effectually prevent the litter
from bemg kept constantly under tiie horse's head and eyes, by
which he IS compelled to breathe the vapours which arise from
It. 1 he length of the halter should be only four feet from the
head-stall to the rmg through which it passes : this will admit of
his lying down with ease, and that is all which is required. The
rmg should be placed close to that side where the manner is
and not in the centre of the stall. The sides of the stall sliould
be sufficiently high and deep, to prevent horses from bitincr and
kicking each other. In post and waggon stables, where the stall
IS made for a pair of horses, the manger will be placed at each
end, as described in the plate, and the hay-crib in the centre.*
Ihe window of the stable should be at the south-east end,
and the door at the opposite end. The window should be as
high as the ceiling will admit of, and in size proportioned to that
ot the stable. In one of twelve feet high, it need not come down
more than five feet, and will then be seven feet from the ground,
and out of the way of being broken. The frame of the window
should be moveable upon a pivot in the centre, and opened bv
means of a cord running over a pulley in the ceiling, and fas-
tened by means of another cord. It is a good plan to have two
doors, or to have the common door divided transversely, about
four or five feet from the ground; the upper part may then be
occasionally left open. Where much light is admitted,' the walls
of the stable should not be white, but of a stucco or lead colour
and better if painted; for then they may always be washed clean

Tnd tbtT"M?'T ^"^^-^^ stalls, rack, and .manger;
and this should be done once in two or three weeks, or a m?nth
at furthest. If the walls are boarded up to the height of about

wall wll , [ extremely neat, and the under part of the
wall will be kept drier, and look more comfortable. A stable,
may be lighted by means of an Argand lamp suspended from
the celling, and moveable. This will give a far better lio-htrS
cheaper, and more secure than any other contrivance whatever
excep gas-hght, and, if properly trimmed, will burn without a
particle of smoke. Instead of having a large corn-chest in he
stable, a handsome seat may be made at the back of the stable
extending as far as may be necessary: in this there mav be par '
titions to separate the beans, or the bran, and place/ may be

is i^i^^ fhrhSL'ritf °" -^^>es.

B 3

6

THE ECONOMY OF THE STABLE.

made to rest the arms upon, so that a gentleman may sit down
comfortably in his stable, and see his horses taken care of. A
stable thus constructed will be found conducive to the health
and the comfort of horses, and will afford an inducement to the
groom to attend to every little circumstance which may con-
tribute to cleanliness. He will not allow the smallest bit of
duno- to remain swept up at one end of the stable, as it com-
monly is. The pails should be kept outside, and not standing
about the stable, as they commonly are. If it is necessary to
take off the chill from water, it is much better, and more easily
done, by the addition of a little hot water, than by suffering it
to stand in the stable ; and while the horses are at exercise, the
litter should be all turned out to dry, and the floor well washed
or swept out. A little fresh straw may then be placed for the
horses to stale upon. Litter thus dried during the day will
serve again as well as fresh straw for the bottom of the bed, and
be perfectly free from smell. The litter necessary to be kept
under a horse that he may stale with comfort, and without
splashing himself, is not considerable, and may be changed once
a day. A great saving may be made in litter by turning it out,
and drying it as I have described ; and if a shed were built ad-
joining a stable, it may be done at all times, and may serve also
to exercise and clean a horse in wet weather.

Neither dogs, fowls, nor goats should ever be permitted to
enter a stable * ; and dung should be kept at a distance from it.
In speaking of the arrangements of the stable, it may not be
amiss to notice what I consider a good contrivance in cleaning
horses ; that is, to have two straps, one on each side the stall,
about one yard from the head of it. By these the horse may
be fastened during the time he is cleaned, by which means he
will be eflPectually prevented from biting the manger or the
groom ; and being kept back in the stall, the groom will be
better able to clean the front of his fore legs, chest, and neck,
and be able to move round him : this is better than strapping
him to the rack. When the common rack and manger are pre-
ferred, the rack staves should be straight, and brought nearly
down to the manger, and this may easily be done without the
necessity of a hay-loft, and the manger may be made deep and
•wide, as I have described it.

• When a horse that has been accustomed to company is taken to a situ-
ation where only one horse is kept, the society of a goat may contribute to
his comfort, and make him more cheerful than he would otherwise be, and
cheerfulness is certainly conducive to health.

FEEDING.

7

CHAP. II.

FEEDING.

The best food foi' horses is oats and hay ; but it is of importance
that such only should be given as are of the best quality. Oats
that are musty, or that have any degree of bad smell, are not
eaten with that relish that good sweet oats are; therefore they
are not so perfectly digested, nor is the chyle that is formed from
them so pure ; hence arise indigestion, foulness of blood, loose-
ness of the bowels, and general debility. This is more especially
the consequence when the hay also is bad. I have known a
serious loss sustained by a proprietor of post and coach horses,
from keeping a considerable stock of oats, and neglecting to turn
them. Many horses became glandered and farcied, apparently
in consequence of this circumstance. Beans, when broken or
bruised, may be an useful article of diet, joined with oats, for
horses whose work is constant and hard. I have been assured,
however, by some experienced coach and post masters, that
during the hot summer months it is better to discontinue the
beans. * Some horses, it is said, do not eat bruised oats with an
appetite ; in which case it is probable they do not digest them
quite so readily as those which are not bruised. And when we
consider that there is often a defect in the grinders, which causes
a horse to masticate slowly and imperfectly; that horses have
sometimes a voracious appetite, and swallow a considerable part
of their corn without chewing it; and as corn that is swallowed
unbroken is known to be indigestible ; the bruising of oats must
be considered as a matter of great importance, and may be the
means of saving a considerable quantity of that article.f Another
circumstance to be considered is, that when oats are taken into the
stomach unbroken, being indigestible, they cause a great deal of
useless exertion of the stomach in endeavouring to digest them.
This exertion is not only useless, but very injurious, gradually
weakening that important organ, and laying a foundation for
many diseases, especially that named flatulent colic, or gripes.

It is generally thought, and I have been of the same opinion,
that chalf, especially of clover, is an useful addition to oats, in

* Many large horse proprietors give green food in the summer instead of
hay, in which case beans should be given to counteract the tendency the grass
may have to produce scouring. Most horses eat green provender with avidity •
and if given with moderation, and with some portion of hay, it is found
very beneficial ; but if given too profusely, and particularly if just cut it is ant
to produce flatulent coHc— Ed.] ^

t Bruised oats are apt to produce diarrhoea, particularly if the animal is
worked hard; they should therefore be given with chaff and beans.— Ed 1

B 4

8

THE ECONOMY OF THE STABLE.

causing them to be perfectly masticated. It is also thought, that
if the horse's hay were given principally, or even wholly in the
form of chaff, it would be the means of a great saving of hay, as
well as of insuring a perfect mastication of the oats. There are
circumstances to be considered, however, which may make rather
against this opinion. * Horses certainly prefer eating hay from
the rack : and when it is good, and given four times a day in
small quantities, the horse will eat his allowance with avidity, or
with that appetite which will insure a perfect digestion and
assimilation of the food ; and so will it be with oats when they
are good, cleanly sifted, and given in small portions at a time ;
and if spread thinly on the bottom of a wide manger, there will
be no danger of his eating them too greedily. If he has any
sharp edges in his grinders which prevent him from masticating
properly, they must be rasped or filed, as will be described here-
after. Oats thus given, and not in excess, but duly proportioned
to the horse's work, will be perfectly masticated, digested, and
assimilated : the chyle formed from such a diet, and so dispensed,
will be pure, and consequently the blood will be so also. Now
let us contrast with this simple, wholesome, and economical
mode of feeding, that which is commonly adopted. The hay, in
the first place, is either of indifferent or bad quality, and given
in unlimited quantity. The oats are generally, perhaps, tolerably
good ; but sometimes they are indifferent, or even musty and
unwholesome : they are dispensed irregularly, and often in too
large quantities at a time, and so thrown int6 the manger that a.
horse may easily fill his mouth, and in such a way that he must

* Mr, Stewart, in his work on Stable Economy, after enumerating at length
the advantages and disadvantages of chafF-cutting, thus sums them up: —

" That, where the stablemen are careful, waste of fodder is diminished,
though not prevented.

" That, where the racks are good, careful stablemen may prevent nearly all
waste of fodder, without cutting it.

" That an accurate distribution of fodder is not a very important object.

" That no horse seems to like his corn the better for being mingled with
chaff.

" That, among half-starved horses, chaff-cutting promotes the consumption
of damaged fodder.

" That full-fed horses, rather than eat the mixture of sound and unsound,
will reject the whole, or eat less than their work demands.

" That chaff is more easily eaten than hay: that this is an advantage to old
horses, and others working all day ; a disadvantage when the horses stand
long in the stable.

" That chaff ensures complete mastication and deliberate ingestion of the
corn : tiiat it is of considerable and of most importance in this respect : that
all the fodder need not be mingled with the corn, one pound of chaff being
sufficient to ensure the mastication and slow ingestion of four pounds of corn.

" That the cost of cutting all the fodder, especially for heavy horses, is
repaid only where the liay is dear, and wasted in largo quantities.

" That, among hard-working horses, bail fodder should never be cut."— Eu.]

FEKDING.

9

of necessity swallow some of them unmasticated or unbroken.
This is more especially the case when two or more horses are
feeding together without a separation ; each of them is eager to
finish his allowance as quickly as possible, in order to rob his
neighbour ; and in doing this, however perfect his teeth may be,
he cannot avoid swallowing some of his corn without chewing it.

In the usual way of feeding and treating horses, no attention
is paid to the state of the stomach when they are put to work,
but frequently they are put into a chaise, or coach, or ridden off
at a quick rate with their stomachs loaded with food ; the conse-
quence of this has often been gripes, inflammation of the bow&ls,
and even sudden death. In the simple and economical mode of
feeding I recommend, the horse is always ready for his work,
digestion goes on rapidly, every particle of nutriment that is con-
tained in the food is extracted by the stomach without any in-
jurious exertion, and is converted into pure blood. But when
the stomach is loaded, as in the other case, even with good food,
digestion is always imperfect, and performed with difficulty; and
when the hay, as it often is, is bad, the consequence is still worse.
The stomach, by such management, is sure to become in time
more or less diseased ; and when this happens, a foundation is
laid for many diseases.

Thus, besides the additional expense of this imprudent method
of feeding, many disorders are engendered by it ; and, I may
safely add, that a horse so fed will not do his work half so well
as one that is fed properly. A horse whose work consists in
travelling a stage of twenty miles three times a week, or twelve
every day, should have one peck of good oats, and never more
than from eight to twelve pounds of good hay in twenty-four
hours. *

Hay, as it is often given, is too dry for mastication, and often
for digestion. For hay that has been suffered to stand until the
seed becomes ripe is very deficient in nutriment, and difficult of
digestion ; and however perfectly it may be masticated, will only
serve to oppress the stomach, without affording any thing that is
capable of being formed into good chyle. Hay that has been
kept more than one year becomes dry and deficient in nutriment,
especially when kept in small mows, and exposed to the wind.
When such hay, therefore, is given to horses, it requires to be
moistened with water, and given in moderate quantity.

The hay, as well as the corn, should, if possible, be divided

* In stating eight pounds as the daily allowance of food for a saddle-horse
his stomach is supposed to be in a heahhy state, and not stretched by iituiio-
deratc feeding. In this healthy state of the stomach the appetite is always
moderate, both for hay and for water. When the stomach has been accus-
tomed to a much larger allowance, the necessary reduction in the quantity of
hay should be gradual. ^ ^

10

THE ECONOMY OF TIIIC STABLE.

into four portions, and each portion, both of oats and hay, may
be wetted with water: this will facilitate mastication and swal-
lowing, and likewise digestion ; a horse thus fed will so quickly
digest that he will always be fit for his labour. The largest por-
tion, both of oats and hay, should be given at night; and the
next in quantity to this, early in the morning; the other two
portions in the forenoon and the afternoon, or about twelve and
four. But this must, of course, depend upon the kind of work
a horse is employed in, and must be regulated accordingly.
Horses that have been accustomed to an unlimited allowance of
hay will often eat their litter when put upon a proper diet, but
this must be prevented by a muzzle. It may require a little
time, when a stomach has been injured in this way, to restore it
again ; but, by persisting in the mode of feeding 1 have recom-
mended, it may almost always be accomplished. The injury
done to the stomach, by the common method of feeding, and
consequently to the animal's health or constitution, arises from
the distention of the stomach with food, and the large bowels
with excrement, which impedes respiration, and debilitates the
stomach, considered only as a muscular organ ; for digestion is
performed in the horse, not only by a juice secreted in the
stomach, but also by muscular contractions. When the stomach
is debilitated to a certain degi'ee, its secretion, the gastric juice,
becomes unhealthy and deficient, and is incapable of converting
the food into chyme, which is essential before the chyle can he
extracted from it.

In a state of nature, and even in his domesticated state, under
good management, the horse has a moderate and a very delicate
appetite, and is very nice in his choice, both of food and water.
I have seen a large stud of horses that were kept in the highest
condition on an allowance of eight pounds of hay in the day and
night, and five quartei'ns of corn. Horses so fed will not drink
much water, — perhaps from two to four gallons in the day and
night: while one that has acquired a voracious and depraved
appetite has been known to drink four pailfuls at a time, that
is, from twelve to sixteen gallons, and eat from thirty to forty
pounds of hay in a day and night. With such a load in the
stomach and bowels, what can be expected but an abridgment
of the animal's life and services to one third of the period to
which they might have been extended under proper manage-
ment? and his labour during this short period is often inter-
rupted by sickness.

The manner in which horses are commonly fed is apt to de-
prave or vitiate the appetite, and probably cause some degree of
acidity in the stomach and bowels. This is the only way in
which I can account for the propensity^ so common in horses to
drink muddy water, and eat earth or dirt of any kind. Mr.

TREATMENT OF HOUSES IN SUMMER.

11

Feron, in his " Treatise on Farriery," says, " Horses at camp
are very apt to eat earth or sand ; " and tliat he has " opened
horses that have died from this cause, and found nearly two
buckets of sand in the large bowels, named colon and caecum."
Whenever this propensity is observed in a horse, a small knob
of clay should be mixed with his water ; but this will only afford
a temporary relief : the propensity can only be cured by a mild
dose of physic, and a change of diet. Though horses are often
permitted to indulge this propensity because the groom or the
proprietor does not perceive any ill effect immediately resulting
from it; yet it is always, sooner or later, productive of ill conse-
quences. It may, indeed, neutralise some acidity in the stomach
and bowels, caused by immoderate or unwholesome feeding, and
thereby do a little good for some time ; but then it is only pro-
tracting a disorder for a short time, which such feeding is sure,
sooner or later, to bring on. Disorders of this kind may be very
slow in their accession and in their progress, and on that account
may escape notice for a considerable time, and when they do
appear are generally referred to some other cause. The same
may be observed of disorders produced by pond water impreg-
nated with excrement.

It is a very common opinion that the water an animal prefers
must be the best for him : and were its appetite consulted when
in a state of nature, this rule might be safely followed ; but as
horses are at present managed, it is generally necessary to choose
for them, with regard both to food and water.

CHAP. III.

ON THE TREATMENT OF HORSES IN SUMMER.

It is too much the practice in turning horses out in summer
to choose the richest pastures, as if the intention of giving them
this indulgence were to fatten them. Many inconveniences
result from this practice, and not unfrequently much injury is
done to the animal, and great difficulty found in getting him
into working condition when he is taken up. The best time for
turning out a horse is the latter end of May, or beginning of
June. High land is better than meadows, especially such as
adjoin rivers, or are otherwise wet. Short sweet pasture should
be chosen; it is better, indeed, to have it rather bare than abun-
dant, and if there should not be sufficient, some hay and oats
should be given. If the nights are cold he should be taken up
at night, and put into a__cool airy box, whei'e he should also be
kept during the day, when the weather is very hot and dry. A

12

THE ECONOMY OF THE STABLE.

small field or paddock is better tlian a large one ; and if there
is a stream of water or a pond in the field, and the horse has
been accustomed to drink immoderately, it should be fenced off,
and a moderate quantity given twice a day with a pail. A
modei-ate quantity of vetches riiay be given with advantage in
such a situation ; taking care not to give them soon after they
are cut, or with the dew .upon them. By keeping a horse in
this manner for a month or six weeks in the situation I have
described, he will receive all the benefit to be expected from a
run at grass, and avoid the inconvenience which so often results
from the method commonly pursued. Another important ad-
vantage will be obtained by it ; for when the horse is taken up
there will be no difficulty in getting him into good working
condition in a short time. If there is no convenience for
managing the horse as I have described, it will be better to soil
him with vetches or short sweet gi-ass in a large airy box for
about a month, than to turn him out in the manner generally
practised. In soiling, only a moderate quantity of green food
should be given at a time, and a small quantity of hay and oats
should also be allowed.

[The practice of soiling hunters in the stable during the
summer is strongly advocated by Nimrod, the celebrated sport-
ing writer, who forcibly argues, that the preservation of con-
dition, and a good state of the feet, and other benefits, will more
than repay the increased expense. There can, indeed, be no
doubt that the condition of the hunter is better preserved in the
winter by not allowing it to be lost in the summer; and it is
easier by this method to get a fine silky coat in the former
season. The only objection to Nim rod's system is the increased
expense incurred; its adoption must, therefore, in great measure,
depend on the value of the animal. — Ed. J

CHAP. IV.

EXERCISE. TRAINING.

Exercise must be considered under two heads : first, that
which is necessary to preserve the horse in health, and make
him capable of ordinary exertions, or moderate work; secondly,
that which makes him capable of extraordinary exertions, such
as hunting or racing. Exercise of the last kind is commonly
named training, which term, however, includes also the mode of
feeding necessary to raise the muscular power to the highest
degree it is capable of attaining. The horse was evidently de-
signed for exercise, and for the use of man. His vast muscular

EXERCISE. —TRAINING. 13

power, and the impenetrable defence attached to his feeL, were
certainly not given for his own use only. If kept in a stable,
without exercise, his muscular power declines, his digestive
organs become diseased, and so do the organs of respiration.
1 he hoofs grow, and there is no wear ; for the little that may
be worn off, merely by the pressure of his own weight when
standmg still, is prevented by the shoes. The toe being thus
elongated, the ba,ck sinews are often strained ; the foot becomes
hot and inflamed, its horny covering contracts ; the froo-s be-
come rotten, and incapable of performing the office for which
they were designed; in short, the whole body becomes diseased.
Exercise, then, it is evident, is essential to his health, and even
existence; and every part of his structure and economy appear
to demonstrate that he was intended for the service of man
His powers, however, are limited; and so should his exertions
be : but It is a fact, which must be regretted by all considerate
persons, that the immoderate work in which he is often em-
ployed, so far from being salutary, or proportionate to his
T^"i?u i^.ndoubtedly it was designed by his Creator that it
should be, is injurious, and even destructive in a very consider-
able degree. And what greatly aggravates the mischief is, the
early and premature age at which he is commonly employed

When a horse is brought in for training, after having been
kept in the manner described in the preceding chapter, he
should be fed with hay and oats; and if greedy of water or hay,
or if he appears inclined to eat his litter, he should be limited in
hay and water, and be muzzled the last thing at night. For
thefirst week he should have walking and gentle trotting ex-
ercise for an hour or two every morning. The stable should be
kept clean and cool. The second week his exercise may be
increased a little and so may his oats. Should he appear,
however, rather dull, the membrane of his eyes rather r^ed ^

^nHTh,- ""^ the dung hai'd, in small knobs,

and shining or s hmy, it will be advisable to bleed moderately

bv J" 'T °'Pu'^"^' ^^''^ ^h-^d be prepSd

by giving two or three bran mashes a day for two days. The

Zlt:t ir moderately, and if wLted for

hunting, he should be put into a canter or hand-gallop once a
day; and after this it will be necessary to increase his pace
twice or three times a week, so as to make him sweat fredy
taking care that he is walked for some time afterward, that he
may become rather cool before he returns to the stable, when
he must be well dressed, fed, and watered, have a good beS
placed under h.m, and be left to his repose. When a horse has
been brought up from rich pasture he is generally loaded w tl
fat and requn-es a great deal of walking exercise rd carl
reeding. He may be trotted gently, however, after it e nd

14

THE ECONOMY OF THE STABLE.

week, but will not be for a quicker pace for a month at least.
During this time he should have two or three doses of mild
physic, and when first taken up, such liorses sometimes require
to be bled. When a horse is not taken up till the latter end of
July or beginning of August, he has often a troublesome cough,
which sometimes proves incurable ; and sometimes dropsical
swellings of the hind legs, which are not easily removed. Such
horses give a great deal of trouble, and it is a considerable time
before they can be got into condition. It must be obvious, that
when a horse is taken in for training, the treatment to be adopted
must depend upon the state of the horse's condition at the time,
and the manner in which he has been previously kept; and,
whether he is wanted for hunting or racing, the principle to be
kept in view during the process is to keep him in a state of
health, and gradually raise his muscular power and wind to that
degree which may be necessary for the work he is to be em-
ployed in. This can be done only by proper exercise and
feeding, giving, however, a little mild physic when necessary.

[Although there is little mystery required in getting horses
into good condition, considerable care and constant attention
are necessary. To give bulk and strength to the muscles, a
good supply of nutritious food is required ; but in order that this
should not produce superfluous fat as well as flesh, plenty of
exercise and occasional sweating is necessary.

A fine glossy coat is next essential, which can only be ob-
tained by heat, assisted by plenty of grooming and hand-rubbing.
The stable must be kept moderately warm, but it must be borne
in mind that though warm air is useful, foul air is injurious :
ventilation, therefore, must not be neglected. The necessary
heat to produce a fine coat must be principally obtained by an
abundance of clothing. Warm cordials and stimulants will
assist in producing a glossy coat, though it is better, if possible,
to avoid them : this is owing to the intimate sympathy between
the skin and the stomach. , v i j

Since the former editions of this work were published, the
practice of clipping and singeing has been introduced, and, it
must be confessed, with considerable advantage. Where a fine
coat can be obtained by the means before mentioned, clipping is
not required ; but many horses will carry a long thick coat in
the winter, in spite of all grooming, and in others, it is impos-
sible to bestow the necessary attention and expense required.
In these cases, by removing the coat with the scissors, the horse
that before could not travel a mile without sweating, can now
perform a journey with neither inconvenience nor loss ot con-
dition ; and when he comes home he can be cleaned in the course
of an hour, instead of remaining wet all the night. 1 wo things,
however, must be borne in mind. The horse must have ad-

MANAGING A HORSE ON A JOUUNEY.

15

ditional clothing to supply that which is removed, and care
must be taken that he does not stand still when without it, as,
of course, he is more likely to take cold from this cause than
before. The fact is, the horse must have a temporary coat
instead of a permanent one, one that can be removed when at
work and supplied when at rest.

The advantages of clipping are unquestionable; many horses
can thereby be kept in condition throughout the winter that
cannot by any other method.

The chief diiFerence between singeing and clipping is, that
by the former the hair is removed more completely; by the
latter, it can be done several times during the season. — Ed.]

DIRECTIONS FOR MANAGING A HORSE DURING A JOURNEY.

Previously to setting off on a journey the horse should be
brought into good condition by being worked out for two hours
every morning, and fed as I have directed in the chapters on
feeding and exercise. The feet should be carefully attended to,
and if they are dry and brittle, the soles should be stopped a few
days with cow-dung, then pared rather thin, and for about a
week before he begins his journey the feet should be kept
stopped with tar ointment, which is then much better than clay
or cow-dung, and in the course of a week will considerably im-
prove the quality of the horn, and tend in a considerable degree
to cool the feet. This ointment is of great use, also, about'' the
heels of the frog and coronet, especially when they are dry and
cracky. A horse had better be new shoed about the same
time; for when it is done just before he sets off, the shoe may
not fit exactly, or a nail may be driven too close, and the horse
be found lame in consequence during the first or second stage.
The saddle or harness should be carefully examined, as mudi
inconvenience sometimes arises during a journey from saddle or
harness galls. The most important thing to be attended to
during a journey is the method of feeding, as, by improper
management in this respect, not only great inconvenience and
delay often arise, but sometimes the most serious diseases are
the consequence. The hay should be examined, and the best that
can be obtained should be given. It is usual not to limit the horse
in hay; but leave that part of his diet entirely to the discretion
of the ostler, who takes care to keep the rack full. If a horse
travels every day from ten to twenty miles, one peck and a half
of corn will not be too much for him, provided he has only
about 8 lbs. of hay, and the less hay he has the better; for by
distending the stomach a morbid appetite is produced, which
leads a horse to eat and drink much more than is proper for
hun, and this often proceeds to a depraved or voracious appetite,

16

THE ECONOMY OF THE STABLE.

which leads him to eat even his litter. While I was in practice
at Exeter, and attended the horses of commercial travellers, I
met with numerous cases of cough, broken wind, gripes, and
other diseases produced by this cause. So common, indeed, is
the practice of giving too much hay, that most horses have
a greater appetite than in the natural healthy state ; the ca-
pacity of the stomach having been increased by frequent dis-
tention, and the capacity of the lungs, or wind, not unfrequently
proportionably diminished. When a hoi'se comes in from a
stage, the feet should be picked out and examined the first thing ;
and the common practice of tying up a horse at a stable door,
and washing his legs, is not injurious if the horse is cool and has
been walked quietly in ; but he should never be taken to a river
to be washed. The horse should never be put in a hot close
stable, however comfortable it may appear, nor is a dark stable
desirable, unless a horse is very tired, and then, perhaps, he lies
down more readily. When there is no work for a horse, he
should always be taken out and have one hour's exercise, at least,
early in the morning; he may then have his full feed without
injury, and be perfectly fit for the work he is wanted for; but
when this cannot be done, especially for two or three days, he
should have less corn and some cold mashes. These few hints
will, perhaps, be acceptable to the young traveller; and if any
disease or accident happens during the journey, he will find it
noticed in this volume.

17

PART II.

THE STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

CHAP. V.

A GENERAL VIEW OF THE STRUCTURE OF THE HORSE.

[Animal bodies difFer from those of vegetables chiefly in the
possession of sensation and voluntary motion. Whilst the
vegetable is confined to the soil in which it is located, and
derives its subsistence from the surrounding elements, animals
have the power of moving from place to place, and of gratify in
the various sensations with which they are endowed. The
structure of animals is, consequently, much more complicated
than that of vegetables ; but in proportion as an animal is low in
the scale of creation — as it approaches a state of vegetable
existence — we find its structure more simple — its sensations
tewer, but its vitality greater.

In the horse we have a high degree of organization, and
consequently a vast variety of complex structures.
_ The body is composed of solids and fluids; the latter exceed-
ing the former in weight in the proportion of six or eight to
one. lo the solids, however, is owing the organization of the
irame; tor they surround and contain the fluids. Late anato-
mists consider that animals are composed of three forms of tissues
which they have denominated the fibrous, the lamellar, and the
gk,bular The two former are exemplified in the structure of
the ceZ/«Z«r substance, which composes the greatest portion of
the animal fabric : the fibrous is characteristic of the muscular
and ligamejitous structures: the fibrous, united with the granular,

nhSn f?/^'" g'^"^^' in the medullar;

substance of the nervous system; and the globular is shown in

he composition of the chyle, the blood, and several of the secre-
tions. Ihese several textures being combined together in dif-
ferent proportions, we have the various organs of which the bodv
is composed. ->

To give support to the animal frame, and afford fixed obiects
tor the attachment of various parts, is the use of the skeleton
which IS composed in the horse of nearly two hundred bones of
various sizes and shapes. These bones, in order to admit of
motion are connected one to another by means of strong bands
called ligaments; the ends of the bones being constructed in

IB

STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

various ways, so as to admit of motion : in many we have the
form of a liinge; in others that of a ball and socket.

The motion of the limbs is effected by means of the muscles
or flesh, which, although to a casual observer appearing as a
homogeneous mass, is readily separable into a greater number of
distinct bodies of various forms and sizes. These muscles have
commonly two separate attachments, which are usually bones,
and, by contracting in length, they bring these points of attach-
ment nearer to each other. Muscles are composed of a vast
number of fibres, which, on being acted on by nervous influence,
diminish in length and increase in bulk, and thereby approxi-
mate the different objects to which they are attached. They are
usually fastened to bones by means of a strong white substance
called tendon, which, however, possesses in itself no power of
contraction, but merely communicates the contractile force to
the object to be acted on. Where the two objects of attachment
are distant from each other, the greater portion of the distance
is occupied by the tendons, the advantage of which is obtained
from their diminished size in proportion to their strength: thus
we find the legs of horses below the knee are light and slender,
from the absence of muscular and the substitution of tendinous
substance. The greater part of the muscles are voluntary, being
under the control of the mind; but some are involuntary, such
as the heart and tiie diaphragm.

Muscles are extensively supplied with vessels of various kinds,
such as arteries for their nourishment, and vehis for the return
of the blood after this purpose is effected. There are likewise
nerves, which not only furnish sensation, but also communicate to
them the mandates of the will.

These nerves proceed either from the brain or spinal cord,
which, therefore, may be considered as the fountain of sensation,
and the residence of the mind ; and thus sensation is first sent
from the extremities to the brain by the nerves, and then by
another set of nerves the will is conveyed to the muscles.

The brain is a soft pulpy substance contained within the head,
and the spinal cord is somewhat similar in appearance, and
extends from the brain to the tail, through a hole in the bones
which form the spinal column.

The body is divided into two principal cavities, the chest and
the abdomen ; and separated by a muscular partition called the
diaphragm. The former contains the lungs and heart, whose
uses are to purify and distribute the blood by means of respiration
and the circulation; and the latter contains the stomach and
bowels, in which the functions of digestion are carried on, besides
several important glands, such as the liver, kidney, and pancreas,
togetiier widi other supplementary parts.

The food having been well triturated by the teeth, and mixed

sTnucTunE and economy of the horse. 19

with a sufficient quantity of saliva, which is chiefly secreted by the
parotid glands at the root of the ear, is then conveyed into the
stomach by means of a long muscular tube which passes through
the cavity of the chest. Jn the stomach the food is acted on
by a peculiar fluid called the gastric juice, and is then passed
mto the small intestines, where the chyme, as the food is then
called, becomes mixed with the bile, a yellow fluid secreted by
the liver. Both the small and large intestines are fastened to
the spine by means of a strong membrane called the mesentery,
which, besides veins and arteries, are furnished with a vast
number of small vessels called lacteals. These lacteals open into
the intestines, and there absorb the nutritious part of the food
which IS a white milky fluid, the chyle, and convey it to a vesse!
running along the course of the spine, which empties itself near
the heart into the circu atory system. Thus by these means the
blood becomes enriched with nutriment, and is thus enabled to
supply the constant waste the system is continually undergoing.
1 he blood being furnished with nutriment, requires to be

fZ ft Z -i ^' f '-^"^^t^"" = for this purpose it passes
into the right side of the heart, by the muscukr contraction of
which It is sent to the lungs, where it becomes exposed to the
action of the atmosphere, by which it is changed from a dark to

being freed from impurities, it enters the
left side of the heart, and from thence is sent, by means of the
arteries, to all parts of the body, supplying every part w th
nourishment, and also the various glanSs ^of ?he bodyC oTy
with their own proper nourishment, but with mateHel for the
secretion of their peculiar fluids. Thus, the salivary glands
separate the saliva from the blood; the pancreas a iuice some!
Trine " E ^h^ /esticles the semen f and the Sidneys X
The .'irin^ f separates Its peculiar fluid and no other.
Ihe uune, being secreted by the kidneys, is conveyed by means

cttTd C"th:VoT/ "'^^ ^« -

from thpl'vl' "^"^•'^ht! ^^P^r^t'^s t^^e bile

horn the dark impure blood, which is conveyed to it by a large

The contents of the bowels are passed onwards by the influence
of their peculiar action, and having had the nutritious nart ex
tracted, are excreted from the bod/generally in a Lhd Form.

Ihe cellular membrane is a very elastic substance, and enters
con^position of the body ; it connects the various
glands together; forms frequently a covering for the muscles as
well as for various vessels, and exists in the form of ceTirwhi 'h
have communication with each other. '

The adipose membrane is found in various parts of the bodv
and, indeed, secretes the fat, which is deposited in a liquid form

20

STRUCTURE AND FXONOMY OF THE HORSE.

and in small circumscribed bags. The fat thus contained often
performs the iiTiportant office of affording a cushion for parts
that would otherwise be exposed to injury ; thus we find that the
socket of the eye is abundantly furnished with this material.

There are two other important membranes which are exten-
sively found in animal bodies ; they are the serous and mucous
membranes. Whenever an internal part has an external open-
ing, we find that it is furnished with a mucous membrane, which
seci-etes mucus for its protection ; but when the cavity has no
external opening, that it is lined with a serous membrane,
which secretes a thin watery fluid to lubricate the parts, and
preserve them from injury by friction. Thus from the entrance
of the mouth and nostrils to the anus, throughout the whole in-
ternal surface of the bowels, a mucous membrane exists, by which
the fluid is secreted, the nature of which gives a name to the
membrane, and which protects it from injury either by the
external air, or by the contents of the bowels. In like manner,
we find the bladder and urinary organs similarly lined.

On tlie other hand, the cavity of the chest and the abdomen,
with their contents, as well as the internal surface of blood-
vessels, are furnished with a serous membrane, which secretes a
watery vapour.

These different membranes are very frequently the seat of
disease, and are subject to severe and dangerous inflammations.

The admirable manner in which the various organs are packed
away in their proper cavities is worthy of particular notice.
The lungs and the heart are so adapted to the shape of the
chest, that there is at no time any vacant spot; and the more
numerous contents of the bowels are so disposed, that while each
has sufficient freedom for the proper performance of its functions,
yet the whole are packed away with the most economical care : —
there is no void to be found.

From this cursory view of the matter, it will be seen how-
numerous and complicated are the structures which compose
the frame of an animal, and yet how admirably they are com-
bined together and harmoniously agree. — Ed.J

CHAP. VI.

ON THE SKELETON.

[The skeleton of animal bodies is formed of bone, a substance
possessing firmness and stability for the attachment of muscles,
the protection of the vital organs, and the support of the softer
parts. It is composed of animal matter and earthy salts ; the

THE SKELETON. gt

former consisting of cartilage, gelatine, and fat or marrow, and
tlie latter of phosphate of lime in considerable proportion, a lesser
quantity of carbonate of lime, and a small portion of other salts.
The cartilage of bones is formed before the earthy matter, and
constitutes in fact the nidus in which the latter is deposited.
Bones can be freed from their earthy portion by immersion in
an acid, by which process the gelatine is also dissolved, and pure
cartilage is left, which is elastic, but retains the original figure of
the bone. On the other hand, bones by exposure to a great
heat are deprived of the animal substances, and the earthy part
remains.

The use of the marrow is more particularly to prevent the too
great dryness and brittleness of bones. To the animal portion
of their composition are they, therefore, indebted for their shape
and what degree of elasticity they possess, and from the earthy
portion they derive the important purposes of strength and sta-
bility. Thus are these different elements combined to"-ether,
and by an union of their different principles form a substance
admirably adapted for affording full scope for the play of the
various organs of life, protecting at the same time the vital parts
from external injury, admitting and assisting the powers of
locomotion, and, in fine, forming a secure fabric for the beautiful
building of animal frames. Every bone is covered by a mem-
brane called the periosteum, which also lines the internal ca-
vities, and secretes the marrow : its use is to circumscribe the
form of bones, and protect them by its tenseness, as well as to
afford the medium whereby they are furnished with their vessels.
The shape of particular bones intimately corresponds to the
purpose for which they are intended : where for the office of pro-
tection, we find them flat, and where for the purpose of motion,
long and cylmdrical, as in the extremities. In the construction of
the skull the most perfect mechanism is displayed. The first object
to be obtained is the protection of the brain from the accidents
to which, from the peculiarities of animals, it is mostly exposed,
l^or this purpose the skull consists of two tables or plates; the
outer thick and tough, the inner hard and brittle : the former, by
yielding in a measure to resistance, diminishes concussion, whilst
the latter by its hardness prevents sharp bodies from penetratino-
to the brain. Now, if these two plates were reversed, the brittle
would not only be in great danger of fracture, but would also
vibrate considerably; and the injurious effect of this vibration
may well be conceived when we are told that, even with the pre-
sent wise precaution, it often occasions greater mischief than the
most serious fractures. Between the skull and the brain are
interposed several membranes, which also assist materially in
preventing vibration, just as a piece of parchment would inside a
rummer glass. The skull is composed in animals of upwards of

c 3

22

STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

thirty bones, which are connected together by a dovetailed
suture. It used to be considered that the object of this exten-

a The frontal bones.
h The parietal bones,
c The occipital bone.
d The temporal bones,
e The malar bones.
/ The superior maxillary bones.
g The nasal bones.
A The inferior maxillary bones.
i The posterior maxillary bones.
k The atlas, or first vertebra.
I The dentata, or second vertebra.
m The other five vertebrae.
n n n The dorsal vertebrae.
o The lumbar vertebrae.
■ p The sacral bone.
q The ossa coccygis, or bones of the
tail.

r r The haunch bones, or bones

the pelvis.
s s The ribs.

t The sternum, or breast bone,
w The scapula, or blade bone.
V The humerus, or shoulder bone,
w The radius, or fore arm.
jc The ulna, forming the elbow.

y The bones of the carpus, or knee.
z The metacarpus, or cannon bone.

1 The small metacarpal or splint bone.

2 The sessamoid bones at the back of
the fetlock joint.

3 The OS suffraginis, or large pastern.

4 The OS coronEB, or small pastern.

5 The OS pedis, or coffin bone.
The navicular bone is unseen.

6 The faemur, or thigh bone.

7 The patella, or knee-pan, situated in
front of the stifle joint.

8 Tlie tibia, or leg bone.

9 The OS calcis, forming the point of
the hock.

10 The astral agus, the principal bone of
the hock joint,
of 11 The small bones of the hock, the
seat of spavin.

12 The metatarsus, or cannon bone.

13 The small metatarsal or splint bone.
The other bones of the hind leg

correspond with those of the fore
extremity.

sive division of the bones was the convenience of ossification,
which always commences at the centre, but a more extended
view has discovered other wise purposes ; for not only is the
dovetailed suture the strongest mode of union, but it is also the
best adapted for securing the brain from injury, as it yields con-

THE SKELETON.

23

siderably to the impression received, and thus wards off both
concussion and vibration. There is an exception, however, to
this usual connection in the temporal bones, which form the sides
of the cranial cavity, and which ai'e connected to the other bones
by what is termed the squamous suture — one bone, in fact, simply
overlaps another. This union is inferior in strength to the
former; but nature has here another office to perform, and the
reason of this exception will at once be comprehended on
examining the skull. If a considerable blow be received on the
upper portion of the arch, its sides are the parts most likely to
give way ; and to guard against this consequence, the under bone
overlaps the upper, and thus acts like the tie-beam of an arch in
keeping the pai-ts together. This dovetailed suture does not
connect the bones of the inner table; for though a carpenter
might find this mode of union serviceable in joining the sides of
a wooden box, a workman would by no means find it applicable
in connecting together brittle substances, as it would be ex-
tremely liable to chip off at the edges.

The Cranial cavity, or that part which contains the brain, is
not more than a fourth the size of the other parts of the skull,
the remaining portions being devoted to mastication and smelling.
There are no less than nine bones which enter into the compo-
sition of the cranium. The two Frontal bones form the anterior
part, usually called the forehead ; but the internal plate of these
bones separates and recedes from the external plate so as to form
a cavity between them, which is called the frontal sinus, and is
divided by a septum or ridge of bone between them : the inter-
nal plate forms a covering for the anterior lobe of the cerebrum.

The two Parietal bones are situated at the upper and middle
parts of the cranium, and cover the middle lobes of the cere-
brum, to which their internal part closely corresponds. These
bones become closely united after the second or third year.

The Occipital, a single bone of great strength, is found at the
back and base of the cranium. Its internal surface covers the
cerebellum, and on a strong process at the base the medulla
oblongata rests. The external surface of this bone is extremely
irregular. At its upper part we find a crest or ridge of bone,
to which the cervical ligament is attached, as well as several
muscles of the neck. Below this is the occipital hole, through
which the spinal cord, as well as some nerves and an artery,
make their exit from the brain. On each side of this hole the
bone is smooth and rounded, for the purpose of articulatino- with
the atlas, the first bone of the neck ; besides which there are
several curious processes for the attachment of muscles. In the
foal this bone may be separated into four pieces.

The Temporal bones, forming the sides of the cranium, are
composed of two parts, the squamous and the petrous. Thouo-h in

c 4 "

24

-STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

man these pieces are united, yet in the horse they are distinct
from each other. Tlie squamous portion is externally a convex
plate, with a hooked projection arising from it; this process
assists in forming the zygomatic arch. The squamous portion
affords at the posterior part a shallow cavity for the articulation
of the lower jaw bone. This glenoid cavity, as it is termed, is
much deeper in carnivorous animals, who require to open their
jaws more extensively : and an inspection of this portion of the
skeleton alone will enable the comparative anatomist to decide
to what order the animal might have belonged. In herbivorous
races a grinding lateral motion of the jaws only is required, and,
accordingly, the articulation is wide and shallow. The zygo-
matic arch, too, is much more arched in the carnivora, in order
to afford more room for the development of the temporal muscle
which governs the jaws, than is required for the more moderate
exertions of herbivorous animals.

The petrous portion of the temporal bone, so called from its
rocky nature, is apparently a solid convex figui-e. It contains,
however, the organ of hearing, and has on its internal surface
orifices for the passage of the auditory nerve, and on the external
part we find a larger orifice for the passage of sound. The
internal structure of this bone is as beautiful as it is curious;
possessing vestibules and canals for the ramification of the nerve,
and a singular cavit}' having a communication with the mouth,
in which are discovered four diminutive boneSs with their corre-
sponding muscles, which serve the purpose of propagating and
modifying the sound.

The inferior and middle parts of the cranium are formed
principally by the Sphenoid^ a bone which somewhat resembles a
bird in flight, having a body and four processes, two of which
are called the wings, and two the legs. This bone supports the
middle lobes of the cerebrum, and presents several holes and
depressions for the passage of nerves.

The cranial cavity is separated from the nasal by the Ethmoid
bone, which also somewhat resembles a bird in flight, but with-
out legs, and is situated in front of the bone last described. It
supports the anterior lobes of the cerebrum, and has holes for
the exit of the olfactory nerves ; and on its internal and inferior
surface it forms cavities, called the ethmoidal sinuses, which are
separated by a bony septum from each other, and are perforated
by a vast number of small holes for the passage of the olfactory
nerves to the nasal cavities.

Such is a very brief, and consequently imperfect description, of
the bones composing the brain-case, which are arranged in a
form at once the most compact and most durable; so that the
noblest bridge which spans our rivers, or the finest dome that
surmounts our cathedrals, is inferior to the mechanism displayed
in the simple construction of the skull.

THK SKELETON.

25

The Face occupies in horses much the largest portion of the
skull, which is necessary more particularly to afford sufficient
room for the development of the molar teeth. The superior and
anterior part of the face is occupied by the nasal bones, which
thus form the roof of the mouth, and the cavity of the nose.
These bones are somewhat conical in shape, the base being
above, from whence tliey taper irregularly to a point below.

The Superior Maxillary bones form the greater portion of the
face, extending the whole length of the molar teeth, for which
these bones form suitable sockets, and laterally, from the molar
teeth to the nasal bones. Within the cavity of the mouth these
bones form the roof of the palate, being united together in the
middle by a suture. They also form the greater portion of the
nasal cavity, thus having three surfaces, the facial, the nasal, and
the palatine.

The Anterior or Inferior Maxillary bones are singular, inas-
much as they are wanting in the human subject. They com-
mence in the angle formed by the separation of the nasal from
the maxillary bones, whence they extend downwards, connected
to the latter bones, but reaching much beyond them ; they then
become larger and stronger, so as to afford deep and secure
sockets for the upper incisor teeth.

The Malar bones are situated on the sides of the face, above
the large maxillary bones; they are somewhat singular, and very
irregular in shape, a part being situated within the orbit of the
eye. They form nearly half the border of the orbit; and their
upper part assists in forming the zygomatic arch, from whence a
ridge of bone, called the zygomatic spine, is continued downwards,
not only to the extent of these bones, but also to that of two
mches of the superior maxillary bones.

The Lachrymal bones, so called because the lachrymal duct
for the conveyance of the superfluous tears to the nostrils passes
through them, is situated about half within and half without the
orbit, the latter portion being between the malar and the nasal
bones.

The Palate bones are situated at the base of the cranium, and
at the upper part of the palatine surface of the superior maxillary
T-^l' form the concave or semi-oval border,

which separates the cavity of the nostrils from that of the mouth.
A small portion of the bones assists in forming the back part of
the orbit ^

The four Turhinated bones are situated within the cavity of
the nostrils, the two superior being attached to the nasal, and
the two inferior to the maxillary bones. They are oblono-
porous, and extremely thin, and rolled up somewhat like 11
turban. By this conformation their surfaces are greatly ex-
tended for the spreading out of the olfactory nerves.

26

STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

The Vomer is a long thin bone, situated at the floor of the
nostrils, and running throughout their length ; its upper or
anterior part forms a deep groove, into which the cartilaginous
septum of the nostrils is closely imbedded, by which these are
separated into two distinct cavities.

The Inferior Maxillary, or lower jaw bone, is formed of two
symmetrical halves, united at the inferior part by cartilage in
the young subject, but by bone in the adult. This united por-
tion forms deep and strong sockets for the inferior incisor teeth,
and posterior to this for the tusks: above this, each half sepa-
rates, and forms the bars of the mouth, as the space between the
incisor and the molar teeth is termed ; the bone then becomes
gradually wider and deeper, so as to form the sockets for the
inferior molar teeth ; after which it diminishes in size, and ter-
minates in rounded extremities which correspond to the glenoid
cavity in the temporal bone before described, thus forming the
maxillary joint.

The bones which we have mentioned as composing the face
are none of them solid in their structure : but in order that the
requisite amount of surface should exist without too great weight,
they are most of them hollow; and thus various sinuses are
formed, which are called after the bones in which they are found.
First we have the frontal sinuses, which are situated between the
orbits; they are triangular in shape, their flat surface being
above, and two irregular ones below : they have inferiorly blind
terminations, which are called the nasal sinuses, being in the
nasal bones; and they communicate with the maxillary sinuses,
which are situated somewhat below and in front of them.

The Maxillary are the largest of the sinuses of the head, ex-
tremely irregular in shape, and are formed principally by the
superior maxillary bones : their upper part is separated from the
orbit by the lachrymal and malar bones, which form their supe-
rior parts ; their lower extremity is blind, but above this there
is an opening into the chamber of the nostrils, besides the com-
munication before spoken of with the frontal sinus.

There are other small sinuses, called the Sphenoidal, the Eth-
moidal, and the Palatine, being found within the bones after
which they are called. The first of these is a single sinus, and
the last is situated between the palatine and the maxillary bones.

These singular cavities are not found in the young subject,
but are gradually formed as the size of the head increases : one
important purpose which they therefore serve is, to increase the
size of the head, wldiout adding to its gravity. These sinuses
are often the seat of disease in glanders, when they often contam
matter, and are in an ulcerated state.

The manner in which the head is connected to the body is
very remarkable, and demands particular consideration. In

THE SKELETON.

27

man it rests upon the spine, nicely balanced, as on a pivot ; but
the larger heads of quadrupeds are suspended from the body.
Now if we consider the immense weight of the head of the horse,
which is much increased from being placed at the extremity of a
lever, we cannot fail to be convinced of the prodigious power
necessary to support it. If this weight were supported by mus-
cular power, there would be a veiy considerable consumption of
vital energy; but to save the exhaustion this would produce,
there is a large ligament rising from the occiput, attached to the
bones of the neck and the spines of the back, which, being
elastic, admits the motions of the head, and supports it at all
times, even when the muscles are in a dormant state. This
ligament IS known as the ligamentum colli, or, commonly, as the
packwax.

We must now proceed to describe the spine and chest. The
spinal column has three important offices to perform : it is the
great bond of union between all parts of the body ; it forms a tube
lor the passage of the spinal marrow, a part as' important as the
brain itself; and, lastly, it is in animals the fixed object from
whence the head is suspended. If the protection of the spinal
niarrow were the only object to be effected, it would have been
simply a strong bony tube; but whilst it possesses great strentrth
lor this purpose, considerable flexibility is also required, and
accordingly it is composed of a multitude of bones, more or less
in diHerent animals, according to their wants and habits. The
leline races requn-e the utmost degree of elasticity, in order to
climb up and spring from eminences, and seize their prey with
facility ; but if these animals could be tamed sufficiently to make
them bear burdens or go in harness, they could render us but
little service in this new capacity, from the want of strength and
stability in the spinal column. But in herbivorous animals,
which are required to draw or sustain heavy weights, strength is
the principal object, and accordingly we find they have much
less flexibility than carnivorous animals: this stability is the
d.s inguishmg featui-e of the whole skeleton, but more particu-
larly oi the spinal column of the horse.

The Neck of the horse is composed of seven bones, the two
first of which will more particularly demand our attention, as
they essentially differ from the others in their aspect and their
use. The first is called the atlas, from the circumstance of its
sustaining the head, as it does in man, although in the horse the
head IS rather suspended from it. The second is called the
^ntata, from having a tooth-like process on its front part
Ihe atlas has concavities on its anterior part, which articulate
with two smooth condyles or prominences on the occipital, the
last bone of the skull ; this joint is called into requisition in
bending the head backwards and forwards, and painicularly ^

28

STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

the act of nodding ; but it scarcely admits of any lateral motion,
as a double movement, and too great flexibility, would have en-
dangered the safety of the spinal marrow, which passes from the
occipital hole through this bone. However, to admit the neces-
sary horizontal motion required by the animal, the second ver-
tebra is called into requisition, and its odontoid process fits into
a cavity in the under and posterior surface of the atlas, and
forms a sufficient I'esemblance to a ball and socket joint to allow
considerable lateral motion. We cannot sufficiently admire the
beautiful mechanism by which these important movements are
safely secured ; the second joint would have been as inapplicable
for the uses of the first as the first would be for that of the
second ; for if the second joint admitted vertical motion, the
consequence would be that the tooth-like process would be forced
against the spinal marrow every time the head was bent for-
wards ; but by the actual structure, the joint being underneath the
spinal cord, either a rotatory or a vertical motion can be safely
enjoyed.

The remaining bones of the neck are very similar to each
other, their shape being very singular and irregular. They
have each a large hole running through them, for the passage of
the spinal marrow ; a ridge on the upper part for the attachment
of the cervical ligament; processes on the side for the inser-
tion of the powerful muscles that move the head and neck ; small
foramina or holes, for the passage of nerves and blood-vessels ;
and on the anterior part a round head, which is received into a
cavity in the back part of the bone in front of it ; also processes
or leo-s which proceed from the front part of each bone, and
meet and correspond with similar processes on the back part of
each bone. These bones, however, never actually touch each
other, for if they did there would be too much concussion ; but
between every two bones, and extending throughout the whole
spine, there is interposed a gristly substance, enclosed in an
elastic body, which yields and recoils like an air cushion. In
the human subject this power of dilatation exists in a very con-
siderable degree, owing to which men will often measure more
in the mornuig than in the evening after their daily toil is com-

^^^Though in horses this power of dilatation is not possessed in
an equivalent degree, yet the elastic intervertebral substance
greatly contributes to the elasticity of the frame. With the
?even bones of the neck the spine is composed of no less than
thirty separate pieces, which are distinguished as the dorsal, or
vertebrae of the back, and the lumbar, or diose of the loms. All
these bones have a hole through their bodies for the passage of
the spinal cord. The dorsal vertebrae, eighteen ni number,
are connected with each other in a manner sunilar to those ot

THE SKELETON. 29

the neck. They have on the upper surface long processes, which
proceed upwards and backwards, forming the withers ; these
processes gradually increase in length from the first to the fifth*,
when they gradually decrease to the twelfth or thirteenth, and
then continue the same. Each dorsal vertebra is connected,
by means of a joint, with two ribs, of which there are usually
eighteen pairs in the horse.

The lumbar vertebrae are five, and sometimes six, in number,
and differ from the other vertebrae from having much longer
lateral processes; but their spinous processes are somewhat
shorter than those of the back. The lateral processes serve, in
some measure, to supply the absence of the ribs, giving support
on their upper surfaces for the strong muscles of the loins, and
below forming a I'oof for the protection of the abdominal viscera.
When we see a horse with a very light carcass these transverse
processes are usually very short.

These bones compose the spine, but the spinal cord is con-
tinued through the sacrum or rump-bone, which, in the youno-
subject, is composed of five separate pieces, like the lumbar vei^
tebras, but in the adult is consolidated into one bone, and
forms a roof for the pelvis, and a protection for its contents. At
the extremity of the sacrum the bones of the tail, about eighteen
in number, called the ossa coccygis, begin. The sacrum is
slightly arched, so as to afford greater room below, and its
spinous processes differ from those of the loins in sloping in an
opposite direction.

_ The Pelvis, so called from its resemblance to a basin, is an
irregular cavity which contains the urinary and genital organs,
and is formed by the sacrum and the ossa coccygis above, and the
two ossa innominata, or haunch bones, on each side and below.
In the foetus this bone is composed of three separate pieces, the
zleum, the ischium, and the pubes. The ileum is the laro-est
division, formmg the upper and anterior part of the bone, and
those visible projections in the horse, the hips, at the sides, and
the part above close to the sacrum, which projects so much in
goose-rumped horses, as they are called ; the ischium is the part
which projects backwards, and the pubes the portion which joins
interiorly the corresponding part on the other side, the union
lormmg the symphysis pubis. All these separate pieces unite in
forming the socket into which the first bone of the hind ex-
tremity fits, thus composing the hip joint.

The Bones of the Fore Extremity.

A superficial observer would be apt to imagine that animals
difter from each other, and from man, and from birds, in

* Tfiese bones are often diseased in fistulous witfiers.

30

STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

no respect so much as in the shape, the structure, and bony
conformation of the fore extremity ; and certainly when we
observe the great length of it in some animals, and its ex-
treme shortness in others, scarcely projecting from the body, in
some expanded out into the form of the human hand, in others
consolidated and protected by a horny case, we cannot wonder
at such an idea being entertained. The anatomist, however,
finds that this diversity is much greater in appearance than in
reality ; indeed, in all warm-blooded animals there is a general
resemblance, all having four parts in common, viz. the shoulder,
the arm, the forearm, and the metacarpus, or shank. The most
strikino- variety obtains in the mode of connection with the body.
Whenever the fore extremity is not used for the purpose of sus-
taining the body or for locomotion, but for holding and retaining
objects, as in man and in monkeys, or for that of flying, as in
birds — where, in short, a degree of rotatory motion is required,
the connection is bony, by means of the clavicle, or collar-bone.
But in animals in whom the weight of the body is to be sus-
tained by the fore extremities, such a connection would be inad-
missible, and would expose the body continually to concussions
and fractures. In most quadrupeds, therefore, the connection is
by means of muscle or flesh ; the body is in fact suspended, like
a carriage on springs, between the two shoulder-blades. This
it is which in great measure gives that springiness to the motions
of the horse so delightful to the rider, which enables him to alight
from the highest leaps with safety to himself, and to bear his
master harmless over a brook or ditch nine yards wide. To
accomplish this desirable faculty of sustaining great burdens
without concussion, free motion is admitted in a backward and
forward, but scarcely any in a lateral direction. In dogs and
cats a much greater degree of lateral motion is possessed, but
the connection with the body is considerably weaker, and the
power of sustaining much weight is not possessed.

All animals have a Scapula, or shoulder-blade, which m the
horse is a flat triangular bone, having its external surface divided
vertically by a ridge, which serves as a protection and an object
of attachment for muscles. This bone is flat, in order to aftbrd
greater space for connection with the body, but its breadth
diminishes towards the lower part, for the purpose of formmg the

shoulder joint. . , i .

The Humerus, the next bone, is rounded at its upper part,
and is received into a cavity at the end of the scapula, which is
extremely shallow in most animals, as there is but litt e danger
of dislocation when the motion of the limbs is limited to two direc-
tions. In man the motion of the joint is much more extensive ;
and although the cavity is considerably deeper m him, ye dis-
location frequently takes place. The humerus is a cylindrical

THE SKELETON. Ql

bone, possessing great strength ; and we shall always find that
when strength is chiefly required, a cylinder is the favourite form.
In addition to this, in common with most of the bones of the
extremities, the middle is hollow, and contains the marrow, a
very light fatty substance, deposited in cancelli or bony cells.
The reason of this conformation is, that a certain bulk is neces-
sary for the attachment of muscles, and the utmost degree of
strength is required with the least quantity of matter and a
diminished weight, which purposes are effected by removino- the
material as it were from the centre, and accumulating it on the
circumference. The extremities of the humerus, as well as all
cylindrical bones, are much larger than the middle portion, which
is for the purpose of affording a greater surface for the articula-
tion of the joints, and the insertion of muscles to mechanical
advantage. This extension of surface, however, is procured
without any increased weight ; for there being but little danaer
of fracture at the ends of bones, great strength is not there re-
quired. The bony case is therefore much thinner than in the
middle of the bone, and the internal part is filled with the can-
celli, or bony cells, which contain the marrow. The lower portion
of the humerus forms a very important joint, viz. that of the
elbow, which in man admits of considerable rotatory motion ; but
in the horse, as lateral movement is not required, the action of
the joint IS limited to one direction, backwards and forwards
and thus dislocation never takes place.

The Forearm is composed of two bones, the radius and the
ulna. In man, both bones offer separate surfaces for articulation
with both the elbow and the wrist, or carpal joint, by which
means the arm possesses a rotatory motion; but, in the horse,
this not being required the strength of the limb is concentrated
in the radius, and the ulna serves merely as a powerful lever for
the attachment of muscles, and the security of the elbow ioint
Ihe radius is therefore a strong cylindrical bone, whilst the ulna
IS large at the upper part, which rises above the radius, and is
relch the knee ^""^ g''^^"^"^ tapers downwards, but does not
The Carpus, or, as it is commonly termed in the horse, the
knee, corresponds with the human wrist, although apparently so
different. It is composed of seven bones in the horse (one less
than in man), which are arranged in two rows, thus forming
three distinct joints- firstly, that between the radius and the firs'?
row; secondly, between the first row and the second- and
thirdly, between the last and the metacarpal bones '

Each of these joints possesses considerable action, movino- as
It were like so many hinges, the fulcra of which are placed at
the back parts of the knee; the lowest joint, however does nn
enjoy so much latitude of motion as the o hers. O^e of tl^

32

sTnucTunE and economy of the house.

carpal bones is placed at the back of the knee, where it sustains
no weight, but acts as a lever for the attachment of muscles, and
forms that prominence so perceptible at the back of the knee in
horses. Although the knee does not possess so much motion as
the wrist in man, yet the horse requires a certain number of
bones and joints, in oi'der to obviate the concussion to which he
would be otherwise liable ; for it is necessary that he should move
with great celerity, and, at the same time, that the vital organs
should be secured from the shock that would be experienced, if
the same concussion that the feet received were communicated
to the internal organs. To accomplish this purpose, the joints
greatly contribute ; and none more so than that of the knee,
which is placed at. an equal distance between the body and the
ground.

To neutralise the jar, no two bones are permitted to touch
each other, for each is tipped with cartilage at the place of
junction, and is covered with a fine delicate membrane, by which
an albuminous fluid, called synovia, is secreted. This fluid, being
confined by what is called the capsular ligament, lubricates the
joint, takes away the jar, and prevents the bones from coming
into contact with each other. The importance of this fluid is
strikingly shown in cases where the joint is opened by sonie
severe injury, and the synovia escaping, the atmosphere is
admitted;' the synovial membranes come in contact, and the
most severe inflammation is set up, attended with excessive pain ;
and the result frequently is, unless the cavity can be quickly
closed, the horse either dies from irritation, or the motion of the
joint is destroyed by the secretion of bony substance in and
around it.

The lower row of the knee bones rest upon the metacarpus ;
which in man and many animals is composed of four bones,
nearly equal in size, but in the horse consists of one large and
two small metacarpal bones. The large one is commonly termed
the cannon, and forms the principal bulk of the shank, being a
strong cylindrical bone, often a foot in length, reaching from the
knee to the fetlock joint. Like other cylindrica bones, the
cannon is smaller in the middle and larger towards the extre-
mities. The .small metacarpal, or splint bones, although they
form a portion of the knee joint, yet do not reach more than
three fourths of the length of the shank. They are attached to
the cannon by elastic ligamentous substance, and gradually taper
downwards, and end in bulbous extremities. With age tliey
become consolidated with the cannon, and in many horses a
bony substance, called a splint, unites them even m youth.

The length of the metacarpus corresponds inversely with that
of the humerus, and in proportion as the former is long and the
latter is short, and vice versa. Thus in man the humerus is

THE SKELETON. 33

long and the metacarpus short, whilst in the horse we find the
latter bones long, and the former comparatively short.

The bones below the fetlock, the Phalanges, which in carni-
vorous animals are in four divisions, in the horse are consolidated
into one. Thus we have the first, second, and third phalange,
with a supplementary bone, called the navicular, or shuttle bone.

The first phalange is called the Os Suffraginis, or large pastern,
which receives the lower extremity of the cannon on 'its upper
surface, having depressions corresponding to the convexities of
the cannon, thus forming the fetlock joint. Immediately behind
the fetlock joint, and indeed entering into its composition, are
two small triangular bones, called the sesamoids. They are sus-
pended from above by a very strong ligament, and thus, besides
protecting the fetlock joint, are the means of affording an im-
portant spring to the animal. The large pastern rests entirely
on the small pastern, a shorter but stronger and thicker bone
than the former ; thus forming the pastern joint, the frequent
seat of those bony tumours called ringbones.

The small pastern bones rest upon two bones, the coffin, or
OS pedis, and the navicular, or nut-bone, thereby forming the
coffin joint. The coffin bone is the last phalange, and by means
of Its connection comes in contact with the ground. It is a very
singular bone, both in its shape and construction, and will after-
wards demand our more particular consideration. It corres-
ponds in great measure to the horny hoof to which it is attached.
1 fie navicular is a considerably smaller bone lying behind the
former, supporting a portion of the superincumbent weight, but
affording likewise an important pulley for the flexor tendon,
i his part IS the frequent seat of disease.

The hind extremity of quadrupeds varies much from the fore
m tlie manner of its connection to the body. There is less
weight to support, and consequently there is less danoer of con-
cussion ,• but as more motion is required, the connection is
tormed by means of a joint.

The upper bone, called the femur, has a large globular head,
wfiich IS received into a deep socket formed by the bones of the
pelvis, and this joint is secured from dislocation not only by
means of the capsular ligament, but likewise by one of immense
strength situated within the joint. The motion of this ioint is
greater and the cavity deeper in the human subject; but in the
horse the motion is chiefly limited to a backward and forward
course, there being but little in a lateral direction. Thus
the horse cannot, like the human subject, stretch his legs very
wide apart : but, however, nearly all the lateral motion tliat the
horse possesses in the hind extremities is possessed by means of
this joint, there being scarcely any afforded by any other. The
femur is the largest bone in the body, and is extremely irregular

34

STRUCTUIIE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

in shape, having a number of protuberances for the attachment
of muscles. Its lower end articulates with the tibia, forming
what is commonly termed the stifle joint, and which corresponds
anatomically with the human knee. As an additional security,
and to ward olf concussion, there are two elastic substances,
called from their shape the semilunar cartilages, interposed be-
tween the bones which form this joint. In front we find a small
bone called the patella, or knee-pan, which performs the office
of a pulley, receiving from above the tendons of the strong ex-
tensor muscles of the thigh, and firmly fastened by equally
strong ligaments to the upper and front part of the tibia. In
all animals the length of the femur depends on that of the meta-
tarsus : in horses and cattle the latter is very long, and the
former short; whilst in man and in manj animals we discover
an opposite arrangement. In man the leg is formed by two
bones, the tihia and the fibula, both of which enter into the com-
position of the joint, and thus afford a considerable extent of
motion in every direction. In horses, however, the fibula is
altogether small and unimportant, the leg being almost entkely
formed by the tibia, which in the horse is much longer than the
femur, and its lower end communicates with the tarsal joint, or,
as it is commonly termed, the hock. The tibia extends ob-
liquely backwards from the stifle joint, whilst the femur extends
from above in a contrary direction, thus forming an angle vyhich
is more or less acute in different animals, being in speedy annuals
much more acute than in slower ones.

The hock is composed of no less than six bones, but the
motion of the joint is almost entirely confined to the upper bone,
the astragalus, which articulates with the tibia. In the human
subject, the tarsus rests on the ground, and the various bones
which compose it, constructed in the form of an arch, form a
very important spring, to which very much of the elasticity of
the foot is owing. Man is the only animal whose heel rests on
the ground ; but there are many who tread on the various pha-
langes, whilst the horse treads entirely on the last toe. Thus,
with the long metatarsal bone, which closely resembles the meta-
carpus in the fore extremity, the hock is elevated considerably
from the ground in a similar manner to the knee, but, unlike
this ioint, it forms an angle from the metatarsus, extending for-
wards under the body of the horse. The upper joint of the
hock possesses very considerable extent of motion in a iorward
direcdon, but none laterally; and the joint is accordmgly con-
structed on the principle of the hinge, and secured from dislo-
cation by means of two condyles, or rounded prominences, on
the upper part of the astragalus, which fit into corresponding
depressions in the tibia, and receive between them also a ridge
in the middle of the tibia.

THE JOINTS.

35

The next bone of importance belonging to the hock is the os
calcis, which corresponds to the human heel. In the horse it
does not bear any weight, but receives the insertions of some
important tendons, and thus acts as a considerable lever.

The other bones of the hock are placed below the astragalus
in two rows, the lower of which rests on the metatarsus. These
comparatively small bones contribute very much in taking off
the jar, and are closely bound together by ligaments, by which
all motion is prevented.

The bones below the hock being similar to those below the
knee, will need no further description. They are, however,
somewhat longer and slighter in their construction. — Ed.

CHAP. VII.

THE JOINTS.

The chief peculiarity in the construction of joints in the horse
is that motion is almost entirely limited to one direction, and
every security afforded against lateral movement; the result of
which is that we scarcely ever hear of dislocation in the horse.
Strength and speed are the chief objects required, and accord-
ingly we find that the joints admit of a great extent of motion,
but in one direction only. We have before observed that the
ends of bones forming a joint are tipped with cartilage, which,
being elastic, takes off" the jar from the bones. This cartilage
is lined by a fine membrane, which secretes a fluid, somewhat
resembling the white of an egg, by which means, however rapid
or violent may be the motion of the animal, the part is yet
effectually secured from friction. TJiis fluid is prevented from
escaping by a capsular ligament, which is strongly attached to the
neighbouring bones, and thus surrounds and encloses the joint,
being however sufficiently loose as to admit the requisite motion.
The capsular ligament is also lined internally by the synovial
membrane, and is thus secured from injury.

Many of the joints of the horse are constructed on the prin-
ciple of the hinge motion, being admitted extensively at one part
and limited at another.

The Shoulder joint is formed by the round head of the hu-
merus fitting into a socket in the lower part of the scapula.
This socket, however, is much shallower than in the human
subject, there being no lateral motion required. The joint has
no ligaments to protect it with the exception of the capsular ;
but this office is effectually performed by the tendons of the
strong muscles of the shoulder.

The Elbow '^omt is constructed on the principle of the hinoe

36

STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

and is formed by the rounded pi'ominences of the humerus,
moving in corresponding depressions in the I'adius and ulna, the
bones of the arm; and dislocation is effectually secured by a
strong ligament on each side, besides the capsular.

The Knee joint is composed of no less than three articulations,
besides a smaller one behind the knee.

The motion, however, is principally confined to the two upper
articulations, the bones of which separate considerably in front,
but are confined behind. These joints are each invested by a
loose capsular ligament, which permits the necessary extensive
motion of the joint, and are secui'ed on each side by strong
lateral ligaments; besides which there are two annular bands,
one behind and the other in front, which serve to tie down and
confine the flexor tendons.

The Fetlock joint is formed by the rounded extremity of the
cannon approximating with the concave surface afforded by the
large pastern below, and the two sesamoid bones behind. It
has, in addition to the capsular, no less than nine ligaments,
seven of which are connected with the sesamoid bones, and thus
serve to keep them in their situation, in somewhat the same man-
ner as the masts of a vessel are secured by means of the rigging
or stays. The other two ligaments secui-e the joint firmly on
either side.

The Pastern joint possesses very little motion. It is formed
by the convex extremity of the large fitting into corresponding
concavities in the small pastern, and is secured by the capsular
and two ligaments on each side, and protected by tendons both
in front and behind.

The Coffin joint possesses a greater degree of motion than the
pastern. It is formed by the upper concave surfaces of the
coffin and navicular bones receiving the convex extremity of
the small pastern. It is secured by a capsular and three pairs
of ligaments, connecting the coffin bone with the small pastern
and the side cartilages ; and four other ligaments, two of which
pass from the navicular to the small pastern, one joining the
navicular to the coffin bone, and another to the flexor sinew.
These ligaments, however, although numerous, are not strong,
as the joint is within the cavity of the hoof, and is thereby well
secured from injury.

Joints of the Hind Extremity.

The Hip or Thigh joint is situated so deep-seated, and so well
protected by large muscles and tendons, that it requires but very
few ligaments. It is, as before observed, a ball and socket joint,
the ball being formed by the upper part of the femur or thigh
bone, and the socket (which is considerably deeper than that of

THE MUSCULAR SYSTEM.

37

the shoulder) by tlie bones of the pelvis. The socket is still
fiu'ther deepened by ligamentous substance attached to its rim.
The capsular ligament is thin, protection being afforded by the
muscles; but within the capsular there are (unlike other joints)
two ligaments, one of which is called the ligamentum teres, and
is of great strength. It passes from a notch in the ball to a
similar notch in the socket, whilst another portion of it is attached
to the pubes. This ligament greatly assists in maintaining the
weight of the limb during progression.

The Stifle joint, which corresponds anatomically to the human
knee, is formed, like it, by the apposition of the femur, the
tibia, and the patella. Within the joint we find two moveable
cartilages, which are confined to the tibia by several ligaments,
but which enable them to slide about, and thus increase the
motion of the joint without rendering it insecure. The patella
is a small bone situated in front of the joint, which it protects,
being bound by strong ligaments to the tibia, and receiving the
attachments of the tendons of the strong extensor muscles of the
leg, thus acting as a pulley.

Besides those mentioned, thei'e is a strong lateral ligament on
each side of the joint, attached to the femur and the tibia; and
within the cavity of the joint, ligamentous slips, crossing each
other, are attached to the middle of these two bones.

The Hock joint, like the stifle, is well furnished with liga-
ments; and it has no less than six separate articulations, the
principal of which, however, is that between the tibia and astra-
galus, to which bones the vvhole motion of the joint is confined.
There are two strong ligaments on each side, both of which pro-
ceed from the tibia, and pass, one to the astragalus, and the
other to the os calcis, and expand on the other bones. There
are other ligaments attaching the astragalus to the metatarsal
bones. The os calcis is bound by ligaments to the astragalus, the
tibia, and metacarpal bones; and each articulation possesses sepa-
rately its capsular ligament.

The joints below the hock in the hind leg correspond with
those in the fore extremity. Having much less weight to sustain,
they are less exposed to concussion, and more rarely become dis-
eased. — Ed.

CHAP. vni.

ON THE MUSCULAI\ SYSTEM.

It is computed that there are no less than 312 separate muscles
in the body of the horse, of which only ten are sino-le, the

D 3 °

38

STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

rest being arranged in pairs, so that both sides of the body cor-
respond, whereby symmetrical appearance is preserved.

These muscles have been arranged by anatomists into various
classes, according to their relative situation. Thus, we have the
muscles of the head, the trunk, and the extremities, and these,
again, are divided into various regions.

Under that of the head we have nine muscles, whose office is
to move the ears ; two attached to the eyebrows, eight to the eyes,
and no less than seventeen connected with the jaws, twelve of
which belong to the anterior and five to the posterior jaw.
And between the jaws, the submaxillary space as it is called,
there are twenty-four small muscles, six of which are connected
with the OS hyoideus, the curious bone at the root of the tongue;
four belong to the tongue, five to the pharynx, seven to the
larynx, and two to the palate.

The muscles of the Trunk, one hundred and thirteen in number,
are divided into those of the neck, the thorax, and the abdomen.
The muscles of the neck are forty in number, and are divided
into five regions.

The muscles of the Thorax are thirty-seven in number, and
are divided into seven regions, of which we have three muscles
connected with the shoulder and the back, three with the chest,
thi-ee with the ribs, three with the breast bone, and three with
the back and ribs ; besides which, we have three large muscles
on the back, one of which, the longissimus dorsi, is of great
size and length, extending on each side of the dorsal spine
almost the whole length of the back, of which it forms the prin-
cipal strength : it is particularly observable in stout fleshy
horses.

The seventh region of the thorax is composed of one muscle,
the diaphragm, which separates the thorax from the abdomen,
and is the principal agent in respiration, acting independently
of the will.

The muscles of the Abdomen are thirty-six in number in the
male, and three less in the female, and are di\aded into five
regions. There are six muscles belonging to the loins, four to
the abdomen itself, their office being to support its contents and
to assist in respiration ; two muscles belong to the anus ; four to
the Genital region in the male, and two in the female ; and four
muscles are connected with the tail.

The muscles of the Anterior Extremity are forty-eight in
number, and are divided into eight regions.

There are twelve muscles connected with the shoulder, two on
the outside of the blade, one being in front, and the other behind
its spine. One muscle connects the shoulder blade to the nbs,
and two others are attached to the back part of the scapula and
to the humerus. Two muscles are attached to the lower and

THE MUSCULAR SYSTEM.

39

front part of the scapula, one of which is attached to the humerus,
and the other to the radius. AnoUier muscle is attached to the
humerus just below the shoulder joint, and to the upper and outer
part of the radius. Behind the shoulder joint, and filling up in
great measure the space formed by the scapula and humerus,
thei'e is a very large muscular body, which is exceedingly pro-
minent in many horses, particularly in thoroughbred ones. It
is this muscle which forms a principal part of a shoulder of
mutton. It is called the triceps extensor brachii ; and, if we
regard it as one, has three separate origins and one insertion,
namely, the ulna. One head rises from the posterior ridge of
the scapula; another from the outer part of the humerus; and
the third head from the inner part of this bone. Thus situated,
it principally extends the arm.

There is also another muscle in this situation attached above
to the humerus, and below to the point of the ulna and the
capsular ligament of the elbow joint.

The muscles of the Arm and Fore-leg consist of the extensors
and the flexors, so denominated from their use being either to
extend or to bend the leg. The extensors are four in number,
and occupy the front of the arm, being very prominent in some
horses, particularly those who stand firm on their legs. One
of these muscles is attached to the lower part of the humerus,
and to the upper and front of the cannon bone. Another is
attached to both the humerus and ulna above, and below by
means of a long tendon which commences above the knee, to the
two pastern and the coffin bones.

A third muscle is attached above to the radius and the ulna,
and below to the large pastern.

The fourth, smaller than the others, is attached above to the
body of the radius, and below to the internal splint bone.

The flexor muscles of the arm are eight in number, and are di-
vided into two regions, four being deep-seated, and four super-
ficial. Of the former, one is attached to the humerus above,
and below to the bone which projects behind the knee and to the
outer splint bone. Another rises from the humerus, and also
from the ulna, and is inserted, like the former, into the trape-
zium. Thus, there are two muscles which are inserted into
this small bone behind the knee, which thus forms an important
lever, and should therefore be prominent and well developed.

A third muscle in this region is attached above to the hu-
merus, and below to the internal splint bone, and the fourth is
attached to the ulna above, and joins the perforans tendon below.
The four muscles belonging to the deep-seated region are, of
course, situated in front of those just described.

Two of them, called the jicxor perforatus and perforans, so
called because the tendon of the former is perforated by the

D 4

40

STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

latter, have a common origin from the inner and inferior part of
the humerus, become two separate tendons above the knee, and
are inserted, the perforatus into the small pastern, and the per-
forans into the coffin bone.

A third muscle is attached above to the back part of the
radius, and below joins the perforans tendon, which it assists.
Besides these, there are some diminutive and insignificant mus-
cular slips below the knee.

The muscles of the Hind Extremity are more numerous than
those of the fore limb, and are divided into those belonging to
the haunch, and those of the thigh and hind leg ; of the former
there are twenty, and of the latter nine.

There are three very large and powerful muscles, called the
gluteal, which are attached above to the haunch bones, and
below to the upper part of the femur or thigh bone. These
muscles are of great importance in progi'ession, as by their
action they advance the body after the limb has been brought
forward : they also act in both kicking and rearing. In man,
they are still larger in proportion than in quadrupeds ; and they
mainly assist in preserving the erect position of the body. In
fat horses these muscles appear externally mingled together,
but in well-bred animals, particularly if they have been trained,
the lines, or rather the furrows, of demarcation are readily per-
ceptible. It is needless to observe, that these muscles form the
greater part of a haunch of venison, and in deer are more
largely developed than in sheep.

There are four smaller muscles, attached below to the upper
part of the thigh bone, and above to the under parts of the
haunch bone, their office being to assist in the extension of the
haunch, and, in some measure, to rotate it : some of them are
situated within the pelvis, and are connected with the peri-
toneum.

There are three muscles which form the front part of the
haunch. One rises from the spine of the ilium, the hip bone,
and is inserted into the membranous covering of the muscles of
the thigh, whence it is called the temor vagincB, and is very
perceptible in poor horses.

Another large muscle is attached to the ilium above and
patella below, and is called the rectus.

The third muscle is of great size, and has three divisions,
which are often considered as separate muscles. Each of these
heads are inserted into the patella below, but above, two are
attached to the femur, and one to the bones of the pelvis.

These powerful muscles, although not attached to the tibia
itself, are yet connected with it by means of the patella, and
thus become powerful extensors of the thigh, raising and ad-
vancing the limb, and assisting in the progression of the haunch.

THE MUSCULAR SYSTEM.

41

On the inside of the thigh, forming that fleshy prominence so
perceptible in muscular horses, and which often causes the
thighs to touch each other, we find four muscles. The first is
a long slender muscle, attached above to the lumbar vertebrae
and the bones of the pelvis, and below to the lower part of the
femur and upper and inner part of the tibia. It assists in bend-
ing the leg inwards, and is called the sartorius, which signifies a
tailor, being supposed to be greatly employed by tailors when
sitting cross-legged on a board. A thin broad muscle, super-
ficially placed, is attached above to the pubes, and below to the
former muscle.

A third muscle, short and thick, is attached to the pubes above,
and the femur below; and the fourth is a double muscle, attached
also above to the pubes and below to the femur.

The fifth is a powerful muscle, attached above to the bones of
the sacrum, and the ischium, and below to the lower and inner
part of the femur, and upper and inner part of the tibia.

The outer part of the haunch is formed by two double muscles ;
one is denominated the biceps, and is attached above to the
sacrum, the bones of tlie tail, and the ischium ; and below, one
portion to the patella, and the other to the upper part of the
tibia. This large muscle is particularly conspicuous in thorough-
bred horses, and forms the outermost part of the quarter. Its
large development is deservedly admired, and is justly considered
a sign of breed.

The other muscle is situated behind the former, forming the
most posterior part of the quarter ; it is well developed, and ex-
ternally perceptible ; and the space between it and the former
muscle is denominated the poor mark, being, of course, well
marked in lean horses, and imperceptible in fat ones : it is
attached above to the same bones as the former muscle, and
below to the upper, anterior, and inner part of the tibia. These
muscles raise the limb and abduct it.

The muscles of the thigh and leg are divided into three regions,
one in front, and two behind. The anterior is occupied by three
muscles, two of which extend the foot, and at the same time flex
the hock. The first is attached above to the femur, becomes
tendinous above the hock, where it passes through a sheath, and
takes its course in front of the shank and the pasterns, and is in-
serted into the front part of the coffin bone. The second muscle
rises from the fibula, and joins the former below the hock. The
third is attached above to both the femur and the tibia, and
below, after passing through a sheath in front of the hock, to
both the cannon and the inner splint bone.

The two regions behind the tibia are distinguished as the
superficial and the deep-seated : the former is occupied by three
muscles, the first of which is attached above to the lower part of

42

STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

the femur, and below to theos calcis, or point of the hock. The
second is attached above to the femur, becomes tendinous above
the hock, passes over the point of the liock down the leg, and is
there called the perforatus, and is inserted into the small pastern
bone.

The third, a very slender muscle, is attached above to the
fibula, and inferiorly to the os calcis.

The deep-seated region is also composed of three muscles. The
first is short and thick, and is attached above to the outer and
back part of the femur and the capsular ligament, and taking an
oblique direction to the upper and inner part of the tibia. Thus
situated, it rotates in some measure the stifle-joint.

The next muscle, the flexor pedis, is attached above to the
outer and back part of the tibia and the fibula ; becomes tendinous
just above the hock, where it passes through a sheath, in a
groove on the inner side of the os calcis, and below the hock is
denominated the flexor perforans, having a similar destination to
the same tendon in the fore extremity.

The third muscle rises from the outer and back part of the
tibia, becomes tendinous somewhat above the hock, on the inside
of which it passes through a sheath, and joins the former tendon
below.

For a more particular account of the muscles, the student is
referred to Mr. Percivall's excellent work " On the Anatomy of
the Horse ;" and also to Mr. Blaine's " Outlines of the Veteri-
nary Art."

The muscles are abundantly supplied with blood by the blood-
vessels, which renders their colour dark. The depth of their hue
is more or less in proportion as they are exercised, and thus in
the horse they are darker than in the ox or sheep. They are
also placed to greater mechanical advantage, the joints admitting
more extent of motion than in these weaker animals. Besides
which they are more abundantly supplied with nervous energy
by means of the nerves, to which, more than to any thing else, is
owing the untiring energy which a well-bred horse so often dis-
plays.

The muscles are susceptible of great alteration by means of
training, the object of which is to obtain the greatest possible
strength in the smallest possible compass. To effect this pur-
pose, a large supply of nutritious food is given, and the super-
fluous fat is removed by severe sweating. The muscles are thus
rendered hard and firm, and well developed, and the wind greatly
improved by exercise, until the animal reaches a degree ot excel-
lence, to attain and ascertain which, demands the utmost skill and
judgment in the trainer.

Tiie opposite effect to this takes place when a limb is thrown
out of work by lameness ; the muscles shrink in a short time to

THE BRAIN AND NERVES.

43

an incredible degree ; and thus in horses that have been lame for
a long time in their feet, we find the muscles of the chest greatly
diminished, from want of the same degree of exercise. From this
circumstance, farriers, mistaking the cause for the eflPect, have
given the name of chest-founder to the disease. — Ed.

CHAP. IX.

ON THE BRAIN AND NERVES.

The brain, the seat of the mind, and the fountain of sensation,
is a soft body, situated in a cavity of the skull called the cranium.
In man it occupies by far the greater portion of the skull ; but,
in the horse, from its much smaller size, and from the large space
devoted to the face, the cranium is much the smaller part. It
usually vv'eighs about one pound and a few^ ounces in the horse.
It is closely invested by a membrane, called the pia mater, whilst
the cranium is lined by a firm, strong membrane, called the dura
mater. Between these there is another delicate membrane, called
the tunica arachnoides.

The dura mater, by its duplications, forms several processes and
sinuses, the former, by descending between its divisions, serve to
secure the brain in its position, and the latter act as reservoirs
for the venous blood, thus preventing the brain from being
injured by any temporary impediment to its passage.

The pia mater closely embraces the brain, and dips into its
convolutions. The brain consists of three parts, the Cerebrum,
the Cerebellum, and the Medulla oblongata.

The Cerebrum is considerably the largest, and is divided into
two hemispheres, each of which closely corresponds with its fellow.

On cutting into the cerebrum, we find that i^onsists of two
portions, — the medullary, or white ; and the grey, or cortical part.
The latter is mostly situated towards the surface, and the former
towards the centre; but both appear to run into each other.
Within the hemispheres there appear to be various cavities,
canals, and membranes, which, in this work, it is unnecessary to
describe.

The Cerebellum, or little brain, is situated behind the cerebrum,
than which it is considerably smaller. It appears to consist of
medullary and cortical substance mingled together.

The Medulla oblongata, the smallest division, is situated at the
base of the brain. It is medullary in its structure, and gives
origin to the greater part of the cranial nerves. It is by far the
most sensible part of the brain, for whilst portions of the cerebrum
have been cut away, in some animals, without giving any apparent

44

STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

pain, the least pressure on the medulla is productive of injury,
or death. The brain is largely supplied with blood by means of
the cai-otid arteries, which is returned to the heart by the jugular
veins.

The spinal marrow may be considered as the continuation
of the brain, running from the medulla oblongata, throughout
the spinal canal, to the tail. It is enveloped by the same mem-
branes as the brain, and continues to the sacrum, where it ends
in several nervous cords. Its form is cylindrical, and it has been
found to consist of six bands, in the centre of which there is a
sort of canal.

The Nerves, arising from the brain and spinal cord, are forty-
six pair, ten of which proceed from the brain, and the remainder
from the cord, and are therefore called the spinal nerves.

On examining a nerve, we find that it consists of a vast number
of white filaments, each having its particular covering, and yet
compactly bound together, and invested by membrane.

Of the Cranial nerves, the first pair is the Olfactory, the nerve
of smelling, pulpy in its structure, and the largest in the body.
It rises from the cerebrum, passes out of the cranium, and is
spread out on the membrane lining the nostrils.

The second pair is the Optic, which rises from the cerebrum,
but before they pass out of the skull join together, and decussate,
the right nerve going to the left eye, and vice versa. It takes an
oblique course, pierces the outer coats of the eye, and is spread
out in the form of the retina, and thus conveys the impressions
of objects to the brain. The sense of hearing is supplied by a
soft nerve, the auditory, which enters an orifice in the temporal
bone, where the seat of hearing is contained. The sense of taste
is supplied by the fifth, which is a compound nerve, conveying
both sensation and motion. The other cranial nerves convey
sensation and motion to the various parts of the head ; but there
is one nerve wkjch demands more particular notice. This is the
par vagum, or jmeumo-gasti-ic, of the French. It rises from the
brain, passes down the neck close to the carotid artery, and
distributes branches to the pharynx, larynx and oesophagus, heart,
lungs, stomach, and liver. If divided on both sides in the living
animal, death immediately ensues. Its importance msfy thus be
readily conceived ; it is intimately connected with life itself,
giving to the heart and stomach its power of motion, independent
of the will.

The Spinal are compound nerves, having a double function,
and a twofold origin, conveying both sensation and motion.
They arise by numerous filaments from both the upper and
under surface of the spinal cord. The filaments coalesce, and,
before they immerge from the dura mater, join together, previous
to which, the upper nerve forms a sort of knot, called a ganglion.

THE CHEST, ITS CONTENTS AND CONNECTIONS. 45

This latter is the nerve of sensation, the other the nerve of
motion; and thus, though united together, the filaments are yet
distinct, and a part is endowed mostly with sensation, or with
motion, according as the filaments of the former or the latter
predominate. There is one other nerve that remains to be
noticed; it has been called the Ganglial, and also the Sympa-
thetic. " It belongs," observes Mr.Youatt, in his admirable lec-
tures, " neither to the cerebral nor the spinal system, and seems,
in its function, to be independent of both. At the base of the
cranium, and in front of the atlas, I find a pyriform reddish body,
which gradually contracts, and terminates in a nerve. I inquire
not now into the origin of this ganglion, but a superficial glance
at the nerve tells me that it is performing some important office.
It is connecting itself with the cerebro-spinal, and with every
cervical nerve; but, more particularly, it is forming complicated
plexuses on every neighbouring blood-vessel. I trace it particu-
larly on both the extei'nal and the internal carotid, and I follow
it in the subdivisions of these vessels, until, from the minuteness
of the vessel, and the pulpiness of the nerve, it eludes my sight.
Hereafter I shall have to trace the-course of the nerve in the
thorax, forming, with the cerebro-visceral, a plexus, or rather,
an investing membrane, ai'ound every vessel of the heart and
lungs ; and then, having reached the abdomen, and combining
in the semilunar ganglion its own influence with that of the
cerebro-visceral and the phrenic, it becomes the seat or centre
of organic nervous power, diff'using its radiations over every ar-
tery and absorbent, and gland, and ganglion ; every thing con-
nected with secretion, nutrition, and life ; itself the very principle
of life and action — the soul of the organic system. It was
termed, before its character and power were suspected, the sym-
pathetic nerve, because it seemed to connect the whole system
together : it is denominated by others the ganglial nerve, from
its supposed origin, either in the superior cervical or the semi-
lunar ganglion ; but it would more properly be designated the
ffreat organic nerve, — the secretory, nutritive, chemical, — while
the cerebro-visceral is the motor organic nerve. . It is the power
which presides over, and effects the changes in that fluid which
the motor nerve keeps in circulation." — Ed.

CHAP. X.

THE CHEST, ITS CONTENTS AND CONNECTIONS.

The chest of the horse is unlike that of the human body, be-
coming narrow towards the lower part, and terminating like the

46

STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE HOUSE.

keel of a ship, a form more favourable to tlie flexion and ex-
tension of the fore-legs, as well as of the shoulder-blades, than
any other. The upper part of the chest is formed by the spine
or back bone, the sides by the ribs, and the lower and front part
by the sternum or breast bone. The number of ribs varies in
different animals ; in man there are twelve, in the elephant
eighteen, but in the horse there are sixteen pair. Each rib
possesses two heads or protuberances, each of which is connected
by a joint with two vertebrae or bones of the back, and to the
breast bone by means of cartilage. The Sternum, or breast bone,
in young animals is chiefly cartilaginous, and may be separated
into eight pieces ; it afterwards becomes divisible into four only,
and, with age, is consolidated into one. The ribs are externally
convex, and are divided into the true and the false ; the former
being situated anterior to the others, and immediately connected
with the sternum ; whilst the latter are implanted into each other
at their cartilaginous extremities, and are only connected with the
breast bone by means of the true ribs. Their connection with
the spine, by means of a double joint, affords to the ribs a motion
backwards and forwards, by which means the cavity of the chest
is enlarged or diminished. This motion, however, is consi-
derably less in quadrupeds than in man, for in the latter the
rising and falling of the chest is seen in common respiration,
whilst in the former it is not perceived, unless the breathing be
embarrassed. The ribs are connected together by fleshy sub-
stance, termed the intercostal muscles, which are disposed in an
oblique course, by which means their length considerably exceeds
that of the space between one rib and another, so that a con-
traction of one third their length will bring the ribs together,
which could not be the case if the muscles took the shortest
course from one rib to another.

The chest is separated from the abdomen or belly by a very
singular and important muscle, called the Diaphragm, or midriff,
which is convex towards the chest when in a state of rest. This
muscle is shaped somewhat like a fan, and is attached to the
inferior extremities of the ribs and to the spine, by which means
its position is rendered oblique, and its development more ex-
tended, and its action greater than it would otherwise have been.
The diaphragm, unlike every other muscle, is fleshy at its circum-
ference and tendinous at its centre. The reason of this peculiar
construction may be thus explained. The central part of the dia-
phragm is pierced with two holes for the passage of the cesophagus,
the tube which conveys food to the stomach, and the vem
which conveys the blood to the liver for the secretion ot bile.
Now, if these important vessels were surrounded with muscular
substance, they would be forcibly compressed every time the
diaphragm contracted, and would, in consequence, be liable to

THE CHEST, ITS CONTENTS AND CONNECTIONS. 47

considerable injury; but being surrounded with tendinous sub-
stance which possesses no such power of contraction, all danger of
compression is at once removed, without any sacrifice of strength
or power in the muscle. The diaphragm, when in a quiescent
state, is convex towards the chest ; and when in action, it becomes
flat, thus enlarging the cavity of the chest.

The thorax is everywhere lined internally by a thin serous
membrane, which secretes a fluid, by which the surface of the
cavity is lubricated, and its contents are enabled to glide upon
each other without occasioning any friction or inconvenience.
This membrane is called the pleura, and the portion which
lines the chest itself is designated the pleura costalis, while that
which covers the lungs is distinguished as the pleura pulmonalis
This membrane divides the chest into three cavities, one on the
right side, containing the right lung, and the other two on the
left side, the smaller of which contains the heart, and the larger
the left lung. ^

The right lung is thus the largest, and consists of three lobes
or divisions, whilst the left lung only contains two. These
divisions of the chest do not communicate with each other, so
that if one cavity is injured, or air is admitted into it, respir-
ation can be carried on in the other.

The windpipe, or trunk of the lungs, is composed of cartilages
or cartilagmous rings, joined together by a strong and elastic
membrane. The cartilaginous rings are strong and thick in the
front part of the windpipe, but gradually become thinner, and
terminate m thin slips, or mere membranes, which pass over
each other, instead of meeting end to end. By this contrivance
the windpipe will admit of being compressed considerably, by the
ends passing over each other; but such is the elasticity of the
cartilage, that the moment the pressure is removed, the windpipe
returns to its original form. The use of the elastic membranes
which unite the cartilaginous rings, is to admit of the various
motions of the windpipe, especially that of its being elongated;
and so great is their strength, that we never in any accident find
It torn, or the cartilaginous rings separated fi-om each other.

Ihe windpipe, on entering the chest between the first pair of
ribs separates into two parts, one going to the right, and the other
to the left lung; from these divisions numerous branches, called
the bronchi, proceed to every part of the lungs, dividing and sub-
dividing, and diminishing in their course. These ramifications
gradually lose their cartilaginous character, and at lencrth ter-
minate in an immense number of diminutive air cells. *

The lungs themselves, therefore, are composed of the air cells
the bronchi connected with them, and an infinite number of
arteries, veins, and absorbent vessels, the whole being connected
together by cellular membrane, thus forming these light spongy

48

STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

yet important bodies, wliich are closely packed away in the
cavity of the chest, and therefore exactly accord to it in its shape.

The upper part of the windpipe is connected witli the mouth
by means of a strong cartilaginous box, termed the Larynx, which
is composed of five cartilages, the thyroid, the cricoid, the two
arytenoid, and the epiglottis.* The Thyroid is the largest of the
five, and is so called from its resembling, and acting as, a shield.
It forms the front part of the larynx and great portion of its
sides, and consists of two parts, the upper of which is continuous,
but the sides of the lower recede so as to form a triangular space,
which is occupied by a ligament.

The Cricoid, or ring-like cartilage, is placed below the thyroid.
Its anterior portion resembles a ring of the wind-pipe, but its
back part is considerably broader, so that it overlaps the first
ring of the trachea, somewhat in the form of a helmet.

The two Arytenoid, or ewer-shaped cartilages, are much smaller
than the other, and are placed at the upper part of the larynx,
immediately adjoining the back part of the cricoid ; thus placed,
these triangular bodies leave an aperture between them, which
forms the .entrance to the windpipe, and their margins are
covered bv a membrane, which forms what is called the Rima-
glottis.

The fifth cartilage is called the Epiglottis, so termed from its
office, which consists of shutting down upon the glottis like the
lid of a tea-pot, to which, from its heart-like shape, it is ad-
mirably adapted. Viewing this cartilage in its usual position,
we find that its surface nearest the larynx is smooth and some-
what convex, whilst that portion nearest the mouth presents a
concave surface.

The larynx is lined throughout its internal surface by a fine
delicate membrane, which secretes a mucus for its protection.
It is also abundantly supplied with nerves, by which it is ren-
dered peculiarly sensible, and in this respect greatly differs from
the membrane lining the windpipe ; for whilst the latter may be
scratched with impunity after the operation of tracheotomy, the
slightest intrusion of a foreign body on the former produces the
most immediate and violent coughing, thus expelhng the in-
truding body.

The glottis, thus constituted, is admirably adapted for guarding
the entrance to the windpipe, and, generally speaking, a cough
arises from some irritation of this part.

The Nostrils. The cavity of the nostrils is very extensive in
the horse, affording a large entrance for the air in breathing, and
a considerable surface for the development of the organ of smell.

* A cut representing the various cartilages of the windpipe will be found
in the chapter on Roaring.

THE CHEST, ITS CONTENTS AND CONNECTIONS, 49

It is lined througliout by a mucous membrane called the Schneid-
enan or pituitary membrane, on wliich is spread out the nerve of
smell as well as one of feeling. The cavity is divided by a thick
cartilage, called the septem nasi, which is fixed in front to the
nasal, and behind to the maxillary bones. This cartilage is also
covered by the membrane before spoken of; which, when inflamed,
as in colds, becomes very red, and in glanders, is often the seat
oi ulcers.

The nostrils communicate with the sinuses of the head, and
above with the larynx.

The entrance to the nostrils is formed by what is called the
talse nostrils, which is formed by the skin, and possesses consider-
able flexibility, particularly in well bred horses, in whom the
opening to the nostrils is much larger than in coarse-bred animals
Ihe false nostrils form a sort of cavity, which has no openino- at
the upper part, and this circumstance gives them their name?

The Heart

Is a strong hollow muscle, of a conical shape, with its base
towards the spine, and its apex towards the left side, ao-ainst
which It IS thrown at every contraction. It is double ^hav
ing a right and a left side, the former containing black and
the latter red, blood; the right side is the thinnest and
weakest, being devoted to the lesser office of the circulation of
the lungs; the left, the stoutest, having to govern the oeneral
circulation of the system. Each of these halves consists of two
cavities, an auricle and a ventricle : the former, which derives its
name from its resemblance to a dog's ear, is considerably thinner
than the latter, and is situated towards the base. The heart is
formed principally of fleshy fibres, connected together bv cellular
tissue whence it obtains its elasticity; and its surfaces, both in-
ternal and external, are lined by a fine transparent membrane.
1 he blood is prevented from moving in a retrograde course by
means of a number of valves: there are three in the left
ventricle, the edges of which are Connected by tendinous cords
(cordse tendineae) to small fleshy eminences on the inside of the
ventricle, called earneae. columna9 or fleshy columns. These
tendinous cords are more numerous in the valves of the left ven
tricle than in the other parts, and being supposed with the valves
to resemble a mitre, are named mitral valves. There are valves
also in the right ventricle for a similar purpose, which are named
tricuspid, or three-pointed; also in the great artery, or aorta
and in the pulmonary artery, where, having no cords inrl
resembling, or supposed to do so, a half moon, they are named
semilunar. '' "^'"fc;a

The heart is enclosed in a strong membranous ba<r, which is

E °

60

STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

named pericardium, and this encloses also the trunks of the
veins and arteries, as well as the appendages or auricles.

The heart is a muscle, but, unlike other muscles, it is involun-
tary, being altogether independent of the will, and is for this
purpose supplied by a peculiar set of nerves. It is also furnished
abundantly with blood for its support, by means of arteries which
are the first that are given off, and these arteries are accompanied
by veins, for the return of the blood to its proper receptacle.— Ed.]

CHAP. XL

ON THE CIRCULATION OF THE BLOOD.

[The right side of the heart, we have said, is devoted to the pul-
monary circulation ; its auricle receives from a large vein, called
the vena cava, the blood which has travelled throughout the
system, whence it passes, by the action of the heart into the
right ventricle, which, by its contraction, forces it into a large
vessel, called the pulmonary artery. .^1,1,
Thence the blood is sent into the lungs and ramifaes through-
out its minute vessels, where it is exposed to the action of the
inspired air, and becomes, by means we shall afterwards speak
of reddened and purified. This process being accomplished, the
blood passes into minute veins, which, coalescing, become the
pulmonary veins (in the horse eight in number), and through them
the blood again returns to the heart. So much for the pul-
monary circulation. .„ . , r .1, 1
The left auricle, receiving the purified blood from the pul-
monary veins, forces it into the left ventricle, which, contracting,
sends the vital fluid into a large strong vessel, called the aorta,
whence it passes into smaller arteries, to be distributed through-
out the whole system. The remote divisions of the arteries are
called the capillary vessels, and in them the blood, after having
accomplished its purposes and conveyed nourishment to all
parts, becomes black and impure, and in this state enters the
capillary veins : which, conjoining and increasing in size, and
diininlhing in number, convey the blood again to the right
aSe of the heart. Just before it enters the heart, it receives
a supply of a milky fluid, called chyle, which is extracted from
the a absorbed'by certain small vessels, cal ed lac -k,
conveyed by a specific channel into the vena cava, bucl , then,
s "e'circle^ or ^-ather the double circle, which the blood ta^^^^^^
and by which so many important purposes arc beautifully and

correctly accomplished. r 1 „j k„ tUa. 5r>;.-.f

The circulation of the blood is accomplished by the joint

THE CIRCULATION OF THE BLOOD. 51

action of tlie heart and arteries, but principally by that of the
former. Experiments have been instituted, with a view of
ascertammg the amount of power possessed by the heart, and it
has been computed by Dr. Hales, that the force exercised by the
left ventricle alone is equal to 113 lbs. in the horse, and it is
believed that the blood is projected into the aorta, with a velocity
equal to twenty-one feet per minute.
• The contraction of the ventricles and the auricles immediately
succeed each other; as one expands to receive the blood, the
other contracts to force it forward, and thus the unequal double
ac^on of the heart that we feel. These actions, however, of the
different cavities, could not be correctly performed, unless some
provision were made for preventing the blood, when the ventricles
contract, from retrograding into the auricles. This, however, is
effected by means of a valve, situated between these cavities,
which is formed by a duplication of the inner membrane of the
heart, thickened by fibrous substance. The floating edges of
this valve in the right ventricle presents three points, and in the
iett two ; whence the former is called the tricuspid, and the latter
Ihe mitral The edges of each valve is joined by numerous short
tendons to the fleshy columns of the heart; and whilst the blood
IS flowing into the ventricles, the fleshy columns are passive:
but when the ventricles act, these columns also contract and
draw the edges of the valve together, and thus closes the cavity
in that direction, and prevents the blood re-entering the auricle.

Ihere are also valves that guard the entrance of the aorta, and
pulmonary arteries ; but they are of a different description, beinff
of less strength, because they are not called upon to oppose the
powerful action of the ventricles. Accordingly, we find thev
consist of three folds of membrane, and are called from their
shape, semilunar. They are so situated, that when the blood
passes into the arteries they are thrown against their sides, and
when the blood has passed, they are thrown up, so that their
edges meet, and thus prevent the blood returning to the heart.

in hshes, the heart is single, and only serves the oflice of the
pulmonary circulation, that of the system being accomplished by
the arteries alone; in the horse, though the heart is the principal
power, yet the arteries greatly assist. The Aorta, which receives
the blood from the left ventricle, divides into two branches, called
the Anterior and Posterior Aorta; the former conveyinc. the
blood to the head and neck, and the latter to the lowe/ parts of
he body. These arteries are strong and thick, and consist of
three coats; the outer, the strongest and thickest, gives to
the vessel the remarkable elasticity which it possesses; the middle
coat IS the fibrous, which seems to be a modification of muscular
power, and enables the arteries to contract on their contents • the
third coat is the serous, which lubricates the interior of the

E 2

52

STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

vessel, and facilitates the passage of the blood. Thus, to these
several coats, but particularly to the two former ones, do the
arteries owe the remarkable property they possess, of contractmg
when distended with blood, and almost immediately afterwards
expanding to receive a fresh supply ; and which, assisted by the
action of the heart, constitutes the pulse, and may be felt in every
part of the body, where an artery is sufficiently near the surface of
the skin to be perceptible.

The arteries, however, do not all possess an equal thickness
and power ; for instance, the pulmonary artery, though quite as
large as the aorta, is neither so thick nor so strong ; and the reason
is, that the same power is not required to send the blood over
the smaller circuit of the lungs as over the larger one of the
whole system, and for the same reason, the right side of the heart
is weaker than the left.

The arteries, as they divide and subdivide m theu- course,
become weaker in their coats in proportion to the diminution of
their size, till at length they terminate in the minute branches
called the capillary vessels, which do not possess any pulsating
power, and many of which do not contain red blood. Dimi-
nutive, however, as these branches may be, yet it is by them that
the most important offices are performed ; by them the different
parts of the body are nourished, whether bone, flesh, nerve, or
skin; by them the various fluids are secreted, however different
in their appearance they may be; by them the most ghastly
wounds are healed, and often in a remarkably short space ot
time; and all these various offices are performed not only by the
same class of vessels, but by the same fluid, the blood.

Having accomplished these important purposes, the capi ary
arteries terminate in equally minute vessels, called the capillary
veins, and so abundant are these diminutive vessels, that the
finest point of the finest needle cannot be plunged into the body
without penetrating some of them. By the tune the blood
reaches the veins, it becomes dark and impure, and loaded with
carbon ; the office of the veins, therefore, is to return it to the
heart to be again purified. The circulation however, becomes
much slower, as it is further removed from the impulsive power
of the heart; and the ve\m, which are supposed to contain
two thirds of the whole blood circulating in the system, are
consequently much more numerous than the arteries. Jhey do
not, however, possess the same strength m their coats as t^^
arteries, nor have they any pulsating power. They I'^v^' h°^-
ever, the assistance of other agents in propelling the blood
to it's destination. The greater number of tliem PO-- -^^^^^
which ad.nit the blood to pass in one dn;ect.on, but ^^^^^^^^^^
prevent its passing in any other. It vvas indeed, from ^^flectn g
on the structure and necessary office of these valves, that led the

THE CIUCULATION OF THE BLOOD.

53

immortal Harvey to discover the circulation of tlie blood.
Another circumstance peculiar to the veins is their situation,
being mostly near the surface of the body, whilst the arteries
are generally deep seated. The wisdom of this provision is
evident: it is well known that in wounds it is readily ascer-
tanied if an artery be wounded by the jet of blood that ensues,
and which, even from an artery of small size, is very consider-
able, and the danger of death from bleeding is often great in
consequence of the force with which the blood is thrown into
these vessels. Now such being the danger attending the divi-
sion of arteries, it was necessary to remove them as much as
possible from the risk of injury, and accordingly they are almost
invariably deep seated, and when they do approach the surface
it is in parts least likely to be injured. Thus round these
important vessels nature throws a thick muscular covering, and
protects the whole by a mantle so sensitive as to give warnino- to
the least attack. The veins, however, do not require this care;
m them the circulation is languid, antl their wounds are com-
paratively unimportant and unattended with danger, for the
blood generally stops, without assistance, from its coagulating
quality. It is also of importance that the greater portion of the
veins should be situated near the surface, in order to receive the
influence of the atmospheric pressure, which greatly assists the
motion of the blood; and it has also been found that veins
possess a power of absorption in common with a particular order
of vessels called the absorbents ; thus these various purposes are
effected by the relative position of the veins and arteries.

The structure of the veins is very different from that of the
arteries ; for whilst the latter are thick, elastic, and composed
of three coats, the former are thin, inelastic, and composed only
of two coverings. But although thin, they are yet capable of
attordmg great resistance to pressure; for Dr. Hales found that
the jugular vein of a mare required a force equal to a column of
water 144 feet high to burst it.

We have seen that the blood is sent to all parts of the body
by the action of the heart and arteries, but what is the cause of
Its return ? First in importance is the law of hydrostatics, « that
all fluids support their level." Thus the same law by which
sprmgs arise, and streams are produced, and rivers flow towards
the sea, is brought to bear in the living system, and enables the
blood in the arteries to support that in the veins. This effect
is greatly assisted by the action of the valves in supportino- the
column of blood. The blood, thus supported and propelled by
the arteries, assisted by atmospheric pressure, must go somewhere
as the valves prevent return : it goes, therefore, where a vacancy
is afforded, and that is in the right auricle of the heart, which
has just propelled its contents into the ventricle. To these

E 3

54

STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

several forces may be added a power of suction the heart possesses
whenever the chest is enlarged in respiration.

The manner in which the chyle is mixed up with the blood,
so that its colour quickly disappears, is worthy of particular
notice. It is owing, indeed, to the great agitation the blood
receives, and to the irregularity of the heart's internal surface.
When the auricles contract, their contents are in a great mea-
sure discharged into the ventricles, but a portion is thrown back
into the veins, which constitutes what is called the venous pulse,
and may sometimes be seen in the jugular veins. In like man-
ner, when the ventricles contract, a portion of their contents is
thrown back into the auricles, at any rate that part of it situated
behind the valves. By these means an agitation is produced,
which effectually mixes these different fluids together.

It has been ascertained that the veins possess a power of
absorption in common with a numerous class of vessels called
the absorbents, or lymphatics. These vessels are very minute,
and are distributed throlighout the whole body ; they gene-
rally accompany the veins, and, like them, are furnished with
valves ; sometimes, as in farcy, they become inflamed, and
greatly enlarged. In the course of these absorbent vessels
there are a great number of glands, in which they appear to
terminate, and others to begin, and thus their contents are
passed onwards into the circulation. These glands are subject
to disease occasionally, as in strangles, and it is the hardness and
swelling of these glands under the jaw that gives its name to the
disease called glanders. By rubbing various medicines on the
skin, they are taken up by the absorbent vessels, and carried
into the circulation ; and any interruption in the action of these
vessels produces dropsical swellings. — Ed.]

CHAP. XII.

THE BLOOD — ITS NATURE AND COMPOSITION.

[The Blood is by far the most important fluid in the animal
machine; it stimulates the heart to contract; secretes and nou-
rishes the various organs of the body ; and supplies it with heat :
and although it is the source whence other fluids are obtamed,
it is yet a fluid sui generis, differing from all others. Soon after
it is drawn from the body it coagulates, and then separates into
two parts, — the Serum, a watery colourless fluid which floats on
the top, and the Crassamentum, which appears of a hrm consist-
ency and a red colour. The serum is a peculiar fluid, and may
be separated into its constituent principles. It subjected to a

THE BLOOD, ITS NATURE AND COMPOSITION.

55

temperature of 150° a portion is converted into a substance
resembling albumen, or the white of an egg ; the other portion
remains fluid, and is termed the serosity of the blood, and is that
which constitutes the gravy in meat. The serum contains seve-
ral salts in solution, the most abundant of which is soda.

The Crassamentum is likewise divisible into two portions, the
Cruor, which gives to the blood its purple hue; and the Lymph,
which is more solid in its nature, and is considered the basis of
the coagulum. The latter can be separated from the former by
■washing, and likewise separates when the blood is a long time
coagulating, in which case the red portion of the blood, being
the heaviest, falls to the bottom of the vessel, leaving the lymph
on the top. The cruor, or red portion of the blood, has been
found, on submitting it to a microscope, to be composed of
globules, which are supposed to be each about the three or four
thousandth part of an inch in diameter. It is therefore to these
globules that the blood owes its redness ; but the intensity of the
colour is subject to great variation, being darker in animals that
are poorly fed ; or when exposed to carbonic acid ; and becom-
ing more florid in others that are well fed; and also when
exposed to oxygen, or to atmospheric air.

The other part of the crassamentum, the lymph, which, from
its nature, is also called the Fibrin, is, in fact, the most important
of all ; for it is that which mainly supplies the different parts of
the body, particularly the muscles, with nutriment, and repairs
wounds and fractures in an extraordinary manner. Unlike the
cruor, it exists in the blood of all animals, and in every part of
the system. Some animals have entirely white blood, the cruor
being absent; and in red-blooded animals there are some por-
tions of the body, such as the white of the eye, where the vessels
are so small that they do not admit the red globules.

The specific gravity of the blood rather exceeds that of water;
but venous blood is somewhat heavier than arterial.

The temperature of the blood varies in different animals ; in
man it is 90°, but in the horse upwards of 100°. It is rather
warmer in the arteries than in the veins, and is liable to variation
from disease, it having been found in severe inflammations to be
raised 7° in man, and in the cold fit of agues 4° lower than in a
state of health : it is, however, but slightly raised or depressed
by external temperature. It was not till comparatively a recent
date, that the blood has been considered to possess vitality, which
however, is now generally acknowledged. The vitality and
fluidity of the blood is intimately associated ; in fact, its co-
agulation, when removed from the body, constitutes its death
The time in which this is taking place is different in different
animals, and is influenced by various circumstances. In strono-
animals, such as the horse, it is longer than in such weak animals

E 4

56 STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

as the sheep : in the former, it is often as long as fifteen minutes ;
and, if the body be in a state of plethora, the vital power being
too highly developed, the death of the blood is much longer
resisted. In these cases coagulation is delayed, and, in conse-
quence, the red portion of the blood, being the heaviest, falls to
the bottom of the vessel, and the fibrin remains at the top, con-
stituting the buffy coat of inflammation. This separation, when
arising from the above cause, takes place long before the serum
is developed.

The coagulation of the blood has been endeavoured to be
accounted for without success : it was held by some, that it was
produced by the cessation of its motion ; but it has been found
that, if stirred in a vessel, it will coagulate quicker than before.
It was thought that exposure to the atmosphere was the cause;
but it has been known to coagulate in a vacuum, and likewise in
the body when a vein has been tied.* It was next conceived that
it was caused by the low temperature to which it is exposed ; but
it has been ascertained, that it will coagulate quicker, if the tem-
perature is either higher or lower than natural; but if so low as
to freeze the blood, it will not coagulate when afterwards thawed.
These experiments show, that the blood is analogous to no other
fluid, and that coagulation cannot be owing to physical causes,
but can be explained only by reference to its vitality.

Although the blood will coagulate in the body if obstructed,
yet there is a considerable difference between this state, and its
coagulation out of the body. In the former instance coagulation
is fonger occurring, new vessels are thrown into its substance,
and it becomes organised. So, likewise, if a part be wounded,
the divided vessels throw out clots of blood, which adhere to the
surface of the wound ; the red particles become absorbed, the
glutinous fibrin organised, and the breach is thus gradually
restored. Thus we see how important it is that the blood should
possess its peculiar properties, its state of fluidity, and its dispo-
sition to coagulate : if the former did not exist, the blood would
be obstructed in the capillary vessels, and the vital functions
could not be carried on ; and, if deprived of its coagulating pro-
perty, no wounds could heal, or loss of substance be restored ;
but the most trifling cut would be the precursor of death.

The quantity of blood contained in the body it is very difficult
to ascertain; for if an animal be bled to death, a good deal will
still remain in the blood vessels. It has, however, been estimated

* Mr. James Turner has instituted ami published some singular experiments
on the blood vessels. He invented an instrument, by means ot which several
inches of the carotid artery in a living lior.se was seized instantaneously and
the blooJ it contained suddenly imprisoned. It was then taken from the body,
and twenty-four hours after it was found that the blood was m a florid and
liquid state.

RESPIRATION, AND ITS EFFECTS. 57

to be about one fifth the weight of the body; and of this, about
three fourths is contained in the veins, and one fourth in the
arteries. In young animals there is more than in old ones ; as
in them the body must not only be sustained, but increased in
size. It is likewise more abundant in wild animals than in
tanie ones; and in proportion to the vigour of the animal.
— Ed.] *

CHAP. XIII.

ON RESPIRATION, AND ITS EFFECTS.

[The phenomenon of respiration, which is carried on from the
hrst mmute after birth to the last of existence, consists of two
acts, expn-ation and inspiration. The former, that of inhalino-
the atmosphere, ,s accomplished mostly by the diaphragm, which''
la Its relaxed state, is convex towards the chest. As its fibres
contract, the muscle flattens, and thus enlarges in a considerable
degree the cavity of the thorax. A vacuum is thus produced,
or rather a tendency towards it; for the air rushes into the lungs
and the blood mto the heart; and, as the lungs are elastic and
spongy in their nature, they become closely adapted to the
enlargement of the chest, and prevent any vacuum from taking
place between them and the sides of the thorax.

Ihe diaphragm is thus the ciiief agent in the act of inspiration,
although in some degree assisted by the intercostal muscles, which
aise the chest; and also, when the breathing is violently Excited
by those muscles that in quadrupeds attach the fore extremi-
ties to the body. This may be witnessed in horses aftei sevT^^
galloping, and also when labouring under inflammation of the

but^llr fTf ^"'^^"^ "^^-r down,

inc. Z I"? n^,'' ^^"^ P°^"^^ t° in enlargl

ng the chest. The air thus drawn into the lungs traverses
throughout Its internal surface, and, having fulfilled'its office, is
forced out by the act of expiration. This'part of the proces
effected chiefly by means of the elasticity of the lun^s, w^iich ac
as soon as the diaphragm becomes passive, assisted^ however t
rivK" elastic cartilage^ of the chest, Ld occad'on-
ally by the abdominal muscles. In a healthy horse, in a state of
rest, there are from four to eight respirations in a minute
which, however, is increased by the slightest exercise

Atmospheric air consists of unequal parts of two aeriform fluids •
W 1 21 of oxygen in each 100 parts '

besides which it contains other heterogeneous matters, such as
odorous effluvia, aqueous exhalations, electric matter, and ca?

68

STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

bonic acid o-as. It every where surrounds and embraces the
globe, extending, in the opinion of some, a distance of forty-five
miles, and in oOiers a much greater height. Its gravity differs
very much at different times and in different places, being
heavier on a clear than on a close day, and also in low places
than in lofty ones. The small portion of carbonic acid gas which
the atmosphere contains, is not chemically, but mechanically,
mixed with it. This gas is evolved by the fermentation of beer,
and the decomposition of vegetables, and is often found in wells
and deep places. It is much heavier than the atmosphere, and
thus remains in these low places by its gravity. A lighted candle
placed in this gas is immediately extinguished ; so that it is used
as a safeguard in descending into , these low and foul places, for
whatever will not support combustion will not support life. It
is not a simple gas like oxygen, but is formed by the union of
carbon and oxygen.

Nitrogen or azote is a simple gas, but its use in the atmosphere
seems to be of a passive nature, being for the purpose of diluting
the oxygen, and rendering it less stimulating. It will not
alone support life or combustion, but is chemically mixed with

the oxygen. . „

Oxygen is essential for the support of life and combustion ; tor
if air be deprived of it no animal can live, nor will a candle
remain lighted. It is abundantly furnished by plants and shrubs,
which thus supply the diminution of it created by animals.
When a flame is exposed to this gas it greatly increases in bril-
liancy; and when venous blood is submitted to it, it quickly

becomes florid. , , , . , i j

We have before shown, that all the blood in the body was in
its turn carried from the heart to the lungs by means of the pul-
monary artery, which divides and subdivides into the smallest
branches, and terminates in small capillary veins, which, coales-
cing, become larger, and convey the blood again to the heart by
the pulmonary veins. Before it reaches these veins, however, an
important change takes place : the blood proceeds from the hear
in a black and impure state ; it returns reddened and purified : it
is submitted in its course to the action of the air in the air-cells,
not by actual contact, but through the membrane which foims
these cells: and by this means the important change is effected.

There , we well know, a considerable difference between the
expired and the inspired air; the former is hot, the latte^^^^^^^^^
this is healthy, that injurious; one will support combustion ana
f^ the otl^eJ'is unfit lor breathing and will exUnguish a flame
There is but little difference in q"^^"^'ty .^^^^^ jia neily d
different states; but the oxygen m f P^;:^4 ^ J^"^^^^^^^^
appeared, and carbonic acid gas is found '^^J^^^^ ' ;™
contains much aqueous vapour, which is condensed in a visible

UESPIRATION, AND ITS EFFECTS. 59

form, at a temperature of 60°. Thus, although the carbonic acid
gas is much heavier than common air, yet, partly from the
aqueous vapour which the expired air contains being much
lighter, but principally from its increased temperature, the ex-
pu-ed air, notwithstanding its carbonic acid, is yet specifically
lighter than the atmosphere, and consequently rises upwards, and
thus, m great measure, is prevented from being respired a second
time.

_ It has been found by experiment, with a portion of atmospheric
air, containing 80 parts of nitrogen, 18 of oxygen, and 2 of car-
bonic acid, that on being respired, the nitrogen continued the same,
but the carbonic acid was increased to 13 parts, and the oxyo-en
reduced to 5 ; whence it appeared, that 1 1 parts of carbonic acid
were substituted for 13 of oxygen, 2 parts having entirely disap-
peared. Thus, the disappearance of the greater portion of the
oxygen, was accounted for by its being converted into carbonic
acid; but there remained a small portion, whose absence could
not be thus explained, more particularly as Sir H. Davy cal-
culated, that about 32 ounces of oxygen were necessary for 24
hours' expenditure in a man; but only 26^ ounces are requisite
for the formation of even 37 ounces of carbonic acid gas, o-i vino-
us an unexplained surplus of 5^ ounces of oxygen during the
above period. By some it was supposed, that this surplus oxy-
gen unites with the hydrogen thrown off by the blood, and is
thus converted into watery vapour : by others it is held, that this
oxygen is absorbed by the blood, and enters the circulation.

Carbonic acid gas is exhaled from the lungs in different quan-
tities during different periods of the day, being generated in the
greatest quantity about noon, decreasing in the afternoon and
night, and again increasing in the morning. It also increases in
man by taking animal food.

u^'u^'P^^T ^0"/^"^^^' that a small portion of nitrogen is
absorbed by the blood; but this has been denied by others.
Ihe chief use of nitrogen, however, is to dilute the oxygen; for
It the latter is inspired pure, a sense of warmth is felt in the
chest, the heat of the skin is raised, the pulse quickened, and
other symptoms of excitement are produced; but if the oxvo-en
is diminished, a sense of languor, and disposition to sleep, is pV
duced. A given quantity of oxygen will, however, support life
longer than the same quantity of atmospheric air. It lias been
computed that, in the course of twenty-four hours, about 21b. 8 oz
of oxygen is consumed by a man.

After an ordinary respiration, a considerable quantity of air
still remains, perhaps five-fourths more than has been expired

Having mentioned the changes that take place in the atmo
sphere, we must next consider in what manner the blood becomes
so altered by its passage through the lungs.

60.

STUUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

The blood, as it traverses through the body, gradually becomes
darker ; it is loaded with carbon, and is rendered unfit for the
circulation, and in this state it is called venous blood : if venous
blood taken out of the body be exposed to oxygen, it quickly
becomes red; and so it does if exposed to the atmosphere, but not
so rapidly. So, likewise, if arterial blood be exposed to carbonic
acid, it quickly acquires the colour and character of venous
blood. In the same manner is the colour of the blood changed
in the lungs; thus the principal use of respiration appears to
be, to free the blood from its impurities ; and this is effected,
althouo-h the air and the blood do not actually come in contact.
It was^'found, that if blood in a common bladder were exposed
to the atmosphere for some time, it acquired a coating of florid
blood; and thus as the membrane lining the air cells is by no
means so thick as that of the bladder, there is no longer any dif-
ficulty in accounting for the change taking place.

It has been the subject of some dispute, as to where the change,
or rather exchange, takes place, some contending that the carbon
unites with the oxygen in the air cells, whilst others maintam
that the oxygen enters the blood, and there unites with the
carbon, forming carbonic acid gas, which is then exhaled into
the air cells. It was found, however, that if venous blood was
put within the exhausted receiver of an air pump, a quantity of
carbonic acid escaped, thus proving the presence of this gas in
the blood, and supporting the second theory. And as there
appears to be a greater quantity of oxygen abstracted from the
atmosphere than can be accounted for by the formation of car-
bonic acid, we must conclude that a portion mingles with the
blood and enters the circulation ; which theory agrees with the
fact, that it has recently been discovered by correct analysis, that
both venous and arterial blood contains carbonic acid, nitrogen,
and oxygen, but that the latter gas is most abundant in arterial,
and the former in venous blood.

Althouo-h the action of the heart is much more fi-equent than
that of thS chest in respiration, yet there is a most intimate con-
nection between the oiie and the other; for besides the changes
which we have spoken of in the blood, it rushes into the
heart when the chest is expanded, and when from any cause re-
piration is delayed, the pulse becomes less ft-equent and more
kncuid, in consequence of the obstruction m the curi^nt of 1 e
bloSd. Thus in 'violent fits of coughing, tl- chest coUapses, t e
air is expelled, and the blood not bemg P^-^/f ' "^^^^^ ^^^J^^;
culation, and the consequence is, the veins ^^^.^J^^ '^^ck in he
distended, and in man the person becomes red oi black m tl e
face, and sometimes a blood vessel has ruptured, and death

TIESPIRATION, AND ITS EFJFECTS.

61

effected by means of respiration, — the chemical process carried
on in the lungs.

The sensation of heat is derived from the presence of an ex-
tremely subtle fluid, called caloric, the particles of which have a
tendency to repel each other, and unite with other substances.
Thus if we touch a body whose temperature is lower than that
of our hand, caloric passes from the hand to this substance, and
the sensation of cold is experienced ; and if, on the other hand, the
temperature of the substance is higher, we feel a degree of heat
from the passage of caloric into the hand. It is a singular fact,
that this caloric may exist in two different states, the one in a
free or sensible foi-m, the other in a latent or combined form.
Thus two substances may appear to be of the same temperature,
and yet one may contain a much greater degree of caloric than
the other, but so combined with the substance, that it is not
sensible to the touch. If, however, the object be exposed to
the influence of some chemical agent, its latent caloric may be
set free or rendered sensible. For instance, if sulphuric acid
and water be mixed together, although each fluid were before
cold, the mixture is raised to a high temperature, and caloric is
evolved. In the fermentation of malt liquors the temperature of
the liquid is raised with the process, and carbonic acid is pro-
duced. And it is found that whenever this gas is evolved, that
caloric is produced and rendered sensible : thus in the lungs,
the oxygen of the atmosphere combines with the carbon of the
blood, and carbonic acid is produced as in fermentation. What
becomes then of this caloric ? One portion is expired in a sensible
form with the breath, which is thus rendered hotter and conse-
quently lighter, and thereby ascends : another portion becomes
sensible in the blood, and raises its temperature two degrees, but
by far the greater portion of caloric is acquired by the arterial
blood, and there remains in a latent form. Some substances
have a much greater capacity for caloric than others ; thus arterial
blood has more than venous blood : this being the case, as the
blood loses its arterial character in the course of circulation,
It loses also its capacity for retaining caloric, and as the blood
acquires carbon, it gives out caloric in a sensible form, and thereby
ever)' portion of the body is supplied with heat, with the regu-
larity and precision of the most beautiful machinery. And thus
every animal bears about with him, safely packed away in the
cavity of the chest, a chemical apparatus, superior to any which
the laboratory of the chemist can supply, an apparatus adapted to
all climates and all temperatures, which in one moment can
convert the frozen element of the northern pole into the very
material of physical heat. — Ed.]

62

STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

CHAP. XIV.

THE MOUTH AND THROAT, ETC.

[The mouth of the horse is of great extent, which is necessary in
order to contain a large quantity of food, and, also, to afford
sockets for tlie large molar teeth. It is wider and deeper at the
upper part towards the throat than at the lower. It is bounded
in front principally by the anterior maxillary bone, by which it
is separated from the nostrils, and posteriorly by the numerous
muscles situated between the branches of the posterior jaw bone.
It is lined at every part by a mucous membrane, which, however,
is not immediately placed on the bone, there being a thick firm
substance interposed.

These membranes are corrugated at the upper jaw, and be-
tween the incisor and maxillary teeth, forming what are com-
monly called the bars, and where horses are sometimes bled :
these bars are also the seat of lampas. The gums of the mouth
are also composed of these membranes, which thus affbrd security
to the teeth.

The sides of the mouth are formed by the cheeks, which are
composed of skin and membrane, sufficiently loose to admit the
limited motion of the jaws ; they are connected with the powerful
masse ter muscles, which form the greater part of the bulk of the
face, and principally assist in the grinding motion of the jaws.
In the skull we find the lower jaw considerably narrower than
the upper, but in the living animal this does not appear, the
space being occupied by the masseter muscles.

The lips greatly assist in gathering together the food, and are
largely furnished with the nerves of feeling; they are composed
of skin, muscle, and membrane, and possess the powers of motion
and sensation in a high degree.

The mouth is abundantly supplied with a watery fluid called
saliva, particularly during mastication, when it is secreted and
poured in in considerable quantities. This fluid is secreted by
three pairs of glands, the largest of which are the parotid, si-
tuated at the root of the ear, and from which ducts convey the
fluid to the mouth, terminating opposite the second molar
teeth. The submaxillary glands are situated under the jaws, and
their ducts terminate in tubular eminences near the frjEUum
or bridle of the tongue. The other salivary glands are the sub-
lingual, situated under the tongue, and its ducts terminate
rather higher up than those last described. _

The mouth is principally filled with the tongue, which is
muscular in its structure, and very flexible, being indeed a prin-

THE MOUTH AND THROAT, ETC.

63

cipal agent in mastication and swallowing. It is larger at
the upper part than towards its tip, and is confined poste-
riorly to the muscles between the branches of the lower jaw,
by a sort of fleshy bridle, and above to a singularly shaped
bone, called the os hyoides. It possesses both the power of
feeling and tasting, and for this purpose is well supplied with
two descriptions of nerves, and is covered by both cutis and
cuticle.

The cavity of the mouth is separated from that of the nostrils
by the soft palate, a muscular membranous substance fastened
to the semicircular border of the palate bones, and hano-ing
down on the back of the tongue, so that in the ordinary state
there is no open communication between the mouth and the
throat, and thus all breathing is carried on by the nostrils, and
fluids coming either from the lungs or the stomach pass into
the nostrils. When, however, food is passing to the stomach, it
raises this membrane, and then enters the pharynx, the mem-
brane immediately afterwards falling down into its old situation.

The Pharynx, or food bag, is a muscular cavity, situated at the
root of the tongue, ^nd immediately above and adjoining the
larynx. It receives the food from the mouth, and by its mus-
cular power forces it into the oesophagus. It is this part that is
attected in catarrh when there is a difiiculty in swallowino-.

The (Esophagus is a long tube, commencing at the pharynx
and ending in the stomach. It passes down the neck rather
above the windpipe, and towards the left side enters the chest-
it traverses its upper part, pierces the diaphragm, and ends by
a sort of curvature in the cardiac orifice of the stomach. It is
lined in common with the mouth and alimentary canal by a
mucous membrane; but it is principally composed of two orders
ot muscular fibres, one circular, the other longitudinal, by which
it IS enabled to propel the food forward, into the stomach. In
addition to this there is a white cuticular coat between the
muscular and the mucous, and which also lines half the stomach.

Ihe larynx, the pharynx, and the tongue, are connected
together, and to the upper jaw bone, or rather to the bones of
the head, by means of the os hyoides, so called from its resem-
blance to a spur. The semicircular part of the spur embraces
m a manner the larynx; whilst the shaft is intimately con-
nected with the root of the tongue: this part in the horse is
much longer than in the ox, and thus confines the motion of the
tongue m a great degree. The os hyoides has two lono- appen-
dages, which articulate with the temporal bone. Thus" situated
and constituted, this bone gives great support to the soft parts
connected with it, whilst, at the same time, it freely admits their
extensive mobility. In tlie act of swallowing, therefore this
bone is greatly called into action. '

64

STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

Adjoining the pharynx are two large spaces, called the Eu-
stachian cavities, situated one on each side, and communicating
by means of a tube with the internal ear. Their use is not
known, but they are supposed to assist in neighing; occasionally
they are full of matter in strangles and other diseases of the
throat. — Ed.]

CHAP. XV.

THE VISCERA OF THE ABDOMEN, OR BELLY.

[The abdomen of the horse is of large size, compared with man
or with carnivorous animals ; the nature of his food requires consi-
derable volume in the intestines, and these, of course, demand a
corresponding cavity for their reception. We find it almost an
invariable rule, that horses with very small bellies are mcapable
of much or long continued exertion. The abdomen is bounded,
anteriorly, by the diaphragm, which separates it from the chest ;
posteriorly, by the bones of the pelvis; superiorly, by the ribs and
back bone, and their muscular coverings; laterally, by the ribs in
front, and the abdominal muscles; and, mferiorly, by the abdo-
minal muscles, which form their most extensive covering.

On cutting into the cavity, we perceive a smooth shining
membrane, called the peritoneum, which every where lines the
interior of the abdomen, and is also reflected on the viscera, so
that no two organs touch each other, this membrane bemg
interposed between them. Its use, then, is principally to prevent
friction, and to enable the almost continual motion of the bowels
to be executed without injury. For this purpose it secretes a
watery fluid, which, in the living animal, exists in a vaporous
form, and perfectly lubricates every part it approaches.

The pentoneum is composed of dense cellular membrane, is
very strong, and yet extremely elastic, whereby it can accom-
modate itself to the ever-varying size and disposition of the abdo-
minal contents, particularly during gestation in the female.

When the animal is in a standing posture, the lower part ot
the abdomen is occupied by the large intestines ; the apex of the
caecum being about the centre, and the colon around it: above
?hem are the small intestines, which, however, sometimes in-

sinuate between the large. . , • ■ ^ho otnmnrh

The most important of the ^^^ommal viscera is
which in the horse is of a peculiar structure and consider
smaller than in any other animal of similar bulk and po^^ei It
is a strong muscular cavity, capable of considemble distention
as has been found on opening horses that have died of stomach

THE VISCERA OF THE ABDOMEN, OU BELLY.

65

staggers, in winch disorder it has been stretched to a most
enormous extent. In one instance I have known the stomach,
with the hardened undigested food it contained, weigh more
than sixty pounds. Sometimes it is distended with air to a
considerable degree, as in indigestion or flatulent colic; but in
the healthy state it is comparatively small, and of great strength.

Ihe stomach is situated on the left side, with its convex part
against the diaphragm ; it has the spleen attached to its left ex-
tiemity, and its lower part is covered with the omentum or
caul When the stomach is full, its situation so close to the
diaphragm vvill sufficiently account for the fact that, after beinjr
loaded, the horse is incapable of great exertion, and respiratioS
becomes disturbed : the action of the diaphragm becomes indeed
mechanically impeded.

This cut represents the Stomach a,d Liver cut open, so as to show their internal

surfaces.

1, The oesophagus.

2, The cardiac orifice of the stomach,

so arranged as to prevent vomit-
ing.

3 3, The white, cuticular, insensible

portion of the stomach.
^ '^'rrJ^^ ''"^ separating each portion.
5, The villous, or sensible, portion.

6, The pyloric orifice, opening into

the duodenum.

7, The red mucous membrane of tlie

duodenum.
8 9, Orifice of the duct leading from
the liver.

10, Orifice of the duct leading from
the pancreas.

The stomach pos.sesses four coats. The first is formed bv the
peritoneum ; the second, situated next to the first, iriike he
former, white, and is composed of two sets of muscular fibre
o l e et running m a longitudinal direction, and the other n a

sirL^rwirn'them!""' -

The third and fourth coats line the interior of the stomach

66 STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

On turning this viscus inside out, we find one half occupied by
a white cuticular and almost insensible membrane, separated
from the fourth coat by a waving line. It extends over the left
extremity, and its elasticity enables it to accommodate itselt to
the varying size of the stomach. The fourth coat, called the
villous or mucous, lines the larger half of the stomach. It is
somewhat red or yellow in its colour, is very vascular and sen-
sible, and exhibits numerous processes, having the appearance
of velvet, which are indeed the minute ramifications of blood
vessels, by which a most important fluid is secreted, called the

gastric juice. i i i r

The stomach has two extremities, the right and the^lett; the
latter of which is the larger, and terminates in a sort of pouch.

It has also two curvatures, a large and a small one : to the
former the omentum and spleen are attached. It possesses two
openincrs, one communicating with the oesophagus, the other with
the small intestines. The former is called the cardiac orifice,
and is situated about the middle of the small curvature. It has
a sort of valve formed by the duplication of its membranes, and
is kept constantly closed, except when food is passing.

The other orifice, called the pyloric, is situated at the right or
small end of the stomach, and is usually open, but has the power
of closing. Thus situated, these openings are not far distant trom
each other, and in the usual position of the animal they are
situated superiorly. The oesophagus, just previous to its entering
the stomach, makes an acute angle, by which means, in great
measure, vomiting in the horse is almost entirely forbidden. 1 he
"omach'is kept "in its situation principally by the oesophagus
and the duodenum ; but it is also attached by means ot peiito-
neum to the spleen, liver, colon, and diaphragm. ^

The stomach of the horse will usually contain about three

^"^The'' intestines are usually distinguished into the small and
the large. They are more bulky and longer than m the human
iXeTbeing nine times the length of the body m the h^^^^^^^^
and only six times in man, as demonstrated by Mi. ^^eicivali.
Of these ninety feet of intestines the greater part is formed by the

'"Tli;possess three coats ; the peritoneal, the --ciilar and tl^^
mucous^^he first, as its name implies, is b^ d.^^

toneum ; the second is composed of two orders "V^^^^^' ^
Te external of which are arranged in a long^^^^^J ^^^^^^^^^^
internal in a vertical direction, by ^^^f^,^^^^^^^^^
be shortened or contracted as may be V^^"'' ./j^deed than
or mucous coat is of immense extent ^^^^ ^it fluid
the whole surface of the body. I'^'^^^^^^^^ s every where sup-
for its protection, is extremely vasculai, ana evt;iy ^

THE VrsCEUA OF THE ABDOMEN, OR BELLY.

67

This plate represents the Intestines.

1, The caecum,

2, Its apex.

3 3, The inferior portion of the colon.

4 4, Its superior portion

5, Its inferior and anterior curvature.

6, Its superior anterior curvature.

7, Its posterior curvature.

8, The mesocolon.

9, The duodenum.

10 10 10 10, The jejunum.

11 11, The ileum.

12 12, The mesentery.
13, The rectum.

plied with a set of vessels, called the lacteals, which absorb the
nutritious part of the food. u^uiu tne

intJ^thlT" ^"^"^1"^^^" ,^"™an subject are distinguished
Llthn r!l~ ' ^^odermm, the Jejumcm, and the Ileum; and
although these names are not applicable, and their distinctions by
no means marked they are yet still preserved in the horse. The
mnlTT ^^^"',;^l°"gh twice twelve inches in length, is the first
par of the small intestines; and being more closely bound by
peritoneum. Its motions are more confined than the others. It
IS connected by peritoneum to the right kidney, is larger and
rnore vascular than the other small gutst but short'er than^ither ;
It is also redder, and takes a straighter course than the others
and about six inches from the stomach it receives the ducts or
tubes of two important glands, the liver and the pancreas, which
tact afiords a reason for the confinement of this gut

The Jejunum and the Ileum float loosely about the abdo-
men, being attached to the spine by means of the mesentery.
1 he latter gut is considered to be longer than the former, but
there is no proper distinction between the one and the other

F 2

68

STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

They are both paler and less vascular than the duodenum ; and
the jejunum, which joins the duodenum, is somewhat redder than
the ileum. The small intestines together contain about eleven
o-allons of fluid, and from them the chyle is principally absorbed
by the lacteals.

The larn^e intestines are considerably more capacious than the
small, thouo-h less in length, and altogether will contain nineteen
o-alloiis of fluid. . They are, with much more justice than the
others, distinguished into three divisons ; the Ccecum, the Colon,
and the Rectum. The small intestines terminate in a peculiar
manner, by projecting at right angles into a cavity, called the
blind head of the colon, at which place there is a valve which
prevents the food returning. From this blind head the caecum,
which will contain about four gallons, extends downwards and
forwards into a blind extremity, it having, indeed, but one
opening. This gut may be considered as the principal receptacle
for fluids ; for it has been found that shortly after a horse has had
water, it has passed the whole length of the small guts, and
entered the ceecum, whilst the solid food has been left belund.
The internal surface of this gut is formed into cells, by which
it is considerably extended.

On examining the inside of the caecum, the part where the
ileum enters will be found closed up by the internal coat,
being loose and in folds, something like the part where the
oesophagus enters the stomach. This kind of structure serves
as a valve, and prevents the return of the excrement mto the
alimentary canal. It is necessary that the reader should bear
in his memory the structure of this part; for in flatulent colic,
in addition to the resistance made by this valvular structure to
the escape of the air which is generated in the stomach and
alimentary canal, the caecum is often so loaded with excrement
as to render the escape of air impossible without the assistance
of clysters, wbich, if properly administered, will completely empty
the ca3cum and large bowels in general.

The Colon is the largest gut, containing as much as twelve
eallons, being more than the whole of the small intestuies. ihis
gut commences at the blind head in which the ileum terminates :
it quickly assumes a great size, being larger than the stomach;
it takes a course round the caecum, becomes considerably smaller,
then makes a sudden turn, after which it again enlarges. It again
diminishes, makes another turn, and ends in tl^ejectum i le
first part of this intestine is formed ]^^\^ }''''^^^\ll2.n\Z
means of three longitudinal bands, which, ben.g ^^/.^^'t;^, Xr^f
intestine, causes it to pucker up, and form internally ^ nun bei ot
cells, by which the food is retarded in its progress Tjie second
part of the gut has only two of these bands, and the folds ate
much fewer in consequence.

THE VISCERA OF THE ABDOMEN, OR BELLY.

69

The Rectum is a straight gut, holding about three gallons.
It has no cells, and is only partially covered by peritoneum;
but its muscular coat is considerably stronger than the others,
and enables it, with the assistance of the abdominal muscles, to
expel the fasces. This gut terminates in the anus, which is kept
closed by means of a circular muscle, called the sphincter ani,
which is always in action, except when the dung is being
expelled. The small intestines are about twenty-two yards in
length, and the large about eight.

The LIVER, whose office it is to secrete the bile, is a gland,
and the largest one in the body. It is confined to the diaphragm,
and kept in its situation by strong portions of peritoneum, caTled
its ligaments. It is divided partially into three lobes ; the rio-ht
the left, and the middle, of which the former is the largest, and
the latter the smallest; besides these there are two small lobes.
Its figure, therefore, is very irregular, and its colour between
red and brown. It is supplied with arteries for its nourishment,
with their corresponding veins, together with nerves and ab-
sorbents ; but, in addition to these, there are some large veins
which convey to the liver black, impure blood, from which it
secretes or separates the bile. The bile being thus secreted, is
conveyed by means of the hepatic duct to the duodenum, which
It enters about six inches from the stomach. Man and most
animals possess a gall bladder for the reception of, and as a
reseryon- for, the bile; but the horse does not possess any, so that
the bile IS almost continually being poured into the bowels.
The reason of this peculiarity is, that the horse in a state of
nature is continually feeding ; having a small stomach, it requires
frequent replenishing, and, consequently, there is a continual
demand for bile. The ox, on the other hand, fills his paunch,
and then ceases to eat for some time; consequently, he requires
a large supply of bile at particular periods, and this is afforded
by means of a reservoir — the gall bladder. The bile is a yellow
bitter fluid, and its chief uses appear to be those of a chemical
agent, promoting the decomposition of the chyme, and, also
stimulating the secretion of mucus, and the peristaltic motion of
the intestines.

The Pancreas, or Sweetbread, is also a gland which secretes' a
thin watery fluid, similar to saliva. It lies close to the spine is
connected with the diaphragm and the left kidney. It is of a
pale red colour, and, like other glands, is furnished with arteries'
veins, nerves, and absorbents. Its fluid is separated from arterial
blood, and is conveyed into the intestines by means of a tube
which empties itself close to that of the liver. '

The Spleen is a peculiar organ, loosely attached to the convex
portion of the stomach. It is about three pounds in weio-ht

F 3 '

70

STIlUCTUllE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

lonn-, and larger at one end than the other. Its colour is exter-
nally blue; but, when cut into, is the same as venous blood, of
which it seems filled. In its structure, it appears to consist of
numerous cells. Its use has long been a subject of difficulty and
dispute with physiologists ; but it is now supposed to act as a
reservoir for superfluous fluid. It has been removed from living
animals, without subjecting them afterwards to apparent incon-
venience; consequently, its purpose cannot be of vital impor-
tance. — Ed.]

CHAP. XVI.

ON DIGESTION.

[The horse is a vegetable feeder ; in a state of nature his food is
confined to the grass of the field ; and although in a domesticated
state he largely subsists on nourishment in a more concentrated
form, such as grain, yet it is impossible to make him live on
animal food ; his teeth, his stomach and intestines, are all adapted
for the comminution and digestion of vegetables: the former
are broad, for the purpose of grinding the food as in a mill ; and
the intestines are bulky, so as to contain a large quantity of
food.

The horse at grass is almost constantly feedmg ; he does not,
like the ox, gather together large tufts of grass, but he takes a
short bite, and delights in a sweet herbage. The manner m
which he gathers his food is worthy of notice : he does not bite
it off" with his teeth, but having closely embraced a short bite
between the incisor teeth or nippers, he pulls it off" by making a
slight motion of the head ; this is the only duty of these teeth,
for'the tongue immediately passes on the food to the molar teeth,
between which it is ground as in a mill. The under molar teeth do
not extend so wide as the upper, but by the lateral motion of the
jaws a grinding process is eff'ected. During the time the food
is thus being masticated, an abundant supply of saliva is furnished
by the various salivary glands, and the soft bolus is then passed
into the gullet by the tongue. By the muscles of the gullet or
pharynx the food is passed into the oesophagus, by the muscular
coat of which it is forced into the stomach.

In swallowing liquids a vacuum is formed in the mouth, and
the water is thus sucked in, the tongue forming a sort ot channeJ
for its passage. In this operation the lips are surrounded witli
water, and the air carefully excluded. _

When grain forms the diet of the animal, the nippers have very
little to do; they merely collect the food, which is transferred to

DIGESTION.

71

the molar teeth to be effectually ground. Mastication is, of
course, much slower with this food than with grass, otherwise
a portion of the food would be swallowed whole, and passed
through the body without having its nutritious principle ex-
tracted; a circumstance which often happens with very greedy
feeders, and likewise in old horses, from the teeth being im-
perfect. We have before remarked, that the stomach of the
horse is very small in proportion to the size of the animal, for
which fact a reason is afforded by the habits and peculiarities of
the animal. The ox, we find, has no less than four stomachs : in
him the process of digestion is comparatively tedious and slow,
for having filled his paunch, he becomes more sluggish and disin-
clined for motion ; he lies down, and his food undergoes a second
process, that of rumination.

Carnivorous animals have a capacious stomach, which they
ravenously fill with a large quantity of animal food, after which
they become sluggish and lie down and sleep.

The horse, however, in a natural state, is almost constantly in
motion. He eats when he can, and as often as he can, and is
almost immediately afterwards prepared for flight. Having a small
stomach, it does not, even when filled, press so heavily against the
diaphragm as to impede respiration, as with other animals we
have mentioned ; and although the practice of working him on
a full stomach is by no means to be recommended, yet it is sur-
prising what exertions he is capable of even in this state.

Thus a horse, from being furnished with a small stomach, is
rendered more useful for purposes of speed, or draught, and
consequently more serviceable to man.

The food having entered the stomach, is there submitted to
the action of a fluid secreted by the villous coat of the stomach,
and termed the gastric juice. This fluid is very peculiar in its
nature, and has the power of separating the whey from milk. It
operates chemically on the food, and converts it into a soft pulpy
mass, called chyme, in which state it is passed into the small
intestines. To effect this purpose, the food is detained in the
stomach a considerable time, during which time it is pressed
upon by the muscular coat of the stomach, and moved about so
as to submit every portion of it to the action of the gastric juice.
The stomach of the horse differs from that of carnivorous animals,
not only in the possession of its cuticular coat, but likeAvise
in the fact of having a fundus or blind end, which serves the
purpose of detaining the food, making it necessary for it to
return almost to the same place where it entered the stomach
before it can pass into the duodenum.

Food is detained in the stomach different periods, accordino-
to the time required for its conversion ; and it is found that iT
both corn and grass be given a horse, that the latter will pass

F 4

72

STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

into the duodenum first, although eaten some time after the
former. It has been ascertained by Mr. Percivall that corn
given to a condemned horse, destroyed six hours afterwards, still
remained in the stomach.

The peculiar properties of the gastric juice are that of being
a powerful solvent, and an antiseptic, and having a power of
coagulation. It is capable of dissolving the hardest materials,
such as bones ; and when meat in a state of putrefaction has been
given, it has quickly removed all appearance of putrescence. Its
property of coagulating milk and albuminous fluids is useful in
converting a fluid into a solid state, and thus detaining it in the
stomach much longer than would otherwise be the case.

It is found, in the horse, that if a quantity of water be given
even just after the food, it quickly passes through the stomach,
and is conveyed to the caecum, the principal office of which
appears to be that of a receptacle for liquids. There is little or
no difficulty in its passing through the stomach, as the two orifices
are not very distant from each other ; thus we discover another
use of the fundus in affording a reservoir for the solids without
obstructing the passage of liquids, besides the purpose of de-
taining the food longer in the stomach. It has been found by
actual experiment that vegetables are longer digesting than
animal food.

In the human subject, it has appeared that the too great use
of soups, although containing a very large proportion of nutri-
ment, was yet productive of injury, from being passed too quickly
through the stomach.

I have found likewise, that when bruised oats have been given
to horses without any counteractive agent, it has been productive
of diarrhoea, in all probability from the circumstance of being
passed too quickly through the stomach. And the vulgar way
of explaining the looseness in washy horses is not altogether
destitute of foundation, " that the food does not remain long
enough in them to do them good." During the active process
of chymification, as it is called, going on in the stomach, its ori-
fices are in great measure closed ; but after it is effected the food
is gradually forced through the pyloric opening into the duo-
denum, where it has to undergo that further process of digestion,
called chylification. The pyloric orifice is furnished with a
circular band of fibres, covered by a fold of the villous or nervous
coat, which appears to have, by its extreme sensibility, a power
of selecting that portion of the food which has been sufficiently
chymified. Not but what food frequently passes through with-
out being acted on by the gastric juice; for we find in birds that
seeds are frequentlv dropped with the dung in a perfect state,
and in the faces of horses we may frequently detect grain in a
whole state.

DIGESTION. 73

The stomach is largely supplied with nervous energy, by
means of an important nerve, called the par vagum, or pneumo-
gastric; and it has been found that on dividing this nerve,
the process of digestion has" ceased, showing how essential this
connection is between the stomach and the brain. It has, how-
ever, been found, that where galvanism has been applied to the
mutilated' nerves, digestion has again commenced, and been
carried on for some time.

_ It should not be forgotten that the process of chymification
IS very much assisted by the high temperature of the stomach,
which during the process is very much increased.

The process of chymification may be disturbed, and the func-
tions of the stomach deranged, by various causes. We well
know that in ourselves fear and anxiety will both destroy the
appetite and produce dyspepsia, and in irritable horses the same
effect will be produced. Cold applied to the skin will also
derange the stomach, and still more frequently will disordered
stomach derange the skin; so intimate is the sympathy between
these parts. — Ed.J

It has been remarked that cavalry horses, stationed near the
sea, have rough staring coats, are hide-bound, and often other-
wise diseased: this probably depends upon the bad quality of the
water in such situations. M. CoUaine, Professor of the Vete-
rinary School at Milan, says, " I have remarked that in Italy
many corps of cavalry, after being stationed a few months near
the sea, have been strongly affected with the farcy." I have seen
a large dose of infusion of tobacco cause violent shivering • and
m some experiments I once made on a glandered horse, the
same effect was uniformly produced by a large dose of a solution
ot arsenic. Many other circumstances might be adduced to show
the connection or sympathy that exists between the digestive
organs and the skin, or, in other words, the organ of perspir-
ation. Many of the diseases of cattle may be traced to this
source ; and the common term chill is by no means an unfit one
tor many of the diseases of cattle, especially when considered in
connection with the digestive organs, for on these the mischief
generally falls. Sometimes, however, the organs of respiration
or breathing suffer, or, in other words, the lungs; and so it is in
horses, as will be shown in a future chapter.

From the above circumstances it will be seen how necessary a
healthy state of the skin is to the digestive process ; and we
cannot expect a smooth glossy coat on a horse unless he is kept
on wholesome food and water. This sympathy, or consent
between the stomach and skin, must depend upon their commu-
nicating with each other through the medium or intervention of
the nerves. It is obvious that the sensorium or brain must be a
means of communication between all the nerves or orr^ans of the

74

STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

body; this is shown by making a wound in the skin, or by
whipping the animal. This painful impression on the skin,
which is the organ of feeling, is communicated with inconceiv-
able rapidity to the sensorium or mind of the animal ; and a
considerable degx'ee of muscular motion takes place in conse-
quence. But, besides this common medium of nervous commu-
nication between the skin and the digestive organs, there is
another, thi'ough which slight impressions are communicated
from one to the other, that is, through the great sympathetic
nerve. There is a circumstance to be kept in view with regard
to the connection between the digestive organs and the skin
which is of a strictly practical nature, and will be found of great
use. If the horse's skin has been brought to a higher degree of
sensibility than is consistent with the purposes he is wanted for
by hot stables, warm clothing, and regular grooming, it may
well be expected that exposure to cold and wet, especially if he
has been heated and fatigued by exercise, will make such a pain-
ful or chilling impression upon the skin as will be communicated
to the stomach ; in consequence of which there will be a depres-
sion of appetite, if there is no food in the stomach ; and if that
organ has food in it, there will be an interruption to, or a sus-
pension of, the digestive process. The bowels may be affected
by the same cause ; and when the chilling impression is strong,
even the heart may be depressed. When this happens, the
blood accumulates in the lungs, the heart, and the brain, and
internal inflammation or fever may be the consequence. Another
evil arising from chills is a suppression of the perspirable dis-
charge, either wholly or in part. The excrementitious parts of
the blood which would have passed off through this outlet are
then thrown back upon the circulation, and cause some degree
of disturbance in the body, or fever, until thrown off by the other
emunctories. In horses and cattle the kidneys are considerable
emunctories, and are easily excited to action ; these readily carry
off the excrementitious matter as well as the superfluous serum
of the blood: but in chills it often falls upon the mucous meni-
brane which lines the respiratory or air passages, causmg cough,
sore throat, and running from the nostrils, often attended with
fever. The importance of the nervous system has not been
sufficiently attended to in the treatment of horses and cattle.

It is only necessary at present to show how materially diges-
tion is influenced by it, not only in regard to the state of the
skin, or to impressions made upon its nerves, whether painful or
otherwise, but likewise as it regards the anunal s niind and
temper. To obtain a perfect digestion, it is not sufficient to
supply the horse liberally with good food and water ; it is neces-
saJ-y also that he should be made comfortable by benig kept in a
suitable stable, and being properly groomed, and in every

DIGESTION. 75

respect treated with kindness. He should never be worked
beyond his strength or condition. A horse's capacity for exer-
tion or work depends not only upon his general strength, but
upon his habits, and upon the state of his health at the time he
is employed. Thus a powerful horse, from living well, and in a
state of idleness, may, though looking fat and sleek, be unfit for
a moderate journey ; or if by living in this manner his stomach
has been enlarged and weakened, his bowels loaded with excre-
ment, and consequently stretched and weakened, his liver, and
all the venous system, surcharged with blood, a moderate journey
may, under such circumstances, bring on a fatal disorder. It
requires but little reflection to perceive that whatever contri-
butes to easy digestion in ourselves will do the same in horses ;
and every one knows that calmness and cheerfulness of mind or
temper are conducive, if not absolutely necessary, to a perfect
digestion. Thus it is that horses which have been accustomed
to company and kind treatment pine and fall off in condition
under different management. Old horses that have been accus-
tomed to warm stables often fall off in appetite and condition
when placed m such as are cold. A damp stable, or lettino- a
current of au' come upon a horse's head, especially if he'' is
brought m sweating from exercise, will so far chill the skin, and
mterrupt its functions, as to cause that excrementitious matter
which should have been discharged by the skin to fall upon the
mucous membranes. Those of the lungs, or air passages, are
generally affected, or rather most visibly affected ; as is denoted
by cough, dulness or watering of the eyes, and discharge from
the nostrils : but the mucous membrane of the stomach and
bowels seldom escapes uninjured, as is seen by the diminished
appetite, imperfect digestion, and the looseness or alteration in
tfie state of the dung which follow.

, [Shortly after the food enters the duodenum it is submitted to
the action of two fluids ; one furnished by the pancreas, and the
other by the liver. The pancreatic juice is very similar to that
ot saliva: its principal use, therefore, appears to be to dilute the
food ; but It also contains much albumen, which forms an import-
ant constituent in chyle. We can readily understand how essen-
tial it is that a watery fluid should here be supplied. In the
Jtomach It would be unnecessary, indeed hurtful, as it would
hasten the expulsion of its contents too rapidly; but in the
intestines, in order that the chyle should be extracted, it is essen-
tial that the food should be liquefied.

The formation of chyle is the immediate result of the admix-
ture of the bile, which thus has a chemical action on it.

The properties of bile have before been noticed, and its prin-
cipal use is that above stated. ^

Ch7/le is a thick while fluid, resembling cream when recently

76

STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

extracted, but it soon separates into a coagulum and a watery
fluid : it is found to be composed of minute globules, smaller
than those of the blood : its taste is both sour and sweet.

The chyme, when it enters the duodenum, has a considerable
quantity of acid in its composition; but as it advances it is
deprived of this acid, and alkali is found to preponderate. This
change is effected by the bile, which contains a large quantity of
alkali, the alkali combining with the muriatic acid of the chyme.
By this combination carbonic acid is set free, which accounts for
the presence of this gas in the intestines. There are other gases
found in the intestinal canal, which in the stomach principally
consist of oxygen and nitrogen, and, in the large intestines, of
hydrogen in sevei'al combinations.

The greater part of the chyle is extracted in the small intes-
tines by means of the lacteals ; but in the large intestines also
this process goes on : for it has been found that life has been
supported for some time by nutritious injections.

The food having entered the large intestines, is prevented from
returning by the valve at the place of entrance. The colon and
the caecum commence from the same place, so that a portion of
the food enters each intestine. On examining the caecum after
death, we find that its contents are more watery than the others;
and it has been found that when a horse takes a large quantity
of water, it passes in the course of ten minutes into the caecum,
whose principal office may therefore be considered as a re-
ceptacle for water. The importance of such a resei'voir in the
horse is very evident, when we consider, on the one hand, the
small size of the stomach, and on the other the large quantity of
water, three or four gallons, taken at a time. A great portion of
the contents of the caecum is taken up by the absorbent vessels,
and the remainder is returned to the place of entrance, and
passes into the colon and mixes with its contents. The structure
of the colon we have before noticed : its interior is formed nito
cells, it has several convolutions, and its diameter varies at

different parts. r j • •

This peculiar structure eminently qualifies it for detaimng its
contents, so as to perfect the process of digestion ; for it appears
that the large intestines in the horse serve a more nnportant
service than in man or carnivorous animals, a much greater
portion of nutriment being absorbed in them. From the colon
the faeces pass into the rectum in the form of balls ot a tri-
angular shape, having been so modified by the latter part ot the
colon.

The rectum, as its name implies, is a straight gut acting as a
reservoir for the faeces, and is furnished with a powerful mus-
cular coat, by the contractions of which it is, from time to time.

DIGESTION. 77

expelled ; with the assistance, however, of the diaphragm and the
abdominal muscles.

The intestines, both large and small, are fastened to the spine
by means of a strong membrane, which is spread out in a radiated
direction, like a fan, the foci of which are of course towards the
spine. That part of the membrane which is attached to the
small intestines is termed the mesentery; and the other portions
are termed the mesocolon and the mesorectum, according to the
gut to which it is connected. This membrane, which we may as well
designate as the mesenteiy throughout, not only serves to sustain
the bowels, but also to afford a vehicle for their important vessels.
Thus we have numerous arteries for the nourishment of the coats
of the bowels, and to furnish their internal secretions. We have
likewise the mesenteric veins, which have been found not only
to return the venous blood, but also to have a power of absorbing
the more fluid contents of the bowels, as well as some chemicd
agents which have been administered for experiment, and which
the lacteals have refused. There are also a numerous supply of
nerves passing to the bowels, supplying them with nervous
energy, and keepmg up their connection with the sensorium
Ihese are not only nerves of sensation, but also of involun-
tary motion : the former are at all times the medium of com-
mon feelmg, and sometimes, as in spasms or inflammation, the
source of the most intense pain ; the latter endow the muscular
coat of the bowels with the peculiar peristaltic or vermicular
action It possesses, and by which the contents are passed onwards
Lastly, the mesentery abounds with minute vessels, called the
lacteals, which open into the intestines, and absorb the chvle
and convey it through a number of glands, called mesenteric
glands , to a canal denominated the receptaculum chyli, which
takes Its course along the spine, and terminates in a large vein,
just before It reaches the heart. The lacteals are so small as to
be ordinarily imperceptible to the naked eye; and they seem to
possess a peculiar sensibility for the absorption of chyle, which,
however, is urged onwards by means of capillary attraction.

ihus the beautiful process of digestion is carried on, whereby
the grass of the field is gradually converted into the various and
complicated structure of animal frames. In this process it is
easy to beheve how the imperfection of one part may neutralise
the operation of another, and thereby materially impair the eff"ect
of the whole. Thus, loss of condition, so often met with in the
horse, may arise either from deranged stomach or intestines
from diseased secretions of the glands, or from obstruction or
disease of the absorbent vessels. — Ed.]

♦ These glands sometimes become hardened and enlarged • and inf-Prmnf.nn.
the course of the ch;;le the animal loses flesh. ^ ' '"terrupting

78

STRUCTUKE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

CHAP. XVII.

ON THE URINARY ORGANS.

[The urine is separated from the blood by means of the kidneys,
two o-lands of well-known shape, lying one on each side of the
spinel immediately under the lumbar vertebras. Unlike the
liver, their lower surfaces only are covered by peritoneum; and
they are kept in their situation partly by cellular membrane
which attaches them to the psoas muscles above, and to the
neighbouring parts ; partly by the fat in which they are imbedded;
but still more by large and important blood vessels, which enter
the gland at the notch in its centre.

On cutting into the kidney, we find that the outer part is a
dark red, and the inner a lighter colour : the former is termed
the cortical, and the latter the medullary part; and the sub-
stance of the former runs into the latter. The kidneys are covered
by a membrane peculiar to itself. The blood enters the kidney
at its notch by means of the emulgent artery, which divides into
four or five branches, taking their course towards the cortical
part, where they end in minute vessels. These vessels, which are
exceedingly numerous, terminate in little globular bodies, by
which the urine is separated. The superfluous blood is returned
by the veins ; but the urine is conveyed by a particular set ot
vessels into a reservoir, called the pelvis, situated in the me-
dullary part of the kidney. From the pelvis of the kidney arises
a long white tube, called the ureter, which leaves the kidney at
its noteh, and runs along the lumbar vertebrae to the pelvis of the
body, where it is attached to the upper and lateral part ot the
bladder, on which it continues its course towards the neck ot the
bladder. Before it reaches the neck it disappears, by penetrating
the external coats of the bladder, passes a short distance, and
then terminates by piercing the internal coat in an oblique

"^"Th^kidneys are well supplied with nerves, which enter them

with the blood vessels. , i i

Near the kidneys are two small bodies, called the capsule

renales, whose use is unknown. „ ,

The BLADDER is situated entirely within the cavity ot tiie
pelvis, when in an undistended state ; but when full, ^ P°;;^'«"
projects into the abdomen. It is attached to tl- FH- by^;'!'^^
Membrane, but is chiefly kept n its ^^^^^ ^ at^ Tl e

toneum,by which it is partially covered If^^^^I^ X rectum
lower part of the pelvis, having immediately above it tl e^ec "m
in the male, and the vagina in tlie female. The bladder is

THE URINARY ORGANS. 79

usually distinguished into three parts : the fundus, the body, and
the cervix, or neck. The fundus is the round extremity, which
often projects into the abdomen ; the body forms the principal
bulk of the bladder; and the cervix is the posterior narrow part,
which, however, is thicker than the rest, and is united to the
urethra.

The bladder is composed of three coats: the external, the
mternal, and the muscular. The former is formed by peritoneum,
and covers the anterior part of the bladder only. The internal,
or mucous coat, forms the principal thickness of the bladder, and
secretes a mucus for its internal lubrication, and to prevent
the irritating effects of the urine. This coat possesses much sen-
sibility, and is largely supplied with nerves. The muscular coat
IS composed of two orders of fibres, longitudinal and circular;
the former of which will diminish the length, and the latter the
breadth, and the united contraction of both will lessen the cavity
so as to expel the contents.

The neck of the bladder is more abundantly furnished with
circular fibres than the other parts, and their ofBce in this situa-
tion IS to prevent the urine from escaping by closing the cavity.
These fibres, when contracted from spasm, occasion a retention
*of the urine.

The urine is discharged from the body through a membranous
canal, called the urethra, which, in the male, is of considerable
length, extending from the bladder to the extremity of the penis.
It first takes a course from the neck of the bladder backwards,
and becomes increased in size, and approaches very near the skin,
being, indeed, just under the anus; it then forms an acute
angle, turning downwards and forwards, and is here surrounded
by a muscle, called the accelerator urinse, and continues to the
extremity of the penis.

In the female the passage is considerably shorter, being about
two inches backward, and slightly upward, when it opens into the
pudendum, and is connected with the organs of generation.

The Urine is a fluid secreted or separated by the kidneys,
J^^V','"''^ H ^^^"^ through specific channels, the ureters, into
the bladder. In a state of health it is of an amber colour, and
Its peculiar odour is well known. It is composed chiefly of
water, which contains some salts, and a peculiar substance,
called urea, to which its properties are more particularly owino-.
I he colour of the urine is much lighter after a large quantity of
water has been drunk; and darker, and more acrid, after solid
food. There is a great sympathy between the kidneys and the
skin ; as the secretion of the one increases, that of the other
diminishes: when horses sweat much, they urine little, and vice
versd. The urine is separated from the blood, which is conveyed
to the kidneys by the emulgent arteries; these organs, therefore,

80 STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

serve the purpose of separating the excrement from the system,
and conveying it away: and it is also thought they serve an
office subordinate to the skin, — that of removing the superfluous
fluid that is not actually required by the skin, or cooling the
body by means of perspiration.

The Bladder is, of course, a reservoir for the urine, preventing
the o-reat inconvenience that would result from discharging the
urine as fast as it is secreted. It receives the urine by means of
the ureters, and suffers it to accumulate to a certain degree,
differing in different individuals: it then produces an uneasy
feeling, which induces the animal to discharge it. The act of
staling is therefore a voluntary act, but the inclination urging
it is much affected by nervous influence ; e. g. fear, and anxiety
of mind, will repeatedly cause a disposition to urinate, both in
the horse and in man.

The act of staling is more simple in the mare than in the
horse ; and in the former a retention of urine is much rarer,
and is more easily removed, which is owing to the straightness
and shortness of the canal in mares, and the great length and
obliquity of the external passage in horses.

In the urinary act the horse stretches out his legs, and after
a few moments' preparation, in which he inspires a greater quan- ^
turn of air than common, he expels the urine by the conjoint
assistance of the diaphragm, the abdominal muscles, and muscular
coat of the bladder. Towards the conclusion of the act, the
expulsion of the urine from the urethra is assisted by a small
muscle, called the accelerator urinae, which clears the passage
from the last drop. The mare has, likewise, the power of ejecting
the last portion of the urine, by inverting repeatedly the nymphae
and clitoris. — Ed.]

CHAP. XVIII.

THE ORGANS OF GENERATION.

FThe Orqans of Generation are intimately connected with the
parts last mentioned; they are in both sexes very complicated ;
but in this place a general description must suffice.

In the male we find glands to secrete the prolific fluid, and an
instrument to convey it to the necessary receptacle in the temaie;
the first are called the testes, the other is the penis.

The Testes or Testicles are two glandular bodies, suspended
between the thighs, and contained within a bag called tjie scro-
They are of an oval shape, flattened at the sides, and

turn

THE OUGANS OF GENERATION". 81

somewhat about the size of a hen's egg when full grown. To
the upper and posterior part of the testicle is attached the vas
deferens; and to the upper and anterior end is joined the sper-
matic cord, by which the gland is suspended, and retained in its
situation.

The substance of the testicle is soft, and of a light brown

tT. • 7v ^ t^^t'^le what is called

the Epididymis, which is composed principally of a white tube
containing semen, coiled up so much that Jhen unwound it

J"? r "^^^"^^ T'^' ^" ^""g^h- The epididymis is
.v^TJa T ^T^'^^'y. ^ha" jn the middle. These extremities
ai e called the globus major and minor. The former, and laro-er
IS situated towards the front; and the smaller globe is found
towards the back part of the testicle: from the larger abbe
which IS commonly termed the nut, and is indeed about the size
ot a small walnut, the vas deferens arises.

The Spermatic Cord, by which the testicle is suspended, is
composed of numeroiis parts, although not by any means bulky
in their structure. There are, in the first place, no less 1 an
four distinct coverings; one of which, called th^ cremasterX
inuscu ar and has the power by its contraction of drawing up
the testicle The other parts of the cord consist of arteries, vf ins!
nerves, and the vas deferens. ' '

fhJ^^r^^'T T ^"''^ number; a small one, belonging to
the cord; and a larger one, the spermatic, supplying the tesdcle
Itself, and from which the semen is secreted : from tlie latte d e
pnncipal bleeding takes place in the operation ofcastration. T l e
veins are large and numerous, and accompany the arteries in
their course, together with the nerves, which are also numerous
n mSs'"'"^ '^^"'^^"^ "^^^h are likeS

is time? ' ^°^^^3'« ^^'ninal fluid

Jnf i 1 r 1' ^ P^'' ^bich can readily be distin-

gmshed from the other parts, being stout, and firm to the touch

pait ot the testicle, and consequently does not at first ioin the
other parts; it, however, gradually approaches them, and enters
the abdomen with them, when it ascends to the pelvis! and
passes by the side of the bladder, about an inch poste d to
which it terminates ,n another duct not yet described.

ihe Scrotum or bag in which the testes are found, is com-
posed of several coverings. We have externally the sk n, whiTh
s soft and thin, and usually dark. It is equ/lly divided by a
ong,tud.nal crease, called the raphe. On cutting through
sk.n, we find a layer or coat, supposed to be muscular, called i^r!
human anatomy the dartos. It is loosely connected by mem
brane with the skin and other parts; and a portion of hZlZ

G *■ "

82 STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

upwards from the raphe, divides the scrotum into two equal parts,
and thus separates the testicles from each other.

The third covering of the scrotum is formed by cellular mem-
brane The testicles themselves have two coats ; one intimately
connected with the gland itself, and the other external to this,
and common to both the testicle and the cord. Tlie latter is
called tunica vaginalis, or vaginal tunic, and is formed ot peri-
toneum, and accompanies the testicle in its descent. After enve-
lopino- the cord and the testicle, it is reflected, so as to invest
them°a second time, and is thence called the tunica reflexa.
Between these two membranes a fluid is secreted tor the lubri-
cation of the parts, which spurts out in the operation of castra-

^^°In performing this operation, we therefore first cut through
the skin, next the fibrous coat, then the cellular covering ; these
membranes belonging to the scrotum. The knife next divides
the tunica vaginalis, on which the fluid before spoken of spurts
out, and the testicle springs from the bag through the incision
Thus, by one stroke of the knife, we sever no less than thiee
coverings, besides the skin; but there is no occasion to cut
through the reflected coat or tunica albuginea, as the white coat
immediatelv enveloping the testicle is termed.

The "esticles at birth are, like those of man contamed within
the scrotum: but, after five or six months, they are drawn up
between Te external and internal abdominal rings, where they
remain six or seven months, and then again descend to the

T\r*abdominal rings are two on each side, the external and
the internal ; the former is the opening in the transverse muscle,
the - atter in the fascia, or strong membrane, which immediately
contai^ the intestines.' They are not placed opposite each other
but about three inches apart the external -"g
the posterior inferior part of the abdomen. The testicle itseit,
too has a coat of peritoneum ; and, when it leaves the abdomen,
t forces that portion of the peritoneum which closes the opening
with It and carries it down to the scrotum, thus accounting for two
Tnc^s !^the diuble membrane of the testicle, and t^he circum-
smnfe of the open communication existing between the scrotum
ind the abdorSen, which, indeed, is the Pn-ipal -^^^^^^^^^^^^^
dangerous symptoms which sometimes supervene after the opei

"^j^^X^ serves the double office of affording a^^^^^^^
sage for the irine, and ejecting the semen, is a long W^^^^^
atmched to the pelvis by ligaments and nn^sdes^ 1 con^po e
of several distinct parts, besides its ^'^^^ and at-

pair called the erectors, situated at the root of Pf ^' "^^^^^^^^^
Cached to the bones of the pelvis, which assist m the erection

THE ORGANS OF GENERATION.

83-

the organ, by promoting the influx of blood. Then we have a
small triangular muscle, situated at the root of the organ, besides
the Accelerator, which envelopes the urethra, and ejects with
force both the urine and the semen.

The body of the penis is formed principally of two cavernous
bodies, which, by the power they possess of containing a large
quantity of blood, increase almost suddenly in size, and thus
cause the erection of the penis.

The extremity of the penis is called the glans, which, in its
distended state, is large and rounded, and is the counterpart to
the mouth of the uterus in the female, to which it is applied in
the act of copulation. At the extremity of the glans is the mem-
brane to the urethra, which, in some measure, projects beyond
the glans.

At the commencement of the urethra, near the neck of the
bladder, are found three small bodies, called the prostate glands,
one of which is much larger than the others. These glands
secrete a white fluid, or mucus, which mixes with the semen pre-
vious to its ejection.

The penis of the horse, in its flaccid state, is not usually seen,
being altogether situated within its sheath, which is formed by
loose folds of skin, reflected on the body of the penis, so as to
permit the ready projection or retraction of the organ.

Within the sheath are situated a number of small glands,
which secrete a white odorous substance, which often collects,
and becomes offensive; and sometimes insinuates within the ure-
thra, and obstructs the passage.

The seminal fluid, from the place of its secretion to that of its
departure from the body, traverses a considerable leno-th of
passage ; that of the urethra alone being nearly two feet.

It is secreted by the minute branches of the spermatic artery,
whence it passes into small tubes which convey it to lar.rer ones
which from being assembled in the form of network are called
the rete : -thence a still larger set of tubes, the vasa efferentia,
convey it from the testicle itself to the epididymis. The
epididymis, which we have before observed lies on the upper
part ot the testicle, receives the semen from the vas efferentia,
which unite at the anterior part of the epididymis, and terminate
in a single duct several yards in length when unwound, but coiled
up in the small compass of the large head or nut of the epidi-
dymis. From this part the vas deferens proceeds, which, ioinin^r
the cord, enters the abdomen through the ring, and traversing
the pelvis, conveys the semen to about one inch posterior to the
neck of the bladder.

The V esiculce Seminalis, oblong membranous bags, are supposed
to act as reservoirs for the semen ; they are situated in the space
between the bladder and the rectum, and open by means of

o 2

84

STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

ducts into the urethra, very near the termination of the vas
deferens.

The female organs of generation are usually classed by ana-
tomists into the external and the internal. The opening just
under the anus, so much larger in brood mares, is termed the
pudendum or vulva, and is formed by the labia or lips on each
side, the places of junction of which above and below are termed
the commissures.

The Labia Pudendi are covered externally with fine soft skm,
generally of a dark colour, under which there is a fatty and
fibrous substance, which forms their principal bulk. Withni the
vulva, tlie labia are covered by a mucous membrane, and
possess some degree of muscular power, which is exemplified in
mares after staling.

On separating the lips of the pudendum, we find at the lower
part, the clitoris, a fleshy body, somewhat analogous to the penis,
having like it a power of erection, and furnished with muscles

for the purpose. „ . , u i

Anterior to the clitoris and about four inches from the vulva,
we find the commencement of the passage to the bladder, the
meatus urinarius. It is large enough to admit the finger, is
about two inches in length, and passes downwards and forwards
to the bladder ; its entrance is guarded by a membrane, which
lies upon it, and thus acts as a valve.

The Inter7ial Organs of generation are the vagina, the uterus,
the fallopian tubes, and ovarii. ,

The Fagina is a cylindrical canal of great dimensions, being
eighteen inches in length, extending from the vulva to the uterus.
It is situated between the rectum above, and the bladder below ;
is partly membranous, and partly muscular in its composition ;
and is lined internally by a mucous membrane, which is col-
lected in loose folds. _ • i • i

The Uterus, or womb, in the mare, is very singular in shape,
having a body, a neck, and two horns; the body is the cylin-
drical part, having the neck behind and thehorns m front; the
neck is the posterior contracted part, which projects into the
vagina; it presents a wrinkled flower-like appearance, and has
in ks middle an opening into the vagina, called the os uteri. Ihe
horns, which are each almost as large as the body, proceed
backwards from it, diverging from each other They ^ro eed
upwards, into the abdomen, and end in round extiem.ties, to
which are connected the fallopian tubes.

The uterus possesses considerable strength, which is chiefly
owing to its thick fibrous coat, which, during gestation, possesses

great contractile power. . . ,

^ The Fallopian Tubes are two very small tubes, about an mch

FUNCTIONS OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS, ETC. 85

and a half in length, leading from the horns of the uterus to the
ovaria.

The Ovaria or female testicles are considerably smaller than
the male organs, which in shape they resemble, being about the
size of walnuts; they are situated in the abdomen, a little ante-
rior to the kidneys, and are loosely connected to the spine by
membrane. They are well supplied with blood vessels and
nerves, and supply sniall ova or vesicles, one of which, during
copulation, is conveyed through the fallopian tubes to the uterus,
and being impregnated by the seminal fluid of the male, becomes
the germ of a new animal.

The operation of spaying, so often performed in the pig, and
sometimes on the cow and mare, consists in making an opening
at the flank into the abdomen, and introducing the fino-er, with
which the ovaria are brought out and cut off. °

The Udde?- of the mare is situated at the lower and back part
of the abdomen between the thighs ; in the virgin state it is
exceedingly small, but towards the latter period of gestation en-
larges considerably, and a few days before parturition milk is
secreted.

The udder is a glandular structure, well furnished with blood
vessels, by which the milk is secreted, which is then poured into
specific canals, which convey it to the feats or du(/s, the ex-
tremities of which are pierced with three small holes, for the
exit of the milk. Both udder and teats are covered by soft
skin, generally of a dark colour. — Ed.]

CHAP. XIX.

ON THE FUNCTIONS OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS, AND THE
GROWTH OF THE FCETUS.

[The purpose of the complicated structures which we have de-
scribed, both m the male and the female, is the preservation of
the .species For this purpose, it is not only essential that the
seminal fluid should be ejected into the uterus, but that the mare
should be in a state fit to receive it. The human female is in
a state fit for breeding all the year round; but in the mare this
state only exists at the period of horsing, which is generallv
confined to the summer, and the early part of it. Mares 4
eleven months with foal ; but they usually exhibit the disposition
to copulate, which is well known by the increased heat and
swelling of the parts of generation, and the emission of a white
tlmd, about nine or ten days after gestation, and at intervals
afterwards of a few days at first, and then about three weeks
irom this time ; the brood mare is consequently enabled to breed

,-1 Q

86

STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

a colt per annum, for several successive years. The stallion
bein"- highly fed, although he impregnates a great many mares
in the course of the season, is yet very soon excited to the act
by the presence of the salacious female. The testicles are drawn
up and the penis is quickly erected by the sudden accumulation
of blood in its cavernous substance and glans, which by the
ano-le formed at the root of the penis is prevented returning.
In^this state, the leap having been taken, the penis enters the
female parts, and the glans, by successive efforts, is pushed
against the os uteri, to which it exactly corresponds. The fric-
tion of the parts produces exquisite pleasure to both sexes, at the
climax of which the semen is ejected into the uterus with con-
siderable force. This done, the act is completed on the part of
the male, the penis becomes flaccid, and is withdrawn, and the
feeling of lassitude succeeds the intensity of pleasure.

The female often rejects the semen shortly afterwards, to pre-
vent which, it is sometimes customary to throw cold water over
the loins to diminish the excitement of the parts, and thus cause
them to retain the prolific fluid. Bleeding has been sometimes
practised with the same view, and, it is stated, with success.

When the mare is impregnated, the os uteri is closed, and
there is no longer a disposition for the horse ; this rule, however,
is not without exceptions.

The phenomena which supervene in the female uterus atter a
successful impregnation have been the subject of much dispute^,
and are still surrounded with mystery. The Ovaria are found
to be composed of vesicles, or sacs, which contain a fluid, within
which are small bodies called ovula, and which are, indeed, the
o-erms of young animals. Whether the seminal fluid is conveyed
by the fallopian tubes to the ovaria, and there impregnates an
ovulum, as is supposed, or whether the vesicle bursts indepen-
dently of the copulative act, and is then conveyed to the uterus
there to be impregnated, or not, we cannot determine.

The ovulum, being impregnated, is termed the ovum, and on
departing from the ovarium leaves a scar behind, which is called

a corpus luteum. . • i • ^i, ,f„,..,c

The impregnated ovum, soon after its arrival m the uteius,
becomes firmly attached to this body, prior to which a quantity
of blood is determined to the uterus, by which a substance e
sembling lymph is secreted, which furnishes not only a hmng
membrane for the uterus, but also for the ovum itself 1 he
former is termed the deciduous, and the latter th-;-eflec coat
and each of them soon becoming abundantly furnished ^
vessels, they together are called the Placenta, ^^'I'^^J'^^^^
thereb^ supplied with nourishment. The vessels the motlier
and those of the foetus, do not communicate wi h each othe by
any direct channel ; but it is supposed that the foetal vessels

FUNCTIONS OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS, ETC.

87

derive nourishment and purification by a sort of imbibition from
the mother's blood.

The ovum, on leaving the ovaries, is furnished with a mem-
brane, called the Amnios, which afterwards increases in size, and
furnishes a liquid in which the foetus floats, comparatively free
from danger, and in all the ease and luxury of an hydraulic bed.
It is supported in its situation by the umbilical cord, or navel
string, which is nearly three feet in length, and is composed of
the blood vessels, and a canal communicating with the bladder,
and proceeding from the navel of the foetus, and passing to the
deciduous membranes of the mare. This canal is called the
urachus, and serves to convey away the superfluous water that
the foetal bladder would be incapable of containing.

The circulation of the blood in the foetus, it is evident, must
be very different fi'om that after birth. Nourishment is not
afforded by the stomach, bile is not secreted by the liver, nor is
the blood purified hy the lungs : these organs are only supplied
with nourishment suflBcient for their own support and increase.
The arteries belonging to the maternal portion of the placenta
terminate partly in veins, and partly in exhalent surfaces : from
these exhalent surfaces, the minute branches of the umbilical
veins of the foetus absorb blood in a comparatively red and
purified state : they convey this blood into the foetal circulation
through the vein, which, in the animal after birth, is wholly en-
gaged in supplying the liver. It will thus be seen that the
umbilical veins convey red blood, and the umbilical arteries black
blood, contrary to the usual custom. The blood from the um-
bilical veins, as well as the lower part of the body, enters both
- sides of the heart at once, and a small portion is thence sent into
the lungs from the right ventricle, whilst the largest portion is
distributed to the system from the left ventricle.

There is a communication, too, between the aorta and the
pulmonary artery, by which the blood not required by the lungs
is sent into the system through the aorta. It will thus be seen that
the heart of the foetus, though double in its construction, is single
in its office ; and, in this respect, is very analogous to the single
heart of some cold-blooded animals. No sooner, however, does
the animal breathe, than the right side of the heart has an inde-
pendent office to perform, and the communications before spoken
of are closed up. — Ed.]

G 4

88

STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

CHAP. XX.

ON THE TRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF BREEDING.

[The comparative influence of the male and female in the forma-
tion of the offspring has been the subject of much dispute amongst
physiologists, and is a matter on which there is still much differ-
ence of opinion. Some contend, that the influence of the male is
every thing, and that the female only affords the soil for the
nourishment of the foetus. Others argue, that the seed is afforded
by the female, who has therefore the greatest influence over the
future offspring, and that the male only excites this seed into the
action necessary for the production of the young animal. The
question, however, is not to be decided by anatomy, or physiology,
but only by the evidence of a number of practical results. The
germ of the future offspring is certainly suppHed by the female;
but still the form and qualities may be the effect of the male,
just as the ductile wax receives whatever impression the stamp
may be calculated to produce, whether the head of a prince or that
of a peasant. We must therefore look only to facts, to decide
the point. It is a matter of some importance in thebreedmg of
animals to have as correct views as possible on this subject, for
it is too frequently the case that either one parent or the other
is entirely disregarded in the choice, and the result is a weakly,
mongrel, or bad-shaped animal. In crossing the breed of
animals, I think it will be found that the offspring turns mostly
after the sire both in shape and in size. The common mule
betrotten by the male ass out of the mare certanily discovers a
jnSch stronger affinity in shape and size, and in disposition too,
to his plebeian sire, than to his more aristocratic dam. llie
lengthy ears, the narrow foot, the coarse head, the light and
wiry limbs, the comparatively insensible skin, are all derived
from the ass, and even his size is more accordant to the sire than
to the dam. It must be borne in mind, that the large Spanish
mules that we occasionally see are begotten by asses of great
size. In the breeding of sheep, it is found that the qualities o
the ram preponderate over those of the ewe, a fact which is well
illustrated by the cross between the South Down ewe and the
Cotswold or Leicester ram, in which the progeny very nearly
approaches the Cotswold both in size, length of wool, and geneial
^^^earance. In horses it is surprising -1-t large anm^^^^
mares will breed when covered by horses much l^'-g^ ;l2\-e ^^l
selves, and it is rarely the case that a large roomy e ?vill
produce a colt that will reach her own size, if put to a small stalhon.
^ There are of course exceptions, but such is the general rule.

\

THE PKINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF BREEDING. 89

From these facts, I think we are justified in concluding that
the influence of the mare is superior to tliat of the horse, and that
the offspring, in shape, size, and general qualities, turn more after
the father than the mother.

This fact, however, will by no means justify that total indif-
ference as to the qualities of the mare, so generally pursued,
particularly by farmers. When a mare is unfit for every other
purpose, she is generally considered worth something for breeding,
whei-eas, in many cases, it would be more prudent and economical
to destroy the poor brute, than suffer her faults and misfortunes
to become hereditary. For, although the influence of the horse
may be greater than that of the mare, yet the bad qualities of
the latter are just as likely to be hereditary as those of the sire;
and indeed any constitutional defects, such as a scrofulous dis-
position, are more likely to be derived from the mare than the
horse, inasmuch as the intimate connection between the maternal
and foetal system is considerable before birth, and is kept up after-
wards by means of the milk. It must not be forgotten, too, that
amongst mares and horses kept for breeding the proportion of
bad mares is greater than of bad horses. A horse is rarely
preserved entire, and used generally .as a stallion, unless he has
some excellences; whilst, as before observed, it is very frequently
the case that the only claims a mare has to the embraces of a
horse are her unfitness for every other purpose.*

A bad mai-e will scarcely ever produce a good colt, however
excellent the horse may be ; and although a very superior stallion
may be introduced in a country where the qualities of the horses
are bad, and the benefit may be immediately perceptible, yet it
takes some years and several generations before the character
of the stock is materially changed.

The Arabs of the desert, we are told, prize their mares in-
finitely beyond their horses, and while they part from the latter
freely, yet nothing can induce them to give up their favourite
mares. To this scrupulous attention to the female is doubdess
chiefly owing the fact of their preserving their race of horses free
from degeneracy, and in such great perfection for so many years.
While they preserve good mares they cannot have bad horses,
whereas had they allowed degeneracy to creep in. amongst their
mares, the qualities of their horses could not have supplied the
deficiency.

It is a question, however, whether they would not have im-
proved their race of horses still more, if they had bestowed more
of that scrupulous attention on the sire which they pay so ex-
clusively to the dam. And although, from the impossibility of

* Strange reasons are sometimes given for breeding. On asking a friend
why he put a little plain, though fast maro, to the horse, he replied she was
very poor, and he thought it would do her good.

90

STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

getting the choicest Arab mares, we cannot reduce their powers
to a fair comparison with our own, yet, from the great ease with
which our second-rate horses have beat the Arabs, some of them
perhaps the own brothers of their favourite mares, I am in-
clined to think that if even their choicest mares were entered for
those of our stakes confined to the feminine sex alone, we should
find that the pride of the desert would be unable to wrest the
laurels from our Crucifixes or Black Besses, and that the winner
of the Oaks would still remain of English blood.

Breeding horses is generally considered an unprofitable branch
of a farmer's business, but this, I take it, is in great measure
owing to the want of judgment displayed; for, certainly, keep-
ing an animal till he is four or five years old, taking all the
risks to which young stock are exposed, and then realising a
price ranging between 20?. and 30/., will most assuredly leave a
balance on the unfavourable side of the profit and loss account.
I am here not alluding to those large breeders who make it their
principal business, having extensive pastures applicable for no
other purpose, but to those agriculturalists who cannot keep their
colts for less than three or four shillings per week. To this de-
scription of farmers breeding cart horses is more profitable than
hacks, as the colts come into work at two and three years old,
and thus earn their keep at this early age, and if they are large
and promising often realise high prices by the time they are five
years old. Although more judgment has been displayed m this
"stock than in that of a better breed, yet there is still much room
for judicious improvement. By using a horse as a stallion better
bred than those generally used, many advantages are secured,
without any proportionate drawbacks.

The advantages are, by slightly reducing the weight we gam
an improvement in the action, so much so that a pace ot tour
miles an hour will be easier executed than three miles an hour
by the heavier horse. By getting more breed a greater degree
of nervous energy is obtained, and the horse is less likely to tire,
and will consequently do more work.

For common agricultural purposes, there is no horse so handy
as one about 15 hands or a little more; and where the land is
not particularly heavy, and the principal object of the farmer is
to get useful horses for his own use, he cannot do better than
breed these little active animals, which, by a judicious attention
to the qualities of the sire, and the dam, he may obtain witn
such a degree of speed in the walk as to do halt as much work
again as the heavy, hairy-legged sort.
"When, howeveJ, the farmer intends selling off h.s stock after
working them two years, so as to realise large prices loi tne
London market, it is then essential that a much greater size
should be attained, viz. from 16 to 17 hands, together with a

THE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF BREEDING.

91

disposition to carry plenty of flesh, for the Londoners will not
buy unless a horse is fat.

These purposes, however, may still be effected without losing
sight of the principle we have advocated, that of improving the
bx'eed ; for, by selecting large, active, good-shaped cart mares,
and by putting them to a powerful half-bred stallion (better bred
than he looks), we may secure size and shape, at the same time
have substance and flesh enough to please the metropolitan eye,
and to obtain as high prices as any that are sent to the London
markets. I have myself seen many of this breed whom no one
would condemn as too light for any purposes of draught. I do
not like the plan, however, of putting a cart mare to a thorough-
bred horse, as, generally speaking, these extremes are not equally
mixed in the offspring, but are harshly conjoined; for we often
see them with the legs of the sire, and the carcass of the dam,
the two extremes meeting, but not mingling, in the young animal.

In breeding half-bred horses, so as to realise a profit, the
principle to be kept in view is to produce an animal that v/ill at
four or five years old realise 50Z. or 60Z.; to do which no greater
expense is incurred than in breeding an animal of one half this
value.

In the first place, then, we have to inquire what sort of animal
it is that realises this high price. They are principally of two
kinds, hunters and carriage horses. By hunters, however, we
do not mean any animal that can gallop fast over a light country ;
but one that can carry a heavy weight in deep ground, well up
to hounds when the scent is good, and the pace proportionate.
For this purpose we require breed and substance in the highest
degree the two qualities can be combined together. The horse
should be as nearly as possible 16 hands, with a deep chest
and barrel ; not too short in the back, but with strong loins and
quarters ; good fore-arm and legs ; light head and neck, but the
latter not too short. These qualities are more easily obtained
in a smaller horse, but this will not do if a good price is expected ;
there must be a large frame to carry weight, and this can be ob-
tained if the breeder will get the right sort of mare, which can
be done by not sparing a few pounds.

The mare then should behalf-bred, and as near as possible 16
hands; not under 15^ nor over 16|, unless, in the latter case,
the other qualities are very excellent. She must not be blind or
half blind, unless from an accident, as the diseases of the eye are
very hereditary. If she is lame, we must assure ourselves that
it has not been produced by natural defect. We must take care
that she is not too long and oblique, or too short and upright, in
the pasterns ; or knuckling at the knees or fetlocks, or small
under the knee.

If she be washy or light carcassed, although as fleet as the

92

STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE HORSE.

wind, we had better shoot her than breed from her. Her paces
should be good, at any rate, not bad; and if she has been a good
hunter, so much the better.

And now what sort of a horse should such a mare be put to ?
A thorough-bred, by all means, but not any one that may offer.
He should have good fore-legs, and a large frame, and his per-
formances should have been sufficient to show that his large
frame was no hindrance to him. It is by no means essential
that he should have won the Derby or St.Leger ; better far that
he should have been in the tail at these great races, and have
run honest and well afterwards, than that he should have come
in first, and never raced again. It is essential that his consti-
tution should be good, and there is no better proof of this
than his capability of standing training, without being ever and
anon amiss, and his frequent appearance at the starting post and
fair position at the winning post. If he has won a few Queen's
plates, and particularly if he has raced for them too (not merely
walked over), he is the sort of horse forgetting valuable hunters.

By selecting such a sire and dam as these just mentioned,
there is every probability of breeding animals of value ; but I am
not asserting that such a mare as I have stated, and no other,
should be used for breeding. The breeder may possess a mare
nearly, or quite thorough-bred, and such a one may prove
valuable for breeding. In this case the danger is in getting the
stock too small or too light; and, generally speaking, it will not
be prudent to use a thorough-bred stallion for such a mare.
He may be three parts bred, but with great substance; and if he
has been signalised in the annals of hunting or steeple-chasing,
so much the better. If the mare be small and thorough-bred, the
horse should be of still greater size and substance, and may be
only half-bred, providing his action is good. _

I have known some very clever animals bred in this way;
whereas if a thorough-bred horse had been used, the chances
would have been that the offspring would be small, weedy, and
Veil Unless*

In breeding carriage horses an equal degree of care must be
employed, as in breeding hunters. And indeed more scrupulous
attention must be paid, so as to avoid those defects that offend
the eye, which in hunters may be looked over or atoned for by
the possession of other first-rate qualities : for instance, if a
carriage horse has a short neck, however excellent his other
qualities may be, he will not realise a high price. Some years

?d,
of

greater^tmirtran^ symmetry, ranging between 15^ to 16i
hands. Such an animal must be lengthy without being light

TfFE PRINCIPLES AND PHACTJCE OF BREEDING.

93

cai'cassed ; the shoulders oblique, and not loaded, but with high
withers; the neck must be long and arched, and the head
carried high. He should be well ribbed up, without being short,
and he must not be goose-rumped, or ragged-hipped. His
action must be good, neither too high nor too low, but rather
tending towards the former than the latter extreme.

There must be little or no white about the legs, and the best
colour is bay ; next to this brown, unless a grey can be obtained,
which is as good, or better than either.

To obtain such an animal, we must take care that neither the
sire nor the dam possess any of those defects that we would
avoid in the offspring. The mare should be a good carriage
mare, and if rather heavy, the horse may be thorough-bred, but
not the one we would select for getting hunters, but one more
lengthy. If the mare is well bred, the horse must not be
thorough-bred, but as near as may be consistent with plenty of
substance.

The two descriptions of horses which I have mentioned are
those to which the attention of the breeder should be principally
directed with a view to realising good prices, but there are other
sorts of mares that may be bred from with great advantage, such
as clever hacks and cobs, and handsome ponies. Indeed when-
ever a mare has superior qualities without striking defects, she
may be advantageously used for breeding, providing the right
sort of horse is selected as sire. A little three-parts-bred mare,
however, should not be put to a thorough-bred horse, as the
produce would probably be weedy, and of little value, whereas a
stallion of more substance and less breed would probably get a
clever hack. Superior cobs are very saleable ; and if quick,
strong, and handsome, will often realise large prices, being in
demand for elderly gentlemen. It is necessary that they should
be good walkei-s and trotters; unless, therefore, the mare is
good in these paces, we should not breed from her ; nor should
we if she shies, as this vice is generally incurable and hereditary.
If the mare be a very strong cob, we may put her to a thorough-
bred horse, but as compact a one as can be found ; but if the mare
is light, we must select a cock-tail for a stallion, but one well
bred, and compact. Some of these cobs are remarkable trotters ;
and this quality may be readily produced in the offspring, by
taking care that both sire and dam excel in this pace. Ponies
are susceptible of considerable improvement; in the forests where
they run wild for several years, a thorough-bred horse would
greatly improve the race by infusing more blood into the stock ;
taking care not to allow very faulty mares to breed.

In endeavouring to breed superior stock, the chance of realisinf
large prices is such as to compensate for every attention paid to
the colt, which should be well fed for several years, and indeed

94 STRUCTURE AND FXONOMY OF THE HORSE.

should have a little corn daily, which will increase the size, and
produce a oreater developement of muscle, and tend to prevent
the disposit'ion to the growth of the head, which a confinement
to scanty pasturage induces. This coarseness about the head is
particularly observable in horses and ponies that are bred in the
forest, where, from the poorness of the pasturage, they are obliged
to be continually feeding, and the head is consequently kept m
a depending position ; the immediate effect of which is a deter-
mination of a greater quantity of blood to the head, producing a
greater amount of bone and flesh at that part.

The great superiority of our race horses, and the pertection
which, in many respects, they have reached, is owing to several
circumstances, but to none more than to the nutritious diet
which they get from their earliest years. The effect of this
nutritious feeding is to produce a considerable developement of
muscle, and it must be apparent to every observer how early
the thorou'di-bred horse becomes furnished; as much so, indeed,
at two years old, as a grass-fed horse at four. It is, m my
opinion, owing to being thus corn-fed so early, that they are
enabled to surpass in speed and bottom the descendants of their

^TnbSig horses for the turf, the principle kept in view is
to put the fastest mare to the fastest horse; thus it is only the
winners of the great stakes that are afterwards used for gettmg
racing stock. This principle is no doubt pretty correct ; only i
must'be observed, that in selecting the particular hoj-se foi
a favourite mare, there are other circumstances to be bon e
in mind, that should often induce us to give the preference to
one hor e, that might have proved himself slightly inferior in
speed to his rival." The circumstances to be chiefly regarded
a?e, first, the possession of qualities in the horse of which the
ma e ma'y be deficient; secondly, the advantage of a good con-
Btitutionf and thirdly, the possession of S^^^fore eg . The fiist
i^ so inoarent as scarcely to need any remark; for as it must be
L"ca?e'tLTrmare that'has provedher excel^^^^^^^^^^
be sure to be employed for breeding, whatever othei detects she
mav possess the only way to alleviate or remove these defects
rUTffsp i is to select a horse that may excel in those
poinL in w& the mare is deficient. We are not sure of sue
ceeding by this plan, but shall in many cases.

2ndfy. ^The attention to the constitution m the ^o^^^ ^ ^
matter of great importance, not only because t ^ f^^^^^
means of imparting a good constitution to the off« '^^^^i .3
because the possession of this soundness of/° ^'^^al.
the horse the better to impart h.s speed ^bottom to the 0
How often do we find that the progeny °f ^^^^^ j^'-^^^'J^"
have proved altogether inferior, though produced by supeuoi

The puinciples and practice of breeding.

95

mares ! In these cases, it is generally found that the. horses have
only appeared on the turf one, or at most two years, and then-
running has generally been very uncertain ; whilst the sires of
numerous winners have, generally speaking, proved not only
their superior speed, but also the strength of their constitution,
by the truth and honesty of their running, and the number of
their races.

3rdly. The possession of good legs in the sire is a matter to
which less attention is generally paid, than to either of the other
points mentioned, and yet it is one of great importance, even in
a pecuniary point of view ; for although the speed of the animal
does not depend on the goodnesS' of the fore legs, 3'et the power
of enduring training does, for in nine cases out of ten, when a
colt becomes lame in training, it is from disease of the fore legs.
We cannot wonder at this, when we consider that the fore legs
have to sustain the whole weight of the animal increased by the
momentum derived by speed, and connect this fact with the early
age at which these exertions are demanded, and the consequently
weak and unfit state of the parts. How essential it is, then,
that these parts should be as strong as nature can make them,
and yet how common it is for them to be altogether disregarded !
If greater attention were paid to the state of the fore legs, it is
reasonable to expect that there would not be so many horses
fail, either in training or in their early races, as there are at
present, and consequently there would be a great saving of that
fruitless expense which is now frequently incurred in training
horses that break down before they become winners. — Ed.]

96

PART III.

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

CHAP. XXI.

ON INFLAMMATION.

[Inflammation is usually considered as a disorder of the blood-
vessels, but we can best understand its nature by considering the
phenomena with which it is connected. If, then, any external
part of the body present the symptoms of sxoclling, redness, and
pain, we may justly consider it in a state of inflammation. The
swelling is to be attributed in the first place to the fulness of the
vessels of the parts, but after awhile an effusion takes place frona
the surfaces of these vessels, and thus keeps up or increases the
enlarrrement. The redness is owing partly to the greater quan-
tity of blood in the arteries of an inflamed part ; but principally
to the fact that the small capillary vessels, which in a state of
health may not contain red blood, are now enlarged, so as to
admit the red particles. The pain of an inflamed part is owing
to the pressure of the enlarged vessels on the nerves of sensation,
but this symptom is not always present— only indeed where the
distention is sufficient to produce severe pressure, or where the
part is more largely furnished with nervous fibres.

A part in a state of inflammation is therefore more abundantly
supplied with blood than in a state of health, and after a time
the vessels themselves become enlarged, and in many cases new
vessels are formed in a short space of time; as was proved by the
celebrated Mr. Hunter, who froze the ear of a rabbit, and then
suddenly thawed it, so as to produce great inflammation, when
it was found that the ordinary vessels were enlarged, new ones
formed, and the substance of the ear thickened.

The capillary vessels in an inflamed part become distended
often beyond the power of contraction, and are partially ob-
structed, which may be noticed when the conjunctiva of the eye
is inflamed; vessels which were not perceptible become visible,
and are loaded with red blood, which they did "ot contain
before. And after the inflammatory action ^^f .f"^;^^"^^'^'"/
of the small vessels continue for some time full of ^^d blood,
from being in a state of debility, and unab e to contract on the.
contents, which they are assisted in doing by the use of external
stimulants.

INFLAMMATION.

97

Inflammation may be either external or internal, local or
diffused. The skin, or the muscles, or sinews, may be affected
unattended with danger; or the important internal viscera, such
as the lungs, the bowels, or the brain, may become the seat of
inflammation, and may threaten the destruction of these parts,
and the life of the animal itself.

The inflammation may be confined to a small locality, such as
a sinew or a joint, or it may extend to various parts, and indeed
involve the whole system. Strictly speaking, however, inflam-
mation is always local. One or more parts bear the principal
brunt of the disease, although from the local inflammation
general irritation is produced, and the circulation is disturbed
and hurried. These latter symptoms are denominated Fever,
and may exist either with local inflammation, or without it ; but
this we must consider presently.

Inflammation may thus be confined to a particular part, and
produce no constitutional disturbance, or it may produce a
general fever through the system.

These effects depend partly on the degree of inflammation
existing, and partly on the irritability of the part affected. A
sinew or joint moderately inflamed, produces no constitutional
irritation, but when severely affected the symptoms of general fever
are excited. This effect takes place more easily in horses of an
irritable temperament than in others, and is produced throuo-h
the medium of the nervous system. The nerves of the inflamed
part are painfully affected ; this irritation is conveyed to the
bram, whence it is diffused throughout the system, affectinrr some
parts, however, more than others, and producing different°effects
m different animals. The heart is quickly affected by this
nervous irritation, and it becomes excited to quicker and more
torcible action, and thus we have the quick, hard, inflammatory
pulse. The stomach is generally (not always) affected, and we
have consequently nausea or want of appetite, one of the most
important symptoms we have to assist us in the treatment of
disease in the horse. When the action of the heart is thus in-
juriously excited, the circulation becomes disturbed, and we have
a redundancy of blood in some parts, and a diminution in others
and thus we frequently find the extremities cold, and the mouth
hot.

In this way local inflammation may, and frequently does
produce general fever, and it is also the fact that general fevei'
sometimes excites local inflammation.

Inflammation, although generally regarded as a disease, and
correctly too, is yet an effort of nature to relieve herself from
some irritating substance, and is a much greater benefit than
bane to the animal system. For instance, a severe wound is
inflicted in the flesh of an animal, to repair which a quantity of

98 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

material is required, which cannot be produced without inflam-
mation, as we shall presently see. , .1 11 .

The Causes of inflammation are various, and yet they all act
bv violently exciting particular parts. Thus an external blow
or a sudden alternation of temperature may produce inflammation
in different parts, but, in both cases, the immediate effect is
crreat excitement of the injured part: in one instance, we may
have an external abscess, and in the other inflammation oi the

throat or lungs. ^ , , , n

Inflammatfons near the surface of the body are generally
produced either by violence from without, as in wounds, bruises,
and falls, or from over-exertion, as in strains.

Internal inflammations may proceed from various causes.
Over-exertion of any organ, as of the lungs, nj breathing, or the
bowels from physic. The exposure to cold, particularly foi
some time, ol the alternation from cold to heat, may prodtu^e
inflammation of the throat and windpipe, or the lungs. The
c rculation of the exposed part is first lessened, then by re-ac ion
Sy increased, so as to produce inflammation ; great exertion
^ ay pvoduce inflammatioA either of the lungs or the bowels
Zth narts bein- thereby greatly excited , according to the sus-
S ibiSy of the part. Thirsusc/ptibihty is called
All organs are rarely equally perfect; one part is generally weakei
than another, and therefore more predisposed to disease ; and
tZ the same cause may produce different diseases in different
or es verifying the old proverb, "The weakest goes to the
wa ? One^e?tile cause of inflammation is a redundancy of
blood in the system; but this cause may produce in one ho. e
inflammat on if the lungs, in another inflammation of the lu-er,
hA Zd that of the brain, according to the suscepiibili y of the
narticvilar viscus in each horse. Inflammation of the lungs
Cover more likely to occur from this cause, inasmuch, as all
ll'e bloodTn the body passes through these organs, and only a

'^^i^;:!7t;:^^!:t. much to do m tl. production
is principally confined o lo me ,

he is liable to erysipe as, at any ^^te on y j fl^,^^^^^^;^^,

affection of the skin, ^--^'if^ Jj^^^^^^^^^^^

lias various ternnnat.ons, such as ./^^^^^^

Hon, and Ulceration, a 1 of l^^^^f J^^f ' . The three last
of nature to repair the effects of an injui>.

INFLAMMATION.

99

effects sometimes succeed each other in the same case, and often
in the order in which they are here mentioned.

Resolution is when, either with treatment or without it, inflam-
mation subsides or terminates in liealth, without the supervention
of the other sequelae ; and it is that termination which we are
generally desirous of effecting by our treatment.

Adhesion is the deposition of the fibrine or adhesive principle
of the blood on the surface of a diseased part, and may be exem-
plified by the healing of a wound by the first intention, and the
formation of new substance, or the union of old substances, in the
chest or abdomen, after inflammation in those parts.

Circumscribed cavities, such as the chest and abdomen, have a
disposition to adhesion in preference to suppuration ; but when
both these sequels occur in the same part, adhesion usually
precedes suppuration.

An eff'usion of serous fluid is also a frequent termination of
inflammation of the membrane of the chest or abdomen.

Suppuration, or the secretion of pus or matter, is a termination
of inflammation to which internal canals, such as the bowels,
urethra, or windpipe, are particularly disposed. In these parts'
when both suppuration and adhesion takes place, the former
always precedes the latter, contrary to the course which takes
place in circumscribed cavities, and likewise in external wounds.

The best illustration of suppuration is the formation of an
abscess. An injury is received, inflammation follows, and blood
and serum is eff'used, and is suceeded by the deposition of
matter under the skin, or amongst the muscles ; the abscess
' bursts, or is opened, the matter is evacuated, and the vacant
space is healed by the adhesive process.

The adipose membrane is particularly disposed to take on the
suppurative process, whilst the cellular membrane has a greater
disposition to adhesion.

Ulceration is a sequel of inflammation that may occur with
suppuration, or independently of it. It consists in the absorption
or removal of substance. Ulceration always occurs in abscesses
betore they burst; the substance between the matter and the
surface is gradually removed by ulceration, at the place where
the abscess points. Thus it is a useful process of nature, though
often a troublesome disease. An ulcer is a running sore, which
may be healthy, and have a disposition to heal; or unhealthy,
and be disposed to enlarge and extend.

The cavities of joints, when exceedingly inflamed, have a tend-
ency to both ulceration and adhesion, cither together or sepa-
rately, an illustration of which is often afforded by the navicular
joint disease.

Besides the terminations we have mentioned, inflammation
may end in gangrene, or the death of the part.

n 2

100 DISEASES OF THE HOUSE.

Parts in which the circulation is inactive, such as bone
and cartilage, are more disposed to this process than other parts.
A severe injury is received on a bone, and in the course of time
a portion of the bone sloughs off, or exfoliates, as it is called,
that is, deprived of nom-ishment, dies and separates. Gangrene,
as a termination of internal inflammatory diseases, is less frequent
in the horse than in man. Inflammations in the former are
usually more violent, run their course quicker, and are often
succeeded by death, before gangrene has time to supervene.

The Pulse aff'ords us the best criterion of the presence and
deo-ree of internal inflammation, and its character is the surest
guTde we can follow as to treatment. It denotes the action ot
?he heart, and may be felt in any superficial artery as well as at
the reo-ion of the heart. The most convenient vessel for examm-
ation, "however, is the sub-maxillary artery, which passes over

the under jaw-bone. , r.^. . oc • „

The ordinary pulsation in the horse is about 32 to 3b m a
minute. In inflammatory diseases, it is often greatly increased,
sometimes exceeding 100. Besides the increase in its frequency,
there is an alteration in its character, which is of still greatei im-
portance. Some horses have naturally a much stronger pulse
than others, which it would be useful to ascertain, if possible ; but

this is rarely the case. i j

The principal varieties in the kind of pulse are a soft, hard,
stroncT, weak, full, oppressed, and intermittent pulse. A horse
may have naturally either a strong or weak pulse, according, in
a great measure,' to the vigour of his constitution Unde
disLe we may have the above varieties in the Pf ^
combined. A full pulse denotes an abundance of blood in the
system a strong pulse a vigorous action of the ^eart and if with
hese s ates we have also a quickened action, copious blood-lettmg
s demanded. A hard pulse is considered characteristic of in-
flammatbn : we then bleed, in order to produce a soft pulse.
meTtl e vessels are exceedingly full there is sometimes an op-
pressed pulse, which demands copious bleeding. A weak state
Sf the pulse forbids bleeding, and often requires stimulants; this
state of a e pulse is often pi^sent in influenza, bemg, at the same

in inflammation ol llie lungs. V' „f,i,„ heart,
able symptom, as it exhibits a dmunutjon *=f ^ "//^'^f ^
Sometimes the intermission is regulai, ueiu^ j

INFLAMMATION.

101

sixth, or tenth pulsation, at others very irregulai', the intermission
varying continually. An intermittent pulse rarely calls for
blood-letting.

The effect of bleeding on the pulse is, at first, to quicken its
action as well as to diminish its force, and, if carried to some
extent, to render it imperceptible, and to cause syncope or
famtmg, which is temporary cessation of the flow of blood to the
head.

The Treatment of Inflammation will mainly depend on the
object we have in view, whether to seek for resolution, or any of
tl^ other terminations we have mentioned. In inflammatory
affections of vital parts, our treatment should be such as to brino-
about the restoration of the organs to their normal state : in fact^
resolution. For this purpose large blood-lettings are generally
had recourse to, and with great advantage. By general bleedino-
we subtract blood from the system, and consequently there is less
blood sent to the inflamed part, the capillary vessels of which
may thus have time to relieve themselves.

The benefit of general bleeding is much assisted by abstract-
ing blood rapidly, and from a large orifice ; a sudden check is
thus put upon the circulation, which, though of short duration is
yet of great service in acute inflammation. In cases of active
inflammation, the best guide as to the quantity of blood to be
abstracted is obtained by observing its effect on the pulse, and on
the mouth We should bleed until the latter feels considerably
cooler, and the former becomes altered in its character, becomino-
sof ter and weaker, though generally quicker. °

The state of the blood is a very uncertain criterion, and should
have but little influence over our treatment. This, however
may be observed, that when it presents a bufFy coat, there is
^^j'^^P^^'^'^^/"'' bleeding, and the contrary when

the blood IS very black, supposing it is drawn from a lar^e ori-
lice. Local bleeding for internal inflammations can seld°om be
practised in the horse.

Although bleeding is the sheet-anchor in acute inflammation,
other remedies are of importance.

Purging though useful in some inflammations, is to be con-
demned when the chest is affected; as, by sympathy between the
lungs and the bowels, the irritation of the latter by purgation
has a very injurious effect on the lungs, besides lowering the
system to a great extent. It is, however, desirable to obtain a
moderately relaxed state of the bowels.

Diuresis h of much greater benefit : by determining a greater
quantity of blood to the kidneys, a portion is diverted fVom an
inflamed part, and the system is also unloaded by the increased
secretion of urine. Medicines are often administered having a
tendency to produce nausea on tlie stomach, the effect of which

H 3

102 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

is to lessen the action of the heart, and others are given to have
a direct effect in lowering the heart's action.

It is desirable to keep up the circulation m the extremities
and the surface of the body by clothing and bandaging, as we
thereby draw to the surface a portion of the blood which has a
tendency to concentrate within. This principle is sti further
carried out by counter-irritation —by creating artificially an in-
flammation, and, consequently, a determination of blood to an

external part. . ^ ^ •

These are the leading principles by which we are to treat in-
ternal inflammations, regulated, of course, by the peculiar fea-
tures of each individual case.

In external inflammations we have a greater number ot means
for our employment: for instance, local bleeding, wai-m and co d
fomentation, besides external stimulants. The benefit to be ob-
tained from the first mentioned is very considerable ; we thereby
abstract blood either from the inflamed part itself, or ~e-
diate vicinity, and thus deprive it of the very food whereby
inflammation is kept up. Where, however, the case is severe, as
in fever in the feet, or the part of much importance, as m
ophthalmia, local venesection will have much greater effect if
preceded or assisted by general bleeding.

^ Warm fomentations are of much importance in the eaily stages
of local inflammation; they act by relieving the inflamed vessels
by means of perspiration, o^ the escape of fluid externally through

^'Xl— ul^on has a gr^t advantage over ^, in b^
enabled to determine blood to the skm by means of the «arm
h-^th wHch is of ivreat utility in many internal inflamma ory
Sa'sel Bu t, f om the large size of our patients, and their
bSnTcovered with hair, it is" next to impossible to n.ake use of
it the Warm vapour bath has, however, been used with benefit
allhou.h a tended with much trouble and inconvenience. In
f^Zt^^y affections of the bowels, we may employ a local
warm bath with great advantage. necessary
In employing -™ water as a top>c^l d,. t .s ,™

VXTl ' uccided wil p'rodu e ^^e inconvenience than
which It is succeeufu wan ^ r i Mffni-flinrr a means

otherwise. Poultices are extremely \ " ™ 4fm
of emplovinff fomentations for a long time . it ;s uieic
^ssSl to Saturate them frequently with -rm wa^^^^^^ VV hen
inflammation has a tendency to suppuration, the piocess is g. e y
assisted by warm applications. ; ^ encouraging

from the part affected. . „,.,ffp,. jn an external

If we wish to prevent the formation of mattei in an exte

FEVER.

103

part, we apply cold lotions ; but, if our object be to encourage
suppuration, we have I'ecourse to warm poultices and foment-
ations.

In severe strains, warm fomentations are often employed first
with advantage, and are succeeded by cold applications; we
thereby relieve the inflamed part, first by means of perspiration,
and afterwards by evaporation.

Counter-irritants, such as blisters and setons, are employed
after the inflammation has abated ; their beneficial effect is pro-
duced by withdrawing the blood from the inflamed part to
another and a healthy locality. If employed, however, in too
early a stage, they often increase the inflammation they are in-
tended to abate. — Ed.]

CHAP. XXII.

ON FEVER.

[Having largely noticed the subject of Inflammation, we shall
have but little to say on that of Fever. It is, however, usually
considered of two kinds — Symptomatic, or Inflammatory Fever;
and Simple continued Fever, or Synoehus.

The former we have already alluded to, under the head of
Inflammation. In an inflammatory disease, when the pulse is
full and frequent, the mouth hot, and the membrane of the nos-
tril injected, we say, there is much fever ; and the presence of
these symptoms usually guides us in the abstraction of blood.

In such cases, generally, though by no means invariably, the
blood presents a buffy coat, which is usually considered, and
often with justice, an evidence of the propriety of blood-letting.
Where there is much general fever, accompanied by local
inflammation, such as from an open joint, or external injury,
there is a greater proportion of fibrine in the blood than in a
state of health; and so, likewise, in acute rheumatic affections.

Simple continued fever is a well recognised disease in man ;
but, in the horse, its existence has been often denied. It is,
however, the fact, that we have occasional cases of fever in the
horse, without any symptoms of local inflammation, and, in such
cases, we rarely find a buffy coat presented by the blood, and
there is, generally, an inability for bearing large venesections.
Such cases are often ushered in by shivering fits, and which
sometimes recur during the progress of the complaint. In some
epidemic diseases, particularly in the influenza, so prevalent in
1836 and 1840, the symptoms of fever were strongly marked
and often without any local inflammation. In other cases, local'

11 4

104

DISEASES OF THE HOUSE.

inflammation would afterwards supervene ; in which cases, the
partial flame was lighted up, as it were, by general fever. The
importance of this disease, however, will demand a separate con-
sideration ; but, under the head of fever, we may consider an
affection which is by no means unfrequent, particularly during
the autumnal season, when the system is debilitated by

moulting. , . . • i i j

A horse will appear dull on his journey, particularly towards
the latter part, and, on reaching his stable, is much fatigued.
He refuses his food— hangs his head in the manger — breaks
out in a cold sweat— his mouth is hot, and pulse quick, but
weak ; but his breathing, after a while, is in its natural state.

In such cases, bleeding is generally forbidden ; and we find
the best treatment consists in the administration of febrifuge,
sudorific, and tonic medicine, such as the following, which wilt
often prove successful in immediately checking the disease: —

Spirit of Nitrous Ether 1^ oz.

Camphor • 1

Nitre 4 dr.

Gentian..... 2 dr.

In a pint of warm water. — bn.]

CHAP. XXIII.

DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVES.

Inflammation of the Brain {Phrenitis or Mad Staggers), Epilepsy,
Megrims, Babies, Palsy, Kumree, Tetanus or Locked Jaw, String-
halt.

Phrenitis, or inflammation of the brain, is generally occasioned
bv overfeeding and too little exercise.

The first symptoms, and these often escape notice, are —
heaviness, redness of the membranes under the eyelids, want
of appetite, and disinclination to motion ; but the symptom most
commonly first observed is delirium, or madness. Ihe horse
becomes violent, plunges about the stall, endeavours to bite those
who approach him, or the horses that happen to be near him. A
horse has been known to leap out of a small window v^hen af
fectedwith this disorder; and he is sometimes so violent as to
drive every one out of the stable. Sometimes he falls down
exhausterand after lying for a time, gets up suddenly and
becomes as violent as ever. fhat is hleed-

The treatm.ent is immediate and copious bleeding , s, b eed
ing until the animal is perfectly free from delirium, and this seldom

DISEASES. OF THE BRAIN AND NERVES.

105

happehs until from two to three gallons of blood are taken off.
I have known four gallons taken off at one time, and the horse
recovered in consequence. If the fit should return, he must be
bled again, until the disorder ceases. As soon as the horse
becomes quiet, a dose of physic and clysters should be given.
After the horse is recovered, he should be kept to a spare diet
for some time : grass is the best. The jugular veins are the
vessels from which blood should be drawn in this disorder, and
if both are opened it will be better. After the veins have been
opened it is usual to tie a cord round the neck, by which the
bleeding will be kept up without the necessity of standing near
the horse. There is no occasion for measuring the blood.

Bleeding from both of the temporal arteries at once has been
practised in preference to the jugular or neck veins, and I have
recommended the practice.

Stomach staggers, though not a primary affection of the brain,
h"ke.phrenitis, or mad- staggers, and apoplexy, not only requires
bleeding, but copious bleeding, and that too as early as possible.
Still, however, in stomach staggers, the stomach must be a
principal object of attention; for, unless the hardened undi-
gested food be removed from it, it will lose its vitality, and the
animal will die.

I have seen cases where the abstraction of arterial blood has
afforded relief, after bleeding from the jugular vein had failed;
and it is probable, that when there is considerable delirium,
arteriotomy, as bleeding from arteries is termed, would be found
the most effectual practice. The temporal arteries may be felt
about two inches from the outer corner of the eye : by placino-,
or rather pressing, the fingers upon this part, they may be dis-
tinguished by their pulsation or throbbing. Into this part a
lancet is to be plunged freely and without fear.

Frenzy generally happens to young vigorous horses, whilst
old horses are generally the subjects of apoplexy and stomach
staggers. The early age, however, at which horses are often
worked, and the immoderate degree in which they are worked,
often makes them old in constitution when young in years, so
that even young horses may become the subjects of apoplexy.

Megrims, Vertigo, Epilepsy, Convulsions, Hydrocephalus, Dropsy

of the Brain.

These various names arise from the various appearances pro-
duced either by fulness of the blood-vessels of the brain, perhaps
with weakness of that important organ, or by water in its ventri-
cles or cavities. Water in the ventricle of the brain may produce
a variety of effects, from that of giddiness or vertigo, to that of

106 DISEASES OF THE HOUSE.

rearinff up suddenly and falling backwards, hanging back sud-
denly upon the halter, and falling back with violence against
the wall, or dropping suddenly while at work, as if shot with a
pistol, lying motionless some time, then getting up again and
appearing quite well. Sometimes when ridden hard, the anima
tries to stop suddenly, rambles or staggers, appears confused and
lost, and often falls down. Blindness in one eye is a common
symptom of this disorder, and always in the eye opposite to the
affected ventricle.* Horses with this complaint, when their
stomachs are loaded, and their bowels full of excrement, by
eatina immoderately of hay, have the symptoms much increased,
and not unfrequently are attacked with mad staggers from this
cause, or, what is not less frequent, the stomach staggers ; tor
when the stomach has been much distended with hay, and the
practice is continued, the organ itself at length becomes para-
lysed, which is what may properly be named stomach staggers.
Dropsy of the brain sometimes assumes a violent form, producing
epileptic fits. The horse falls down, and sometimes remains
motionless, at others he struggles violently, and after a time gets
up again and becomes violently delirious. Copious bleeding
otlen affords relief for a time, but the disorder sooner or later

terminates fatally. , . , ^

When a horse is attacked with symptoms which come under
the name of megrims, giddiness, or vertigo, it ^^^^icates eithei-
the existence of water in the ventricle of the brain, or an accu-

# Megrims is a sudden determination of blood to the head Foclacjng gid-

tnli^s^r=SseS^[::Lx^^

'Tht J^rTel^'niT alw^^^^^^ - his work, and more frequently in

harne s than otherwS. He' first shakes his head, and ttlHot'e

sometimes m the converse. There ™ of the cephnlic

for the blood to fl, to the heatl and P^''^ ' ~r,°Ler n>Lhs,

;£u,er^.°rpT.,r„f»«^^

ISnTt^r' Sutfof ^dTom .t Cutas hin eonneeted
with, if not caused by. worms. , j • good

The {rcatme7U must consist in bleeding freely, and it tne norsc
condition a dose of physic will be useful. .-uDtured in this disease,

Sometimes a small blood-vessel in the head is lup ea
which, if at the base of the brain, generally 1" '^^^^^^ ^ausc will produce

In cases of very frequent recurrence, ^^^ere the sbgl tc t ca i^^^^^^^
a fit, there is probably some organic disease of the brain, proo. y,
by the author, water in the ventricles.— t-D.

DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVES.

107

mulation of blood in the vessels of the brain. A slight degree
of hydrocephalus, or rather a small quantity of water in the
ventricle, may exist without producing any visible effect upon the
horse; but if he is ridden hard, if his stomach and bowels are
loaded, or if by high feeding and want of regular exercise he
becomes plethoric or too full of blood, the disorder will then be
aggravated, and the symptoms I have described will be produced.
From this view of the subject, it will appear that hydrocephalus
may be relieved by avoiding those circumstances by which it
may be aggravated and heightened into a visible disorder : and
if that disorder does take place in any degree whatever, bleed
according to the urgency of the case, and unload the stomach
and bowels by physic and clysters. Green food is the best diet
for such horses, and if that cannot be had, bran mashes. Very
little hay should be allowed. Hanging down the head at grass
may favour the accumulation of blood in the vessels of the brain ;
when this seems to be the case, the horse should be kept loose in
a cool box. I have known distension of the stomach and bowels
alone produce a serious attack of A'ertigo or megrims; in such a
degree, indeed, that a horse rambled and fell down while the
owner was riding him. This horse, from being fed moderately
and having his bowels emptied with a dose of physic, never had
a return of the disorder, an(,l lived many years afterwards.

Rabies, or Hydrophobia.

[Rabies, or Hydrophobia, is a disease of the nervous system,
somewhat resembling phrenitis in its symptoms, but differing
from it in the great disposition to mischief evinced in rabies :
I' there is method in the madness." It is invariably produced
in the horse by the bite of a rabid animal, generally a dog, and
it may manifest itself at various periods, from one month to
several after the bite. Mr. Youatt observes in his lectures, Vet.
vol. X., " The earliest, and perhaps the most decisive, symptom of
the near approach of rabies in the horse, is a spasmodic move-
ment of the upper lips, particularly of the angles of the lip."

Close following on this, or contemporaneous with it, is the
depressed and anxious countenance, and enquiring gaze, sud-
denly however lighted up and becoming fierce and menacing,
from some unknown cause, or at the approach of a stranger.
Fi-om time to time different parts of the frame, the eyes, °the
jaws, particular limbs, will be convulsed; the eye will occa-
sionally wander after some imaginary object, and the horse will
rear again and again at that which has no real existence. Then
will come the irrepressible desire to bite the attendants and the
animals within its reach ; to this will succeed the demolition of

108

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

the I'ack, the manger, the whole furniture of the stable, accom-
panied by the peculiar dread of water. Towards the close of
the affair thei'e is generally paralysis, principally of, or generally
confined to, the loins and the hinder extremities, or involving
those organs which derive their nervous influence from this
portion of the spinal cord ; hence the distressing tenesmus which
is occasionally seen." This disease invariably proves fatal in the
course of three to six days.

Treatment, when once the complaint has manifested itself, is
perfectly useless : the animal should therefore be shot.

Preventive treatment, however*, may be employed with success,
if we can find out the bitten part. It should as soon as possible
be excised completely with the knife, or the lunar caustic freely
applied to the wound and repeated. I have operated with the
caustic on various horses bitten by rabid dogs, and none of them
have become mad. The last case was a pony bitten rather
extensively. A child bitten by the same dog, but in whom proper
treatment was neglected by the surgeon, died in about two
months after the bite.

" The post-mortem appearances," says Mr. Youatt, " of rabies
in the horse are, to a considerable degree, uncertain. Nothing
unusual may be found in the membranes or substance of the
brain ; the stomach may be slightly .or doubtfully inflamed, the
lungs and the heart may be sound, but at least in every case that
I have seen, the pharynx, the fauces, and the epiglottis have been
considerably affected." — Ed.]

Palsy.

[This disease is, as its name implies, a loss of power of the
nervous system. It is never found complete in the horse, though
partial paralysis frequently occurs. There are two descriptions
of this affection, hemiplegia and paraplegia. The former is a
paralysis of one side of the body, the latter of the hind extremities.
The former is extremely rare in the horse, and there are not
above one or two cases on record. One case is related by
Mr. Bull in vol. v. of the Veterinarian. The symptoms came on
without any visible cause ; and, though very severe, disappeared
in a few days. The treatment employed was, friction on the
affected side, laxative and febrifuge medicine, followed by tonics.

Paraplegia, or loss of power of the hind extremities, is mucli
more frequent, and generally arises from some sudden mjury ot
the spinal cord, produced by keeping back a loaded waggon,
or slipping up, or a severe strain in leaping. It may also be
produced by some tumour pressing on the nerves which supply
the hind extremities, and is then gradual in its approach. When
this injury is produced by an accident, the vertebrffi ot the loins

DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVES.

109

are sometimes completely fractured, and a portion of bone
pressing on the spinal cord not only destroys the power of
motion, but produces the most acute suffering, under which the
animal dies in a few days. In other cases of somewhat less
severity, there is a partial dislocation of the vertebrae, so that the
cord is pressed on, or quite as frequently some vessels are ruptured,
and the blood presses on the cord. If the upper roots of the
nerves are materially injured, there is loss of feeling, as well as
of motion ; but this is rare. When there is much pressure on the
spinal cordj the horse is rarely of much service afterwards,
although he may get considerably better ; there is generally a
weakness left, which incapacitates him for bearing burdens or for
heavy draught : he may afterwards, howeVer, work lightly. These
accidents are comparatively frequent in the army, where they
arise from bringing young horses suddenly on their haunches :
horses in this state are said to be chinked in the back.

The treatment in severe cases should consist of copious vene-
section, laxative and febrifuge medicine, and the application of
warm sheep skins at first to the loins, and succeeded by setons,
blisters, or a blistering charge.

There is a disease in India very similar to this, called Kumree.
It is described by Mr. Hughes in the Veterinarian, who says, " I
am of opinion, that the kumree is a weakness in the hind ex-
tremities, produced by pressure on the nerves going to these
parts ; or it is a symptom, or rather a termination, of inflammation
of the brain, or its membranes, which, in the human subject,
would produce hydrocephalus ; but probably from the structure of
the horse, the accumulation of the eff'used fluids is prevented, and
they pass down within the thecas of the medulla spinalis. This
inflammation of the brain is of a mild or subdued form; were it
greater, it would induce phrenitis. The causes of it are heat,
sudden changes from heat to cold, and from cold to heat, and
plethora. Severe blows on the head may also occasion it."

Mr. Twining, in a paper presented to the Calcutta Medical
bociety, and copied into the Veterinarian, attributes the kumree
to animalculae, either about the vertebrae or the cellular texture
connected with them : and Captain Wyatt says, that he has often
been present during the dissection of horses that had died of
kumree, and that he has seen these worms. The statement of
Mr. Gill, however, does not confirm these statements. " I have,"
he observes, " almost invariably found in the stomach and in-
testines, worms similar to those in the eye, and also in tumours in
the stomach, but never in any other part of the body, or the cel-
lular membrane of any part, or in the spinal canal. In most of
the post-mortem examinations which I have seen made, there has
been either eff'usion of blood between the membranes covering
the lumbar region of the spinal cord, or anchylosis of the lumbar

110

DISEASES or THE HORSE.

vertebree, or exostosis in the great foramen. In other cases I
could see nothing to cause it, except that the spinal marrow
appeared somewhat softer than usual.

" In nearly all the instances that have come under my observa-
tion, I could trace the origin of the disease to wrenches, falls, or
blows ; and I have little doubt that the hardness of the ground,
and the manner in which the horses are picketted, together with
the falls they get, owing to the carelessness of the native grooms
in forcing them in and out of the ferry-boats, in their way from
one station to another, are fertile sources of the disease. The
frequent occurrence of fractured ilia, in that country, can only
be attributed to the same causes.

« I cannot, however, consider the difficulty of gomg up and
down hills any proof of fluid in the spinal sheath ; but 1 attri-
bute it to the want of energy in the hind quarters— the propelling
influence being mainly in the hind quarters when going up hill,
and there being a necessity for extending them more under the
body in going down hill. t u r

" With respect to the remedial means had recourse to, i believe
them to be nothing worth, not even as palliatives. I have seen
counter-irritants in the form of deep firing, blisters, setons,
sheep skins, &c., employed; but they have been of no avail, i
cannot, therefore, advocate any of them." — Ed.

Tetanus.

This dangerous, and often fatal, disorder, may be either
Symptomatic, ov Idiopathic ; the former when it proceeds from
an external injury, the latter when otherwise occasioned.
The former, also called Traumatic, is most commonly caused
by punctured wounds of the foot, such as pricks in shoeing, or
stepping on a nail in the streets. Sometimes it happens after
doikini, nicking, or gelding; but seldom tdl t-^^ ^^ree weeks
after the operatfon. So likewise when it is caused by punctured
wounds, which are generally in a healing state, or nearly well,
before he locked jaw takes place. Idiopathic tetanus may be
produced by exposure to wet and cold, and is often complicated
^ith inflammation of the livei, the lungs, stomach, -d bowe^^^^
which, indeed, is one cause of ts great fatality Accoid ng to
Gibson, it is sometimes caused by botts m the^stomach. I 1 ave
seen two cases which appeared to be caused by the "'"tat of
worms in the bowels. It may be produced by vi^l^'^^^^^J^^'^:
and I have seen a case where it took place [^^"-^"^"•^^ta/e of
vere punishment in the riding-school. n the ^^^^^ ^^f^ J*
stomach staggers the jaws are sometimes l^'^^^^'-^f J^^^^'"^'"
sometimes comes on when no cause can be assigned toi i .

The symptoms are spasm or cramp of the muscles of the jaw,

DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVES.

Ill

which prevents the horse from opening his mouth, or if he is
able to open it a little, it is not sufficient to enable him to feed
or masticate, though he sometimes appears to have a good appe-
tite. Occasionally there is a considerable flow of saliva from the
mouth, and the tongue has been found diseased. The disease
gradually increases, and the spasm or cramp extends to the
muscles of the neck, back, and limbs, so that when the animal is
made to walk, he appears as if all his joints were stiffened; his
nose is poked out, his ears and tail erect, and sometimes his
eyes are distorted. The nostrils are generally expanded, and
the breathing often disturbed. On the first appearance of the
disorder the horse often seems to ail little, but neighs upon any
one entering the stable, and seems eager for his food ; in the
latter stages, however, the cramp is so general and so painful,
that it is distressing to look at the animal. The affected muscles
feel exceedingly hard, and the animal moves as if he was a single
piece : the least motion is painful, and agitation produces the
greatest distress. Sometimes the disease is entirely confined to
the head and neck, and then it is more likely to be curable than
when the spasm becomes general. This local affection is called
by surgeons Trismus, whilst the other is designated Tetanus.
Opiuni and camphor are generally considered the most effectual
remedies for locked jaw, and when the mouth is so close, or the
power of swallowing so diminished, that medicine cannot be in-
troduced into the stomach, it is thrown up as a clyster.

A late writer, Mr. Wilkinson, has published an account of
twenty-eight cases of locked jaw, twenty-four of which he
cured; but in all the successful cases, the jaws were sufficiently
open to admit of medicine being given, though with difficulty,
while, in the four fatal cases, they were so close as to prevent any
medicine from being introduced. Mr. Wilkinson first gives a
purgative and an emollient clyster; he does not bleed unless the
pulse points out the propriety of that evacuation. He directs
the jaws, and all other parts affected with spasm or cramp, to be
well embrocated with a mixture of oil of turpentine, olive oil,
liquid animonia and mustard, and afterwards covered with fresh
sheep skins, the flesh side inwards; which must be continued
and changed as often as is necessary, so as to keep up a constant
perspiration from the parts. After the operation of the purgative
he gives a drench, composed of opium, camphor, and assafcetida,
one drachm of each or more, according to the occasion, and
throws up a clyster composed of the same ingredients, with a de-
coction of rue. If the disease continue, and the horse become
costive, the purgative and emollient clyster are repeated, and the
opium, &c. discontinued until the effect of the puro-ative has
ceased. Mr. Wilkinson appears to have been very diligent and
patient in the treatment of this disorder, and not discouraged, as

112 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

we too often are, by the difficulties that occurred. It was gene-
rally found necessary to continue the treatment three, tour, or
even five weeks, before the disease was subdued. As a further
encouragement to future patience and perseverance m the treat-
ment of this dangerous disorder, I shall notice a case related by
Gibson, from which it appears that not only medicme, but
nourishment also, may be administered in the form of clysters.
« The horse was seized rather suddenly with this kind ot con-
vulsion (locked jaw),. which was first observed as he was leading
out to water in the afternoon. He came reeling along with his
nose turned out, his eyes fixed and immovable, with all the other
signs that usually attend this disorder ; and when he came to the
trough could not reach the water because of the cramp and stiff-
ness in his neck, and when it was held to him in a pail he cou d
not drink, though he showed an eagerness lor it; h.s mouth
being shut up so close that it was scarce possible to put a knite
between his teeth. We found it impracticable to administer any
kind of medicine, till, by rubbing his cheeks, jaws, temp es, and
his whole neck for a considerable time, we ^^^.^^^^
sreat difficulty, to thrust down part of a calomel ball on the end
of a small stick, and then to pour into his nostrils a very small
portion of a st;ong cephalic Srink ; thinking by that means to
convey the ball downward into his stomach which, however, had
bu little effect, any further tl.an this, that he ^^^-oi ^-^l
den fits and agitations as I have seen in others n the like
SumLnces, but continued more quiet; neither did his fever
Urease, as usually happens when the disorder is — ground
Rut all this while his mouth continued so. much shut that i e
cou d neS er eat nor drink for three weeks, only by eontinually
i-ubblnc. his jaws and neck, he would sometimes "-ke a shift to
uck about a^handful of scalded bran, or --^J^- ^J' '^^^
meal moistened with warm water, but in so small a quantity that
^ifprs bTe he might have starved, had not other methods been
taken to keep him alive. I have often observed that the forcing
the kws open by violent means puts a horse into such agonies

S^fi^d^rts^ss

usual r: the increase and continuance of th. disc.der

The clyster was repeated f^^^^/^V^j.d oatmeal

by way of diet, three or four q-^^ts o m^ bo led ^^^^
and water was given every day, a bag ^^^^Jj ^^/V J/ ^j^; ,
in the stable for that purpose only. .^^VJ'^^^^^^^^^^^
that was administered that way, which the guts appeaua

DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVES.

113

up, their natural motion being inverted for the purpose : and as
he scarcely ate more in three weeks than was sufficient to support
him one day, there can be no doubt that he derived much nou-
rishment from these clysters. He had two men constantly to
look after him, who had orders to rub his whole body often,
which greatly helped to relax his skin and remove the crampiness
of his muscles : and although he had not for the first fortnight
recovered the use of his jaws, yet we observed him daily to move
with less stiffness, and often to lick the manger as if he craved
for food. He also breathed with less difficulty, and had several
other good signs. I now determined to try the effect of an
opium clyster ; therefore I dissolved half an ounce of crude opium
in one of his clysters, which was followed with these circum-
stances— that the horse soon lay down, he began to point his
ears backwards and forwards, and could move his neck pretty
freely, and his mouth was so far at liberty that he took his drinks
with little or no diflSculty, and could eat hay and bran sufficient
to sustain him. He likewise moved his whole body so readily
that we could walk him an hour every day. That I might follow
up this good effect of the opium clyster, I gave him some days
after 1 oz. of Matthew's pill, which contains about two drachms
of opium, and the same quantity of assafoetida. This was o-iven
by the mouth, in a ball, and repeated the following day.'' He
now recovered daily, and took his drinks only twice a week ; and
as soon as he recovered his flesh was gently purged, after which
he got perfectly well."

Gibson attributes this disorder to the irritation of botts, or
other worms in the stomach. He disapproves of purgatives
(either as drenches or as clysters) and bleeding. Modern prac-
titioners do not reckon botts among the causes of locked jaw,
which is most commonly brought on by the causes before noticed.
The great benefit derived from the opium clyster should be
carefully recollected. Mr. Wilkinson examined four horses that
died under his care, and found the pia mater of the spinal
marrow inflamed, and the marrow itself of a dark colour. The
pia mater of the brain was likewise inflamed in a slight degree.
When locked jaw comes on after docking or nicking, he applies
fomentations to the tail, and afterwards dresses the wound with
digestive ointment. I cured one case of locked jaw by blisterino-
the back from the withers to the tail, and giving opium and
camphor — which we found great difficulty in giving. Every
now and then a little gruel was given. By perseverino- in this
treatment the jaws gradually relaxed, and in twenty-four hours
the horse was able to eat hay.

[Mr. W. Percivall relates a successful case of Traumatic tetanus^
treated by bleeding, physic, opium injections, and blisters.
Mr. Saunders relates two successful cases of Idiopathic tetamis.

I

114 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

Treatment : —large blood-lettings, purgatives, digitalis, camphor,

mrl hli=;terina' the loins.

Mr W Henderson relates in the 5th vol. of the Vetermanan
two successful cases of tetanus, one idiopathic, the other symp-
tomatic. The treatment consisted of purgatives, mjections, ana
oniates 'and blisters and setons to the spine.
^Mr Youatt relates a successful case, which he treated with
copious and repeated bleeding, croton seed, and digitalis.

Mr Karkeek, in a valuable communication to the Veterinarian,
vol. vik, considers the brain and spinal marrow to be principally
Ihe seat of the disease; but he has found in idiopathic tetanus
that the stomach and bowels, and sympathetic nerve m he
neighbourhood, have been considerably diseased- a fact wh^^^^^
can be borne out by the present writer. Mr. Karkeek, theiefore,
recommends blistering the abdomen extensively, to produce a
coun"ctL in the System. He goes so far as to consider that
a diseased state of the digestive organs is invariably the primary

'^''^^^^^^^ successful cases treated by large and
rep"bleeding, purgatives, opium and ca-ph W and
blisters in some cases to the spine, m others to the abdomen.

Mr Karkeek considers the disease to be very Sequent in he
we^ of Cornwall, owing to its being ^l-ost su^^^^^^^^^^
sea; and believes idiopathic much more curable than tiaumatic
tetanus. — Ed.]

String Halt.

■°™he 'pi^f iue^f ts bie„ affected. But a few years ago

'^Mf C Cont the talented assistant professor at the Veteri-
na y CoS;ge' has clearly shown that in the -^^^^^^
is owing to^disease of the great sciatic nerve w^i.c ^PP»';

musclerof the hind extremity. ,f -^^^J^Ve/ful muscles
fectly supplied, and, consequently, the mo^ po
act the mo«t It is often connected with disease oi t ,
aci ine mobi. ^i- j j u , Trpatment is useless. — ii.D.j
and is sometimes preceded by it. 1 leaimeut

DISEASES OF THE CHEST AND AIR-PASSAGES.

115

CHAP. XXIV.

DISEASES OF THE CHEST AND AIR-PASSAGES.

Inflammation of the Lungs. — Pneumonia.

[Some years since, when the earlier editions of this work were
printed, it was customary to class all the diseases of the chest
under one head — inflamed lungs; and the same treatment was
prescribed for all. Later research, however, has considerably
altered this, opinion ; and although it is an undeniable fact that
inflammatory aflfections of the different contents of the chest are
often extremely complicated with each other, yet in numerous
instances the symptoms of the different affections are so dis-
tinctly marked, that it would be absurd to deny their separate
and distinct existence. Thus, without making any distinctions
but what are warranted by observation and experience, and are
necessary for the judicious employment of remedial measures,
we shall have to consider —

Pneumonia, or inflammation of the substance of the lungs.

Pleuritis, or inflammation of the membrane covering the lungs
and lining the chest.

Bronchitis and Trachitis, or inflammation of the mucous mem-
brane lining the bronchial tubes and the trachea; besides
Catarrh, or inflammation of the membrane lining the nostrils and
the throat. — Ed.]

Pneumonia, or Peripneumony.

[Even this disease often presents itself in different forms ; some-
times running its course and ending fatally in less than twenty-
four hours, and in others extending to four or five days. In the
former variety the lungs after death appear black, in fact gorged
with blood ; and this used to be considered as a state of mortifi-
cation, and it was common to say of such a horse, that " his
lights were rotten as a pear ;" and if the horse had recently been
purchased of a dealer, and an action were brought for the reco-
very of the value of the horse, the black appearance of the lungs
was generally considered as a sufficient proof that the animal
was rotten and unsound, and the dealer was cast in consequence;
whereas the congested appearance of the lungs ought to have
been considered, in the absence of any appearance to the con-
trary, as a proof of the recent production and rapid nature of the
disease.

Such appearance of the lungs is generally afforded when a
horse dies after over-exertion in the chase, or from being vio-
lently driven when not in proper condition.

I 2

116 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

The Srnnptoms of this form of inflammation of the lungs are
stroncrly marked, and at once point out the suffermg organ.
The breathing is greatly affected ; quick, short, distressed, and
often as many as sixty or seventy respirations in a mmute. ihe
pulse, too, is very quick ; seventy, eighty, or nmety a mmute,
and often small and almost imperceptible. The legs and ears are,
or soon become, icy cold; the mouth usually hot; the membrane
of the nostrils intensely red, or of a livid colour. The horse
TDrefers a standing posture, with the fore legs stretched apart, so
that the muscles external to the chest may assist in respira-
tion ; the appetite is altogether lost, and he eagerly thrusts his
head towards the door, or the coolest place in the stable it
relief be not very soon obtained, the severity of the symptoms
Increase; the air cells become choked with blood; and the horse
dies, as it were, from suffocation, in the course of twelve to
twenty-four hours. Mr. Percivall distinguishes this disease from
pneumonia, and designates it congestion of the lungs.

When blood is abstracted, it is almost mvanably found ot a
very dark colour, which is owing to the gorged state of the lungs
preventing the purification of the blood from taking place.
^ True Inflammation of the Lungs, when its symptoms are un-
subdued, .-dually terminates fatally in the course of four oi fiv^
days; though sometimes it gets into a sub-acute state, and lingers

^^t^fiTsTsV^L^Lt- is usually a dimhiution or loss of appetite
but in some^cases a troublesome cough may precede this want of

^^C%dseTnTr^^^^^^^^^^ are soon affected, both becoming
exceedingly quick; the pulse from sixty to one hundred m a
n'nutrinrthe breathing either almost as fast, or otherwise

''Tt;X'mrbe either full, and strong or hard, or otherwise
weak LTalmost^mperceptible ; in the latter^ase our pi-ognos.
is more unfavourable than m the former. The legs and eais
are usually cold and the mouth hot, and the membrane of the
TostXand eyelids intensely red. In some cases there is a

""some insight into the nature and extent of the disease may be

obtained by what is called ««^^.f f T;. ,i,est, when the animal
On applying the ear to sides o the chest ^^.^^^^^^

is in a healthy state, we notice a J'j^ J^^,^ by the

be described, but readily heard. Ihissounai p j

DISEASES OF THE CHEST AND AIR-PASSAGES.

117

air rushing into the air cells, and is much greater in the young
than in the old subject. When the lungs are partially indurated,
the cells being filled up, there is at that part an absence of the
usual murmur, and an increase of it elsewhere. This result
sometimes attends the presence of fluid in the chest. After exer-
cise the murmur is increased ; and if in a state of rest the sound
at one part is increased, and not at another, the latter part is
probably in a state of disease.

The pi'incipal indication of a diseased state of the lungs is de-
rived from a sound called bronchial respiration, and somewhat
resembles the sound made in sawing wood. It is occasioned by
the air rushing in and out of the large bronchial tubes, there
being some impediment to its passage. This sound is heard in
peripneumony and in acute pleurisy, and more particularly when
both diseases are combined.

There are various other alterations of sound noticed, but they
are of minor importance, and less readily detected ; they may,
however, be found described in Mr. Percivall's work on the Dis-
eases of the Chest, &c., where the essay of M. Delafond on the
subject is translated.

The employment of auscultation is much assisted by percussion.
On tapping the chest sharply with the knuckles, the sound
elicited, if the lungs are indurated, or there is water in the
chest, will be much more dead than in a healthy state ; whilst, on
the other hand, when the lungs are emphysematous, as in broken
wind, the sound will be augmented.

The Treatment of this disease must depend on the particular
stage in which we may find it, and must be modified by the
peculiar symptoms that may be present. In the first place, let
us suppose a horse is blown in hunting ; ridden till nature is ex-
hausted, and the animal can go no further. In such case the
lungs are in a congested state, and the proper changes in the
blood cannot take place ; the breathing is of course accelerated
to the greatest degree, and the pulse quick and weak, and pro-
bably imperceptible. If the vein be opened, the blood flows
with difficulty, and is exceedingly dark and thick. In such case
it is of little use to abstract blood until the pulse becomes per-
ceptible, and our best plan is at once to administer a stimulant.
A bottle of wine, administered in the hunting field, has in many
a case proved of essential service, and in some instances saved
the animal. Two ounces of spirit of nitrous ether, administered
in a pint of warm ale or water, is still better : its effect will be
to equalize in some degree the circulation, and to rouse the nerv-
ous system ; and soon after its administration we shall pro-
bably find the pulse becoming fuller and more perceptible. In
this state we should abstract blood — as much as we can obtain
without producing fainting. The same method of treatment

I 3

1J8 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

may be pursued whenever the lungs are in this congested state,
thouMi arising from other causes than over-exertion ; it, indeed,
in inflamed lungs, the pulse is at the onset particu arly weak or
imperceptible, a stimulant may be employed with advantage,
thouoh it is not desirable to continue it.

Bfoodletting is, however, our sheet-anchor in the treatment ot
inflamed lungs ; and unless we are enabled to abstract a large
quantity, our chance of recovery is but slight. It is, however,
useless to prescribe the abstraction of any particular quantity ot
blood; its effect on the pulse should be our guide. A large
orifice should be made in the jugular, and the bleeding continued
until the mouth becomes considerably cooler and the pulse
altered in its character; if before hard or fu 1, till it is soft
and scarcely to be felt. The quantity of blood abst. acted
before this eff-ect is obtained may vary from eight pounds to
sixteen, according to the state of the pulse and the peculiarities
of the animal. The bleeding may, if necessary, be repeated m
diminished quantities once or twice, with intervals ot six o
telle hour?; but it is the first bloodletting on which we must
principally de'pend. The appearance of the blood must no be
allowed to have much influence over our treatment. It is not,
however, to be altogether despised, but is chiefly useful m assist-
inTour prognosis a! to the termination of the case. If the blood
flows ta?diW, is very black, and forms a very weak coagulum,
The chances m-e altogether unfavourable: if, however, it presents
a thick buff-y coat? and very firm coagulum, we may con-
clude that the horse is in a state not only to demand but to
bear extensive bleeding, and we shall generally find beneficial
effects succeed its employment. Indeed, in cases of mflamma-
tinn t's better to find the blood presenting a buffy coat than
othenvi:e; u^^^^^^^^ should be likewise of a thick muddy aspect,

^^i-^^oughl^^^^^

^^'^^ :^:J ~e^s%^^^^^^ take care
not to puiw, for ff we do so, death will probably follow ; and fi-om
^mpat^; between the bowels and other parts a -uch -a^^^^^^^

msmm

about a pint ot linseeu uu , , „^ tartarized antimony,

not be repeated, we may add a ^^J^^"^/^^ ^'^Vj^a dangerous
three drachms of nitre, and one Jig^^jf ^^^^ ^j,, bowels are
practice to administer small ^o-s f ^oe • ,

Jcted on, as by this time J,^"^^^;;"^^" x^^^^^^^ digitalis, and
the system to do irreparable mischiet. ine n , g

DISEASES OF THE CHEST AND AIR-PASSAGES.

119

antimony may be repeated three times the first day, and twice
the second.

Mr. Percivall recommends half a drachm of white hellebore
twice a day instead of the digitalis. It is a powerful medicine,
and lowers the pulse by producing nausea. It requires to be
given with caution, under the eye of the practitioner, and its
effects carefully watched. Mr. Mavor advises two drachms of
exti'act of belladonna as a sedative. I have employed both these
medicines, and can speak to their good elFects.

Counter-irritation, — After the urgency of the symptoms have
been in some measure relieved by bloodletting, counter-irritation
may be veiy serviceable in preventing change of structure from
taking place. A blister is to be preferred, and should be applied,
as I'ecommended by Mr. Percivall, to the breast, in preference to
the sides, as it is much more likely to act in the former muscular
situation than in the latter. In fatal cases, a blister will scarcely
ever produce any eflPect ; and this symptom is therefore justly
regarded as one of the most unfavourable that can possibly occur.
If the case be protracted, or takes on a sub-acute form, rowels
and setons may be useful, as well as blisters.

The diet in inflammation of the lungs should consist of bran
mashes, hay, carrots, or green food ; and care should be taken
that the horse is not restored to his usual diet until the inflam-
matory symptoms have entirely ceased.

The body should be kept tolerably warm by clothing, and the
legs encased in flannel bandages ; their warmth having been pre-
viously restored by hand-rubbing, assisted by the application of a
liniment, composed of four parts of oil, one of spirits of turpen-
tine, and one of hartshorn, which should be rubbed in as often
as they become cold.

It is of great importance that the horse should be allowed to
breathe the purest and the coolest air ; for which purpose he
should be turned into a loose box, well ventilated, and in the
summer he may be turned into a paddock with advantage. — Ed.]

Sub-acute Pneumonia.

[When inflammation of the lungs takes on a sub-acute form,
either from the beginning or after an acute attack, our treat-
ment, though conducted on the same principles as that before
mentioned, must be less active in its nature. The symptoms are
more obscure, and demand moi-e tact and discrimination : the
breathing is less disturbed, the pulse not so quick, the appetite
not so much impaired; and yet fatal mischief may be goino- on
under this insidious form, and, if not checked, may end in
death.

The bleeding should be less extensive, but more frequent tlian

I 4

120

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

in the acute attack ; and we must still more have recourse to
counter-irritation, setons or rowels being called for, as well as
blisters.

The Terminations of inflamed lungs are various: in the first
place we may have resolution, ih which the inflammatory action
is quickly checked, and the lungs are restored to a normal state ;
but more frequently we have some alteration of structure. This,
however, after a while, may be restored to a healthy state ; but
often a portion of the lungs becomes indurated or hepatized ; the
air cells are filled up, and sometimes the bronchial tubes, so that
the part frequently becomes so heavy that it would sink if placed in
water, and it is no longer able to perform its function ; the animal
becomes thick-winded, being obliged to breathe, so to speak,
with diminished lungs. In some cases abscesses may form m
various parts of the lungs ; and the case, though flattermg for
a while, will become fatal at last. — Ed.]

Pleuritis. — Pleurisy.

[It was formerly the custom to class this disease with that
before described; but although, in many complicated cases, they
may both exist at the same time in the same subject, yet there
are others in which the symptoms of pleuritis are distinctly
marked, and in which the post mortem appearances have proved
the nature of the disease, . , n

For first pointing out the distinction of these diseases, as well as
for some valuable knowledge on the treatment of pleuritis, we
are indebted to the late Mr. John Field, who thus describes the

^^T. ATep'ressed appearance; hard, full, strong pulse, from 42 to
54- painful and limited respiration; inspiration quick and in-
terrupted; expiration slow and ^voXox^geA; pressure on the sides
vainful, occasioning a peculiar grunt; twitchings of the skin ;
faint suppressed cough or sneeze ; the memhrane of the nostrils of
a natural colour, and the tongue moist and clean.

As the disease proceeds, the pulse becomes more frequent,
small and wiry; respiration accelerated ; full mspiration ; ditfa-
cult anrpainfii expiration; tongue furred; patches of sweat;

restlessness, delirium, and death. . r *i c^von

« The symptoms of the first stage continue from three to seven
days, when the disease terminates fatally, or symptoms of the

second stage commence. ^ , in

" In fav^ourable cases the quickness of pulse gradually dmn-

nishes, the appetite returns, the horse lies and m three

or four weeks may be considered well, though unfit foi woik.
Mr. r'eld thus^distinguishes the symptoms of pneumonia fi'om

those of pleurisy : -The oppressed pulse of the former, the haid

BISEASES OF THE CHEST AND AIR-PASSAGES. 121

febrile pulse of the latter; the difficult convulsive expiration of
the one, the peculiar respiration of the other ; the intensely red
hue of the eyelids and nostrils in pneumonia, the absence of this
in pleuritis ; the freedom from pain on pressure in the former,
and its exhibition in the latter ; the coldness of the extremities
in the one, the variable temperature in the other ; the obstinate
standing in the one, and the frequent lying down and getting up
in the other.

The post mortem appearances are sometimes merely inflam-
mation of the pleura, with patches of lymph, but more frequently
a considerable collection of fluid, pale or yellow, or reddish or
bloody, in all three cavities, with adhesion of the lungs to the
sides of the chest, and other morbid changes; sometimes the
pleura appears in a state of gangrene.

Treatment. — Mr. Field recommends the immediate abstraction
of blood, to the quantity of from ten to twenty pounds, to be re-
peated as the case seems to require. The bowels to be mode-
rately relaxed by a small dose of aloes, assisted by injections ;
and he was then in the habit of giving white hellebore, in doses
from one scruple to half a drachm, combined with spirit of nitrous
ethei-, nitre, and tartarized antimony.

A blister on the thorax and sides, and a rowel in the brisket.

When the inflammatory symptoms evidently abated, vegetable
tonics, as gentian and ginger, were advised ; and to which, when
the possibility of hydrothorax was suspected, mild diuretics were
added.

When eff"usion had evidently taken place, he recommended the
operation of paracentesis, or tapping. — Ed.]

{_Hydrothorax,

As the deposition of water in the chest is termed, although an
effort of nature to relieve inflammation, is yet generally attended
with a fatal termination.

The only chance of relief is afforded by an operation called
paracentesis, or tapping, which consists in plunging an instru-
ment called a trochar between the ribs into the cavity of the
chest, and leaving the canula, or tube which encases the trochar,
and withdrawing the latter, by which an exit is afforded to the
fluid contained within the chest through the canula.

The best situation for the operation is between the eighth and
ninth ribs, and near the cartilages; and the skin should be pre-
viously drawn tightly forwards, by which means the opening will
be closed after the operation. It should be performed on both
sides of the chest, and may be repeated several times, and diu-
retic and tonic medicine should be given at the same time.

Although the majority of cases in which this operation has

122

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

been practised have ended fatally, yet there are several success-
ful cases on record, — sufficient to justify its adoption when there
is a reasonable presumption of the presence of water in thecliest.

This is denoted by the sudden cessation of the violence of the
symptoms at first, and an amendment of the appetite; but as the
water increases, the respiration becomes still more embarrassed,
and very frequently a spontaneous purging ensues. On applying
the ear to the chest the natural respiratory sound is lost; and on
striking the chest it no longer sounds hollow, but dead.

The' Si/mptoms of hydrothorax, however, are by no means
always the same— they principally depend on the cause. It
may succeed intense inflammation of the lungs and the pleura,
or sub-acute or chronic inflammation of these parts. The symp-
toms may either nearly subside as the water is secreted, and the
case present altogether a flattering appearance, or otherwise un-
favourable appearances, though modified, may still exist. — Ed.]

[Complicated Cases. Although we have spoken of pneumonia
and pleurisy as two distinct diseases, and although the symptoms
of each are distinctly marked, yet it is still the fact that they are
very frequently combined together ; and then the symptoms may
either denote the preponderance of the one disease over the
other, or otherwise they may be so nearly balanced as to render
the symptoms altogether obscure.

The Treatment of these complicated cases must be conducted
on the same principles as before detailed ; modified, however, by

the leading symptoms. , , , ^■ a

It may, however, be observed that these complicated cases aie
more frequently fatal than simple affections either of the pleura
or the substance of the lungs. They rarely present the same
activity in the symptoms, but are usually more protracted in
their protrress, and more deceitful in their character. — Ld.]

CHAP. XXV.

BRONCHITIS.— TRACHITIS. — INFLAMMATION OF THE BRONCHIAL
PASSAGES AND WINDPIPE.

TThe membrane which lines the bronchial tubes, as the air pass-
ages of the lungs are termed, as well as that which affords an
intPrnal coverino- for the larynx and trachea, is termed a mucous
rnrLe7:nd\ very liab e to inflammation men t^us in-
flamed, the disease is termed Bronchitis Trac ut s ami La. ) n
o-itis, according as the bronchiae, the trachea, or the la.ynx bea s
^ie brun? of the attack. These parts are sometimes separately

BRONCHITIS, TRACHITIS, ETC.

123

diseased; but more frequently they are affected simultaneously,
though not perhaps in the same degree, or to the same extent.

There are two forms of this disease, each distinctly marked,
the acute and the sub-acute ; the latter being perhaps tlie more
frequent.

The former is an extremely dangerous disease, and very fre-
quently proves fatal. This is owing partly to the great extent
of membrane diseased, and the difficulty of affecting it by our
treatment, and partly to the obscurity of its symptoms, and the
insidious nature of its approach, whereby it has often existed to
a great extent before attention has been called to it.

It may be produced by exposure to cold or sudden changes of
temperature, there being a predisposition in the part to become
affected.

It more frequently occurs in the autumnal and winter seasons,
but particularly in the former, and during the prevalence of
wet weather.

The Symptoms are at first very obscure : a cough, a staring coat,
and slight impairment of the appetite, and a discharge of mucus
from the nostrils. The case perhaps is regarded as a common
cold ; suddenly the appetite is lost, the pulse is remarkably quick
and weak, and the membrane of the nostrils intensely reddened.
In very severe cases there is a suppression of all nasal discharge,
and often a disappearance of the cough. In fatal cases the
symptoms increase in intensity for several days.

There is a total loathing of all food; the nasal membranes
change from a red to a purple hue; the extremities are cold;
the pulse becomes quicker, weaker, and more imperceptible; the
respiration is for some time not quickened, but deeper than na-
tural ; at length it becomes quicker, and the horse obstinately
prefers a standing posture.

Thus the symptoms continue getting gradually more aggra-
vated, until death closes the scene in the course of a week, more
or less.

An inspection after death shows the mucous membrane of the
bronchijE and trachea, instead of being white, its natural colour,
absolutely purple or dark green, from inflammation and gangrene.

This, however, is bronchitis in its most severe and dangerous
form ; but it is fortunately not so frequent as when it assumes
a milder appearance. In severe cases, thei-e is often a consider-
able discharge from the nostrils, and a distressing cough ; the
pulse is quick, from .50 to 70 ; the respiration is disturbed', but
not much quickened; the extremities preserve their temperature;
and the appetite, though considerably diminished, is not totally
lost. ^

This form of bronchitis is more frequent than the former ; and
though severe, and attended with danger, is yet not so fatal as

124

DISEASES or THE HORSE.

that before described. In the latter kind the inflammatory
action in o-reat measure expends itself in the increased secretion
of mncuS; whilst in the former description the intensity of the
inflammation suppresses all secretion, and quickly passes on to a
more malignant and fatal termination.

Besides the two forms of bronchitis just described, we have
often a milder description, termed sub-acute, in which the
symptoms of the latter kind are present, but altogether in a
milder form ; the pulse is less frequent, the cough less severe, the
appetite not so impaired ; and yet these symptoms may insidi-
ously creep on, until many of the bronchial tubes and air cells
are destroyed by a change of structure, the capacity of the lungs
impaired, and the animal becomes thick-winded.

This alteration of structure may result from bronchitis, either
in its acute or sub-acute form.

Occasionally bronchitis degenerates into what is called a cliromc
state ; that is, the inflammation nearly or quite ceases, but the
discharge and cough continue, particularly the former.

Bronchitis is very apt to be mistaken for inflammation of the
luno-s ; and although the part attacked is a portion of these organs,
and" the diseases are often present at the same time, yet the
distinction is important, inasmuch as in one case a mucous mem-
brane is diseased, in the other the cellular structure of the lungs :
the symptoms of these affections are not only diff'erent, but
the treatment too requires modification. Bronchitis very fre-
quently assumes the form of an epizootic, attacking a number
of horses at the same time. When this is the case the discharge
from the nostrils is exceedingly profuse, and is often of a yel-
lowish and sometimes of a greenish hue.

This disease is generally longer running its course than pneu-
monia ; and when its progress is unfavourable, it terminates in
death in the course of from five to ten days.

The Treatment of bronchitis must depend on the form which it
assumes. We must have recourse to bleeding in the acute disease,
but not to the same extent as in pneumonia. From three to five
Quarts of blood will generally be a sufficient abstraction, but this
must be regulated by the state of the pulse during the operation ;
as soon as it fails under the finger the bleeding should cease. It
is sometimes, though rarely, requisite to bleed again the same
day, but moi'e frequently on the following day; and sometimes
Se or four venesections are required, which of course must be
reLukted by the symptoms. The later bloodlettings, however,
mS be in d'iminisLd' quantities When b-ndutis assumes^^^^^^
epidemic form, we must be still more ^-^^^l^l^Z
sections, and likewise when it appears in a sub-aci te « ^ t e

The bowels are very frequently in a costive state, and sliould
be ulaSed by rakinj and injections; but the greatest caution

CATARRH, COLD, SORE THROAT, ETC.

125

must be observed in the administration of aperients, for purging,
which is so dangerous in pneumonia, is still more injurious in
bronchitis. It is found that wlien one mucous membrane is dis-
eased, other membi'anes of the same nature are from sympathy
in a very irritable state. Thus, though it is desirable in this
disease to unload the bowels, it is injurious to do so by irritating
their internal coats.

We may, however, venture on giving from one to two drachms
of aloes, or five drops of croton oil ; or, what is still better, a pint
or nearly so of linseed oil. This aperient, however, should rarely
be repeated. It will be desirable to give likewise, in the form
of a ball, digitalis half a drachm, tartarized antimony one drachm,
nitre three drachms ; to be repeated twice a day.

Mr. Percivall recommends white hellebore instead of the digi-
talis, in the same doses : this medicine, however, requires cautious
watching. Extract of belladonna is also employed with ad-
vantage.

Counter-irritation is of great importance in this disease. In
the course of six or twelve hours after the first bleeding, the
course of the windpipe should be blistered as well as the breast ;
or setons should be inserted in the course of the windpipe, and
a rowel in the brisket. Blisters have the advantage of exciting
a quicker action, and rowels and setons a more lengthened
effect. In the sub-acute or chronic forms of the disease, the latter
may be preferable, but in the more severe cases the speedier
action of the blister is demanded ; and it is often desirable to
employ both methods of counter-irritation.

The proper action of the blister or the seton leads us to
form a favourable prognosis, but not to the same extent as in
pneumonia ; for in the latter disease the case scarcely ever becomes
fatal after the blisters or setons have produced a proper effect,
whilst in bronchitis it occasionally does. This is owing to the
circumstance that in pneumonia the circulation is more languid
on the surface of the body, and the blood more inwardly deter-
mined than in the other disease. — Ed.]

CHAP. XXVI.

CATARRH, COLD, SORE THROAT, ETC.

[Catarrh, or cold, as it is commonly called, is an inflammation
of the membrane lining the nostrils and the throat, and neio-h-
bouring parts. It may attack the whole of these parts, or%e
confined to one only. It may be so slight as to pass away with-
out treatment, or so severe as to threaten suffocation and en-

126

DISEASES OF THE IIOnSE.

danger life. The symptoms depend very much on the particular
part attacked : if the inflammation be confined to the nostrils,
there is sneezing, redness of the membrane, and an increased
secretion, at first often watery, and afterwards of a mucous cha-
racter: if the pharynx is affected, there is a difficulty of swallowing ;
and if the larynx is involved, there is a cough. In some cases
abscesses form about these parts; in others the throat may be-
come ulcerated. In very slight cases there is no constitutional
disturbance; in others there are feverish symptoms — a hot
mouth, an impaired appetite, and a pulse quickened to from
40 to 50. Very frequently the attack commences in tlie
chambers of the nostrils, and afterwards extends itself to the
throat.

This disease has been termed a cold, from the supposition that
it was produced by cold : but it is more frequently occasioned by
the alternation from cold to heat, for few horses get cold from
being turned to grass from a warm stable; whilst nothing is
more common than for horses to be affected with catarrh on
being taken from grass into a warm stable. Exposure to cold
will, however, produce the disease ; but it is then rather owing
to the reaction which follows than to the cold itself.

Catarrhs are much more frequent during the moulting season
than at any other period ; and particularly in the autumn, and
during the prevalence of wet weather.

This disease frequently appears as an epizootic, when the
symptoms are usually more urgent, the discharge more profuse,
and the debility greater. In this form it is very common
amono-st the young stock in racing stables, where it is termed
the distemper ; and sometimes the symptoms of catarrh appear
in other diseases, as in influenza, an account of which will be

separately given.

The duration of an attack of catarrh is very uncertain ; it
may last only a few days, or as many weeks. This is owing
partly to the violence of the attack, and partly to the idiosyncrasy
of the animal. Some horses are so susceptible as to take cold
from the slightest cause, and are frequently suffering from the
disease; others are rarely, if ever, so affected, however much

exposed. . n •

The Termination of catarrh may be, as it generally is,
resolution or restoration to health ; or ulceration of the throat, or
roarino-, or glanders; besides which, the inflammation may
extend" itself down the windpipe, and the lungs may become

affected, and death may ensue. • r ,i ^mo.i-

The Treatment must depend on the seventy of the attack.
In some slight cases a few bran mashes, and a ittle nitre six
drachms, perhaps, two days successively, may be all that is
necessary. In other cases, in which there are the symptoms of

CATARRH, COLD, SORE-THROAT, ETC.

1-27

fever, together with a cougli, it will be prudent to abstract from
5 to 10 lbs. of blood, and to administer from 2 to 3 di-achms of
aloes, so as mildly to relax the bowels; and to follow this with
the following ball, given several days successively : —

Nitre 3 dr.

Camphor 1 dr.

Tartarized Antimony 1 dr.

Digitalis i dr.

Made into a ball with treacle.

When there is a difficulty in swallowing, or a cough, it will be
advisable to stimulate the throat externally by rubbing on a mild
liquid blister, or in severe cases inserting a seton.

When there is a considerable discharge from the nostrils, it is
a good plan to steam them, by suspending a nose-bag containing
bran infused in boiling water. *

When the inflammation appears to be extending down the
windpipe, it is necessary to apply a blister, or insert setons in its
course.

The diet during a severe catarrh should consist principally of
mashes, and of succulent food, such as carrots in the winter,
and grass in the summer.

If the case becomes chronic, the nasal gleet continuing, and
the animal becoming poor, it will be desirable to administer
tonics, such as the following : —

Sulphate of Iron 2 dr.

ginger f dr.*

Gentian 2 dr

To be made into a ball with treacle, and administered once a

day for several days. — Ed.]

* By means of Read's patent medicated Vapour Inhaler (represented below),
the nostrils can be conveniently steamed, either with hot water or a medi-

wl -""f"^"-. J''^ water may be kept heated by a small lamp, or an iron
heater similar to those used for tea-urns, &c.

128

DISEASF.S OF THE HORSE.

Scarlatina.

[This disease is very rare in the horse, there being but a few
cases on record.

Mr. Percivall treats of it in his late work, and thus describes
its nature, symptoms, and treatment: —

" Febrile catarrh, speedily succeeded by the appearance of
scarlet spots upon the Schneiderian membrane and surface of the
skin, attended with anasarca, and in some cases dyspnoea.

" Symjitoms. — For two or three days at the commencement it
will probably be mistaken for catarrh ; about this time, however,
its veritable nature becomes manifested by the appearance of
numerous scarlet spots or blotches npon the membrane lining
the nose, possessing the hue of arterial blood, irregular in size
and figure, and visible as high up as the membrane can be
inspected. These appearances mostly assume the character of
petechiae, though I have seen them running in streaks. They
look like so many patches of extravasated blood ; but if one of
them is wounded, blood instantly trickles down the nose, and
assures us that, partially and singularly distributed as it is, it is
still fluid, and still contained within its vessels.

« In passing our finger over the red spots, nodiing like pimple
or pustular elevation of surface is discoverable. The skin is
every where similarly bespotted; at least, I infer so from the i-e-
sults of my examination of the body of one horse that died of the
disorder. A mucous defluxion proceeds from the nose. Ana-
sarca is a common attendant; the legs, sheath, and belly being
on occasions considerably tumefied. The respiration is quickened,
but in such a manner as rather to indicate pain than embarrass-
ment. The pulse is likewise accelerated, and beats with lorce.
There exists great disinclination to move about. The appetite
is either quite lost, or very much impaired. , , ^ „ i

« Treatment. — In two cases, early venesection, closely toUowed
up by the exhibition of purgative and diuretic medicine, with
walking exercise, proved completely successful. Another case,
however, had a fatal termination : it was not altogether in my
own hands, and I attributed the unfortunate issue in some mea-
sure to excess of walking exercise, practised lor the purpose ot
keeping down the anasarca which supervened upon the primary
attack." — Ed.]

STRANGLES.

129

CHAP. XXVII.

STRANGLES.

[This disease probably derives its name from a symptom which
is occasionally present, in which the animal is threatened with
suffocation.

It is a disorder peculiar to young horses, and attacks them
most frequently between the third and fifth year, though not un-
frequently before this period, and sometimes after it, and now
and then we even meet with it in old horses.

It used to be supposed that every horse becomes affected with
it at some period of his life, and that it was necessary for the
constitution, and a means of carrying off impurities. From the
number of hands into which horses usually pass, it is difficult to
ascertain whether they invariably become subject to this disease
or not; and therefore this antiquated assertion is rather dif-
ficult to disprove. My own opinion is, that not only is the
complaint not invariable, but that a moiety of horses altogether
escape, which I think will be borne out by observation amongst
agricultural horses, that are both bred and worked on the same
farm.

The disease sometimes occurs at grass, when the animal is
under two or three years of age, and sometimes the symptoms
are so mild that no treatment is required, at others so severe
as alniost to threaten suffocation ; and it then becomes imperative
to take up the colt, and have recourse to the most judicious
treatment.

The symptoms of strangles are a swelling and abscess between
the lower jaw bones, accompanied frequently by sore throat, and
other catarrhal symptoms. There is often a considerable degree
of fever present, together with an indisposition for food, as well
as an inability to swallow it ; liquids being swallowed with greater
difficulty than solids.

The swelling under the jaw, slight at first, gradually in-
creases, the other symptoms inci'easing in severity at the same
time. When matter has formed, it usually points, as it is termed,
externally ; and if not opened, the abscess bursts, and the symp-
toms are afterwards much relieved.

Sometimes an abscess bursts internally, and the matter is dis-
charged through the nostrils.* Occasionally the neighbourhood
of the parotid glands is affected, and the swelling is so consider-
able as to threaten suffocation, and demand the performance of
the operation of trachaeotomy. .

Sometimes the enlargement of the gland becomes hard and

* In a few instances the Eustachian cavities have been filled with matter.

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130

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

sluggish ; and the symptoms, though mild, are obstinate. The
disease is then termed the bastard strangles.

When the glands thus become indurated, some ointment of
hydriodate of potash should be rubbed in every day.

Treatment. — The object to be kept in view is to bring the ab-
scess to suppuration as quickly as possible, and to moderate the
fever at the same time.

Unless the symptoms of fever are particularly severe, and in-
flammation of the windpipe and the lungs are threatened, it is
better to avoid bloodletting; but if employed, it should be with
moderation. The bowels should be moderately relaxed, for
which purpose two or three drachms of aloes may be given in a
ball, but rarely, if ever, repeated. Two drachms of nitre and
one of tartarized antimony may be given tAvice a day, in a mash.
We should avoid drenching as much as possible, in consequence
of the soreness of the throat. A stimulating liniment should be
rubbed on the swelling, and a warm linseed meal poultice applied,
and changed twice a day.

If this cannot be conveniently done, the hair should be cut off
and the part blistered. When matter can be readily felt, a large
opening should be made with a lancet, and the matter pressed
out. After this a poultice may be applied for one night. Some-
times there are several smaller abscesses, which, however, must
be treated in the same manner.

The diet should consist of bran mashes, green food, and car-
rots, with a little hay, and thin gruel may be given to drink.

If the colt is much reduced, a little tonic medicine may be af-
terwards given, but this is rarely necessary.

In our treatment of strangles, it is necessary to be on our
guard, as other diseases may supervene, particularly inflamma-
tions of the windpipe and the chest. It is desirable, therefore,
unless the case be slight, to rub a blistering liniment in the
course of the windpipe.

The symptoms of strangles sometimes occur even in very old
horses ; and when the parotid glands are alone attacked, the
disease used to be called the vivcs, or ives, and is sometimes
very troublesome, but should be ti'eated as we have recommended
for strangles.

If the swelling continues hard, some ointment of hj'driodatc of
potash may be rubbed in daily.

The consequences of strangles are sometimes very severe, and
even fatal. In some cases large abscesses have been found to
arise in different parts of the body, sometimes on the surface, at
others internally, and so occasioning death. These cases are
supposed to arise from the absorption of pus, and are more likely
to occur when the sub-maxillary abscess has been imperfectly
developed.

CHRONIC DISEASES OF THE AIR-PASSAGES.

131

In some cases of disease somewhat similar to strangles,
Mr. Cai-lisle found the Eustachian cavities full of pus, and he
had recourse to an operation, by which he evacuated them with
success; and he relates the cases in the Veterinarian for Sep-
tember, 1841. — Ed.]

CHAP. XXVIII.

CHRONIC DISEASES OF THE AIR- PASSAGES.

Clironic Cough.

[We have spoken of cough as a symptom of catarrh, or rather
of inflammation of the larynx; and although we have now to
consider it under a distinct designation, it is yet in all cases a
symptom of diseased action, rather than a disease itself

There are various descriptions of cough, such as hard, soft,
dry, short, strong, weak, and convulsive cough. These nume-
rous distinctions will, however, answer no useful purpose. It
will be sufficient for us to distinguish the sliort dry cough of
broken wind, which is familiar to all practised ears ; the dry, or
cough without discharge ; and the cough attended by an increased
secretion of mucus.

Cough, indeed, denotes the presence of some irritation, and is in
fact the noise made by the forcible endeavour to expel this cause
of irritation ; for instance, in catarrh there may be a great
increase in the secretion of mucus, so much so that if not
removed it will threaten suffocation. The entrance to the wind-
pipe is lined by a membrane endowed by means of nerves with
the most delicate sensibiHty. The presence of mucus on this
part produces irritation. The sensation is instantaneously sent
to the brain, and thence, by means of the nerves of motion, an
impression is conveyed to the diaphragm and abdominal muscles,
by which these parts are thrown into violent action ; air is rapidly
expelled from the lungs through the windpipe, carrying with it
most probably the offending object ; and thus a cough is produced.
The same effect is occasioned when any foreign body enters or
endeavours to enter the larynx, and likewise from simple irri-
tation of the part without any increased secretion of mucus, as
well as from too great dryness of the part, and probably also from
sympathy with another part. Cough is, indeed, but an effort of
nature to ward off mischief, and in endeavouring to cure it we
should strive to remove the cause by which it is produced. Too
much regard should not be paid to the sort of cough that may
be present ; for we may have in catarrh, and even in the same

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132

DISEASES OF THE HOUSE.

case, various coughs, according to the stage of the disease, and
the severity of the symptoms. Many profess to distinguish by
the sound of the cough whether it is chronic or otherwise ; such
profession, however, is altogether without foundation. We may
indeed easily tell the cough of broken wind; but we cannot dis-
tinguish that of catarrh, or sore throat, from a chronic cough.
By chronic cough, then, we understand a cough either trifling or
severe, that has existed for a long time without being attended
by any active inflammatory appearances. Such a cough may
either be so excessive as to be exceedingly annoying to the owner,
or so slight as scarcely to engage attention.

Sometimes a day or two may elapse without its being heard,
at other times the paroxysms may be frequent and severe. Some
horses cough in the stable, and never out of it ; others are only
heard in their work and never in the stable. Generally speaking,
however, a horse with a chronic cough is heard chiefly during
the fii-st mile of his working, and more when ridden than in
harness. In many cases the disease can be traced back to an
attack of sore throat, which most probably has been pi-otracted,
and has left behind some alteration of structure, either a thick-
ening or an irritated state of the membrane lining the larynx.
Horses with chronic cough are generally (not always) subject to
frequent attacks of sore throat, each attack probably making the
cough worse.

It is considered that the aflPection is sometimes produced by
the presence of worms in the stomach or intestines, or by a dis-
ordered state of the digestive organs.

Treatment. — We may often materially benefit a chronic cough,
although we can rarely achieve a perfect cure; and as in rnany
cases we cannot be sure that the case has become chronic, it is
therefore desirable to attempt relief whenever the animal is
valuable.

It will be proper to take a few quarts of blood to relieve the
local inflammation ; to administer (if the horse can be spared) a
mild laxative, so as to get the digestive organs into a healthy
state ; to stimulate the throat externally by means of a mild
liquid blister frequently repeated, and to administer the following
ball several nights successively : —

Camphor 1 d''*

Tartarized antimony 1 dr.

Digitalis i dr.

Powdered squill 1 dr.

To be made into a ball with treacle.

The diet during this time should principally consist of mashes
and succulent food, and the hay and corn should be free Irom
dust, and wetted before given. — Ed.J

CHRONIC DISEASES OF THE AIR-PASSAGES.

133

Broken Wind.

[Horses with broken wind are usually called pipers by horse
dealers.

The symptoms of a badly broken-winded horse are readily
perceptible; the peculiar catching of the flanks is seen by the
common observer. There is in fact a double expiration to a
single inspiration ; the horse readily draws in his breath, but has
a difficulty in forcing it out, and the abdominal muscles are called
on to assist the operation in a much greater degree than in a
state of Ileal th.

The respiration is also quicker than natural, and there is ge-
nerally a peculiar short cough. This cough in mild cases may
be slight, but in bad cases it is extremely distressing, continuing
perhaps almost incessantly for half an hour together.

The symptoms may rapidly get worse, until a horse is un-
fitted for any thing but slow woi-k ; or they may continue in the
same state for years, during which the animal is capable of doing
a good deal of work.

It is very common for the symptoms in draught horses to ap-
pear suddenly, particularly if the animal is worked severely on a
full stomach.

We find this affection more frequently in cart horses than in
any others.

On the dissection of broken-winded horses, we notice the
lungs to be considerably larger than in a healthy state, and much
whiter on the surface. On cutting into them, we find that their
increased volume is owing to air extravasated under the mem-
brane which covers them. The air cells are supposed to have
been ruptured, so as to have admitted the escape of the inspired
air, which is thus easily drawn into the lungs, but has much
greater difficulty in escaping.

The membrane lining the bronchial passages is also generally
found in an unnatural state, being much thicker than in a state
of health, and this circumstance is considered to account for the
cough that attends the disease.

The symptoms of broken wind have been suddenly manifested
by some horses, and on dying soon afterwards, it has appeared
that the diaphragm has been ruptured. Any thing, therefore,
that -will materially embarrass the action of this muscle is likely
to occasion these symptoms.

Broken-winded horses rarely carry much flesh, which is owino-
to the disordered state of the stomach and bowels ; a greater
quantity of wind is formed in the bowels than common, which is
frequently expelled from the anus. There is no way of account-

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134

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

ing for this disoi'dered state of the digestive organs, except from
the sympathy.

The immediate cause of broken wind is obviously the circum-
stance of sudden exertion on a full stomach. In proportion to
the indigestible nature of food is the disease likely to occur.
Thus, fusty and damaged hay is a very frequent cause ; and this
hay being frequently given to agricultural horses, accounts in
great measure for the disease being more frequent with them
than with any others. Nimrod, the celebrated sporting writer,
says the disease is extremely rare in France, where he now
resides ; and this he attributes to the fact of sweet straw being
generally used instead of hay, particularly amongst farm-
horses.

Treatment. — Although a perfect cure for this disease cannot
be attained, yet we can do very much towards alleviating it, and
rendering the animal useful. Nothing, indeed, is moi'e common
than for broken- winded horses to get considerably better after
being worked for some time in a coach. This improvement is
owing to the alteration in their diet : instead of hay forming the
principal part of the food, it is given only in small quantities, but
in its place plenty of sweet corn is allowed. This, then, is the
plan to be adopted ; viz. to give the greatest quantity of nourish-
ment in the smallest bulk, by which two objects are accomplished :
the condition and strength of the animal are improved, and he is
capable of making greater exertion with the same amount of
breathing as before; and, in the second place, the stomach never
being so" distended as before, no longer presses so much against
the diaphragm, and respiration is thus rendered less difficult.

Little or no hay should therefore be allowed, except in the form
of chaff; but in the winter carrots may be given, and in the sum-
mer vetches; but both in moderate quantities.

The digestive organs should be kept in as healthy a state as
possible, and care should be taken that the horse is fed some
hours before he is worked. — Ed.]

I have several times so far succeeded as to cure the disease for
a time; and in one case, a horse of my own, the disease was so
completely removed, that I kept the animal in constant work for
more than a year afterwards.

This horse was as badly broken winded as a horse could be.
He was kept on bran and oats and a moderate quantity of good
hay. In the spring he had some vetches and grass in the stable,
which was cool, and well ventilated. He was ridden at first very
moderately ; but after two or three months he was ridden at a full
trot, and sometimes galloped without inconvenience. I have
seen another case of complete broken wind apparently cured by
turning the animal, in dry summer weather, into a held where
there was no water. This mare had been purchased as a subject

CHRONIC DISEASES OV THE AIR-PASSAGES.

135

for some experiments relative- to glanders, being so bad as to
be thought fit for nothing else. After the experiments were
finished I thought it right to kill her, when I found the lungs,
and all the parts connected with them, perfectly sound, and at
the time she was killed not a symptom of broken wind could be
discovered. I have seen other broken-winded horses treated in
a similar manner, and with the same result; and I have seen
broken-winded horses apparently cured by being kept at grass
a short time, but get as bad as ever a little time after they had
been taken back into the stable.

If the cough be troublesome, the ball advised for chronic
cough may be administered occasionally.

Thick Wind.

[This disease is very different from broken wind, although they
are often confounded together. It is characterised, not by a
double, but a quickened respiration, it being frequently treble
or quadruple its natural state. It is, indeed, more serious than
broken wind, inasmuch as it has usually been preceded by an
inflammatory attack, which may again recur.

The lungs of thick-winded horses have their capacity for air
diminished — the structure of the lungs is changed — a part be-
comes heavy, indurated — the air cells and bronchial passages
become filled up, so that the lungs no longer afford the same room
for the reception of the atmospheric air, and, in consequence, the
horse is obliged to breathe double or treble as quick as in a state
of health.

This disease is usually the effect of an inflammation of the
lungs; but sometimes thick wind comes on without any acute
inflammatory attack. In such cases there has usually been
chronic bronchitis, which has probably been mistaken for a cold,
and has not left the horse until it has sadly altered the structure
of the lungs.

The symptoms of thick wind are more obscure than those of
broken wind ; as the quickness of respiration after exercise is so
much affected by the condition of the animal, a horse weak and
out of condition will often, under severe exertion, breathe quicker
than a thick-winded horse in good condition. This fact must be
borne in mind and allowed for, when passing an opinion on
the case.

It is astonishing what great alteration of the structure of the
lungs may exist, and the horse be still able to perform his accus-
tomed work. I remember a horse that for some months worked
in a fast coach, doing a stage of twelve miles daily in about one
hour and a quarter. He was seized with inflammation of the
lungs, and died in the course of sixteen hours. On examinin'r the

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136

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

body after death, it appeared that one half the lungs for a long
time past must have been perfectly useless for the purpose of
respiration, being so completely hepatized as to be heavier than
water.

Little can be done by way of remedy for thick wind ; but we
may alleviate the symptoms by attention to the general health,
and by the treatment recommended for broken wind. — Ed.]

CHAP. XXIX.

ROARING.

[This disease receives its denomination from the nature of the
noise made by the horse affected when his respiration is quick-
ened by exercise. It arises in fact from a diminution of the
calibre of the windpipe, or the larynx, or some portion of the
air passages. There are various names used in horse phrase-
ology to express this disease, or rather different degrees of it, such
as grunter, whistler, wheezer, highblower, trumpeter, &c. The
first denotes the noise made by a roarer when suddenly fright-
ened. All roarers do not make this noise, but when it is present
the roaring is generally severe and confirmed.

A lohistler is a very bad I'oarer, inasmuch as the shrill noise of
whistling is a sign of thei*e being a smaller passage than when
the graver sound of roaring is heard. This was put to the proof
by Mr. Percivall, who tied a ligature round the windpipe of a
horse moderately tight, and then, trotting the animal, found
that he roared ; but on drawing the ligature tighter, so as to lessen
the calibre of the windpipe one half, a whistling noise was heard.

A wheezer makes a noise somewhat like its designation, being
less loud than that of roaring. It arises of course from ob-
structed respiration, either in the larynx or windpipe, or the
bronchial passages ; such obstruction, however, not being so great
as in roaring.

Wheezing is frequently present in thick wind, and indeed is
generally owing to obstruction in the lungs themselves.

A trumpeter is merely a fancied distinction ; but a highhlower
is usually no roarer at all, the noise he makes being a sort of
snort, arising from the peculiar action of the false nostrils which
many horses possess. This sound is frequently mistaken for
roaring, but may be readily distinguished by galloping the horse,
when it will be found that the noise is greatest at first, lessens as
he proceeds, and goes off as the speed increases ; an effect pre-
cisely contrary to that attending roaring. A case of this kind
lately came under my notice, in which the noise made by the

ROARING.

137

horse somewhat I'esembled a steam engine at work, so consider-
able was it. This noise commenced immediately the horse was
excited; but after several trials I fomid, by causing the horse to
gallop without exciting him, no noise was produced. Various
parties learned in horse matters pronounced him a roarer, but I
gave a contrary opinion ; the truth of which was proved by his
carrying a heavy weight in capital style through the following
season, the noise going off as the pace improved. It is, I think,
very probable that the case of the celebrated Eclipse was one of
this description.

The noise of roaring, and its modifications, is produced by
various diseased structures which morbid anatomy has brought
to light. Thickening of the membrane of the larynx is a
very frequent cause of roaring, and is generally produced by
sore throat or bronchitis. Sometimes bands are thrown across
the windpipe, which is the effect likewise of inflammation. It is
impossible to ascertain when they exist, or where, otherwise
it would be no difficult task to open the windpipe and divide
them. This was once done with success, but attempted hundreds
of times and failed. Ossification of the cartilages of the larynx
is another cause of roaring, and is produced by previous inflam-
mation. Ulceration of the membrane of the glottis is likewise
another cause of roaring ; and it is supposed by Mr. Field that
when this is the case, the irritation experienced in breathing
induces the animal to partially shut the glottis, and thus occasion
the noise of roaring. — Ed.]

I found two cases of very bad roaring occasioned by ulceration
within the lai-ynx ; in one of them the ulcer was very small, and
close to the chink. One of these horses had been affected for
some time with the mild or chronic glanders, and belonged to
Mr. Russel's glandered team. He was in good condition, and
breathed freely until put into motion. It rendered him, how-
ever, so useless that he was destroyed. The other horse was
attacked in the stable with violent coughing, and soon after with
roaring, probably from an oat or some of his food getting into
the larynx. He was turned to grass, and soon became so dis-
tressed, his breathing being heard at a considerable distance,
that It was thought right to destroy him. The only morbid
appearance, found upon a careful examination, was a small ulcer
on one side of the chink of the glottis.

[Roaring is frequent with carriage horses, in whom it is gene-
rally produced by tight reining, so as to make the neck more
arched; by this unnatural position the windpipe is distorted so as
to cause an impediment to respiration, and thus produce roarino-.
In some cases, although they are not numerous, the cause of roar-
ing has appeared to be in the lungs; but when this is the case
thick wind is also present.

138

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

Fig. 1. represents the healthy larynx
and tracha^a.

a the thyroid cartilages. Fig. 2. represents a curvature of the

b the arytenoid. windpipe producing roaring, caused

cc the cricoid. hy tight reining.

d the epiglottis.

c the trachaea or windpipe.

Mr. James Turner lias found that roaring has been produced
by enlargement of the turbinated bones of the nostrils, but we
imagine it is not a frequent cause.

It has been found also that roaring has been produced by a
diseased affection of the recurrent nerves ; and we not unfre-
quently find, on dissecting the windpipe of roarers, that the
muscles that assist in opening the glottis present the appearance
represented in one of the plates, the muscles on one side being
powerless, and almost absorbed. It is, however, a matter of
dispute whether in these cases this appearance of the muscles
is a cause or a consequence of roaring. Some contend that the
roaring arises from an affection of the nerves, before alluded to,
by which the muscles are thrown out of action, and therefore
become absorbed. To this opinion I am disposed to incline.

Such are the various diseases which produce roaring ui the
horse ; and to them may be added tumours pressing on the wnid-
pipe, polypi in the nostrils, and indeed any thing either tempo-
rary or not that becomes an impediment to respiration.

ROARING.

139

These figures are taken from three
cases of roaring. The upper and
posterior part of the larynx is shown
in each.

In fig. 3. the roaring is produced by
contraction of the windpipe, which
may be seen by comparing it with
the others : this is not a frequent
cause of roaring.

a the cricoid cartilage.

h the arytenoid.

c the epiglottis.

d the windpipe.
Fig. 4. A case of roaring from inflam-
mation and ulceration of the glottis
and epiglottis. This case is not
unfrequent, though it seldom exists
in such a formidable extent : it pro-
ceeds from repeated sore throats,

and is generally attended with a
cough.

Fig. 5. shows a case of roaring from
absorption and want of power in the
muscles which open the glottis on
one side (here the left), so that there
is an obstruction to the passage of
the air. Instances of this descrip-
tion are not unfrequent; they are
usually not very severe, and often
manifested only when the horse
makes great exertion : there is no
cough.

It is now supposed that the attenu-
ation of the muscles is an effect and
not a cause, being thrown out of use
from an affection of the nerves
which supply the part.

The usual method pursued by dealers to detect roarino- is to
strike the horse in the flank with a stick, or pi-etend to'do so •
when, if a roarer, he generally makes a grunting noise. This
method, however, will very frequently fail, and sometimes a
horse will grunt when he is not a roarer: the better plan is to
ride the horse, if fit for the saddle, or if a draught horse put
him in harness. On galloping the horse, so as to accelerate thq
respiration considerably, he will not fail, if a roarer, to exhibit its
symptoms. Some horses will roar in the trot, some not till they
canter, and others only when they gallop, depending of course

140

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

on the degree of impediment existing, and on the exhaustion
or the animal.

In the treatment of the majority of cases we can render no
service whatever. It is only when there is sore throat or actual
inflammation existing, that we can bestow benefit by external
counter-irritation, and other treatment before advised.

It is an object of much importance to bring the horse to the
highest possible condition, so that his wind shall be in a good
state, as he will then be much less likely to roar than if out of
condition. For the same reason the rules recommended for
broken wind should also be observed in roaring; for althoufdi
the wind is not usually impaired, yet the noise will be great In
proportion to the demand made on the lungs. Thus we often
find that a thorough-bred horse will roar in racing, but not in
hunting; a hunter will do so in hunting, but not in harness;
a harness horse may roar in fast work, and not in slow ; and yet
all these horses may have the defect in the same degree, the
difference arising from their different capacities.

Roaring is decidedly hereditary, at least the disposition to
become so is, for the off"spring of roarers have in a great number
of instances become roarers themselves.

When the roaring is so severe as to render the horse quite
useless the operation of tracheotomy is to be recommended, a
tube made for the purpose being kept in the opening made in
the windpipe, out of which the horse will breathe. By taking
great cai'e that the tube remains in its place, the animal may be
able to do moderate work. — Ed.]

I once saved a horse's life that appeared to have an oat or
some of his food in the larynx, by the operation named bron-
chotomy. I found the horse in the most distressing situation.
He was scarcely able to breathe, and his breathing was so loud
as to be heard at a distance of many yards ; and there was a
discharge of bloody mucus from the nostril. Attempts had been
made to wash down what appeared to be slicking in his throat,
and to force it down with a probang. I made an opening in the
front of the windpipe about 6 inches below the throat, and then
thrust a probang upwards through the larynx, and immediately
withdrew it again. The horse was relieved, and got quite well.
He worked as a post-horse for several years after, and was named
by the post-boys Cut-throat.

[If the roaring is recent, and produced by tight reining, we may
effect considerable benefit by leaving off the bearing rein, and
elevating the head and muzzle for some hours daily in the stable,
in a contrary position to that produced by tight reining. — Ed.]

DISEASES OF THE DIAPHRAGM AND THE HEART. 141

CHAP. XXX.

DISEASES OF THE DIAPHRAGM AND THE HEART.

[The diaphragm or muscle which separates the chest from the
abdomen is liable to two diseases, spasm and rupture.

Spasm of the diaphragm, of which there are several cases on
record, is denoted by a loud thumping, sometimes perceptible
several yards off, and felt at various parts of the body, but parti-
cularly at the region of the diaphragm ; the heart, at the same
time, being, though quick, yet very weak in its action, and the
pulse at the jaws almost imperceptible. The respiration is usually
quick and laborious, and is sometimes attended by shivering.

The cause of these symptoms is over-exertion, particularly
on a full stomach.

The treatment which is generally successful consists of bleed-
ing, followed by aperient medicine, and opiates.

Rupture of the diaphragm is to be attributed to the same
causes as the foregoing disease, — any thing, indeed, which sud-
denly demands a powerful respiration ; and in several instances
it has been known to occur to broken-winded horses.

The exertions used in parturition have sometimes ruptured
the diaphragm, and so likewise have the struggles of colic.

This disease, although always attended eventually with a fatal
termination, has yet been known to exhibit for some time the
symptoms of broken wind. In such cases the diaphragm has
been only moderately ruptured, and a portion of the intestine
insinuated through the fissure. — Ed.]

Diseases of the Heart.

[Amongst all the diseases to which the horse is liable, there
are none more obscure in their symptoms, or more fatal in their
termmations, than affections of the heart.

They rarely, however, occur, but as connected with other dis-
eases, the obscurity and danger of which they greatly inci-ease.

Dropsy of the heart, or water in the pericai'dium, often ac-
companies hydrothorax, and sometimes occurs in inflammation
of the lungs and pleura ; the water being occasionally so great in
quantity as absolutely to choke the action of the heart. We
sometimes find lymph floating in the water, or streaks of lymph
adhering to the pericardium.

This disease often accompanies enlargement of the heart itself
which sometimes weighs double what it ouglit to weigh.

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

Hypertrophy. — With an increased size we may have either
a dilatation or a diminution of the cavities of the heart.

The heart is sometimes found not only greatly increased in
size, but quite altered in its appearance, presenting an irregular
fungous mass. In a case of this sort that I met with a few years
since, the beating of the heart was particularly loud, hollow, and
thumping, though not greatly increased in number. The seat
of disease was pointed out by the apparently laborious action of
the heart.

" Mr. Pritchard, who has communicated several interesting
cases of disease of the heart, observes, in the 6th vol. of the
Veterinarian, on the subject of hypertrophy, or enlargement of
the heart: — " It has always struck me forcibly that over-exertion
is the principal exciting cause of hypertrophy, and of dilatation ;
and I may add, the possibility that the original structure of the
heart may, in some subjects, be unequal in power to the office
It is designed to perform.

" This opinion is strongly supported. Horses, particularly
those employed in quick draught, are commonly called on to
perform arduous tasks with full stomachs, by which the free
action of the lungs is considerably impeded ; thus, obstruction
being given to the circulation through the pulmonary vessels,
corresponding increase of force in the action of the h§art is the
consequence.

" The first inconvenience felt by the animal during exertion is
in the respiratory organs, and this more especially when the sto-
mach is distended, as then the cavity of the chest is diminished:
the lungs are not inflated with ease to the extent required for
the blood to flow uninterruptedly through them.

*' Hypertrophy of the right side of the heart is liable to be con-
founded with pneumonia, as the lungs are readily affected in this
case ; but there is this obvious difference, — the breathing, although
quickened and laborious, is less frequent than in pneumonia;
the pulse, notwithstanding it is quick and intermittent, is not so
much oppressed ; the sub-maxillary artery is more dilated, the
flow of blood through the jugular is more current; the mem-
branes of the eye and nostrils are less injected; the surface of the
body and extremities is of a moderate warmth, and these last
symptoms are present when the respiration is exceedingly
difficult and laoorious. Copious bleeding does not cause that
change in the character of the pulse, nor afford comparative
relief to the respiration."

There are one or two cases on record of ossification of the
substance of the heart. Ossification of the valves is still more
frequent, though by no means so common as in the human
subject.

DISEASES OF THE STOMACH AND BOWELS.

143

Carditis, or inflammation of the heart, is exceedingly rare in
the horse, and is always connected with other disease.

The heart, in a few instances, has been ruptured ; in one case
from severe exertion, and in another from previous ulceration.

Aneurism of the aorta and other arteries has been discovered
in the horse, but is by no means so frequent as in the human
subject.

Little can be stated by the way of treatment for the foregoing
diseases. They have generally existed some time previous to
the requisition for medical assistance, and there is generally an
inability for bearing extensive bloodletting. The treatment,
however, must be altogether adapted to the symptoms that may
present themselves, and regulated by the principles before men-
tioned.— Ed.]

CHAP. XXXI.

DISEASES OF THE STOMACH AND BOWELS.

Inflammation of the Stomach, Gastritis.

Acute inflammation seldom takes place in the stomach but from
swallowing poisons, or some powerful stimulant, at a time when
this important organ is already in a morbid or irritable state.
Mr. James Clarke relates a case where a horse was destroyed by
inflammation of the stomach, in consequence of being drenched
with a pint of vinegar; and another in which the same fatal
effect was produced by a drench which contained half an ounce
of spirit of hartshorn. It is probable that neither of these
drenches would have had any injurious effect had the stomach
been in a healthy state. I have known a horse quickly destroyed
by being drenched with a quart of beer in which one or two
ounces of tobacco had been infused, and have seen other horses
take much larger doses without any ill effect. I have also known
a drench which contained two ounces of ether destroy a horse by
inflaming his stomach ; and in one instance four ounces of oil of
turpentine produced a similar effect, but this horse was under
the effect of a moderate purgative at the time the turpentine was
given. Whenever a medicine produces an injurious effect upon
the stomach, I think it is generally indicated by the shiverino-,
shaking, or trembling which immediately follows. I have seen
a strong infusion of tobacco produce this effect; also a solution
of arsenic. I gave several doses of arsenical solution to a glan-
dered horse, and it was invariably followed by shiverino-; it
was a large dose, from two to four ounces of Fowler's solution.

144

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

The shivering went off in about an hour. At first I gave the
horse a little warm beer, with some ginger in it, to stop the
shivering, but afterwards I suffered it to go off of its own accord.
It is worthy of remark, that although this horse did not appear
to be injured by the arsenic, but continued in good condition,
and in good spirits, yet some time after, when it was necessary
to destroy him, upon examining the body after death the stomach
appeared in a morbid state, and the spleen considerably enlarged.
From these and many other circumstances of a similar kind, it
appears that although acute inflammation does not often take
place in the stomach, yet a chronic kind of inflammation, or
some other morbid state, is by no means an unfrequent oc-
currence. I am inclined to think that botts disorder the stomach
in this way more frequently than is generally suspected. The
symptoms of acute inflammation of the stomach are, a very quick
and weak pulse, great depression of spirits, quick breathing, and
coldness of the ears and legs. I have seen all these symptoms
brought on by giving four ounces of nitre at one dose. 1 have
seen it produced also by large doses of sublimate, arsenic, and
blue vitriol.

[Acute inflammation of the stomach, is, as the author observes,
extremely rare, unless produced by poison ; but in a well-marked
fatal case that occurred to the editor a few years since, the symp-
toms presented were, an exceedingly dull and stupified appear-
ance— eyes suffused with tears — eyelids swollen, and nearly
closed — mouth hot — faeces hard, and coated with mucus — ab-
domen enlarged — pulse 55, and oppressed. The mare had been
ill several days before I saw lier. On the second day the dull
and heavy appearance was entirely gone, but the pulse 68.
The third day the mare appeared in the same dull state as on
the first day, the pulse 60. On the fourth day she appeared
worse, the pulse 94; but the heavy appearance of the head had
again disappeared. The mare died during the night; and on
examining her the stomach was found excessively i-nflamed, and
a thick deposit of coagulated blood between its coats, affecting
more particularly the cuticular portion. The bowels were in-
flamed in a minor degree, as well as the lungs and liver. The
mare had been taken from grass and fed with dry and stimulating
food, without any physic or other preparation.

The treatment in such cases, where we have reason to believe
that the stomach is the seat of active inflammation, should con-
sist in extensive bloodletting; relaxing the bowels by medicme
least likely to injure the coats of the stomach, such as hnseed oil,
assisted by the frequent administration of injections, and blister-
ing the side opposite the stomach. An infusion of hnseed sliould
be given voluntarily, if the horse will take it; if not, by occa-
sionally drenching him.

DISEASES OF THE STOMACH AND BOWELS. 145

The most frequent cause of inflammation of the stomach is
the administj-ation of poison, either wilfully or by mistake; but
as tlie effects of poison are different, not always acting by inflam-
ing the stomach, we shall best do justice to the subject by con-
sidering it under the head of Poisons, in that part of the work
devoted to the Materia Medica.

^ Cancer of the stomach is a disease of extremely rare occurrence
^h- e ^ however, met with one or two cases, the

chief symptom of which, in one instance, was an emaciated appear-
ance which resisted all medical treatment, as well as the richest
Jood. The animal was, in consequence, destroyed; and the
coats of the stomach were found considerably thickened, and in a
schirrous and cancerous state. — Ed.]

Loss of Appetite.

Want of appetite is more frequently complained of in horses
than an excessive or craving appetite ; this, indeed, so far from
being complained of, is generally considered a desirable qualifi-
cation in the animal; but, as I have before observed, more dis-
eases arise from this cause than from want of appetite. A
distinction, however, must be made, between an excessive or
voracious appetite, and a hearty and healthy appetite. The lat-
ter is denoted by the horse being ready for, or desirous of food,
as soon as he comes in from a journey, and eating his allowance
with an evident relish. The former, by an almost constant
cravJng for food and water, without any regard to the quality of
^ Y^akness of appetite, a horse is rather indifferent
about food when he comes in from a journey, and will only eat
such as is of good quality. He feeds slowly, and languidly,
especially it he has been ridden at all hard. In this case, he
often refuses his food for some time; and if any cold water is
given him is attacked with shivering, and sometimes with
Jooseness and colic. Delicacy, or weakness of appetite, is often
constitutional, and the effect of being kept hard when a colt, or
or Deing kept in cold wet situations; it may be also hereditary,
bometimes it is brought on by too early and immoderate work,
and inattention m regard to feeding. In all these cases, the
horse s work especially with regard to the pace he is ridden at,
the quality of his food, the temperature of his water, and all those
attentions which constitute good grooming, must be constantly
observed When such a horse happens to be worked harder
than usual, the extra labour must be compensated for by extra
attention : Ins water should have the chill taken off; and if a
andtul of fine wheat flour were stirred into it, it would be still
better, especially ,f the bowels are rather loose. A cordial ball
may De useful on such occasions, or a moderate dose of warm ale

146

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

Young horses, however, seldom derive that benefit from cordials
and ale that older horses do, and particularly those which are
accustomed to such treatment. The most effectual, and the most
innocent restorative, is rest ; for which, in summer, a field is the
best situation : but if, during the time of rest, the horse be kept
in a stable, his diet must be carefully attended to. This should
be rather opening, and such as the horse appears to relish :
vetches, or other green food, are perhaps the best. Good sweet
bran is an excellent thing to keep the bowels cool and open,
and may be rendered nutritious in almost any degree by the
addition of good fresh bruised oats, or malt. A small quantity of
good sweet and clean oats, thrown into the manger now and then,
will often induce a horse to feed, when there is want of appetite;
and a very small quantity of the sweetest hay, given occasionally,
is generally eaten with gi'eat relish.

Young horses often fall off in their appetites during the time
of cutting teeth. At this period there is often a soreness of the
mouth, in which the mucous membrane of the stomach and
bowels seems to participate. In such cases the want of appetite
is generally attributed to the lampas, or a swelling or fulness in
the roof of the mouth, adjoining the front teeth; because the
horse is sometimes observed to mangle his hay, as it is termed,
that is, he pulls it out of the rack, and after chewing it a little
while throws it out again. The common remedy, if such it may
be called, is the application of a red-hot iron to the part, and
burning out the prominent part, or lampas; but this is never
necessary. All young horses have that fulness in the roof of the
mouth which is named lampas, and it never interferes with
their appetite, or the chewing or gathering of their food. There
may, however, be some degree of tenderness about the gums at
the time of teething, when soft food, such as bran mashes, should
be given for a few days ; and as the stomach and bowels are
sometimes affected also, a little nitre may be given in the mashes,
and an emollient clyster thrown up. When there is costiveness,
or slimy dung, a laxative drench may be given also, composed
of 4 oz. Epsom salt; 2 drachms of carbonate of soda; 1 pint of
warm water; and 4 oz. of castor oil.

I-f the mouth appears very tender, or sore, it may be washed
or syringed with a lotion, composed of alum, honey, and water.
Keeping a horse on new oats, or new hay, is often followed by
some derangement of the stomach and bowels, indicated by
looseness and want of appetite ; and sometimes by excessive
staling also, with considerable thirst, and a staring coat. A
change of diet is, in such cases, the most essential tlung ; but it
is often necessary, also, to give some tonic medicine, or a warm
laxative, such as three or four drachms of aloes, three drachms of
soap, and a drachm or two of ginger, with a few drops of oil of

DISEASES 01- THE STOMACH AND BOWELS.

147

caraway. Horses sometimes fall off in appetite merely from
loading their bowels, or from staying idle in the stable too long.
In this case, an abstemious diet, principally of bran mashes, or
grass, and a clyster, are necessary; and if that fail, a mild dose
of physic should be given.

F yracious and Depraved Appetite.

These are different degrees of the same morbid condition,
and the origm of many diseases. The distinction pointed out in
the foregomg article, between a strong healthy appetite and an
inordmate or craving appetite, must be still kept in view. I
have there stated, that a strong healthy appetite is denoted by a
horse bemg always ready for his food as soon as he comes in
from his work, even if it be rather harder than usual. But there
are other circumstances connected with such an appetite, which
must now be considered. A good feeder, as such horses are
termed, does his work well, and with spirit. He is seldom
craving for water, if properly supplied with corn; he eats only
moderately of hay; he carries a good carcass, as it is termed,
and is not drawn up towards the flanks, or let down in the belly
like a cow; his dung is solid, and not slimy, soft, and stinkin/:
he does not break wind much, or stale very largely, and his
urine is not foul and stinking. But a horse wifh a voracious
and depraved appetite has, frequently, all these defects: he
does his work languidly, and unwillingly; and is eager for water
whenever he sees a pond, however filthy it may be

This disease, for such it really is, is not always curable ; yet the
s ate of the stomach, and consequently of the whole body, may
always be greatly improved, and the horse's life and services con-
siderably prolonged. There is more difficulty in accomplishino-
this when die disease is of long standing, or acquired by hard keel
when a colt, or derived from the sire or dam. Bran is an excellent
diet or such horses, with a moderate quantity of good hay. A
small quantity of oats may be given now and then;^ according to
he horses work. When only a small quantity of oats is thrown
mto the manger, they are eaten with greater relish, and are more
perfectly digested. A mild dose of physic is often useful and
afterwards a few tonic balls. In sum^me^r, a run It grass will So
good; but the horse must not be turned at first info good pas^
ture, where he would be able to fill his stomach quickly; sho t
sweet grass should be chosen. When a considerable reduction
is suddenly made in a horse's diet, he may feel at first dTspMteS
and weak ; therefore it should be done gradually '^"^'''^^"^

Professor Coleman is of opinion that a mail-coach horse, which
allowed two pecks o corn a day, requires only five pound of
l^ay. I once was employed to examine some mail-coach Cel

146

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

and found tjiat nine horses were consuming nine hundred of hay
a week, with an allowance of two pecks of corn a day each ; that
is, nearly sixteen pounds a day for each horse. In another coach
concern, whose horses I examined, the allowance was seven
hundred of hay a week for eight horses, and the same quantity
of corn. In this establishment a very useful rule was uniformly
adopted, which was, to keep the horses without food two hours
before they started. This the owners had been taught by the
loss of three or four horses, in consequence of workincr them
with too much food in their stomachs, and too much dung in the
large bowels. I do not think, however, that a horse in^egular
mail work, which eats two pecks of oats a day, is capable of eat-
ing sixteen pounds of hay, and that there must have been a great
deal wasted. I remarked, when four of them were taken out to
put to the coach, that there were some oats left in the mangei-,
perhaps from a quarter to half a peck; so that it was evident
that the allowance both of hay and oats was more than they
could make use of : and if we suppose that six pounds of hay per
day might have been taken from each horse, for the benefit
of his health, it would have saved the proprietor three hundred
of hay a week, or nearly eight tons a year.

As coach proprietors purchase horses of all ages, and, conse-
quently, of various habits and appetites, also with stomachs and
bowels of various capacities, and greatly diversified with regard
to condition, or nervous and muscular power, they would find
great advantage from attending to a horse's feeding, until they
are perfectly acquainted with the state of his appetite, and, con-
sequently, of his stomach and digestive organs generally. This
would enable them to keep their horses in the best condition, as
they would soon discover an inordinate or depraved appetite, and
be enabled to correct it. This, however, is scarcely ever done.
The general opinion among persons concerned with horses is,
that they cannot eat too much. Bad feeders, or horses with
weak appetites, are sure to be found out, because they soon be-
come unable to perform the work that is expected of them ; but
the effects of over-feeding are almost always attributed to other
causes ; and physic, cordials, bleeding, diuretics, in short, every
thing, except the most simple, economical, and effectual remedy,
is employed for their removal. When a horse therefore is
observed to eat a great deal of hay, and to devour his litter if
there be no hay before him, and especially when he is found to
be dull and sluggish, or thick-winded, he should be prevented
from eating so much hay. This can be done at first by weigh-
ing out a certain quantity daily, and dividing it into three por-
tions. If after eating his allowance he is found to eat his litter,
he should be still further restrained by a muzzle. A horse be-
longing to the Oak-hill Brewery being found languid and weak

STOMACH

STAGGERS.

in his work, was left in the stables for two or three days' rest.
On the second day he was attacked with violent colic, which
terminated fatally in a few hours. On opening the body, the
stomach was found loaded with undigested food, and the bowels
distended with excrement and air, and highly inflamed. It was
evident, then, that what was intended for the horse's benefit was
the cause of his death ; that is, leaving him in the stable to eat
and drink as much as he liked. This horse laboured under
another disadvantage besides that of an immoderate appetite;
there were sharp edges on his grinding teeth, which rendered
mastication rather painful, and caused him to swallow some of
his corn and beans unchewed.

I once examined a horse that died of the fret or colic, and
found his bowelsso enormously loaded (and his stomach also pretty
full) that I was induced to inquire how the horse had been fed.
The man who had the care of him informed me that the night
before the horse was taken ill he put, as near as he could judge,
three quarters of a hundred of hay in the rack for two cart
horses, and that he had given this horse, in addition to a share
of this allowance, about half a peck of barley : this appeared to be
the usual allowance for the two horses. Horses that eat so much
acquire a permanent enlargement of stomach and bowels, and a
constant craving for water as well as food, generally preferring
dirty or muddy water, and seldom refusing the most filthy. I
know now a team of cart horses, at Wells, that are allowed to eat
as much hay and drink as much water as they like. The pond at
which they drink is formed by the rain which flows from the
roof of the stable, and from the court, where there is a large
dung-heap constantly kept, the drain of which flows into the
pond. The water is always of a dark or dung colour, like an in-
fusion of horse dung, and would be found, I should think, excel-
lent manure. Mr. Garrod, the proprietor, assured me that his
waggoner had repeatedly tried to make them drink at a running
stream about a mile from Wells, when they were returning from
a journey and thirsty, but they always refused; yet as soon as
they got home, and were permitted to go to this filthy pond, they
drank with the greatest avidity.

CHAP. XXXII.

STOMACH STAGGERS. PALSY OF THE STOMACH.

This disease appears to consist in a palsy of the stomach
generally arising from ovcr-distention, by taking too large a

150

DISEASES OF THE HOKSE.

quantity of food of an indigestible nature. It is seldom observed
until tbe symptoms are fully established, for the animal is induced
to continue feeding as long as the stomach is capable of holding
its food, and fermentation is thereby prevented. What that
peculiar condition is, nobody can tell ; it docs exist, and pro-
duces the effect 1 have described, and that is all that appears to
be known of it. It happens at grass as well as in the stable, but
generally occurs in low wet situations, where the grass is coarse
and abundant, and most frequently in the fall of the year, or
October. There is rarely any symptom of acute pain as in
flatulent colic, or of violent delirium as in inflammation of the
brain; and, what is remarkable, the pulse is seldom altered in any
degree whatever, nor is respiration or breathing much affected.
But when the disorder has proceeded to some length, both the
pulse and the breathing become affected, and I have known it ter-
minate, in one case, in inflammation of the lungs. Sometimes
it inflames the stomach and bowels ; but most commonly the
fatal termination depends upon the torpor of the stomach itself,
or upon apoplexy.

The Si/mptoms of this disorder are, great heaviness and drow-
siness, resting the nose in the manger, or inclining the head, and
resting the cheek, or bearing against the wall. The head is
forced against the manger, or rack, or the nose between the
rack staves. In this way the eyes and face ai'e often much
bruised and swollen. The horse stands with his fore leg much
under him, appearing to give way every now and then, as if he
would fall. There is an appearance of convulsive twitching of
the muscles of the neck and chest. There is, too, a great degree
of yellowness, approaching to orange-colour, of the membranes
of the eyes, and often a yellowness of the mouth also. Urine
scarcely any, and high-coloured ; sometimes none is voided, and
occasionally it is discharged by a convulsive effort. Sometimes
the disorder is attended with locked jaw, ending in paralysis and
death. In the early stage of the disorder the horse is often
suddenly roused by opening the stable door: he lifts up his head,
and sometimes neighs ; but this is only a momentary effort.
When the disease happens at grass, the animal is generally found
forcing his head against the hedge, or a gate, or moving about
in a state of stupor and apparent insensibility. Sometimes he
is found struggling in a ditch, and in that situation he often
dies. In the low country, in the neighbourhood of Glastonbury
and Wedmoor, the disorder was very prevalent before the en-
closures were made, and the land drained. It generally, or
always, ended fatally ; but the horses lived sometimes a month or
two under the symptoms of the disorder, but in a less degree.
It is probable the disease was thus slow in its progress, from the
stomach not being so loaded as in the cases which commonly

STOMACH STAGGERS.

161

occur. The horses generally at length fell into a ditch, and
died. The disorder was attributed by the proprietors of the
country to the plant named ragwort, which cattle were observed
to eat freely, and were said to die in consequence, in a similar
manner to horses. The truth, however, appears to be, that the
disorder was brought on by the coldness of the situation, and the
poor keep or very bad hay that is generally given to horses and
cattle in that country ; for it was observed that sheep ate
greedily of ragwort, and never suffered from it : but they would
eat the plant during the first year only of its growth, when it
is tender and succulent, while cattle and horses were observed to
eat it in the second year of its growth, when the stalks become
large, and of course difficult of digestion. If horses had but
little else to eat, and were thus compelled to eat such indigestible
food, the disease might have been so produced; but the hay in
that country is generally bad, and the country low, open, cold,
and damp, and the horses and cattle of course unhealthy.

Since the land has been drained the grass and hay have been
improved, and the staggers seldom occur. Some time since I
received a letter from a gentleman of Swansea, in which he says
that a disease has many times occurred among the horses that
work in the mines, resembling stomach staggers, but in a more
violent form. It has been so destructive at times, that one pro-
prietor lost more than a hundred horses by it. It uniformly
proved fatal ; and though it was carefully investigated, no satis-
factory account could be given of it.*

* The following is a copy of the letter alluded to : —

" Sir, — Permit me, thougii a stranger, to address some observations to you
on a disease which you have described under the name of Stomach Staggers
in your first volume, or Compendium of the Veterinary Art. I have never
seen any mention of it in any other treatise before, though I have seen it rage
■with the most destructive violence in the neighbourhood of Swansea, in Gla-
morganshire, where it is called the distemper. For a long series of years it
has been the object of inquiry ; but it has never been investigated on the spot
by any one having a scientific knowledge of the diseases of horses, except
Mr. Rickwood, of Brighton, who was sent down some *years ago, when the
disease raged most violently, by a gentleman who owned a very large number
of horses ; but he was not successful. Permit me now to say, that I do not
think you have seen the disease raging with the violence, or to the extent, it
has frequently done near Swansea. Its commencement is dreaded like the
plague. The symptoms you mention are exactly such as occur ; and the
distinction you point out between the brain staggers and stomach staggers is
correct ; for though the yellowness of the eyes and mouth has generally
escaped observation, I have a memorandum particularly noticing that a man,
in giving a ball to a horse in this disorder, had his hand tinged quite yellow',
and I have no doubt it generally occurs. But besides the symptoms you
mention, the animal is subjected to a general convulsive affection ; frequently
attempts to stale, and discharges a little urine at a time, by shoots, as if con-
vulsed, and most commonly the animal's jaw is locked some time previous to
his death.

" Having now stated the immediate symptoms, I will give a succinct history

L 4

152

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

After considering carefully all the circumstances connected
■with this disorder, I still feel at a loss to account for it. As the

of the disorder as it appeared, or rather raged, near Swansea. The earhest
account I have of any particnhirs begins about the year 1782, but I know it
has at times visited the neighbourhootl ever since the year 1760. It generally
bcins to rage between July and the end of Sejitember ; the cold weather in
■winter has generally stopped it ; hut the last visit it made us it continued two
entire years. In one year a neighbour of ours lost more than a hundred
horses by it, and the next year we lost about thirty. It attacks both sexes,
and every age indiscriminately ; but animals at grass, in high condition, and at
easy or no work, appear to be most subject to it, and to have it with more
violence. Till the time it visited us animals kept in a stable were considered
as protected from it. Horses kept in the mines under ground had never had
it. I made a stable in one of our under-ground works, to remove all our
horses, but before I carried this plan into elFect the disease began to decline.
At the height of the disorder horses seldom or never recover. When an
animal does recover it is considered as a favourable prognostic, and we look
for a dehvery from this plague. The animals at grass are most liable to it ;
but such as are kept in a stable, under the best management, are also subject
to the disorder. In the year 1801, when it last raged with us, I lost a valuable
horse that was perfectly well groomed; but I shall have to make some
observations on his case when I mention the dissections, and the appre-
hensions I have of the disorder being contagious, which I shall now proceed
to do The appearance and state of the stomach are, generally, such as you
have described; but in tlie valuable horse before mentioned, and a few others
which died of this disorder, this was not the case. I beg here to observe, that
I had been very strict in my stable regimen, and particularly in the quantity,
quality, and time of giving food and water; and I attribute the emptiness ol
?he stomach to this cause. Though I did not prevent the disease by this
precaution, it made all the symptoms milder. I am not a surgeon or a scien-
tific man ; but in examining the bodies of horses after death, 1 h^ve been
assisted by a surgeon, and have generally found, with the e'^^eption of the
loaded stomach, and a slight inflammation for a sma 1 ength, below the pylo-
rus and sometimes a little repletion of the vessels of the bram, every part free
from disease. I could not, for a long time, believe that the disease was conta-
^^ous, but now fear it is highly so; jet do not think circjjstance ha
been proved. When the disorder last began, a neighbour who had ost a great
many horses by it sent a parcel of their skins to a neighbouring town to be
sold The horses that d^ew the waggon in which they were conveyed were
he next-and that in a short space oflime- which fell victims to the disorder.
Ho ses that had befli in the' stables where the disorder raged were sent to
work undi ground : there, also, the disorder soon after made its appearance
for the first time. Our neighbours firmly believe it is contagious^ Thej took
everv precaution to prevent contagion, and the disease lelt them 1 was i -
3dous a d at that time we had not suffered. A horse from their iie gh-
bo, Cod came to graze in some fields through which some of our horses
na sed he dTed of ^this disorder, and was left unburied. From th.s .noment
The d JeXer began with us; but not knowing the circumstance o the hor^^

horses, who do not overwork them, and evu t'lO'^c wi o i ^
lose ail their horses, when their less careful ne.ghbouis lose none.

STOMACH STAGGERS.

153

stomach was in almost every instance found loaded with dry un-
digested food, I have considered that as the immediate cause of

known a man lose his whole stock twice in one year. When I began to fear
contagion, every horse that 'died of the distemper was buried without being
skinned. We have had no return these five years."

According to the observations of a surgeon, who had many opportunities of
seeing the disease at Swansea, and examining the bodies of horses that died
of It, the symptoms of stomach staggers at that place are, heaviness, stupor,
laziness at work, swinging the head from side to side, or pushing it forward, or
resting it in the manger, but never turning it round, or drawing it backwards ;
often standing for hours motionless, then slight twitches of the limbs and
other parts of the body ; they seem weak too, and afraid of falling. There is
a heaving of the flanks, the ears are cold, the eyes glassy : some grow imme-
diately stiff, and the jaw is frequently locked ; some beat their heads about,
and kick out at every thing, but are never observed to kick their bellies, as in
gripes. The first symptoms, beating the head against the ground, or manger,
increase : they often force the nose through the bars of the hay-racks ; the
jaw becomes closely locked; they fall ; the twitching increases ; violent 'per-
spiration breaks out in some ; in others the skin is dry and tight, and the
eyes open and staring, yet the horse appears to be bhnd. He makes water
frequently, which is forced out as if by a general spasm.

Fatal Symptoms. — The coldness and stiffness of the whole body increase ;
the loins become extremely pinched in ; the eyes very glassy j the jaws closely
locked ; and the dung very hard and dry.

Symptoms of Recovery. — Yery few recovered : in these the coldness of the
ears and body lessened ; the jaws became relaxed ; convulsions abated ; the
eye appeared more lively ; staling less frequent, and without appearance of
spasm. They attempted to eat and drink ; and the dung became moister and
ot a light colour. Out of fourscore only four were supposed to have reco-
vered ; and one of these, on being turned out, ran round the field several
times, then fell and died. Another seemed to have been relieved by profuse
bleeding. j i- j

The disease is not discovered till the case is become desperate, and then it
usually kills in twenty or thirty hours. Almost every remedy has been tried •
VIZ. bleeding (query, to what extent ? was it copious or otherwise ?), hot baths
calomel, purging medicine, salts, opium, camphor, James's powder, and assa-
Icetida ; none ot them appeared to be of service.

f ^o't^f that died of this distemper were examined by this gentleman.

in tour ot them the stomach was loaded and much distended. In one the
stomach was nearly empty ; but the large bowels were much loaded. In the
sixth the large intestines were loaded, and the rectum was full of hard dune •
but the stomach was not much distended with food. In all of them the lower
part ot the stomach was more or less inflamed ; and in some the intestines
also, as well as the membrane which covers them, and by which they are con-
nected together.

From the foregoing observations, it is evident that the Swansea distemper
IS the stomach staggers m a more severe form than I have generally seen it •
and this probably depended on the horses being kept in good condition and full
ot blood. It seems to have occurred most commonly at grass, when the oas-
ture was abundant and very nutritious : for though in one year 1800 the
summer was remarkably dry, yet in meadows that had been well watered the
httle grass there was, or even the roots, were exceedingly nutritious, which is
evident from horses getting so fat as they are found to do in such pastures
and at such seasons. ' '

In 1 780, the first time any accurate account has been kept of this occur-
rence, though the disease had been traced back to the year 17G0, the summer

154 DISEASES OF THE HOUSE.

the disease ; but the difficulty lies in accounting for the appetite
which leads the animal to cram his stomach m such a manner.

wn« vvPf -ind it then began in June, and continued during July, August, and
SentSer in it^egan in July, and continued during August, bep-

temS and g eat part of October. In this year the spring was wet bu the
summer warm, and there was a very luxuriant crop ot after-grass. In 1800

l e m^ was unusually dry and hot ; great crops of hay, but no after-grass
It should be observed, that "animals at grass, m high condihon, and d easy
or no woVk aLlar to be most subject to it, and to have it wUh more violence ;
Lr-T e^Sly rages between July and the end of September and that
e eolf weLdir has generally stopVcl it." .^^e --e -ter s^^^^^^^^^

another letter " I have mentioned our horses being attacked the year lollov^ ing

by the medicine which was given the ^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^ little repletion
g^eat bowels [ou;^ oaded ; ' a^^^ ^ vtd" ic^v^e^d b^y rrofn'c bleed-
in the vessels of the hi am. une was> le i-v v remedies employed,

ing. Now. though bleeding is mentioned as oue oMhe ^i^^,^^^

it is not said in what manner they ^'^'-^^'^^^''-P'^J'f 'j.!';^^^^ by profuse
way ; that is, about two or three q-'^rt^^^re^^'^^J h^^-e Sw. more than
bleeding, I should suppose two S'-*"""^ 'nn hour with success,

four gallons of blood taken '^'^-^ ^^^'^tCtto"
Mr. Rogers, of Exeter. "f^/'^'^^f^J, °t tlnx^ hours, and the horse

brain staggers or phreuzy u the ^""^f f ^^i^^t 44ibs. have been taken
recovered. Mr. Coleman ^'^t^^' " ^J^' li.temper depended upon
at one time. It appears to me that ^^f"^^^ "^^^^^ and bowels, and
repletion of the blood-vessels, as .^^[/'^'j '^^^^^^^^

should have been treated similar to the

water, and stimulating purgative ^'i^"^'^^^'' j^^, some rich meadow

Swansea distemper has occurred among cattle J ^he propri-

f^,vms in Somersetshire; Z-^^^" .^J'^^*^^.] ^^^^3 'ri-in and nature as the Swan-
etors have the same oPl'"7,^;^5,2"\; 2)1 ta-ious, and imagine it originates
sea people have ; that is, they .^'^'^^ °,e^ ,vhich flourish at some

in some poisonous herbs growing in the F^J^^^^^' ^ ^^j^^,,.
seasons and in some situations in a gi eate ^^S^^^ ,,,, time it at-

The first occurrence of ' ."i^ ;„'^t .^d'y^ u^^ of 1819, in the be-
tractcd notice, was in the remarkably ^ot am a )

ginning of which a cow died on one of he ^y ^^^^' ^ stream, and

fuljoinmg river. The annual Yi^.r^Jolel o^ Here it became

was left on the opposite side, which ^"^ ""S^l^^^th^ distemper be^an, and has
putrid and very oifensive; and from this penod tne 1^ ^^^^ ^^^^^^^

been occurring at different periods ever since.

STOMACH STAGGERS.

155

In one case that occurred near Exeter, I had an opportunity of
weighing the stomach with its contents, and it amounted to rather

where the putrid carcass was washed lost a considerable number of cattle ;
and, considering the putrid carcass as the cause, brought an action against tiie
farmer who threw the dead cow into the river. A verdict^ however, was found
for the defendant ; some eminent physicians and surgeons who were subpoe-
naed on the occasion, as well as Mr. Barrett, veterinary surgeon, and myself,
being of opinion that the loss did not originate from the putrid carcass. At
present, however, I have some doubt upon this point ; and at all events would
advise every one to bury animals immediately, skin and all, when they die of
highl}' inflammatory disorders, as these certainly were, especially in summer.
Only one of the animals attacked with this distemper recovered, and he was
bled profusely, that is, to faintness. It is worthy of remark, that in every
animal that has died of this disorder (for sheep, and pigs, and one horse, have
died of it, besides a great number of cattle), and they appear to have ex-
amined a great number if not all that have died, the spleen or milt has been
found greatly enlarged and distended, or even bursting with dark fluid blood.
According to the account of those people, this was the only morbid appear-
ance. This, however, I have reason to believe is an error, owing to their in-
competency to examine or judge of the state of the internal parts ; for since
that time, I have been sent for to examine three cows that lay dead of the
disorder. In all of them I found the spleen as they described ; that is, en-
larged to about four times its natural size, and nearly bursting with dark-
coloured fluid blood : a great deal appeared to have oozed through its
investing membrane into the abdomen, and to have tinged and even penetrated
into the texture of some of the neighbouring parts. But this was not the
only morbid appearance; there was a considerable accumulation of blood in
the brain, especially in two of them, and some of the small vessels had burst.
One of them, being_ rather fat, was stuck a short time before the fatal symptoms
came on, and in this the spleen and the brain were the organs chiefly afl^ected ;
but in the others the heart and lunss were much affected, or rather distended
with blood; and in one of these the heart and the liver were very tender, and
easily broken with the finger. Whether this enlargement of the spleen is a
singular or peculiar occurrence or not, is at present uncertain ; for it is an
organ to which so little importance has been attached in veterinary examin-
ations, that I can easily conceive that a considerable enlargement of it may
have escaped notice; or, not being thought worthy of notice or recollection,
may have been entirely forgotten. I cannot find a similar disease of the spleen
described in any English or French veterinary book. It appears to me that
one important use of the spleen is pointed out by these cases, especially when
we consider how spongious and dilatable it is, and how little sensibility it pos-
sesses. It seems to serve as a receptacle for superfluous blood, when the
sanguiferous system is in a state of repletion, and there happens to be a retro-
cession of blood from the surface of the body in consequence of the chilling
impressions of a cold foggy atmosphere; for I should have observed, that the
stomachs of the cattle I examined were loaded with food, and that a river ran
through the meadows in which they were kept; in which situation the nio^ht
fogs are often very cold, and particuhn-ly apt to chill animals when the stomach
is loaded with food, and the sanguiferous system with blood. An animal ilyinir
in this state, or " in the blood," as it is commonly termed, soon becomes putrid"
and may be a source of contagion. '

I am indebted to the late Mr. Poole, an intelligent farrier, who practised
extensively at Pansborough, near Wells, in the Moors or Moor Country, as
it is termed, for some valuable information on this subject. lie savs, " I'hat
before the moors in the district where he resided were enclosed and" drained
staggers or lethargy frccj[iiently happened, and destroyed more horses than any

156. DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

more than 64 lbs. The disorder which appeared at Swansea
was ^renerally supposed to be contagious ; and from so many
horses beino- seized with it about the same time, it seems rather

other disorder ; but that since they have been enclosed it scarcely ever happens.
The fo low ng lire the symptoms : - standing in one place three or four hours
whfleo hers were feeding; gaping several times without mtermission ; resting
Se chin onl gate, stile, or manger, or pushing the head against a tree or
post the urine and dung in small quantity, the latter often with slime or
mucus on its surface ; at length rambling about catching here and there a
moudiaZf grass, till at last ufey terminate their h e - -''t^^'j^P-i-
Bleedine in the usual quantity, he says, was sure to prove fatal. 1 he disease
w-is Sra"lv consiclered incurable; but he cured one horse with beer and gmger,
SYnotCwith snake-root, mustard, saffron, compound spirit of lavender
an Ser They attributed the disorder to the animal's eating the plant
ra-wort^Senecio Vcob^a) or staggerwort. In the next parish moor, where
this herb abounded, and where many cattle were kept, cows were seized w th
his dTsonler and died in the same manner. He never heard of one being

of .toTac . sta° ™rs, both in horses and cattle, and that all of them are tncui able,

r:et?nS,>^;«endea»^^^
bleedmg seems '""tr^™,';!^^ hand, and aftetvards throwing

trLTs^rand wS e'en'two or three ho'urs : then giving the fol.
l^LfpJ of Si! and afte.wds th.e or Jonr dr.hn,s^ of co^ond

Sr:arrrVLV7n^r^p^r the con»
generally necessaiy. As to the ext nt ^^^^y ^^^^

Jif?^ the tit^e ^a^^-: - ^-s

xnary object ; but in the second ^ "d. whi h o cm s gen _>^^^
Steo;rt^in" soL'^ld w I sTtJt^^ the Lrses are generally suffering
rtilf pt^itTof blSd Vnd a f^ciency of vital powe. ^H.e without ^
assistance the stomach ^^^^^^^ PY^^n In the third kind, or

portant organ is generally t'l^^.^^^^^^J^XJ^ and the remedies employed
inoor staggers bleedmg was^uie^to prov^ ^^^^^^^^

for the two horses which iVir- i-ooie '-"^^ succeeded by p vmgwarm

cordials.. In ^^^i^^;iJ^ uJA difcharge
stimulating purgatives, and clysterm i j^ccording to circumstances,—

was obtained from the ^ovvels. I have b ed acco . ^^^^.^^^ ^^^^^
sometimes from the tempoi^.l a tene | am m^^^ ^^^^
from the jugular vems is preferable, as tne vein ^ j^^^^^

n such cases, and these empty tl^ems^l;;^ >^^^^^°^ a^ S The contents of
affected with stomach staggers ■"^q" f • ^'^«"^J;;"'3tf4'";Serefore he should be
the stomach and bowels are generally n ^ ^Jy^t^^' ^'^ree tca-spoonfuls of
frequently drenched with warm wate , with j^^j ^1,;^ the car-

compound spirit of ammonia ^^^J^^ softening the contents

bonate of soda would great!)' ^?f3«V .Ul-Xcharec
of the stomach, and thereby facilitate then discharge.

STOMACH STAGGERS.

157

probable that it was either contagious, or caused, like other epi-
demic diseases, by some peculiar state of the air with which we
are unacquainted.

Gibson relates a case of stomach staggers which occurred at
grass. " On opening the body," he says, " I was greatly sur-
prised to find his stomach and all his guts, both large and small,
filled and crammed to such a degree that it would have been impos-
sible, by any means in the world, to have procured the least vent;
for all the aliment that was in the stomach, and the dung in the
bowels, from one end to the other, was entirely dry and without
moisture, and, before they were opened, appeared as hard and as
full crammed as a Bologna sausage, without the least softness or
yielding in any part. The matter contained in them was no
less extraordinary, the stomach being filled with acorns, sloes,
oak-leaves, and such other things as he could pick up about the
hedges ; some green and some withered. The contents of the
guts were chiefly leaves, neither well-chewed nor digested, with a
mixture of grass. But there was little or no grass in his stomach,
but chiefly acorn cups and leaves. This horse had been turned
into a very rank after-marsh, and had probably acquired a de-
praved appetite, which led him to eat indigestible and astrino-ent
food."

The horses which I have seen in this complaint have generally
been farmers' horses that have been kept hard, and worked hard,
and in whom the stomach has been gradually weakened, and at
length brought to that ultimate degree of weakness which is named
palsy. In several that I examined, the vessels of the brain were
not loaded in a remarkable degree ; the stomach only was affected,
and evidently paralysed. The disease is scarcely ever noticed in
this class of horses, until it is absolutely incurable. Many of those
horses were attacked at grass, and almost always in low wet
situations, where the grass was rank and abundant. It is not
unlikely that in such situations the cold night air and fogs con-
tribute something to the increase, if not to the production of the
disorder. In the neighbourhood of Exeter the disease has at
times been very common, especially in low, open, wet situations,
as in the parish of Stoke, Exminster, and Dawlish. I have
cured several cases ; but in these the disorder was taken rather
early, and the horses were in tolerable condition, and had been
kept in a stable on good food. In none has a cure been effected
without a considerable discharge from the bowels of excrement
that appeared to have been pent up in them for some time.

In establishments where horses are worked fairly and pro-
perly fed, I have scarcely ever known this disorder happen. Not
a single case occurred in the Royal Dragoons during the time
I was veterinary surgeon to the regiment; nor in Mr. Russell's
establishment in Exeter, whose horses I attended for many years.

158

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

I am inclined to think the disease is not so prevalent as it was
twenty years since ; and this may be owing to an improvement
in the method of keeping and feeding horses. Probably, too,
the o-reat progress that has been made in the cultivation and
draining of low marshy land may have contributed to the decrease
of the disorder.

As soon as stomach staggers are observed, the horse should be
bled in order to relieve the head in some degree ; but the prin-
cipal object is to enable the stomach to get rid of the load
which oppresses it. Various remedies have been proposed for
this purpose. The best, I believe, are purgatives joined with
cordials and stimulants, and small quantities of warm water fre-
quently, in order to soften the contents of the stomach. Clysters
of salt and water are useful also, and should be thrown up
several times a day. The disease is often incurable, probably
from a want of early attention.

When medicines cannot be readily procured, two or three
table-spoonfuls of flour of mustard, and three or four ounces of
common salt may be tried. On whatever cause stomach staggers
may depend, I think it a useful precaution, as soon as the disease
has made its appearance, to remove other horses from the situ-
ation ; and if there is the slightest ground for supposing that the
manner of feeding the horses has contributed to it, that likewise
should be changed. 1 would advise, also, a dose of warm or
stomachic physic being given to the other horses, to improve
the state or condition of the digestive system. Some relief may
be afforded in stomach staggers by placing a cask with a little
straw upon it, for the horse to rest his head upon.

Drench for the Staggers.
No.l.

Barbadoes aloes 6 dr. to 1 oz.

Calomel 2 dr.

Oil of peppermint 20 drops.

Wai-m water - " 1 P'"^-

Tincture of cardamoms 2 oz.

Mix for one dose.

No. 2.

Common salt 4- o^:.

Qinger 2 dr. or 2 tea-spoonfuls.

Carbonate of soda • 1

Water 1

Mix for one dose.
About a quart of water maybe given every now and then with
a horn; and if a tea-spoonful or two of compound spn-it of am-
monia (sal volatile) be added to it, the efiect will be promoted.

STOMACH STAGGERS.

139

A table-spoonful or two of common salt may also be added
three or four times a day. The horse should be drenched and
clystered during the night as well as the day ; in short, without
unremitting attention success must not be expected.

[This disease has become considerably less frequent than when
the previous account was written by the author, although then
he states it was not so common as formerly. The cause of
this must be attributed to the better system adopted in feeding
horses at the present day. Formerly it was customary for agri-
cultural horses to so from six in the morning till four in the after-
noon without either food or water, and then to be allowed a large
quantity of food without water. Now their daily work is either
divided into two periods, or otherwise they are allowed a little
food in the middle of the day. Thus their stomachs never being
so empty, they no longer gorge themselves to the same extent,
and the disease is therefore much less frequent. When the dis-
ease occurs at grass, and particularly if a number are attacked
together, it is owing, in my opinion, to some poisonous vegetable.

In a farm in Hampshire, about two years since, in the course
of some months, three or four horses died of a disease, somewhat
similar to that described in the account from Swansea.

There was great drowsiness and lethargy manifested, the horses
were weak and staggered in their walk, and the membrane of
the nostrils and eyelids was pale.

The next case that occurred was sent to me, and it slowly
recovered after a fortnight's treatment, consisting chiefly of tonics
and stimulants in order to rouse the system into greater action.

This horse had for some time past been feeding on spring
vetches, which contained an immense quantity of weeds.

Whether this was the cause, I cannot say ; but at any rate it
appeared highly probable that the disease was owing to some
poisonous substance calculated to depress the vital powers.

With regard to the Treatment of stomach staggers when pro-
ceeding from distention with food, in addition to that recom-
mended by Mr. White, it would be advisable to pour liquids into
the stomach by means of Read's patent syringe, so as to dilute
its contents, and if possible to evacuate a portion of it by these
means. Instead of aloes, it would be advisable to administer
croton oil in doses of from twenty to forty drops, not only be-
cause this medicine is so much smaller in bulk, but also because
its action is quicker and more immediate on the stomach and small
intestines. — Ed.]

160

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

CHAP. XXXIII.

DISEASES OF THE BOWELS.

Infammation of the Bowels, Enteritis, Paitonitis, 8^c.

rTHERE are three varieties of inflammation of the bowels:
enteritis, or inflammation of the muscular coat; peritonitis, or
inflammation of the peritoneal coat; and dysentery, or intiam-
mation of the mucous or internal coat.

The two first are generally connected together, at least one
coat is rarely aff'ected without in some measure involving the

Cases of Eiiteritis, however, are far more frequent than those
of Peritonitis. The instances in which the latter exists as a pri-
mary disease are cases following castration, when the inflam-
mation spreads along the course of the cord to the peritoneal
membrane in the abdomen. • ^^ ^

The symptoms of peritonitis are somewhat similar though
by no mean; so acute as in enteritis, and the treatment should
be pretty much the same. , . ,

Enteritis may come on suddenly, and may at once exhibit the
most violent aiid intense character; or it may be Preceded by
milder symptoms, which may exist either for several houis oi ioi
Tevei^l days. When it is slow in coming on, the first symptoms
a!-e dulnesl want of appetite, and uneasiness; the pulse some-
what quickened, and the horse occasionally pawing his litte^^^
When relief is not obtained m this stage of the disease, the
symptoms become aggravated, the pain g'-^er; the horse l^n^
down, stretching himself out, and struggling violently, ihe
purse usually at^first distinct, although qukk, becomes quicker
^nd weaker! and almost imperceptible. The bowels con-
stipated, and the dung coated with "^"cus The l^g ^
are cold, the mouth hot, the membrane of the f '^^^^^^
injected, and the breathing greatly ^^^f^fto 'btS ed death
the disease rarely lasts long: unless relief be obtaineO, aea ui

utalirc^oses the' scene in ^he course of

When such is the case, the ^y-P^-^^^^^^^^ .^J^lit" "^^^^^^^
the horse lying down, and rarely rising, but stiugaiin„
„ a Sc' .me, though .ith diminished st|-'g* J-S
cold sweats break out, and "-"0, Ms ""'^-i continue
follows. In some instances I 1'?^",™"™. 'j'^j,, „„d in others
his struggles till withn, a fl'"''l^^,^\o. some hours

the violence of 'l>^=y';^P °'"^'"4,t |X cases the a^
before the fatal termmation. In tliesciaiu->

INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS.

161

usually imagine the horse to be considerably better, and expect
his recovery; but the practitioner finds that the pulse is imper-
ceptible, the extremities obstinately cold, and anticipates what
he surely finds, dissolution in the course of a few hours.

The symptoms of enteritis somewhat resemble colic, and indeed
the disease is termed by farriers the red colic.

It is, however, of great importance to distinguish the two dis-
eases, for the treatment of colic would be highly injurious in
a case of enteritis. It has been stated that a horse will not roll
on his back in inflammation of the bowels ; but this is erroneous.
The chief distinctions are these, — in enteritis the pain is con-
stant, though not at all times equally severe; whilst in colic the
pain, though more violent than in enteritis during the paroxysms,
yet disappears, or nearly so, between them. There is, too, an
important difference in the pulse, which in enteritis is constantly
quick; whilst in colic it is but little increased, except during a
paroxysm, after which it subsides.

The causes of enteritis are (in addition to natural weakness of
the part affected which induces one horse to receive the disease
more readily than another, though exposed to the same excitino-
cause), over-exertion, exposure to cold, particularly standin?
m water, or passing through streams in a state of perspiration"^
and standmg still afterwards. To which may be added drinkino-
largely of cold water when heated, and subsisting on unwhole"^
some food.

Treatment — UtiYing properly examined the case, we should
nnmediately have recourse to bleeding, and that as extensively as
possible : for this purpose a large opening should be made in the
jugular vein, or one on each side, and from six to eight quarts
taken as quickly as possible, continuing the bleeding till the
pulse becomes almost imperceptible. The bowels being costive,
the dung should be removed by back-raking, and a copious in-
jection thrown up. A pint and a half of linseed oil and one
drachm of powdered opium may next be given, and a half pint
ot the oil, with half a drachm of opium, may be repeated every
six hours, till the bowels are relaxed; the injections being also
Irequently repeated.

The abdomen should be fomented with very hot water, which
sliould be continued for some time ; and it will afterwards be very
useful to apply hot sheep-skins, just removed from the dead
animal, to the abdomen, tlie woolly side outermost. If these
cannot be procured, the fomentations should be repeated, or the
abdomen may be stimulated by a blistering application. * The

* Mr. Mavor has introilucec! some apparatus, whereby the steam from iiot
water may be apphed to the abdomen for an i,oiu- together, and Xcl i
Ikely to prove of great service in cases of enteritis in particular, as well i
in mflammation of the chest.— Vclerinarian, vol. xii. p. 198. j Vcl.Mcd.Ms.

IS

as

162 DISEASES or THE HORSE.

legs must be kept warm by flannel bandages, assisted, if neces-
sary, by rubbing in a stimulating liniment, composed of oil and
spirits of turpentine. During the continuance of pain the horse
will, of course, take no food, nor is any desirable. He will most
probably be disposed to drink, of which circumstance advantage
should be taken, by offering him oatmeal gruel, or linseed tea,
as often as he will take it.

If relief be not obtained in the course of six hours, our pro-
o-nosis will be unfavourable, particularly if, on again resorting
to bleeding, we find the blood very dark and thick, and with
difficulty obtained. . , , i

A second, and even a third bleeding, should be tried, though
in less quantity than at first. If the pain ceases, or greatly dimi-
nishes, the pulse becoming more distinct and moderate, we may
then augur a favourable result, which opinion will be greatly
strengthened by the bowels becoming gradually relaxed. It a
favourable result should attend, great caution is necessary lor
some little time as to the diet, and soft food should be given for

several days. . . , i

When death occurs, we find on examination the muscular coat,
particularly of the large intestines, quite black from inflammation,
and the other coats likewise involved in a secondary degree. —
Ed.]

Diarrhaa.— Dysentertj, Molten Grease.

rlnflammation of the mucous coat of the intestines has been
considered as of two kinds, which have been d.stmguished as
Diarrhoea and Dysentery ; the former supposed to afFect more par-
ticularly the small, the latter the large intestines.

This distinction, however, can rarely be applied to the horse;
for we find that when a horse dies from superpurgation, the large
[nteltines are inflamed as much as the small The two diseases,
however, are often confounded together. — i^.D. J

Diarrhoea.

rThe principal symptom of diarrhoea is frequent evacuation
of the faeces in a liquid state. This may simply arise from rrri-
tati^n oTZ mucous and muscular coats ; there may be no actual
nfl rmation, and but little consUtutional disturbance^^^^^^
horse is worked in this state, or "^P^operly treated, nflamn^^^^^^
will quickly supervene, and the symptoms become greatly aggia

''?nflammation of the mucous membrane J-^l;^^^^^^^; ^
from the beginning, and ^1-" the pulse

and weak, the extremities cold, and iu«?^P^ offensive
mingled with the f^ces, which are sometimes daik, offensive,

and tinged with blood.

DISEASES OF THE BOWELS.

163

The causes of diarrhoea are, over-exertion, exposure to cold,
drinking very ft-eely of cold water, and, still more frequently, an
over-dose of physic. Horses with short ribs and light carcasses,
usually called washy horses, are pi-edisposed to this disease, and
in them anything which disturbs the system generally is almost
sure to affect the bowels. Some years since, when it was the
custom to administer eight and ten drachms of aloes as a common
purgative, superpurgation was extremely frequent, and hundreds
of horses died in physic, as it was termed.

Treatment. — If purgation is the only symptom, and there is
no active inflammation present, the mischief is readily stopped
by the administration of the following medicine, in thick gruel
made from wheat flour: —

Powdered opium 1 dr.

Powdered catechu 2 dr.

Prepared chalk 1 oz.

Even if inflammation is present, we had better administer the
same medicine, either in gruel or in boiled starch, and repeat it
every four hours until the purging ceases; half an ounce of pow-
dered gum arable may be added to the medicine, or after a while
substituted for the catechu. The body should be kept warm
by plenty of clothing, and the legs encased in flannel bandages.
The abdomen should be fomented with warm water, or sheep-
skins applied, as in enteritis. Gruel, starch, or arrow-root should
be administered frequently ; and if there is any appetite, a little
sweet hay should be given, but bran avoided. Bleeding in this
disease is rarely prudent. — Ed.]

Dysentery, Molten Grease.

[The mucous coat of the bowels is liable to another disease,
which, though more frequently existing as a symptom of other
mflammations, such as that of the lungs and the liver, or of in-
fluenza, yet sometimes appears as an independent disease.

The Symptoms are, — costiveness, the fasces being small and
buttony, and encased in mucus, with large flakes and lumps of
this diseased secretion amongst the dung. There is no active
pam present, but a dull heavy appearance, quick pulse, very hot
mouth, and other febrile symptoms ; and when the hand is passed
up the rectum, it is found much hotter than common.

The mucous membrane of the alimentary canal is evidently
affected. In diarrhoea the muscular coat of the intestines is af-
fected, as well as the mucous, and there is consequently increased
peristaltic action. In dysentery, the mucous coat only is affected
though not in the same manner as in diarrhoea. It i*s in a hio-hly
febrile, rather than in an inflammatory stage ; but its actioli is

M 2

164

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

not increased, although greatly deranged. The appetite is
greatly diminished, if not totally gone, and the disease is attended
with much danger.

The Treatment must consist in bleeding largely, if the pulse
be strong and full, and moderately if weak ; back-raking and
the frequent administration of copious injections ; oily purgatives
moderately repeated, till attended with a proper effect, taking
care that the linseed oil does not altogether exceed three or four
pints : two or three drachms of nitre may be given with the oil,
taking care not to exceed two ounces altogether; and four
drachms of cream of tartar may also be added. Plenty of
linseed tea, or thin gruel, should be given, and bran mashes and
carrots in the winter, or tares and clover in the summer, should
be allowed ; but when the horse eats pretty freely of green food,
considerably less oil will be required. — Ed.]

CHAP. XXXIV.

COLIC — RUPTURE OF THE STOMACH AND INTESTINES, — CAL-
CULI IN THE BOWELS.— STRANGULATION OF THE INTESTINES.
CRIB-BITING.

Colic, Fret, or Gripes.

[There has been much difference of opinion as to the nature and
cause of the affections recognised under the above names ; some
considering them as one disease, others separating them into nu-
merous divisions. But without entering into these disputes, or
making more distinctions than are absolutely necessary, I con-
sider there are three varieties of the disease, which it is import-
ant to distinguish, — spasmodic colic, flatulent colic, and colic
arisinff from the obstruction of the food.

The Symptoms of the first and second variety are very similar.
The horse is very uneasy, paws his litter, looks round to his
flanks, sometimes endeavours to kick his belly, gathers up his
hind legs, and falls down rather suddenly, rolls upon his back,
suddenly gets up again, and appears in extreme pain. The pulse
is in its natural state, and the inner surface of the eyelids ot
unusually red. The disorder comes on suddenly, the animal being
previously in good health. The horse is sometimes costive, but
not often, and^in some cases the dung is rather loose.

In flat ilent colic there is a considerable distention of he ab-
domen, from the production of gas in the intestines which, in
spasmodic colic, is not found to exist. In the former the large in-

COLIC, FRET, OR GRIPES.

165

tcstines and the stomach * are usually the seat of disease ; in the
latter, its situation is more frequently confined to the small intes-
tines.

The symptoms of these diseases are subject to great variety as
to their severity, being sometimes so slight as to disappear
without any treatment, and at other times so violent as to render
the horse almost frantic. I was called to a horse some time
since, that had been taken with the fret during the night ; and
before I reached the stable he had, in the violence of his struggles,
knocked out several of his front teeth, and disfigured himself
dreadfully, his eyes being nearly closed from the effect of the
bruises.

Flatulent colic is produced by the distention of the intestines
from gas; it is accoi'dingly very frequent in the summer season
with horses that are fed on green food, and it may also be pro-
duced by the indigestion of any description of food. It is pro-
bably the most frequent variety.

The pain of spasmodic colic is immediately caused by the
violent contraction of the muscular coat of the intestines, just as
the spasmodic contraction of an external muscle produces cramp.

It is frequently occasioned by a draught of cold water, parti-
cularly if it be of a hard quality, having sulphate of lime in it.
It may also be produced by unwholesome food, and any thing
that disorders the stomach or intestines.

Some horses are particularly liable to colic ; and in them it is
often produced by causes that would have no effect with other
horses. This predisposition generally increases as the animals
get older, and in them the disease usually proves fatal at last.

That variety of colic produced by the obstruction of food is
characterised by symptoms more moderate than the other
varieties, though they are longer continued and usually more ob-
stinate. The horse lies down, but does not rise again quickly,
nor struggle so violently ; and the pain is more continued than
in the varieties before mentioned.

The symptoms are more like inflammation of the bowels, but
there is litde or no increase of pulse. There may or may not
be costiveness, according to the previous nature of the food.

Treatment.— Oar best plan, in the first place, is to administer
a powerful antispasmodic. A great number of medicines are re-
commended for this disease, and most of them are effectual in
most cases. It is, however, desirable to give the preference to
those not only most effectual, but least likely to prove injurious
should inflammation supervene. If no medicines are at hand,

* In one fatal case in which I was requested to examine the body, I found
the stomach distended with gas to two or three times its ordinary size. The
horse had been taken ill on a journey, and died shortly after rcachin-' the
stable. — Ed. °

M S

166

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

or can be quickly procured, the following will frequently be
found effectual : — a quarter of a pint of gin, a tea-spoonful of
powdered ginger, and a pint of warm beer. This domestic
remedy is, however, by no means so successful as many others.

Spirit of turpentine, in doses of four ounces, is recommended
at the Veterinary College. It is a powerful remedy, but liable
to produce inflammation : it should always be given with linseed
or olive oil, otherwise it is likely to make the mouth and throat

sore.

Some practitioners administer an ounce of hartshorn, and
the same quantity of tincture of myrrh, with a pint of warm
water. This is very effectual, but I have found the hartshorn
inflame the mouth and throat very much ; and it is the more
apt to do so in consequence of the disinclination to swallow so
frequently evinced in the complaint. The medicine is thus de-
tained in the throat, and the spirituous portion of it separating
from the water, sadly excoriates the parts ; and some of it perhaps
may even enter the windpipe, and produce dreadful and fatal in-
flammation.

Opium, in some form or other, affords us the most effectual
and the safest remedy in this disease. In the former editions of
this work the following formula is given, and will be found ge-
nerally successful : —

Anodyne Carminative Tincture.

No. 1.

Turkey opium 1 o^*

Cloves, bruised 2 oz.

Ginger, ditto 3 oz.

Brandy, rum, or gin I quart.

No. 2.

Turkey opium, cloves, and ginger, of each ... 1 oz.
The best old brandy, rum, or gin 1 quart.

Let them be digested together in a well-corked bottle, and
shaken several times a day for three or four weeks. It is then
to be strained through blotting paper, and is fit for use. 1 he
medium dose is two ounces, which may be given in a little mild
ale, or an infusion of some aromatic herb, such as peppermint,
pennyroyal, camomile, &c. Mr. Bracey Clark recommends a
tincture made with allspice, bruised, half a pound; brandy, gin,

or rum, two quarts. , , , , ,

When there is much flatulency exhibited, and the abdomen
appears distended with gas, nothing will prove of greater efficacy
than a full dose of sulphuric ether, which, if conjoined with

COLIC, FRET, Oil GRIPES.

167

tincture of opium, and an equal quantity of tincture of valerian,
or ginger, or allspice, and given with about three fourths of
a pint of warm or boiled water, will be found to afford often
immediate relief when other remedies have been exhibited
unsuccessfully, and more particularly if it be a case of flatulent
colic. Thus, it appears, we have a great variety of medicines for
this disease, and it is much better to conjoin several together
than to administer one alone; because not only is the compound
dose likely to prove more successful, but if it becomes necessary
to repeat it sevei'al times, it is less likely to produce inflammation
than one kind of medicine given in the powerful dose required.

If the horse be not relieved in the course of ten minutes after
the exhibition of the medicine, it will be desirable to bleed, not
only in order to guard against inflammation, but because blood-
letting is itself a powerful antispasmodic, and often affords im-
mediate relief.

In the course of half an hour to an hour, if relief be not ob-
tained, it will be desirable to repeat the medicine; and again in
the course of one or two hours afterwards, should the symptoms
continue or return ; and unless the bowels are relaxed it will be
desirable to administer aperient medicine with the second or
third antispasmodic draught. Three ounces of Barbadoes
aloes powdered may be dissolved in hot water, and given with a
pint of linseed oil ; adding to or subtracting from this dose, ac-
cording to the strength and condition of the animal. If relief
be not obtained after the third dose, the case becomes very dan-
gerous, and we must be cautious as to the further administration
of stimulants. The pulse must be watched, and the bleeding re-
peated ; and with regard to medicine, it will be better to trust to
opium alone, a drachm of which may be infused in water, and
given every two hours. By pursuing this plan of treatment we
may often accomplish a cure in the most dangerous and pro-
tracted cases. I met with a case some time since, in which I
found it necessary to administer three doses of the stimulating
antispasmodic before advised, to bleed largely twice, to give re-
peated injections, to foment the abdomen, and afterwards to ad-
minister the above dose of opium every two hours. By which
persevering, yet cautious method, the symptoms were eventually
removed, and the horse recovered.

Unless the horse recover from the first dose, injections of
warm water and salt should be frequently and copiously admir.
nistered; and if inflammation be threatened, the abdomen should
be fomented and stimulated, and indeed the same means used
as for inflammation of the bowels.

When a horse is attacked with the colic, many persons obsti-
nately prevent him from lying down, under an idea that rollino-
about is likely to cause a twisting of the intestines. This, how-

M 4

168

DISEASES or THE HORSE.

ever, is not the fact, and it is contrary to nature, and therefore
injurious to prevent a horse from lying down ; for he thereby ob-
tains some relief, and of course selects the position easiest to
himself.

In the third species of colic, viz. that arising from obstruction
of the food, the treatment must be different from that before re-
commended. Instead of giving very powerful stimulants at first,
we should administer a purgative, with a moderate antispasmodic.
Six drachms of Barbadoes aloes in a watery infusion, with an
ounce of tincture of opium and four drachms of ginger, should
be given at once. The horse should be bled, and in about two
hours afterwards from half an ounce to an ounce of tincture of
opium and one drachm of ginger should be given, with a half
pint of linseed oil, which may be repeated every two or three
hours, until the bowels are relaxed or the pain is removed.
Copious injections should be administered every two hours, and
other measures employed to ward off inflammation. Relief is
seldom obtained in these cases in less than twelve hours.

As the pain ceases, the horse usually evinces a disposition for
food; but the only kind that should be allowed, for the first
twelve or twenty-four hours, is bran mashes, so as to insure a
relaxed state of the bowels, and to prevent the irritation that
would be likely to follow the giving hard dry food in the sore
state in which the bowels are after an attack of colic. Plenty
of warm water should be given the animal to drink, both during
the attack and afterwards.

When a horse dies from the colic, which is rarely the case
when judicious treatment is employed, we generally find the ap-
pearance of intense inflammation, but confined to some particular
portion of the intestines, and not generally diff'used. At this
spot there is usually an effusion of blood from the surface of the
mucous coat, as well as between the coats; and often spots of
ecchymosis in different places.* Sometimes there is considerable
stricture of the intestines, so as to obstruct the passage. The
disease is generally found confined to the small intestines. — Ed.]

Intimately connected with the colic are the following diseases.

[ Ruptures of the Stomach and Boioels

Are sometimes the effect of colic, or more frequently the cause
that induces its symptoms. A rupture of the coats of the

* We rarely have an opportunity of witnessing the morbid effect of colic,
until inflammation has existed sufficiently to destroy life ; but, in a case that
came under my attention some time since, a horse was attacked with cohc
and recovered, but died in a day or two of another disease. There was no
inflammation of the bowels, but a vast number of small spots of ecchymosis
between the muscular and peritoneal coats.

STONES IN THE INTESTINES.

169

stomach is more frequent than that of the intestines. It is pro-
duced by ovei-loading this viscus with indigestible food, such as
dry bran, or the hulls of wheat and barley. In two cases that
occurred to myself not long since one was a miller's horse, and
had fed ravenously in the morning from dry bran, was taken ill
on a journey with the fret, as was supposed, came home, and
died an hour or two afterwards. When 1 saw him he was
sitting on his haunches, and vomiting profusely from his nostrils
a fluid, the sour smell of which assured me at once that it pro-
ceeded from the stomach. There was found a rupture extending
throughout a great portion of the large curvature of the stomach,
and through which an immense quantity of undigested bran had
escaped into the cavity of the abdomen. In the stomach of the
other horse, there was found a rupture, though not so extensive
as the other, through which a portion of the food had escaped ;
but the greater part still remained in the stomach, and con-
sisted of a prodigious mass of hay, corn, and wheat hulls.

There are several cases on record of rupture of the intestines,
particularly of the colon. The last case that occurred under my
own observation was a rent of the ileum, at that portion to which
the mesentery is attached. The rupture extended about nine
inches in length, and the mesentery was split with it for a con-
siderable extent into two membranes, so as to prevent the food
from getting into the abdominal cavity.

A symptom that usually attends the rupture of the bowels, or
the stomach, is the spasmodic action of the muscles of the tail. —
Ed.]

iStones in the Intestines

Are not unfrequently found in horses : they are usually dis-
covered in the large guts; but sometimes, though rarely, in
the stomach. They are generally found to consist of stony and
earthy particles mixed with the food, and having some hard
object, such as a pebble or nail head, in its centre. These
calculous concretions are more frequent rwith millers' horses
than with others, which is owing to the fact of their being fed
extensively on bran. Numerous minute particles of millstone
adhere to the bran, and having, perhaps, some accidental
nucleus, as before stated, they gradually collect around it, the
food assisting in the formation. The shape of these calculi
depends very much on the seat of their abode ; one in my pos-
session, taken from the stomach, is extremely irregular, and
consists of stony substance within, and a softer spongy surface
externally, formed chiefly by the food. The surflxce, though
n-regular, like a mulberry, is covered by a black coat smoothly
polished.

170

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

Another calculus in my possession is as round as a cricket
ball, and weighs upwards of six pounds. It was found in the
colon, and had acquired its globular form from rolling about in
this large intestine. The horse had belonged to a miller, and
had been accustomed to live mostly on bran ; he had for several
years been subject to the fret, but had generally relieved himself
by rolling about. These symptoms were no doubt produced by
the calculus becoming wedged in the smaller parts of the colon,
and which, by the struggles of the animal, again became dis-
placed, and then relief was afforded. At length it was so firmly
impacted that it could not be moved. A total stoppage took
place, and nothing passed by the rectum for several days, during
which the animal evinced much pain, lying down and rolling ;
but the position in which he appeared most relieved was that of
sitting on his haunches. From these various symptoms, I felt
convinced that a stone was the cause ; and the animal being de-
stroyed, the large calculus was found firmly impacted in the
second curvature of the colon, whence it could get neither back-
wards nor forwards. On dividing it with a saw, a pebble was
found to be its nucleus, and it consisted of a vast number of
rough and smooth layers alternately arranged, the external one
being rough.

In some instances, a vast number of stony substances have
been found loose in the intestines, their weight, though not their
size, preventing their passing onwards.

Some horses have a depraved appetite, and take great quan-
tities of earth when they have the opportunity, which certainly
must conduce greatly to the formation of these concretions. — Ed.]

Strangulation of the Bowels.

[On the inspection of the bodies of horses that are supposed to
die from colic, we sometimes find the small intestines stran-
gulated by being formed into a knot, so as to produce the most
intense pain, and a complete interruption to all passage. Some-
times a most perfect knot is formed by one portion of the mtes-
tine being insinuated between a sort of noose formed by another
portion. Another time we find that a noose is formed by a
slip of the mesentery; which, by some means, has got separated

from the rest. . _

Another variety is called intro-susception, and consists ot one
portion of the intestine insinuating itself withm the cavity ot
another. Sometimes the stricture is caused by a fatty tumour
attached to the mesentery, or an enlargement of the mesenteric
gland ; as related by Mr. W. Percivall in the Veterinarian, vol. i.

p. 326. , • • r .1

Another variety is a strangulation from simple twisting of the
gut; as shown by Mr. C. Percival, Veterinarian, vol. i. p. 3-^0.

STRANGULATION OF THE BOWELS.

171

Besides these, there may be a stricture without any twisting
or entanglement : this generally occurs in the duodenum.

No. 1. represents the first variety of strangulation of one or
two portions of the ileum, being insinuated into a noose formed
by another portion. It occurred to the Editor, of this work,
and is taken from the Vetei^inarian, vol. vi. p. 12.

No. 1. Strangulation of the small Intestines. No. 2. Strangulation of the Rectum.

No. 2. represents the second variety. It is a strangulation of
the rectum ; and was related by Mr. Fuller in the Veterinarian,
vol. vi. p. 256.

No. 3. is a case, related by Mr. Bull, of strangulation of both

No. Strangulation of the Ileum and Colon.

a, The ileum. d, The caecum.

b, Protrusion of the ileum. e, Commencement of the colon.

c, Ligamentous band.

172

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

the ileum and the caecum by a ligamentous band. Mr. Bull
states that he had relieved the mare from abdominal pains
several times before the case proved fatal. {Veterinarian, vol. ix.
p. 42.) This, I think, is the most frequent kind of strangulation:
I have myself met with several instances.

No. 4. is a singular case related by Mr. Cupiss. — Veterinarian,
vol. ix. p. 562.

No. 4. Intussusception in the Horse.

This fig. represents the csecum cut open, and the intus-susception lying within it.

D D, Small portions of the mesentery

and base of the caecum.
E, The apex of the CEecum.
F F, The interior of the caecum.

A A, The intus-susception.

B, A portion of the ileum.

C, The valvula coli.

1, The tumour.
SJ 2, The mesentery.
3, The mesenteric cord.

No. 5. is a case related by Mr. W. Percivall. — Veterinarian,

vol. i. p. 326.

We cannot tell with certainty that
strangulation has taken place ; but we
may expect such to be the case, when
we find that symptoms of colic conti-
nue without remission in spite of all ^o. 5.
our treatment. The pulse in these
cases is not quick at first, nor for
several hours afterwards; but the pain continues to increase,
and at length inflammation supervenes, and the horse continues
in the greatest agony for ten or twelve hours, when the inten-
sity of the pain seems to disappear, but the animal dies a lew

hours afterwards. ^ a.o

It is a disputed subject whether mtervagination is moie tie-
quentlv the consequence of the spasmodic action and commotion
of the bowels in colic, or otherwise the twisting of the intestines
occurs previously, and is itself the cause of even the earliest
s:ymptoms that are manifested. We have no means of demon-

CRIB-BITING. 173

strating which theoi-y is correct; but I am inclined to consider
that although intervagination may be sometimes the effect of
colic, it more frequently arises from one gut getting accidentally
entangled in the other when in an empty state, and producing
for some time no inconvenience, until food enters and distends
it, and is prevented passing onwards by the knot. This, at any
rate, must be the case whenever the noose is formed by adven-
titious substance, or by a portion of the mesentery ; which often
exhibits the appearance of having been formed for a length of
time.

Intro-susception is more likely to be of recent origin, pro-
duced probably by the spasmodic action of the bowels in colic ;
and so likewise when it is simply a case of twisting of the
intestines. It appears that in the greater number of instances
on record, the ileum is the gut most frequently entangled;
which may be accounted for by the fact of this intestine being
less confined than any other. Next to the ileum is the rectum ;
and the duodenum is most liable to stricture.

The Treatment. — It is impossible to ascertain positively the
existence of entanglement of the bowels; and if we could do so,
in the majority of cases our treatment would be useless. Where,
however, we have reason to expect the existence of such morbid
formation, the treatment indicated would be copious venesec-
tion, frequent injections of warm water or tobacco smoke, and
strong doses of opium, so as to quiet the system as much as pos-
sible ; and to avoid all food and purgative medicines. By
adopting this plan, nature may perhaps right herself, and the
spasms being quieted the gut may be released; which, in a case
of simple twisting, is indeed very likely to occur. — Ed.]

Crib-hiti7ig,

This, though only a trick or habit which a horse gets, and
which he may teach another that stands next him, especially
a young horse, may be considered as a disorder, because it
renders him very liable to indigestion and flatulent colic. There
IS no doubt that in crib-biting a horse swallows air; and I have
seen a horse distend his stomach and bowels with it in an enor-
mous degree, and he would thereby often get the flatulent colic,
and sometimes swell himself so that he could scarcely move,
i he only convenient method of preventing crib-biting is to put'
a leather strap round the neck close to the jaws, which prevents
him from laying hold of the manger: it may impede his feeding,
however, and this must be attended to. A muzzle sometimes
answers the purpose. [There are now muzzles invented that ad-
mit of feeding, and yet prevent the horse opening his mouth
sufficiently to seize the manger with his teeth. In many cases
they prove very useful, though in some they altogether fail —Ed ]

174

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

CHAP. XXXV.

WORMS.

Worms are most commonly found in the bowels and stomach ;
but they are sometimes met with also in almost every part of the
body. I have found them in the windpipe, in the mesenteric
artery, in an abscess, in the substance of the abdominal muscles ;
and, according to Lafosse, they have been found also in the pan-
creatic and salivary ducts. The worms commonly found in the
stomach are named botts. They are generally attached to the
cuticular or insensible coat of the stomach; but sometimes
clusters of them are found at the pylorus, and even in the
beginning of the first intestine, named duodenum. In one case
they were so numerous in this last situation as to obstruct the
passage completely, and cause the animal's death. Botts are
short, thick, reddish worms, surrounded with short prickles,
which are arranged in circular bands all over the body. They
attach themselves firmly by two hooks, which they appear to
have the power of straightening and retracting, of projecting and
curvating. They are extremely tenacious of life, and difficult
to be expelled from the stomach, except about the month of Sep-
tember, or when a horse is first taken up from grass. At this
period they may generally be got rid of by brine, oi- a solution
of common salt and water, in a dose of from four to five ounces
of salt to a quart of water. The horse should be kept fasting
the night before it is given ; and about five minutes before the
drench with salt is given, let the horse be drenched with about
a pint of warm milk, sweetened with honey or treacle.

It has been supposed that botts are not only innocent, but
even beneficial, from their being so frequently found in the
horse's stomach after death, when during the animal's life no in-
convenience was observed to arise from them. That they are
sometimes injurious, however, and fatally so, has been clearly
demonstrated by several cases that have come under my observ-
ation. They have been known to ulcerate and make holes in
the stomach. Gibson, a most respectable veterinary author,
considers them as sometimes the cause of locked jaw ; and
Mr. James Clarke, of Edinburgh, has recorded one case m
which they had made an opening through the horse's stomach

into the abdomen. , ^ r tj

Mr. Bracey Clark, in his Treatise on the Botts of Horses,
considers that there are four species; and he says, ''that the
parent fly of the oestrus equi deposits its ova on the hairs ot
such parts of the horse as are within the reach of his mouth

WORMS.

17.5

and nose, as the shoulders, within the fore legs, &c. ; to do
which the fly is seen to hold her body upright when preparing
an egg : she rests for a moment on the horse, and fixes it to
the hair by means of a viscid gluten ; after which she again
rises, and prepares another, until some hundreds are so de-
posited. These ova, or egg botts, form the little yellow
granules so commonly observed adhering to the hairs of
horses at grass in the summer." The oestrus hemorrhoidalis,
he informs us, deposits her eggs on the nose of the horse;
while the methods of the veterinus and salutiferus are not at
present understood. These ova having become hatched are,
by various accidents, as by the horse licking himself, or nabbing
others, carried into the stomach, where they instinctively attach
themselves to the cuticular portion, very few ever reaching the
villous or sensible part, — to which we must, in a great mea-
sure, attribute their innocuous character. To enable these
animals to resist the effects of alimentary friction, they are fur-
nished with two tentaculae, or hooks, of extraordinary tenacity,
between which is situated their mouth, by which they suck up
the gastric secretions. Entering their abdominal habitation in
the summer, the botts soon gain their full size, and continue
within the horse until the following spring, when, instinctively
loosening their hold, they are passed along the intestinal canal
and ejected with the dung, preparatory to their change from
larvas into chrysalides, and from thence into parent flies.
^ Mr. Feron observes, that " common oil, given in large quan-
tities, has sometimes succeeded in detaching botts from the
stomach ; and, indeed, it is the only remedy that seems to have
any effect in making them loose their hold from the stomach, on
account of its having, as may reasonably be supposed, a poisonous
quality to that insect."

The next kind of worm to be described is that named teres
lumbricus, or round worm. It is found in the small intestines,
and sometimes, though seldom, in the stomach. In the last case
m which I found these worms in the stomach, the horse had been
very subject to flatulent colic, or gripes, of which at last he died.
He generally had an attack of this disorder two or three times a
week. I once saw tliis horse labouring under an attack of gripes.
He had taken a dose of the anodyne carminative tincture without
being relieved. I prescribed four ounces of oil of turpentine,
which cured him in a short time. I had no suspicion of the
horse being troubled with worms : had that circumstance been
knoAyn, and another dose of turpentine given, after keepino- the
horse chiefly on bran mashes for one day, and fasting hinf one
night. It is probable, I think, that all of them would have been
swept off. These worms are white, and from six to ten inches
in length.

176

DISEASES or THE HOUSE.

There is another kind of worm found in the small intestines,
and sometimes in the large intestines also, which have seldom
been noticed by veterinary writers. These worms are flat, about
the eifhth of an inch in width, and from one to three inches in
leno-th. They have transverse ribs or lines, something like the
leech-worm, and adhere to the bowels by one of their extremities.

A fourth kind of worm is found both in the small and large
intestines: they are round, like the teres, but slender, and about
one or two inches in length. They have been named, from
their form, the whip-worm.

The fifth and last kind of worms are named ascarides. They
are found in the large intestines; are very slender, or like
needles, and about one inch in length. Worms similar to these
have been found in the mesenteric artery, and in the wmdpipe.

The Symptoms of worms are, a rough staring harsh coat; ir-
reo-ular, or sometimes a craving appetite; and often the appearance
of a white shining substance at the anus; and when ascarides are
present there is often an itching of the anus, and a disposition to

rub the tail. ...

The latter description is, 1 think, more injurious than any
others • they are often found in immense numbers, firmly ad-
herincr to the mucous coat of the large intestines, where they
Wod^ce considerable irritation; and when they are known to be
present it is necessary to be cautious in the administration ot
powerful stimulants or strong physic with a view to their removal,
as fatal inflammation has, in many cases, been thereby produced

The Treatment most commonly adopted for the removal ot
worms is to give one or two drachms of calomel, with a dose ot
physic, or the calomel at night and a dose of physic in the
norning. Others prefer giving a drachm of calomel for three
successive nights previous to the physic. Oil of turpentine has
within a few years, been much used as a remedy for worms, and
annears to be the most powerful vermifuge we are acquamted
with I have known it, however, in one instance cause the
death of the horse, by bringing on inflammation of the stomach.
This horse, however, had taken a dose of physic the day before,
which was operating at the time the oil of turpentme was given.
In two other horses'oil of turpentine caused alarmmg symptoms
but Xy soon got well again. Mr. B. Clai-k g-^J^-
of oil of turpentine to a horse that was intended foi the dog.,
and which appeared to have worms. He says it caused con-
:irble une'a's^ the horse appearing as J-
The next morning only two or three -^'f /^^^J^^'f.^^^^^^
no other effect was observed at the end of fS md hot I n
was destroyed. Living worms, he says, ^^^^/^X^^^Jf^^"^
the large and small intestines, and the "^"^^ j;^^^^^^^
stomach was found inflamed, and in some paits bhsteied, an

WORMS.

177

appearance he never before met with. These are the only cases
that have come within my knowledge in which oil of turpentine
has done mischief ; but, on the other hand, 1 have seen, and
have been informed of a great number of cases, in which it has
proved an efficacious remedy for worms. It has been frequently
given in a dose of 4 oz. as a remedy for the flatulent colic, or
gripes; and I have known it given even in a dose of 8 oz. without
doing any injury. Its efficacy, as a vermifuge, was first com-
municated to me by a medical gentleman of Bridport, who had
given it himself, and had known it employed by some farriers in
his neighbourhood with the most striking effect. His method
was to give the horse the day before about 3 drachms of aloes,
in order to relax the bowels a little. He was kept fasting durino-
the night, and early in the morning took 4 oz. of oil of turpen-
tine in a pint of gruel. He was kept fasting for two or three
hours afterwards, and then fed sparingly with bran mashes and
warm water during the day. This previous fasting appears to
me necessary to the success of the medicines ; for, in this case,
it seems probable that some part of the turpentine is absorbed
from the empty stomach and bowels, so that the worms are
attacked both in the bowels and through the medium of the
blood. The celebrated remedy of M. Chabert for worms is
said to consist principally of empyreumatic animal oil. A mix-
ture of olive oil, tar, and oil of turpentine has been found ad-
vantageous in the rot in sheep ; a disease occasioned by worms
in the liver, named flukes.

From the experiments of Professors Tiedemann and Gmelin,
lately published, it appears probable that this mixture, which is
to be given after a night's fasting, is absorbed from the empty
stomach and bowels, and conveyed immediately to the ducts of
the liver, where it quickly destroys the flukes. It is not un-
likely, I think, that a similar mixture would be found a o-ood
vermifuge in horses. ^

[The great error in the exhibition of vermifuge medicine is
in not continuing its use for a sufficient length of time. When
we consider the vast amount of surface afforded by the intestines,
and that worms may be attached to a great portion of it, it may
readily be conceived that a few doses of medicine must com-
pletely lail in eradicating the greater portion of them. Another
error consists m not sufficiently attending to the restoration of
the coats of the intestines and the system generally to a healthy
stale ; and thus, though some worms may be removed, vet the
^^"^T ^ ^ favourable state for the production of more

Ihe following medicines have been found by the Editor ex
ceedingly useful, not only in destroying the worms, but in re-
storing the condition of the animal : —

N

178

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

White arsenic 5 to 8 gr.

Cantharides, finely powdered 6 to 10 gr.

Sulphate of iron, ditto 1 to 2 dr.

Pimento or ginger, powdered 1 dr.

Tartarised antimony 1 dr.

This powder should be mixed together, and then carefully
min<rled with a handful of bran, to which it will adhere, which
should be then mixed with a feed of corn, and given every
evening for the space of a fortnight or three weeks. A dose of
physic Inay be given after two thirds of the medicine has been
administered ; which, as soon as it sets, should be followed by the
remainder. Linseed oil is, perhaps, the best purgative m such
cases. — Ed.]

CHAP. XXXVI.

DISEASES OF THE LIVER.

This oro-an is not so often diseased in the horse as in the human
body I have, however, in examining horses after death, seen
it diseased in a considerable degree. From the comparative
simplicity of its structure, and the absence of a gall-bladder, it is
seldom affected with jaundice. The liver itself, however, is
sometimes found condensed, thickened, or hardened ; but more
frequently distended, tender, and easily broken. So tender,
or rotten, as it is commonly termed, does it become, that it
sometimes bursts, or is ruptured, and the horse dies by an
effusion of blood into the cavity of the abdomen.

TDiseases of the liver are much more frequent in the summer
than in the winter, and particularly in very hot weather. At
this season, inflammation of the liver has often been connected
wi^h the epidemic influenza, which it has rendered far more
obstinate and dangerous.

The causes of These diseases are, in addition to the predis-
pos don of the animal to have the liver affected in P^-rerence to
other parts, a redundancy of blood in the system, by which too
much blood is sent to the liver ; too nutritious feeding ; want of
Tercise ; over-exertion when the horse is in this unht state ; and
Lnrcentinuance of an unhealthy state of the excretions, and

''i\:'e£eCs'TL liver in the horse are, perhaps, more
obs^cureSose of any other part. It is here that we reqmre
in a peculiar manner the assistance of the patient t^J^.'' "^^^ '^^
natuf-e and precise seat of pain, together with othei leelings

DISEASES OF THE HVEK.

179

and symptoms, for want of knowing which the disease is sur-
rounded with difficulty and obscurity. Diseases of the liver not
only exist as primary and independent affections, but they are
still more frequently connected with other complaints, the
symptoms of which are thereby rendered more obscure, and the
cases far more dangerous. The liver is subject to inflammation
of two kinds, acute and chronic.

The symptoms of the former, at first, are mild, as well as
obscure, and some days usually transpire before any treat-
ment is put in practice. The symptoms, however, soon
afterwards become intense, the mouth feels hot, the extremities
cold, the membrane of the eyelids is highly injected, and
often appears of a deep orange colour. At first the pulse
is not so rapid as the other symptoms are severe; but it gra-
dually increases, becoming seventy or eighty in a minute, and
is often soft and vacillating. The horse refuses his food, looks
round at his sides, lies down and gets up frequently. The
respiration is somewhat disturbed; but this symptom cannot
be depended on, for sometimes it is tranquil, at others greatly
accelerated ; there is usually a tenderness evinced on pressing
the sides, particularly the right side, but care must be taken to
distinguish this from the usual flinching evinced when the skin
is pressed against the borders of the ribs. The faeces are hard,
evacuated in small quantities, frequently of a dark colour, and
sometimes covered with mucus. Occasionally they are foetid,
and sometimes there is diarrhoea. In some cases there is a
stiffness in moving, particularly of the hind quarters.

The Treatvient must not be so active as that in pneumonia,
and bleeding, in particular, must be cautious and moderate ; for
very severe bloodlettings are prejudicial in this disease. From
three to five quarts of blood may be taken, according to the
size and condition of the animal, and again when the pulse
appears to indicate its repetition. Mr, Cupiss, who has written
a very useful essay on the diseases of the liver *, recommends
the following medicine : — Aloes 1 to 2 drs., and carbonate
of potash 2 drs., dissolved in hot water, and then well agitated
with 12 ounces of castor or linseed oil; to be repeated every
twelve hours until the bowels are moderately relieved, back-
raking and clystering being likewise practised. This effect ob-
tained, he advises the following to be administered every twenty-
four hours : — carbonate of potash 3 drs., powdered resin 6 drs.,
with linseed meal sufficient to suspend the resin in warm
water. The sides and abdomen should be extensively blistered
and fresh sheepskins applied over the body. Although the plan
pursued by Mr. Cupiss is, in many respects, very judicious, it

* Abstract of the Vet. Med. Association, ^ngc,3\. Vet vol xii

N 2

180

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

may, I think, be improved by the use of calomel and opium,
which medicines will be found particularly useful in the follow-
ing disease. The doses may be one drachm to one and a half
of the former, and one to two scruples of the latter. Mr.
S. Brown, in an excellent essay on the subject, recommends,
when there are symptoms of pain, tincture of opium in moderate
doses, with an alkali and linseed oil, in order to allay the irri-
tation of the mucous coat of the bowels ; after which he ad-
ministers calomel and opium, two thirds of the former, and
one of the latter; the latter to retain the former in the system.
When purging is present, a greater quantity of opium should be
given. In the latter stages, when great debility exists, he gives
tonics and stimulants, with small doses of nitre and tartarised
antimony.

Chronic inflammation of the liver may either follow or pre-
cede an acute attack, or it may exist independent of it. The
symptoms are, — pulse somewhat quickened, loss of appetite,
hide-bound, and staring coat, and dull and dispirited appearance.
The fffices hard, and of a pale colour. The treatment must
be similar in its nature to that recommended for the acute
attack, the dose, however, being more moderate. Bleeding is to
be avoided in the majority of cases, unless, indeed, the symptoms
urgently demand it.

Mr. Cupiss observes, " In post-mortem examinations, the
liver is sometimes found to be attached to the surrounding
parts, and is generally interspersed more or less thickly with
white scirrhous patches. After acute hepatitis, I have found
the liver quite yellow, and weak in its texture."

Ml-. Cupiss describes three other aflPections of the liver,
which he terms unnatural enlargement, decayed structure, and un-
healthy secretion; and, without acknowledging the entire correct-
ness of his divisions, believing that decayed structure is very fre-
quently the consequence of an inflammatory action, yet, as his
observations are full of practical utility, we cannot do better
than quote them at length : —

" Unnatural enlargement of the liver sometimes takes place.
It is swollen to two or three times its natural size. It presents
an appearance of general congestion ; it becomes gradually filled
with a black bloody fluid. The progress of this variety of liver
disease is uncertain, generally slow, and almost invariably fatal."

The symptoms are, an enlarged and tense abdomen; the
bowels sometimes constipated, at other times relaxed ; there is
sometimes considerable thirst; the pulse is accelerated to 100 or
more, loud and thumping, and easily mistaken for a prmiary
affection of the heart.

The most effectual treatment will consist in a cautious
administration of laxatives, accompanied by diuretics and

DISEASES OF THE LIVER.

181

counter-irritants. To this tonics may succeed. In my opinion,
the ioduret of iron, in doses of half a drachm, two or three
times every day, would be preferable to any other medicine.

One post-mortem examination presented the liver about three
times its natural size, and consisting of a mass of coagulated
blood.

Decayed Structure is a variety of diseased liver particularly
deserving attention, not on account of its immediate destructive-
ness to the animal economy, but by reason of its frequent oc-
currence. It is too often the forerunner of dangerous com-
plaints of other organs, and it is a sad obstacle to their cure. In
inflammation of the lungs it often checks the practitioner in the
decisive treatment which that disease requires; for after the
animal has been copiously bled, and there is reason to hope
that he is doing well, the pulse becomes quickened, and feeble
and fluttering, the breathing is hurried, general and extreme
exhaustion ensues, and the patient dies. In the same disease,
also, a previous altered state of the liver produces violent
purging from the administration of the smallest doses of nau-
seating cathartics, and which speedily terminates in the death of
the animal.* I have attributed some obstinate cases of oph-
thalmia, and particularly some cuticular diseases, to this affection
of the liver ; for after having failed in the more useful methods
of cure, I have succeeded on turning my a.ttention to this
viscus.

This form of the disease, like the disordered liver of the
drunken man, is occasioned by a continuance of highly stimu-
lating food (only it is a solid instead of a fluid which is here the
deleterious agent) ; by irregular exercise, and a sudden transition
from a cool and healthy stable to one that is hot, close, and
foetid; hence it is that hunters and carriage horses, and almost
every Avhere waggon horses, are so subject to it.

At first there are few or very obscure indications of internal

^p1^°T-! fl^^ ^ P^°°f °f ^^^^ occurred under the observation

ot ine editor. A horse received some slight injury, for which he had a mild
P'^ys'c; no attention was called or directed to any internal disease
Ihetollowmg day the physic operated severely. The third day the animal
appeared very ill ; pulse ninety, small and weak ; extremities cold : the mem-
brane of the eyehc^ and the nostrils of a deep yellow colour ; purging bmTn
no acute pain. The fourth day the horse died J and on opening the body the
hver was found of a yellow brown colour, and its texture readily broken do wn
the windpipe and lungs showed appearances of disease, but of a more recent
character; the bowels shghtly inflamed. In this case, though the liver mus^

of flesh. The dose of physic, though mild, yet served to light up diseased
action and assist in producing a fatal result. The case serves to show umW
what deceptive appearances this disease of the liver may exist, and how elsen
Sling'.'' or suspected, to avoid purgation as well as bloodi

N 3

182

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

disease; but there is affection of tiie eyes, loss of appetite,
surfeit, hidebound, inabihty to maintain long and violent ex-
ertion, faintness and the frequent evacuation of pultaceous
faeces, in which fragments of indigested food are discoverable.
The surest indication is a yellowness about the conjunctiva and
the inner coat of the mouth and the nostrils. This is an oc-
casional attendant on the three foregoing varieties of the
disease; but there is no instance of diseased structure without
it. It is not probable that in the horse this yellowness should
arise from the absorption of any accumulated or concrete bile,
as in the human subject, on account of the direct communica-
tion between the liver and the duodenum by means of the bile
duct; and although it is possible to be caused by the enlarged
liver pressing upon the duct or the contraction of the duct
itself, yet I am more disposed to attribute it to an inability to
secrete good bile or effect a perfect separation of it from the
venous blood, or properly to dispose of that which is secreted.
A mass of imperfectly formed biliary fluid is therefore carried
along in the cii'culatory stream, and the discoloration is spread
over every part of the system. At the same time, in default of
a sufficient portion of effective bile, the food passes along, and
escapes from the intestinal canal very imperfectly digested.

The treatment of this variety of diseased liver demands much
caution. In no instance have I found a rapid cure practicable.
Experience, therefore, dictates the employment of effective but
mild alteratives. The lancet is on no account to be used.

The best alterative that I know, and which has always been,
to a greater or less degree, useful, or I may say, effective for a
time, is composed of aloes 1 to 2 drachms, calomel 1 drachm, resin
6 drachms, made into a ball with treacle or syrup. This should
be given every third or fourth day; and on each of the in-
tervening days, the patient should have sulphate of potash
3 drachms, carbonate of potash 2 drachms, and ginger 1 drachm,
with linseed meal and syrup sufficient for a ball of proper size
and consistence.

The exercise should be regular, the food good, and not less
stimulatino- than the patient has been accustomed to. Ground
corn, pollard, green food, and thick gruel, will afford a pleasant
and sufficient variety. In the course of a fortnight or three
weeks, the patient usually becomes convalescent, or, at least,
has considerably improved. Tonics may then be administered,
and the horse is apparently restored to health. All this, how-
ever, is too often delusive. From unusual exertion or irregu-
larity of feeding, or some unknown cause, the horse relapses.
The former mode of treatment will again restore him; and,
perhaps, a third time; but ultimately lie dies.

In the post-mortem examination the practitioner will at hrst

DISEASES OF THE LIVER.

183

be surprised at the absence of those morbid lesions which are
usually found at the termination of fatal affections of the ab-
dominal viscera, there being no congestion, no suppuration, no
mortification. Traces of disease are observable in the liver
alone, which has entirely lost its natural hue, and has acquired
a yellow-brown colour. Sometimes it is diminished in size, and
the vessels appear as if they had been emptied of their contents,
or become impervious. At other times the organisation of the
liver is almost destroyed, and there remains nothing but a soft
pulpy mass from which the peritoneum is easily separated.

The last variety of diseased liver which 1 have to mention
is an unhealthy secretion, generally produced by circumstances
favourable to increased action in this gland, as the heat of
summer, and also sudden cold ; by means of which the blood is
disproportionately thrown on the internal organs. The drinking
of unusual cold water at this season of the year will produce the
same effect. Another cause is the venous blood circulated
through the liver being impregnated with an excess of carbon,
in consequence of which the bile becomes an acid and irritating
substance both to the liver and the bowels.

This affection considerably resembles the English cholera of
the human subject, and is characterised by violent purging, the
evacuations being both frequent and copious, of a dark colour,
and a fetid odour. There is a continual rumbling of the in-
testines, the breathing is excessively short and hurried, the de-
bility is very great, exceeding that produced by the severest
race, the pulse 100 or more, and in the worst cases, counted
with diflSculty; the nostrils expanded, the countenance anxious,
and the extremities cold, and the body covered with a clammy
sweat.

With such excessive action as this going on in the horse, which
under no circumstances can endure excessive purgation, the first
indication of cure is to check the inordinate discharge, and to
support the constitution. 1 have been accustomed to administer
the following drink every four or six hours : starch ^ lb., port
wine 1 pint, laudanum 2 ounces. In most cases, three of these
will be sufficient to resist the purging.

Having in some measure quieted the system, I have cautiously
given oil and aloes, combined with an opiate, until the ex-
cretions assumed a more healthy character, after which I have
had recourse to the treatment recommended under the last
variety of the disease.

In the post-mortem appeai'ances there is the same absence of
any considerable lesion in the whole of the intestinal canal. The
liver is of a darker colour than in the last variety, the vessels are
less empty, a greater or less quantity of dark bile is found in the

N 4

184

DISEASES or THE HORSE.

duct and small intestines, the inner coat of wi)ich is sliffhtlv
nuslied." ^ ^

Besides the morbid affections of the liver mentioned by Mr.
Ciipiss, there is another which he has not noticed, and that is'
hepatirrhoia, or rupture of the coats of the liver and haemorrha^re
from it. ^

It generally occurs in old or middle-aged horses, and is pre-
ceded by structural disorganisation, which though existing for
some time generally escapes notice.

T l^^ symptoms, observed the late excellent and lamented Mr.
John l^ield, "vary in degree according to the profuseness or
rapidity of the haemorrhages: if the peritoneal investment re-
main entire, the effusion of blood is more gradual and in less
quantity ; but should this coat be ruptured by its great disten-
tion, or by the collision of the body against the ground, from
fainting or other causes, the bleeding being unrestrained, con-
tinues into the cavity of the belly, the most urgent symptoms
present themselves, and the horse dies, in some cases, within an
hour after the first manifestation of illness, previously exhibiting
the whole or the major part of the following : pawing, shifting of
the posture, frequent, feeble pulse, sometimes distinct, at others
scarcely distinguishable, fulness of the belly (pouting of the
nose, curling of the upper lip, sighing, sometimes very fre-
quently and deep, partial or general sweating) : succeeding to
these are great anxiety, accelerated respiration, resdessness,
tossing up the head, tottering gait, extreme debility, fainting,
death. On opening the abdomen we observe the intestines
deluged with dark venous blood, in a fluid state, the quantity
sometimes exceeding ten gallons ; the peritoneum and intestines
of a faint yellow colour or quite blanched. The liver presents
a tumid appearance; some portions of the peritoneal coat appear
opaque, and four or five times the natural thickness ; elsewhere
one or more rents in the part of the peritoneal coat, which is of
the usual tenuity, are observed, through which the extravasated
blood has escaped from the ramifications of the vena portarum.
Beneath the peritoneal membrane, on each side of the fissures,
there is generally some dark coagulated blood. The colour of
the liver is various, being either fawn, light yellow, or brown ;
its substance is exceedingly brittle, can easily be torn by the
finger, and is in some places broken down ; the weight of the
liver and extravasated coagula in some cases exceeds sixty
pounds. The hepatic duct always contains bile.

" This increased size of the liver is occasioned by the extrava-
sation of blood into the substance, and under the peritoneal coat,
not by an increase of the natural substance of the organ. If the
haemorrhage be not very profuse, the symptoms are less marked,
and occasionally doubtful ; but in most instances one or more of

DISEASES OF THE LIVER.

185

the characteristics of the complaint are present, or the obscurity
that first existed is gradually dissipated by the aggravation of
the symptoms, which generally assume the severe form in a few
days.

" Diminished appetite, swelling of the hind legs, faintness in
work, apparent fulness of abdomen, slight uneasiness, sometimes
looking back, or lying down, but without rolling, have been
the deviations from health first noticed. After this period the
pulse may be scarcely altered, but soon becomes frequent and
feeble ; the buccal and schneiderian membranes appear, at first,
of their natural colour, afterward paler, or pale yellow, lastly,
blanched. There is, -occasionally, sighing, the size of the abdo-
men increases, the tongue becomes furred and disagreeable,
the ears are clammy, the bulk of the body reduces, owing to
the absorption of the fatty parts, the horse gets weaker, the
pupil of one or both eyes gradually dilates, from the diminished
sensibility of the retina to light, until the eyes become com-
pletely amaurotic. It is a remarkable fact that, notwithstanding
the patient may rally for a time from the disease, regain his
strength and condition, and return to work, I have never seen
nor heard of a single instance of the recovery of sight ; although,
in one case, the horse worked for twelve months afterwards.
Amaurosis more commonly occurs after the second or third
attack.

" If the haemorrhage be beneath the peritoneal investment, or
in the substance of the liver, or under the peritoneum, and
ceases, the symptoms consequent upon the loss of blood dimi-
nish; and about the third day of such improvement, the pre-
viously blanched conjunctiva and buccal membranes are tinged
with a yellow colour, which gradually deepens, and, after a few
days, red vessels are seen ramifying on the bile-coloured mem-
branes, and the natural hue is soon restored. At the same time
corresponding improvement takes place in the other symptoms'
the pulse becomes fuller, and less frequent, the sighing ceases,
the size of the belly diminishes, the horse begins to feed, and lies
down ; he has, however, undergone a most extraordinary reduc-
tion m the size of his body : if fat prior to the attack, the reduc-
tion is more sudden, and manifestly greater in this than in any
other disease with which the horse is affected.

" The urine and feces during the attack remain unaltered ;
but, in the animal's approach to convalescence, the urine has
been observed, in some cases, of a deep brown, or nearly black
colour. From what has been premised, it is evident that the
existence of this disease is only known when the whole or part
of the liver is irreparably destroyed, and, therefore, but little Jan
he expected from the aid of the veterinary art, save the prevent-
ing the abuse of those depletive measures, particularly venesec-

186

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

tion, to wliich non-veterinai"y persons are so apt to have recourse
in all kinds of ailments, and by which patients of this class have
been a little sooner hurried off. Still, however, those styptic
and astringent medicaments may be employed, which are re-
garded as in some degree remedial in less severe forms of he-
morrhage ; such as the preparation of turpentine, alum, sulphu-
ric acid, and balsam of copaiba, in doses of one ounce." — Ed.]

CHAP. XXXVII.

DISEASES OF THE KIDNEYS. — INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS,
OE NEPHRITIS. H^EMATURIA, OR BLOODY URINE.

Inflammation of the Kidneys {Nephritis).

Is generally caused by riding or driving a horse immoderately,
by straining the loins, in making him draw heavy loads, or carry
heavy burdens; by exposure to cold and wet, particularly if
applied to the loins, and the employment of powerful diuretic

medicine. . ,

The sijmptoms of the disorder are, a constant desire to make
water, without being able to void any, or scarcely any ; and the
little that is discharged is dark-coloured or bloody ; occasionally
quite black. Sometimes there is considerable pain manifested,
the horse lying down and getting up frequently, as in colic, and
looking round at his flanks. On pressing the loins he evinces
considerable tenderness. The pulse is genera ly hard and fuU,
and often as many as 70 or 80 in a minute. There is great stiff-
ness of the hind parts, generally more observable in one leg than
the other. The horse often stands straddling, or wide, as it in
want to make water, and every now and then straining, or
making painful and ineffectual efforts to stale. This appearance
often leads the groom to think that it is a stoppage of watei", and
that a diuretic is necessary; but the fact is, that the dark-
coloured, or bloody urine, is so stimulating or acrimonious, that
Jhe bladder contracts violently, in order to force out the sma lest

^^t^:r^SiSL"pio.^^

the pulse shrinks under the finger, and becomes almost l^^^^^^
ceptn^le. A stimulating liniment, 77«f ^ tXet'd
oil, should be rubbed on the loins, which should then be c^^^^^^

by a fresh sheep-skin, the flesh side under, l e s"^"; ^ "^^^^^^^^
if possible, be renewed in twelve or eighteen hours. Nodunctic

DISEASES OF THE KIDNEYS.

187

medicine should be administered, either internally or externally;
therefore blisters must be avoided, as they contain cantliarides,
which medicine has considerable diuretic properties. The effect
of the sheep-skin will be to produce a most profuse perspiration,
which may occasionally be scraped off. If sheep-skins cannot
be procured, the liniment should be repeated with the addition
of half a drachm of croton oil, or a mustard poultice may be
applied to the loins.

A draught should next be given composed of 4 drachms of
aloes, and a pint of linseed oil.

The horse should be allowed plenty of thin linseed tea and
warm bran mashes, if he will eat them.

Copious injections should be frequently thrown up, both to
remove the costiveness, and to act as a fomentation.

If the urgency of the symptoms are not materially abated in
the course of six hours, the blood-letting should be repeated,
and a scruple of white hellebore, administered twice a day, with
a few drachms of gum arable.

When the horse gets better, the pain is considerably dimi-
nished, as well as the tenderness of the loins, and the urine be-
comes gradually of a lighter colour.

Care must be taken that the horse is not worked too soon,
particularly with heavy draughts or burdens. — Ed.]

Hematuria.

[Bloody urine is sometimes discharged without any appearance
of inflammation or constitutional affection ; it is then called Hce-
maturia, and often arises from sudden exertions or strains, when
perhaps some small blood vessel becomes ruptured.

The horse should be rested, bled, and physicked ; and if the
symptoms are very severe, the same treatment should be em-
ployed, as in inflammation of the kidneys. — Ed.]

It sometimes happens, however, that the urine becomes foul
and stimulating from high or unwholesome feeding. In this
case the bladder will contract upon a small quantity of urine,
and the urine may be rather high-coloured like beer, or turbid
like whey, and the horse may appear to strain a little in voiding
it ; but this is very different from those distressing symptoms
which attend inflammation of the kidneys, nor is it accompanied
with loss of appetite, or any degree of fever, which is always
present in inflammation of the kidneys. When the urine be-
comes thus stimulating, some cold mashes, with a little nitre,
may be given, or what is still belter, perhaps, some grass, vetches,
or lucerne. If the horse is at all costive, a clyster should be
thrown up. An infusion of linseed is a good drink for a horse
when the urine is in this state. There are other diseases of the

188

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

kidneys by which their functions are interrupted, at first par-
tially, and with considerable intermissions or remissions, but
after a time wholly and permanently. One of these diseases is
a gradual decay of the kidney ; another is a gradual enlarge-
ment and obliteration of its structure as a secreting organ ; and
a third is a collection of earthy matter or gravel. I have seen a
stone that was found in a horse's kidney which weighed five
ounces. Gibson relates a case of decayed kidneys in a miller's
horse, caused, as he thought, by carrying heavy burdens. "This
horse," he says, " was often subject to suppression of urine, and
though he was always relieved by timely applications, yet these
attacks became more frequent as he grew old, till the last attack,
when he continued three days without staling, or showing the
least disposition to stale. During this time he never stood wide
or straddling, as in inflammation of the kidneys, but moved his
hind legs with ease till the day before his death, when his legs
and whole body swelled, and broke out into great blotches. On
opening the body after death the left kidney was found very
large, in some places spongy, in others scirrhous, and so mangled
that nothing of its original structure appeared. Nothing re-
mained of the right kidney but a small hard substance, about
the size of a pullet's egg, almost ossified, and of no regular
shape." In examining glandered horses that have taken sub-
limate or calomel for some time, I have generally found one or
both kidneys considerably enlarged ; but instead of looking red
and inflamed, they were generally pale, flabby, and tender. All
the preparations of mercury, when continued for some time, act
powerfully as diuretics ; from which it may be inferred that an
improper use of any diuretic medicine is likely to injure the
kidneys. Calculous concretions, or gravel, are sometimes found
in the kidneys both of horses and cattle, and as long as they
remain there appear to produce but little irritation. Stones are
much more frequently found in tlie kidneys than in the bladder,
contrary to the fact in the human subject ; this is owing to the
erect position of man favouring die descent of the calculus, and
the horizontal posture of the horse tending to prevent it.

CHAP. XXXVIIL

DISEASES OF THE BLADDER.

Inflammation of the Bladder {Cystitis).

[This disease is rarely met with, although it now and then occurs
sometimes connected with other diseases, and sometmies as an

DISEASES OF THE BLADDER.

189

independent affection. It is, I think, more frequent in the
mare than the liorse, and it has been produced by injectino-
acrid substances into the bladder with a view to promote the
disposition to copulate. Some cases of this kind were related
by the late Professor Coleman. It may also be produced by
irritating medicines, such as cantharides given in the usual
way.

The stjmptoms of this disease are easily recognised. There is
considerable fever and quickness of pulse, and a great deal of
pain exhibited, the animal looking round to his quarters, and
lying down and getting up frequently. Attention is directed to
the seat of disease by the unremitting attempts at staling evinced:
no sooner do a few drops of urine enter the bladder than it is
forcibly ejected with a spasmodic effort. The organs of genera-
tion, if a mare, are exceedingly red and inflamed. This dis-
ease is more dangerous than inflammation of the kidneys, and
unless relief be obtained, death supervenes in a few days.

A post-mortem examination exhibits the mucous membrane of
the bladder intensely inflamed, and some portion of it frequently
in a state of ulceration.

The treatment consists of copious venesection, repeated in six
or eight hours if required. Backraking and the frequent ad-
ministration of injections, and mucilaginous fluids, such as linseed
tea or infusion of gum arable, should be carefully and slowly
injected into the bladder ; and it would be serviceable if a
watery infusion of opium were injected at the same time. A
drachm of powdered opium infused in half a pint of hot water
and afterwards strained, will serve for several applications. Oilv
laxatives should be given so as to relax the bowels without
purging them; and half a drachm of opium, with one drachm
ot tartarised antimony, may be given three times a day. Plenty
of hnseed tea should be given voluntarily, if possible; but if not,

folded. Warm skeep-skins should be applied to the loins.—

{^Retention of Urine
More frequently occurs as a troublesome attendant on other
diseases than as an independent affection. In those general and
complicated inflammatory diseases, understood under the terni
dull, a retention of urine is frequently present. In colic, too
there is frequently an inability to stale, notwithstanding fre^uen
efforts to do so, but this is owing to sympathy with die snasm
of the bovvels; for when the latte^ are /elieved the ho se s^ta e"
>vi thout difficulty From seeing these abortive attempts S
staling, grooms almost invariably say, in cases of colic, that
there is a stoppage in the water. Retention of urine is generaHy

190

DISEASES OF THE HOUSE.

owino- to the spasmodic action of the sphincter muscle, whose
oflSce^it is to prevent the urine from escaping. It is generally
produced by driving or riding long distances without allowing
the animal to urinate.

The symptoms are frequent, though not violent, attempts at
staling, which are ineffectual, or perhaps a few drops only may
issue from the yard. The horse does not betray the severe pain
of colic, but is rather unwilling to move, and rarely lies down.
He stretches himself out from time to time, renews the attempt,
and then returns to his former posture. On passing the hand
up the rectum we find the bladder very much distended with
urine, which assures us of the nature of the disease, which the
mere frequent attempts at staling would alone be insufficient to
decide.

Treatment. — If the patient be a mare we should, without
hesitation, evacuate the bladder by means of a flexible tube,
called a catheter. The method of doing this, however, requires
a little tact. The instrument should be introduced at the lower
part of the vulva, under the fore-finger of the right hand, which
serves as its guide. A few inches within the entrance the fold of
membrane is felt which covers the passage to the bladder ; this
membrane, being raised by the back of the fore-finger, the tube
is readily pushed onwards into the bladder.

If, however, the patient be a male, we must first endeavour to
assist nature by backraking and clystering, and perhaps foment-
ing the abdomen, and occasionally pressmg the hand on the
bladder. If, however, we do not succeed m the course of halt
an hour, and the bladder is very full, we should proceed to pass
the catheter, which is a hollow flexible tube, about a yard m
length, having a whalebone stilet within, which can be with-
drawn, as we please, from its cavity.

An opportunity should be embraced when the penis is pro-
truded from the sheath, otherwise it may be exceedingly difficult
to reach and retain it. It should be then firmly grasped with
the left hand, drawn out to its full extent, and with the right
hand the tube, well oiled, should be carefully forced up the
urethra until it enters the bladder. It may readily be felt
in its course, at the perineum, just under the anus. Having
entered the bladder, the whalebone stilet should be withdrawn,
and the urine will then flow. ■

After the operation the symptoms usually disappear, and the
animal feeds. If there is much general irritation, it is we to
bleed either before or after the operation; and if any other
symptoms appear, the case must be treated a^^^;:'^;"!'^; .^^^^
If- relief be not thus obtained, the urgency of the symptoms
will increase, and the bladder may burst, and death, ot course.

ensue.

CALCULI IN THE BLADDER.

191

Sometimes, though vei-y rarely, a hole is found in the bladder
which permits the urine to flow into the abdomen, and thus
produces fatal inflammation of the peritoneum. One case
of this kind occui-red in my practice some years since, and is
related in the Veterinarian, vol. iii. The case was complicated
with pneumonia, and the symptoms were thus rendered obscure.
The mare died on the ninth day, and, on examining the body
and opening the abdomen^ a large quantity of fluid escaped, of
a brown colour and muddy appearance. The bladder was much
diminished in size, and a large hole was perceived near its
fundus. The edges of the orifice were smooth, and it appeared
to have been occasioned by ulceration ; the coats were thickened,
but the bladder itself did not appear to be much inflamed, ex-
cept immediately round the orifice. Evei-y time the mare staled
a portion of the urine must have been discharged through the
orifice into the cavity of the abdomen.

We may suspect the existence of such lesion when we find a
frequent disposion to stale, but very little urine appearing, and
this of the usual colour, the bladder at the same time being by
no means distended. — Ed.]

Calculi in the Bladder,

Compared with the human subject, is exceedingly i-are, for many
years may elapse before a case comes under the notice of a
veterinary surgeon. From being a vegetable feeder, and having
water as his only article of drink, there is but little disposition
to produce these urinary concretions. Then, again, when
formed, from the horizontal position of the animal, they more
frequently remain in the kidneys. A few years since, on ex-
amining the body of a horse that was discharged on account of
being a bad roarer, a stone, weighing several ounces, was found
in one of the kidneys. There had not been any symptoms,
during life, to denote its presence.

There is, in the Museum of the Veterinary College, a stone,
as large as a man's hat, found in the bladder of a horse which,
during life, for some length of time, had been accustomed to
stale every ten minutes, and was known round the country by
the name of the Pissing Horse.

On analysing vesical calculi, they have nearly always been
found to contain the same component parts, principally carbonate
of lime. They are readily dissolved by acids when taken from
the body; but, although many attempts have been made to
accomplish this effect, in the living subject, by administerino-
vinegar and muriatic acid internally, and by injection, yet the
result has not been satisfactory : recourse must generally be had
to the operation of lithotomy, in order to remove a calculus from
the bladder.

192

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

There are several successful cases on record, both English and
foreign, one of the earliest having been performed and related
by La Fosse. He says, " The horse was about fourteen years
old, and was often observed to have pain and difficulty in staling,
voidino- only a small quantity, which was sometimes bloody.
Upon introducing the hand into the gut the stone was distinctly
felt ; and after a few days' preparation, by bleeding and opening
medicine, with a spare diet, the horse was placed on his back,
and an opening made in the urethra, near the anus, in the
manner I shall soon describe. Through this opening the fore-
fino-er was introduced into the bladder, while an assistant had
his^hand in the gut to press up the stone that it might be felt
by the operator, who then introduced an instrument, guided by
his fino-er, with which two incisions were made in the neck of
the bladder, one on each side. The forceps were now intro-
duced and the stone laid hold of, but it broke into small pieces,
which were all extracted, and found to weigh five ounces. No
dressing was applied to the wound, but some linseed mfusion
was injected into the bladder. The horse got up without as-
sistance, was bled three times the same day, and not allowed any
solid food. His drink was white water (bran tea) ; the bowels
were kept open by clysters. On the fourth day he was allowed
a small bran mash and some straw. This allowance was gra-
dually increased. There was scarcely any fever; the wound
suppurated, and looked healthy. During some days part ot
the urine passed through the wound, and about the 22d day
it was perfectly healed." A short time since I received a letter
from Mr. W. Mogford, some years ago my pupil and assistant,
to inform me that he had extracted a stone from a horse s
bladder, which weighed more than five ounces. He says, also,
that he is convinced that a stone of eight ounces might be
extracted by the means he adopted on this occasion ; that is,
without woiinding the neck of the bladder, as La Fosse did, and
without the aid of forceps. When the horse was brought to
Mr M. he observed a peculiar stiffness m the hmd parts, a tre-
que"nt desire to stale, and a dribbling of urine from the penis
for some time afterward. By bleeding, embrocating the loins,
emollient clysters, and rest, these symptoms d'sappeared, and
the horse was sent to grass. He soon broke out of the field
and, crossing the country, returned to a pasture m which he had
some time before been kept. This exertion cavised a return of
the above symptoms, and he was again brought to Mi. M., «ho
now passed'his hand up the fundament, in order to fee^^^^^^^
the rectum or gut, what urine tliere was in .^^^^^^^'^f^f ^^^^^
he distinctly felt a stone in it. He communicated the cncum-
stance to a surgeon, who could not believe it until he 1 ad ex-
amined the hoi^se h mself, when he also felt a stone in the bladder

CALCULI IN THE BLADDEIl. 193

very distinctly. Mr. M. now proceeded to the operation, and
having cut down upon the whalebone rod which had been
passed up through the penis, he continued the incision, by means
of a conductor and a probe-pointed bistoury, to the neck of the
bladder. Through this opening he introduced the first and
second finger of his left hand into the bladder, and with his
right hand in the rectum he forced the stone towards them, and
these means the stone was conducted to the neck of the
bladder, and by a stronger pressure forced out through the
opening that had been made in the urethra. The wound soon
healed, except a small orifice through which a little of the urine
continued to pass, but the horse had been working reo-ularlv
without feeling any inconvenience from it.

[Professor Girard, of the French school, has written an able
memoir on the subject of vesical calculi. He advises the opera-
tion to be performed with the patient, whether male or female
in a standing posture, and properly secured, and directs the
incision in the male to be made in an oblique direction « In
the female," he says, " the stone may be extracted by the dila-
tion ot the urethra by mechanical means, aided by relaxing
injections and fomentations; cystotomy is only to be resorted
to when these fail." In this case, lithotomy consists simply in
laying open the urethra along its median line and from behind
forwards : it is to be performed with a bistoury directed bv one
of the fingers of the left hand. In this manner, M. Dufils,
V S at Bourdeaux, in 1821, extracted a stone from a mare
which was lodged in part in the meatus urinarius, whereby she
who was before the subject of frequent colics, became at once
restored to ease, and speedily afterwards to health. In the
centre of the stone was found an almond, forming its nucleus.
At the .me it was shown to us, M. Dufils assumed us that it

/hi 1 "1" T^^'' P'-^^^^g tliereby that

of whtt • TTl^- P?P°^-tion of fluid, the evaporation
ot which evidently bnngs on this diminution.

Professor Sewell, a few years since, performed the operation
successfully, and thus relates it : _ opeiacion

re"J^l )hT^ '\ °^ ^S^' been hunted

rfebi'lrv 14 ^ R 'r," T '° P^^^«^ °f admission
(J^ ebiuary 14.) He had for several months evacuated very hio-h-
cobured turbid urine, often mixed with blood, expressing ™t
pam, with continued attempt to expel more {il TymZTs
were mcreased with a fall into a ditch, by which he wasTpposed
to have mjnred the kidneys, as it was followed by more frequent
evacuations, and at the conclusion by pure blood
treatment pursued, these violent symptoms were aHevi.ferl 1 ?
always returned after exertion. Aftir his admLtn I '
toms continued, but were relieved by ^eHer oT light S

194 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

The pulse was kept up by irritation to 38 per minute, the
healthy average being 32. • j ,i

« Suspecting calculus might be the cause, I exammed the
bladder, by introducing my hand and arm up the rectum, and
distinctly felt a firm, roundish substance at the neck ol the
bladder, which was empty, and firmly contracted upon it. Ihe
symptoms were rather increased ; and on a subsequent day I
renewed the examination, when the bladder was nearly lull, and
I could move the stone very readily.

" On the 26th, the animal appeared to be m a favourable st^te
for the operation of lithotomy, which was performed by securing
him upon his back, with the hind legs drawn forwards to the
shoulders. The penis being drawn out, a three f alebone
staff was introduced as far as the perineum, and the urethra
opened by an incision about three inches in length ; a grooved
sound wa^ then passed straight into the bladder, and the stone
was most distinctly felt, and heard on being struck. It was
attempted to be extricated without cuttmg open the pelvic por-
In of the urethra and neck of the bladder, being readdy
Irasped with the forceps, assisted by pressure made upon the
falculus by the left hand introduced into the rectum ; but being
too "ar'e these parts were laid open by a lateral incision made
^th ^su-o^g, c-ved, and P-be-pointed bistoury, t was then
by the same means, but with considerable fo^ce, bi ought
Gradually forward to the perineum, when it was forcibly con-
giaauany loiwciiu t extension of the external incision

tracted upon, and a tuithei extension ui l hfpmnrrhaf^e
was necessarily made to effect its removal. Ihe haemoiihage
IZ not ver' gU or alarming, but it was thought best to secure

^ I^^Uit^^f^t&r^ kind, ve^ rough of^a d.
pressed oval form, weighing nearly ^^^^^J^ Z
dist nct nucleus. Dr. Pi out, having °° f= " 1 carbonate of
analyse it, found -"P-^f^gTS"^,,: phtTm^^^^^^^^^^

''Z-4i:lt:tTJX'^' ^ opet-atio,?, became

X lie ' ^ r- II evening to the healthy

T^'rf t sa'per t^^nSr , and so '^^ until noon, the

Standard, to SJ. pei mnj" » no-inted bv numerous visiters,
following day, ^hen, being rathei agitated by l u ^^^^^ ^^^^

it rose to 38, and by night to 4a. ^ ^^^^^ i^en, and

taken from the jugular vein, a mild puigative „

'".TSX 28. -Pulse 40; in the evening, 44; bowels
'■^^fA^T* 1 1 Pulse 44; purgative and clysters repeated.

K I: Z It ^0 conti„u^ t e 3*, when

DISEASES OF THE MOUTH.

195

having been kept open by aperient doses of aloes and by clys-
ters. The urine was evacuated partly by the orifice until this
time ; but the wound is now healed, and it flows through the
whole length of the urethra without the least impediment. The
horse is exercised daily, and is fit to be discharged." — Ed.]

Diabetes

Consists- in an excessive discharge of urine, attended with
great thirst, and sometimes with a gradual loss of flesh and
great debility. The urine is sometimes limpid and transparent
like water; at others high-coloured, and of a very offensive
smell.

It is generally produced by improper provender, such as oats
that have been bleached and greatly kiln dried, by new oats and
mowburnt or new hay.

This disease has frequently appeared amongst cavalry horses
when on foreign service, and subjected to bad and rotten forage.

The following ball should be given : —

Opium from \ drachm to 1 drachm.

Catechu 2 drachms.

Sulphate of iron 2 drachms.

Ginger 1 drachm.

Gentian 2 drachms.

To be made into a ball with treacle, and given once a day for
three or four days ; then leaving off" for a day or two, and con-
tmuing as before, if necessary.

The body should be warmly clothed, and gruel made with
flour should be given to drink instead of water. A moderate
portion of beans should be given, and the oats diminished in pro-
portion, which, together with the hay, must be of the best
quality.

CHAP. XXXIX.

DISEASES OF THE MOUTH.

[In a state of nature, and with grass for the only diet the
parts concerned in mastication and deglutition would be r'arelv
if ever diseased. But when the horse is brought into the stable
and forced to subsist on hay and corn, subjected to irregularities
in feeding, and the mouth exposed to the pressure of the iron
bit, we find It subjected to various injuries and diseases, some
serious, others trivial, though inconvenient. — - Ed.]

o 2

196

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

Lampas, Bags, Ulcers in the Mouth, lacerated Tongue, Quidding,
Obstructions in the (Esophagus.

This disease consists in a swelling of the roof of the mouth,
near the front teeth, and is sometimes higher than the teeth. It
happens generally between the third and fifth year, and is sup-
posed to prevent a colt from gathering his food with ease, so that
on that account he falls off in feeding, and consequently in flesh
or condition. The usual remedy is to scoop out the part next
the teeth, with a red hot iron formed for the purpose, or sear it
with a flat piece of iron made hot. These remedies are still
generally practised, even in the army : nor is it possible, i
believe, for veterinary surgeons to prevent its bemg done. JLlie
lampas, however, is not the cause of the colt's ceasing to teed
well, and falling off in flesh, it depends upon his cutting the
grinding teeth at this time ; and if, instead of burning out the
kmpas, as they term it, they would keep him entirely on bran
mashes for about a week, he would be able to eat his hay and
corn with avidity : for the stomach, which always sympathises
with the mouth in the painful periods of dentition, is quickly
restored when the power of mastication returns. We otten tind
when the lampas is present that the membrane of the mouth,
just within the corners of the lips, is so swollen, as to get
between the grinders, thus preventing the animal from feeding
When this is the case, it is commonly called the hags or washes,
and may be removed by cutting oflP a portion with scissors.
ThisTsease is often occasioned by the bearing rem bemg too

tight, and also by gagging. „,.inHpr«;

''The teeth may be imperfect, and often are so; the gunde s
wear in a different manner from that m which tl-y -o^j j;^^^^^^
the animals in a state of nature; consequently shaip edges aie
sometimes formed on the outside of /-gl->: g-"f -f^^^^^^
the inside of the lower grinders; and the inside of the cheeks
and 1 e toncrue, with the skin or membrane connected with it,
are t ereb woinded, which prevents the horse f^-- -as icaung
tTthout considerable pain, aiid induces him to swallow^his food
rmnerfectlv chewed : this is more especially the case with hay,
S^t^n VayTswallowed in this state, it does harm being
difficult of digestion, as then its nutritive matter eas y

extracted by The gastric power: hence -^.f tio^^

lencv and numerous disorders. I have seen at the kenne tne

aw ofThoi-se, which died literally from starvation, in cons^
rence of a disease of the grinding teeth, winch appealed to
Le been brought on by feeding on co,ai.e - o^^^^

taining the stalks of ^1-^^- /ocks f ^'^ a^Xn tere at last
dealers term a quidder,'iox the muscics oi « , • , . i „f,er
so aflected, that he was incapable ot swallowing, and

DISEASES OF THE MOUTH, ETC.

197

fruitless attempts to chew his food, it was thrown out into the
manger in a ball or quid, and a great deal of imperfectly chewed
hay had been forced into the cavities, formed at the roots of
some of the grinding teeth. The remedy in these cases is to
file off the sharp edges of the teeth by means of an instrument
called the tooth-rasp, and which is made for the purpose. The
same plan should be adopted in cases where one of the molar
teeth is found much higher than the .others, — a case by no
means very unfrequent, and which causes an inability to masti-
cate the food. Mastication may be impeded or prevented by
that state of the mouth which generally attends teething : it
may also be affected by an injudicious use of the bit, as is well
known in regiments of cavalry, where it is too common.

During the time that horses are breaking, more particularly,
they are often hurt in the mouth by the pressure of the bit:
especially in that part where it bears when they are put upon
the bit, as it is termed ; that is, when their noses are reined in
towards the chest. The bit then bears on the under jaw between
the tush and the first grinder. The bone in this part being
thinly covered with gum, is often bruised and inflamed ; and
being neglected, or rather the pressure being still continued, it
becomes carious, and a troublesome sore or sinus is the conse-
quence, and occasionally a portion of the bone is deprived of
nourishment and exfoliates. This sore, in feeding, becomes
filled with masticated hay, which, being discovered, is supposed
to be the cause of the sore; and as common hay cannot be sup-
posed to be capable of such an effect, it is attributed to what the
grooms term squirrel-tail grass, that is, wild barley. This
severe bitting, though not always necessary, is the most effectual
method of subduing the temper of a stubborn horse that can be
adopted. It will more effectually cure restiveness than any
punishment that can be devised, and if properly conducted, will
make a mouth, or rather a temper, whatever the rider wishes it
to be ; for what is called softening or making the mouth is in
fact softening or making the temper. There is great danger,
however, of attempting to make the mouth at the time of ridino-,
by means of a running rein ; for if he is a stubborn or runaway
horse, there is great danger of throwing him down, and in the
most dangerous manner that can be. For, if he is determined
to run away, and the rider endeavours to prevent him by a
running rein, in drawing his nose down to his chest, he so
restrains the muscles of the shoulder that he must of necessity
pull him down topsy-turvy. Since the body being propelled by
the muscles of the hind parts, the restraint thus imposed upon

prevents their being thrown
to the extent requn-ed, and he comes down with the most dan-
gerous violence. I haye known this accident happen with

o .3

198

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

horses that have had upright shoulders and very well-formed
hind parts ; I have also known very safe horses, that have con-
tracted a habit of going with their noses poked out, become
very unsafe, and soon get broken knees by endeavouring to im-
prove their carriage by a martingale or running rein. When
this injui-y is observed in the mouth, the horse should be kept
on bran mashes, and if the bone is not injured, the sore may be
dressed with a little alum, honey, and water. Most commonly,
however, when the sore is carefully examined with a probe, the
bare bone may be distinctly felt: some openings also may some-
times be felt in the bone. In either case the diseased bone —
for when bare it is always diseased — must be exposed com-
pletely, and freely scraped with a rougine or drawing knife. It
should then be dressed daily with tincture of myrrh. When
there is reason to apprehend exfoliation, the best plan is to
hasten the separation of the bone by the application of caustic,
such as diluted muriatic acid on a little tow. After the separa-
tion of the dead bone, the part will soon get well. It may
afterwards be dressed with tincture of myrrh.

If the horse is used during the progress of the cure, a snaffle
should, if possible, be substituted for the curb.

I have known a similar ulcer form under the tongue, accom-
panied with considerable inflammation and swelling ot the
mouth, so as to prevent feeding for several days. A portion ot
the lower iaw-bone exfoliated, after which the part soon got well.

Sometimes, during dentition or teething, the ^ whole mouth
becomes inflamed and sore, and this state generally extends to
the stomach, causing loss of appetite. In such cases the ex^cre-
tory ducts of the sublingual glands being rather swollen, have
been mistaken for a disease, and cut off. The only thmg ne-
cessary in such cases is to keep the horse on bran mashes a short
time. No medicine is necessary, and bleeding is rendered un-
necessary by the loss of appetite.

In giving balls improperly, the under part of the tongue is
often lacerated, which renders feeding painful, and makes the
horse slaver and froth at the mouth.. This may be cured by a
solution of alum, which should be thrown in with a syringe.
We sometimes find the first grinder so unequally worn, as to
leave one part much longer than the rest. This often proves an
impediment to mastication, and should be s ruck ott with a
Znt chisel, and afterwards filed smooth. T us was formerly
•termed the'wolf's tooth; but the wol Ps tooth of the P -3^ ^
time, which is still foolishly supposed to be a cause of c^^h dia^^^^
or inflamed eyes, is a denticule or very small tooth, which ^orne
times appears close to the first grinder. This, of couise, does
no harm, and should therefore never be removed.

The practice of lying a horse's tongue to prevent hnn fiom lun-

DISEASES OF THE MOUTH, ETC.

199

ning away may not he frequent, but I have known it done, and the
loss of the tongue was the consequence. Three cases of this kind
I have met with : one I was told of by the person who did it,'and
who cut off the swollen part of the tongue to relieve the animal
from his intolerable sufferings, the ligature being buried in the
enormous swelling that had taken place. Two others I have
heard of, in which the tongue was literally drawn out by the
roots. I'he most common manner in which the tongue is
wounded is, by the horse hanging back when he is tied up with
a coil of the halter in his mouth and over the tongue ; or, as it
is vulgarly termed, with a chew or chaio in his mouth.* The
organs of swallowing may be injured by the practice of giving
balls, especially when they are large or hard. A morbid state
of the pharynx is thereby induced, which renders deglutition
difficult, and sometimes impossible, the lower part of the pharynx
acquiring a morbid irritability, which causes it to contract upon
the approach of the food, and return it into the nostrils, or into
the mouth, where it is often re-masticated, and at length thrown
out into the manger like a quid of tobacco, f Such horses have
been named quidders by dealers, and are considered of little or
no value : such cases are often incurable, and sometimes so
because not understood. Were the horse, in the early stage
of the disease, kept a few weeks on gruel and bran-mashes, and
then turned to grass, the muscles of deglutition would sometimes
gradually recover their lost power.

I have lately met with a case, in a mare, where both swallow-
ing and breathing were impeded by ulceration of the pharynx,
or upper part of the oesophagus or gullet, produced probably by
her having swallowed hastily some hard or sharp substance,
such as a stub of wood, or the unchewed stalk of a dock, thistle,
fern, or bramble. The pain and irritation which swallowing
occasioned caused coughing, and some of the food to be thrown
into the nostrils, and some into the larynx, where it produced a
great deal of pain and difficulty in breathing, so much so that
they were about to destroy the animal. But I afforded great
relief by making an opening in the windpipe, and passing a
surgeon's probang into the opening, and up through the larynx,
and then quickly withdrawing it. I then passed it up again,
and withdrew it a second time, in order to remove completely,

* The Editor has met with many cases in which the tongue has been
divided in this manner, and a good portion of it cut off; but though the
horSes for some time were unable to 'take their accustomed food, yet the
remaining portion of the tongue gradually accommodated itself to the mouth,
becoming flatter and flexible, and at length capable of gathering up the food
as well as before.

t Sometimes there is a partial palsy of the muscles employed in deglutition
by which the animal has been gradually starved.

o 4

200

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

or as far as could be, whatever might be lodged in the larynx.
I put two stitches in the skin over the opening in the windpipe,
an 1 did nothing more. The mare was greatly relieved, and
brought up a colt she had. "When the colt was fit for weaning,
the mare being of little value, was destroyed, and then the
ulceration in the pharynx was discovered. I saw the animal
just before she was killed, and found her breathing freely and
looking tolerably well (considering she had been kept at grass,
and on a common), and with a good udder of milk. But the
owner informed me that she appeared sometimes much dis-
tressed, and coughed a great deal, probably by some food still
getting into the larynx.

Obstructions in the (Esophagus

Are produced by pieces of carrots or turnips, or by balls given
as medicine. When can-ots or turnips are used as articles of
diet, they should be cut into thin slices ; but they are too fre-
quently chopped into junks, one of which is sometimes bolted
and sticks in the gullet. The obstruction may also be produced by
balls given as medicine. Cases of this kind ought never to occur;
for balls, when properly made and skilfully given, will pass into
the stomach with certainty and ease. Balls may also stick in
the pharynx, and then they may be drawn out with the hand.
Such cases occur more frequently than the former ; and from
not being understood, the ball generally remains until gradually
dissolved, or till it is thrown into the nostrils, where it causes
considerable inflammation, and such a discharge of matter as
has been mistaken for the glanders.

I have known balls stick in the oesophagus or gullet, and so
low down in the passage as to be out of sight and not suspected.
I have known three horses destroyed in this way. In two of
them the ball was wrapped in brown paper ; and in one the ball
was as hard as stone, and had destroyed the internal membrane
of the oesophagus. These cases prove the necessity of giving
balls when recently made, and not too hard or large. To avoid
this evil, in giving a ball we should never be satisfied until we
see it pass down the greater part of the oesophagus.

[If the obstruction lie in the throat, it may often be removed
by the hand ; but if it cannot be reached, an instrument called a
probang, consisting of a long piece of whalebone, with a handle
at one end and a ball of wood at the other, should be carefully
passed down the oesophagus, so as to force into the stomach the
obstructing body. This probang has been lately unproved by
Mr.Simonds, who has invented an instrument to extract the
object by the mouth, which, in some cases, is preferable, and
indeed the only method practicable.

ACUTE AND CHRONIC RHEUMATISM.

201

If the object cannot be removed by this method, we must then-
have recourse to the operation of oesophagotomy.

The horse's head being elevated, a careful incision is made
through the skin and the coats of the oesophagus, sufficiently
large to permit the i-emoval of the obstructing body. The skin
should afterwards be united by stitches, and the wound kept
clean. No food should be allowed for some hours afterwards,
and should be then given in a soft state. — Ed.]

Horses sometimes, when feeding on very dry oats mixed with
bran, will have their throats so irritated as to cough; in doing
which a small portion of the food, during the violent inspiration
that is made, may get into the larynx and stick in the rima or
chink of the glottis, and cause the most dreadful irritation, and
in a short time suffocation, unless the small portion of food —
perhaps a single oat, or one particle of bran — which occasions
it is removed. When this happens, an opening is to be made
in the windpipe, and a surgeon's probang passed up through the
chink and quickly withdrawn. After the operation, one stitch
should be put in the skin, and nothing more done. •

CHAP. XL.

ACUTE AND CHRONIC RHEUMATISM.

Acute Rheumatism {A Chill).

[This disease is by no means unfrequent. It appears to consist
principally of an inflammation of the muscles of the shoulder, or
of the loins and hind quarters (the former most frequently), and
sometimes complicated with severe inflammation of the chest
and its contents. Sometimes the joints are principally affected ;
and I have met with cases in which the disease has gone from
one joint to another, almost throughout the body. In a late
case that came under my notice, severe lameness affected each
leg, one after the other, until the animal could not stand;
pleurisy supervened, and the animal died after six weeks' illness.
I found, as I expected, adhesions of the pleura; water in the
heart-bag; considerable disease of the muscles, tendons, and
joints; besides which the liver was thickened and diseased, and
an abscess formed in the lungs. — Ed.]

The manner in which this disease sometimes appears to be
produced is the cause of its having been named a chill; for it
often happens, when a horse has been violently exercised, that
he is suffered to stand in a current of air to cool, or left there
through negligence or drunkenness, and sometimes until he is

202 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

scarcely able to move. But a more common method, and, un-
fortunately, one too often authorised by the inn-keeper, or
coach-master, — for theirs are the horses most commonly so
treated, — is that of plunging them into the pond ; and, not
satisfied with a short immersion, they are generally kept there
for the purpose of washing the carriage also. The apology for
this practice is, that the horses are thereby refreshed ; but the
inducement really is, I believe, that it saves trouble. The in-
jury this does is not always immediate, nor is it always percep-
tible; but one thing post- masters may rest assured of, it always
occasions some degree of muscular debility. It must not be
supposed, however, that immersion in cold water will alone do
this mischief ; on the contrary, in summer, when they have no
work, but are merely exercised, they are greatly refreshed and
benefited by it : the mischief arises in consequence of pi-evious
exhaustion by excessive exertion.

[The symptoms of this disease usually appear somewhat sud-
denly, and are, great stiffness, and inability to move ; severe
pain ; considerable fever ; quick, strong, and full pulse, 70 or
80 in a minute ; the respiration is very quick; the dung generally
hard, and covered with mucus ; but the skin and legs are warm,
and the horse prefers a standing posture, unless the joints are
severely affected. The blood, when drawn, is almost invariably
covered with a thick buffy coat.

The disease generally is not attended with a fatal termination,
however severe may be the symptoms, unless the internal viscera
are much affected, and then it is usually fatal.

The appetite is not diminished in proportion to the severity
of the other symptoms. There is in this complaint a great dis-
position to metastasis. The disease flies from one part to ano-
ther, and very frequently to the feet.

Treatment. — The horse must be bled very copiously, until,
indeed, the pulse becomes almost imperceptible ; and this should
be repeated as often as the pulse becomes hard and strong.
Back-raking and clystering must next follow, and the latter be
frequently "repeated. The following draught should then be
given : —

Aloes, dissolved in warm water 2 dr.

Linseed oil 1 P>"t.

Tartarised antimony 1 dr.

Nitre ^ dr.

Spirit of nitrous ether i oz.

^ Mix.

If the lungs appear to be inflamed, the aloes should be
omitted, and also if the dung is not hard. , u u

If the loins are at all affected, a warm sheep-skin should be

ACUTE AND CHRONIC RHEUMATISM.

203

laid on ; and this, indeed, is the best application for the shoulders
too. If it cannot be procured, a stimulating liniment should be
applied instead.

The following draught should be given every twelve hours : —

Nitre 2 dr.

Tartarised antimony 1 dr.

Camphor, ppwdei'ed 1 dr.

Spirit of nitrous ether 1 oz.

Warm water 12 oz.

If the kidneys appear to be affected, the nitre must be
omitted.

As there is great danger of fever in the feet taking place,
which may partly arise from the horse standing so constantly in
one position, this should be guarded against by removing the
shoes, and poulticing the feet.

The treatment may be continued for several days, modified,
however, according to the symptoms. If the lungs appear to be
affected, the treatment recommended for its diseases must, in
some measure, be resorted to. — Ed.]

{^Chronic Rheumatism

Is a disease of similar nature to that before mentioned ; but of
less severity, though of greater obstinacy. It affects the muscular
and tendinous fibres, the ligaments, the joints, and even the
bones themselves. It often flies from part to part, and exists
for weeks and months, and sometimes proves incurable. In
the joints it is sometimes attended with swelling, heat, and
tenderness ; and, in some cases of rheumatic lameness, there is
no swelling or other appearance to indicate its situation ; and
we can only infer that it is rheumatic by its going off after
a little exercise, and being sometimes permanently cured by a
dose of physic. Whenever lameness occurs, and, after a careful
examination and inquiry, no cause can he found for it, and it
goes off again after a little exercise, we may conclude that it is
rheumatic.

I have met with cases of rheumatism in which a mild dose of
physic has operated with great violence ; so much so, that it was
necessary to give some arrow-root gruel to restrain the purging.

The Treatment should consist of bleeding, laxatives, and stimu-
lants to the parts affected. Opium may also be given with ad-
vantage.

There is a disease, somewhat of the nature of rheumatism,
that occasionally attacks the sucking foal, and is often fatal. It
is not noticed by English writers, but has lately been described

204

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

by foreign authorities ; M. Lecoq * having written an elabo-
rate paper on the disease, and M. Delwort of Brussels de-
scribed it more briefly. The latter says, " Colts, while at the
teat, are subject to inflammation of the tissues concerned in the
formation of the joints. It is first announced by an unwilling-
ness to move, and the indication of slight pain when the articu-
lations are pressed upon. The articulations that are generally
attacked are the knees, the hocks, and the fetlocks. In propoi-
tion as the disease gains ground, the colt loses his spirits ; he
seldom goes to the udder, and he sucks with difficulty. The
articulations become more tender and painful ; the surrounding
cellular tissue is infiltrated with a serous fluid, and an oedema-
tous enlargement is formed. The disease assumes a more ag-
gravated form; the little subject can scarcely raise himself from
the ground, and he can stand but a little while. He is only
able to suck by being held up to the udder. As soon as he is
no longer able to rise, he refuses every kind of food ; he is ge-
nerally constipated, although there is sometimes diarrhoea, and
death occurs in from six to ten days.

" The principal lesions that are observed are found in the
region of the joints. The tissues are infiltrated with a yellow
serosity ; the quantity of synovia is increased, and the articula-
tions are more or less enlarged. Sometimes there are spots of
inflammation on both the small and large intestines.

" So far as our observations have extended, we have traced
its principal causes to the state of the mother; whether her
food has been of too exciting a nature, or she has been placed
in moist or ill-ventilated situations.

" The remedy consists in submitting the mare to an antiphlo-
gistic treatment, and giving gruel and straw, or but a small
portion of hay. The little patient should be placed on fresh
litter, and friction with camphorated spirits of turpentine or
ammonia applied to his limbs. If the animal cannot get up
without much difficulty or pain, it must be brought many times
in the day to the mother, and held to the teat as long as it ^ylll
suck. If these measures appear to have little effect, vesication
must be applied to the diseased parts. Costiveness must be
obviated by emollient injections. If it will not suck, or has not
learned to suck, the milk should be drawn from the mother, and
he should be plentifully supplied with it."— Ed.]

* Vet. vol. xiii.

EPIZOOTIC OR EPIDEMIC DISEASES.

205

CHAP. XLI.

EPIZOOTIC OR EPIDEMIC DISEASES.*

[From time to time, in all ages of the wovld, diseases of an
epidemic, or rather epizootic character, have appeared, and
destroyed vast numbers of horses and cattle.

It will be unnecessary to go back to times of remote an-
tiquity, although numerous are the instances that might be
adduced from classical authors of the most severe epizootics
having extensively prevailed; and in all probability, from the
absence of draining, and the marshy and unhealthy situations
of many parts of the then civilised world, these maladies were
more virulent in their nature, and more fatal in their conse-
quences, than those which have prevailed in modern times.

" In 1714," says Mr. Youatt in his Lectures, " a malignant
epidemic was imported from the Continent, and in the course of
a few months destroyed 70,000 head of cattle. In horses, the
disease was almost uniformly ushered in by inflammation of the
mucous membrane of the respiratory passage, but soon involving
other portions ; and then ensued diarrhoea, which no art could
arrest. The fever, acute at first, soon passed over, and was
succeeded by great prostration of strength. The inflammation
now spread to the cellular texture, and there was a peculiar
disposition to the formation of phlegmonous tumours; some-
times there were pustular eruptions, but oftener deep-seated
tumours, rapidly proceeding to suppuration. Connected with
this was a strong tendency to mortification; and unless the
animal was relieved by some critical flux or evacuation, malig-
nant typhus was established, and the horse speedily sunk."

Our next account refers to two epidemics related by Gibson,
one in 1732, the other two years subsequent ; the first occurring
towards the fall of the year, the second towards the spring or
summer. The former appears to have been precisely similar to
our epidemic catarrh, and attended with considerable nasal dis-
charge, and unaccompanied with danger ; whilst the latter dis-
ease was more fatal in its effects, was accompanied with a burning
fever, soreness of the skin, loss of appetite, costive bowels, and
followed by swelled legs. We recognise in the last nearly all the
symptoms of influenza, particularly as it presents itself to our
notice in warm weather. Gibson treated both these diseases by

* Epidemic literally signifies a disease attacking numbers of men • wliile
epizootic refers to cattle, and is therefore more correct in this nlace ' Thpv
are each derived from two Greek words. ' '-y

206 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

bleeding at first, and the latter with aperients also; and ho says
his treatment was successful.

We next avail ourselves of Mr. Youatt's admirable Lectures,
in quoting an account of an epidemic that prevailed on the
Continent in 1783. We scarcely know, however, whether we
are correct in styling it an epidemic, as it seems rather to have
been endemic, having been confined to particular localities, and
to have had reference to a poisonous and improper diet. Its
symptoms were low and malignant, its progress rapid, and ter-
mination usually fatal. In 1795, we find that a disease raged
in Paris and its vicinity, attended, as, indeed, almost all these
Continental epizootics appear to have been, with low typhoid
symptoms. Treatment was in general nugatory, and blood-
letting decidedly injurious; the evacuations were foetid, the
debility great, and death usually closed the scene. In 1815,
and again in 1823, we appear to have had a fatal epizootic in
this country, attended with swellings and ulcerations in various
parts, but we regret that no authentic account of these diseases
has been furnished.

We next come to the pages of the Veterinarian, and find, in
the first volume, a paper from Mr. Brown, describing the epi-
demic as it came under his notice in the early part of the year
1828. In some measure it resembled, in other respects it greatly
differed from the influenza of 1836. It was accompanied by
complicated inflammation, diarrhoea, and considerable debility.
Mr. Brown found that an antiphlogistic mode of treatment alto-
gether failed, but a tonic and supporting system proved generally

SUCCGSsful*

Mr. Gloag gives an account of an epizootic which made its
appearance m the regiment of huzzars under his care, and
proved exceedingly fatal. It does not appear to have been
influenza, but a disease of typhoid character, presentmg from
its outset the greatest debility; forbidding the slightest depletion,
but requiring a supporting system of treatment. The latter
cases proved successful ; but they were by no means attended
with such malignant symptoms as characterised the earlier ones.
In diseases presenting such analogy of typhus as this appears to
have done, it would be proper to consider it mfectious, and to
avail ourselves of the fumigating powers of nitric acid gas, which
has proved so available in fevers of the human subject. — ii^D.J

Influenza.

[For several years past a disease has most extensively prevailed
amongst horses through nearly every part of the kingdom.
Though not, perhaps, entirely a new complaint, as some nave
supposed, it is yet singular as regards its attack, sparing neitnei

INFLUENZA,

207

the young nor the old, the strong nor the feeble, regardless alike
of the season of the year or the situation of the spot in which it
might appear; sometimes appearing under a mild and hai-mless
aspect, at other times accompanied with the most severe internal
inflammations, and leaving in its train the ravages of death.
By universal consent this malady has been recognised by the
term influenza, and, perhaps, no other word can better express
its tendency to spread; though at the same time it must be
confessed that this very term is likely, from analogy, to deceive
the ignorant, and to lull many persons into a false security with
regard to the frequent seventy and danger of the complaint.
For although, perhaps, in ail cases of influenza there are certain
uniform general symptoms, yet cases can be cited where the
most essential difference prevails, both with regard to its
symptoms and the danger attending it, and thus "it is that we
find such very different ideas are entertained in the minds of
the public with regard to this disease.

This disease prevailed most extensively in 1836, throughout
all parts of the kingdom. Numerous accounts of it may be
found m the Veterinarian for that and the following year, and
the whole is embodied and analysed in a historical and critical
treatise on the disease published by the editor of this work in
1837, and whence the previous account of epizootic diseases is
abstracted.

In the autumn of last year, the influenza, which for nearly
tour years had disappeared, again made its appearance, and
proved exceedingly prevalent in various parts of the country.

J he following comprises the greater portion of an essay written
by myself, and read before the members of the Veterinary
Medical Association in London. It will serve to show the
symptoms, nature, and treatment of the disease.

" The influenza made its appearance in this locality durintr
the month of September, and has continued up to the presen^t
time. My first cases were few and isolated, but they gradually
became more numerous and more accumulative. The symptoms
were very similar to those of the epizootic of 1836, at any
disease "'"'''^'^ ""^ denominating it the same

" Symptoms — The first symptom that awakened attention was
the sudden failure of the appetite, which was either total or par-
tial ; the horse, perhaps, might have appeared perfectly well in
the morning, and at noon he refused his feed. If I was called
in at this stage, I usually found the mouth hot, and the pulse
quickened, varying, however, from 42 to 80, being sometimes
lull and strong, but more frequently soft and weak. There
wag, generally, a somewhat dull appearance of the animal at first
although nothing to what afterwards supervened ; the coat was

208

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

often staring, and when so, the attack usually became more
severe. This symptom, however, was far from being universal.
The extremities were rarely cold. In the course of six or
twelve hours, the symptoms became more aggravated, the pulse
uicreased in frequency, and the appetite more diminished, and
probably the legs and eyelids were considerably swollen. In
some cases the respiration became quickened, and in others
there was cough and sore throat, but in the majority of my
patients there was no bronchial affection whatever.

" In a few instances, the disease quickly reached its acme, but,
generally, the symptoms increased in severity for two or three
days, when, supposing judicious treatment had been employed,
they gradually declined, and at length totally disappeared, the
animal slowly regaining his former health and spirits.

" The bowels, generally speaking, were not apparently much
deranged, but their mucous coat was particularly susceptible to
the action of aperient medicines; and the faeces were frequently
enveloped in thin slimy mucus, and often softer than in a state
of health.

" In some cases the affection of the eyes was so violent as to
occasion temporary blindness; and in others pneumonia was pre-
sent, but more frequently severe bronchitis. In many patients
the oedematous swelling of the legs was enormous, and continued
obstinate when the other symptoms had abated ; but, commonly,
in proportion as the legs and eyes were much affected, the in-
ternal viscera were free from disease, and vice versa. This rule,
however, was by no means universal, for in several patients
severe cephalic and thoracic symptoms were present in the same
subject, and at the same time.

" When an animal had been previously suffering from some
ch ronic disease, such as broken wind or hepatized lungs, the
influenza was nearly sure to light up afresh the embers of the
former fire, and this local disease generally proved troublesome
and obstinate. So, likewise, when, from the idiosyncrasy of the
animal, an organ was in a weak and susceptible state, inflamma-
tion in that part was quickly excited by the general fever pre-
sent in the system.

" The only cases that I have lost were two, with previously dis-
eased lungs. One was an extremely old broken-winded pony
that sunk rapidly in the course of two or three days, apparently
more from the weakness induced by old age and broken wind
than from the amount of new disease, which was by no means
great. The other case exhibited, during life, very obscure
symptoms, which were in some measure explained by the most
complicated inflammatory appearances after death. The lungs,
the windpipe, the pleura, the pericardium, and the heart itself,
as well as the liver, exhibited the ravages of the most intense

INFLUENZA. 209

inflammation, approaching to gangrene. The hmgs, as far as
could be judged, appeared to have been antecedently disor-
ganised. This animal lived about fifteen days. In the earlier
stage the pulse was strong and full, and he was bled largely,
more so than any of my other patients.

" Treatment. — Whenever the pulse was full and strong, I ab-
stracted blood, and always, I imagine, with the best effect. In
such instances I observed the blood slow in coagulating, and
invariably presenting a buffy coat. I took great care, howevei-,
not to abstract too large a quantity; and I found I could produce
the desired influence by half the quantity which, in ordinary in-
flammatory affections, it would be necessary to take away. The
amount of blood withdrawn was always determined by its effect
on the pulse, taking care, as soon as its character was materially
altered, and becoming softer and less perceptible, to pin up the
orifice. This alteration was sometimes produced by the loss of
4 lbs. of blood, oftener by 6 lbs., occasionally by 8 lbs., and in a
few instances by 10 lbs. In two or three cases where there ap-
peared to be severe internal inflammation, I repeated the blood-
letting on the following day, and in one case in the same day ;
but, as a general rule, even in cases where the pulse had on the
followmg day regained its strength and fulness, I abstained
from a second bleeding, trusting to medicine and the proo-re^s
of the disease to soften the pulse, which I found to take place
commonly on the second or third day.

" I had recourse to local venesection still more frequently than
to general bleeding; indeed, whenever the eyes were much in-
flamed, or the lids swollen, I scarified the latter with a lancet,
and opened the angular veins, which course of procedure I found
attended with the best results; for the local inflammation gene-
rally subsided in the course of twelve or twenty-four hours
whether I had bled generally before or not. '

« On referring to about fifty cases, I find that in twenty-three
1 employed general bleeding, in the remainder I did not ; but in
twenty-five cases I bled locally, either from the eyelids and veins,
or the bars of the mouth. The majority of these were cases in
which 1 had not bled previously, and the minority belono-ed to
tliose in which I had before employed venesection. More than
one half of the horses that were bled generally were from the
same stable, principally young cart horses that liad been recently
purchased, and afterwards worked very hard. They had also
been allowed a considerable quantity of beans, a diet to which
they had not previously been accustomed.

" Among these horses I found my severest cases often compli-
cated with pneumonia, bronchitis, and other visceral deranee
ment. In them, too, the blood presented a thick buflycoat, and
the pulse was strong and full. ^

210

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

" My usual treatment in the way of medicines consisted in ad-

ministering the following : —

Croton oil 5 drops.

Nitre 4 to 6 dr.

Tartariscd antimony , 1 dr.

Spirit of niti'ous ether 4 to 8 dr.

Spirit of mindererus 2 to 4 oz.

Warm water sufficient to form a draught.

" Sometimes 4 drachms of bi-tartrate of potash were added to
the above ; and when the head appeared much affected, 1 drachm
of camphor. This draught was administered generally once,
but sometimes twice a day, the croton oil being omitted after
the first dose. After the first day, in by far the greater number
of cases, 2 drachms of gentian wei*e added to the draught; and
after the second or third day a ball was substituted for the

draught, consisting of —

Nitre 3 dr.

Tartarised antimony 1 dr.

Gentian 2 dr.

Pimento 1 dr.

" In one case the above draught produced profuse perspiration
immediately after, and each time it was administered. Although
this effect may be principally ascribed to the idiosyncrasy of the
animal, yet it proves the diaphoretic properties of the medicine,
although this may not generally be distinctly perceptible.

" Counter Irritation. — In by far the greater number of cases
there was no inflammation of the air passages; but whenever it
was denoted, I blistered the throat, the course of the windpipe,
and the breast, or inserted setons or rowels, as the particular
case appeared to demand.

" Such is a brief, but I trust a succinct account, of the treat-
ment I have found successful, not only in conquering the dis-
ease, but in restoring the health and strength in a short space
of time. Although the majority of cases were not dangerous,
yet many of them were so ; and it is notoriously the fact, that a
o-reat number of horses have died from the disease in various
places. Indeed, in the establishment to which I have referred,
three horses died from it under the care of another person, not
a member of the College ; and in several instances where horses
have been treated by the owners, although the case was not
dangerous, they recovered but slowly, and with great loss of
condition.

« General Remarks.— I have found in the present epidemic
a greater disposition to cEdematous swelling of the extremities
and sheath than in that of 1836 ; and so obstinate, occasionally,
were these enlargements, that they were reduced with much

INFLUENZA.

211

difficulty, and only after the frequent and continued employ-
ment of diuretics, and the insertion of setons in the thighs.
There likewise appeared to be throughout the attack a capa-
bility of taking large and repeated doses of diuretic agents with-
out exciting the kidneys in any great degree. At least double
the quantity could be given, and with no greater action than
half the quantity in a state of health.

" In one place where I attended, the prevailing epizootic was
raging amongst sheep, and at another place amongst cattle;
but the owners required no professional assistance, as they in-
formed me they readily cured the affection, both of the feet and
the mouth, by the application of salt and tar. Are these dis-
eases to be attributed to the same cause as that producino-
influenza in horses ? And is it not probable that the influenza
will appear amongst mankind during the approaching winter
or spring, as it succeeded the disease in horses in the year
1836 ? * ^

" As I find at this, the eleventh hour, that it is impossible to
be personally present when this paper is submitted to the con-
sideration of the members of the Association, I think that I can-
not do better than atone for my absence by instituting a few
questions naturally springing out of the foregoing account; not,
however, with the expectation of being enabled satisfactorily to
solve theni, but in order to provoke profitable discussion, and
afford, as it were, some useful pegs which may serve the purpose
of suspending many valuable facts and observations on. For
my part, 1 shall be contented to act as the humble pioneer,
leaving to you the mightier task of clearing away all impedino-
doubts and difficulties.

" 1st. To what cause must we attribute the influenza ?

„ On this point I must refer to the theory of your esteemed
patron. I can go so far with him as to believe that, in common
with the epizootic amongst cattle, it is derived from some pecu-
liar atmospheric poison, the nature and the source of which I
do not profess to know. I am not inclined to consider that it
can be assigned to the influence or fluctuation of the weather,
although 1 believe that these changes will considerably modify
the symptoms; for it is a fact worthy of especial attention, that
the disease made its appearance, and continued to prevail, in
this neighbourhood, during the prevalence of remarkably fine
and genial weather.

" 2dly. Is the blood the seat of the disease ?

" In my opinion, certainly not ; for 1 have found it in two very
opposite conditions, — one slow in coagulating, and presentinf>- a
thick and firm bufFy coat; the other dark-coloured, quick In

• *. This supposition was verified by the appearance of the human infiuenz-i
in the following spring.

p 2

212

DISEASES OF THE HOUSE.

coagulating, and with no bulFy surface. The former appearance
I have invariably found connected with a strong and full pulse,
the latter attended by a weak soft pulse ; but quick in botli in-
stances. Under the last-mentioned circumstances, I bled in very
few instances, and then only in small quantities; but I have no
doubt the appearance of the blood would have been the same in
every case in which I abstained from general bleeding. The
appearance of the blood, and the state of the pulse, are, pro-
bably, rather to be attributed to the idiosynci'asy of the patient,
and the diet to which he had been accustomed, than to the effect
of the disease. I coincide with your president's opinion, that
the state of the blood ought to have little or no influence over
our ti'eatment of disease; but I cannot go so far as to discard
it altogether from consideration. I must confess that I almost
always examine its appearance after venesection, which, however,
can be ascertained as well in a few minutes as in as many
hours ; and in an inflammatory disease I am always pleased to
find a buffy coat, for it assures me that, at any rate, my patient
can endure bloodletting. In a case in which I may be in
doubt as to the propriety of repeating the withdrawal of blood —
being, perhaps, influenced, pro and con, by equally w^eighty rea-
sons— I should incline to the performance of the act if the
blood, at the previous abstraction, had presented a fibrous coat.
This, however, is a digression for which I must apologise, and
return to another query.

" 3dly. Where, then, is the seat of the disease ? or in what does
it consist ?

" Surely not in the presence of any symptoms that, however
frequent, are yet in some cases wanting. And it is a curious
fact, respecting the quick pulse, the tumefaction of the extremi-
ties and the eyelids, the loss of appetite, the affection of the
throat or the lungs, that however frequent these appearances may
be, yet there are some instances in which one or more of them
are absent. The only symptoms universally present are fever
and prostration of strength. We must, therefore, regard it as a
fever sui generis, in which the mucous membranes are consider-
ably affected, and the nervous system greatly deranged. It will
run its course. There is no knocking it down. All that we
can do is to regulate its progress, to moderate its fury, and to
assist Nature in her own operations. We may, indeed, conquer
by a siege, but not by an assault.

" 4thly. Is bleeding desirable in this complaint?

« On this question I do not expect your members to fight over
again the well-contested battles of 1836-7 ; but it will, perhaps,
be interesting again to canvass the opinions of many of tliose
who then fought in the foremost ranks, and to ascertam wlietlier
any, and if any, what alteration, has taken place m then- opnnons

INFLUENZA.

213

from ruminating over the cud of reflection during four years.
My own opinion is shown by my practice. I cannot say that it
has undergone any change, or, if tiiere be any, it shghtly leans
towards the side (without, however, entering the ranks) of the
opponents of venesection. I take it for granted that the chief
art in treating the disease is to know when to bleed, and when
to abstain; being guided in this matter chiefly by the state of
the pulse. Where, however, I have not bled generally, I have
witnessed the very best effects from local bleeding. It has, in a
few hours, relieved the tumefaction of the eyelids, and the
heaviness of the head, to a great extent. One thing is most
clear, — we can produce a very great effect on the system by
moderate bleeding;.

" 5th]y. Is aperient medicine judicious ?

" This, too, is an old disputed point. I am myself in favour
of a very moderate dose at the commencement, but against its
repetition. I have most commonly administered five drops of
croton oil, which has generally produced a sufficiently laxative
effect. The addition of a few drops more I have known pro-
duce purgation. I am inclined to believe that a very moderate
action on the intestines will hasten the recovery of the patient.

" I have been required to attend several cases of superpurga-
tion from the administration of full doses of physic in this dis-
ease by empirical practitioners.

" In one instance 1 was called to see an animal which one of
these savans had previously visited, and for which he had im-
mediately put in practice the whole list of his remedies —a mild
dose of physic, a rowel in the brisket, a blister on the throat
(there was no affection of the air passages), and he was iust goino-
to take away six quarts of blood ; but this the employer would
not permit until he had consulted me. I attended a few hours
afterwards, and, from the pulse, I deemed it prudent to abstract
about fave or six pounds of blood, which proved bufly. The
next morning I found the pulse much softer, and not increased
in quickness, the fever less, and the general symptoms more
favourable; but, notwithstanding this, the man had been there
before me, and, finding the physic had not yet operated, he
rrlloir ^"°^her dose, and to take away six quarts more
of blood. The owner fortunately declined his further assistance,
or he would certainly have destroyed the horse ; for, as it was
m the succeeding night severe purgation ensued, anticipating
wfiich 1 had left some medicine to counteract it. The anne"
tite which a few hours previously had been improved, was now
totally gone, and the animal appeared in the greatest debility
His recovery was, in consequence, very much protracted. ^'

*'6thly. Is the injluenza infectious?

" This question will admit of no absolute demonstration We

p 3

214

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

must content ourselves with reasoning on the facts that may
come before us, and be satisfied with approaching the con-
fines of probabihty. After a few scattered cases, I was called to
attend a pony at some hvery stables. A few days afterwards I
had another, and, in all, nine cases in these mews. At this time
the)'e were no other cases in the neighbourhood of these stables,
but six weeks afterwards I attended a case at another mews not
more than 100 yards distant from the former, and here I had,
one after another, five cases.

" In the establishment where I had the greatest number of
cases, there was a young horse that indicated the approach of
strangles. He was removed to the hospital stable, in which
were several horses with influenza. He remained there eight or
ten days, getting on pretty well, when he suddenly showed the
symptoms of influenza, in addition to those he had before, and
his pulse rapidly rose from 46 to 80. This certainly looks like
infection. On the whole, I am disposed to regard the disease
as infectious, believing, at the same time, that the greater num-
ber of cases are produced from the same unknown atmospheric
cause."

There are several other useful communications on the sub-
ject of influenza in the Veterinarian, together with an interesting
debate. — Ed.]

CHAP. XLII.

GLANDERS AND FARCY.

Glanders.

This is a contagious disorder, and one that is generally thought
incui'able.

[Its symptoms are a discharge of matter from one or
both nostrils, and enlargement of one or both submaxillary
o-lands. When one nostril is affected only, the corresponding
gland is almost invariably found enlarged. The membrane of
tlie nostril, called the Schneiderian membrane, is generally of a
i)ale or leaden hue ; and sometimes ulcerations are visible on its
surftice. The discharge usually sticks to the nostrils, and is
sometimes white and thick, but oftener of a greyish aspect.
The late Professor Coleman divided the disease into two kmds,
which he termed the acute and the chronic; the former being
cases in which ulcers were visible, and the latter in which none
could be seen. This definition, however, though sometimes
correct, is too arbitrary for general admittance; for there are

GLANDERS AND FARCY.

215

cases of acute glanders occurring without any ulcers being within
sight. It is still, however, convenient to observe the terms acute
and chronic, to denote different varieties of the disease. A dis-
charge from the nostrils, and the appearance of ulceration, is not
alone sufficient to establish the presence of the disease ; for these
ulcei*ations are sometimes produced by the acrid nature of the
discharge from catarrh. If the discharge is accompanied, from
the first, by an offensive smell, the probability is that the case is
not glanders, but ozena. — Ed.]

The great number of horses that have been destroyed by
glanders, especially in the army, and in establishments where
great numbers of horses are kept, has excited particular at-
tention to. the subject, especially in France and Italy, where
many attempts were made, in the beginning of the last
century, to discover a remedy for it. The I'eader may form
some idea of the extent of such losses, when informed that
large innkeepers have been nearly ruined by them. I had
occasion to condemn eight horses at one time, in one esta-
blishment, which, added to those already lost, amounted in value
to 500/. In one regiment, 50 glandered horses were shot in one
day. The 23d French dragoons, when quartered in Italy, in
March, 1809, had 76 horses at one time affected with glanders
and .farcy, or suspected of being so affected. Lafosse, an emi-
nent French veterinarian, considered it as a local disease, and
thought he had discovered a successful mode of treating it, which
consisted in perforating the bones which cover the frontal and
nasal sinuses, and injecting through the openings astringent and
other liquids. After this opinion had been published, some
English farriers made trial of it, and by others detergent lotions
were poured into the nostrils ; the nose being drawn up for the
purpose by means of a pulley. Attempts were also made to
cure it by arsenical fumigations, and by burning out the swollen
glands under the jaws, or sloughing them out by caustics. The
various preparations of mercury, copper, iron, and arsenic, have
likewise been tried, and after all, the general opinion is that the
glanders is incurable.

From the circumstance of horses having sometimes escaped
the disorder, though they have been standi ng in the same stall
or stable, or drinking out of the same bucket or trough with a
glandered horse, many have been led to doubt its being con-
tagious ; and the little care that some large proprietors have
taken to prevent the spreading of the disorder, in consequence
of such opinions having been held, has been the cause of very
serious losses ; many instances of which have come within my
personal knowledge. That the glanders is contagious has been
clearly and indisputably proved by numerous experiments ; and
the manner in which it is propagated has likewise been satis-

1' 4

216

DISEASES OF THE HOUSE.

factorily demonstrated. At the same time, it is generally be-
lieved that the glanders takes place also independent of con-
tagion ; but from what causes or circumstances it is then pro-
duced, no author has attempted to state precisely.

It has been said, in a general way, that close unwholesome
stables, hard work, and bad provender, sudden changes from
cold and wet weather to hot close stables, hard work°and in-
sufficient keep, and, in short, any thing that will weaken the
animal considerably, is likely to produce glanders or farcy.

There will be no danger in admitting this opinion if, at the
same time, we keep in view the contagious nature of the dis-
order, in whatever manner it may be produced. For if such
cruel and foolish treatment of horses does not produce glanders
and farcy, it produces other disorders which are often more
speedily fatal than glanders ; and if it does not actually produce
a disorder, it weakens the constitution to such a degree that the
animal is rendered more susceptible of the contagion of glan-
ders, as well as of other diseases. It is from this cause that
glanders spreads so rapidly among post and stage coach horses,
while among horses of a different description, its progress is
generally slow. Mr. Russel, of Exetei-, had, for many years,
some glandered teams of horses constantly working from Ply-
mouth to Exeter. But they were worked with moderation, well
fed, and taken great care of. I attended these teams for several
years ; the horses generally looked well, and in excellent con-
dition. Many of them lasted four or five years ; some fell off
after a few months. As they dropped off, the teams were re-
inforced by horses that happened to become glandered on an-
other line of road belonging to the same proprietor, or by
horses free from glanders that did not suit other teams, or were
not supposed good enough for them. Such horses would some-
times escape the contagion, at others they would become glan-
dered in a few weeks.

After some time, the person who had the care of the teams
from which these reinforcements used to be drawn, became con-
vinced, by experiments, of the contagious nature of glanders,
and therefoi'e diligently employed every precaution that could
be thought of to prevent the disorder from occurring. In con-
sequence of this, and the great care that was taken on the line
of road where the glandered horses were worked, the number
gradually diminished; and the last time I heard, there was not
one left. About the same time, I attended the horses of Messrs.
Sweet and Co., common carriers, of Exeter, who had also a
team of glandered horses. Here the work was harder, and
somewhat irregular. The feeding did not appear to be so care-
fully attended to, nor was the general management of those
horses in any respect so good as that of Mr. lUissel's. In con-

GLANDERS AND TARCY.

217

sequence of this, the horses did not last so long, and much loss
was sustained, so much so, that the two concerns afforded a
striking proof of the truth of a former observation, that it is de-
cidedly the interest of all horse proprietors to work those useful
animals with moderation, and feed them properly.

It has been said that glanders has often been produced in the
cavalry by putting the horses, immediately after coming from
camp, where they are constantly exposed to the weather, into
warm stables, and giving them the full allowance of oats. This,
it is true, has often brought on inflammatory disorders, which
were very destructive, and sometimes of the catarrhal kind : in
which case, they were accompanied with a discharge from the
nostrils. The acrimony of the matter would sometimes even
ulcerate the nostrils, and the disease would then be considered as
a decided case of glanders. I have known the distemper, or
epidemic catarrh, produce this effect.

In the distemper that prevailed in the summer of 1799,
several horses in the Scotch Greys were said to have become
glandered from the violence of the distemper, and were accord-
ingly destroyed. Such cases may have been of a different
nature from glanders, though resembling the disease in one
symptom, which is generally considered decisive of its being so,
that is, in the ulceration within the nostrils. ^

[Later researches have fully proved that glanders may be
produced, not only by contagion and the causes before enu-
merated, but also by catarrh, either in its common or epidemic
forms, by strangles, and by inflammation of the lungs. In such
cases these diseases are said to degenerate into glanders. In the
last three cases that came under my attention, one was preceded
by strangles, another by bronchitis, and the third by catarrh.
That form of the disease called bastard strangles, in which the
glandular swelling does not suppurate kindly, but becomes hard
and scn-rhous, is very apt to degenerate into glanders. — Ed.]

In 1784, a law was enacted by the French government to
prevent any one from keeping a glandered horse, under a
penalty of 500 livres. Every animal suspected of glanders had
the words « suspected animal " impressed in green wax, on his
forehead ; and the penalty for selling such an animal, or offerino-
him for sale, was 500 livres. ^

Persons having suspected animals were to report the same
immediately to tlie mayor, syndics of villages, or other proper
authorities, under a penalty of 500 livres. Such horses were
then inspected by experienced veterinarians, or other competent
judges, appointed by the mayor or other officer, and if found
glandered were destroyed. If only suspicious, or suspected
they were marked in the forehead as before described. At the
same time, a pamphlet on the glanders was published by order

218

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

of the government, drawn up by two eminent veterinarians, viz.,
MM. Chabert and Huzard, This pamphlet, which was repub-
lished in the fifth year of the French Revolution, viz. 1797,
contained instructions for the veterinary surgeons employed
to examine suspected horses, pointing out the steps they were to
take with regard to the constituted authorities, and the pro-
prietors of such horses.

Glanders has been divided into two stages, the acute and the
chronic, or the first and second stage. The acute glanders is
generally attended with acute farcy, such as chancrous ulceration
about the lips, face, or neck, with considerable and painful
swellings on different parts, some of the swelling appearing as a
corded vein. Ulceration and swelling of the hind leg or sheath,
or testicles, and sometimes of the fore leg, with corded veins,
and farcy buds on the inside of the limb. The acute glanders
often spreads rapidly, and either destroys the animal, or renders
him such a pitiable and hopeless object, that the proprietor is
generally induced to have him knocked on the head.

Chronic glanders is generally very mild in the first stage of
the disorder, and does not affect the appetite, or the general
health and appearance of the animal. Such horses, when pro-
perly fed and taken care of, and worked with moderation, will
often continue in regular work for several years.

I have been in the habit of attending several teams of glandered
horses since I left the army, and have known them last four or
five years. Sometimes, however, they would go off in a few
months ; and whenever a glandered horse fell off much, and
became unequal to his work, he was destroyed. Many glandered
horses have been known to get rid of the disorder while workmg
in these teams ; and sound horses that have been put in occa-
sionally to fill up the teams, especially old horses, have escaped
the disorder. It is this circumstance, as I have before stated,
that has led many to believe that the glanders is not contagious.

The second stage of glanders is marked by ulceration within
the nostrils, or an appearance in the matter which indicates
ulceration, though sometimes too high up to be seen. I he
matter is in larger quantity, more glutinous, stickmg about the
mar<nn of the nostril and upper lips, and sometimes obstructnig
the passage of air, so that the horse makes a snufflmg noise m
breathin<T. The matter is sometimes streaked with blood ; and the
liorse sometimes bleeds from the nostrils in workmg. When this
happens in the first stage of the disorder, however early it may
he, it indicates the approach of the second stage. The matter
be^vins to have an offensive smell, which it scarcely ever has ui
the first stage, though an offensive smell is by many supposed
to be a decisive mark of glanders. In the second stage, he
matter generally runs from both nostrils ; the glands under the

GLANDERS AND FAUCY.

219

jaw become Larger, harder, and fixed more closely to the jaw
bone. They are also generally more tender than in the first
stage ; the inner corners of the eyes are mattery. The horse
loses flesh and strength, stales more than usual, coughs, and at
length dies in a miserable condition, generally farcied as well as
glandered.* In the pamphlet before noticed, by Chabert and

* Although the disease is here divided into the first and second stage, it is
not essential that in each case the former should precede the latter, for some-
tunes the acute only is present, and the horse speedily dies if not destroyed.
In other instances, the acute stage may be succeeded by the sub-acute. It
may, however, be observed that the first stage never ends in death, but always
m the second stage, before the disease proves fatal. Besides these stages,
glanders sometimes assume a still more insidious appearance, in which the'
discharge is so slight, and the enlarged gland so trivial, as not only to deceive
the Ignorant, but often to mislead the well-instructed practitioner. The dis-
charge is thin, and appears no more than a slight increase of the natural
discharge, and the sub-maxillary swelling is no larger than a bean, tlioucrh
hard and indurated. Such cases as these have proved of irreparable injury
to many horse proprietors, from the symptoms not being sufficiently urgent as
to excite alarm ; and when a veterinary surgeon has given his opinion that
such case was one of glanders, there have not been wanting plenty of farriers
and others who have altogether contemned such an opinion, and for a time
at least, have exulted over their own superior sagacity, Mr. James Turner
relates a striking instance of this, in which his advice was disregarded and a
horse, with these insidious appearances, was aUowed to mix with other horses
to several of which he communicated the disease in the course of a fow
months. Several instances of a similar nature have occurred in my own
practice. One m which, after attending a horse with a suspicious gleet, I
pronounced him glandered; and to be still more certain, inoculated a donkey
with the matter, which communicated the disease in a few days. By some
underhand means the donkey was smuggled away contrary to the wishes of
he owner, and destroyed without affording me the opportunity of examining
the body-. The horse was shortly afterwards sold for 5/, and then a neigh-

ZZ'IIaT' i- u .'•"■^ ^^\''^' according to the report which he
circulated he accomplished in a few weeks, stating that the horse had never
been glandered. Shortly aftervvards the horse was sold by the owner, a low
dealer (rather too low for the shafts of the law to affect him), for 20/. He was

ZZ J\ ^""T' i° ^''T communicated the disease, and I was

requested, some months afterwards, to give a certificate as to th; state the

months of the other in which the symptoms were not so strongly marked
and therefore more insidious A young carriage horse belongiiig^o a noble!
man now deceased, was ,11 with a severe catarrh in the early part of ISsS and
was for some time under the care of a veterinary surgeon of Bath. He Zt
considerab y better, but the discharge from the noslril continued. A fIvJ
months afterwards the establishment coming, according to cus om into my
neighbourhood, I saw the horse, and recommended that he should bv" n
means, be separated from the other horses, which was accordingly done^n
he W.-1S placed under my care. The symptoms, at this time, wa-e a father
considerable discharge of white healthy looking matter from the near nos -il
and cniargcmen of the corresponding submaxillary gland, whk fdrh ' i
and was about the size of an egg; no ulceration could be pcixc^^cd and t c
animal looked in other respects healthy and well Thn hm-^o 1! i .
having recently cost 70/. ^he treatme.i; wat pu.tueJ 'fortve J we^'f. ,^
consisted of blisters and setons to the throat and glands ami vp.rpfo ir-Tn i •
ral tonics internally. Under this treatment tl.c'llrrS pirn^Snbly^bcU;;"

220

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

Hazard, they divide the disease into three stages or degrees.
" In the first there is a discharge from one nostril only, of a
whitish humour, which is inconsiderable, except when the horse
has been exercised for some time. There is an inci-eased red-
ness of the membrane within the nostrils! The swelling of the
glands under the jaw is on the same side as the affected nostril.
There is a healthy appearance of the horse's coat, and he seems
in good health and condition. The urine is crude and trans-
parent.

" The symptoms of glanders arising from communication with
a glandered horse are different from those of glanders produced
by bad provender, excessive exertion, &c. In the former the dis-
charge is from one nostril only, or much more from one than
from the other ; and there is no cough or other symptom of
catarrh or cold, or any other disorder. In the latter, on the
contrary, there is cough, either dry or moist ; and it is preceded
by loss of appetite, or falHng off in appetite, and depression of
spirits.

" The symptoms of the second degree are the altered appear-
ance of the running from the nose, which has become more glu-
tinous, and adheres to the edges of the nostril with a contraction
and partial closing of the nostril, an increased tenderness of the
swelling under the jaw, which begins to adhere more closely to
the jaw-bone. In the third degree, the running from the nose
becomes of a darker colour, sometimes streaked with blood, and
of an offensive smell. There is sometimes a bleeding from the
nostrih The running is from both nostrils. There is a slight
tumefaction of the under eyelid, a swelling, or elevation of the
bones of the nose or forehead. Loss of appetite, debiHty, cough,
and swelling of the legs and sheath, or testicles, if a stallion ; also
lameness without any apparent cause. Chancres or ulceration
within the nostrils, great tenderness of the glands under the jaw,
which now stick close to the bone. A small discharge of matter

the swelling very much diminished, as well as the nasal discharge. After five
or six weeks, however, I felt no hesitation in pronouncing the case to be one
of glanders, but that I had no doubt the symptoms might still be amended.
Soon after this the owner made a present of the horse to a relative (with all
his faults), and I heard nothing more of the case for two months, when I was
told that the horse was entirely well, and a neighbouring farrier (whose only
treatment of the case I afterwards found consisted in applying a blister to the
gland) industriously reported that he had cured the disease that had baffled
ine, but that it was never one of glanders. The owner, not quite satisfied
with the case, consulted Mr. Field, and by his desire the horse was sent to
town by railroad. The discharge from the nostrils was very slight, but suifi-
cient to enable Mr. Field to inoculate with it a donkey, which shortly after-
wards became glandered. The horse was now ordered to be destroyed, and
being examined by Mr. Field, the evidence of the disease was decisive, and the
lungs were found in a tuberculated state. — Ed.

GLANDERS AND FARCY.

221

from the inner corner of the eye on the same side as the affected
nostril, or in both eyes, when the running is from both nostrils.
When these symptoms appear the disease soon proceeds to a fatal
termination. I'he above symptoms are not all peculiar to
glanders, but may take place also in strangles, bastard strangles,
peripneumony, distemper (morfondure) and pleurisy. The dis-
charge of a glutinous matter from the nose, the swelling of the
glands under the jaw, and the ulceration within the nostrils are
symptoms which occur in the above diseases as well as in glanders,
but with this essential difference. In the latter, the three
symptoms just noticed generally occur about the same time,
which is not the case in glanders; and are, in the first instance,
acute and inflammatory, and such as to excite apprehension of
immediate danger. They go through their course in a short
time, the running from the nose gradually diminishes, the blood
is depurated, and a perfect recovery takes place. Glanders, on
the contrary, is extremely slow in its progress : the first degree
often continuing a considerable time ; and it is only towards the
end of the second degree, or the beginning of the third, that
the symptoms appear to indicate an alteration, or disease of the
jnternal organs. This slow progress of glanders, and especially
its continuing for some time without any apparent injury to the
animal's health and condition, the state and progress of the
swelling under the jaws, and the ulceration within the nostril,
furnish such clear marks of distinction between those diseases
and glanders, that they cannot well be mistaken for each
other."

It is a remarkable circumstance that glanders cannot be com-
municated by applying the matter which is discharged from the
nose of a glandered horse to the nostrils of a sound horse, unless
there be an open wound or sore, even though a piece of lint
soaked in the matter be put up the nostrils, and kept in contact
with the pituitary membrane for a short time ; or even if the
matter be thrown up the nostrils with a syringe. But, if the
smallest quantity of matter be applied in the way of inocula-
tion, either to the membrane of the nostrils, or to any part of
the body, a glanderous ulcer will be produced, from which farcy
buds and corded lymphatics will proceed. After a few weeks
the poison will get into the circulation, and the horse will be
completely glandered. The circumstance of glanders not being
communicated by applying matter to the nostril, enables us to
account for a horse escaping the disorder, as he sometimes does
after being put into a glandered stable, or standing by the side
of a glandered horse. I believe, however, that glanders is fre-
quently communicated by (accidental) inoculation; and that
there is only one other way in which it can be communicated
that is, by swallowing the matter which flows from the nose of -\

222

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

glandered liorse. M. St. Bel, the first professoi" of our Veteri-
nary College, mixed some glanderous matter with flour, and
formed it into balls. These balls were given daily to three
horses for one week. The youngest of the horses became glan-
dered in about a month ; the others were not affected till some
time after.* Glanders cannot be communicated through the air
by effluvia issuing from the glandered hoi'se, in the way that
putrid fever is communicated ; for I have kept a horse badly
glandered in a stable with other horses, but with such a separa-
tion as would effectually prevent the sound horses from swallow-
ing or touching any of the matter : yet they were living in the
same air, there being a free communication with respect to any
effluvia there may have been between the sound and the glandei-ed
horses. This trial was continued for some time, and several
horses were at different times placed in this situation. Glander-
ous matter has been rubbed on a sore place, or ulcer, that had a
healthy appearance in a sound horse: it altered the appearance
of the sore for a time ; but, after a few days, the healing process
went on again, and the sore soon got well. From this it appears
that, to communicate the glanders, the matter must be applied
to a scratch or wound fresh made, and not to a sore on which
matter has formed. A sound horse has been inoculated with
glanderous matter that had been mixed with ten times its weight
of water. This produced some degree of inflammation, and a
small ulcer of a suspicious appearance ; but after two or three
days, it got quite well. This shows that glanderous matter may
be so far weakened by dilution with water, saliva, or the watery
secretion from the lower part of a glandered horse's nostrils,
when he has the disease in a very slight degree only, as to ren-
der it incapable of communicating the disease. On the other
hand, when a large opening is made in the skin of a sound horse,
and a piece of tow or lint, soaked in glanderous matter, put into
it, in the manner that rowels are inserted, the disorder is com-
municated in so violent a degree that the animal is generally
destroyed by it in a few days. The same effect is produced
when glanderous mattei-, mixed with a little warm water, is in-
jected into the jugular vein of a sound horse.

A horse affected with glanders may inoculate himself, and
thereby produce the farcy. I have known this happen to a horse
while at grass. The horse had an itching in his hind leg, which
Jed him to rub and bite the part, and, at the same time, rub on
it the glanderous matter which flowed from his nostril. The
possibility of this circumstance taking place may be easily proved
by inoculating a glandered horse, in any part of his body, with
some of his own matter. There are many ways in which a

* It is said this experiment has been repeated, but not with the same
result.

GLANDERS AND FARCY.

223

sound horse may be accidentally inoculated with the matter of
glanders, for the slightest scratch in any part of the body is
sufficient. Horses that are cleaned with a curry comb are very
liable to be scratched in those parts where the bones are pro-
minent, such as the inside of the hock and knee, the shank bones
and the head. To such scratches glanderous matter may be
applied by the hands of the groom after he has been examining
the nose of a glandered horse, or wiping off the matter from his
nostrils ; or by the horse himself transferring glanderous matter
from the nose of a diseased horse, or from the manger, or other
part where any matter has been deposited, for horses are very
fond of rubbing their noses against the manger or stall, and a
glandered horse will generally try to rub off the matter from his
nose against the manger, the rack, the stall, or against another
horse ; and, if a sound horse happened to stand by one that is
glandered, they will often be seen nabbing or gently biting each
other, or rubbing noses. In short, having proved that glanders
is thus communicated, we can conceive a variety of ways in which
a horse may be accidentally inoculated. When a horse has been
twitched, he generally rubs his nose and lips with considerable
force against the manger, and may thus easily inoculate himself
with a glandered splinter. Now, the parts where the local farcy
first appears are those most likely to be accidentally inoculated,
that is, the inside of the hocks and knees, the shanks, the lips,
the under jaw, where grooms are often trimming off the long
hair with sharp-pointed scissors, or singeing them with a candle,
and often causing an itching, which makes the horse rub the
part against the manger. In this way the heels also are often
wounded. Horses that are too higlily fed and little worked are
liable to itching humours, which make them nab or bite their
skin, and scratch the hind leg with the opposite foot; and we
may often see them bite, rub with the nose, and scratch with the
hind foot, alternately, the other leg.

If we take all the foregoing circumstances into consideration,
and recollect that in M. St. Bel's experiment a month elapsed
before the first horse became glandered, and that, from nu-
merous experiments and observations made with regard to acci-
dental and intentional inoculation with glanderous matter, some
dfiys will elapse before any ulcer or chancre is produced, a week
or two before farcy buds or corded lymphatics appear, and,
probably, a month or two before the running from the nostril
comes on (except when an ass is the subject of experiment),
— if we reflect upon all these circumstances, there will be no
difficulty, I think, in admitting the following positions, or
rather inferences or conclusions, with respect to glandei-s, viz.
that glanders is a contagious disorder, which is communicated
by inoculation, and by swallowing the matter, and not by effluvia

224

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

proceeding- from a glandered horse, or a stable in which a
glandei-ecf horse is, or has been kept; secondly, that the degree
in which the glanders takes place depends on two circumstances,
chiefly on the quantity of matter applied, and next, upon the
state or health of the animal that receives it. This_ is more
strictly the case with regard to glanderous inoculation, it having
been proved that by introducing a considerable quantity of mat-
ter, the horse is speedily destroyed. The same rule will pro-
bably be found to hold good, in a certain degree, when
glanderous matter is swallowed ; but the horse's stomach pos-
sesses a wonderful power of resisting the impression of poisonous
matter, as has be enproved by the large doses of arsenic, corro-
sive sublimate, sugar of lead, &c., that have at different times
been given, by way of experiment, to glandered horses. A
horse, therefore, may possibly swallow one large dose of glan-
derous matter without being injured by it, while a ^^Pf 1^'°" «
smaller doses will readily produce the disorder. M. St. Bel
gave it daily for a week ; and the same method has been pur-
sued in other experiments.

I am inclined to believe that the disorder is more readily caught
bveatin"- the glanderous matter mixed with oats or hay, than by
drinking it with water, as in the former case it is so intimately
mixed with the food by mastication. M. St. Bel placed two
sound horses by a glandered horse, drinking out of the same
pail and eating out of the same manger. One of the sound
horses was six years old, and just taken from grass; the other
nine years old, and taken from regular work. The first showed
evident signs of glanders at the expiration of thirty-four days;
it fully declared itself in the second at the end of six weeks.
Two horses in good health, the one seven, the other eleven,
years old, both just taken from work, were placed by ahorse
Oiat had he glanders. The former caught the disease in fifty-
two days, the other in three months. A horse thirteen years
oTd, yery lean, was made to drink the same water out of the.
same pail with a horse that had the glanders and contmued so
to do tor two months : he did not catch the disorder. A horse
n^ne years old, in tolerable condition, was placed by a horse tlia
had the g and^rs in the last stage of the disorder: he caught it
at the end of forty-three days. M. St. Bel's tnals by inoculation
were amended Jh a different result, which 1 am at a loss to

horses with glanderous matter, and they f^»Pf ' ,

this experiment was repeated on various horses of all ages,

GLANDERS AND FARCY.

225

"without producing any effect. It was also performed on an ox,
a sheep, and a dog, without impairing in the least the health of
these animals. 1 have known a horse, fifteen years old, stand
by the side of a glandered horse, constantly feeding, drinking,
and woi-king with him for many months, without catching the
disorder; and I had occasion to inoculate another old horse
several times before I could produce the disease, and at last it
was about three months before the glanders took place in him.
In younger horses, and especially in asses, the disease is pro-
duced with great certainty by inoculation. In doubtful cases,
that is, when there is much difficulty in determining whether
the discharge from a horse's nostril is glanderous or not, and
such cases often occur, I have for some time made use of a
young ass, which costs only a few shillings, in order to decide
the point beyond all possibility of mistake. If the matter is
really glanderous, a peculiar kind of sore or chancre will be
produced by inoculating the young ass with it in any part of the
body. From this ulcer, corded lymphatics or veins, as they are
termed, will proceed, and farcy buds or small tumours will take
place. After a week or two the animal will begin to run at the
nose ; and then, in a short time, he will be completely glandered.
The disease in this animal is almost always quickly fatal. If the
matter is not glanderous, no effect whatever will be produced by
it. In the army, and in establishments where many horses are
kept, this will be found a valuable test for determining with
certainty the nature of a discharge from the nostril. However
mild the glanders may be, though no kind of ulceration can be
seen within the nostril, and the quantity of matter discharged is
but small, and the animal in good health and condition, the ass
will be as certainly infected by the matter as if the disease were
in the last stage, or in the most virulent degree.

The following is the method of performing the inoculation : —
Cut off a little hair from the side of the neck or any other part
of the body, for about the space of half-a-crown ; then take a
lancet and pass it under the cuticle or scarf-skin, for about a
quarter of an inch: it should not wound the skin much, but be
sufhciently deep to tinge the lancet with blood, or make one or
two drops of blood- appear. The matter may be introduced into
this openmg (first wiping off the blood) by means of a thin slip
of wood, of the form of a lancet. If the matter is glanderous,
the part will become sore in two or three days, and a scab will
form on it, which in a few days will be thrown off, leaving a
peculiar kind of ulcer, which will often spread rapidly, causino-
a painful swelling of the adjacent parts, with corded lymphatics
and farcy buds. In about a fortnight, sometimes less, the
glanders will appear. No other matter will produce this eflect.
There is only one kind of matter, besides that of glanders',

Q

226

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

Avliich, according to my experience, will produce any effect, and
that is the matter of virulent or chronic grease ; when the dis-
charge from the heels is of a dark colour, something like dirty
kennel-water, and of a peculiarly offensive smell. (See Grease.)
When a horse is inoculated widi this matter, a small but very
painful tumour will arise in the part. After a few days the
skin covering the tumour will become of a dark colour, and in a
few days more the dark-coloured skin will slough off, and leave
a healthy granulating sore, which will soon get well of its own
accord. A horse who had been thus inoculated, was inoculated
also with glanderous matter ; and it is worthy of remark, that
while the grease sore was going on, the glanderous inoculation
had no effect.

2\e Nature of Glanders. — [There is still much difference of
opinion as to the real nature of glanders. Professor Coleman
considered that it was a specific inflammation of the membrane
of the nostrils, produced by a poison in the blood, and on trans-
fusing the blood of a glandered horse into the veins of an ass,
it quickly communicated the disease, clearly proving that the
blood was affected. Mr. Dupuy, who has written ah elaborate
treatise on the disease, considers it to be of a tuberculous nature,
and that it is always preceded by tubercles in the lungs, that
is, small white grey bodies, which are principally composed of
carbonate of lime, but which, in time, are converted into pus.
These tubercles were, likewise, he asserts, found on the nasal
membrane. He considers that they may exist for several years
before the developement of glanders, and that ere this they
increase in number and coalesce, and at length are changed
into pus and occasion ulcei's both in the lungs and the nasal
membrane.

Professor Sewell in some measure coincides with these views,
and has found that on inoculating a healthy donkey with
glanderous matter, it has produced tubercles in the lungs in a
very short space of time.

These views are deserving of great weight, but we cannot
altogether coincide with them; for, although perhaps in the
majority of cases tubercles are found in the lungs of glandered
horses, yet there are other instances in which there are none to
be found there or elsewhere. The particular seat of glanders
is certainly the membrane lining the nostrils and chambers of
the head, although in a great number of cases the lungs are
likewise involved. We cannot say whether in all cases the con-
stitution is affected, or whether in some instances the disease is
entirely local ; but in the subject chosen by Professor Coleman
for experiment, it was clearly proved that the blood was infected.
There is evidently a much greater predisposition in some horses
to receive the disease, either from infection or otherwise.

GLANDERS AND FARCY.

227

Plorses with narrow chests, long legs, and light carcasses, are
more liable to take the disease than others ; and some consider
that colour has something to do with the matter. Some years
since, during my pupillage at the Veterinary College, having to
read a paper on glanders to the Veterinary Society, I examined
the record of cases kept there for many years, and I found that
the number of chesnut glandered horses was greater than of any
other colour.

Next to that of curing this disease, it is desirable to be able to
decide in difficult and obscure cases as to its actual presence; and
on this matter the opinion of veterinary surgeons is frequently de-
manded. Grooms and farriers more frequently give a wrong
than a right opinion, imagining when the symptoms are very
mild, that the disease cannot be glanders, and often pronouncing
a horse to be glandered when he has only the strangles or
catarrh. The first mistake, however, is the most frequent.

In examining a suspected case, if we find a discharge of
matter from one nostril, and a portion of it sticking to the
entrance with a hard and fixed enlargement of the submaxillary
gland, although the enlargement may be slight, and the dis-
charge inconsiderable, yet, if these symptoms have existed for
two or three months or upwards, we may safely decide the case
to be one of glanders, even if there be no ulceration within
sight. When these symptoms exist, but there is no means of
ascertaining the history of the case, we may justly consider
that the probability is in favour of its being one of glan-
ders ; and this opinion will be greatly strengthened if there
are any mysterious or suspicious circumstances connected with
it, such as the horse having been sold at a very low rate. If,
however, we cannot trace the history of the case, and the animal
is of any value, it will be desirable either to keep it for some
weeks, or otherwise to inoculate an ass with the suspected
matter.

If both nostrils are affected, and the symptoms are but slight,
the case is not so decided as if one only is affected.

If there be a cough, and the other symptoms are slight, the
chances are, that it is not a case of glanders, for although coutrh
is sometimes present in glanders, yet it denotes some pulmonary
affection, m which case the symptoms of glanders are usually
severe. The absence of a cough, therefore, and the presence of
the other symptoms, is very suspicious. The existence of ulcers
m the nostrils, together with a discharge, is not alone suflScient
proofs of glanders being present, for these symptoms are some-
times produced by catarrh, the previous existence of which it is
desirable to ascertain. If the discharge from the nose be very
offensive when it first appears, the probability is, that it is not a
case of glanders, although ulcers may be seen. These symptoms

Q 2 ^ ^

DISEASES OF THE HOUSE.

are called ozena, and are sometimes produced by the influenza
borne time since, I met with a case of this sort; it was preceded
by swelhngs of the extremities. There was considerable ulcer-
ation in botli nostrils, together with a discharge so horribly
offensive, that it could be discovered thirty yards off. The horse
was young and valuable, and being separated from other horses
he was submitted to treatment which consisted of vegetable and
mineral tonics internally, and the nostrils were daily injected
with a weak solution of chloride of lime.

The diet was liberal, and the horse was worked moderately
by himself in the course of a month, and about six weeks after-
wards the symptoms disappeared, and he has been regularly at
work for the last two years.

By an attention to tliese rules, assisted by experience, the
veterinary surgeon will generally be enabled to decide correctly
as to the presence of glanders, and the owner himself to form a
pretty shrewd opinion respecting it. — Ed,]

According to MM. Chabert and Huzard, the following
morbid appearances are observable on opening glandered horses :
— 1st. " Tumours are generally found on the lungs, such as
hydatids, tubercles, and obstructions. The bronchial glands
are enlarged, and sometimes contain matter, and this sometimes
is the only morbid appearance observable in the lungs. The
membrane which lines the windpipe and its branches is often
inflamed and ulcerated, and the latter are often filled with
matter similar to that discharged by the nostrils. The internal
surface of the bones, which form the nose and the cartilaginous
partition between the nostrils, are often carious and covered
with matter. The spleen, the liver, and the kidneys, are often
diseased, sometimes in a considerable degree. When these last
organs are injured, it may be known by the pus discharged with
the urine. 2d. On opening the skull, the brain is found softer
and more flaccid than in the healthy horse, and there is gene-
rally more or less water in the ventricles. The plexus choroides
appears gorged, the crystalline humour of the eye dull, and
without consistence, or, as if it were decomposed. It is not to
be supposed that all these morbid appearances will be found in
the same horse, or that they are all necessary to enable us to
declare that the horse was glandered ; it is sufficient if some of
them are found, provided the external symptoms during the
horse's life were such as we liave before described as charac-
teristic of glanders." *

As I have demonstrated the manner in which glanders is

* In some cases, when horses are destroj'cd on account of chronic glanders
in a mild form, the post viortcm appearances are very slight ; a paleness or
leaden liuc of tlie nasal membrane, with very diminutive specks of ulceration,
are all that can be discovered. — Ed.

GLANDERS AND FARCY.

229

communicated, it is needless to say any thing of the mode of
prevention, except briefly observing, that it can be accomplished
only by preventing any glanderous matter from coming near a
horse, or mixing with his food or water ; and that the only
method of purifying an infected stable, is to remove every thing
on which glanderous matter may have fallen, and to wash and
scrape the fixtures, such as the rack and manger, thoroughly.
I have, in a former edition, advised a fumigation with the gas
which arises from a mixture of common salt, manganese, and oil
of vitriol, because I have found that glanderous matter which
has been exposed to this gas is rendered quite innocent, though
an ass be inoculated with it; and I have directed the stable to.
be first thoroughly cleansed, because, if any dry hard glan-
derous matter should remain, the water employed in cleansing
the stable will have moistened it, and thereby enable the
fumigation to mix with it, and destroy its poisonous quality.

[Some persons fancy that it is necessary to pull down and
remove the racks and mangers of a glandered stable. This,
however, is altogether unnecessary. The following plan will be
found at once effectual, convenient, and economical : — Let the
whole of the stable, or at least every part to which the diseased
animals could possibly have had access, be washed with a solu-
tion of chloride of lime, and the following day well scrubbed
with soap and water, and as soon as it is dry again, washed with
the chloride of lime. In a few days afterwards, it may be used
without any danger. — Ed.]

Treatment. — 1 have already observed that a glandered horse
has, in several instances, been known to get entirely free from
the disorder while employed in moderate work, and carefully
fed and attended, without taking any medicine : I have also
seen the disorder cured by mercury, and have known instances
of farcy being so cured. The general opinion, both of English
and French veterinarians, is, that glanders is incurable, and
that farcy is curable. According to my experience, there is
seldom any difficulty in curing farcy, when it is a local disorder,
merely by local applications ; but such cures are generally fol-
lowed by glanders, there being often a considerable interval
(from a few weeks to a few months) between the disappearance
of farcy and the appearance of glanders. Before any attempt
is made to cure a glandered horse, with a view to publishino- Uie
case if it prove successful, it would be right to make it appear
satisfactorily that the horse is really glandered. This rule has
been seldom attended to ; for, in general, when such cures have
been published, or talked of, it has been merely asserted that
the horse had the glanders. Now, it is well known that there
are diseases which resemble glanders, and that the most ex-
perienced practitioners are sometimes unable to give a decisive

Q 3

230

DISEASES OF THE HOUSE.

opinion upon such cases. A blow on the nose, for example,
may injure the bones, and cause a running from one nostril, and
a swelling of the kernels under the jaw, for years, which will
exactly resemble glanders, except in not being contagious, or
fatal in its termination. The cure of glanders, however, cannot
be accomplished without great care, and considerable expense ;
and rarely, I believe, except in its first stage, or mild form.
The expense of the cure does not depend so much on the value
of the medicine employed, as the length of time that is neces-
sary ; therefore, unless the horse is of considerable value, in
good condition, and glandered only in a mild degree, it is not
worth while to attempt the cure. It should also be recollected,
during the treatment, that as long as there is any discharge
from the nostril, there is danger of his communicating the disease
to other horses. Corrosive sublimate and calomel have been
found to have considerable power in correcting the glanderous
poison; but they weaken the animal so much, that most fre-
quently they accelerate the progress of the disease. I now
recommend the mildest preparations of mercury, such as
Ethiop's mineral, or quicksilver rubbed down with chalk, or
honey and liquorice powder. In the last case of mild glanders
I was consulted about, I advised small doses of Ethiop's mineral
to be given daily for some time, and a seton to be passed through
the swelling under the jaw. The seton, however, was omitted,
but the Ethiop's mineral elfected a perfect cure. Dr. Malouin,
a French physician of the last century, first employed Ethiop's
mineral as a remedy for glanders, and, it was said, with con-
siderable success. Since that time, however, this preparation
seems to have lost its reputation, not only as a remedy for
glanders, but for every other disorder. I have found it, on
many occasions, a valuable alterative, especially when mixed
"with an equal quantity oi finely levigated antimony. I'he dose
of Ethiop's mineral is half an ounce, once or twice a day,
according to circumstances. A horse readily eats it in his corn.
During the whole of the treatment, the horse should be regu-
larly exercised and cleaned, and be fed with the best hay and a
moderate quantity of oats. The medicine should be continued
until the constitution appears to be affected by it ; that is, until
the mouth becomes sore, the appetite diminished, the bowels
loosened, or until the disorder is subdued. The nose of the
glandered horse should be kept clean by sponging it now and
then, and the rack and manger should be kept as clean as
possible. The stable should be kept clean, and properly venti-
lated. The only objection to working a glandered horse mo-
derately, is the danger there may be of bis infecting others,
through the carelessness of the person who has the care of him.
A little work rather contributes to health and cheerfulness; and

GLANDERS AND FAllCY.

231

it should never be forgotten, that by making a horse comfortable
and cheerful, we improve the digestive functions, and thereby
strengthen the constitution.

The infected horses that gradually got well without medicine,
in Mr. Russel's glandered teams, owed their recovery, I have
no doubt, in great measure to the comfortable state they were
kept in, being taken great cax'e of, having always the best food
and good stables, and being always with their companions, and
in moderate but regular work.

[Professor Seweli has for some years been in the habit of
giving the sulphate of copper, in large doses of four and six
drachms, which being administered in the form of a draught,
and with plenty of linseed meal, is not found to produce that
erosion of the stomach which the same dose given as a ball
would occasion. This medicine is doubtless a powerful tonic,
and thus assists the constitution of the animal in throwing ofF
the disease ; but Mr. Seweli, I believe, considers that it has in
addition some specific action on the malady. In addition to
this Mr. Seweli frequently inserts setons over the face. By
this treatment cures have unquestionably been effected, and
Mr. Seweli used for many years a mare that he had cured of
glanders. These successful cases, however, are exceedingly few,
compared with the number submitted to treatment.

Mr. Vines, in a work published some years since on glanders,
recommends powdered cantharides in doses of four to twelve
grains, together with gentian and ginger, one to three drachms
each, and caraway seeds one to two drachms. A ball thus com-
posed he has administered daily to glandered horses, and in
some cases with success. Other practitioners likewise testify to
the valuable tonic properties of this medicine thus administered,
and in numerous instances I have seen its good effects.

Mr. Storry relates several instances of glandered horses cured
by him by fumigating the nostrils with carbonic acid gas, assisted
by tonic medicine.

Creasote has been used with success in fflandei's of the human
subject as a topical application to the ulcers, and it has in a few
instances been tried on the horse with good effect. I have,
myself, in a case of glanders, entirely stopped the nasal dis-
charge and healed the ulcers by its use.

The combination of iodine and sulphate of copper, which
readily unite by adding a little proof spirit, has been recom-
mended by Mr. Norton, and administered with excellent effect
in doses of two drachms daily.

To sum up the best system of treatment to be adopted in this
disease, it should fir^t be repeated that there are* but few cases
in which the symptoms are sufficiently mild, and the horse of
sufficient value, to justify the expense incurred in^keeping and

Q 4

232

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

treating the animal except by way of experiment ; and we must,
therefore, narrowly examme the horse previous to our attempts
It the pulse is increased, though only eight or ten beats in a
minute, the lungs are probably alFected, and it is better to de-
stroy the animal. So. likewise if the animal has been affected
lor several years, although the symptoms may still be mild,
feliould, however, the case be comparatively recent, and the
appearances favourable, we should then administer daily the
tonic recommended by Mr.Sewell, or that advised by Mr. Vines-
or what, perhaps, is still better, to give one for several days!
and then to try the other, or the iodide of copper in doses of
one or two drachms daily. If there are any ulcerations within
sight, a solution of creasote should be syringed up the nostrils
daily ; and if there are none visible, it may be well to try the
effect of fumigating the nostrils with carbonic acid gas ; and
It creasote could be applied in this form it would still be better.

An ointment of hydriodate of potash should be rubbed on the
enlarged glands; and if the symptoms should disappear with
the exception of the indurated gland, it would be advisable to
excise It, as it generally contains glanderous matter, which may
fresh inoculate the system.

The above, I take it, forms an epitome of the most judicious
treatment to be employed in glanders.— Ed.]

Farcy.

[This disease is similar in its nature to the glanders, though
attacking a diffei-ent part. It has been proved by numerous
instances that the matter of glanders will produce the farcy, and
that of farcy occasion glanders. But whilst the peculiar seat of
glanders is the membrane of the nostrils, that of farcy is the
lymphatics or absorbent vessels.

Farcy sometimes commences with an apparently trivial sore,
which often escapes notice. Soon after which there appears a
small tumour called a farcy bud, but which is at first hard, but soon
becomes soft, and contains, indeed, the infectious virus, which,
however, resembles common pus or matter in appearance. Be-
tween these buds there are generally hard corded swellings,
which are, indeed, the diseased lymphatics; and the buds are
considered to occur at the situation of the valves of these
vessels.

Farcy may at first be either local or constitutional, but it
rarely remains local long. The poison is soon absorbed from
the buds, and the constitution is impregnated. The most
frequent seat of farcy, at first, is the inside of one of the hind
legs and thighs; next to this, the inside of the fore legs, or the
neck and the lips ; wherever, indeed, the skin is thinnest.

GLANDERS AND FARCY.

233

The buds are sometimes small, about the size of a shilling, at
other times as large as a half crown. The disease, at first, is
usually confined to one leg ; but as it progresses, the buds appear
in various parts of the body, and as they approach the head and
throat, the symptoms of glanders appear, and the animal soon
sinks, if not destroyed. There is often a considerable dropsical
enlargement of the leg affected in farcy ; and sometimes a pecu-
liar noise is heard when the animal walks, as if the joint-bones
slipped in and out of their sockets. These appearances, par-
ticularly the latter, are very unfavourable, and the horse rarely
recovers when it is present. The causes of farcy are similar to
to those of glanders, being produced either by contagion or other-
wise, although it may be justly considered that it is much less
frequently occasioned by contagion than glanders. When a
number of horses are worked hard, fed on poor or unwholesome
provender, exposed to wet and cold, or closely confined in an
impure atmosphere, — when either the whole or part of these
causes are present, farcy will very probably be engendered.
Mr. Coleman used to relate in his lectures, that in the expedi-
tion to Quiberon, the horses had not been long on board of the
transports before it became necessary to shut down the hatch-
ways ; the consequence of this was, that the horses were almost
suffocated with heat, and that almost all of them disem-
barked either glandered or farcied. When farcy thus breaks
out in an establishment, its symptoms are generally very severe,
and its course rapid. At other times its progress is slower, but
it never continues for years, like chronic glanders.

The Treatment must be very similar m its nature to that
recommended for glanders, but with a much greater probability
of success. The system must be supported by a generous
(though not too stimulating) diet, and the vegetable and mineral
tonics administered as in glanders; but if the sulphate of copper
be employed, two or three drachms will be a sufficiently strong
dose. Carrots or green food will form a useful addition to the
diet. The buds should be opened with a lancet, and when the
matter is evacuated a caustic should be applied to the ulcers.
The lunar caustic will form a useful application, but other
caustics may be employed. An ointment composed of hydrio-
date of potash 2 drachms, lard or palm oil 2 ounces, mercurial
ointment 2 ounces*, should be rubbed daily in the course of the
enlarged lymphatics. The horse should be exercised daily, and
properly groomed, and the above treatnient continued until all
symptoms of farcy entirely disappear. It must be confessed
that the most favourable symptoms often prove delusive; for
often when the disease appears to be conquered, it. will break

* A better form for this ointment will be found in the Materia Mcdica in
which the mercury and the iodine are chemically combined. — Ed. '

234

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

out again and again, and sometimes the morbid poison has
lurked insidiously for many months in the system, and fatal
farcy or glanders has again appeared. The probability of
eradicatmg the disease will depend on the circumstance as to
whether it be local or constitutional; and if constitutional, on
how far the system is affected. — Ed.]

CHAP. XLIII.

ANASARCA. SWELLED LEGS. WEED. — CHAPPED HEELS.

GREASE BURSAUTEE.

Anasarca in the horse is of two kinds; one depending on
general debility, and the other on a high degree of inflamma-
tion. The former most commonly occurs in old horses, when
turned out into poor pasture, particularly in cold marshy
situations. It is known by considerable swellings of the belly,
chest, and hind legs, attended with great debility ; of this they
generally die, unless relieved by a strong diuretic, sudorific, and
cordial; these are combined in the celebrated old drench of
Mai-kham, which has cured a great number of horses of this
disorder, and is considered in the low country, about Glas-
tonbury and Wedmoor, where this disease is prevalent, an
invaluable medicine. It consists of a decoction of wormwood
in a gallon of ale, which is boiled down to two quarts and
skimmed. In this I oz. of Castile soap is to be dissolved, and
then there is to be stirred in 6 drachms of grains of paradise,
powdered, and the same quantity of long pepper. The whole
of this mixture is to be given at once, fasting. The horse is to
be clothed, and rode about until he sweats and stales profusely,
which he soon does, and is then relieved. Some people may be
apprehensive of danger in using this formidable remedy; in
that case cordial diuretics may be given, so as to make the horse
stale considerably.*

* Instead of giving so large a quantity of medicine, the following will be
found effectual : —

Yellow resin powdered 4 drs.

Nitre 4 drs.

Ginger powdered 2 drs.

Gentian powdered 4 drs.

Sulphate of copper 2 drs.

The powders to be mixed together, and two pints of warm ale gradually
added, with two ounces of spirit of nitrous etiicr.

It may be repeated, if necessary, in the course of 36 or 48 hours. — Ed.

ANASARCA, SWELLED LEGS, ETC.

235

The other kind of dropsy, or that which depends on a high
degree of general inflammation, most commonly attacks colts
during the first, second, or third year, or before they begin to
change their grinding teeth. At this period there is less blood
formed, not only from the state of the grinding teeth, the gums,
and the mouth in general, which is such as to render masti-
cation painful, difficult, and imperfect, but from the stomach
participating in, or sympathising with, this state of the mouth.
This disorder in young colts is first observed by dulness, dis-
inclination to motion, hanging the head, and indifference in
grazing. There are swellings, also, on the belly, chest, sheath,
or udder, which are sometimes very considerable.

When these symptoms are observed, the colt should be
taken up and bled. I have been assured by a respectable
farrier, that he has given Markham's drench to colts when
affected with the moor-ill, as the disorder is termed, and almost
invariably with success. In the last case I heard of, the colt
was so ill that he was unable to rise ; but when he had taken
the drench, he broke out into a profuse perspiration, and soon
after got up and perfectly recovered.*

Swelled Legs.

[This disease occurs most frequently in coarse horses, having
naturally round gummy legs. It consists of a dropsical or watery
swelling, the nature of which may be readily detected, and dis-
tinguished from that of phlegmon, by pressing it with the fingers,
when it pits ; that is, the impression of the fingers are left for a
short time. It is, in fact, a deposition of the watery portion of
the blood in the cells of the membrane; the absorbents or
lymphatic vessels are unable to take up or carry into the circula-
tion the serum so fast as it is deposited. It may arise from the
weak state of the lymphatics, from cold applied to the legs, from
the plethoric state of the system, or from the redundancy of
serum in the blood. It exists in various degrees : sometimes
the legs are merely filled, as it is termed, producing no lame-
ness, and but little apparent inconvenience ; at other times the
limbs are immensely gorged, and attended with considerable
pain and stiffness. Between these two extremes the disease may
exist in every intermediate degree. It may thus appear either
in an acute or subacute form, and may be produced either sud-
denly or gradually ; when, however, it exists in a severe form, it
usually appears suddenly. The horse perhaps is well over night,
but the next morning one of his legs is amazingly swelled, and
on handling it the horse often catches it up suddenly, and so

* The draught prescribed in the preceding note may also be given here;
but for colts one half will be sufficient. If there is no debility, however, the
same quantity of ginger and gentian will not be required. — Ed,

236

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

violently that he nearly falls. If the disease be not very soon
relieved, large abscesses either form in different parts of the
limb, or the skin gives way ; the heels are affected with grease,
or the vessels become enlarged and the swelling organised, and
the hoi-se has for life a big leg. We often see an animal with
one of the hind legs twice as large as it ought to be; the poor
brute, in addition to his accustomed labour, condemned to drao-
for life this weary load, which, in nine cases out of ten, is to be
ascribed eidier to the negligence or ignorance of his owner.
These big-legged horses usually belong either to poor men or to
farmers ; the former neglecting them from poverty, and the latter
because many of them prefer treading in the footsteps of their
forefathers, and employing ignorant empirics in preference to
skilful practitioners.

The Treatment of a very slight case may consist either in the
administration of a dose of physic or a few diuretics ; but a severe
case demands very prompt and energetic treatment, if we would
avoid the troublesome consequence to which I have just alluded.
It must, however, be materially regulated by the state and con-
dition of the horse, and the most predominating cause of the
disease. If the horse be in full condition, we should bleed, and
that very freely, particularly if we find, as we usually shall find,
that the upper surface of the blood is colourless; when this is the
case during the bleeding, there is usually a thick coat of buff
afterwards. If, however, the horse is in a state of much debility,
bleeding is not appropriate; and if the disease is brought on, as
it sometimes is, by the redundancy of moisture in his food (the
horse being at grass), we must bleed with caution and modera-
tion, and sometimes not at all.

Should the horse be prepared for physic, we may at once ad-
minister an active dose ; but if he is not so prepared, to lose no
time we should give him a diuretic ball, and the physic the fol-
lowing day after he has had some mashes. If the swelling ex-
tend much above the hock, we may make some punctures with a
lancet, which will produce great relief, particularly if the leg be
afterwards fomented with warm water. Care, however, must be
taken to rub the leg dry afterwards.

Walking exercise should be given twice or three times a day.
It will be necessary to repeat the diuretic medicine every alter-
nate day; and if the animal be debilitated, we should give in
addition some tonic : such as,

Powdered ginger 2 dr.

Sulphate of iron 3 dr.

Either as a powder or in a ball.

If in the course of two days the leg is not so materially reduced
in size as to lead us to infer its speedy restoration to a normal

ANASARCA, SWELLED LEGS, ETC.

237

state, we may insert a rowel in the. thigh. If abscesses should
form in the thigh or leg, we must take care to distinguish the
case from farcy, to which it then bears a resemblance ; but in
the latter disease the abscesses ai-e usually smaller, and in the
course of the absorbents, which are enlarged, whilst in oedema
they are larger and more independent in their position. These
abscesses being opened, usually heal with litde difficulty ; but if
tlie skin should slough, as it sometimes does, the cure is much
more tedious. There is, however, a difference in this respect
between the human and the equine subject; for whilst in the
former the cure of ulcers is tedious and protracted, in the horse
it is generally accomplished with speed and safety.

Weed. — There is a disease very similar to oedema, or humour,
as it is commonly termed ; but, though usually confounded with it,
it is yet different in its nature, — in Scotland it is termed Weed.
The horse is found in great pain in one of the hind legs, but the
swelling is considerably less than in cedema, and is situated above
the hock at first, from whence it extends downwards. On ex-
amination, we find a swelling in the course of the thigh vein,
extending nearly from the hock to the groin, very hot, and ex-
tremely tender to the touch. It is, in fact, a local inflammation
of the lymphatic vessels.

The treatment consists in venesection, purgatives, and diu-
retics, together with warm fomentations to the affected part.

Chapped Heels. — Some horses are so predisposed to this com-
plaint, that they prove a source of great annoyance to their
owners during the winter months. They have frequendy white
legs, and the texture of the skin gives way from the least ex-
citing cause, and a crack takes place, which, from the motion of
the hmb, becomes widened and deepened, and from this circum-
stance is often exceedingly difficult to heal. It is usually
preceded and accompanied by oedema of the legs, and a thin
acrid discharge issues from the wound, and from the irritation
and pam produced it is often attended with considerable lame-
ness—the horse catching up his leg in a peculiar manner on
being moved.

The Treatment should consist of purgatives and diuretics,
and, if the system be plethoric, venesection, but not other-
wise. The heels being in a state of inflammation, a linseed
poultice should be applied to them for several nights, in which
there may be a solution of alum or sulphate of zinc. By this
medicated poultice we accomplish two purposes at the same
time — we reduce the local inflammation, and bring about the
healthy action of the part, by the stimulant the poultice contains
It IS scarcely necessary to observe that tiie heels must be kept
clean, and the hair closely cut from them. When the poultices

238

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

are discontinued, the crack should be washed twice a day with a
solution of sulphate of zinc ; and, if the horse is obliged to work,
a litde astringent powder, such as prepared chalk with Armenian
bole, should be scattered over the wound. Generally speaking,
the cuticle is broken, and the cutis denuded and abraded; but
it sometimes happens, from the repetition or long continuance of
these cracks, that the cutis itself is completely divided, and the
case then becomes very troublesome, and cannot be cured with-
out a cicatrix. And when the wounds appear to be healed, it
often happens that, after exercise or work, the great motion of
the parts causes a separation of the newly-formed skin, and the
heels appear in a bleeding state. In these cases, after the in-
flammatory action is subdued by the local and constitutional
treatment we have recommended, it is necessary to keep the
parts as much in a state of rest as possible, and the wound must
be kept clean, and stimulated with tincture of myrrh.

It sometimes happens, when there is no crack, or wound, or
discharge from the heels, there is often a thick dry scurf. This
is best treated by frequent ablution, rubbing the part cax'efuUy
dry, and applying the ung. hyd. nit.

Grease is a white offensive discharge from the skin of the heels,
frequently extending as high up as the hock or knee. It is
generally the consequence of the dropsical enlargement of the
legs before spoken of, and it is indeed an effort of nature to re-
lieve the inflammation and tension of the integuments. Horses
with much hair about the legs are more particularly disposed to
grease, and well-bred horses are rarely affected. The skin in
grease is usually red, and the hair appears staring, and there is
at first considerable pain and stiffness of the part. After a while,
however, this stiffness goes off; and, if the disease is neglected,
the discharge continues in increased quantity, the skin becomes
gradually thickened, and sometimes large excrescences, denomi-
nated from their appearance grapes, thickly cover the skin.
Sometimes abscesses form about the heels, and large portions of
the heels slough away.

Treatment. — The constitutional treatment of grease is similar
to that recommended for oedematous legs, regulated, of course,
by the age and condition of the animal. Our local treatment
is, however, a matter of much importance likewise, as it is in-
cumbent on us to cure the disease, if possible, without rendering
the predisposition of the horse to become affected greater than
before. The parts should first be well fomented and cleaned;
and the hair being carefully cut away from the neighbourhood,
we should then apply a linseed poultice to the heels, in which a
little solution of sulphate of zinc has been mixed. This will be
found a convenient method of applying the astringent, and, at

ANASARCA, SWELLED LEGS, ETC.

239

the same time, the inflammation of the heels will be lessened.
In the course of a few days it will be proper to discontinue the
poultices, and to apply the astringent lotion alone. If the dis-
charge should be unusually offensive, a little solution of the
chloride of lime will be found a useful adjunct to the poultice.

When the excrescences called grapes have formed, the only
method of removing them is by casting the horse, and cutting
them off, and applying a caustic to the surface afterwards. This
operation, however, should not be practised if the legs are con-
siderably enlarged, and have been so for some time, nor if the
grapes are so thick as to occupy nearly the whole of the surface,
so as to leave little or no sound skin between them. — Ed.]

Bursautee.

[There is a disease peculiar to India somewhat resembling
those treated of in this chapter: it is thus described in the ele-
venth volume of the Veterinarian^ by Mr. Armstrong : —

" The disease ' Bursautee' is most prevalent in July, Au-
gust, and September, which are the wet months ; and thence it
derives its name, ' a disease peculiar to the rains.'

" Horses of every breed, age, and condition, are subject to
the bursautee ; but the second generation of imported horses
are most liable to it. I attribute this to the effect which climate
has in weakening the constitution of the horse ; and the same
thing applies to all animals imported into that country from a
more genial temperature.

" The second generation is still worse than the first.

" Nature and Causes. — I trace this disease to the change which
the atmospheric air undergoes at this season of theyear.^Durino-
the three previous months the hot winds prevail. "

" An animal exposed to the parching influence of this air is,
to a very considerable degree, relieved by copious perspiration
Irom every part of his frame; and, strange as it may appear, the
hot season is remarkable both in the biped and quadruped for
the absence of disease.

« Then comes the rainy, or what might be with equal pro-
priety called the pestilential season. Land storms, hurricanes,
suffocating heat, and horrid stenches usher in this awful period!
The filth of ravines, drains, and other receptacles of putrid
animal and vegetable matter becomes saturated with rain, and
being acted upon by the heat already in the soil, generates the
most noxious gases, which speedily mingle with the circum-
ambient air.

" The bursautee is an eruption all over the body, arising from
the pores of the skin being stimulated by the increased animal
heat to discharge the perspirable matter; but this is prevented

24Q

DISEASES OF THE HOUSE.

by the thickening of the epidermis, or the tenacious matter be-
fore alluded to.

" The bursautee sore in the horse very much resembles the
boil in the human being. It forms a painful tumour, which
suppurates and breaks; or should the skin of any horses pre-
disposed to the disease become abraded, it will run into a bur-
sautee sore, and spread. The exposure of common wounds to
the action of the air, or to the irritation produced by flies, will
dispose them to take on the bursautee character.

" Sometimes, from the great irritation of these tumours or
sores, the pulse becomes accelerated, and the general system
deranged, and depletion must be resorted to. In all the horses
that had been previously attacked with bursautee, and which
experience had told me were more liable than others to a re-
currence of the eruption, I would at the beginning of the rains
insert setons as near as I could to the parts previously affected,
provided they did not interfere with the action of the animal.
This, by forming an artificial drain, would prevent the unsightly
appearance of the foul ulcers which are too frequently seen, and
would rob the disease of all its terrors. At the same time I
would not forget the importance of cleanliness, and regimen,
and regular exercise. During the existence of bursautee the
food should be nutritious, but not too stimulating. Fresh grass
should be avoided, for it as surely tends to the formation of
bursautee sores as the eating mangoes does to the appearance
of boils in the human subject." — Ed.]

CHAP. XLIV.

THE STRUCTURE AND DISEASES OF THE SKIN.

[Before we proceed to its diseases, it will be proper to notice
briefly the structure of the skin. It is composed of three sepa-
rate portions. The outer, called the cuticle, is thin, transparent,
and insensible, and when removed is quickly restored again.
The next portion, immediately under the skin, is the rete-
mucosum, being a sort of network secreting a pigment, on the
colour of which depends that of the skin. The internal coat is
the cutis or true skin ; it is considerably thicker than the other
coats, though its thickness varies at different parts, being thinner
on the inside of the limbs and about the mouth and nostrils. It
possesses great sensibility, and is largely supplied with nerves.
It is porous in its structure, enabling the perspiration to pass out
freely ; and it has, by the same means, a power of absorption,
and is well supplied with absorbents as well as other vessels. It
not only possesses in itself a high degree of feeling, but also in-

THE STRUCTURE AND DISEASES OF THE SKIN.

241

timately sympathises with other parts, and particularly with the
stomach. Its sensibility is much greater than the parts under-
neath, so that it is enabled to guard them from danger. It
gives support to the roots of the hairs, which are found towards
its internal surface ; thus if the hairs are plucked out they are
soon reproduced, but if the cutis is destroyed the roots of the
hairs are so likewise, and the hair does not again appear, as the
new skin is incapable of producing it. The growth of new skin
is exceedingly tedious, as it only grows from the edges of the
old. It is, however, greatly assisted by the great extensibility
possessed by the old skin, which is thus enabled, in some mea-
sui-e, to cover the wound. — Ed.]

Surfeit.

This is a disorder of the skin, consisting of small tumours or
pimples all over the body, which become small scabs, and then
gi-adualiy get well, while fresh ones continue to break out and
pursue the same course. The horse has generally a dry un-
healthy coat, and is hide-bound; sometimes there is swelling of the
hind'legs likewise, and general debility. This disorder is commonly
produced by unwholesome feeding and general ill treatment.

[In other cases the affection appears in horses full of flesh, in
whom it is usually manifested in the spring or early summer
months, and is caused by plethora or a redundancy of blood,
which, at this season of the year, is most likely to occur. Some-
times it is caused by a draught of cold water in hot weather,
and ]s then often preceded by shivering and a staring coat.
1 he symptoms of this complaint are often very similar to the
early stages of mange, and require much discrimination to dis-
tmguish the difference.

I have known this disease, or an affection similar to it, appear
periodically, and occasion the animal to be denuded of hair, in
spite of every thing that could be thought of to prevent it.

borne foreign breeds of horses are much disposed to cutaneous
eruptions, particularly white Turkish horses.

Treatment. — If the horse is in a plethoric state, or in full
condition, he should be bled, and have a dose of physic; and,
if necessary, the following alterative may be afterwards given!
It, however, the animal is poor and out of condition, the blood-
Jetting and purging should be abstained from, and the following
alterative given daily for several days : — a

Nitre 3 d,.s.

Sulphur 4 (Irs.

Black antimony 2 drs.

To be mixed with a little bran, and then given with the corn. —

R

242

DISEASES OF THE HOnSE.

Hide-hound.

When a horse's hide or skin sticks to his ribs, as it were, and
cannot be drawn out or moved as in the healthy state, he is
said to be hide-bound. It indicates great weakness and poverty,
and sometimes a diseased state of the mesenteric vessels, and
consumption. It is generally occasioned by ill-usage, and bad
or insufficient food, and cannot be removed without proper
feeding and good treatment.

The following powder may be given daily in the food, the
effect of which will be, by stimulating the stomach and bowels,
not only to assist digestion, but also to affect the skin by sym-
pathy : —

Cantharides, finely powdered 5 grs.

Pimento 2 drs.

Sulphate of iron 2 drs.

If the horse refuses this powder in his food, it may be made
into a ball with treacle, and continued for a week or a fortnight.

A good piece of grass is of great service in the early part of
summer.

Mange.

[This disease is analogous to the itch in the human subject,
and is one of the most infectious diseases to which the horse is
liable.

It usually commences with small pimples in different parts of
the body, which burst and form scabs. On rubbing off these
scabs, there appears a white spot covered by a thin acrid fluid,
which contains the source of infection. These scabs, at first,
are confined to one or two spots, but, if not removed, gradually
spread over the body. The parts most frequently attacked are
the withers, the roots of the mane and tail, and the rump or
buttocks. The animal, from the irritation received, rubs off
the scab, and the acrid fluid spreads and forms a larger scab,
and thus denudes the affected part of hair. As the disease pro-
ceeds the greater part of the body becomes affected, and the
animal presents a miserable appearance. The constant irritation
allows him no rest; he rapidly loses flesh, and the skin, pai'^'cu-
larly that of the neck, becomes considerably thickened and
wrinkled.

When the disease has existed some time, its appearances are
too striking to be for a moment mistaken; but in the earlier
stages it may, in a great measure, be detected by rubbing the
animal with a stick, when he immediately expresses his pleasure
by elevating and moving quickly the upper lip, and extending
the head in a peculiar manner. It is likewise by the diminution

THE STRUCTURE AND DISEASES OF THE SKIN.

243

of this symptom that we are enabled to ascertain the progress of
the disease towards a cure.

The nature of this disease has been found, by microscopic
observation, to be owing to the presence of minute insects which
have been denominated acari. Similar insects have been found
in the itch of the human subject, but of a difFei'ent species. It
has been found that mange can be communicated to the human
subject and to other animals from the horse, although by no
means so I'eadily as between animals of the same species. A
curious experiment was tried by a German student, a few years
since, by taking eight horse acari, of both sexes, and confining
them to his arm by means of a plaster. In a few minutes they
produced a great itching, which continued five days ; but the
part afterwards got well of its own accord. After the lapse
of thirty-two hours, four of the insects had disappeared ; but
there were found several eggs and small passages under the skin
made by the insect, — in forming which, in all probability, the
itching was produced.

This disease is most frequently produced by contagion, either
by direct contact with a mangy horse, or by rubbing on the
spot where a diseased horse has been rubbing himself previously.
Poverty, also, not unfrequently produces it ; and thus it is often
found on poor commons or moors, where, however, it quickly
spreads from one horse to another by contagion. When it gets
into a large stable of horses, it is difficult to eradicate it, in
consequence of its infectious character, and the greater portion
of the stud will probably become affected.

The treatment of this disease must principally consist in the
topical application of some specific. As in the itch of the
human subject, the chief remedy should be sulphur, which is
indeed more certain than any other. The animal should be
well cleaned, so as thoroughly to expose the surface of the
affected parts, and the following liniment rubbed in with the
hand or a piece of flannel : —

Sulphur vivum, or yellow sulphur 4 oz.

Train, linseed, or olive oil 12 oz.

Oil of turpentine 2 oz.

Mix.

The efficacy of the above may be greatly assisted by substi-
tuting three or four ounces of oil of tar for a similar quantity of
the oil. If the smell of train oil be objected to, the olive oil may
be substituted in stead; and, if necessary, the ointment may be
coloured according to that of the horse. If black or brown a
sufficient quantity of soot may be used to render the ointment
black, and it will, at the same time, assist its efficacy, for soot
has been found of great assistance in this disease. If the

R 2

244

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

animal is bay or chesnut, the ointment may be coloured with
Armenian bole. In obstinate cases, white hellebore has been
added to the ointment with advantage. Bleeding is useless in
this disease ; and although it is customary to recommend mer-
curial physic, its exhibition is not always unattended with
dangei', owing to the poverty of the animal, unless administered
in very moderate doses. In general, it is better to avoid physic
altogether, but to give the following powder for a week together
with the food : —

Yellow sulphur 4 dr.

Black antimony 2 dr.

The ointment should be applied daily for three or four days,
when the skin should be well washed with soap and water, and
the ointment repeated, if necessary, as before. There is little
or no danger of infection after the ointment has been thoroughly
applied. Unless the animal is much wanted, his best place is
at grass during the progress of the cure.

The mange is very frequently attended by the presence of a
great number of lice, and sometimes these lice occur without
the mange, and occasion an itching similar to it. If they cannot
be removed by washing, the ointment for mange will destroy
them. — Ed.]

Mallenders and Sallenders.

Mallenders is a disorder that attacks the back part, or flexure,
of the knee joint, and depends upon a combination of mange
and grease. It appears as a scurfy or scabby eruption, and is
often very painful, causing some degree of lameness from the
pain the animal feels in moving the joint. Sometimes it is not
so considerable as to produce lameness, or any apparent incon-
venience, but generally becomes troublesome and obstinate
unless attended to. Sallenders occurs in the fore part, or flexure,
of the hock joint, and is of the same nature as mallenders.
They should first be well washed with soap and water, and all
the scurf and loose cuticle completely removed. They may
then be cured by the following ointments : —

Ointment for Mallenders and Sallenders.
No. I. '

Ointment of nitrate of mercury, commonly named citrine
ointment.

No. 2.

Hog's lard, 4 oz. ; melt, and stir in Goulard's extract 1 oz.
This ointment is milder and more cooling than the former.

WARTS, WENS, ETC.

245

Crown Scab and Rat Tails,

These are of the same nature as mallenders, and may be cured
by the same means. They generally, however, leave a blemish,
consisting in a loss of hair, and thickening of the cuticle.
Cx'own scab occurs on the coronet, and rat tails in lines on the
back part of the leg, extending from the fetlock upwards.

CHAP. XLV.

WARTS. WENS. ENCYSTED TUMOURS. MELANOSIS.

Warts are schirrous excrescences, which appear on different parts
of the skin. They are sometimes very large; at others small,
but very numerous. In some cases the roots are small, in others
large, and involving a considerable portion of the skin. The
flanks, the belly, the penis, the nose, and the lips are the most
frequent situations of warts. If not too extensive, they should
be excised with the knife or the hot iron. The worst situation
for warts to appear is the penis, the extremity of which is some-
times so covered with them as to produce great inconvenience, and
even to interrupt the passage of urine. The glans penis, in bad
cases, appears quite a fungous mass, presenting a bleeding and
disgusting appearance. In these cases, the only remedy is to
amputate the penis above the seat of disease.

The horse being cast as for castration, a straight staff is to be
passed up the urethra, and cut down upon with a circular incision.
The divided arteries may be closed by torsion or ligature.

Mr. Blaine I'ecommends the following ointment for the re-
moval of warts, when they cannot be conveniently removed by
the knife : —

Muriate of ammonia 2 dr.

. Powdered savin 1 oz.

Lard 1^ oz.

To be applied once a day.

The success of this ointment is, however, doubtful ,• arsenic is
often employed with greater effect in the form of an ointment.

Wens are oval or round bodies found in various parts of the
body, under the skin generally, in a detached state. They are
easily removed by making an opening with a knife.

An encysted tumour is a collection of fluid within a mem-,
branous sac, which often floats loosely under the integuments.
It must be cut into, and dissected out.

Sometimes we find a hard white tumour under the skin, and

R 3

246

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

closely connected with the muscles. It often arises from an
external mjury, and is frequently found at the shoulders
where It is produced bv reneatpd o-nllc wlfV. „^n„„ . . •.

'J
Its

it is produced by repeated galls with the collar, and its
size and protuberance renders it impossible for the horse to
work without galling. The only remedy is to dissect the
tumour carefully from the surrounding skin and flesh, removing
at the same time the galled skin. I have in this wav removed
enlargements weighing fifteen pounds and upwards," and ren-
dered an animal before useless again valuable.— Ed.]

[^Melanosis^

Another description of tumour, appears in different parts of the
body. I lately met with a case in a while Arabian horse,
belonging to a distinguished nobleman, in which the symptoms
were very singular and obscure.

At first the horse was attacked with spasmodic pains ; then
followed weakness of the hind quarters, which, though slio-ht at
first, gradually increased until the neck of the bladder was
paralysed, and incapable of retaining the urine, which flowed
away as it entered the bladder. On passing my hand up the
rectum, I detected a large tumour, which appeared to adhere to
the spine, and which, from pressing on the nerves of the hind
extremities, accounted for their partial palsy. The animal was
destroyed, and the tumour was found of great size, not only
pressing on the nerves, but appearing within the cavity of the
large vein, the vena cava, the disposition and appearance of
which it had completely altered. On cutting into the tumour,
it was found to be melanosis, a disease that had not been before
noticed by any English veterinary author.

Melanosis is defined by Laennec as " a pathological produc-
tion deposited upon the surface, or in the substance of an
organ, of a darkish or blackish colour, having no analogy with
the healthy tissues of the body." The disease which was de-
scribed by Brugnini in 1781, as being hereditarily transmitted
among the horses of Chevasso, and which he termed hemor-
rhoids, was evidently melanosis; it was usually developed around
the root of the tail and the anus.

Some years later, in 1784, the same disease was observed at
Bresse Gollety. Latournelle transmitted an account of it in
1809. He says, " there supervened in a young stallion, on the
second year of his covering, black ^boutons,' or buds, around the
anus. They soon extended to the scrotum and sheath. They
were placed between the skin and muscles, at first as large as a
small nut, and they increased until they attained the size of a
pullet's egg ; they did not suppurate, and were insensible to the

MELANOSIS.

247

touch. In a short time all the cellular tissue was similarly
affected, and the animal died. When cut into, a matter like the
grease of a cart wheel flowed out. All the progeny of this
stallion which had the same colour was similarly affected; those
which were black, bay, roan, or iron grey, escaped.

In 1806, Laennec communicated to the faculty the result of
his observations on the same subject, which has been further
elucidated by other writers since; but much still remains to be
done for it. The tumour may either be a black, opaque, homo-
geneous mass, or may contain a darkish-coloured fluid. Gohier
saw a tumour of the kind in a horse weighing thirty-six pounds.
The opinions of most writers as to the composition of the mela-
notic substance agree that its black colour is owing to the
presence of a large quantity of carbon. Many persons are of
opinion that the black principle is an aberration of the pigment
destined by nature to be deposited elsewhere, as the rete muco-
sum, the choroid, the hair. It is said that persons with light
hair, and elderly persons whose hair is white, as well as light
grey or white horses, are most commonly the subjects of this
disease. This opinion is certainly supported by the case related
by me, the horse being a white Arabian. He had one tumour
only externally perceptible, which was about the size of a
walnut, and had existed for some years ; but he had an immense
number deeper seated in various parts of the body. It will be
an interesting subject for future observation to ascertain whether,
and to what extent, his progeny are effected ; because, if they
really become affected to any extent, it will offer a strong
objection to the use of these white horses as stallions. Lec-
turers and writers have but little to say on the treatment of
the disease, and that little not very satisfactory. It appears to
me that, amongst our remedial agents, the use of iodine demands
some attention.

Melanosis appears to be a much more common disease in
India than in this country. In April, 1840, Mr. Jackson, of
the East India service, communicated the following paper on
the subject to the Veterinarian : — "I was pleased to find that
the conclusion I had come to in my own mind as to the identity
of the disease common among horses in India, known by the
name of 'diseased tail,' with ' melanosis' in the human subject,
was confirmed by your intelligent correspondent, Mr. W. C.
Spooner. The disease, as described at pages 163 and 164. of
this journal, is very common about Madras, but in most cases is
confined externally to the tail, which is occasionally enormously
enlarged. I have seen tumours round the anus, and in various
parts of the body. Light grey horses are most subject to it,
and of that colour those with curly manes and tails. I have
never had an opportunity of making a post mortem examination-

H 4

248

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

for though cast when they can no longer bear the crupper,
horses affected with this disease do not generally suffer in health'.

The treatment usually adopted is, to cut away the tumours
when practicable. I have seen Mr. Hooper, V. S., 4th regiment
Light Cavalry, take slices off" a tail like a wheelwright would
from a spoke of a wheel. The skin soon healed over atrain, and
the tail looked quite respectable to what it did before. °

"I have never tried any internal remedy ; but I think, as Mr.
Spooner suggests, that iodine might be useful."— Ed.]

CHAP. XLVI.

THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE EYE.

The eye may be considered as an optical instrument, by means
of which pictures of external objects are painted as it were on
an expansion of the optic nerve, by which impressions are con-
veyed to the brain. It is fixed in a socket of the head, moved
by various muscles, and bedded in fat, in order to afford facility
to its motions. It is nearly globular in shape, or, rather, it
resembles parts of two globes, a segment of a smaller one being
apparently joined to the frustum of a larger one. It consists
of several humours, and of various coats or membranes, some
being transparent and others opaque. In describing the ana-
tomy and physiology of the eye, the most convenient method is
to divide the subject into two parts, that is, the eye itself, and
its appendages. Under the latter head is comprehended the
eyelids, the muscles which move them, the eyelashes, the la-
chrymal gland, the puncta lachrymalia, and lachrymal duct, the
caruncle of the eye, the haw, and the membrane named con-
junctiva, and the muscles by which the eye is moved.

The paipebrae, or eyelids, may be considered as the shutters
of the eye, their office being to exclude light when so required.
They consist of cartilaginous bodies covered with soft and elastic
skin, and lined internally by the conjunctive membrane. They
arc moved by two kinds or orders of muscles. The one, com-
posed of circular fibres, and named orbicularis, is situated im-
inediately under the skin, and, by contracting, closes the eye-
lids ; the other, named levator, is composed of straight fibres, is
situated under the upper eyelid, and, by contracting, opens the
eyelids. The margin of the eyelids is smooth and thickened,
and secretes a mucous fluid, as well as the hairs, named cilia, or
eyelashes. In the horse there is only one eyelash, tliat is, the
superior, which serves to keep out dust from the eye, and mode-
rate the light which comes directly from the sun, without offering

THK STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE EYE. 249

any impediment to the reflected light which comes from the
surface of the earth. Immediately under the superior part of
the orbit, or socket of the eye, and rather towards the inner
corner, there is a gland of considerable size, which forms the
fluid named tears. This fluid is conveyed to the under surface
of the upper eyelid, and is then diffused all over the eye, by the
motion of the lids, as well as by the motion of the eye itself.
In this action the upper eyelid is principally employed. As
the tears accumulate, they are dii'ected, by the closing of the
eyelids, towards the inner corner, where they are received by
the open extremities of two ducts, which, soon uniting, form the
lachi-ymal duct, a long membranous tube which terminates in
the lower part of the nostril, where it may be distinctly seen,
with the fluid named tears flowing from it. The inner surface
of the eyelids is Tormed by the membrane named conjunctiva,
which, passing inward, embraces the globe of the eye, and serves
to keep it in its situation ; at the same time it is sufficiently loose
to admit readily of all its various motions. This membrane, in
its healthy state, is nearly white; but in all cases of internal
inflammation, or inflammatory fever, becomes very red. In
staggers, and some other disorders of the stomach, and organs
subservient to digestion, it becomes of a deep yellow or orano-e
colour. This membrane is closely united to nearly one half of
the sclerotic coat, or white of the eye, and has been thought to
be continued in a very attenuated and transparent state over the
cornea also. In injuries of the eye, this membrane becomes
red ; but, in internal diseases, it should always be examined, as
redness in that case indicates general inflammatory action, and
points out the necessity of copious bleeding. In the inner
corner of the eye there is a small fleshy eminence, named
caruncle, which separates the two open extremities of the lachry-
mal ducts, named puncta lachrymalia, and thus allows the tears
to be forced into them by the contraction of the orbicular muscle.
In the human eye, the tears pass from the puncta lachrymalia
into a small bladder or sac, which does not exist in the horse ;
in him there is one continued membranous tube from the inner
corner of the eye to the lower part of the nostril. The termi-
nation of the lachrymal tube, or duct, in the horse, has often
been mistaken for an ulcer in horses suspected of glanders ; but
it does sometimes become ulcerated from the acrimony of the
tears, or from the strong preparations that are sometimes ap-
plied in diseases of the eye. I have seen this happen from the
application of powdered sal ammoniac (muriate of ammonia) to
the eye. Sometimes the termination, or orifice, of the lachrymal
duct becomes closed by inflammation, or the cicatrisation of an
ulcer, and then it bursts above, and the ruptured part becomes
an ulcer. According to Lafosse, the disease named fistula

250

DISEASES OF THE HOUSE.

duct. The membrane niJtitam n h?'*' ' ^'"'^'y^"^

na„,ed, is situated in tl,e fn^ ' "er of 'tl" eve" ThT°"'^
which comes over the eve i« = fl,i„ • ^ ; P*"

towards its basis, become? thickS ".ni''''":^ membrane, which,

is of some thickness, and Lb dded in fat' t'^'™""

attached to if but wher, T^'' . ' are no muscles

towards the i^^ ne, corn™ itT- *e orbit, and

followine it bv the h" ' , " °f ""^ prevented from

partof fhe hal b thu 1, d " "'^L'' ■"-"branous
S:.o. dust o/flies-th^t^: 'ralir^upt^lhelrnr

.he'ofer ™ret tH" 4'^" '^'^^ '^^

which w tb th! ' «e'minate in thin sheets of tendon,

caS\h"e' wh e\f Ariy""orttL°t"""''

rot:;So?re '^^fP z tLtrit

oneonlL"p/r;t7:ne?reaS^

acting simultaneously they pull the eye within the ^"
acting separately they drai^ts transpLen s^rfa " ^
or the other, upward or downward, according to the ituaUon of
the actmg muscle Besides these, there are two oblfque rnuscJes
the superior and the inferior; the former rises from^he S of
ts tld ' ''"^ "^"^^ -'-'-^ P--- througl a nu ley

erted fn?o IT. '"'"".^ ^" ^PP°^^^' direction,"and'i J:
serted into the upper and outer part of the eye. The inferior

ts an ''''"^f^' but, like the'^fon.ei, to which

^ IS an antagonist, takes an oblique course. These muscfes
furnish, in some measure, a rotatory motion to the eye and thus
giving expression to these organs, are exercised partl^u larlv h

r:r' ^^^^"^'^ '""^^l^' -^^^^ is pecSta toSe

IS called the retractor, and is situated within the strath^
muscles, and imn^ediately surrounds the optic nerve Its usf is

fat, which forms a soft cushion for this organ, Ws the haw to
Kate prie^^^^ ''^''^ P^™-

Pro^eed"fo'^r h'^'"*- ^PP/^f^S^^' '^'^Y ^^'^ termed, I shall
economv ofl T-'P''°'' ^^''"^^"''e and

Z oZ^ 7 f ^ '""^^"^ ^"^ interesting. It is said to

be composed of coats and humours, and this, perhaps, is the best
manner of considermg it. The first coat that appears is the

,TllT' Z if '''^ ^y^' ^^"^'^ ^^'"'^ t'^^ anterior part, and

oeautitully transparent. It may be considered as the window

THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE EYE. 251

of the eye, being that part of the case formed to admit light. It
is not of a circular form, as in man, but of an irregular oval or
• rather oblong form when examined out of the socket ; but in its
natural situation in the living horse, that part which projects
beyond the eyelids is a regular oval, or rather of an oblong
form, and corresponding, in some degree, with the form of the
pupil. It forms a larger portion of the globe of the eye than in
man, and, by its convexity, causes the rays of light which pass
through it to converge towards the pupil. This convexity may
be too great or too little, and, in either case, render vision some-
what imperfect, and cause starting. The convexity of the cornea
is preserved by the fluid which it incloses, named aqueous
humour. On puncturing the cornea this fluid escapes, and then
the cornea becomes flat and wrinkled.

The second humour of the eye is situated immediately behind
the pupil, and is named the crystalline humour, or crystalline
lens. On taking it out, it appears to be a solid and beautifully
transparent double convex lens, the posterior surface of which is
more convex than the anterior one. It is found to become
denser and denser from the circumference to the centre ; and
the' slightest pressure so deranges it, as to lessen or destroy its
transparency.

The crystalline humour may be considered as composed of
numerous concavo-convex lenses, admii-ably fitted to each other ;
those of the largest size having their circumference or edge op-
posed to and nicely joined to each other, thus forming altogether
a double convex lens. The point of union between the two
largest lenses is embraced by a band of muscular fibres, disposed
in a circular direction, and named the ciliary ligament. These,
by contracting, assisted probably by the muscles of the eye, in-
crease the convexity of the crystalline lens, or rather of the
series of concavo-convex lenses of which the eye is composed, in
a manner so just and equal, as to adapt it to the distance of the
object at which the animal is looking : while, by the relaxation
of these muscular fibres, the convexity of the lens is diminished
by its own elasticity. These changes take place with incon-
ceivable rapidity and accuracy. There are other muscular fibres
proceeding from the band of circular fibres named ciliary pro-
cesses in a straight, or rather radiated direction, towards the
second coat of the eye, named tunica choroides ; these are so
arranged as to be drawn into folds, by which disposition they are
enabled to perform their office more easily, which is that of
drawing the lens towards the optic nerve, and thereby increasing
the intensity of vision, whereby the animal is enabled to see small
objects distinctly. The crystalline lens is enclosed in a trans-
parent capsule, which is not in contact with it, there being about
one drop, as it is computed, of a transparent liquid interposed

DISEASES OF THE IIOHSK.

which, from the anatomist's name who first observed if h.o \
called " liquor Moi-gagnii." ^ ^^^n

_ I have seen a case where the convexity of the lens has been so
mcreased, by an unusual degree of contraction of tte circular
fibres named chary hgament, that it burst the capsuirand wa^

crexTurfacfoftT'^^f ' -tlf its 'posted

convex surface on the inferior marg n of the iris • ahn.,f Kaif f

It appearing in the anterior chamber onhTeye 'JIZ ^^^^^^^

The transparency of the lens was not affected, at W k d d ni

appear so to me and I rather think the accident had Lcurred

just at the time I observed it, from twitching the horse violemlv

In cataract, a disorder in which the crysfalline lens becomes

tate of the band of circular fibres; the same effect may be ob!
served in the circular fibres of the iris, causing the pup^l to be
small even in a moderate light, while the infla^mmatiSs going
on which occasions the cataract; but when the opacity is such
as to exclude the light from the posterior part of the e/e, which
contains the third or vitreous humour, with the choroid coat
retina, and optic nerve, then the circular fibres relax, and the
radiated fibres draw up the iris somewhat irregularly, which
adhering to the capsule of the opaque lens, the pupil remains
permanently open, as in fig. 4. pf 254. ^ lemams

[Continually exposed to a changing light, — sometimes to the
glare of a summers sun, at others to the chastened lio-ht of the
moon or stars,-the eye would be of little use, unless it possessed
the power of shutting out too great a glare, or of admifting the
utmost during the hours of darkness, or in the grey twifiaht.
i his power is furnished by the iris or curtain of the eye, which
commences at the same place where the cornea begins, and
floats loosely in the aqueous humour, M^hich it divides into two
parts, the anterior and the posterior chambers. The iris is
composed of two orders of fibres ; —the one circular, which, by
contracting, diminishes, and even closes the aperture in the
centre, named pupil ; the other radiated, which, by contraction,
opens or enlarges the aperture. These muscular fibres are
entirely independent of the will, but sympathise intimately
with the retina, so as to lessen the pupil from the stimulus of
light.

This may be readily seen in the horse by alternately shadino-
the eye and exposing it to a strong light, under which operation
the pupil diminishes from the effects of light. Thus the iris
admits just light sufficient to make the object distinctly visible,
and excludes all superabundant rays. Light, however, produces
no immediate effect on the iris itself; for when the optic nerve
is paralysed, the iris is no longer affected by light or darkness.
Ihe iris derives its name from its brilliancy, and its colour de-

THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE EYE.

253

pends on a pigment secreted on its posterior surface, and whose
office is to prevent the rays of light from penetrating through it.
In the horse, this pigment renders the iris generally of a light
brown colour; but, in some instances, the pigment is wanting,
and the iris appears white, and the animal is called wall-eyed.
This circumstance, though it by no means adds to the beauty of
the animal, is, however, no injury to the vision ; in fact, it neither
adds to nor diminishes sight. — Ed.]

In the human eye the pupil is black, and of a circular form,
and forms what is commonly called the apple of the eye. In the
hoi*se it is of a dark blue colour, and of an oblong figure, with
its long diameter always parallel to the horizon, in whatever
position the head may be placed. This uniform parallelism of
the long diameter of the pupil with the horizon is effected by
means of the oblique muscles before described.

When the horse stands in the stable in a moderate light, the
pupU is open or large, by the preponderant action of the radiated
fibres, as in fig. 1. ; but when taken out of the stable,

Fig. 1. Fig. 2.

The left figure represents the eye with the pupil contracted from exposure to light.
The right figure shows the pupil in an expanded state.

a The pupil. h b The iris.

c c The corpora nigra, or black bodies, both at the upper and lower parts of the
pupil.

d The membrana nictitans or haw.

the circular fibres prevail, and the pupil becomes much smaller,
as in fig. 2. ; and if the eye be exposed to the sunshine, the
pupil becomes smaller still, and scarcely perceptible.

When the nervous structure of the eye is morbidly irritable,
as in ophthalmia, the pupil continues small, and sometimes nearly
closed, even in a moderate light. But when the lens becomes
opaque, the ophthalmia and morbid irritability cease, and the
pupil then becomes open and irregular in its form, as in fig. 4.
Fig. 3. represents a partial opacity of the lens, or par-
tial cataract, or, as it is more commonly called, specks in the
pupil ; here the form of the pupil is not altered, and it remains
capable of contracting or opening, according to the degree of
light it is exposed to.

254

DISEASF.S or THE HORSE.

Fig. 4.

ODa^u'/'^rS^ff r^''"'"*' ^ «°'»Pl'^'« cataract, the crystalline lens being entirely
soTe degre? "P"""'"'^ ^ ''^^ ™ being pole^dt

In the horse there are black pendulous bodies attached to the
superior mai^in of the iris. These serve, like the cilium, or
upper eyelash, to moderate or exclude the direct rays of lieht
which proceed from the sun, without interrupting those which
are reflected by the surface of the earth ; by this admirable pro-
vision he sees what it is necessary he should see, while the too
powerful stimulus of the direct rays from the sun are excluded,
or sufficiently moderated. These black bodies enable the animal
also to close the pupil completely, and thus occasionally, or when
the nervous structure of the eye is morbidly irritable, exclude
the light altogether.

All that part of the eye which is posterior to the iris is chiefly
occupied by the third or vitreous humour, and it is in this hu-
mour that the crystalline lens is imbedded. The vitreous
humour is perfectly transparent, and consists of a fluid, inclosed
m numerous small transparent cells, all of which appear to be
inclosed in one delicate transparent membrane, named tunica
arachnoidea. If the vitreous humour is cut, by snipping it with
scissors, a fluid, like water, drops from it freely, so that it ap-
pears to be nothing more than water, probably holding a little
salt in solution, which escapes when the transparent cells are
thus cut open.

That part of the vitreous humour in which the lens is im-
bedded is different from the other parts, and of the consistence
of jelly. Immediately behind the ciliary ligament, as it is
termed, the arachnoid coat may be inflated with a small blow-
pipe, and made to resemble a circular canal ; this has been
called, from the name of the person who first observed it, the
circular canal of Petit. It is supposed to be connected with the
radiated fibres of the iris. I have seen the whole of this humour
in the eye of a sheep that had an hydatid in the right ventricle
of the bi-ain of the consistence of jelly.

[The retina is a fine delicate transparent membrane, on which
a picture of external objects is painted. It is spread out on the

THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE EYE. 255

back part of the vitreous humour, and has the choroid coat im-
mediately behind, which therefore acts hke the quicksilver of a
looking-glass in preventing the light from passing through. The
retina is supposed to be a continuation of the optic nerve.

The choroid coat, whose use has been specified, appears to be a
net-work of blood-vessels, secreting a dark paint on both its sur-
faces. It is analogous to the rete-niucosum of the skin, and in the
human subject is quite black, being that which gives the colour
to the pupil of the eye. In animals, however, we observe a
great variety in the colour of that portion of it immediately op-
posite the pupil, or at the back of the eye, being in the cat of a
yellow colour, and in the horse of a greenish blue. The light
colour of this part serves to reflect some portion of the light ad-
mitted to the eye, and thus economises and renders available the
partial light that is always present even in the darkest night
and thus it is that a horse is enabled to pick his way with ease
when his rider is unable to distinguish a single object. The
portion of the choroid coat which accomplishes this effect is
termed the tapetum lucidum, or luminous carpet. — Ed.]

The last and most considerable coat of the eye is the sclerotic
coat, which is a very strong, thick, white, and opaque membrane,
including all the other coats and humours, except the cornea.
The sclerotic coat forms the greater portion of the globe of the
eye, and is intimately united, towards the anterior part, with the
cornea, which may be viewed as bearing the same relation to the
sclerotic coat as the glass of a watch does to the case. By ma-
cei'ation in water the cornea separates from the sclei'otic coat
completely.

The optic nerve penetrates the posterior part of the eye, not
in the centre, but rather inwardly : still, however, it is central
with respect to the axis of vision, for both eyes are always ex-
erted in looking at objects, and, in doing this, incline a little
inwardly, so as to make the optic nerve central with respect to
the object, or rather as to the axis of vision.

Anatomists have supposed that, were this the case, the insertion
of the optic nerve would cause a dark spot to appear before the
eye, and that the nerve, therefore, enters a little inwardly. But
this is an error, as has been demonstrated by the experiment of
the late Dr. Darwin, in which, after looking at a coloured object
stedfastly for some time, upon shutting the eyes the impression
will remain a considerable time, and in an equal degree upon
the insertion of the optic nerve, and every part of the retina,
without the appearance of any dark spot whatever. This not
only proves that that part of the optic nerve which enters the
sclerotic coat, and from which the retina proceeds, is susceptible
of the impressions of light in the same degree as the retina ; but
that the vitreous humour, or rather its arachnoid membrane,

256 DISEASES OV THE HORSE.

performs an important office, in addition to tliat which it per-
forms as a part of a most beautiful and wonderful optical appa-
ratus : that is, it serves to collect and retain the impressions of
objects, to afford time for the intellect to judge of their distance,
as well as of their different properties. The optic nerve passes
through an opening in the bottom of the orbit, named foramen
lacerum, and crossing the opposite nerve, terminates in that part
of the brain named thalamus nervi optici. This decussation of
the optic nerves has been a subject of controversy with anato-
mists. But the fact is completely proved by an examination of
the brain and optic nerves of a horse affected with one cataract
only ; and by an examination of the brain and optic nerves of a
sheep affected with that kind of hydrocephalus which depends
upon the existence of an hydatid in the right ventricle of the
brain, for it is the right ventricle that is generally affected.

In both cases, the nerve which proceeds from the affected
thalamus will be found smaller than the other, and it will be
found smaller also after it has crossed the other nerve, and to
the point where it enters the sclerotic coat of the eye. The
thalami nervorum opticorum I consider as the fountain of
vision, for it is here the impressions of objects are ultimately
received.

On Vision.

[Before we enter on the diseases of the eye, it would be well
to notice briefly the phenomena of vision.

A ray of light, when it impinges on a body, is subject either
to reflection, absorption, or transmission. If reflected, it I'ecoils
from the surface of the object which it cannot permeate, in the
same manner as a ball would rebound if thrown against a wall.
Each ray of light is composed of seven colours, which may,
indeed, be separated by a triangular piece of glass, called a
prism, and different objects have the power of absorbing some
of these colours and reflecting others. The colours absorbed
are, of course, rendered invisible, and those reflected are seen ;
and thus it is according to the colour or colours reflected that
an object appears green, or blue, or yellow. When it appears
white all the colours are reflected, and when black they are all
absorbed.

It is a law of optics that the angle of reflection and that of
incidence are equal. The former signifies the direction in
which the object or ray strikes a mirror, and the latter the angle
at which it may be seen. They may be represented by two per-
sons standing at an equal inclination from a mirror in which
they may be able to see each other's image, though not suf-
ficiently opposite as to discern their own. It is found that the

THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE EYE. 257

degree of reflection depends on the degree of obliquity with
which the ray impinges on the surface of the reflecting object,
and thus the reflected light of the sun and moon is greatest
when rising or setting.

All bodies have the power of absorbing rays of light, but in
different degrees. Opaque bodies absorb more light than trans-
parent ones; and of these black substances absorb most, and
white in the least degree.

When a ray of light enters a transparent medium of greater
density than what it has just left, it becomes refracted or turned
from the perpendicular; and when the density is less than before,
It appears refracted towards the perpendicular. Thus, when a
stick is plunged into water, it appears broken at the surface of
the liquid, which is owing to the rays of light beinf^ broken as
they pass from the object into the air. So, likewise, when a
ray of light impinges on a curved surface it is refracted; and
thus a dense transparent body, of a convex figure, will collect
the rays into one common point or focus, which may be shown
by the common burning-glass. Concave lenses have a contrary
ettect, causing the rays to diverge.

The axis of a convex lens is exactly perpendicular to its two
surfaces, and this, in a double convex lens, passes through the
centre; and when a ray of light comes in this direction, it passes
directly through without any refraction; but an oblique ray is
turned inwards, so as to form a focal point with a ray comino- in
a similar manner from the other side.

These being the principal laws by which vision is governed,
we are enabled to understand the distinct offices of the various
parts or the eye.

- The transparent cornea, the window of the eye, serves to collect
the rays, and, by Us convexity, to refract them towards the
ocufar axis.

The aqueous humour, besides its office of preservino- the con-
irSr^L 1-t "''•'■"'^ and allowing the iris to float loosely amidst
It, serves likewise to refract the rays, from its being a denser
medium than the atmosphere.

The crystalline lens, however, is the principal refracting o-lass •
receiving the rays in some measure redacted by the cornea and
aqueous humour it brings them to a focus on the retina.
fh.!-'" ^ u t^^^o'-n^a «r the crystalline lens is too convex,
the Ob ect IS brought to a focus too soon, and vision is indistinct
and the person near-sighted. This is, probably, a freq S
defect in the eyes of horses that shy, in which we of en find
full goggle eyes When, however, tL cornea or the le^is tSo
flat, a contrary defect is produced, and the object is not converged
soon enough. This is a frequent complaint in old peopll, who

258

DISEASES OF THE HOUSE.

are relieved by convex glasses, whilst the former defect is reme-
died by concave lenses.

The principal use of the vitreous humour is to preserve tlie
globular form of the eye, and thus afford a sufficient surface for
the spreading out of the retina, on which, as before observed, a
picture of external objects is painted, as may be seen by looking
into the eyes of a horse or any other animal.

In taking this course, it must be evident that the rays which
enter at the upper part of the cornea are refracted at the lower
part of the retina, and vice versa ; and thus objects are actually
represented in an inverted position, but, from being all painted
in the same relation to each other, they do not appear inverted
to the mind. — Ed.]

CHAP. XLVII.

DISEASES OF THE EYE. OPHTHALMIA, SIMPLE AND SPECIFIC.

CATARACT. AMAUROSIS.

[The eye of the horse is exceedingly liable to disease — quite as
much, if not more so, than the human eye; but, unlike it, these
diseases are by no means subject to such great variety, but may
be comprehended by a few divisions. We have, then, simple
ophthalmia, specific ophthalmia, cataract, and amaurosis or
paralysis of the optic nerve.

Simple Ophthalmia.

This disease arises from some external injury, such as a blow
from a stick or whip, a bite from another horse, or the intrusion
of some foreign body. It is important to distinguish this dis-
ease from that we have presently to notice, which may be done
without much difficulty, by an attention to the following symp-
toms. Unless the injury is very trifling, there is usually much
swelling and inflammation of the eyelids and its envelopments.
Shortly afterwards we find an opacity of the transparent cornea;
this opacity rarely spreads over the whole of the eye, but is
much greater at one part than another. On inspecting the
eye in a lateral position, we find that the aqueous humour is
either not affected, or only partially so ; and on looking into the
interior of the eye, we find the parts presenting a healthy ap-
pearance.

Treatment. — It is very important to be prompt and energetic
in our tr'eatment; for otherwise there is great danger of the
opacity increasing and involving the whole of the cornea, so as

DISEASES OF THE EYE.

259

to occasion blindness, oi- otherwise to be permanently fixed in
one part, so as to obstruct vision and defy all our attempts for its
removal. When the inflammation is considerable we should
lance the inflamed vessels of the eyelid, and encourage the bleed-
ing as much as possible, and at the same time open the angular
vein which passes from the eye down the face. In performing
this operation it is necessary to cut in some measure across the
vein, in order to ensure its "bleeding freely. If the blood should
not flow freely, it will be better to bleed from the neck at the
same time. The eye should be frequently fomented with warm
water the first day, and afterwards the following lotion should be
applied round and in the eye six or eight times a day : —

Cold water 1 pint.

Tincture of opium 1 ounce.

A dose of physic should be given : and if, in a day or two,
there be still much inflammation, a few quarts of blood may be
taken from the neck of the affected side. When the inflamma-
tion has in great measure abated, but a film or opacity remains
on the cornea, a few drops of the following stimulant should
be applied twice a day with a camel's hair brush : —

Distilled water 1 ounce.

Nitrate of silver 1 or 2 grains.

Or instead of this, a little vinum opii, or tincture of opium diluted
with an equal quantity of water. — En.]

Specific Ophthalmia, or Inflammation of the Eije.

[This disease used to be called by farriers moon blindness,
under the idea that its periodical attacks were influenced by the
moon, as it sometimes occurs about once a month. This idea,
however, is altogether absurd, and its periodical returns are
rarely so frequent as once a month. The disease consists of a
specific inflammation of the various parts of the eye occurrino-
without any immediate external cause; and though in grea*!
measure curable for the time, yet occurring again and again,
until the structure of the eye is so changed by these re-
peated attacks, that blindness follows, or otherwise a cataract
takes place, either total or partial.

The symptoms generally appear somewhat suddenly ; in the
evening, perhaps, there might have been nothing amiss, but on
the following morning sometimes both eyes, but usually one eve
only IS found nearly closed and suff^used with tears; there is
great impatience of light, and indeed it is somewhat diflicult to
mduce the animal to open the lids sufficiently for examination
and when he does so, the pupil is found exceedingly small, so

s 2

260

DISEASES OF THE HOUSE.

as to keep out the light as much as possible. The cornea is not
so opaque as when the niflammation is brought on by an external
injury ; but on looking into the interior of the eye we observe
that It has lost Its usual brightness. The attendants of the
horse usually report that some hay seeds must have got into the
eye, or that he must have injured it in some way; but a proper
examniation will detect the difference, and this will be greatly
assisted if we can ascertain that the horse had had a p?evious

The progress of the case will depend on the treatment em-
ployed, the degree of inflammation, and the particular parts
most affected. ^

I have known a case terminate in blindness from cataract in
the course of three days, and in another case the animal was
subject to periodical attacks for eight years without entirely
losing vision at last. Sometimes the crystalline lens is prin-
cipally affected; in other cases the iris bears the brunt of the
attack ; in some instances the aqueous humour and the cornea
are principally affected, and in others the vitreous humour and
the retina are chiefly diseased. When the crystalline lens is
principally affected, it usually becomes opaque, or what is called
a cataract forms, which, however, may not be so total as entirely
to destroy vision. When the iris is chiefly inflamed, the case,
I imagine, does not terminate so quickly in blindness, but the
attacks are often frequent and very troublesome, and attended
by much general irritability.

When the vitreous humour is greatly affected, the interior of
the eye often becomes of a yellow muddy colour, and the eye
sometimes shrinks from absorption of its substance.

Causes. — The causes of this severe disease, which so often
brings the price of a horse from a hundred guineas down to fifteen,
has engaged much attention, and been the subject of some dis-
pute. In the greater number of horses that are thus attacked,
there is, beyond all question, a natural predisposition to the
disease from weakness of the parts. There are, therefore, two
things to consider,— the cause of this predisposition, and the ex-
citing cause itself, or that which immediately produces the dis-
order. The disposition to the disease is decidedly hereditary.
The offspring of parents with diseased eyes become blind far
more frequently than the produce of animals with healthy eyes ;
and to the circumstance of the little care taken in the choice of
the dam or the sire may to a great extent be attributed the fre-
quency of the disease. We find that sheep and oxen, compared
with the horse, are rarely attacked with diseased eyes, and even
the dog is seldom affected. What then is the difference in their
treatment ? The latter are, in a great measure, left in a state of
nature; whilst the former animal, at an early age, becomes

DISEASES OF THE EYE.

261

domesticated, is taken into a warm stable, exposed to the fumes
fronl the dung and urine, fed on stimulating food, and often
used with great severity, either in the saddle or harness. Here
we have several causes : a plethoric state of the system is induced
by stimulating food, by which much blood is sent to the head;
this disposition of the blood is still further increased by exertion,
particularly in harness, from the pressure of the collar, retarding,
in some measure, the return of the blood. The eyes ai'e exposed
to the stimulus of ammoniacal gases, the irritating effect of which
on our own eyes may be readily experienced; besides which the
young animal is often kept in a dark stable, whence he is often
suddenly brought into the full glare of the noon-day sun. Can
we wonder that this combination of causes should produce
disease, or that the delicate structure of the organ of vision
should be the first to suffer? We have here both exciting
and predisposing causes. A weakness of the structure of the
eye is often derived from the parents, and the causes above-
mentioned soon bring on disease.

Specific ophthalmia usually makes its appearance between
the fourth and seventh year, but sometimes before, and occasion-
ally in old horses.

Harness horses are certainly more liable to the disease than
those used for the saddle alone ; and horses with a small sunken
eye are more likely to be affected than those with full open eyes.
The disease is also more likely to occur amongst coach and post
horses, where a number are kept together, than amongst gentle-
men's studs.

Treatment. — Although different parts of the eye may be
affected, yet the attack being one of inflammation, the treat-
ment should be pretty much the same in all cases, and should
consist, in the first place, of local and general bleeding and
physic, as advised for simple ophthalmia ; the bleeding should
be repeated as required ; warm fomentations should be used at
first, and should be succeeded by the cold lotion before advised,
or the following, which is more stimulating : —

Sulphate of zinc 1 drachm.

Superacetatc of lead ... 4 scruples.
Water 1 pint.

Mix, and, after shaking them together, filter through blotting
paper. °

When the inflammation has in some measure subsided, a seton
may be inserted under the eye, and kept in for several weeks.

Some persons object to the seton, on account of the mark it
leaves for some time, and recommend instead one to be placed
under the jaws.

A few drops of wine of opium may be daily insinuated into

s 3

262

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

aitidr'^*^ nitrate of silver lotion prescribed in the preceding

A variety of stimulants have been applied to the eve with
advantage, and it js^ often necessary to vary them, as they some-
times lose their effect by repetition. A solution of the extract
of be ladonna, as well as that of digitalis, has been found veiT
usef^il; and sometimes a stimulant in the form of an ointmm
has been most convenient and eff^ectual, such as the ointment of
nitrated quicksilver, weakened by mixture with one half thp
quantity of lard, and applied to the eyelids oncL day or a^

It is of importance that the horse should be removed to a
cool and clean stable, where there are no emanations from the
excrements.

Mr. Peal], in his observations on the diseases of the horse,
relates a striking experiment which he made on a horse affected
with ophthalmia. " I have ordered him," he says, " to be re-
moved from the stable, where I observed he kept both eyes shut,
into the open air, or to a very cool situation, and have watched
the effects of the change. In the course of half an hour, I have
commonly found him begin to open his eyes gradually, and in
the course of two or three hours, to keep them open boldly, and
tor a continuance, even though the situation he was placed in
was not darkened or shady; for it cannot be denied that stron-
light IS very prejudicial in such cases. Now, to prove that the
stimulus of the volatile alkali (the vapours of foul litter) was
more offensive to the inflamed organ than that of \\cr\n, I have
placed the animal again in a hot stable, which did not admit
much light; and, in the course of a few minutes, have observed
him begin to close his eyes gradually, and, after an hour or two,
to keep them constantly shut. Not satisfied, however, with this
1 have removed the horse back again to a cool situation, and
have observed the same effects to be produced as have been
already detailed."

It is frequently the case, that as one eye gets better the other
is attacked or gets worse ; and it is fortunately sometimes the
fact that the loss of one preserves the other : this, however, is,
generally speaking, when the disease ends in cataract. — Ed.]

Cataract.

[We may consider cataract in three varieties : — total cataract,
partial cataract, and specks on the capsule of the crystalline
lens, which, however, can scarcely be called cataract.

* For other medical applications for the eye refer to the Materia Meclica.

DISEASES OF THE EYE.

263

Total cataract is an entire opacity of the crystalline lens, so
that it no longer admits rays of light to pass through, and bhnd-
ness is, of course, the result. It proceeds from inflammation of
the lens, and it usually takes many attacks to produce total
opacity. It may be readily detected by exposing the horse to a
moderate lio-ht, such as that at the stable door, and carefully
looking into the interior of the eye.

Sometimes the opacity is quite white, at other times grey, and
occasionally yellow. The lens undergoes some alterations of
form when affected with cataract, becoming much more globular
than before.

In the human subject, it is well known that the operation of
couching is practised, which consists either in extracting the
lens, or thrusting it back into the vitreous humour, where it
becomes absorbed. In the horse, however, this operation is
almost impracticable, and is otherwise objectionable, inasmuch
as partial vision would alone be restored, which would probably
make the animal shy, as it is impossible to adapt spectacles to
him to supply the want of the lens, as is done in the human
subject.

It often happens that when a catai'act has completely formed
in one eye, the other, although it had been before attacked,
becomes strengthened and remains sound. This, indeed, is
the most favourable termination of specific ophthalmia that can
possibly occur.

Partial cataract is when there are opaque spots in the lens,
but not sufficient to shut out vision entirely. It is generally the
consequence of active inflammation, which may recur again and
again until the transparency of the lens is entirely gone. In
other cases, the inflammatory attack may not again recur, but
partial vision remain through life. In examining a horse, we
may expect a recurrence of the inflammation if the other parts
of the eye are disorganised : but if the opacity is entirely con-
fined to the lens, and the other parts appear perfectly clear,
and the iris is not particularly irritable when exposed to the
light, we may consider it probable that the horse will preserve
what sight he possesses, although, of course, he cannot be con-
sidered as sound.

Sometimes we find slight specks on the crystalline lens
occurring without any previous inflammation, or at least any
that obtained notice. The appeax-ance of these specks may, by
attention, be distinguished from partial cataract. Instead of
being white, yellow, or green, they are of a grey hue, and their
opacity is not so great as in cataract. It is extremely probable
that the opacity is confined to the capsule or covering of the
lens; and, in several instances, I have known them disappear
without any remedy having been applied. Other veterinary

s 4

264

BISEASES OF THE HORSE,

surgeons have made the same observations- inH h Ic

Amqurosis,

Or Gutta Serena is blindness either total or partial from
supposed paralysis of the ootic nervP On • ■ f- ,
eyes, we find no' alteration of Tucture but fh^e p'^ rL^e^
enlarges and diminishes from the effects of light! and the eveJ
have_ an unusually bright or glassy appeara'nee The blh d

rncur^br:^^ oth ' P^'^^^'^ sometimes i^^emains

incurable, at others it gives way to remedial measures. The

disease often comes on suddenly, and the first intimation r;ceived

several kinds ; it may depend on some lesion of the retina, and
then It IS called idiopathic, or the mischief may be in ti e optic

"\ 7 t« be the caseS

It IS then called symptomatic ; or it may be sympathetic, when it
depends on the existence of disease in some independent organ
Amaurosis has been known to follow stomach staggers, in which
cases It has sometimes proved temporary, at others permanent.
It has also, in many instances, succeeded excessive loss of blood
from haemorrhage after castration, and also from ruptured liver.
It has appeared, too, in a temporary form during gestation, and
also, in many instances, after apoplexy.

The treatment must consist in bleeding from the neck rather
extensively, and following this by a dose of physic. Local
applications to the eye will be of little service.

When, however, it proceeds from disease of another part, our
attention must be more particularly directed to the recovery of
that part, whether it be the stomach, the liver, or any other
viscera. Although bleeding is generally advisable at first, it is
not always to be followed, but must be regulated by the general
health. When the above treatment fails, calomel may be o-iven
lor some time combined with opium, and in obstinate cases,
strychnia may be tried. — Ed,]

Worm in the Eye is a frequent complaint in India, Its situa-
tion is in the aqueous humour, where the worm is found
swimming about. It is generally upwards of an inch in length,
and often occasions impediment to the sight.

Mr. Skeavington attributes it to the^foulness of the water
used in that country, and recommends its removal by puncturing
the cornea with a lancet prevented by a little tow from passing
too far. The aqueous humour escapes through the incision, and

ON LAMENESS FROM STRAINS.

265

with it the worm. Mr. S. has operated on seven cases- suc-
cessfully. He does not throw the animal, and prefers an incision
opposite the pupil as being less likely to injure the iris. —
Ed.]

CHAP. XLVni.

ON LAMENESS FROM STRAINS.

Lameness is produced by a variety of causes, so numerous,
and often so obscure, that to discover its seat with accuracy
and promptitude is a mark of professional acumen to which
eveiy young practitioner should aspire. Let him not, how-
ever, be led by this consideration to give a hasty opinion in
cases of lameness ; but, on the contrary, let him investigate care-
fully, and reflect deliberately, upon all the circumstances of the
case, and be well assured that he knows the seat and nature of
the lameness before he gives an opinion. Lameness may exist
in a great variety of degrees ; the shades, for so they may be
named, between soundness and positive lameness are so nume-
rous, that to give a name to each would be impossible ; and if
possible, unprofitable. The immediate cause of lameness, in
the majority of cases, is the effort of the animal to relieve the
lame leg by throwing his weight on the sound one, thus causing
that unequal action called lameness. The serious loss and in-
convenience arising from lameness have excited particular atten-
tion to the subject ; and, though considerable improvement has
been made within a few years in the art of shoeing, as well as in
the treatment of lameness, it is a generally acknowledged fact,
I believe, that a large proportion of the lameness that occur will
only admit of palliation, and that a considerable number are
absolutely incurable, especially those in the feet.

In alluding to the improvements in shoeing, I do not mean
to include that which has been introduced from France, except
as it regards the nailing of those shoes ; for as to the French
shoe, and its boasted ajmture, I think it the most absurd imagin-
able. That lameness is much more frequent in this country
than in France is a fact that must be admitted, and ought to be
deeply lamented, because it is an evil that may and ought to be
prevented. On what, then, it may be asked, does this par-
ticular frequency of lameness in this country depend ? The
French say on shoeing ; but it is not really so : on the contrary,
I am of opinion that the English shoeing, speaking generally, is
the best in the world. The frequency of lameness, so loudly
and justly complained of, arises wholly from the immoderate

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

and cruel manner in which the animal is workpH anri fi i
age at winch he is brought into work ' ^^'^^

may occur in muscles, in ligaments, and tendons and
jn the membranes by which tendons are joined together and
they prove a very frequent source of lamenei in the iS They
consist m an overstretching of the injured parts, wher^ in^
flammafon is produced, and it becomes hot, tender, and^fi'e-
quently swollen ; sometimes some of the smal blood-vessels are
ruptured, and blood is extravasated ; at others a l^uid i effused
by the vessels, and thus causes the swelling. The Ian ene "s Is
produced not so much by the pain the animal receives when ti e
injured part comes to the ground, but rather by the effort to
prevent this pam as much as possible by treading Hghtly oi tl e
injured limb, and with greater force on the other. ^ ^

Mrains of the muscles are generally more painful than those

mr hnt'/ ^''^"^ tl^e greater organisation of the

art but, for the same reason, they are generally more effec-
ually cured, and in a shorter space of time. In strains of the
ligaments and tendons what we have principally to fear is the
permanent enlargement of the part, by the deposition of new
substance around It; this being one of nature's methods in re-
lieving inflammation, but which is generally the source of great
weakness of the part. o ./ h

In the treatment of strains our principal object must be to
relieve the inflammation as quickly as possible, and thus to pre-
vent an enlargement from taking place; with this view we
should have recourse to bleeding, locally or generally, warm
fomentations, poultices, and cold lotions, avoiding stimulants
till the inflammation is considerably abated, — EdO

Shoidder Strain.

[Some years since the practice of the veterinary art was con-
hned to farriers, whose want of knowledge of morbid anatomy
lelt them to guess at the seat of lameness in numerous instances-
and thus m the greater number of lamenesses in the fore ex-
tremity, where no external signs were manifested, the shoulder
was invariably considered tiie seat of disease. Many veterinary
surgeons finding this to be erroneous, in numerous instances
have flown to the opposite extreme, and declared that horses
were never lame in the shoulder.

Shoulder lamenesses are certainly rare, but they occasionally
occur, and may nearly always be detected. There are several
parts of the shoulder liable to injury; sometimes the muscles
that connect the shoulder blade and the humerus to the body
are strained, and this generally arises from the fore legs slipping
or spreading apart. Occasionally the large triceps muscle, pass-

ON LAMENESS FROM STRAINS.

267

ing from the back part of the scapula to the elbow, is the seat of
injury. — Ed.] More frequently than this the lameness depends
on a strain of the tendon, (or an injury of the synovial cavity, or
bursa mucosa, through which the tendon passes,) which arises
from a protuberance on the lower part of the shoulder blade,
and slides over the large grooved pi'ocess at the head of the
shoulder bone. This large grooved process is covered with a
slippery cartilage, as in other synovial cavities, to prevent any
friction while the limb is in motion. I have seen shoulder
lameness that appeared to depend upon a rheumatic affection of
this part. The manner of the horse's going, when this part is
the seat of lameness, is very remarkable. In endeavouring to
trot, and sometimes even in walking, the fore leg suddenly gives
way or bends, and it is only by a considerable effort that the
horse can save himself from falling. I had a filly mider my
care for this lameness which fell down several times in walking.
The remedies I employed were passing a seton over the point of
the shoulder, and blistering all around it pretty freely. This,
and confining her some weeks in a box, effected a cure.

[I lately met with a case of this description which arose from
severe struggling after being thrown for an operation. The
use of the limb was nearly lost for several days, and the seat of
injury was evidently in the triceps muscle, just above the elbow,
which became much enlarged. Fomentations, bleeding, and
stimulants effected a; recovery.

The symptoms of shoulder lameness are generally detected
without much diflBculty. The horse is generally lame in the
walk as well as the trot, which is not the case with other lame-
nesses of equal severity. The lameness is particularly notice-
able on going down hill. Unlike other lamenesses the injured
leg is not extended so far as the other, and is often carried
forwards in a circular direction ; thei-e appears, indeed, greater
pain evinced in extending the limb than in resting the weight
of the body upon it. On moving the limb forwards, backwards,
and laterally there is often considerable pain evinced by the
animal; this, however, depends on the severity of the case..

Hoi 'ses with thick, upright, and badly formed shoulders are
more liable to these injuries than others, from the inability of
the parts to respond adequately to exertions demanded, whence
they become over exerted and strained. The injuries are there-
fore produced in galloping over heavy grounds or ruts, or going
fast down hill in harness, or from some accidental false step.

The treatment should consist of bleeding largely from the
plate vein as it is commonly termed, just opposite the elbow-
joint; three to five quarts may be abstracted with advantafre.
Should there be considerable pain, and particularly if the parts
feel hot and tender, the shoulder should be fomented frequently

268

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

With warm water for a day or two. After which th. r.li •
iniment should be well tubbed in • b. t f tif u ^""".^'"g
heat the liniment may be rubbed in'at first : - "°
Olive oil n

Spirits of hartshorn v;;;;;;. IZZT

Strong tincture of cantharides... 1 ounce
Mix.

tion the next, which will be fnnnH 7. "^'i P°''-
swelUnff andd scharo-pof ii. t ^ P'?'^"'^^ considerable

This treatment will generally effect a cure in the course of «
month, more or less; but, in obstinate cases of loZr con
.nuance, setons may be inserted over the shoulder and after"
then- removal the horse may be turned to grass!-- Ed.]

Sirams of the Knee Joint.

mpnTi"'' ^'"^ '° compacted and secured by licra-

ments, is rarely stramed. Sometimes, however, this is ?he

coits in tiaining. The seat of the injury is ffeneraliv the lio-n
xnents on the side of the knee, and it' is freq^iently sCere and
obstinate. It is generally produced by slipping on die turf and
^ometimes attends a broken knee, whi'ch if lenders consi^lbly

The treatment should consist of bleeding from the arm, warm
fomentations, cold lotions, and when the inflammation 7s IZ
moved, unless the case is slight, a blister should be applied. 1

A Description of the Tendons, 8{c. of the Leg

sMered!'" ^"j"'^"' P^^'^^ ^''^

The flexor tendons, or back sinews, are the appenda-es or
ropes to the flexor muscles, which are situated chiefly on the
back part of the fore-arm of the horse; when these muscles are
run or prominent, tapering downwards in a sinewy form, it indi-
cates great strength of the fore-leg, and the sinews will always

ON LAMENESS FROM STKAINS.

269

be found of corresponding strength. The elbow in such a fore-
leg is generally standing out from the side, and not turned in
and concealed, as it is in fore-arms of a different description, in
the side of the chest or sternum. These sinews are two in
number, and the one is inclosed in the other, so that the latter
forms what is termed a sheath for it. The inner tendon, or, as
it is named, the perforans, is one of great strength, nearly round,
and extends down to th'e bottom of the foot, or coffin bone,
into which it is firmly implanted. The other, or sheath, named
perforatus, is considerably thinner, forming, indeed, a mere
sheet of tendon, especially at those parts where windgalls happen ;
these were formerly supposed to be enlarged bursas mucosse,
but I have clearly demonstrated that they are nothing more
than the tendinous sheath, distended with synovia.

These, then, are the two tendons, which, taken together, form
the back sinews. Between these two tendons there are, in two
parts, thin membranes, by which they are joined together j these
membranes appear to serve as bridles, allowing the perforans ten-
don to move a little way within the perforatus, and then preventing
any further motion. The situation of those membranes is abou"
midway in the leg, and midway in the pastern. If the coffin
joint happen to be extended in a way the animal was not pre-
pared for, both these membranes are ruptured. The conse-
quence is, an effusion of blood between the two tendons.

It will be seen from the Plate that there is a strong ligament,
but in appearance like a tendon, coming from the back part of the
knee, passing down about four or five inches, and then incor-
porating with the perforans tendon. This I have named the
great ligament of the back sinew, and its office is of a very im-
portant nature, being no less than that of supporting the whole
body; that is, supposing the flexor muscles to be fatigued, and
incapable of doing it, and in consequence giving way ; for in
that case this great ligament forming one rope with the great
back sinew, and this sinew being firmly inserted into the bottom
of the coffin bone, it must of necessity be the sole support of the
whole weight. This ligament may also be ruptured in strains.
I have seen a case of this kind, and such must have been the
cases that have been described as a rupture of the back sinew,
an accident, as must be obvious from the plate *, that cannot
happen.

One part only remains to be described, and that is the
suspensory ligament. This ligament passes down from behind
the knee close to the shank bone, until it arrives to within
three inches and a half of the superior and posterior part of the

*

^' ^''^r^P"'^'''^ °': P"""' of where the branch H communi-

cates. B. The suspensory hgament. C. The great ligament of the back
smew. D. The two back smews, or flexor tendons. EE. The extensor ten

270

DISEASES OF THE HOUSE.

sesamoid bones : at this part it divides into two branches, which
diverge from each other, and embrace the sesamoid bones
laterally, so as to keep them firmly in their situations; it then
passes downward and obliquely forward, and gains the extensor
endon about midway in front of the pastern. This ligament is
the chief support of the fetlock joint, and is sometimes ruptured
m one of its branches: this, however, is rarely the case; but it
Js much more frequently strained and enlarged

The fetlock joints are of great importance to the horse : thev
receive, from their oblique position with respect to the legs, the
weight of the whole body, and form that important springVhich
enables him to perform his wonderful exertions with ease to
himself and pleasure to his rider. From this circumstance, they
must of course be liable to very severe injuries, and these in-
juries, it IS to be regetted, are often incurable; that is, con-
sidered as saddle horses; but as draught horses, they may be
sulhciently restored for slow and moderate labour.

-D

plate may, witliou

don fastened by a ligament to the out-
side of the knee. F. The cannon or
hank bone. G. The splent bone, which
IS placed on each side, rather poste-
riorly, of the shank-bone, beginning im-
mediately under the knee, and extend-
ing tapering downward, and terminat-
ing at fig. 1. in a sort of bulb. H. The
back sinews and their great suspen-
sory lignment, apparently, joined to-
gether. This, however, is not the case ;
it incorporates only with the perforans
tendon, marked fig. 2. ; and so inti-
mately, that they form one and the
same substance, at the part marked by
the small letter i. The perforatus,
marked fig. 3., forms a sheath for the
perforans, as already described in the
article strains. 4. The knee-joint. 5.
The fetlock-joint.

This plate shows also a branch
of nerve which crosses over the back
sinew, to join the nerve on the opposite
side. It must be observed, however,
that the nerve is represented crossing
in too perpendicular a direction, and
joining the great nerve on the outside
of the leg a little too high. The dis-
tance betw eeti the part on the inside
nerve, where the branch is given off,
and the part on the outside nerve,
where it communicates, is about two
inches, or within two inches and a half,
for it varies a little in this respect. The
imation, lead the reader into an error.

ON LAMENESS FROM STRAINS.

271

Strain of the Flexor Tendons, or Bach Sinews.

[This injury is of frequent occurrence, and being often neg-
lected in its early stages, an enlargement of the tendons takes
place, which greatly depreciates the value of the animal. This
being the case, the injury whether trivial or severe, should never
be thought lightly of, but always submitted to treatment.

The Symptoms are in a severe case, lameness and heat, and
swelling of the affected part ; on pressing the sinews consider-
able pain is evinced. Sometimes the fetlock almost touches
the ground from relaxation of the sinews or their connections.
The enlargement in some cases is so considerable, that the
sinews cannot be discerned ; this often arises from effusion of
blood in the sheath, but the tendons, themselves, are likewise
inflamed.

• The treatment in a severe case should consist of copious
bleeding from the arm, which may be repeated the second or
third day if necessary ; a patten shoe should be placed on the foot
of the affected leg, so as to put the sinews in a state of rest ; and
the limb should be placed in a bucket of warm water, and fre-
quently fomented for a long time together. If this cannot be
conveniently done, a linseed meal poultice should be placed on
the leg and wetted several times in the day with warm water.
On the second or fourth day the following lotion may be sub-
stituted for the fomentation, a linen bandage being applied,
and frequently saturated with the lotion : —

Muriate of ammonia... •. 1 ounce.

Pyroligneous acid 2 ounces.

Spirits of wine 2 ounces.

Camphorated spirit 2 drachms.

Cold water 11 pint. —

Mix.

When the part is totally free from inflammation, if a swelling
remains, it should be either blistered or fired, the latter is the
most effectual, and should be preferred if the blemish is not
objected to. — Ed.]

Strains of the Fetlock Joint.

This injury may be confined to the joint itself when there is
lameness and heat but not much swelling, but its seat generally
is the ligaments surrounding the joint.

The Symptoms are similar to those before mentioned in strains
of the sinews, and the treatment also should be very similar. A
patten shoe, however, is not so imperatively called for, and if
used should not be continued so long.

272

DISEASES OF THE HORSE,

Breaking Down.

_ This accident often occurs in racing, and sometimes in hunt-
ing, but very rarely upon the road. A strain in the back sinews
IS sometimes ca led by this name*; but when a horse breaks
down, the fetlock jomt, when he rests on that leg, nearly bears
upon the ground. This accident is supposed to depend on a
rupture of the great suspensory ligament of the leg ; but some-
times It IS occasioned by a rupture of the ligaments of the
pastern. If we examine the tendons and ligament on the back
part of the shank, we shall find that the great flexor, or perforans
tendon, IS supported by a strong ligament, nearly as lanre as
Itself, which proceeds from the back part of the knee, or from
the upper and posterior part of the great metacarpal or cannon
bone. About three or four inches down it joins the perforans
tendon, and becomes intimately mixed with it. If this part is
examined it will clearly appear that a rupture of the suspensory
ligament of the fetlock joint would not bring the horse down
upon his fetlock joint unless this suspensory ligament of the
perforans tendon were to give way also. I have met with two
cases of a rupture of the ligaments, by which the two pastern
bones are held together. It happened to two nerved horses,
that were driven in the subscription coach from Bath to Exeter.
Both these horses came down upon the fetlock joint, and were
therefore shot. A perpendicular section was made of the foot
and pastern, when this dislocation of the pastern bones was
shown very conspicuously. The suspensory ligament of the
pastern joint embraces the two sesamoids laterally, and when
ruptured it is probable that only one of its branches is broken,
which is followed by a dislocation of one or both sesamoids :
this accident also I have seen.

This breaking down is most probably owing to a rupture
or strain of the ligaments passing from the sesamoid bones to
the pasterns, which, on being divided, greatly increases the ob-
liquity of the joint. In the treatment of such cases the patten
shoe must be early applied, and the same means resorted to as
for other strains.

The Suspensoi^y Ligaments which pass down the leg between
the back sinews and the bone, are often the seat of inflammation,
enlargement, and lameness. The nature of this affection is less
severe, though often more obstinate, than that of the tendons.

The Treatment must be similar to that before recommended ;

* This is the case in racing stables ; it is, however, only very severe strains
that are thus called, that is, when the enlargement is so great that the sinews
present a considerable curve instead of a straight line. — Ed.

ON LAMENESS FROM STRAINS.

273

but, there being less inflammation, firing or blistering should be
earlier resorted to. — Eu.]

[ Windgalls

Are soft pufFy swellings of a similar nature to bog spavins and
thorough-pins. They are found both in the fore and hind legs
at the fetlock joint. There are two situations in which they may
appear; one on each side, and at an equal distance from the
front and back of the fetlock joint ; the other on each side of the
flexor tendons. The former communicate with the fetlock joint
itselfj the latter, which are larger and more frequent than the
others, with the sheath of the flexor tendons. Thus connected,
there must be considerable danger in opening them. Windo-alls
are, therefore, neither more nor less than a distension of'^the
synovial bags with synovia, and sometimes an extension of these
bags by a rupture of their connections. The cavities which are

the seat of windgalls are shown in the frontispiece plate, one

just behind the lower part of the cannon, the other behind the
tendons. Sometimes we find these enlargements at the front of
the fetlock joint, or rather on each side of the extensor tendon.
In this case they do not communicate with the joint, but are
merely the distension of the mucous capsule just about the joint.
They are also found above the knee, and in various other parts
of the body. ^

Blistering these windgalls will generally cause their disappear-
ance for a tmie; but they are sure to return with work. Punc-
tunng them with a needle in various places, so as to cause an
adhesion of the side of their internal surfaces has been suowsted
and IS well worth a trial. — En.] '

Strain of the Coffin Joint.

[Under this term, most obscure lamenesses of the fore ex-
tremity used to be classed by those who were of opinion that the
shou ders were not the seat of injury. Later research, however,
has discovered that, in nine cases out of ten, the seat of these
obscure lamenesses is not in the coffin, but in the navicular joint
somewhat posterior to it. The coffin joint is so firmly secured
within the hoof, and is so limited in its movements, that its
igaments are rardy strained This, however, is occasionally
the case, and may be detected by heat round the coronet, in ad-

I dition to the lameness.

The treatment must consist in bleeding from the foot and

: poultices, and followed by blistering the coronet.— Ed ]

274

DISEASES or THE HOHSE.

Strain or Injury of the Loins.

This injury is not unfrequent, and occurs chiefly to draught
horses, especially those in the shafts when they are keeping back
heavy burdens in going down hill. In doing this they often
slip, and not only strain the muscles of the loins, but may injure
the spinal marrow also. When the spinal marrow is injured, a
paralysis of the hind extremities, either total or partial, takes
place, and the horse is seldom of much use afterwards. This
disease is noticed under the head of palsy. When the muscles
of the loins are injured, we can generally succeed in curing by
the following treatment: — Copious bleeding, perfect rest, sus-
pension or slinging, if the lameness is such as to require it, and
covering the loins with a fresh sheep's skin, blistering, or rub-
bing some strong embrocation upon them. After this treatment
has been continued about a week, the horse should be put into
a loose box, where he can move himself about freely, and in a
week after this he may, if required, have a charge put upon his
back, and be turned to grass.

Strain or Injury of the Hip Joint, or Round Bone.

This accident is produced by the hind feet slipping sideways,
or by blows on the part, as in falls on the side. In the fii'st case,
that is, in slipping sideways, the round ligament of the hip joint
is injured or torn. In falling on the part, the injury is of a dif-
ferent nature : the cup of the joint or head of the bone may be
injured. But a more common effect is a gradual enlargement
of the great process of the head of the femur, by which the
muscle named gluteus magnus (of the horse, but parvus of the
human body) which passes over it, is thrown off a little, and
therefore when in action, it forces the head of the femur into the
acetabulum, in such a manner as to render motion painful. This
happens, in some cases, in such a degree as to produce inflam-
mation, and very serious lameness. Lameness in the hip joint
may be easily distinguished by the horse inclining his hind parts
a little on one side, so as to make one hip appear while he is
going a little higher than the other; but after he has travelled
some miles, he becomes a little tired of bearing so much on the
sound side, and puts up with the pain of bearing on the lame
side, so that he steps or goes equally, and the lameness is no
longer observed, until he has stopped a short time, or rested in
the stable ; and then, when taken from the stable, he is as lame
or lamer than before. Rest alone, at the commencement of the
lameness, will often effect a cure; after this period, firing and
blistering are also necessary. Tliis lameness is easily distin-

DISLOCATION OF THE PATELLA.

•275

guished from lameness of the hock, or fetlock joint, by the sudden
catching up of the hind leg in the two latter.

Strain or Injury of the Stifle.

Lameness in the stifle is known by the difficulty the horse
feels in putting forward the hind leg ; also by swelling and ten-
derness of the part. It is generally produced by external vio-
lence, though it may be caused by a strain.

The treatment should consist of bleeding, either generally or
from the thigh ; warm fomentations to the part, followed by
cold lotions ; and if the lameness continues the joint should be
blistered, orsetons inserted over it.

Dislocation of - the Patella,

There is another kind of lameness in the stifle, which is some-
times only of a temporary nature, and has more the appearance
of spasm or cramp of the muscles ; but is, in fact, a dislocation of
the patella. It takes _place when a horse is suddenly moved in
the stall, or when first taken out, or when first moved after
having been ridden and then standing still a short time. The
attack sometimes lasts only a minute or two, but is often re-
curring. It occurs chiefly in colts, or young horses. When a
horse is attacked with this cramp, as it appears to be, he con-
tinues with the hind leg stretched out, stiff, and apparently in
great pain,; he then suddenly draws it up with a jerk, and the
knee pan, or patella, can sometimes be heard to go into its place
asjain.

[The injury here spoken of, and so frequently mistaken for
cramp, is neither more nor less than a dislocation of the patella
or knee pan, whereby the motion of the joint is altogether pre-
vented, and the leg becomes stiff" and immoveable. Sometimes,
from the frequent recurrence of this affection, and its often spon-
taneous cure, the articulating surface of the patella becomes
flattened, and the animal is rendered almost useless, being con-
tinually subject to the dislocation.

In other cases, the bone cannot be restored to its proper situ-
ation without assistance, which should be thus rendered. The
operator should place himself behind the animal, and putting
one arm between the thighs, clasp his hands in front of the stifle.
The leg now being drawn forwards by an assistant, the patella
should, at the same time, be forced in by the operator.

A blister or charge should be placed over the part to prevent
or retard its motion, and the animal kept in a state of rest for
some days. In cases of frequent recurrence, the part may be
fired, with a view of bracing the skin. — Ed.]

T 2

276

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

CHAP. XLIX.

EXOSTOSIS.

Splints.

"Splints are so frequent, that few horses become old without
them ; and, m the majority of cases, they produce neither lame-
ness nor inconvenience ; in other cases, however, they are at-
tended with much pain and severe and troublesome lameness.
We sometimes find large splints not only unaccompanied with
lameness, but which never have been so attended ; whilst others,
one fourth their size, will often produce severe lameness. This
used to be explained, or rather endeavoured to be explained, by
saymg that the latter interfered with the sinew, and the other
did not. The enlargement cannot interfere with the flexor
sinews, and it is doubtful whether its proximity to the suspensory
ligament is ever a source of lameness. The circumstance of
splints producing lameness in some cases and not in others can
be much better accounted for by supposing that where it pro-
duces no inconvenience the ossific deposit is so gradual that the
periosteum, or membrane covering the bone, can accommodate
itself to its increased size ; whilst in other cases the enlargement
takes place so rapidly, that the periosteum becomes painfully
stretched, and thus produces lameness. A splint usually occurs
about three or four inches below the knee, but sometimes we
find it much lower down, and occasionally higher up. In these
latter instances the case is much worse, as it is likely to interfere
with the action of the knee, and in this situation is often com-
plicated with inflammation of the ligaments of the knee. The
proximate cause of splint may be considered as a strain of the
ligamentous substance which connects the small with the large
metacarpal bones, and which may be produced by anything that
throws an undue proportion of weight upon these bones. It is
found far more frequently on the inside than the outside, which
is considered to be owing to the former being more under the
centre of gravity, and also to the circumstance that the inner
splint bone receives the whole weight of the small bone of the
knee, the trapezoid ; whilst, on the outside, the unciform bone
rests partly on the large, and thus the latter prevents the former
from being pressed from above beyond a certain degree. For
the same reason, horses that turn their toes out are most liable
to splints.

Treatment. — " Professor Coleman used to say, ' A splint once
is a splint always ;' the two bones being once united by ossific
matter, this connection, whatever we may do or apply, will never

M

EXOSTOSIS.

277

be altered. It used to be the custom to remove the splint with a
hammer and chisel, but the production of a large blemish from
the destruction of skin was the consequence of this barbarous
method. Another practice, as ancient and barbarous as the
former, was the application of corrosive sublimate, or other
strong caustic, so as to occasion a slough ; in this case, too, the
remedy was as bad as the disease, — the horse was disfigured for
life. Better and more recent treatment than this was either
firing or blistering. The objection to the former, however, was
the marks it produced; and to the latter, in common with the
former, that though the lameness was removed, it very frequently
returned with the resumption of labour.

" The more modern, successful, and scientific treatment of
splints consists in the operation of periosteotomy, or division of
the periosteum, which covers the bone.

" Professor Sewell has introduced, within these few years, an
excellent mode of performing the operation. The horse is cast,
the leg properly straightened and secured, and then a small
opening is made just below the splint, sufficient to introduce a
long, narrow, convex, probe-pointed knife, the edge of which is
on the convex side ; the knife is then passed up under the skin,

Periosteotomy Knife.
This knife is blunt on the extremity so as to pass under the skin as a probe.

and by drawing it backwards and forwards on the splint, pressing
firmly at the same time, the periosteum is completely divided.
A small opening is then made through the skin above the splint,
and a narrow seton passed from one orifice to the other, after
which a bandage is placed on the leg, and the horse released.
The seton should be moved and dressed daily with dio-estive
ointment, and at the expiration of a week removed, and the
wound permitted to heal. 1 have found the operation succeed
whenever I have adopted it.

" In the very numerous cases that occur of splints beino- un-
attended with lameness, it is better ' to let well alone ; but
when the lameness is slight, and the horse cannot be 'spared
from work more than a few days, it is well to apply a mild
blistering application, such as the tincture of cantharides, about
a tea-spoonful of which will be sufficient for one application

DISEASES OF THE HOUSE.

wliich may be repeated according to the action it produces and
the benefit it occasions. ^ "uuces ana

hnn ^^"^^V'"'' "^'''^"^ P^^'^« «f tJ'e cannon

bone but, though often large and consequently offensive to the
eye hey rarely produce lameness. They are more frequent
^ith hunters than with other horses, anrl are often, bu? no

o ntme'nr?n ^ K^'"^" ^"^P'"^' ^he use of the iodine
oin ment forms the best treatment. Still more frequently we
find ossific depositions round the fetlock joint: the most usual
situation is by the side of the sesamoid b'ones. Sometimes we
hnd these enlargements on the anterior part of the joint, or on
the lateral portions anterior to the suspensory ligament. These
swellings frequently exist without injury, but they are some-
times the cause of severe lameness,

" Treatment — When these enlargements are produced by
strains of the ligaments, they are much more serious than when
tiiey come on gradually without any ostensible cause. In the
Jormer case, it may be prudent to blister or fire the leo- ; in the
latter, we should recommend the continued application of the
iodine ointment.

Ringhone.

" Ringbone is a deposition of ossific matter on the pastern
bones, which, from frequently extending round them, derives its
common appellation. It exists in various degrees, sometimes
being very slight, and in others surrounding the bones, and
altogether obscuring their real form. Ringbones arise either
trom concussion of the joint or a strain of its ligaments; they
may either be rapidly produced by a severe strain, or may, as
they usually do, come on slowly. It often happens that a horse
IS lame, and it is somewhat difficult to discover the seat of his
lameness; but, after a while, a ringbone commonly forms.
Horses with short upright joints are disposed to this disease
from the concussion to which they are liable, and more par-
ticularly if their action is high ; and I have also found tliat
horses with particularly small feet are likewise, from the same
reason, more exposed to these ossifications than others with
larger feet. The hind legs are subject to ringbones as well as
the fore, but not so frequently ; and when they appear behind,
they are usually found on the side of the pastern bones, and
arise generally from some strain of the ligaments.

"Treatment. — Should there be any inflammatory appearances,
as there generally are, we should take care to remove them
before we have recourse to stimulating remedies. For this end,
ve should employ topical bleeding from the toe or the coronet.

1

EXOSTOSIS.

279

and, after that, evaporating applications to the part, with the
immersion of the limb frequently in a bucket of cold water.
When perfectly cool, but not before, we may resort to counter
irritation. If the horse is blistered, the operation should be
repeated two or three times, or the iodine and mercurial oint-
ment may be substituted. If firing be employed, it is necessary
to fire deeply, and we may blister a few weeks afterwards.
Turning out to grass is desirable, as it insures a long rest ; or,
what is still better, after the horse has rested for one month,
sending him to plough for several more on soft ground, sup-
posing, of course, that he is adapted for such labour.

" Professor Sewell recommends the operation of periosteotomy
for cases of ringbones as well as for splints.

" Ossification of the lateral cartilages is commonly known by
the term " false ringbones." It is produced by concussion, and,
consequently, heavy horses, with high action, are more liable to
it than others, and more particularly if they are employed on the
London pavement. It generally comes on slowly, and originates
in different parts of the cartilage in diflFerent horses; sometimes
commencing at the anterior part of the cartilage, but more
frequently at the posterior and inferior part. A great portion
of the heavy dray horses in London have ossified cartilages ; and
in the country nothing is more common than for cart horses
with ossified cartilages to work on the road, and particularly at
plough, entirely free from lameness. The lateral cartilages,
when ossified, are considerably larger than before : they con-
sequently press on the skin, and the surrounding parts, and in
this way assist in producing lameness and inconvenience.

" Treatment. — We are rai'ely called upon to treat the disease,
unless it is attended with lameness, which may either be pi'o-
duced by inflammation going on in the part, or from the greater
jar the foot receives from the loss of an important spring. If
the former be the case, our object must be to remove the in-
flammatory disposition, and to stay the further deposition of
bone. Should there be any appearance of heat externally, we
may first bleed from the coronet, and afterwards proceed to
counter-irritation, blistering the part several times.

" If the ossification is fully formed, and there are no signs of
active inflammation going on, we can then do little more than
endeavour to diminish the jar of the foot. It is the practice in
these cases to fire the coronet, but no benefit can be effected
by the operation ; it is both empirical and unmeaning. We
shall, however, find much benefit from the use of leather soles,
taking care that the part applied to the heels is the thickest.
In conjunction with leather, bar shoes resting lightly on the

T 4

DISEASES OF THE HOUSE.

ft-ogs Will afford still greater relief. If leather soles are not

to iriT''! ° 'K'^"'r'''"'P°"^'"f? t° may be riveted

By'tht'tas^t in'te"'^ considerably obviate 'concu W
x>y inese measuies in the counti-y we can generally relieve tho
horse sufficiently to make him useful; but in London ft is of en
necessary . to destroy the sensation of the foot by the opera o

ratXXcred ' T"' ^^ '^^ wUiT: s^::

lately aiscussed. — ^J^ooner o7i the Foot, Sfc.

CHAP. L.

STRUCTURE AND DISEASES OF THE HOCK JOINT.

Thf'j' ^ T'^ important joint, and one that is more exercised

othTrbonLVof^ 'T "^"'^ ^han between any

othei bones of the body. Diseases of the hock joint have had
distinct names applied to them, by which they'' are fSia^^y
Known, and therefore I will explain them under theseT.'2
which are, Bone Spavin, Bog Spavin, Thorough Pin, and S.

But previous to an explanation of its diseases, a concise de-
scription of the joint may be useful. The hock is composed of

tl'ln."" T J rP'V"'"^^^^'^ tl^e OS calcis and tlfe astra-

galus The other four bones are considerably smaller, and have
been distinguislied by names, which need not here be mentioned,
and are placed in two rows between the astragalus and the
cannon The astragalus is a very curious bone, and is placed
obliquely in the shape of a pulley. It is articulated with the
leg bone, or tibia, with the small bones below, and rather poste-
riorly with the os calcis; and such is the nature of these arti-
culations, that a most extensive motion is afforded to the shank.
[Ihe motion of the hock is entirely confined to the upper arti-
culation, — namely, that between the astragalus and the tibia:
the former bone presents two round condyles, as they are termed,
with a deep concavity between them and the lower part of the
tibia IS the counterpart of this, having two concavities and an
eminence in the middle. These bones, thus adapted, move on
each other in the manner of a hinge, having no lateral motion
but a very extensive one in a forward direction. The hock
joint is the most extensive articulation in the whole body, and it
P''^fected by a capsular ligament of corresponding extent.
Ihis ligament is fastened to the lower end of the tibia above,
and to the upper row of small bones below, and to the astragalus
on each side behind the condyles. At the upper and back part
of this articulation there is a moveable cartilage, whose front

STRUCTURE AND DISEASES OF THE HOCK JOINT. 281

surfixce forms part of the hock joint, and hind surface the front
of the joint capsule, through which the flexor perforans tendon-
passes on the inside of the os calcis. This cartilage, which forms,
as it were, a part of the capsular ligament itself, corresponds to
the lower posterior part of the tibia, and prevents concussion
between the tibia and os calcis when the leg is suddenly and
violently straightened as in leaping.

Tlie capsular ligament, just anterior to this cartilage, on both
sides, is the seat of thorough pin, whilst the anterior, lower, and
internal part of the capsular ligament is the seat of bog spavin.

Thus the hock joint, when the horse is at rest, may be con-
sidered to consist of two cavities, one in front and the other
behind the lower end of the tibia, for the articulating surface of
the astragalus is double the extent of that of the tibia. In the
movement of the joint, as one cavity increases the other dimi-
nishes ; so that when bog spavin and thorough-pin both exist in
the same hock, they appear alternately to increase and diminish
with the motion of the joint. The capsular ligament is protected
in front by the extensor tendons and the annular ligament.

The perforans tendon, we have seen, enters a sheath at the
npper part of the hock on the inner side of the os calcis, and
continues in the sheath to the lower and posterior part of the
hock. This sheath is sometimes the seat of inflammation and
lameness. The perforatus tendon expands at the point of the
hock, where, being firmly bound at the sides, it forms a joint
capsule with the point of the hock. This capsule is not the seat
of capped hocks, as is fi-equently supposed ; for capped hock is a
collection of serous fluid at the back and outside the tendon, and
between it and the strong membranous substance imderneath
the skin. The perforatus tendon below the capsule becomes
narrower and passes behind a strong ligament, which extends
from the os calcis to the metacarpal bones. A strain of this
ligament constitutes a curb, although the flexor tendons are
often involved in the mischief. — Ed.]

Strain of the Ligaments, 8fc.

Any of the ligaments and tendons about the hock joint are
liable to be strained ; and, if taken early, the horse rested, and
the case treated on the principles before laid doAvn, we shall
generally succeed in efl'ecting a perfect cure. When inflamma-
tion can be detected at the hock, bleeding, from the thigh or
saphena vein, will effect great relief

By violent and long-continued exertion of the hock joint, so
great is the consumption of synovia, in consequence of its pecu-
liarly extensive motion, that the synovial membrane becomes, at
length, incapable of supplying any more, and in this exhausted

280

DISEASKS OF THE HORSE.

State is itself the subject of friction. The joint then becomes
niflamed and ulcerated, and the lameness is often incurable

Bone Spavin.

[Spavin is a deposition of bony substance on the inside of the
hock It IS generally produced by a strain of the lio-aments
which confine the small bones of the hock. The lamene'snften

Thfetct oV?r irf^ma:!^

It ^^^^^J^f spavm is to joni the small bones of the hock to-
gether, and thus to destroy the spring which the existence of
hree jomts below the astragalus is capable of affording. When
the spavm ,s situated low it only destroys the use of one ioint
which IS often compensated for by those above. The higher the
spavin IS SI uated the worse it is, and sometimes it is so extensive
as to anchylose all the bones of the hock, leaving only the action
of the tibia and astragalus. The lameness from spavin or dis-
ease of the hock IS peculiar, -the horse draws up his leg with
remarkable celerity, more so than in any other lameness.

liie causes of spavin are anything that distresses the liga-
ments of the joints, --such as hunting or severe exertion, par-
ticularly with young horses, and the practice sometimes adopted
of making the outer heel of the shoe much higher than the
inner. "

The treatmeyit generally adopted is firing the part deeply, or
a seton may be inserted under the skin, immediately over the
enlargement, and continued for a month. — Ed.] Some farriers
employ caustic, and even arsenic, which they introduce by first
making an opening, by boring with a hot iron, or otherwise, into
the bony swelling, and into a small hole thus made they introduce
some of their caustic. I was once consulted in a case of this
kind, in which the farrier had employed arsenic. It produced

dangerous sloughing, and the horse was nearly destroyed

[It must be confessed that whatever treatment we may employ
for spavins, the majority of cases will be unsuccessful, — the
lameness will still remain, l^his is owing to the disease affectino-
the deep-seated parts of the joint, and the synovial membrane
Itself. In some cases we find, on dissection, that the small bones
of the hock are m a carious state, and the svnovial membrane
and cartilage ulcerated. In other instances we find the disease
existing between the tibia and astragalus; the prominence or
ridge on the former bone is rough and deprived of cartila<re, and
the synovial membrane around it in a state of inflammation. A
similar appearance is presented by the corresponding portion of
the astragalus, though not to the same extent. A sort of notch
IS often perceived on the ridge of the tibia, without any attend-

STRUCTURE AND DISEASES OF THE HOCK JOINT. '283

ing lameness ; the joint, however, in these cases, is entirely free
from inflammation, and the notch, though denuded of cartilage,
is generally covered by a thin synovial membrane.

These diseased appearances of both the upper and lower arti-
culations of the hock, appearing, as they often do, without any
enlargement or external inflammation, go far to account for the
existence of so many cases of obscure lameness of the hind
extremity.

The only treatment for these incurable cases is the excision
of the nerve a few inches above the hock, on the inside only :
it has been performed successfully several times by Professor
Spooner, and also by Mr. Stanley. — Ed.]

Bog Spavin.

Bog spavin is a disease very common among young horses,
and occurs chiefly at the time of breaking: it is, of course, more
likely to happen when they are broke at too early an age. The
hock, it has been before observed, is an important joint, and
designed for very extensive motion; but the motion which takes
place in a state of nature in this joint, or during I'easonable
labour of any kind, is very different from that which is pro-
duced in throwing the animal upon his haunches, as it is called,
in pulling him up from a gallop suddenly with a powerful bit,
or in taking high or wide leaps. These violent motions of this
joint in particular are, it may well be supposed, likely to pro-
duce this disorder. Bog spavin, then, is a distension of the
capsular ligament, by an accumulation of synovia, formed in
consequence of the violent exertions I have just described, and
appearing in a swelling on the inside, towards the bend of the
hock.

[When bog spavins appear suddenly, they are usually accom-
panied by stiffness, and even lameness, and then treatment should
be had recourse to ; but, generally, they come on gradually, and
are productive of no injury or inconvenience.

There has been much difference of opinion on the subject of
these bursal enlargements. The following appears to the editor
to be their true nature. The seat of bog spavin is the upper
articulation between the tibia and astragalus, and it appears in
that part of the joint where there is nothing but the capsular
ligament and the skin to protect the joint. The capsular liga-
ment is bound down by membrane to the neighbouring parts.
In the action of the joint, when there is an abundant supply of
synovia, this fluid is pressed with some degree of force aoainst
the capsular ligament, and ruptures some of the fibres of the
membrane which confines it. The consequence of this is an
actual enlargement of the cavity of the joint itself; it is capabk

284

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

of containing more than it did before- mrl h

with an addftional quantity of s^'a which 1^" '"^^ '"^

the capsular hgament, disLds it I C ^^^^^^

spavins. As this usually takes n Le in . ^ r?"'"'

being less synovia secreted • if 1/ ^'^^P^ars for a time, there

I cav ;'"lf "if hr,f '"''''■"™"<'" V openi'ng soT™™„",™
a cavity. It u has been sometimes done with imnunitv it i«
because the opening has been so small as to close ^p^™ ry'soon
and before much irritation has been produced. A cSre must iw
be expected unless we can cause adhesion to take place between
those parts , hat have given way; and this can outy be done if
at all in the ear y stages, either by pressure on the part oi by
perfect rest, which can best be effected by the applicLion of 1

fuiS:fnrc:; - Eoo""''"' -i-- »»

[ Thoroitgli-Pins

Are similar in their nature to bog spavins. There are two
situations in which they are found? one rather above the point
of the hock, and the other below it. In each case, they apCr
both outs.de and inside; and their contents ma^ bf pS
from one to the other, from which circumstance^they Ter ve

men; Tit I'^Pf ^^^^^'-gh-P"^ appears to be thelnlaTe!

ment of tlie capsular bag in which one tendon moves upon an-
other-the tendo Achilles and the perforatus ; and the lovver
one a distension of the capsular ligament of the hock joint itself,
at Its upper and back part, and behind the tibia. Thorouo-hl
pins and bog spavins often exist together, and then the fluid ?an
be pressed from one to the other, though not readily.

J horough-pins are more rarely the cause of lameness than
even bog spavins. I have, however, known a troublesome and
obstinate lameness produced from the upper thorough-pin, or
perhaps rather from some strain of the tendon which attended it.
it gave way, however, at length, to aseton placed over the part,
— not through It. I have also succeeded in removing a very
Jarge thorough-pin in the lower situation, by the long continued
application of equal parts of iodine and mercurial ointment, pre-

WOUNDS, BRUISES, AND ABSCESS.

285

viously, however, stimulating the part with a mild liquid blister.
The subject vvas a race horse of great value, and the thorough-
pin entirely disappeared in about ten weeks. In some cases, the
synovial fluid in the thorough pin coagulates, and becomes or-
ganised and firm. — Ed.]

Curb.

This is a swelling in the back and lower part of the hock, ex-
tending from five to eight inches ; the centre of the swelling
being about eight inches from the point of the os calcis. [The
curb is, in its nature, similar to a strain in the back sinews, and
depends upon a strain and inflammation of the strong ligament
that passes from the os calcis down the back of the hock to the
shank bone, and frequently involving the flexor sinews at the
same time. When the horse is thrown too much on his haunches,
this part is unduly exerted, and a strain and lameness is the
consequence. Some horses are predisposed to curbs from the
shape of their hocks.

If there be much inflammation, blood should be taken from
the thigh vein, a patten shoe put on, and the part kept wet with
a cooling lotion, after which it should be tired or blistered, the
former being by far the most effectual plan : the employment,
however, of the compound iodine ointment will be found of
much service. — Ed.]

CHAP. LI.

WOUNDS, BKUISES, AND ABSCESS.

These injuries may happen in various ways, by kicks, by bites,
in leaping over hedges or gates, by kicking against stalls, and
many other ways. Various names have been applied to such
injuries, according to the manner in which they are inflicted.
[Thus we have punctured, lacerated, contused, or simple incised
wounds. They differ, likewise, according to the part injured,
whether muscle, sinew, skin, or bone. In the horse, the healing
process is very powerful: the most extensive injuries heal in a
short space of time ; and there is less danger than in the human
being of the wound becoming unhealthy.

Wounds of the muscles or flesh heal much more rapidly than
in any other part, whilst those of the skin are particularly te-
dious; thus, in many wounds, we may judge of the time that
will elapse before the part gets well by the quantity of new skin
required. This is owing to the circumstance that new skin does
not grow in the middle of a wound, but only from the edges,
which thus I'enders cicatrisation a very tedious process. New

"^^^ DISEASES OX^ THE HORSE,

skin is never covered witli Imir, and thus the blemish caused bv
broken knees ; but the old skin is often, to a great extm
stretched or drawn over the wound by the new ski^^and
he expected blemish ,s often greatly diminished. Injuries of
tendons or ligaments are slower in healing than those of muscles
from the part not being so highly organis^'ed ; and, for tlie ame
reason, those of bones are still more tedious, and often will not
heal until a portion exfoliates, dies in fact, and is cast off-
It is generally imagined that, when an extensive wound heals

employed This, however, is not the case; it is owing to the
powers of nature, and it is rarely necessary to do more than
assist her operations.

There are certain principles to be kept in view in the treat-
ment of wounds, an observance of which will greatly assist our
purpose. °

In the first place, it is necessary to check inordinate swellino-
and inflammation, although inflammation, within certain bounds''
IS a usetui process.

Secondly, it is requisite, whenever it be possible, to o-et a
dependmg orifice by which the matter can escape as "it is
iormed, otherwise it becomes acrid from being pent up, and
seeking an exit, forms deep-seated sinuses, which greatlv oro-
tract the cure. ^ ^

Thirdly, it is essential that the external opening of a wound
should be large, so that it may not close up until it be healed
from the bottom.

Wounds of cavities, such as the abdomen, the chest, or the joints
nriust be treated on different principles from those recommended';
they must be closed as soon as possible ; for the entry of air into
the abdomen or chest will be productive of dangerous inflamma-
tion, and in the latter situation, indeed, will prevent the luno-s
from acting. And in joints the escape of synovia will cause the
extremities of the bones to rub against each other, and thus pro-
duce the most severe and dangerous inflammation, unless the
wound is speedily closed, and the synovia confined to its proper
receptacle.

To carry out these principles in the treatment of common
wounds, it is necessary, in the first place, in a contused wound,
to employ poultices, warm fomentations, or cold lotions, in order
to keep inflammation within bounds. If any dirt or gravel, or
other foreign substance, has entered the wound, it is necessary
to remove them and carefully clean the wound with warm water.
If, however, the wound has been inflicted with a sharp instru-
ment, the wound itself should not be fomented, but the edges
should be brought together and confined by strong sutures ;
leaving, however, sufficient space at the lower part to afford an

WOUNDS, BRUISES, AND ABSCESS,

287

exit to the matter that may form. If this can be obtained
without stitches it is better to avoid them. If the wound is not
deep, it is desirable to heal it by the first intention, as it is called,
but it is rarely the case that this can be done in the horse. In
man, sticking-plaster assists this purpose; but the hair, in horses,
almost precludes its use. It is, however, an object of import-
ance to save the old skin as much as possible ; and, for this pur-
pose, sutures are often necessary, even when there may be no
chance of healing by the first intention. Metallic sutures have
lately been introduced by Messrs. Simonds and Spooner, with
the view of remaining in a much longer time, for silk and thread
usually give way in a few days, leaving a gaping wound.

In a lacerated wound of some depth and extent, it is fre-
quently desirable, if it penetrates downwards, to insert a seton
so as to procure a depending opening for the matter that may
form. In these wounds, the lacerated parts may be removed, as
this will facilitate the cure. It is desirable to bring on a healthy
suppuration as soon as possible. For this purpose, the applica-
tion of a warm poultice for one or two days will be useful, if the
part is convenient for the purpose, otherwise the wound may be
sprinkled with a powder composed of equal parts of finely pow-
dered resin and powdered chalk ; inflammation being kept
down by warm fomentation at first, and cold lotions afterwards.
When the wound suppurates, it may be touched daily with a
little tincture of myrrh, and the following powder scattered over
it : — •

Prepared chalk, powdered ... 1 ounce.

Armenian bole, powdered 2 drachms.

Alum, powdered 2 drachms.

Mix.

If the granulations grow above the level of the surrounding
skin, becoming what is commonly tevmeA proiidjlesh, they must
be kept down by the application of a little caustic, such as mu-
riate of antimony. It is important to attend to this, as it will
materially lessen the blemish. By this simple method of treat-
ment, the most formidable muscular injuries may be readily cured.

A simple bruise, where no wound is inflicted, merely requires
to be treated with poultices, fomentations, or cooling lotions, in
order to remove the inflammation by resolution, as it is called,
that is, to cause its dispersion. This, however, cannot always be
done; suppuration takes place, and an abscess is formed. — Ed.]

[ Wounds of the Salivary Ducts

Are very rare, but sometimes they prove very troublesome from
the saliva escaping and preventing the wound from healing, and
occasioning, indeed, a fistulous wound. In a recent case, the

288

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

application of a caustic to the part will sometimes quickly suc-
ceed ; and, indeed, this should also be tried in cases of longer
standing, — the hot iron being the best mode of application.
Sometimes it is necessary to obliterate the functions of the
parotid gland, which Mr. Percival has accomplished by the
injection of a liquid caustic; and to whose work I beg to refer
for a lengthened account of the disease. — Ed.]

An Abscess

Is a collection of matter in the membranes under the skin,
frequently the effect of a bruise, but sometimes an effort of
nature to throw off something detrimental to the constitution.

When there is reason to believe that matter is forming, we
should hasten it by poultices or fomentations. We may judge
whether matter is collected under the skin, by placing the fingers
of one hand on the swelling, and, with those of the other, tap-
ping it lightly at another part, when the undulation of a fluid
will be distinctly felt ; and if matter is contained, the animal
will generally evince pain on pressure. On pressing an abscess
with the fingers, no marks will be left as in dropsical swellings.

After some time, the abscess points, as it is termed ; that is,
the matter approaches the surface at one point in particular, at
which part, if left alone^ the skin being gradually thinned by
absorption at length bursts. Before this takes place, it is better
to open the abscess ; because the external wound will thereby
be less, and also because we can choose the best place for the
opening, which should be at the lowest part of the abscess. The
opening should be made with a lancet, and should be large, so
that it may not heal very rapidly. The matter being evacuated
by pressure with the hands requires no tents or ointments, but
generally heals rapidly with little further assistance. Sometimes,
however, the ulcer, as it then becomes, is ill conditioned, and
does not heal. It will then be necessary to inject some stimu-
lating application, such as a solution of sulphate of copper, or of
zinc ; and if any sinuses have formed, to lay them open with the
knife. — Ed.]

Serous Abscess, Capped Hocks, Cajmlets, S^-c,

Sometimes we find that the contents of an abscess are of a
watery nature. It is then called a serous abscess, and though
productive of less pain than the formation of pus, its removal
is attended with greater difficulty. It does not point like a com-
mon abscess, nor is it so circumscribed, but often extends itself
very considerably. It is generally situated under the fasciae of
the muscles or cellular membrane, as well as the skin. It is
usually produced by blows or external injuries, and we often

WOUNDS, BRUISES, AND ABSCESS.

289

find it at the point of the elbow, where it is termed capulet, and
is produced by a bruise from the heel of the shoe in lying down.
We also find it at the point of the hock, where it is termed capped
hock, and is occasioned by kicking in the stable against the stall
post. It has been stated by authors, that the fluid in capped
hocks is collected within the capsular sheath of the tendon ; but
if we examine this sheath, we shall find that its great strength
renders such distension impossible. The fluid, in fact, is col-
lected outside the tendinous sheath, but underneath the strong
cellular membrane, which is here interposed between the skin
and the tendon, in order to admit the extensive motion of the
hock.

We sometimes find considerable collections of serum in the
thigh, either behind or on the inside of the stifle joint, and also
on the inside of the fore leg, where it is produced by striking.

The treatment of serous abscess is sometimes tedious and
troublesome, which is owing principally to the fact that, if we
evacuate the fluid, it is sure to form again, frequently several
times, and is often attended by much inflammation. If the col-
lection of fluid be not extensive, we may first endeavour to dis-
perse it by external stimulants ; in this, however, we shall gene-
rally fail, in which case we must evacuate it by a considerable
opening, so as to admit a free escape for the fluid which will again
form, or, what will still be better, insert a seton through the
tumour. After this, a solution of blue or white vitriol should be
injected, so as to stimulate the sides of the cavity, and produce
an altered action. After some time, pus will be secreted instead
of serum, and then the part will soon get well. By this mode
of treatment, I have succeeded in curing both capulets and
capped hocks ; but the latter with greater difficulty than the
former. — Ed.]

Injuries of Bones.

[When a bone is much injured, either in a lacerated wound or
a bruise producing an abscess, it is still more essential to make
a large external opening, and to keep it open for some time ; for
the chances are that a portion of the bone will exfoliate ; when
this appears likely to take place, we may expedite the process by
applying a strong caustic to the bone.

I lately met with a case in which a horse ran with great
violence against the corner of a lamp post, which caused a very
deep and extensive wound in the breast, and injured the breast
bone to such a degree that three or four pieces of the bone ex-
foliated at different times before the wound would heal. The
application of the caustic proved very serviceable, and the animal
entirely recovered.

The lower jaw bone is sometimes injured to such a degree,

u

290

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

either by a kick, a blow, or the pressure of the halter from hang-
ing back, that an abscess forms within the plates of the jaw, and
close to the teeth, and sometimes the bone is fractured. The
external opening being exceedingly small, the mischief often
goes' on for months, and proves a soui'ce of great annoy-
ance. To effect a cure, the horse should be cast, and a por-
tion of the bone removed by means of a trephine, and caustic
applied to the exposed cavity, so as to cause an exfoliation of
the injured bone. — Ed.]

Wounds of the Ahdomen^ or Belly.

Wounds in the belly may happen in leaping over hedges, or
pale gates, or may be inflicted by the horns of a cow. Some-
times the strong tendinous covering of the belly is ruptured,
while the skin remains entire ; the gut then protrudes and forces
out the skin into a tumour. This is a rupture of the belly, and
is thought incurable. I have known one very large rupture
cured by cutting out a piece of the skin which covered it, and
then sewing up the wound and supporting it with a bandage.
In some accidents the skin also is divided, with its peritoneal
covering ; the gut then comes out, and the wound is of a very
dangerous nature, still more so if the gut itself is wounded. The
first thing to be done is to put the gut back, taking care to re-
move any dirt or other matter that may be sticking to it ; for
which purpose, should it be found necessary, it may be washed
with warm water, nothing else. If the gut cannot be returned,
from its being full of air, and the opening in the belly too small
to put it back again, that opening may be carefully enlarged to
the necessary size. But if the animal can be thrown upon his
back conveniently, a great deal may be done that cannot be
otherwise accomplished. After the gut is returned, the skin
only should be stitched up; and a cushion of several folds of old
linen and tow being placed on the wound, it should be kept in
its situation by means of a wide bandage rolled round the body,
and carefully secured. The animal should then be copiously
bled, and have his bowels emptied by clysters. The only food
he should be allowed is grass or bran mashes, and that only in
moderate quantity.

Wounds jrom thorns are often very troublesome. It is necessary
in the first place to examine the part carefully, and extract, with
a pair of dissecting forceps or pliers, every part of the thorn that
may remain. When a tendinous part or a joint has been punc-
tured by a thorn, a very troublesome lameness is sometimes the
consequence, especially when the thorn has not been extracted
immediately, or soon after the accident. Emollient poultices do
not always remove the inflammation produced by such wounds,
as might be expected; and when they are found to fail, lunar
caustic should be applied ; and if the lameness still continues,

WOUNDS, BRUISES, AND ABSCESS.

291

the part should be blistered. In dissecting the legs of horses
after death, that have been perfectly sound and free from swell-
ing, I have found thorns in different parts, lying flat, and evi-
dently harmless ; but I dissected a leg lately of a pony that had
been very lame, and found that the two flexor tendons had
formed adhesions immediately below the fetlock joint, evidently
from inflammation produced by a thorn ; for I found the point
of the thorn, though probably the accident had occurred several
months before. It is remarkable that the thorn was very black,
as if charred, and all the surrounding parts were nearly of the
same colour.

\_Broken Knees

May be so slight as to occasion little inconvenience, or so
serious as to render the animal entirely useless. Between these
extremes there are a great variety of degrees.

The knee consists of three separate articulations, the upper-
most of which is that between the radius or forearm and the
upper row of bones ; the next is that between the upper row and
the under ; and the third between the under row and the cannon
or shank. Thus there are three joints exposed to injury, and
placed very near the sui'face, being protected only by the capsular
ligament and the skin, and partially by the extensor tendons.
When the knee is bent, as it necessarily is when the animal
falls, the joints are opened to the utmost, and the skin is drawn
down, — this accounts for the fact that in broken knees the
wound appears to go downwards, and the internal injury appears
lower situated than the external one. A broken knee may be
confined to an injury to the skin, or the tendons may be lace-
rated and even divided, or one of the joints may be opened,
and the bones greatly injured. Sometimes the ligaments of the
knee are severely strained by the fall.

When the injury is confined to the skin, and is not extensive,
the wound may be covered daily with the astringent powder or
paste, before recommended, and the knee frequently wetted with
a cooling lotion. A little work will not be injurious.

If the wound be extensive, or the tendons injured, after
fomenting the part, removing the dirt or gravel, and cutting off
any ragged parts, the knee may be poulticed for a few days,
taking care that the ligature which confines the stocking below
the knee should not be so tight as to produce mischief; the
poultice may be prevented from slipping down by tape or list
passing over the withers. In a few days the knee may be treated
the same as another lacerated wound, but sometimes it is very
desirable to insert a seton through the lowest part of the wound.-
We find that sinews and ligaments will heal readily, although not
so rapidly as the flesh. — Ed.]

u 2

292

DISEASES OF THE HOUSE.

Opened Joints.

[When in a broken knee the joint is found to be opened
■—which, however, cannot always be ascertained atfirst — it
becomes a very serious afFair, and must no longer be treated as
a common wound. Our prognosis in such case will depend on
the extent of the wound, particularly that of the capsular liga-
nient, and on the cu'cumstance as to whether inflammation lias
been set up m the cavity of the joint.

_ In the treatment of such cases our object must be to close the
jomt as quickly as possible, and thus to prevent the escape of
synovia; unless we succeed in doing this, the inflammation of
the knee will greatly increase, and the discharge of synovia be-
come augmented in quantity, partly coagulating as it escapes
trom the knee, and hanging in large flakes from the wound •
the animal, from the pain experienced, keeps the knee in a bent
position, or paws with the foot continually. A vast deal of fever
IS excited in the system, which in some cases wears down the
animal, and produces death. In other cases, bony substance is
throAvn out round the joint, which at length closes the wound, but
destroys the motion of the joint, and renders the animal useless.

To prevent such result we must by no means keep poulticing
or fomenting the knee, as this will only encourage the discharge
and keep up the irritation ; the real soothing method will be the
application of styptics or caustics to the knee. In many cases, if
the opening is small the application of the hot budding-iron w'ill
produce an eschar that will close the wound ; or if it be a punc-
tured wound, the application of lunar caustic, cut to a point, will
accomplish our purpose. In other cases, where the injury is
more extensive, the application recommended by Mr. Dawson,
of spirits of wine saturated with corrosive sublimate several times
a day, has succeeded. The clot of coagulated synovia should
not be removed from the wound, but the caustic applied round
it. It may sometimes be necessary to apply the sublimate in
a solid state, alone or mixed with flour or powdered chalk.

It is very important to keep the animal in a state of perfect
quietude ; he should be removed to the nearest stable, but by no
means walked a considerable distance after the accident. The
leg should be kept as straight as possible, and, if necessary,
splints should be placed at the back of the knee. The animal
should by no means be allowed to lie down, as this will open
the wound and increase the irritation. In many cases it will be
judicious to suspend the horse by means of slings. In severe
and desperate cases it will be advisable to adopt the plan re-
commended by Mr. Thomas Turner.

After washing the wound, and removing all dirt and gravel,
he prepares a paste of wheaten flour and table beer with a little

WOUNDS, BRUISES, AND ABSCESS.

293

Armenian bole, which he spreads thickly on and round the
knee, and above and below it. A pledget of tow is then applied
round the joint, then some stout brown paper, and over this a
cotton Stocking ; on the outside of the stocking another layer
of paste and a calico bandage six yards long is then to be rolled
round with moderate and regular pressure; after which another
bandage of the same length. The horse is bled, and has a lax-
ative, but the dressing is not removed until the joint is closed.
He advises the horse to be slung. In the course of a few days
there will be, probably, much swelling of the leg from the pres-
sure of the bandage, which he relieves by making small inci-
sions through each layer of the bandages on each side of the
knee, but not in front. In the course of six or seven days, if
there is much accumulation of fluid within the bandages, an in-
cision must be made to afford an exit, and another dressing of
paste and a bandage applied. Mr. Turner keeps the horse sus-
pended until a week after the joint appears to be closed, after
which the bandages are removed, and the leg washed, and the
wound dressed in the usual way. The swollen parts above the
knee he has rubbed with an evaporating lotion several times a
day, but does not allow it to wet the bandage.

The wounds of other joints must be ti-eated on the same
principles as that recommended for the knee. — Ed.]

Saddle or Harness Galls, Warbles, Navel Galls, Sfc.

These may be considered as bruises, and when it can be done,
should be poulticed, until the swelling has been dispersed or has
suppurated. If the matter has not sufficient vent, the opening
may be enlarged or the sinus laid open, if there is any. It
must then be di-essed with digestive ointment, and when it has
been reduced to the state of a clear open sore, the cure may be
finished by the astringent paste or powder.

Sitfasts.

These appear like dark-coloured scabs on the back, but are
really dead hard skin, and cannot be removed until they have
been poulticed a few days. Then they may be separated by
means of a pair of pliers ; but it requires some force to remove
them, and generally a few strokes with the knife. When this
has been done, the cure may be completed with the astringent
paste, applied once in two days, and the scab removed previ-
ously to each application. A little salad oil may be necessary to
soften the cicatrix after the wound is healed.

By repeated bruises of the back part of the saddle, the spinous
process of one of the lumbar vertebrae is sometimes injured, and

u 3

294

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

an enlargement takes place, on which it is very tender, and re-
quires to have the saddle elevated or channelled in that part, to
secure it from pressure. Sometimes a hard white substance
forms, which can only be removed by laying open the skin and
dissecting it out.

Horses sometimes become very lame by travelling in muddy
roads, merely by the mud being splashed up between the arm
and chest, where, by friction of the girth against the skin, it
causes mflammation and great soreness. The best remedy for
this is fomentations, or the saturnine lotion, and rest.

I have found the following lotion an excellent application in
such cases, as well as in allaying the excessive irritation of a
blister, when it has been made too strong : —

Lotion.

Sulphate of zinc 1 oz.

Super-acetate of lead 1 oz.

Water 1 quart.

Mix.

Fistula of the Withers.

This disease comes by very severe bruises from the fore part
of the saddle, which being neglected and repeated from time to
time, produces at length an inflammation of the spinous pro-
cesses of the dorsal vertebrae. A deep-seated abscess is the
consequence, and the matter penetrates in different directions
before it arrives at the surface, where at length it causes a
tumour, which is very different from a common abscess, and
requires always a considerable time to be cured. To give vent
to the matter is the first object, and when that has been done,
the extent of the injury must be ascertained.* When this
cannot be done, and this is sometimes the case, the caustic
tents must be introduced ; and when the slough or core which
this causes, has separated, which will generally be in three or
four days, the finger should be introduced as well as a probe,
and the direction of the sinuses ascertained. A depending
opening for the matter to run off freely must always be obtained,
by cutting open the part freely, f If a clean sore has been thus
produced, or if it can be ascertained that there are no more
sinuses or pipes, the cure may be effected by mild dressings, or

* Sometimes fistulous withers commence with a sort of wen or tumour
situated between the shoulder blades, and produced by pressure. This wen
is composed of strong membranous substance enclosing a fluid. When such
is the case, the whole should be dissected out, as otherwise the part will not
heal readily. — Ed.

t It is a matter of much importance to lay open the sinuses as much as can
be done with safety. — Ed.

POLL EVIL.

295

tents of digestive ointment, tincture of myrrh, &c. ; but this is
seldom the case, and repeated dressings with caustic tents are
generally necessary.* As soon as the bottom of the sore is
frrived It, it will often be found that the tops of the spinous
processes, or the ligament covering them, have been injured,
and the bare bone may be distinctly felt with the probe. When
this is the case, the bare bone must be scraped with a suitable
instrument, and then dressed with tincture of myrrh ; alter this
the wound will readily heal by continuing to dress it with tinc-
ture of myrrh or digestive ointment, accordmg to the directions
given in the chapter on wounds.

Poll Evil.

This disease may be produced by a mangy horse rubbing his
head under the manger, and sometimes lifting it up suddenly
when frightened, also by hanging back upon his halter. It is
more frequently produced by striking the poll in gomg under a
narrow doorwav, or running back when partially got through.
The part principally injured is the sharp ridge of the occiput
and the neighbouring parts ; and thus the mischief being so
deep seated, it is some time before the swelling appears exter-
nally, and still longer before the matter approaches the surface.
The matter that forms in consequence being so completely con-
fined, spreads and renders carious the under surface of the
ligament of the neck, as well as the posterior part of the occi-
pital bone, and sometimes of the atlas or first bone of the neck
also. I once attended the opening of a horse that was never
suspected of having a disease, but died in consequence of some
accident. On cutting off the head, I found that the first bone
of the neck, as well as the under surface of the great cervical
ligament which passes over it, were highly diseased. Since that
I have examined another horse that died of an inflammatory
disease; I had no suspicion of any disease in the ligaments
which unite the two first vertebrae of the neck, but merely
wished to examine the part. I found them, however, in a state
of disease. This disorder, then, is precisely of the same nature
as fistula of the withers, and requires a similar treatment.
There is great difficulty in obtaining a depending opening or
drain for the matter in this case, and from the large arteries
near the bones of the neck, it cannot always be effected by the
knife. Caustic tents, therefore, must be depended upon for
that purpose, and if properly applied and persisted in, will
generally accomplish a cure. The wound, however, must be
carefully examined from time to time with a probe, and if a

* The chloride of lime has been employed successfully in these cases. — Ed.

u 4

DISEASES or THE HORSE.

carious bone can be felt, it must be freely scraped, and if a loose
b IS found, It must be taken out. Wl/en the direction of the
sinuses can be ascertained, it will be found sometimes tha a
dram can be made by means of a seton. But setons should
never be put in, as they sometimes are, without it has first been
ascertained that a drain can be immediately made by them
;:rtstei;.^" laying o^enthe

Many country farriers have a secret method, or rather a
receipt for the cure of the fistula and the poll-evil, and they
certam ly sometimes succeed. The preparation they Employ ap-

carefully employed, produces the most alarming degree of
inflammation and sloughing, so much so, that I have no doub
able case nf fi ? f'^'^^'^S/^^^^' I have lately known an intract-
Snln w ? '"'"^ apparently by this application. The
not n T I '^'^ ^^^^^ the withers, and

hp fifth ^ '''''T'' «PP^^'-ed as if about

hZ. I f^r'"^^ ""T^^'^ ^"^^ The wound had

been healed several tunes, but always broke out again. At
length the case was undertaken by a farrier possessing this
secret, who, after making a suitable opening with a hot iion on
the opposite side obliquely upwards, introduced his arsenical
lemedy. Ihe consequence was, a dreadful degree of inflam-
ma ion and sloughing which greatly alarmed Ihe proprietor,
healed ^ gradually filled, and after some time perfectly

[The employment of external pressure by means of splents
has been found of great service in the treatment of poll-evil,
ivir. A. tjray relates two successful cases of poll-evil of long
standing thus treated, in the fifth volume of the Veterinarian : he
says, Ihe mare was sent to me, and I proceeded to examine
the extent of the disease. I found two deep sinuses, one on
each side of the neck, the bones of which could be distincdy
felt with the probe. After cleaning away the matter, I took a
scalpel, and laid both orifices open in an oblique direction down-
wards, then having fomented the parts with warm water, I
dressed the wounds with tincture of myrrh and aloes ; and, in
order to apply pressure to the parts, (for in this I founded all
my hope of success), I had two pieces of wood prepared, about
twelve inches long and three broad, thicker in the middle than
at the edges, which were rounded off, and also a long flannel
bandage, four inches broad. I then placed two pledgets of tow

* Mr. James Clark strongly recommends setons for the cure of the poU-
evu, not only as the most expeditious and least painful method, but likewise
on account of Its causing less blemish.

FRACTURES.

297

next the wounds, putting on the pieces of wood one on each
side, and then applied the bandage over all, and as tightly as I
could, without impeding deglutition. It is necessary, while
putting on the bandage, to keep the nose extended, in order to
adapt the bandage more perfectly to the part, and apply it more
closely. I removed the bandage night and morning, and had
the parts well fomented and dressed with the tincture ; and in
the course of four weeks tlie mare was well." — Ed.]

CHAP. LII.

FRACTURES.

[Fractures are much rarer in the horse than in the human
subject, arising, no doubt, from the greater uniformity in the
labour of quadrupeds, and from their being much less exposed
to casualties than men. They are, however, by no means un-
frequent, and the metacarpals and phalanges are probably more
exposed to the accident than the other bones, and they likewise
admit a better chance of cure than if the radius or the humerus
in the fore, or the tibia or femur in the hind extremity, are
fractured ; from the powerful muscles attached to these bones,
and the shape of the limb, it is extremely difficult to retain the
parts afterwards in a proper position for union, and in the
generality of cases it is most prudent to destroy the horse. The
want of success that attends the greater number of cases of
fractures in the horse, is owing to the following reasons : — The
restlessness of the animal ; the impossibility of making him
assume the recumbent position as in a man ; the difficulty of
slinging him for any length of time ; the circumstance of his
having, in many instances, used the limb after the fracture, thus
displacing the bones to a considerable extent ; and the fracture
extending into a joint, or being very complicated or severe.
To ensure a cure, therefore, it is necessary that the horse should
be tractable — that the fracture should not be very complicated
— that the horse should not have walked a distance on the leg
afterwards — and that the bones should not have been much
displaced. When these favourable coincidences are pi-esent, and
the animal is of sufficient value to pay for the expense of a few-
months' keep, we may then be justified in attempting a cure.

Treatment. — There are many successful cases of fractures on
record, a full account of which may be found in the editor's
treatise on the foot and leg of the horse. In the eleventh volume
of the Veterinarian, Mr. Friend, in a judicious paper on the
subject, mentions a case of fracture of the humerus, without

298

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

displacement, which ho treated with depletion, absolute rest
astringent applications, and low diet, under which it perfectly
recovered. ^
In the same volume, p. 144., there is an interesting paper on
the subject from Mr. Mayer, in which he supports Mr. Friend's
views, and strongly advises the employment of splints and
bandages, so as to prevent the displacement of the bones : in
support of which, he adduces a case of fracture of the tibia, to
which he applied an adhesive plaster, and over this three splihts
on the outside and two on the inside, bandaging the whole limb
from the stifle to the fetlock, and keeping the parts wet with a
cooling application. He also mentions a successful case, in
which the large pastern bone was fractured and displaced. To
these 1 could add some successful cases of fracture of the large
pastern, in which the bones were not displaced : one, a coach
horse, that had walked some miles afterwards ; no other treat-
ment but bandages and cold appHcation was used; the animal
took great care of the lame leg and the parts united, though
accompanied with some ossific enlargement. Another was a very
singular case of a thorough-bred mare that had injured herself
in racing, and could scarcely be got to the stable, where she
almost constantly preserved a recumbent posture, the pain she
experienced when standing being so excessive. I found one
fetlock dreadfully strained, and the large pastern of the other
leg fractured, but not displaced. The case appeared hopeless ;
but as the mare was likely to be useful as a brood mare, she was
put under treatment, which consisted chiefly of antiphlogistic
measui-es. The fractured leg entirely recovered, but very con-
siderable bony deposition took place round the joint of the other
fetlock, which rendered her afterwards lame, though fit for the
purpose intended. — Ed.]

CHAP. LUI.

ON THE STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE FOOT.

It has been justly observed that without a sound foot a horse
is but of little value, however perfect he may be in all other
respects. It is the basis of the whole superstructure ; and when
we consider what immense weight is sometimes thrown upon
this part in the violent exertions to which the animal is exposed,
it will not appear strange that it should be so frequently, as we
find it, affected with lameness. It has been the fashion for some
years to attribute the frequency of the horse's lameness to bad
shoeing ; but it is time, as Mr. Bracy Clark has observed, for

STRUCTUUE AND EC0N0M-5f OF THE FOOT. ^99

all this idle declamation to cease. It is not shoeing that causes
the peculiar frequency of lameness, and incurable lameness, m
this country ; but the immoderate work the horse is made to do.
Much has been said of the superiority of the French mode of
shoeing, and attempts have been made to introduce an improve-
ment on the French method into this country, and a very im-
portant improvement it certainly is ; but as to the French shoe,
considered without the method of nailing, in which they certainly
excel, I think it the very worst form I ever saw in this country.
As the diseases of the horse's foot form an essential branch of
the subject upon which 1 am now writing, it is presumed that
a brief description of its structure and economy will not be un-
acceptable to the readers of this valume.

There is not, in the whole structure of the animal, any part
so richly organised as the foot, although the eye perhaps may be
offered as an exception ; for it exceeds in the extreme delicacy
of its structure any thing that can possibly be imagined.

To a common observer the foot may appear a mass of in-
sensible horn ; but it is composed of an assemblage of springs,
especially when considered in relation to the fore leg, which
admirably adapt it, not only to the uses of the animal considered
individually, but to the uses of man also ; and so carefully has
it been guarded, that were the animal employed only to supply
the necessities of man, his feet would last as long, even if shoed,
as any other part of his body. He has been made, however,
subservient to his luxuries, and that too in so high a degree
that he has materially degenerated from his original strength
and hardihood of constitution. The immoderate exertions in
which he is now generally employed are such as sufficiently
account for the great number of crippled horses that ai-e con-
stantly offering themselves to our notice, especially in stage
coaches and post chaises.

In describing the horse's foot it may not be amiss to take a
general view of the fore leg, in which we shall find an assemblage
of large springs, assisting in the same purpose however as those
of the foot. The shoulder blade is placed obliquely against the
side, and attached solely by muscles^ by the elasticity of which
the body of the animal, as well as the rider, is enabled to bear
those violent motions which must have otherwise been insup-
portable. If we look at the skeleton of a horse, we shall be
struck with the position of the shoulder blade and the shoulder
bone, each lying obliquely, but in opposite directions, so as to
form an acute angle at the joint, and of course a considerable
spring. We may observe the same admii-able contrivance in the
hind parts, where the femur, or thigh bone, forms an angle with
the pelvis, and with the tibia or leg bone, or, as it appears, and is
commonly named, in the living horse, the thigh bone. In viewing

300

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

Fig. 1. The Foot with the
Watt or Crust removed.

the fore leg of the animal, we shall find in the obliquity of the
pastern another powerful spring; and when we rnsfder he
immense weight it must occasionally support, as in pitching fron^

a high leap on the ground with a heavy
weight. It must appear astonishing how
such a tremendous shock can be sup-
ported by so small a body; yet we shall
find upon examination such provisions
as will enable it to bear any reasonable
weight that can be placed upon it. If
we now descend to an examination of
the foot we shall find in its horny cover-
ing another simple and effectual sprin<y ;
Simple as to its construction, and effec-
tual as to the purpose which it answers,
which is that of yielding to the impulse
«, The sensible k™ at- .^^^'^J ^"\"^al's Weight, and thereby break-
tached to the coffin bone "^o shock, which must Otherwise have
by elastic substance, se- been gradually destructive to the foot
:nf'.„f ?„;'3 'f^'- ^He ho„f is a secretion fiora the

the crust. living part of the foot, not wholly from

b, The coronary substance or the coronet, but from the livino- Surface

S^r^rTilnTr ,T'"f Mr.toleman
crust. the Jaminated substance of the foot; and

by others the elastic lamina or processes
of the foot. As the quantity of horn necessary for the defence
of the sensible foot is considerable, a large quantity of blood is
^^^^^jjj^^ distributed to it for the purpose, and is

supplied by two large arteries which pass
down on each side of the pastern ; these
give off considerable branches to the frog,
cartilages, and coronary ring; but the
trunk of the artery enters in at the pos-
terior and inferior part of the coffin bone,
and divides into eight branches within
the bone, which pass out at the circum-
ference, or angle of the toe, and give off
TheBottomoftheSen. innumerable branches about the inferior

hetg^removfd. ^'""'^ part of the laminated substance, especially

a. The sensible sole.

about the toe. The distribution of blood
6 6, The sensible bars. to the frog is remarkable : here we find
TLlJ:rbtgk^;iy sup- ^^^^^-^.1 branches of considerable size with-
plied with blood, secrete the 0"t giving oft Other branches as in the
horny sole, bars, and frog to Other parts of the foot until they arrive
_ which they are attached, ^gar the surface, and here they spread
into innumerable branches, supplying the skin or secreting sur-
face of the frog, and communicating with those of the skin of

STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE FOOT. 301

the sole, or sensible sole : so that the frog and sole form one
continued surface of skin, of great vascularity and sensibility;
but greatly inferior in both respects to the laminated sub-
stance, which is more richly organised, both as to blood-vessels
and nerves, than any other part of the body. From this view of
the foot it will appear that, when the horse stands in the stable,
without exercise, the veins of the fore leg do not return the
blood freely, from want of the pressure which exercise occa-
sions. The blood therefore accumulates in the foot. The ves-

Fig. 3. Front View of the Bones of the Fig. 4. Back View of the Bones of the
Foot and Pastern. Foot and Pastern,

b. The large pastern or os suffraginis. a a, The sesamoid bones.

c. The small pastern or os corona;. b, The large pastern.

d. The coffin bone, or os pedis, showing c. The small pastern.

its perforated and irregular surface. d, The coffin bone, showing its lower

surface with the holes for the passage
of the arteries to the centre of the bone,
e, The navicular bone.

sels of the laminated substance, from the pressui'e of the hoof,
admit only of a determinate quantity, especially at that part
where the horn is remarkably thick, and where elasticity is
not so essential. The lateral cartilages are two elastic bodies
attached to the coffin bone, at its upper part, and proceeding
backward, like expanded wings, terminate at the extremity of
the heel : they assist, as I have before observed, in expanding
the heels and quarters. The navicular, or nut bone, is placed
behind the coffin bone, and is attached to it as well as to the

303

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

small pastern bone, and afFords a synovial or slippery surface for
the flexor tendon to move upon. This bone with the coffin
and small pastern forms the coffin joint, and is represented in
the perpendicular section of the hoof. See Frontispiece.

Fig. 5. Back of the Pastern and Fetlock,

a a, The flexor perforans tendon emerg-
ing from its sheath, expands as it
passes down, and is inserted into the
bottom of the coffin bone.

h, The flexor perforatus tendon, forming
a sheath for the other ; and after divid-
ing is inserted into the small pastern.

c c, The lateral cartilages attached to the
coffin bone.

d. The bottofiQ of the coffin" bone.

Fig. 6. represents the back part of the
foot, pastern, and fetlock joint, dis-
sected, in order to show the ligaments
and cartilages.

a, The smooth surface, over which the
back sinews pass.

h, The ligament which encloses the back

Back of the Foot,
Fetlock Joint.

Pastern, and

sinews, forming a sheath for them, and
keeping them in their situation. In this
preparation some part of the ligament
was removed, in order to show the
smooth surface a.
ddd, A ligament, going from the sesa-
moid bones to the small pastern ; its
use seems to be that of giving strength
to the pastern joint, which, from the
oblique position of the pastern bones,
would otlierwise have been very inse-
cure.

e, The insertion of the ligament ; on
each side is shown the perforatus ten-
don, cut off just previous to its in-
sertion.

f f, The lateral cartilages.

ff. The bottom of the coffin bone.

The small pastern thus articulates with the coffin bone and
the nut bone below, and with the great pastern above : these are
all the bones comprehended in a description of the foot. The
coffin bone is completely cellular throughout, and has more
blood within it than any one bone in the body, though not far

STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE FOOT.

303

from being the smallest of the whole. The great flexor tendon
is inserted into the bottom of the coffin bone, and the extensor
tendon on its front and upper part. Thus the sensible foot is
composed of the pastern, the navicular, and the coffin bone ; the
lateral cartilages, the sensible frog and sole, and the laminated
substance ; at the upper part of which there is a kind of car-
tilaginous ring, which has been named by Mr. Coleman the
coronary ligament. This coronary substance, instead of termi-
nating at the heels, is continued into the sensible frog, and fi'om
this connection, and its situation over the lateral cartilages, it
must be subject to the same motion which these parts have.
When the frog, then, is exposed to that pressure for which it
was evidently designed, it expands and contracts, and in so
doing communicates a similar motion to the cartilages, the co-
ronary ring, and the heels and quarters of the hoof.*

[For an intimate acquaintance of the foot of the horse, other
works may be consulted ; but a careful inspection of the plates
in this work will give a very good general idea of the situation
of the parts, and this will be gi'eatly assisted by a comparison of
these parts with the foot and leg itself.

Fig. 1., p. 300., represents the foot with the crust removed,

* The following experiment serves to show the expansive properties of the
foot. After the shoe of a moderate-sized foot was removed, and the sole part
pared out, a smooth sheet of paper was applied to it while off the ground, and
being pressed against the foot, the edges of the crust were carefully marked, so
as to give the exact size of the foot. This being done, the foot was then placed
on a smooth deal board, with another sheet of paper placed upon the board ;
and the other foot being now held up, the border of the crust was marked with a
pencil, taking care that the marks were not made more exterior to the border
of the crust than before. On comparing the papers together, the one last
taken was found perceptibly wider than the other. The increased width was
seen to commence gradually about the middle of the foot, till it reached about
half an inch anterior to the heels, when it very slightly diminished. The dif-
ference was found to be, as near as possible, one twelfth of an inch at the
heels. The experiment was conducted with care and exactness, and clearly
proved that the foot expanded from superincumbent weight ; and if the horse
had been in fast motion, the pressure would, of course, have been greater and
the expansion more. It did not appear from the experiment that the front
part of the foot expanded at all, so without asserting that it possesses no
power of the sort, we must be contented with observing that if possessed, it is
not in a .sufficient degree to be detected by admeasurement. We are there-
fore justified in concluding, that the parts anterior to the toe of the frog
possess very little expansive power ; and this theory, if correct, will agree
with the experiments we have detailed. The case, however, is very different
with the posterior parts. The navicular bone, wc have seen, rests on the
flexor sinew, and the sinew upon the elastic frog in the centre, and on the
commissures and sole on each side. These commissures are the highest part
of the sole, and form, indeed, a sort of a ridge, so that, as any pressure on this
part must tend to flatten the ridge, it must consequently expand the foot.
Whatever weight, then, is supported by the navicular joint must contribute to
the expansion of the foot. — Spooncr on the Foot, ^c.

304

DISEASES OF THE HOUSE.

thereby exposing to view the sensible laminae, the natural colour
of which is red, and the coronary substance above, which
secretes the greater part of the crust.

The lower part of the foot is shown by fig. 2., the horny parts
being removed, so as to exhibit the sensible sole, frog, and bars,
the shape of which correspond exactly with their horny cover-
ings. The parts, though largely supplied with blood, are yet
not so vascular as the laminae. The bottom of the horny foot
is shown in fig. 1., page 307., where the sole, bars, and frog of
a good-shaped foot in a natural unpared state is shown.

Figs. 3. and 4. represent the bones of the foot and pastern
both in front and behind. The compact and solid structure of
the pasterns, and the irregular surface and porous nature of the
coffin bone are exhibited, but may be better understood by an
examination of the bones themselves.

Fig. 5. principally shows the singular manner in which one
flexor tendon forms a sheath for another, thus permitting the
very great extent of motion these parts possess, without any
diminution of strength. The sheath thus formed is lubricated
with synovia, and thus any penetration or injury of the sheath
is a matter of great consequence, quite as much, indeed, as that
of a joint, for inflammation of the most violent degree is likely
to follow, and there is danger of adhesion of the tendons taking
place. This plate also exhibits the manner in which the tendons
are tied down at the back of the fetlock, also the expansion of
the perforans tendon as it passes over the navicular bone and is
inserted into the bottom of the coffin joint. The lateral carti-
lages are also clearly shown.

Fig. 6. exhibits the ligaments underneath the flexor tendons,
as well as the smooth surface at the back of the sesamoid bones,
over which the tendons pass.

The frontispiece is an important figure, as exhibiting, by a
vertical front section, the situation and the natural colour of the
different parts of the foot and leg, and also the manner in which
the weight is supported. It shows the relative proportion sup-
ported by the coffin and the navicular bone, and the manner in
which it is distributed. The names of the different parts are
given on the plate for the convenience of reference. The
various joints are displayed with their capsular ligaments, which,
in the upper joint, the fetlock, are particularly shown, being
formed to admit the considerable action which this joint pos-
sesses. The coffin joint is clearly distinguished from the navi-
cular joint capsule, the former being in front, and the latter
behind the navicular bone. The course of the back sinews is
clearly exposed, as well as that of the suspensory ligament, and
the internal structure of the bones is developed, and the colour
of the various parts correctly given.

STRUCTURE AND ECONOMY OF THE FOOT.

.105

The lioof may be separated from the internal parts either by
boiling, by soaking in cold water, or in hot dung ; but the natural
colour of the parts is altered by this method. The crust may
be separated from the coffin bone by putting the foot in a vice,
and tearing it off with pincers, first, however, separating the
sole from the crust by means of a drawing knife. By this plan,
the natural colours of the laminae are shown, and the tenacious
union between the horny and sensible laminae strikingly proved.*

The external shape and appearance of the foot can be most
readily observed by an inspection of the living foot.

* For a further description of these parts the reader is referred to a
" Treatise on tiie Structure, Economy, and Diseases of the Foot and of
the Horse,'" by the editor of this work, from which the following brief sum-
mary of the springs of the leg and foot is obtained. We have seen that the
leg of the horse is furnished with a vast number of beautiful springs for the
purpose of warding off concussion, and that these springs are mostly situated
at the posterior part of the limb. First we have the splint bones, which re-
ceive some portion of the superincumbent weight, and which we do not find
m oxen ; then we have the suspensory ligament, a spring of much greater im-
portance, and whose operation, we have seen, extends to both fetlock and
pastern jomts ; next we find the elastic cushion, on which the small pastern
rests, and which, though unnoticed by physiologists, is yet of much import-
ance. Withm the hoof we find the horny and sensible lamina extending so
considerably the surface of connection between the hoof and coffin bone and
greatly dimmishmg, by their elastic connections as well as by their extent of
surface, the concussion of the foot. We have, also, the lateral and inferior
cartilages, and the horny and elastic frog, thus affording altogether a collec-
tion of beautiful apparatus far superior to any which the most skilful inc^e-
nuity of man can devise. All the superincumbent weight borne both by the
splint bones and suspensory ligaments are again transferred to the cannon '
bone, so that all the weight of each limb is supported by both" pastern bones.
Jielow this, however, provision is made not only for rendering easy the sun-
port of the weight, but for transferring a portion of it to the ground without
bearing on the extreme bone. Each fore leg alternately bears a weight equal
to the animal s entire gravity, all which is supported by the small pastern
bone, and is thus distributed to the parts below. A moderate proportion is
first communicated to the elastic cushion, whence it is impressed on the
lateral and inferior cartilages and posterior part of the frog. The remainder
being the principal portion is transferred to the navicular and coffin hones, the
former of which, by the interposition of the flexor tendon, bears parL on the
di^frih'jlf °" u'^^ ''"'^ the latter, by the intervention of the laminae,

distribute.s Its weight to the crust throughout its whole circumference, and a
very .slight portion of it is borne by the sole which may or mav not boar upon
the ground. Thus, at the same moment, these various actions go on in the
foot. The coffin bone descends lower into the hoof, the lamina by their
' elastic connections, permitting it, and the sensible sole is compressed and
perhaps the horny sole opposite the coffin bone descends. Well, the h'ornv
.sole and the anterior part of the frog opposite the navicular bone descends
and expands the quarters parallel to them, whilst at the same time the elastic
or sensible frog being compressed, is forced down upon the horny fro" and
contributes to the expansion of the heels ; but if the horny frog meet's The
ground, the cushion being pressed upon both above and below, enlarges late
rally and expands the upper part of the foot and lateral cartila.'es " Ed

306

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

CHAP. LIV.

ON SHOEING AND THE MANAGEMENT OF THE FEET.

So much has been said of late on the subject of shoeing, and so
many imaginary improvements have been introduced since we
have had a free intercourse with the Continent, that an inex-
perienced person is naturally enough led to imagine that it is a
very intricate art, and one that requires a great deal of study
and reflection to be understood. But notwithstanding the great
attention that has been paid to the subject during the last thirty
years, it is rather questionable whether lameness has become
much less frequent, or whether many real improvements have
been made since the time of the late Lord Pembroke, who pub-
lished some observations on shoeing, the utility of which has been
confirmed by nearly fifty years' practice of the method he re-
commends in the regiment of cavalry which he commanded, —
the First, or Royal Dragoons. The French shoe is held up
by some as the standard of perfection, while others think that
the hinged shoe of Mr. Bracy Clark is indispensably necessary
to the preservation of the foot, and capable also of restoring it,
in a certain degree, when injured by other modes of shoeing;
for he considers all shoes, except that which admits of some mo-
tion in the hoof, by means of a hinge at the toe, to be injurious
to the feet, gradually, and sometimes very slowly, bringing on a
contraction of the hoof, and the diseases which result from such
contraction. If we consider the horse as he stands at rest, we
observe that the feet are the basis of the whole body, and that
it is desirable that the whole of the lower circumference of the
feet should have a bearing upon the ground.

Bourgelat, in his Essay on Shoeing, lays it down as a
fundamental law that the shoe should be fitted to the hoof,
and not the hoof to the shoe ; and this law has been admitted
by all succeeding veterinarians ; first, as it regards the foot in
a sound healthy state, and likewise when defective or de-
formed. Notwithstanding this agreement with respect to the
fundamental law of shoeing, there has been a considerable dif-
ference of opinion as to the practice of shoeing, each party
brino-ing forward plausible arguments in defence of his favourite
method. It has always appeared to me that it is desirable
to reduce this useful art to as great a degree of simplicity
as possible ; and to attain this desirable object, we cannot, 1
think, choose a better guide than Nature. Let us take a view
of the horse then that has never been shod, and observe in wluU
manner the foot bears on the ground. We shall then find that
the outer edge of the bottom of the foot, named the wall, or

SHOEING AND THE MANAGEMENT OF THE FEET.

307

crust, forms a large portion of a circle, as in the annexed figure,

and that the deficiency in this circle is
filled up by the frog. If we look at the
foot as it stands on a flat surface, we
shall find that every part of the ex-
ternal portion of the circle is in contact
with the ground; I think, therefore, that
this should be considered as the natural
bearing of the hoof, as the horny sole
which lies within this circle is rather

Fig. 1. TUe Bottom of '^""f j^^^^^^' ^hat it receives

Foot. no bearing when the horse stands on a

plain hard surface. Sometimes the frog
is sufEciently prominent to take a part in
this bearing ; more frequently, however,
it is otherwise, so that neither the sole nor
the frog has any bearing unless the horse stands on soft ground,

which allows the outer part, or crust to
sink sufficiently into it. From this view
of the foot it is obvious, I think, that,
having rasped the bottom of the foot, d,
to a level surface, there can be no diffi-
culty in covering it with a circular piece
of iron, of sufficient width and thickness
to have nail holes punched in it, as well
as to resist the pressure and blows to
which it is exposed.

Now let us see how far the French
method of shoeing, so highly extolled by
some English veterinarians, is conform-

a a. The frog.
6 b, Tlie bars.
c c. The sole.
d J, The seat of corns.

curvature, and
c c, the shoe with the elcva-
vation at the toe and heel.

Fig. 2. French Shoe,
a. The ground surface with

the large counter-sunk

nail holes.
h c, A side-view of the shoe,

showing its a/Ware. o .w^. ^iv..o, io wixiuii

6 6, represents the ground or able to the law SO universally admitted.

Ihey direct the smith to alter this
uniform bearing of the outer circle of the
bottom of the hoof, by paring away the
horn at the toe and the heel, until it is
brought to the form represented in the
diagram, and then forge a shoe of a simi-
lar form. I have given the outline view
of the hoof, with a shoe attached to it,
copied from M. Janze's view of a per-
fectly shod foot. The question then, with
Fig. 3. A Foot shod on the I'f ^^''-^ .'^ 1''*^"^^ shoeing, is, whe-
French System, showing the Conformable Or uot to the fun-

ekvalion at the toe and heel, damental laW whicll Bour^elat the (rrpif

down.

An outline view of a hoof shod in the French manner

X 2

308

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

is given in fig. 3. : fig. 2. is the French shoe. Bourgelat directs
that tliis curvature, or boat-like form, in the shoe, should be in
the following proportion : —

The curvature in the branch, or side of the shoe, is to begin
at the second nail hole from the heel ; and the curvature is to
be such, that the toe of the shoe should be raised above the bear-
ing part (that is, the lowest part, which is to bear on the ground),
a distance equal to twice the thickness of the shoe, and that
from the bearing part to the heel the shoe should gradually
rise so that at the exti'emity it is raised from the ground a
distance equal to half the thickness of the shoe.* Thus accord-
ing to the French method, as a well-shod horse stands on the
ground tiie feet have only a partial bearing. M. Janze, who
has published a large quarto volume on shoeing, with numerous
plates, difFei's a little from M. Bourgelat with respect to the degree
of curvature, or the ajusture of the shoe, as they term it, but not
materially ; but both direct the shoe to be made concave, or hol-
low, on that surface which is in contact with the bottom of the
foot, and convex, or projecting, on the surface which rests on the
ground, so that they resemble one half of a walnut-shell, with a
hole cut in the centre, for they make the shoe very wide, so as
to cover a great deal of the bottom of the foot.

Mr. Goodwin, in his new system of shoeing, gives an explan-
ation of the advantages arising from the curved, or French
shoe. " If we refer," he says, " to the action of the fore leg, it
will tend to explain some of the advantages to be derived from
the curved shoe. When a horse is about to move, the first in-
dication of motion is a bend at the knee, which necessarily raises
the heels, and they become more and more elevated, till the toe
(which is the last part that leaves the ground) is suspended for
the moment that the foot is lifted. The base of the foot, just at
its leaving the ground, is almost perpendicular : when the knee
is bent to its fullest extent, the foot is then in the same position,
with the heels of the shoe pointing upwards. If we consider
this first part of the motion of the limb, we find the movement
of the foot very nearly describes a semicircle ; and on viewing
the form of the joints connected with action, the necessity for a
curve at the toe is clearly demonstrated : again, the form of the
shoe worn out at once shows that it must be more suitable to
put on a new one of that form, rather than to suffer the action
of the leg to be opposed until it is worn to that form. In the
second part of the action, when the foot comes to the ground
again, the quarters and heels touch first, and they are the only
parts occupied in placing it on the ground again. There may
be deviations from this general rule, as in those horses that have

* The convexity of the under surface of the shoe is equal to one and a half
times its thickness.

SHOEING AND THE MANAGEMENT OF THE FEET. 309

bad action; also when horses are drawing heavy weights it must
necessarily differ. The fore legs may be considered simply as
pillars of support, having no power of themselves to propel the
body forward, progression being entirely performed by the hind
parts. If it were not so, the action would be different, as I
have before observed it to be in those horses that have great
weights to draw; and this may be more readily observed in any
draught horse going up hill. I have offered these few remarks
upon action in order to bring the reader's attention to the curve
of the French shoe at the toe. This form of shoe certainly har-
monises more with the motion of the fore foot than the English
does ; it affords a greater surface of bearing at the toe than the
projecting ridge of the straight ordinary shoe, and is much more
calculated to allow of the motion of the leg and foot ; the labour
of the muscles is also diminished, and the limb being in its na-
tural position, the ligaments have less imposed upon them ; they
are ni ore at ease, and consequently are not so liable to be
strained. The shape of the coffin bone is also another proof of
the French system being more consistent with the principles of
nature than the straight ordinary shoe. If the coffin bone of a
fore foot be placed on a level surface, the quarters and heels are
the only parts in contact with it, which proves that they are in-
tended by nature to meet the ground first (quaere, why the cur-
vature of the heel of the shoe then ?) and to bear the greater
proportion of weight; but if the quarters of the hoof be removed
(lowered, or diminished) to admit of the straight shoe, the por-
tion of weight intended to be borne on the quarters must be
thrown upon the heels; and hence the great mischief w\\\ch
ensues from the common (plain) English shoe." I perfectly
^ree with Mr. Goodwin as to the " decided superiority " of the
French method of nailing on the shoes; but the curvature of
the French shoe toward the heels is certainly contrary both to
his own principles and practice, for he expressly tells us in the
toregomg quotation that the quarters and heels are intended by
nature to meet the ground first : and the plate of his improved
-brench shoe shows that he disapproves of the French curvature
towards the heels.

Having given what I consider a sufficient description of the
l<rench shoe, I shall make a short remark on Mr. Goodwin's
improvement, which consists in making the quarters and heels
on a level, and the reverse of the French shoe with regard to its
surfaces; that is, Mr. G. directs the foot surface to be convex
and the ground surface concave. This form of the foot surface
appears to me to originate in a very absurd notion with regard
to the foot: it was thought that, by making the surface on which
the foot rests incline or slope a little towards the outer ed^e, it
would promote the expansion or spreading of the hoof, or 'at all

X 3

310

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

events prevent that much -dreaded evil, contraction. This notion,
I believe, is fallacious; both expansion and contraction must
be prevented by the nails, as far as they go ; and if any motion
takes place in the horn that is confined by them, it must be either
from a bending of the nails or from their becoming loose in their
situations. This notion of expanding the qnarters and heels, by
making that part of the shoe on which they rest slope outwards,
is not only very old, but also very foolish, in my opinion, and
requires only an examination of the foot, and a little reflection,
to appear so.

When the hoof becomes hot and dry, and consequently shrinks
or contracts, that contraction is general, but takes place princi-
pally in those parts where there is least resistance, that is, at the
heels and quarters, and at the upper circle of the hoof, or coro-
nary band.

This contraction of the heels and coronary band must com-
press, and give pain to the sensible parts underneath^ especially
in trotting. The great merit of the French shoe consists in its
placing no restraint upon the necessary motions of the hoof;
there are no nails in the heels, or in the moveable parts of the
quarters; and instead of making the nail-holes near the outer
edge of the shoe, they are placed nearer the centre, and inclining
a little outward, so that the nails are driven through the lower
and stronger part of the hoof, where there is no danger of their
wounding or compressing the sensible parts.

Lafosse, who was cotemporary with Bourgelat, and who
greatly distinguished himself, not only as a veterinary writer,
but as a practitioner of the art in all its branches, gives a de-
scription of the shoe he recommends for a sound foot, whicli is
the once celebrated half-moon shoe. This shoe was soon after
strongly recommended by Mr. Osmer, an eminent veterinary
practitioner and author, of this country. For good feet, he says
the short shoe is the best ; it should be made gradually thinner
from the toe to the extremities, and so short that both the heels
and the frog may bear on the ground. Very little cover or
width is permitted, because the sole, the frog, and the heels are
never to be pared, being with this shoe exposed to the pressure
and friction of the ground, which is sufficient to wear away
whatever is superfluous. There is something in this shoe which
strongly recommends it to every one who studies the structure
and economy of the horse's foot ; yet it has not been found to
answer in general practice. Our worthy and truly eminent
Professor, Mr. Coleman, was struck with the merit of this shoe,
and thought he had succeeded in obviating the only incon-
venience that belonged to it, which was leaving the lieels un-
covered, and thereby exposing them, especially in wet weather,
to more wear than they could bear. He, like Lafosse, strongly

SHOEING AND THK MANAGEMENT OE THE FEET.

311

pointed out the necessity of applying it to the healthy foot only ;
and went still farther in showing the danger of applying it
suddenly, and without suitable precautions, to the foot of a horse
accustomed to wear thick-heeled shoes. He considei'ed some
degree of bearing on the frog necessary to the health of the foot,
and that it serves also as a spring, and as a stop, to the animal
in his various motions. He found, however, that by leaving the
heels uncovered they were often worn down too much, especially
in wet weather; therefore he extended the iron covering, or
shoe, to the whole of the crust, that is, from the toe to the
heels.

Mr. Coleman's thin-heeled shoe, as it was termed, was flat on
the foot surface, and concave on the ground surface. If the
sole was not concave, or hollow enough to admit of a flat shoe
of moderate width resting on it, it was pared out sufficiently
with the drawing knife; and if the sole was too thin to allow of
this being done, the foot surface of the shoe was made concave,
and the ground surface flat. The shoe was made of the usual,
that is, of a moderate, thickness at the toe, and became gradually
thinner towards the heels, and in such a degree, that the toe
was three times thicker than the heels. The principal pre-
caution to be observed in applying this shoe was to pare away
from the toe of the hoof as much as would make up the dif-
ference between the thickness of the toe and the heel of the
shoe, and thereby prevent too much pressure upon the great
tendon of the foot and navicular joint ; and if the heels of the hoof
were unusually high, so as to raise the frog considerably from
the ground, they were to be lowered very gradually, removing
only a small portion of the horn at each time of shoeing, until
the frog, had a bearing on the ground.

This shoe was tried in the army, and found frequently to
occasion lameness. The principal trial was made in the Royal
Artillery, and I had an opportunity of witnessing the effect of it
at two different periods. About twenty-three years since, when
I was in the Royal Dragoons, and quartered at Canterbury, I
was desired by Mr. Coleman to examine several horses of the
Royal Artillery, in that garrison, that were said to be lame from
wearing the thin-heeled shoe. I did so, and was of opinion that
the report was well-founded: therefore I directed the common
shoe to be applied, and to keep the feet moist, and at rest for a
short time, or until the lameness was removed. A few years
after this, veterinary surgeons were appointed to the artillery
corps, and then, I believe, the thin-heeled shoe was found to
answer better ; for when I resided at Exeter, the veterinary
surgeon of the artillery quartered in that district was transferred
to another station, and I was employed by the Board of Ord-
nance to attend the horses in that capacity; when I found that

X 4

312

DISEASICS OF THE HORSE.

Mr. Coleman's shoe, both for the fore and hind feet, had been
employed several years, and that no inconvenience had re-
sulted from it ; on the contrary, I never saw a corps of horses
with better feet. Their work was regular, and very moderate,
chiefly walking, and in harness. It seems to be a general opi-
nion with English veterinary surgeons of the present time, that
the thin-heeled shoe is not fit for English horses, and experience
has shown that no shoe whatever will materially diminish the
lamentable frequency of incurable lameness in this country while
such facility is given to rapid travelling by smooth turnpike
roads.

I shall say nothing here of the various contrivances that have
been proposed for expanding contracted hoofs, and for prevent-
ing contraction, except that tliey have all been fairly tried, and
found either useless or hurtful ; but proceed to an examination
of Mr. Bracy Clark's shoe, which has of late found so many-
zealous advocates. If it is found, after a fair trial, that tliis
shoe, which is called the expanding steel tablet shoe, will either
so far improve a horse's feet as to relieve him from lameness, or
enable a horse to go better than he can in any other kind of
shoe, then the only objection that can be made to it is the
price, which I understand is half a crown for each shoe; and
this would be an unreasonable objection, because the shoe would
be capable of doing what no other shoe can. Tlie peculiar
principle of the shoe consists in a joint at the toe, so constructed
as to admit of a limited and small degree of motion between the
two branches of the shoe. I have already said that I do not

Fig. 1. The common English Shoe usually Fig. 2. A hinyed Shoe,

employed for Hunters.

a, A steel rivet by wliich the two branches of the hinged shoe arc held together.

b, The rivet detached from the shoe.

think the various degrees of chronic lameness, which are now so
loudly and justly complained of, are caused by bad shoeing; nor
do I think that any mode of shoeing will cure them. In making
this assertion, however, I wish to be understood clearly : in those
chronic lamenesses, I do not include corns, or bruises of the foot
from the shoe bearing improperly, or from the nails being of a

SHOEING AND THE MANAGEMENT OE THE FEET. 313

bad form or size, or from, being driven improperly. If I rightly
understand Mr. Bracy Clark, he is of opinion that all the shoes
hitherto employed, except his, must inevitably produce con-
traction, by the restraint they impose upon the elastic parts of
the hoof. In direct proof of this, he brings forward a few ex-
permients ; and, in support of his opinion, lie argues with great
learning, zeal, and ingenuity ; still he cannot get over this plain
matter of fact, that the plain English shoe, such as I shall next
describe, has been employed in a regiment of cavalry for nearly
fifty years, without producing the effect generally, or in any de-
gree noticeable, that he has ascribed to it. When I was appointed
Veterinary Surgeon to the Royal Dragoons, I waited upon
General Goldswortliy, the commanding officer, who advised me
not to make any alteration in the shoeing, as the method they
practised, which had been introduced by his predecessor, Lord
Pembroke, had been found to answer completely. I continued
ni the regiment seven years, and found that this was really the
case. When I was last at Exeter, that is, in June 1822, some
part of the regmient was quartered there, and, upon inquiry, I
lound that they still shoed in the same manner, and with the
same effect. As Lord Pembroke's work is out of print, and
perhaps rather scarce, I trust it will not be an unacceptable ad-
dition to this small volume, if I transcribe the most interestino-
part of It, and introduce such remarks as may appear to me
useful.

« Physic and a butteris," his Lordship says, " in well-informed
hands would not be fatal ; but in the manner we are now (1778)
provided with farriers, they must be quite banished. Whoever
lets his farrier, coachman, or groom ever even mention anvthino-
more than water gruel, a clyster, or a little bleeding, and lha't
too very seldom, or pretend to talk of the nature of feet, of the
seat of lamenesses, sicknesses, or their cures, may be certain to
find themselves very shortly and very absurdly quite on foot."

1 he instrument named the drawing knife is generally em-
ployed to reniove what appears to be superfluous fn the hoof at
the time the horse is brought to be shoed. The mischief that is
done by paring the foot improperly is of two kinds. If too much
horn be pared from the sole, it will be incapable of defending the
sensible or fleshy sole; and if the bars or frog are improperly

Making a groove (fullering) round the edges of shoes, if
the iron IS not very good, may cause a partial yielding there
but, iftlie iron IS good, a groove is very useful to protect the
heads of the nails. Farncrs should always examine a foot be!
fore they shoe, it, make the shoe, and pierce the holes for the
nails further from or nearer to, the edges of the fool according^

314

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

as they find tlie foot requires ; tlie holes for the nails should
always be pierced slanting rather outwards. The best way to
foi'ge shoes, in respect to the nails, is to make the holes for the
nails at twice, with two different instruments. First, on the
outside of the shoe, punch a place, not quite through the shoe,
big enough to receive and cover the head of the nail when driven
in ; next punch a smaller hole from the centre of the above
mentioned largei- one, for the blade of the nail, quite through
the shoe.

This method of punching the nail-holes, with the remarks on
the groove or fullering round the shoe, do not differ materially
from that now adopted at the Veterinary College, or from Mr.
Goodwin's remarks upon it, who says, " The object of this groove
or fullering is to receive the nail heads, but in general it is too
superficial for this puipose; when a countersink head is used,
the groove is made deeper; but the inner edge of the groove is
perpendicular, and the outer edge slopes towards the exterior
rim to give the edge of the nail a slanting direction inward. It
is considered lhat the smith, who can keep this groove nearest
to the edge of the shoe is the best workman, and it is deno-
minated fine fullering. If this groove is cut deep into the shoe,
it is evident it must weaken it ; and if the iron is not good, it
will crack in the outer edge of the fuller ; and, if it is super-
ficial, it affords no security to the head of the nail ; yet, if made
with accuracy, and deep enough to afford security to the head of
the nail, it is a tedious process, and takes up much time. The
fuller, or groove, has been recently altered at the Veterinary
College : it is now carried further into the shoe, and is similar
to the German method of making the groove, which gives an
advantage in taking more hold, by driving the nail through a
portion of the sole on the inside of the crust, similar to the
French method of nailing.

" If the quality of the iron is not good, it will be put to the test
by the application of the punch ; it will either burst on the outer
part of the hole, or cracks or flaws will be seen ; neither of
which will appear if the iron is good." {Goodwin's Neio System
of Shoeing Horses.) I cannot leave Mr. Goodwin without no-
ticing a remark he has made on an opinion of Mr. Bracy Clark,
in which 1 perfectly agree with him. " Mr. B. Clark prefei-s
the common to the countersink head, believing that it leaves a
degree of room between the shoulder of o nail and the shoe for the
EXPANSION OF THE HOOF. I coufess 1 should not like to com-
mence a journey if there was any play between the shoe and the
hoof; as"it must be quite clear that, under such circumstances,
a shoe could not remain on long. In the seated shoe there is
not that strain on the nails and in the clenches diat there is in
the common (hollow or concave foot surface, like the French)

SHOEING AND THE MANAGEMENT OF THE FEET. 315

shoe ; for the crust, instead of bearing on an edge, bears on a
flat surface."

There is but little difficulty in adapting a shoe to a sound
foot ; that is, a foot that has a sound well-formed frog, open
heels, good bars, strong and rather concave sole, and a strong
well-formed crust or wall. To such foot, the best shoe that can
possibly be applied is that which has for many years been em-
ployed in the Royal Dragoons. I may have made some devia-
tion from the form which was employed, and so may others ; but
the following is that which I now recommend. The shoe should
be from half an inch to five eighths of an inch thick, all round
from toe to heel, and of the same width, except at the heel,
where it should be three fourths of an inch wide. The nail holes
should be made somewhat similar to those of
the French shoe, and the nails driven in a
similar direction. When a foot deviates from
the sound form, the shoe must be shaped ac-
cordingly. If the sole is in any degree flat
BarShoeTfoot ids') ^'^^ Wide hollow shoe is absolutely

a, A piece of leather Tr^i ii ^ ^ ii ^

riveted to the shoe, ^he heeis are tender, and have corns, the

in order to bear har shoe is the best that can be applied : and the
upon the frog. tender heel, including part of the quarter, crust
as well as sole, should be so pared down as to be at the dis-

* No general rule can be laid down as to either the weight of the shoe or
its width, it must depend on the wear, the nature of the foot, and that of the
work of the horse. Saddle horses require narrower shoes than harness
horses, and particularly if they are used for hunting. The purpose of wide
shoes is to protect the sole and to diminish concussion ; they are therefore
necessary to effect the former object in flat feet, and also for the latter pur-
pose on the road.

T/ie Leather Sole. — For weak feet the leather sole is found particularly
useful. It is thus described in my work on the " Foot and Leg of the
Horse :" — "It consists of a piece of leather cut exactly the shape of the shoe,
covering the sole and frog, and applied between the foot and shoe. In the
application of the sole it is requisite, first, to soak it in water a short time, in
order to render it more elastic and softer, and to apply a stopping to the sole
so disposed as to fill up the vacancies between the bar and frog, so as to pre-
vent any gravel or dirt penetrating. The stopping we have found best adapted
and most convenient, is composed of two parts of tar and one of fat
melted together, and applied on tow. Some little tact is required in dis-
posing the tow so as to fill up the vacancies we have mentioned. The ad-
vantages of the leather thus applied are manifold. It diminishes concussion
in a considerable degree by its interposition between the iron and the foot.
It preserves the elasticity and stimulates the growth of the sole, at the 'same
time that it protects it from the effect of nails and sharp flints. It preserves
the frog likewise from injury and from undue moisture, the source of thrushes.
It strengthens the crust in weak feet, particularly at the quarters and heels •
and afl^ords to the sole and frog, when the surface of the ground is the least
irregular, that moderate degree of pressure which it meets with in a state of
nature." — Ed].

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

tance of a quarter of an inch or more from the corrcspondin"-
part of the shoe.* ^
In preparing the foot for the shoe, the loose parts only of the sole

* The unilateral Shoe. — The next great improvement in the art, and one
which, in justice to its merits, we must characterise as the most important
hitherto noticed, consists in applying the nails round the toe, and on the
outside quarter, but leaving the inside quarter unfettered. The advantages

Fig. 1. Mr. Turner's Shoe (foot side), Yig. '2. Mr. Turner's Shoe modified, havi^
showing SIX nail holes on the outside, an additional nail on the inside, and o
ajid two only on the inside, of the toe. less on the outside, of the foot.

of this method may be readily seen. The foot, we have seen, expands, or
ought to expand, whenever it comes on the ground ; and this expansion is
greatest at the heels and quarters. If, therefore, the nails on one side be
removed, so that those on the other have no antagonists, the same effect will
be produced as if they were removed on either side, on the same principle as
a common vice operates, one side being moveable and the other fixed. A
shoe on this principle has been applied for many years for cases of cutting, the
nails being removed from the inside quarter for this purpose only ; and it was
from witnessing the effect of this shoe in a contracted foot, though applied
for cutting only, that first induced Mr. James Turner to recommend its gene-
ral application. The merit belonging to this shoe is, therefore, due to Mr.
Turner quite as much as if he was its original inventor ; and the author re-
flects with pleasure, that he was one of the first to give the plan a trial, and
the very first, after Mr. Turner, to make its merits known to the public. It
would be well, perhaps, to describe the shoe which I make use of, as it is a
slight modification of that used by Mr. Turner. It is, then, a seated shoe,
with the flat part rather wider than common. The web of the shoe for a mode-
rate-sized horse, used on the road, is about an inch in width, but varying
according to circumstances, and being narrower at the heels, where the upper
wearing surface is very slightly bevelled outwards, than at the other parts;
the ground surface quite flat, sometimes fullered and sometimes stamped;
but when the former plan is adopted, the fuller is not deep, or too near the
edge, but somewhat wider than common. Three nails are stamped on the
inside toe and five on the outside toe and quarters, with a clip at the toe, and
another at the outer quarter. Sometimes, instead of a clip at the toe, the
shoe is turned up in the French fashion, as recommended by Mr. Goodwin ;
this plan is very advantageous where horses are in the habit of hitting the
toe and tripping, or wearing it in undue proportion. In contracted feet, the
application of this shoe has materially enlarged the foot, quite as much as
it is desirable to do ; indeed, I believe, if it were applied early, contracted
feet would be altogether avoided. It is also calculated, in great measure, to
prevent corns, from bearing so easy on the inside heel.

In wide flat feet, side nailing is unnecessary ; there is no danger of con-
traction taking place in this description of feet, for they have rather a ten-
dency to expand too much.

SHOEING AND THE MANAGEMENT OF THE FEET. 317

may be removed with the drawing knife ; the ragged parts of the
frog should be cut away, as they may serve to harbour dirt or
gravel. If the toe of the frog is very hard and more prominent
than the other parts, it should be pared down moderately. The
heel of the shoe should have a perfectly flat and level bearing
upon the junction of the bar and crust, which should be rasped
to a flat surface for receiving it. The shoe should never ex-
tend beyond this part. The whole bottom of the foot, indeed,
should be rasped so as to be perfectly flat and level all around ;
so that when the horse stands on a plane surface, every part of
the crust should bear on that surface. Tlie shoe should be made
level also on both surfaces, by the same criterion, and then it
must of necessity be fitted to the foot. When this is the case,
there will not be that motion in the shoe in travelling by which
so many shining surfaces are often worn in it, and by which the
nails are loosened, and if they are made of indifferent iron, or
badly made, often broken.

The hind shoes should be narrower than the fore ones, and
made square, as it is termed, at the toe, for the space of one inch.
By making the shoe as well as the hoof square at the toe, a
steady point of bearing is afforded to that part which is the last
to leave the ground. We may readily conceive that as this is
the part from which those amazing bounds are made, in gallop-
ing and leaping, a more steady and firm point of bearing will
be thus afforded, than by the single point which a perfectly
round shoe would give. They are less liable also than the round
shoe to interfere with the fore shoe. The heels should never be
turned up for saddle horses unless it is in frosty slippery weather,
and then it is an evil that must be submitted to.

For hunting the shoe must be narrower than for the road, and an additional
nail may be placed on the inside ; no evil will result from this, because in the
field the pressure on the crust is, in a great degree, relieved by the sole and
frog. There must be space for a picker to pass between the foot and inner
rim of the shoe, but no more, as the foot can then be withdrawn from heavy
soil with less difficulty than when the usual space is permitted. To avoid
overreaching, the heels of the fore shoes should scarcely project beyond the
heels of the crust, and they should be rounded off", instead of being left
square, as is usually the case. The hind shoes should also, where there is
any disposition to overreach, be square at the toe, set a little within the
crust; and the inner rim at the toe should have a piece cut out, so that, in-
stead of a sharp edge, there should be a rounded surface, which, of course, is
not so likely to catch the heels of the fore feet. — Spooner on the Foot, Sfc.

318

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

CHAP. LV.

INJURIES CONNECTED WITH SHOEING, AND WOUNDS OF THE

FOOT.

These accidents most commonly arise from the carelessness of
the smith in nailing the shoe to the hoof. The nail is either
driven so as to wound the sensible parts, or so near them, as to
occasion, by its pressure, pain, inflammation, and in a few days,
suppuration, or the formation of matter.

When a nail is driven so close as to wound the sensible parts,
the animal suddenly draws back his foot, from the pain he suf-
fers ; and the smith, aware of what he has done, removes the
nail, and takes no further notice of it; though, sometimes, to
avoid suspicion, he fills the vacant hole in the shoe with the head
of a nail ; and when the horse is afterwards found to be lame, he
too often denies having any knowledge of the cause. When the
hoi'se is not worked immediately, and the wound not consider-
able, it may not occasion lameness ; most commonly, however,
it is of a more serious nature, causing violent inflammation,
which terminates, in a few days, in suppuration. The matter
which is formed, being confined, spreads under the horny sole,
and causes so much pain that the horse can scarcely put his foot
to the ground, and if he be not relieved, by giving vent to the
matter, it continues to spread, and ultimately breaks out at the
coronet, or top of the hoof. When the disease has been suffered
to proceed thus far, it is difficult to cure, and often leaves a per-
manent tenderness of the part.*

As soon as it is known that a horse has been pricked, as it is
termed, in shoeing, if the smith were to remove the horn,
where the nail entered, with a small drawing knife, so as to
allow the matter which may form to escape freely, all this mis-
chief might be avoided. It would be proper to let the horse
stand without a shoe for a few days, and wrap up the foot in a
large bran poultice. It is a common practice with smiths, on
these occasions, to pour oil of turpentine into the wound; and,
sometimes, in order to increase its power, they set it on fire ;
after this the shoe is put on, and the bottom of the foot filled
up with tow dipped in hot mixture of lard and turpentine. In

* Sometimes lameness is proiliiced by the nail being driven too near the
quick, without penetrating it. Lameness . in this case is not perceived at
first ; not until the pressure of the internal parts forces the sensible parts
against the offending nail. In slight cases a removal of the cause imme-
diately affords relief; in others, it is necessary to poultice the foot lor several
days. — Ed.

INJURIES CONNECTED WITH SHOEING, ETC.

319

li'ifling wounds of the foot, the horse often gets well under this
treatment, though more slowly, perhaps, than he would had
these remedies been omitted. It may he proper, howevei-, to
pour a little Friar's balsam into the wound, which forms a sort
of coating, and may serve to exclude air and moisture from it,
and thereby prevent the formation of matter: with the same
view, the cavity that has been made by removing the horn may
be lightly filled willi tow dipped in digestive ointment. But in
wounds of a more serious nature there is generally a high degree
of inflammation, so considerable sometimes as to excite fever;
and, in a few instances, it has been followed even by locked jaw.
All stimulants should here be avoided, until the inflammation
has subsided, and matter is formed, which invariably happens in
wounds of this description.

The first thing to be done in these cases is to enlarge the
opening made by the nail, and pare away the horny sole, on the
same side, until it yields to the pressure of the thumb; a large
poultice is then to be applied. After two or three days matter
will have been formed; and upon pressing the sole, near the
wound, a little dark-coloured fluid will be seen issuing from it.
On introducing a probe into the wound, it will be found to pass
under the horny sole, sometimes to a considerable extent; and
as far as the horny and sensible sole are separated, so far is the
former to be removed. A dressing of tar ointment is then to be
applied ; by means of which a new horny sole will be gradually
produced. Should the matter have penetrated to the coronet,
the same operation and treatment are necessary, exceptino- ihe
poultice : for, when the disease has proceeded thus far, we^'may
be sure that there is matter confined under the horny sole. The
sore or opening on the coronet is to be dressed with solution of blue
vitriol or tincture of myrrh. After being dressed for three or
four days with either of these preparations. Friar's balsam and
a plaster of digestive ointment maybe used. When the nail
has been driven so near the sensible parts as to cause pain by
its pressure, inflanmiation comes on slowly and gradually ; and
sometimes the lameness does not appear until several days after
the shoe has been applied. This may more properly be termed
a bruise of the sensible parts of the foot, than a wound; but it
produces the same effects, which are inflammation and suppura-
tion. This kind of lameness comes on gradually; and is often
so inconsiderable at first, that it is not observed by a careless
rider. When the smith is consulted on these occasions, he sel-
dom discovers the seat of the lameness (unless it be after matter
has been formed, when the cause is too manifest to escape his
notice), but attributes it to a strain of the shoulder, or a hit of a
ivrench in the fetlock joint. This is more likely to be the case
when the smith that shod the horse is applied to; but, if an-

320

DISEASES or THE HORSE.

Other is consulted, he takes care to search very dihgently for any
errors his rival may have committed ; and, though he find no-
thing to account for the lameness, will often affirm that the horse
has been pricked ; he then stops up the foot with some greasy
substance, and trusts to nature and rest for making good his
assertion; for, should the horse recover, he depends on its being
attributed to his superior skill and penetration.

Much mischief, however, is often done by their mode of in-
vestigation ; for they cut away the horn so freely, between the
bottom of the crust and the sole, or where the nails are placed,
that scarcely any room is left for nailing on a shoe ; and it is,
perhaps, a considerable time before the horn can be reproduced
which has been unnecessarily removed. When a horse has been
pricked in shoeing, and the lameness does not go off spontane-
ously, it must, in a short time, be discovered. The lameness
gradually increases ; and, when matter is formed, it is very
easily detected, by pressing moderately with pincers, or by a
slight blow on the part : or, should it escape observation at this
period, it cannot fail of being noticed when it breaks out at the
coronet. The part of the fore foot most commonly wounded is
the inside quarter, from the horn being thinner in that part of
the foot than any other; but, in the hind foot, the quarters are
generally thicker ; and here we most commonly find the wound
nearer the toe. When it is suspected that a horse has been
wounded or pricked in shoeing, the first thing to be done is to
strike on the foot gently with a hammer all around the hoof
where the nails are clenched, and on the shoe also. The
wounded part may thus be generally discovered by the horse
suddenly withdrawing his foot when it is struck. The shoe is
then to be taken off, and the wounded part opened with a
drawing knife, and treated as we have before described ; but
should no tenderness be observed in the foot, it would still be
advisable to take off the shoe, and apply a poultice to the foot ;
that is, supposing every other part of the limb to have been
.carefully examined also, and no cause for the lameness dis-
covered. If the lameness should arise from a wound in the foot,
it will gradually get worse ; and, when matter has been formed,
the tenderness is so considerable, that it can scarcely fail of being
detected. Sometimes the horny sole, by which the matter is
confined, is of considerable thickness ; and it sometimes happens
that the smith, having pared away as much of the horn as he
thinks can be done with safety, is afraid to go any further. But,
whenever we find great tenderness, upon pressing the sole with
the thumb, or striking it gently, we may be assured there is
. matter underneath, and that it ought to be let out, however
thick the horn may be which covers it. If there be no matter,
it may be known by minute specks of fluid blood appearmg on

INJURIES CONNECTED WITH SHOEING, ETC.

.321

the horn, as we approach the sensible sole. This indicates that
no separation has taken place between the sensible and horny
sole, and that there is no disease in the part. Supposing this
mistake to have been made, which, however, is very unlikely to
be the case if the directions we have given are attended to,
the part is to be covered with digestive ointment, and de-
fended from pressure, until the horn has grown to its usual
thickness.

Punctured Wounds.

The horse's foot is often wounded by his stepping on a nail,
which, in technical language, is termed picking up a nail. The
frog is the part generally wounded, and most commonly on one
side. When the nail enters at the back or wide part of the frog,
that is, towards the heel, there is much less danger than when
it enters near its toe, or termination. In the latter situation, the
navicular joint is exposed, and is often wounded, causing obsti-
nate or incurable lameness ; and, should the nail not have pene-
trated so far as to enter the joint, it generally wounds the
tendon by which it is covered. The treatment is similar to that
we have recommended for wounds in shoeing; that is, opening
the wound, paring away the surrounding horn, and poultices.
When the inflammation is considerable, bleeding, bran mashes,
and a purgative, are useful. After a few days, it will be found
that the horn surrounding the wound has been separated from
the sensible parts ; when, by pressing gently on it, a little dark-
coloured fluid will be observed to ooze from the wound. All
the horn that has been thus separated should be carefully re-
moved, however extensive it may be. A dressing of digestive
ointment is then to be applied, having previously poured a little
Friar's balsam or tincture of myrrh into the wound. If the
wound does not appear to get better, but discharges a thin yellow
fluid, It should be touched carefully with the nitrate of silver,
or lunar caustic, and afterwards dressed with Friar's balsam.
It sometimes happens, however, when the nail has penetrated
through the tendon, and injured the navicular joint, that the
disease gradually increases, and at length becomes so bad, and so
hopeless a case, that it is deemed necessary to destroy the animal
I have seen buttyr of antimony applied with success to a wound
of this kind, a few hours after it happened, and am inclined to
believe that in all wounds of tendinous or ligamentous parts a
caustic is the best application. I prefer lunar caustic, or nitrate
of silver, but in some situations a fluid caustic, such as muriate
of antimony, may be better. If these wounds are not immedi-

322

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

ately attended to, and properly treated, a serious and obstinate
lameness is often the consequence.*

On Lameness from Bruises of the Foot hy Stones, Gravel, Sfc.

Cases of this kind are by no means uncommon, and are
generally caused by the pressure of the shoe, particularly in
horses with thin flat soles. Horses, also, with good soles, are
occasionally lame from this cause, through the injudicious ma-
nagement of the smith, who, being generally ambitious of
improving the natural form of the foot, pares away so much of
the sole for this purpose, that there is not enough left to defend
the sensible parts from the blows and pressure to which it is
necessarily exposed; for, if the shoe is not made so flat as to
bear on this thin part, any vacancy that is left is soon filled with
dirt or gravel in travelling: and the same eff^ect is produced as
if the shoe were in contact with it. The method of detecting
and treating this kind of lameness is similar to that we have
recommended in wounds of the foot ; that is, by pressing it, or
striking it lightly with a hammer; and giving free vent to any
matter that may be confined.

A horse is sometimes observed to be tender from this cause,
immediately after shoeing, particularly in the fore feet ; and it
will generally be found that the tenderness arises from the toe
liaving been pared too much. If the shoe does not press on
the thin part, the horse should be allowed to rest a few days, and
a little tar ointment should be applied to the sole, by which it
will acquire its usual firnmess ; but if the shoe is bearing on the
sole, it must, of course, be taken off" and altered.

I have known many cases of lameness, from matter forming
under the sensible sole, without any apparent cause. It is pro-
bable, however, that, in almost all these cases, it was occasioned
by a bruise. I have known it happen in several instances at
grass ; also in the stable, when the horse has been at rest ; or
while he has been doing his ordinary work.

The following cases are given as examples of such lameness,
and of the manner in which they were treated.

Case 1. About forty cavalry horses were turned to grass in
soft meadow ground, their shoes having previously been taken
off", and the fore feet pared. About two or three weeks after,
several of them were observed to be very lame; and on examm-
ino- the feet it was found that matter was confined under the
sofe. All the horny sole, which had separated, and by which the

* I have cured several cases of tliis kind by the apphVation of corrosive
sublimate ami spirits of wine to the wound, and keepmg the foot m poultice
for some time. When permanent lameness has succeeded, the horse has been
rendered useful by the nerve operation. — Ed.

INJURIES CONNECTED WITH SHOEING, ETC.

323

matter was confined, was completely removed, a hollow shoe
applied, and the whole of the bottom of the foot covered with
digestive ointment; when they all got well in a short time.
From this we may learn that when a horse is turned to grass
without shoes, his feet should be pared with caution ; perhaps it
would be the safest plan, merely to rasp the bottom of the foot
to a level surface, and leave the sole untouched. It must be
i*ecollected, however, that in certain cases of lameness, thinning
the sole, previously to the horse's being turned to grass, is re-
commended as a remedy.

Case 2. A horse that had been at grass some time was ob-
served to be lame; he was taken up and examined by fhe smith,
who could not find anything to account -for the lameness, and,
therefore, concluded that it must be in the shoulder. On ex-
amining the foot, I found a little moisture oozing from a small
fissure in the coronet ; and, on finding the horse flinch, when
struck on the bottom of the foot, towai'ds the inside heel, I pared
away the horn from that part with a drawing-knife, and let out
some dark-coloured fluid. A separation between the sensible
and horny sole had taken place to a considerable extent. All
the horny sole that had been detached was carefully removed,
and a dressing applied of digestive ointment. The fissure in
the coronet was dressed, at first, with a solution of blue vitriol,
afterwards with Friar's balsam. By this treatment the horse
soon became perfectly sound.

Case 3. A horse had been fired for a lameness in the fetlock
joint of one hind leg, and turned loose into a large box : about
three or four weeks after, he was observed to be lame in the
other hind leg; the smith was called in to take off" the shoe, and
examine the foot; nothing was found to explain the lameness in
the foot, or in any other part of the limb, except that the horse
generally stood with the fetlock joint bent, resting chiefly on his
toe. This was supposed to arise from some injury of the fetlock
joint, as the position in which he stood tended to favour the liga-
ments of that part ; at the same time it was observed, that there
was neither increased heat, swelling, nor tenderness of that joint.
It was supposed, however, that the lameness was similar to that
in the other leg ; and, as firing had proved effectual in that case,
It was thought proper to have recourse to it in this also, I was
sent for to perform the operation; and, on my arrival, beino-
informed that the foot, as well as every other part, had been
already carefully examined, we proceeded immediately to the
operation. The horse had been fired on the outside of the joint,
and turned over, that the inside might be fired also. At this
time, a little matter was observed issuing from a transverse crack
or fissure, in the coronet. This immediately led me to suspect
that matter was confined under the sole. On paring it away

Y 2

324

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

this was found to be the case ; and so far had tlie matter pene-
trated, that it was found necessary to remove about one half of
the horny sole. The same treatment was adopted as in the
former case, and the horse gradually recovered. This case shows
how necessary it is to examine every part minutely before a
severe operation is resorted to; and may teach the young prac-
titioner, that he should never trust to the smith on these occa-
sions, but depend only on his own investigation.

On Lameness from Cutting.

In cutting, a horse sometimes strikes himself so severely, or in
so tender a part, as to cause lameness for a short time, but
generally it soon wears off, and he goes on again very well until
the blow is repeated. When the blow is inflicted on the inside,
and lower part of the knee joint, it is called the speedy cut,
because it commonly happens when the horse is trotting fast.
The pain this occasions is so severe, that the horse often falls down
suddenly from it, which causes it to be considered a very dan-
gerous failing, more especially as it is a failing that is not easily
remedied. In carriage horses, the best remedy is to drive them
without a bearing rein, which enables them to go with more
ease, and without that high action which this gagging rein occa-
sions : at the same time the shoeing should be attended to, and
when the part of the foot or shoe (most frequently it is the
former) which inflicts the injury has been discovered, it should
be rasped away as much as can be with safety or propriety.
I have seen a severe lameness produced by a horse striking his
fetlock joint, which continued for several days, and was mistaken
for an injury of the shoulder, because, though it was evident the
horse had struck the fetlock joint, he had not even knocked off
the hair. Upon a careful examination, I found he had struck
that part over which the nerve passes, and had left it so tender
that the horse could scarcely bear to have it touched.'*
Cutting is often a consequence of weakness or fatigue ; in such
cases the remedy is obvious. The part most commonly injured
in cutting is the inside of the fetlock joint, and the common
remedy is to make the inner branch of the shoe thicker than
the outer branch, gradually swelling it from the toe to the heel.
This is supposed to alter the position of the fetlock joint, and

* Sometimes considerable swelling, as well as lameness, is produced on the
inside of the leg by repeated striking, although there may be no external
wound. Such case requii-es poultices and fomentations ; an abscess generally
forms, through which a setoii should be passed so as to secure a depending
opening. Large splents, from their prominence, frequently occasion cuttmg,
particularly when they are situated near the fetlock joint ; and sometimes
cutting produces bony enlargements on the inside of the leg, which, by re-
peated blows, increase greatly in size. — Ed.

INJURIES CONNECTED WITH SHOEING, ETC.

325

place it at a greater distance from the striking foot. As cutting,
Iiowever, is often an effect of weakness or fatigue, and not un-
frequently of awkwardness in going, this remedy often fails.
Mr. Moorecroft, on this account, was induced to try another
method, quite the reverse of that I have just described, and in
a few instances I have found it successful. He advises the outer
branch of the shoe to be raised in the manner before described,
so that it may be higher than the inside. For he says, " When
a horse is at rest, he supports his weight equally on both feet ;
but having the inner heel and quarter raised when one foot is
elevated, he must be supported obliquely on the other, and
hence have a tendency to fall outwards ; to prevent which, he
brings the moving foot nearer to the supporting one, by which
he strikes it ; but by raising the outer instead of the inner
branch of the shoe, we necessarily give it a disposition to lean
inwards, which will induce the horse to throw or incline the
moving foot farther from the supporting foot." *

Mr. Goodwin describes an improvement of the common boot,
as it is termed, for defending the fedock joint, when cutting
cannot otherwise be prevented, which may be had at Mr.
Long's, veterinary instrument maker, 217. High Holborn,
London.f

When cutting appears to depend upon weakness, or riding a
horse, though it happen to be a moderate journey, until he is
fatigued, the most effectual, as v/ell as the cheapest remedy, is
to turn him to grass until he recovers his strength.

Ove7'-7'eachinff.

These, in old books of farrieiy, were termed according to
their situation in the heel, or above the fetlock joint, the higher
and the nether attaint ; from the French atteint. These acci-
dents sometimes happen from the toe of the hind foot being too
long and not squared off as I have advised, but more frequently
from the sharp edge afforded by the inner rim of the hind shoe
towards the toe. It may also occur from bad riding, in pulling
up a horse badly, and making him gallop false, as it is termed.
Whenever the wound is such as to leave a flap of skin, whether
it be upwards, downwards, or sidewise, it should be immediately

* In the hind feet there is no shoe more likely to prevent cuttin'^ than a
three quarter shoe, the inside heel being left uncovered. — Ed. °

f The best boot for cutting the leg is formed with leather fitted to the leg
and laced, the leather being double at the part struck by the other foot.

In some instances it is found that a boot buckled round the hoof that cuts
and softly stuffed, prevents injury from the blow when other methods fail. '

For cutting the fetlock, a piece of cloth tied round above the joint and
doubled down over it answers the purpose. — Ed.

Y 3

326

DISEASES OF THE HOHSK.

cut off as close as possible ; a reunion of the parts can never
happen, and by leaving the flap, and attempting to effect the
reunion of the parts, there would be thickening and a greater
blemish, and its removal vvould be found necessary at last. This
may be considered as a contused wound, and to all such wounds
I think a poultice the best remedy. This probably will be
doubted by surgeons ; but in horse surgery it will be found the
best practice. When the inflammation has been completely
subdued by this poultice, the astringent paste may be applied,
and nothing more done for two days, when it is to be soaked
and washed off", and a similar dressing laid on. Three or four
of these dressings will generally effect a cure.

Astringent Paste.

Finely powdered alum and pipe-clay, in equal proportions ;
water enouijh to give it the consistence of cream. When the
wound is perfectly healed, a little salad oil or hog's lard may be
necessary to soften the cicatrix.

Halter Cast. * •

When the horse entangles his hind leg in the halter, he often
injures himself considerably; the heel is the part that generally
suffers, and the only remedy required is wrapping up the part in
a large emollient poultice, until the inflammation is completely
removed ; if any sore remains, the digestive ointment, or
Goulard ointment, may be applied for a day or two, and then
the astringent paste of pipe-clay and alum mixed with water.

Goulard Ointment.

Fresh hog's lard 1 lb.

Linseed oil 2 oz.

Palm oil 2 oz.

Melt over a slow fire, and when removed and getting cool,
stir in 6 oz. by measure of Goulard's extract of lead. Continue
stirring until it is perfectly cold.

* The subject is included in the present chapter from the similarity of the
injury and the proximity of the part to that just described.

DISEASES OF THE FOOT.

827

CHAP. LVI.

DISEASES OF THE FOOT.

Corns.

This is a veiy common and a very troublesome disoi'der, and
may truly be said to be often occasioned by the smith, being
generally in consequence of bad shoeing. Corns most commonly
happen in white feet, with weak low heels ; but they are too
common in feet of all colours. They are occasioned by the
pressure of the heel of the shoe, either by its bearing directly on
the sole when it is too thin to bear the pressure, or hy its forcing
the heel of the crust inwards. In this way the sensible sole is
bruised, the small blood-vessels ruptured, and the blood pene-
trates into the pores of the horn, causing the dark red appearance'
observable on removing the shoe, and scraping off the surface
of the sole at the part marked d d, fig. 1. page 336. This bruised
part is exceedingly tender, and incapable of bearing the pressure
of the shoe, and so are the crust and bar on each side of it.

In the treatment of this complaint, therefore, all the parts must
be so cut down, crust, bar, and sole, situated behind and on each
side the part marked d, fig. 1 . page 336., that when a bar shoe is
applied, it may be full half an inch distant from the heel. In
this way a horse will be able to do his work, provided the shoe
is removed, and the heel pared down as often as is necessary,
and a little caustic, such as buttyr of antimony, applied with a
feather. As in this case the frog will be constantly receivin^r
considerable pressure from the bar shoe, it is necessary to take
care that the heels are not too thick and inflexible, in which case
it is necessary to rasp them ; and whenever there is a morbid
degree of heat in the feet, or dryness, they should be kept con-
stantly moist and cool in the stable, either by poultice, or by
several folds of old woollen wrapped round the coronet, and kept
constantly wet. The common practice of paring out the corn,
and leaving the bar and crust to be in contact with the heel of
the shoe is doing no good ; nor would it afford even temporary
relief, if the shoe were not bent up, or made to bear off that
quarter a little, as they term it ; yet, after riding a few miles,
the shoe is sure to yield to the horse's weight, and bear upon
the tender heel. It is thus that corns are made so troublesome
as we find them, and many horses are rendered nearly unser-
viceable, or absolutely ruined, by this improper treatment.
Matter is often formed within the heel from this sort of manage*
ment, and breaks out at the coronet, frequently doing great

328

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

mischief, and even rendering a horse useless. When corns have
been suffered to go this length, the foot must be poulticed, and all
the hollow horn cut away. After the inflammation has been thus
completely subdued, the sensible parts which have been laid
bare may be dressed with Friar's balsam, and the tar ointment,
or with a solution of sulphate of zinc. The radical cure of
corns is always practicable if taken early ; but in old cases, the
sensible parts will always remain in a tender state, however care-
fully they may be treated, and will always require the defence
of the bar shoe, applied as I have described. A run at grass
loitliout shoes is a great relief to a horse with corns, -provided the
tender heel is cut down as 1 have described, and the heel and
quarter rasped very thin. When a radical cure is attempted,
this is the most likely means of effecting it.

Sand Crack.

This is an accident that happens to dry brittle hoofs, and is,
in fact, a breaking or fracture of the horn in the weakest part ;
that is, at the upper part of the inner quarter of the fore feet,
and the front p,art of the hind feet. A sand crack almost always
extends to the sensible parts, and can seldom be cured if the
horse is kept in work. The first thing to be done is to open the
crack widi a drawing knife, for it generally runs obliquely under
the horn, and cut out every hollow part completely, however far
it may extend under the crust. Every particle of horn tha,t is
hollow, or detached from the sensible parts, must be completely
cut away, and the bar shoe applied eased off the affected heel
and quarter.

When a little sound horn is grown from the coronet, a line
should be drawn transversely between it and the crack with a
firing iron ; and as the hoof grows down, the crack will disap-
pear. A strap, however, should be applied round the hoof for
some time, so as to prevent too much motion in the foot. A
little blister ointment just above the crack often does good, and
tar ointment on the crack on the adjacent horn. Observe, too,
that the quarter where the crack is must be rasped away as thin
as possible. In this way, sand cracks may be always cured with-
out difficulty. The brittle state of the hoof, however, must be
corrected, by anointing the foot with the tar ointment; this will
be absorbed through the horn, and stimulate the secreting vessels.

False Quarter.

When the coronary ligament has been much injured by quit-
tors, treads, or other contused wounds, it sometimes forms horn

DISEASES OF THK FOOT.

329

of a lighter colour than the rest of the hoof, and less perfect,
often leaving a fissure or seam from the top to the bottom.
Sometimes the whole quarter is imperfect, and incapable of bear-
ing pressure ; therefore, in such cases, a bar shoe is necessary,
by means of which, when the false quarter is kept propeily
pared down, it will be at some distance from the surface of the
shoe, and thus be always free from pressure.

Quittor.

This is a consequence of a contusion on the coronet of the worst
kind. The injuries that a horse does himself in the stable by step-
ping accidentally on the coronet, or a little above or below it, are
seldom so severe as to come under the denomination of quittor.
It is almost always done in frosty slippery weather, when, in
endeavouring to save themselves from falling sidewise, they step
with dreadful violence on the foot that is sliding inwards, gene-
rally upon the coronet of the inside quarter. The injury is so
considerable, that the cartilage, the extensor tendon, or the
coffin bone, is always more or less injured. This is the cause
of the obstinacy of the disorder. In the first place, it is neces-
sary to find out with a probe the direction and extent of the
sinuses or pipes ; this being done, let some powdered sublimate
be spread on some whity-brown paper that has been smeared
with lard, and then let it be cut out in narrow slips;* let these
slips be folded up, and twisted into a point at the ends. One of
these is to be first introduced carefully, and be forced, if possi-
ble, to the bottom of the sinus ; and if not, as far as it can be
forced with a strong probe. When this has been done, another
slip is to be forced in, in a similar manner, and so on, till the
sinus is quite full. A piece of tow is then to be placed on the
part, and bound down with tape or listing, so as to keep the
dressing in. This dressing, in the course of four days, will have
done its work ; the bandage is to be removed, and then a slou<rh
or core will readily come out, and leave a large open sore, which
will enable the operator to see the bottom of the injury; and
then, if he dresses it daily to the bottom, with tents of lint dipped
at first in a solution of blue vitriol, or buttyr of antimony, after-
wards in Friar's balsam, the wound will heal gradually, and the
horse will be radically cured. [The objection to this severe
method of treatment is, that a considerable portion of the lateral
cartilage is destroyed, as well as the coronary substance, which
secretes the crust; the consequence is, a false quarter frequently
takes place. In the greater number of cases, the treatment re
commended by Mr. Newport, V.S., will effect a cure. It con
sists in injecting a saturated solution of sulphate of zinc every
twenty-four hours. I have found this treatment effectual in

330

DISEASES OF THE HOUSE.

many cases, taking care to poultice tlie foot also for several
days.

In other more severe cases, T have found the insertion of se-
tons attended with success, the setons being carried to the lower
part of the sinuses, and brought out either at the heels, or be-
tween the bars and frog. See my Treatise on the Foot, &c. — Ed.]

Thrush.

This is a disease of the frog, causing a discharge of matter
from its division or cleft, not often productive of lameness,
especially in the hind feet, where it is frequently a consequence
of negligence in the groom, in permitting a horse to stand in his
dung, or upon foul wet litter. This softens and rots the horny
frog, the putrid and acrid fluids penetrate through the soaked
and rotten horn, and inflame the sensible frog, causing it to
discharge a fetid acrimonious matter, instead of secreting horn
for its own defence, as it does in the healthy state.

Thrushes in the fore feet are sometimes occasioned by con-
traction of the heels, but more frequently by the horny box or
hoof, considered altogether, becoming too thick, and conse-
quently inelastic. The treatment of thrush must depend alto-
gether upon the cause which produces it. When in the hind
foot, and occasioned by filthiness, the cause must be removed,
and then the disorder may cease; but this is not always the case,
for the thrush sometimes has proceeded so far as to produce
ulceration of the sensible frog, which then requires to be dressed
with a solution of blue vitriol, or oxymel of verdigris. Before
this is done, the cleft of the frog should be thoroughly cleansed
to the bottom by means of tow ; and if there is any ragged horn
covering a diseased part, it should be completely removed. One
of these dressings, when it is properly done, is sufficient for the
cure. Some tar, or hoof ointment, may be applied, to promote
the regeneration of horn, and to defend it from moisture. In
cases where the frog has become very tender or rotten, I have
found it necessary to apply a mixture of tar and sulphuric acid,
which is made by adding one ounce, by weight, of sulphuric
acid to one pound of melted tai-, and stirring the mixture for
some time. As to the thrush in the fore feet, when it is attended
with heat of the parts, and contracted foot, the treatment is dif-
ferent : by attempting to stop it by those preparations which are
usually employed, the lameness is often increased. The only
thing to be done is to rasp the heels and quarters, thin the soles,
cover the frog with tar ointment, and wrap the foot in an
emollient poultice; in slight cases, complete and permanent re-
lief will be thus afforded. Should the thrush continue after the
hoof has been well soaked with the poultice, and especially if the

DISEASES OF THE FOOT.

331

frog is very tender and rotten, apply the mixture of tar and sul-
phuric acid. In old thrushes, physic may be useful, and some
alterative medicine. In bad cases, palliation only can be ex-
pected, unless a new hoof be obtained of a better kind, by rasping
the quarters and thinning the sole, until spots of blood appear ;
and then, after stopping the feet with tar ointment, turning the
horse to grass.

Thrushes may happen in the fore feet merely from filthiness,
and may then be cured as they are in the hind feet.

The third kind of thrush I have to describe is not so common
as the two former, and is no other than incipient canker. It
may always be cured by removing from the frog every bit of
horn that is detached from the sensible frog, and by which a
diseased part may be concealed, and then applying to the affected
part a saturated solution of blue vitriol, or tar ointment, with
sulphuric acid. Cleanliness must be carefully attended to ; and
when the disease of the frog has been cured, tar or hoof oint-
ment may be employed to promote the regeneration of horn.

Canker.

This is an obstinate, and often incurable, disorder of the
foot, generally beginning in the frog, and spreading from thence
to the other parts, even to the coffin bone. It is often a con-
sequence of neglected thrush, or grease, but sometimes comes
on without any apparent cause, and most commonly in one or
two feet, but sometimes it attacks both the fore and hind feet at
the same time. I have now two cases under my care. In one,
the near fore foot is principally affected ; the off fore and near
hind foot slightly.

The first animal is a fine saddle horse, and the'disorder seems
to proceed from the horse standing idle in the stable upon
litter, and upon good keep. The latter is a waggon horse that
has been worked rather hard, and kept upon oats, chaff, and
beans, with a small portion of grains, and as much hay as he
J ikes to eat. The saddle horse is nearly cured. The waggon
horse appears better; still I fear that the disease in him will
prove incurable. One thing is essential in the cure, and that
is to remove carefully every bit of horn by which a diseased part
may be concealed : this must be done at every examination
and the foot must be carefully examined and carefully dressed
every day. The treatment of canker and the probability of
success, depend upon the length of time it has been standino-.
When taken in hand at an eai-]y period, and before it has ex-
tended beyond the frog, a daily dressing of a strong solution of
blue vitriol, and a stopping of melted tar ointment, or the
mixture of tar and sulphuric acid (one ounce of acid to one

332

DISEASES OV THE HORSE.

pound of tar), may be sufficient to effect a cure. Should this
fail of bringing on a healthy appearance, let some buttyr of
antimony be applied, or add to two ounces of the solution of
blue vitrol ten drops of sulphuric acid. A solution of blue
vitriol in vinegar may be tried. Whatever caustic may be found
necessary for the cure of canker, some preparation of tar is
useful in promoting the reproduction of horn *; pressure on the
diseased parts is conducive to the cure, and may be applied by
means of tow dipped in the melted tar ointment, or tar and
sulphuric acid, and kept in by transverse slips of wood, or splints
as they are termed, confined under the shoe. It would be
difficult to enumerate all the remedies or means that have been
employed for the cure of canker, and most commonly without
success : for the disease after some time appears to penetrate to
the ligaments, cartilages, and bones ; and those who have been
most successful have been, in general, most free in the use of
the drawing knife and caustic. In two bad cases that I have
seen cured, after a considerable time and much labour, the
horses were afterwards irremediably lame. Mr. Leigh, Vete-
rinary Surgeon of Bristol, had a carriage horse under his care
with a canker in the hind foot. After a little time the horse
became so troublesome that it was found almost impossible
to dress him, and pare out the foot properly. He therefoi-e,
threw him down and performed the nerve operation upon the
leg ; after which the foot was dressed without resistance, and
the canker soon got well. When I heard of this case, the horse
had been in work four years after the operation.f The only
caustic I have not seen tried in canker is arsenic, or some pre-
paration of that poisonous mineral : I have known it applied
with success in fistula of the withers and poll-evil, also for the
removal of warts, still I should be afraid to apply it in canker,
as its destructive influence cannot be limited. I have seen the
actual cautery applied, and, I think, with good effect; also oil
of vitriol, nitrous acid, corrosive sublimate, quicklime, tar and
sulphuric acid nearly boiling hot, quicksilver, or red precipitate,
dissolved in nitrous acid, and many other caustic preparations.
A mixture of con'osive sublimate, blue vitriol, and prepared

* An excellent application in this disease is formed by nitric acid, verdi-
gris, and Barbadoes tar. — Ed.

t The advantage afforded by this operation is not simply the convenience
of dressing the foot, but also that it enables the animal to bear freely on the
diseased parts, pressure being of the greatest service. The operation is,
therefore, very useful in bad cases. It is, indeed, by pressure, caustif, and
the knife that a cure is effected. It must, however, be borne in miiul that in
this disease the pressure may be too great instead of too little, in uhich case
formidable inflammation may supervene in the joints, and the navicular bone
may ulcerate with the flexor tendon, a result which I have known to follow
the operation of neiu-otomy iu canker, and which is more likely to occur if
the oi)eration is performed than if not. — Ed.

DISEASES OF THE FOOT.

333

chalk, has done good ; also a solution of sublimate in tincture
of myrrh, or spirit of wine.* At every time of dressing, the
spongy surface should be scraped off ; and, if any horn remain
of the sole and bars, it should be carefully examined in order to
discover whether the disease is creeping under it or not ; if there
is even a suspicion of its being so, the horn must be completely
removed, and the diseased part dressed. If, upon a careful
examination with a probe, the coffin bone be found carious, it
mxist be freely scraped with a drawing knife, and vvhatever part
thei-e may be in the way so as to impede this operation, must
be removed. Sometimes the disease spreads under the wall
or crust, and then generally affects the coffin bone. In this
direction also it must be scrupulously followed with the drawing
knife. It often happens after a great deal of time and labour
has been bestowed on this disease, that the practitioner is un-
expectedly defeated by suffering the disease to creep gradually
under the horn of the bars, sole, or crust. In the case I have
now under my care, in which all four feet ai-e cankerous, I have
told the farrier who attends, that unless he dresses the feet daily,
and observes carefully the directions I have given with regard
to paring the feet previously to every dressing, whatever time it
may require, his labour will certainly be in vain, and he may as
well do nothing.f

It is not unlikely that canker, when of long standing, is, in
some degree, a constitutional disease ; and, in this case, it may
be useful to turn the horse into a dry field or paddock, or, at
all events, to keep him on green food.

[It must be acknowledged that there are some cases of so lono-
a standing and so inveterate, that the cure is altogether hope-
less, and should not be attempted unless the horse is very va-
luable. — Ed.]

Laminitis, or Founder

" Is, as its name implies, an inflammation of the sensible la-
minae of the foot, as well as the elastic and very vascular sub-
stance that connects them with the horny laminse and the coffin
bone. It is a disease, compared with other lesions of the foot, of
somewhat rare occurrence; but it most frequently attacks horses
whose crust and laminse are weak, and very obliquely placed.
We meet with two varieties of laminitis, the acute and the
chronic or sub-acute.

" The Symptoms of this disease are a quick and generally a full
pulse, accelerated respiration, the feet and coronets hot, and

* Quicklime and chloride of lime have been used with advantage. Ed

f This horse is now sufficiently recovered to return to his work.

334

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

the horse ahnost constantly lying down. It is with difficulty
that he can be induced to stand or move, and when he does,
his hind feet are placed as much as possible under the body,
and the fore ones stretched out, the animal resting almost en-
tirely on his heels: the feet and coronets feel very hot. The hind
feet may be involved as well as the fore ones, but the latter
are more frequently alone affected, the proportion of weight
supported by them being so much greater.

" The causes are — first, long-continued and rapid exertion on
the hard road during the summer months; secondly, confine-
ment in a standing postui'e, for a long period, as on board
transports ; and, thirdly, metastasis.

" That the first cause should produce the disease is an object
of less surprise than that it does not more frequently induce it,
when we consider that the effect of shoeing is to make the crust
and laminae support the whole weight of the animal whilst travel-
ling on the road.

" Some curious cases are on record of horses becoming af-
fected by this disease on board transports, from being unable
to lie down. By constantly standing in one position, the elastic
connections of the laminae are put continually on the stretch,
more particularly if the shoes are on ; and this constant action,
though not carried to its greatest extent, is yet much more
fatiguing than when the natural functions of alternate elonga-
tion and contraction are permitted. The third cause to which
we have alluded is, perhaps, a more frequent one than either of
the others. After a horse has been labouring for a while under
inflammation of the lungs, or the muscles of the chest, it is by
no means unfrequent for the disease to leave the part originally
affected, and to attack the feet — to fall down into the feet as
it is vulgarly supposed. This metastasis is a very singular phe-
nomenon of nature, and one which cannot easily be explained.
When laminitis is thus produced, it is usually less acute than
when induced by the other causes we have mentioned; but
although less acute, it is more obstinate in its character, and
more likely to produce permanent disorganisation of the foot.

Treatment — The shoes being removed, the feet should be
pared out, and a large quantity of blood abstracted from the toe,
taking care that the artery itself is opened, and not merely the
vein. We cannot well take too much blood from the feet ; if both
are affected, four or five quarts of blood will not be too much from
each foot. " To promote the flow of blood, it is well to immerse
the foot in a pail of warm water during the bleeding. If the horse
cannot be made to stand upon one leg long enough for the per-
formance of the operation, we should bleed from the coronet,
putting the feet in a warm bath immediately afterwards, and,
if sufficient blood cannot be procured from the coronet, we

DISEASES OF THE FOOT.

335

should take an additional quantity from the plate veins. A
dose of physic should be given as soon as possible, and followed
by febrifuge medicine. Unless the urgency of the symptoms is
considerably remitted by the following day, the bleeding should
be repeated. The poultices should be continued for several
days together with the warm fomentations, and should then be
succeeded by cold applications, applied by means of cloths tied
round the pasterns, and made to fall closely over and around
the crust. The refrigerating lotion recommended for strains
will be found very useful at this stage of the disease.

" After this treatment has been practised for about a week, we

\5 T shall find it advantageous to blister the

coronet, taking care to foment the parts
about twelve hours after the application
of the blister, which, by this method, may
be repeated in a few days. Should the
treatment be neglected at first, or not
^'^ sufficiently energetic, and, in some cases,
even in spite of all we may do, disorgan-
isation will take place; the elastic con-
nections of the laminae will give way, at
any rate will be unable to oppose the
action of the flexor tendon, which thus,
having no antagonist, draws the toe of
the coffin bone downwards and back-
wards, and away from the crust, and the
sole, at the same time, becomes convex:
and thus we find in morbid specimens of
this disease a considerable space between
the toe of the coffin bone and the crust,

. the bone becoming preternatural ly up-

Three side views of the Hoof, ^'ight, and the crust more oblique, this
showing the different de- space being filled up by a morbid depo-
%Z. " the nature of which appears some-

Fig. 1. A side view of the ^^^^^ between horn and bone. When this
sound hoof, witii a scale, is the case, the horse is rendered almost

showing the proper degree useleSS, fit Only for slow WOrk on Soft
of obluiuity to be 45 de- „.,„.,„ i u ^i o , ,

grees of elevation; a, the g'ound, where the frog and bars can as-
quarter; b, the heel; c, sist iii Supporting tlie animal's wei'dit.

the toe.

Fig. 2. Side view of the eon. Chronic Lamviitis is a disease verv

vex, or pumice foot, in • . . . » a, Miotast; veiy

which the hoof has lost its ""smious ID its approach, and the first
natural form, and ap- symptoms being obscure, its effects are

3 t^e lllot&^^^ the more active

Fig. 3. A hoof approaching I'^f^'^^ ^'^ have just noticed. In the
too nearly the perpendicu- ^^tter, we can otten knock down the dis-

ease with the first blow, by means of

336

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

extensive blood-letting ; but in the former, disorganisation has
probably commenced befoi'e we are called upon to combat the
evil.

" The symptoms, I have said, are obscure: there is lameness,
but it is by no means severe at first, and not sufficient to induce
the animal to prefer the recumbent posture much more than
common ; he can generally relieve himself sufficiently by making
greater use of his heels. The crust feels warm, and this warmth
is constant, but it is often not palpably greater than in a state of
health. The surest symptom to direct our judgment is the
action of the animal : it is diametrically opposite to that in the
navicular disease. He throws as much of his weight as he can
on the posterior parts of the foot, his object being to relieve the
front portion as much as possible.

" The treatment must be vei-y similar to that we have recom-
mended for the acute disease, namely, blood-letting, cataplasms,
fomentation, and blisters ; but it is necessary to resort much
sooner to the last-mentioned prophylactic, repeating it frequently
with short intervals." — Spooner on the Foot, Sfc.

Pumiced feet are often the effect of the previous disease ; the
laminae give way and the sole becomes convex. This, however,
may be produced naturally, or from the weakness of the horn
and the weight of the animal. A cure cannot be obtained, but
the case may be greatly palliated by bar shoes carefully seated
out, and the application of tar ointment to the feet. — Ed.]

Chronic Lameness, Contracted Heels.

This is one of the most common and destructive disorders to
which the horse is liable, and may almost be said to be peculiar to.
this country. According to M. Jauze, the number of foundered

^ healthy Foot in an unparcd slate A contracted Foot.

aa the frog, h h the bars, ccc the sole, d d
the seat of corns.

horses in this country, compared to those of France, is as ten to
one; and this he attributes to our mode of shoeing. I believe
he is perfectly right as to the proportion of foundered horses

DISEASES OF THE FOOT. 337

between this country and France; but as to shoeing, it has
little or nothing at all to do with it. It is entirely caused by
the immoderate work that horses are made to do, and until
this evil is corrected the number of such lamenesses will not
diminish, whatever mode of shoeing may be employed.

I think it necessary, however, to observe in this place, that
a great deal may be done for the relief of post and coach, and I
may add waggon, horses, but more especially for the two former.
They are generally shod in the most slovenly and injurious
manner imaginable, and this not altogether from the fault of the
smith, but of the proprietor ; who, in endeavouring to get his
work done as cheap as he can, is not aware that he is causing
his horses to be crippled. Corns are very common among such
horses, and instead of being properly managed, the horse is com-
pelled to work with them as long as he is able to stand. Their
feet are always in a state of inflammation, and no means are
employed for relieving them. The low price at which the smith
works will not permit him to do what is necessary to the feet.
He IS sometimes allowed, it is true, a compensation in attending
tUem when they break out at the coronet from neglected corns
or become so lame from excessive inflammation in the laminated
substance of the foot that they are unable to stand. He is then
permitted, perhaps, to rub in some strain oils on the shoulder
ox- fetlock joint; or he may be paid for bleeding now and then
when a horse is too full of corn, or worked into a fever, and then
suddenly cooled in a pond or river; or he may be allowed to
give some cordials when a horse is exhausted by excessive
labour. But it is better for a post-master to attend to a horses'
teet himself, and pay the smith a fair price for his labour.

Chronic lameness may exist in various degrees, and in the
early stages of the disorder a horse may do considerable work
byparmg his feet properly, and keeping them cool and moist;
by paring the soles, putting on a wide hollow shoe, and keepino^
them stopped with tar ointment. By such management, the

Kv!? U """y '^'^'^'^^ the horse much

reheved ; but it can never be cured. Most commonly, the dis-
ease gradually gets worse, and at length the horse becomes unfit
for every kind of work. At this period the horse is generally
blistered or fired, and turned to grass. But this never does any
good. Shoes with claws, or hinges and screws, have been
proposed and employed with a view to open the heek, but of
course they have never done any good, either in the way of
prevention or cure. The hoof has been all rasped away, Ld
the horse turned to grass until a new hoof has grown down of a
proper form, but it has never done any good. That cruel
operation of tearing off the sole, technically termed draw no- he
sole, was formerly practised for it, but is now, I trust, complftely

338

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

discontinued. In short, every thing that human ingenuity can
devise has been tried, but nothing has ever been found to cure
this disorder. I believe, at tliis time, all veterinarians agree in
the opinion of its being absolutely incurable.

A frequent cause of chronic lameness is a disease of the lowest
synovial cavity, that is, where the tendon moves upon the navicu-
lar or nut bone. I have lately examined the feet of two horses
affected with this kind of lameness. In one, a carriage horse
that had been lame two or three years, I found the cavity quite
dry and of a yellow colour, and on the surface of the nut bone
there were many minute bony excrescences, about the size of
millet seeds. In the second, a stage-coach horse that had been
w^orking in a cz'ippled state for some time, I found the navicular
synovial cavity in a similar state ; but here the cofBn joint also
was diseased. There w^as one part of the articulating surface of
the coffin bone, where the cartilage had been worn away, and
appeared as an ulcer, and on the lower articulating surface
of the small pastern there were three spots from which the car-
tilage had been worn.

[It has now been ascertained that the chronic disease here
spoken of, which used to be attributed to the contraction of the
foot, is almost invariably seated in the navicular joint, and
that contraction alone, although it may be both a cause and
effect of the other disease, does not, in itself, produce lameness.
It is therefore termed the navicular disease. — Ed.]

Tlie Navicular Joint Lameness.

[The joint above mentioned is the seat of the greater number
of obscure lamenesses of the fore extremity. But although so
frequent, it was not till some years after the commencement of
the present century, that the natui'e and situation of the lame-
ness was discovered. Before this, the shoulders were invariably
pitched upon as the seat of the disease by farriers, (and, indeed,
this is pretty much the practice with them at the present day,)
whilst veterinary surgeons considered that when the foot was
contracted, this was the cause of the lameness, and when it was
not, that the seat of mischief was the coffin joint. The great
merit of pointing out the nature and seat of this before obscure
disease is due to Mr. James Turner, of Regent Street, London,
who has written various essays on the subject.

The symptoms are lameness, pointing or resting the affected
foot, and sometimes contraction of the foot. The lameness is
rarely perceptible in the walk, and is generally greatest at first,
diminishing or disappearing from exercise. Its degree depends
altogether on the severity of the case, being sometimes so severe

DISEASES OF THE FOOT.

339

as to render the animal useless, and in other cases so slight, as
scai'cely to be perceived.

Pointing, or resting, is an almost invariable symptom ; the foot
is generally thrust in a straight line beyond the other, but some-
times only slightly extended.

Contraction of the foot is generally the consequence of the
lameness, and is owing to the horse not bearing the same weight
upon it as before. Sometimes, however, the lameness is pre-
ceeded by contraction, particularly by contraction of an insidious
kind.

The nature of this disease is peculiar, and has been brought
to light by moi-bid dissections. Sometimes, it comes on sud-
denly, and then the injury, though severe, is more curable ; but,
generally, it is gradual and insidious in its approach, and is for
some time preceded by pointing. In dissecting feet affected
Avith this disease, we find it in various stages. In many, the
sinew is found adhering to the bone, in which cases the action of
the joint is obliterated ; but the case may remain stationary for a
long time. In others the cartilage is abraded, and partially ab-
sorbed, and little bony excrescences appear on the surface of the
bone, or carious holes may penetrate its substance. In some
instances of long continuance, the sinew is found exceedinfflv
thin. ^ ^

The causes of this disease are either predisposing or exciting.
Long rest in the stable without exercise, the heat of the litter,
and the confinement of the shoe, all predispose the joint to be
injured by a sudden bruise, on the horse being suddenly taken
from this state of rest to fast work on the hard road. The
same causes, too, produce a morbid thickness of the horny
sole, with some contraction of the hoof, whereby the navicular
joint has a hard unyielding surface to rest on, instead of a soft
cushion, and thus becomes more likely to have its synovial mem-
brane bruised from concussion.

The treatment of this disease is not generally attended with
success ; if ulceration has commenced, we may relieve, but can-
not cure. If the horse become suddenly lame, our chances of
success are greater, as then inflammation alone may exist. The
sole should be pared thin, the quarters rasped, the toe shortened,
and three to five quarts of blood taken from the foot, by ouenino-
the artery at the toe. The foot should then be immersed in a
linseed meal poultice, and so continued for a week, after which
a frog seton may be inserted, and kept in for a month.

If after this treatment the horse is not considerably better we
may then despair of success, unless we have recourse to the
nerve operation, by which we may remove the lameness, althouo-li
we cannot eradicate the disease. — Ed.] ^

z 2

340

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

CHAP. LVII.

OPERATIONS.

Bleeding, and its Consequences.

This operation is frequently required in the diseases of horses;
and if employed seasonably, and to a sufficient extent, is the
most efficacious remedy we are acquainted with. When a horse
appears dull and heavy, and indifferent about his food, by bleed-
ing we often prevent a fever. If a horse is bled at the com-
mencement of a cold, the complaint generally proves moderate,
and of short continuance. In all cases of internal inflammation,
or symptomatic fever, bleeding is the most essential remedy,
provided the operation be performed at an early period, and the
blood drawn in sufficient quantity. In such cases I have often
taken away six quarts or more, and repeated the operation the
same or the following day when it appeared necessary. By
bleeding copiously at first, those formidable diseases are crushed
at once ; while by suffering them to proceed, or become at all
violent, which they will do unless this practice is adopted (or if
only a small quantity of blood is drawn), they generally prove
fatal ; nor will bleeding be of any service.

Bleeding is either general or local : that is, it is done either
so as to affect the system in general, or a particular part only.

Lancets.

This lancet is usually employed for bleed-
ing. The blade with concave edge
is used for opening abscesses.

Improved Fleam.

This fleam, introduced by the Editor, is
recommended as being very light and
small, so as to be carried conveniently
in the waistcoat pocket ; the back is
one fifth of an inch broad, so that it
can be struck with the right hand, and
requires no blood-stick.

OPERATIONS.

341

For general bleeding, the jugular, or neck vein is most conve-
nient.

The proper situation for bleeding is about four inches from
the part where the vein divides into two branches. Farriers
sometimes tie a cord round the neck in order to raise the vein;
but this is unnecessary, and may do mischief.

When the jugular vein is firmly pressed with the fingers of
the left hand, the blood is prevented from descending, and that
part of the vein which is above the fingers is considerably dis-
tended, and becomes very conspicuous. In this state it may be
easily opened with a lancet held in the right hand.* The vein
will continue to bleed so long as the pressure below is con-
tinued.

Farriers bleed with a Jieam, which, though apparently a
clumsy method of operating, is certainly safer than the lancet in
unskilful hands, f In topical bleeding, a vein is chosen as near
as possible to the affected part, or the vessels covering the part
are opened; in the inflammation of the eye, for example, it is
done by scarifying the inner surface of the eyelid, or by opening
a small vein, which is easily seen going from the inner corner of
the eye towards the nose.:]:

* In bleeding with a lancet, the off-side is most convenient. The head
should be elevated so as to put the vein in some measure on the stretch, the
flow of blood should then be stopped by the fingers of the left hand, and the
^^''^ ^^^^ between the finger and thumb, the vein

should be opened by one mcision, not two, as advised by some writers It is
necessary that the lancet should be very sharp, particularly at the point, other-
wise the vem is apt to roll from the instrument. This, indeed, forms the
pnncipal objection to its use, for the thickness of the skin anil the coat blunts
the point^after bemg used some time, and it then renders the operation diffi-

t In bleeding with a fleam, the near side is most convenient. In skilful
hands, there is no occasion for a bloodstick, as the fleam may be struck with
the nght hand if it is made broad and round at the back. It may also be
made much smaller and neater than that generally employed — Ed

X The situations most favourable for local bleeding are the toe and co-
ronet m both hind and fore feet ; the inside of the arm and elbow joint in the
fore leg, and the mside of the thigh in the hind ; the angular or facial vein and
fr^Zl ^1 " ^^l convenient instrument in bleeding, either

from the arm or thigh, as the vein is very apt to roll when a lancet is used
In other places a lancet is preferable, except for the foot, where a sharp
drawing knife is the most suitable and is less likely to occasion festering. In
t^i'frn 1'°° '''^"■^ Itself should be opened, which lies somewhat nearer
the frog than the vein ; the blood is readily stopped with a compress of tow
There is some difference of opinion as to the benefits of local bleeding, some
denying Its efficacy altogether. For my own part 1 am favourably inc iS

pZT, 'I f'^TT.''^ 1' '"'''"y ^vitnessed ts good

effects. It should however, be borne in mind, that it is of very little seFvS
o abstract a pound or two of blood locally if the system is in pletl or k

loff;r-TM ' ^*^'^Pl^'''r' P'-"-' ^vill vciT soon be

loaded with blood again. In such a case wc sliouid first have recourse to
genera! bleeding so as to reduce the system, and then having, in g^at Tcasurc

z 3 '

342

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

A graduated tin vessel, capable of containing six or seven
quarts, is very convenient for the purpose of receiving the blood
every pint being marked on the inside of the vessel, so that the
quantity of blood drawn may be exactly known. The blood
should always be preserved, that we may judge from its appear-
ance of the nature of the disease, and whether it is proper or not
to repeat the operation. When it continues fluid a considerable
time. It denotes an inflammatory state of the system. Should a
whitish or light bulF-coloured jelly appear on its surface, after it
has coagulated or settled, and should this jelly be of consider-
able thickness, rather firm, not easily penetrated by the finder,
we may be satisfied that the horse's complaint is inflammatory,
that bleeding was a proper remedy, and that if the symptoms
continue, the operation may be repeated with advantage ; but if
the blood coagulates quickly, is uniformly of a dark liver colour,
loose, and easily broken, with a considerable quantity of water
upon Its surface, it denotes debility, and shows that the disease
arises from a weakness of the system ; that, instead of bleediyig,
tome and cordial medicines are to be employed, with every thing
that may tend to restore the animal's strength.

In order to judge correctly by the appearance of the blood, it
should be drawn from a large orifice, and not suffered tq run
down the sides of the vessel which receives it, and should be
put aside for examination, and not shaken or disturbed in any
way, until it has perfectly coagulated.*

stopped the supply, we may employ topical 'bleeding with advantage. It is for
want of attending to this that local bleeding has, in some instances, been held
in disrepute. In' those situations where a large quantity of blood can be
abstracted locally, general bleeding is, of course, most required. To relieve
local inflammation we should, if possible, either bleed from the gorged vessels
themselves, or from a vein proceeding from them, or from an artery goino- to
the inflamed part. Farriers will bleed in the thigh veins for an inflammaUon
of the kidneys, which is ridiculous and absurd as a topical remedy. For in-
flammation of the brain great benefit has been obtained from opening the tem-
poral arteries. Now these vessels do not supply the brain it is true, but by
opening them an artificial drain is made, through which much of the blood
escapes that would otherwise have gone to the brain, besides which a lar^e
quantity of blood is abstracted in a short time, when, perhaps, it would have
been difficult to have bled from the neck at all, owing to the violence of the
animal. The benefit of topical bleeding is duly appreciated in human surger}',
where, by means of cupping and leeches, it is very frequently practised. By
such means enteritis and pleurisy have been quickly alleviated in numerous
instances. I have known a person suflfering most acutely from the former
disease relieved from acute pain in a few minutes, by cupping as near the scat
of pain as possible. We cannot very conveniently employ cupping in the
horse, but may often obtain much benefit from scarifying with a lancet — dry
cupping as it is termed. — Ed.

* We must be cautious in not placing too much reliance on the appearance
of the blood. Connected with other symptoms it will prove very serviceable,
but taken alone it is likely to deceive. — Ed.

OPERATIONS.

343

When bleeding is employed as a preventive, or in any slight
complaints, from two to three quarts of blood may be taken away,
according to the horse's strength and condition ; but in cases of
internal inflammation or fever, a more copious evacuation is
necessary.

The quantity of blood generally drawn in inflammatory dis-
orders is too small. It should always be carried so far as to
weaken the pulse. Two gallons may sometimes be necessary
to produce this effect ; and in mad staggers, I have seen four
gallons taken off" in the course of an hour with the best effect.

When horses are taken from camp or grass, and put into
warm stables, they are very subject to inflammatory complaints
and dangerous fevers ; under these circumstances, moderate
bleeding now and then will prevent such diseases. Horses that
are getting into condition, as it is termed, are liable to similar
disorders, unless moderate bleeding be occasionally employed.
I am inclined to believe, however, that it is a bad practice to
bleed often upon trifling occasions ; it is liable to induce ple-
thora or fulness of habit, whereby a horse is rendered more sus-
ceptible of disease than he would otherwise be. * Moderate
purging and regular exercise, with a proper regulation of diet
and temperature, are fully adequate to the prevention of disease
on those occasions ; but these are too often neglected.

It has been asserted, that it is seldom necessary to pin up the
orifice, which is made in the skin by bleeding. I grant thei'e is
not often any danger to be apprehended from its bleeding again ;
but unless it be pinned up, that is, unless the lips of the wound
be brought into contact, and kept in that situation, by passing a
pin through the edges of the skin, and twisting a little tow round
it, as is generally done, inflammation and swelling will sometimes
take place in the wound, and matter will form in consequence.

[In pinning up, the edges of the skin should be brought inti-
mately together, and care should be taken that no hair insinuates
between them. The skin should be drawn from the vein as little
as possible, and the pin should not be too large. For want of
attending to these precautions, those disfigurements are produced
which we often perceive in the necks of horses that have been
bled.

Sometimes, after bleeding, the part swells considerably from
blood escaping from the vein, and diff'using itself under the skin.
The best applications, in these cases, is cold water, which should

* Mr. Taplin's story is a very instructive one. He tells us, a coacliman
requested his master to let him have the horse bled and physicked, because
they had been upon high feed, and had had but little work : he was permitted
to have it done provided he would submit to the same operations himself, as
there was exactly the same reason for it ; but told to avoid the expense for
the future, by using less food or more exercise.

z 4

044

DISEASES OF THE HOUSE.

be frequently applied, the horse's head being tied to the rack, as
he always ought to be after bleeding from the neck, for one or
two hours. With this treatment the swelling will commonly
subside, but sometimes it terminates in an

Injiamed Vein.

This is a very troublesome complaint, requiring a consider-
able display of that patience, of which, very frequently, the
owner has none to spare. It may commence with a swelling just
after the bleeding; but generally the first appearance is a little
swelling, and a few days afterwards a separation of the lips of
the wound and a little acrid fluid oozing from it. In slight
cases, matter may form external to the vein, and the part soon
gets well, the vein itself not being much affected. More fre-
quently, however, a considerable swelling 'takes place, the vein
above the wound feels hard, and the parotid gland is greatly en-
larged. This denotes a stoppage in the passage of the blood,
which therefore becomes stagnant, and chokes up the vessels
passing through the gland. When this occurs, the vein will un-
questionably be lost. Sometimes there is considei'able haemor-
rhage from the vein, which is stopped with some difficulty.

Treatment. — If there be considerable swelling, and some heat,
the best plan is to foment with warm water the first day, and keep
the swelling wet with cold lotion for a day or two afterwards ;
by so doing, we get rid of a good deal of superficial enlargement,
although the principal swelling still remains. We should next
blister the enlargement, either by a strong application at once,
which may be washed off the second day and repeated, or by
frequent mild blisters in a liquid form. The horse should be
tied up to the rack as much as possible, so as to prevent the head
from being held in a depending position. The diet should con-
sist principally of mashes ; hay should be avoided, as it requires
so much mastication ; the action of the jaws forcing the blood
towards the jugular veins, and thus increasing the swelling. A
mild dose of physic should be given, and a little nitre subse-
quently. This simple mode of treatment I have found effectual
in every case (a vast number) in which it has been employed.
The vein is generally lost; but in the course of a month the
swelling is in great measure absorbed; the blood finds other
channels, and the horse is fit for the saddle, and a few weeks
afterwards for harness. I deprecate the practice of using caustic
injections, not only because they are uncalled for, but also be-
cause they are dangerous ; they have, in a few instances, entered
the vein and caused death. I have experienced no difficulty in
healing the sinuses when they have formed, merely by pressnig
out the matter and applying the blister as before observed ; and

OPERATIONS.

345

if matter forms at another spot and points it should merely be
opened with a lancet ; but the knife should be used sparingly,
and setons should be avoided, as well as the plan of dissecting
out the diseased vein or its contents. In some instances, there "
is considerable haemorrhage ; when this is the case, a little caustic
powder should be applied to the lips of the wound, such as sul-
phate of copper ; and the horse's head being tied up, he should
be kept- from feeding for twelve hours. This plan will generally
succeed in stopping the bleeding ; but if not, the orifice must be
pmned up, or, if necessary, two small pins may be inserted, and
tow wound round each.

If the parotid gland continues enlarged, a little iodine oint-
ment may be rubbed in daily several times, I have not found
any inconvenience from turning horses to grass subsequent to
the loss of a vein; the principal evil is the circumstance that we
cannot bleed on the side the vein is lost.

The proximate causes of inflamed vein are very obscure.
Bleeding with a rusty instrument, striking too hard, cuttinc^
through or across the vein, badly pinning up, neglectino- to tie
up the head, rubbing the neck afterwards, have all been consi-
dered as causes : but it has been found that, when these supposed
agents have been purposely tried, they have failed in producino-
an inflamed vein ; whilst it has occurred when the operation
has been properly performed, and every precaution exercised.
It must, however, be confessed that it occurs much more fre-
quently when the operation is performed in a bungling manner
and proper means neglected afterwards. It may, however'
depend, in some measure, on the state of the atmosphere • for'
at some periods, the disease is much more frequent than at
others; and it may also be influenced by the constitution of the
animal. It has been a matter of surprise that the swelling
shou d almost invariably extend towards the head in inflamed
jugular vein; but this is produced by the blood being rendered
stagnant at this part, and not below ; the inflammation probably
does not extend more in one direction than the other ; but as
soon as it is sufficient to produce a stoppage in the vein, it of
course occasions it to swell above Ed.]

The usual period for physicking horses is at the time or soon
after they are taken up from grass, or the straw yard, and when
they are getting into condition by suitable feeding and exercise-
three doses are generally thought necessary.* There is no

* The immediate effects of purgative medicine arc a dctcrminatmn nP
blood to the mtestines, and the removal of a portion of its wSirpart " ith

346

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

foundation, I believe, for this opinion : for when horses are
brouglit gradually from green food and the open air into a stable
diet and temperature, they bear the change very well. It is not
often, however, that horses have all the care and attention paid
them that are necessary on such occasions, and therefore two or
three doses of mild physic generally do good ; probably prevent-
ing illness and promoting condition. Physic is useful when a
horse appears heavy and feeds badly, and especially if the eyes
and mouth are of a yellowish colour. A horse should be kept
chiefly on bran mashes for one, two, or three days before he takes
physic* The ball should be given him after fasting a few
hours, and no food should be given till two hours after he has
taken the physic. He should then have a bran mash and a little
warm water, and in the afternoon another and some warm water.
In the evening another bran mash and one or two pounds of hay,
with a little warm water. Next morning, the horse should be
exercised with clothing according to the season and weather ;
and on his return from exei-cise he should have some warm
water and a bran mash. The physic will now begin to work,
and its operation must be promoted by a repetition of the exer-
cise f, warm water, and mash. About the afternoon, a little hay
may be given, and some warm water. In the evening a mash
and warm water ; at night a little hay. The following morning
a small quantity of oats may be given : still the water must have
the chill taken off, and only a small quantity of hay should be
given. The horse may, on the fourth day, be brought to his
usual diet. There should be an interval of a week before an-
other dose is given. When a horse is weak, or low in flesh, a
handful or two of ground malt or ground oats may be put into
each mash. When the physic makes a horse sick, and does not
operate at the usual time, that is, the morning after it is given,
and especially if he appears griped or in pain, thi'ow up a
clyster, and give him a little exercise, which will make the physic
work and relieve him. If the physic works too violently, or
continues its operation too long, it must not be hastily checked
by astringents or cordials ; but by giving arrow-root gruel now
and then ; and if arrow-root cannot be had, some tine wheat

the faeces. It also cleans out the intestines, and thus removes unhealthy
secretions. By the first purpose it lessens inflammation, and by the two
latter it removes superfluous fat and improves the digestive organs, and thereby
promotes condition. — Ed.

* By keeping the horse two or more days on mashes, a lesser dose will be
required and the same effect produced with less irritation. The mashes before
physic should be cold, as the horse is then not so likely to sicken and refuse
the warm mashes which are necessary after the dose has been given. — Ed.

-|- The degree of exercise should depend on the operation of the physic : if
it operates very little the horse may be trotted, but if it operates freely little
or no exercise is required. — Ed.

OPERATIONS.

347

flour must be substituted for it. This will almost always be
found to be effectual ; but should it prove otherwise, give a tea-
spoonful or two of tincture of opium in a little warni water. •

The strength and composition of physic will be found in the
Materia Medica.

Clysters.

This useful and innocent mode of exhibiting medicine is too
much neglected, and when employed is frequently done in a
slovenly and ineffectual manner. The usual apparatus is a
pewter pipe, about 14 inches long, and an inch in bore, to which
a laro-e pig's or bullock's bladder is firmly tied. The apparatus
invented by Mr. Read affords, however, by far the best method
of administering a clyster. Any quantity may thus be given,
and with a moderate force only. An opening clyster is made
by mixing a handful or two of salt with four or five quarts of
warm water : to this a little hog's lard or sweet oil should be
added. Linseed tea, or thin gruel, with a little treacle or sugar
makes a good emollient clyster. And an anodyne or opiate
clyster is made by dissolving from one to three or four drachms
of crude opium in three or four pints of warm water. This last
kind of clyster is employed in locked-jaw, especially when it is
found impossible to give medicine by the mouth. In this case,
nourishment must be given also in clysters. Nourishing clysters
are made of broth, milk, rich gruel, and sugar. It was observed
by Gibson, that when nourishing clysters are given in locked-
jaw, they are sucked upwards by the bowels, and absorbed into
the blood. He sustained a horse a considerable time in this
way. I have seen clysters sucked as it were upwards after the
pipe has been withdrawn, which is evinced by the rumbling
noise made in the bowels soon after, and the plentiful discharge
of dung, evidently from the colon. The stimulus of a sahne
clyster in flatulent colic seems to be propagated by the nerves of
the bowels, throughout the whole almost of the alimentary
canal.

Blisters.

Before a blister is applied the hair must be cut off from the
part as closely as possible. The blistering ointment is then to
be well rubbed into the part with the hand ; and after this has
been continued about ten minutes some of the ointment may
be smeared on the part. In blistering the legs the tender part
of the heel, under the fetlock joint, is to be avoided, and it may-
be better to rub a little hog's lard on it in order to defend it

* Tf the purging, however, should be excessive, we may treat the case as
advised for diarrhoea.

348

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

from any of the blister that may accidentally run down from
the leg When the legs are blisWed all thl litter should
removed from the stall, and the horse's head should be carefullv
secured to prevent his rubbing the blistered parts with his
nose. On the third day he may have a cradle put about his
neck, and be turned loose into a large box, or a paddock, or an
orchard. In a field he would be apt to take too much exercise.
About a week or ten days after the blister has been applied, the
parts should be oiled with some mild oil, such as olive oil, or
fresh made neats foot oil. If flies are troublesome, and make
the horse restless, they may be kept off by the tar ointment, or
tar and tram oil mixed.

[The formula for blisters will be found under that head in the
Materia Mediea. It will there be seen that cantharides forms the
principal and indispensable ingredient, and that its effect is to pro-
duce considerable pain and irritation. The statements put forth
therefore by the puffers of quack blistering ointments to the
eftect that their nostrums produce no irritation, and that no
precaution need be exercised afterwards, are altogether fallacious
and calculated to do much mischief The fact is, the greatei-
number of horses will not rub or blemish themselves after any
blister ; but if one in ten will do so it is desirable to use pre-
cautions with the whole number. If, however, a very slight
blister is used there will be no occasion to tie up the head, as
the irritation will depend on the degree of vesication excited
— Ed.]

Rowels.

Rowels are seldom so convenient or so usefiil as setons. They
are formed by making an incision in the skin where it is rather
loose, as in the chest, about an inch in length. This beino-
done the finger is to be introduced, or an instrument called a
cornet, that is, the crooked end of a small horn made for the
purpose, and the skin separated from the parts underneath all
around for the space of about an inch. Into the cavity thus
made a round piece of leather, with a hole in the middle,
wrapped in tow and smeared with digestive ointment, is to be
introduced. The orifice in the skin is then to be plugged up
with tow, and kept there until suppuration takes place, that is,,
four or five days. The tow is then to be taken out, when a
great deal of matter will flow from the orifice. The rowel is
afterwards to be moved daily and kept clean.

OPERATIONS.

349

■S

Setohs.

These consist of tape, threads, or
lamp cotton passed under the skin, and
smeared with digestive ointment.* The
instrument employed for conveying these
under the skin is named a seton needle,
and may be purchased at the instrument
makers. When lamp cotton is used it
can be withdrawn gradually, thread by
thread, which on some occasions is
desirable. Setons are preferable to
rowels, being more convenient and
equally efficacious.

[The frog seton, recommended for
I the navicular disease, may be inserted
B through the heel, the horse being either
I thrown or in a standing posture. I
^ generally insert it standing. The twitch
* being applied, the foot to be operated
I on must be held up by an assistant.
^ I then plunge the curved seton needle
s into the heel, with a second effort bring
t the point out at the cleft of the frog,
I which has been previously thinned for
a the purpose, and by a third effort draw
I it through, after which knots are tied at
I each end of the tape, which may be ren-
dered thicker by means of tow. When
the horse is thrown it is more con-
venient to insert the seton in a contrary
direction, viz. from below upwards. The
seton should be kept clean, occasionally
dressed, diminished in the course of three
weeks, and removed a week or two
afterwards. — Ed.]

* Mr. Morton recommends the tape or cotton
to be saturated with tlie following mixture : — .
" One part of powdered cantharides is to' be
digested with a gentle heat for fourteen days in
, . , , . eight parts of oil of turpentine. The solution

being filtered, an equal portion of Canada balsam is added. The tape or cotton
to be drawn between the finger and thumb and dried." When this is uspd
digestive ointment is not required. — Ed.

350

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

CHAP. LVllI.

OPERATIONS,

On casting or throwing down a horse in order to secure him for

operations.

Horses are thrown down by means of hobbles, all of which
are represented below fixed on a horse's legs. The hobble is

The common hobbles, and the mode of fixing them; also the seat of several diseases, and
the different methods of firing, ^c.

a, Enlargement of the flexor tendons, and e, The seat of bone spavin, and a mode of
' the vertical method of firing. firing for ditto.

b, The seat of splent. /, A curb, and another, though not an

c, The seat of ringbone. advisable, method of firnig.
d The seat of enlargement of the sus- g. The seat of capped hock.

' pensory ligament, and a mode of firing h, The seat of thorough pin.
for ditto.

about two feet in length, two inches and five eighths in width,
and about a quarter of an inch thick. It is formed by a strong
piece of leather, about four feet in length, which, being doubled,
has a strong iron buckle included at one end, and firmly sewed
in. About four inches and a half further back, a large uon
rintr is to be sewed in the same manner for the purpose of

SECURING A IIORSIC FOU OPERATIONS.

351

allowing a strong rope to pass through it easily. The ring, or
rather the part so named, may be made straight where it is
sewed into the leather, and the rest may be rounded. The
remaining part of the leather is to be strongly sewed together,
which will make the thickness of it what we have before de-
scribed. Several holes are to be punched at this end of the
hobble, to admit the tongue of the buckle when it is put round
the horse's leg. On the under side of the hobble a piece of
thinner and wider leather is to be fixed, extending from the
part where the ring is attached to about half an inch beyond
the extremity of the buckle ; this is intended to prevent the
latter from galling the horse's leg. The rope should be strong,
not twisted tight, but made flexible, like a bell-rope, and about
six yards in length. One end of the rope is to be firmly and
permanently attached to the ring of one of the hobbles; and this
hobble must be placed on the fore leg, opposite to the side on
which the horse is to be thrown. If the hobble to which the
rope is attached is placed on the left fore leg, the other end of
the rope is to be passed first through the ring of that on the left
hind leg, then through that on the right hind leg, next through
that on the right fore leg, and lastly through the ring where the
rope is attached, that is, the left fore leg hobble.*

By this contrivance it will be readily seen that the legs of the
horse may be drawn together, so that if pushed or forced towards
the right side he must of necessity fall. Three men are ge-
nerally required to pull the rope, in order to draw the legs
together; and, to i-ender this more easy, the hind legs should
be placed under him as much as possible before any attempt is

* Mr. Gloag has very praiseworthily introducetl, through the medium of
the Veteiinarimi, some improved hobbles which possess all the advantages of
those just mentioned, and are far more convenient. Each of his hobbles he
advises to be furnished with a buckle, as well as with a D at each end, of un-
equal sizes, so that one can be passed through the other. Thus, by means of
the buckle, the size of the hobble can be varied so as to suit different legs, as
well as to unloose any that may be required during an operation, and the
D's will enable each leg to be free the instant the screw is withdrawn.

Mr. Daws has still further improved these hobbles ; and I cannot do better
than introduce his description of them, as well as his drawings, which are
given in the eleventh volume of the yeterinarian. He says : — " The alter-
ations I have made are, first, in having the iron work a size larger, so as
to admit of an easier passage for the chain, which, in my opinion, should not
be more than eighteen inches long ; the long D's should be an inch and a half
wide, and two and a quarter inches long in the clear. The squares should
be made sufficiently large to allow the others to pass through them with
freedom. Each hobble should have a curved buckle, two inches in the clear,
the leather of the same width, and not less than half an inch in thickness, and
four inches long, with a galling leather under each buckle, and the long D
attached to it by means of an iron chape and rivets. The strap end should
not be less than eighteen inches long, with the square attached to it by the
same means as above. Instead of the cottrcU recommended by Mr. Gloa^, I

352

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

made to pull the rope. The horse should have blinds, or have
his eyes covered with a piece of rug, before the hobbles are put
on : it may be necessary, also, to twitch him, and hold up the
fore leg while the hind leg hobble is putting on. But the twitch
must be removed before he is thrown, and not used unless
absolutely necessary. The men who are to pull the rope should
stand within two yards of the horse, as they then pull with
double the force they would at a distance of four yards, their
power then having a tendency to draw the legs off the ground

have found it more convenient to have one of the long D's made open at the
cui-vatLire, and its end tapped for the screw, with its head downwards, as in
the diagram.

a, Strap-end ; the square attached. two ends of the D being connected to-

h. Buckle and D attached. gether by iron on the left of the screw,

c, Buckle with open D. This would d, The hook,

be improved and strengthened by the

" This hobble I always place on the near fore leg, and it matters not which
side the horse lies upon after the operation, as the thumb-screw is removed
with more ease than from the cottrell. The hook for securing I have made
with a spring ; and there is no necessity for a small chain attached to it. These
hobbles have been still further improved by Mr. Bowles, the long D's being
placed on the long strap of two of the hobbles for the off fore and hind legs in
the place of the squares, by which means the chain will pass easier and the
buckles be on the outside.

" From the description of these hobbles, it must be evident that they can
be placed on the legs and removed with the greatest facility, and any leg that
may be required can be unloosed by means of the buckle during the operation.
Mr. Gloag advises the chain to be two and a half yards long, so that there
may be no impediment to the passage through the D's by the place of junction
between the rope and the chain. Mr. Daws, on the other hand, prefers one
of eighteen inches only. It is a matter of little importance which plan is
adopted." — Spooner on the Foot.

Mr. Bowles has constructed a new set of hobbles, to which he has given
the name of Cross Hobbles. They are for firing horses while standing,
shoeing vicious animals, docking, and various other purposes, for which they
will be found extremely useful. They consist of a neck collar, to which is
attached a broad leather strap, passing between the fore legs. A surcingle is
passed over the withers, embracing this strap, which reaches beyond the
umbilicus ; a D buckle is attached, with which are connected two chains
about fourteen inches in length. These terminate in two D's to which leather
straps are affixed for the purpose of buckling, either below or above the hocks,
thus confining the animal. — Veterinai'ian, vol. xiii.

SECURING A IIOnSE FOR OPERATIONS.

353

and upwards, which causes him to fall more quickly. One man
should stand at the rump, on the left side, to push him when
the legs are drawn up together ; and another should hold him
steadily by the head, standing in front of him; and as soon as
the horse is down that man should throw himself on the neck, and
incline the nose upward by lifting the halter; thus he can keep
the head and neck down without difficulty.

M. Girard, in his Traite du Pied, has proposed an improve-
ment in throwing horses, which is very simple, and should always
be employed. If the horse is to be thrown on the right side, a
long piece of web or a rope is to be fastened round the right fore
arm, close up to the elbow. The other end is then to be passed
over the withers, and held at a little distance by one or two
men. The force which is applied in this way will cause the
horse to fall moi-e readily, and with more certainty, and exactly
in the situation where he is required to be thrown. This con-
trivance, therefore, is extremely useful in confined places, where
there is just room enough to throw a horse, and no more.* The
horse being thrown down, and his legs closely drawn together,
the end of the hobble rope is to be passed under the hobble
rings, between the fore and hind legs, and secured with a hitch
as it is termed, so that he cannot separate them again until the
hobbles are unbuckled, and then they all may be taken away at
once, and the horse suffered to get up.f

In letting the horse get up again the hobbles must be un-
buckled ca;utiously, beginning with the under fore and hind one.
These should be unbuckled gently, and not jerked, as that
would cause the horse to struggle, and render it difficult to
take them off, or the leg might get loose, and he may thus hurt
one of the assistants who happens to be standing incautiously
within the stroke of his fore or hind leg. % I have seen hobbles
in which the tongues were moveable, so that by drawing them
out with a pair of pincers the hobbles were all taken off" at once.
In performing operations upon the horse it is not only necessary
to throw him down as I have described, but in firing the out-
side of the fore leg, for example, in the pastern, the hobble must
be taken off and the leg secured by means of a web passed

* A '■o""'! the horse's body and a piece of web attached to its upper
part IS still better. One man, unless the horse is very Iieavy, is quite sufficient
to pull this web. If hands are scarce the operator himself can pull the web •
and he will then require only four other men to assist him in casting a horse'
and two only after the horse is down. — Ed. '

f This trouble is obviated by having a chain at one end of the rope to pass
through the rings, and a hook at the other end of the rope, whicli bcin'r in-
serted into one of the links of the chain, firmly secures it. — Ed, "
_ % By the improved hobbles, all this trouble and danger is obviated • all that
IS necessary being to remove the screw which loosens all the hobbles at
once, — Ed,

354

SURGICAL OPERATIONS.

round the leg above the knee, and secured to the upper hind
leg immediately above the hock, or it may be secured to tlie
under fore leg; perhaps both these contrivances vi^ould be found
useful in strong horses that struggle much. In firing the inside
of the fore leg, that is, the under fore leg, nothing more is ne-
cessary than to take it out of the hobble, and draw it forwards
by means of a web passed round the hoof or the pastern.*

Horses, however, have sufficient power to extend even the
under fore leg considerably, unless a man lies on the shoulder,
which should always be avoided. It is better to restrain the
leg, by passing a web round it above the knee, and fastening
the other end to the hind leg above the hock. If, then, the
other three legs are drawn backward, by means of the hobble
rope, the under fore leg will be sufficiently exposed for any
operation that may be required. In firing the upper hind leg,
in the pastern, it is necessary to take off' the hobble ; but the
leg must first be secured by means of a web, fastened above the
hock, and the other end brought forwai'd, and, under a collar of
web, passed round the neck, close to the shoulder. The leg
may thus be eftectually restrained ; but, as an additional re-
straint, it may be tied also to the under hind leg.

In securing a hoi'se for castration, he should be placed on his
left side ; the right hind leg should then have one web placed
above the hock, and another above the pastern ; both of these
webs should then be passed under the collar, and the leg drawn
up as far as possible, or until the hind foot is brought consider-
ably beyond the fore leg. Here it must be firmly secured, for
unless this is done, the operator will be in great danger. When
the upper hind leg is thus secured, the testicles will be com-
pletely exposed. I have found it useful, also, in this operation,
to make a man lie down on the horse's body, and grasp the hock
and hind leg with his hands ; this seems to confine the leg more
completely.

Another method of hampering a horse is sometimes em-
ployed, but is far from being so safe or effectual as throwing
him down. This is termed the side line. The rope hobble is
buckled on one of the hind legs : the rope is then brought for-
ward between the fore legs, and over the opposite shoulder ; the
end is then passed under the rope at the chest, and after draw-

* Instead of this web the cross straps are much more convenient and
secure ; they consist of four straps, one of which is bucklcf^'on each leg above
the hocks and knees, and two of them are furnished with buckles and the
others with straps that correspond to these buckles. Thus the legs of the
animal are additionally secured, and the straps can be tightened or slackened
as we please. When it is necessary to unbuckle a hobble, as in the nerve
operation, and in firing the pasterns, a piece of web is slipped round the foot
and drawn forwards, by which means the web pulling m one dn-ection, and
the straps in another, the leg is straightened and secured. — Ed.

riiiiNG.

355

ing up the leg sufficiently, it is secured in this situation with a
hitch, which may be quickly loosened in case of the horse's
struggling so as to be in danger of falling. This contrivance is
rendered much more secure if the horse's head be firmly secured
to a strong ring in the manger, and his hind parts supported by
a breeching, while kicking and lying down may be prevented by
a back and a beily strap.

There is a permanent contrivance for securing a horse in this
way, named a break, or a trevis. I once knew a horse die by
struggling in a break, therefore I consider them dangerous :
they are chiefly used in nicking and docking horses, and in
shoeing vicious animals. A plate, and description of a break,
may be found in Bourgelat's " Essai sur les Appareils et sur les
Bandages propres aux Quadrupedes."

Another method is commonly employed in throwing down
cattle. A long rope is doubled, and tied in a bow at the
doubled end, of sufficient size to go over the animal's head, and
rest at the bottom of his neck like a collar. The two ends, of
equal length, are then to be brought down between the fore and
hind legs, and one of the ends round each hind leg. The ends
of the rope are now drawn forwards on both sides, by which the
hind legs are so drawn up under the belly, that he is easily
pushed down, and must tlien be secured.*

Firing.

[The principal object of this operation is to produce consider-
able superficial inflammation, and thus, by counter-irritation, to
withdraw it from some deep-seated part. It also causes a

* In casting colts that have never been handled, and likewise some vicious
horses, there is a difficulty, and sometimes an impossibility, in placing the
hobbles on the hmd legs. To obviate this, the colt may be thrown by a com-
mon cart rope, or, what is much better, by the following contrivance recom-
mended by Messrs. Simonds and Wardle: —

''■T'T °f °^ ^'li'^h was sewed a leather

strap with a buckle attached to it, and to the other another strap with holes
pierced in it. At the distance of fifteen inches from these ends, the ropes
were sewed together by strong waxed thread. When this point of union was
fc f r"?f enJs buckled together, the ropes formed a

collar for the neck, and could be slackened or tightened at pleasure. To
each side of this rope collar, and somewhat nearer to the point of union than
to the buckle and strap, an iron ring was attached on each side, inclosed in a
piece of roping. ' ^

These ropes dividing under the neck, were passed between the legs and
under he be ly and round the hind legs on each side, and then bvouZ
forward ou side the legs, and the extremities passed through the iron loops
at the shoulder on each side. When every thing was ready, the ropes 3
gen ly lowered to tne heels, and, running over the hollow of the heels as a
kind of pulley; the co t was brought down in an instant by a man on e.ch
side pulling at the portion which had passed throii-'h the ring "— En

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356

SURGICAL OPERATIONS.

thiclcening, and contraction of the skin, and thus occasions, in
some degree, a permanent bandage. It produces considerable
pain, and leaves a blemish : it therefore should not be employed
unnecessarily, but when had recourse to, it should be done
effectually.

This operation is sometimes performed standing, but generally
the horse is thrown. For curbs, ringbones, and whenever the
surface to be fired is inconsiderable, and the animal is tolerably
steady, we may fire standing, the horse being secured with the
side line for the hind leg, and one foot held up, when the fore
leg is operated on. A twitch should always be used. In other
cases, the horse may be cast, which is the safest method, and the
legs secured in the manner before stated.

The firing iron should have a smooth round edge, nearly as
thin as the edge of an old shilling. The skin should never be
penetrated ; but the cuticle should be destroyed, and a dark
brown impression left on the skin, from which there will be a
glutinous exudation soon after the operation, when the iron has
been properly applied. The hair should be cut off from the
part previously to the operation, as closely as possible.

Messrs. Turners advise for many cases to fire quite through
the skin, which they find far more effectual than the common
method. The irritation, by this plan, is kept up much longer,
and the benefit is greater, and it will no doubt succeed in re-
moving lameness in many cases when the usual plan will alto-
gether fail. It is liable, however, to considerable objection, on
account of the long time necessary to keep the horse in the
stable, and also from the great blemish it produces. To obviate
these objections, and at the same time to derive the benefit of
deep firing, I have been in the habit of penetrating the skin
with a small pointed iron in numerous places, either on the fired
lines or without them, according to the nature of the case. This
plan I have found to create little or no blemish, and is yet
attended with considerable advantage. A horse may or may not
be blistered after firing, according to the degree of irritation
we wish to produce. There is much difference of opinion as to
the best direction for drawing the lines in firing, some pre-
ferring a vertical, others a horizontal, and some an oblique
direction. The first plan is the best adapted for forming a
bandagej the second for leaving little blemish ; but for my own
part, for ordinary purposes, I prefer the third or feathered form,
conceiving that it unites the advantages of both allowing the
hair to cover the mark, as in horizontal, and forming a bandage
as in vertical, firing. It is a bad plan to cross the line, as this
isolates the skin, and is thus likely to increase the blemish. — Ed.]

NICKING.

357

Nicking.

This operation is now seldom performed : it consists in weak-
ening or destroying the power of the flexor muscles of the tail.
This is done by making two or three transverse incisions on the
under part of the tail, through the skin and muscles. The
horse should be thrown down for the purpose, or put into what
is termed a break. The first incision should be about two or
three inches from the origin or basis of the tail, continuing it
from one of the sides where the hairy part terminates, to the
other, and quite down to the bone, except in the centre, where
the skin only should be divided. There are some, however,
who go deeper than this, by which there is more bleeding. The
second incision should be made in a similar manner, and three
inches distant from the first, and so with the third. On making
the second incision, the ends of the muscles will protrude
through the first, and must be drawn out with forceps, and cut
off ; the same with the second. This being done, it is usual to
place bandages round the incisions, and then put the tail in
what is termed a pulley, which may be seen in the stables of
horse-dealers, and need not be described. The weight first
applied to keep the tail up should be moderate, not exceeding
three pounds ; and it is necessary the following morning to
loosen the bandages, or cut them through on the back part of
the tail. By neglecting this precaution, a serious and even fatal
inflammation has taken place. In about three days matter will
form, and then the bandages will fall off. They must on no
account be forced off; but the loose ends may be cut olF with
scissors. A large gaping wound will then appear, but it re-
quires no kind of dressing, and is generally completely filled up,
and sometimes cicatrized in about sixteen days, or three weeks.
About the third or fourth day after nicking, the weight employed
to keep the tail up should be increased to six or seven pounds ;
and the ti-ansverse line upon which the pulley runs may be
placed a little further back, so as to bring the tail a little over
the back. After a week, the horse may be led out for exercise,
and if he carries his tail on one side, the pulley on the trans-
verse line should be so confined as to draw the tail in a contrary
direction, for a sufficient time to make him carry it straight.
The time of keeping the horse in the pulley is from three weeks
to a month.

[This cruel and unnecessary operation has now gone into
general disuse in England, though it is still practised in Ireland.
— Ed.]

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358

SUUGICAL OPEUATIONS.

Docking.

A convenient instrument for docking, or cutting off a horse's
tail, is sold by Mr. Long, and other veterinary instrument makers,

Docking Knife.

The semicircular notch receives the tail, which is held out by an assistant, and the
operator pressing on the handle, by one motion divides the tail.

London. Colts may be docked even while suckers, as it generally
renders nicking unnecessary. The tail should be divided at a
joint, which may be ascertained from being somewhat thicker
than the other parts. It is necessary to apply a hot iron after-
wards to stop the bleeding, but it should only be of a dull red
heat, and smaller than is generally employed, so as not to sear
the skin, which is the most sensitive part.

On the Nerve Operation.

This operation was discovered by Mr. Sewell, Assistant Pro-
fessor of the Veterinary College, and first communicated by him
to the Royal Society.*

* " This operation is likewise known by the different appellations of nerving,
unnerving, and neurotomy, and consists in the division and excision of a por-
tion of the metacarpal or plantar nerves, thus destroying sensation in the
foot. The nerves which arise from the spinal column have been found by
the discoveries of Sir Charles Bell and others to have a double origin, one
from the back, or, in brutes, upper part of the cord by a number of filaments
which coalesce, and then form a sort of knot called a ganglion ; the other
portion rises in a somewhat similar manner from the under or anterior part
of the spinal column, and joins the other without forming any ganglion. Thus
though the nerves are apparently united, the filaments are yet distinct, each
having its neurilema or nervous covering. The former is the nerve which
communicates sensation ; the latter that which conveys the power of motion,
and a partis endowed mostly with sensation or with motion, according as the
filaments of the former or of the latter predominate. It is a law of nature
that no structure nor function is ever supplied in a situation where it cannot
be brought into operation ; consequently, as the motion of the limbs is effected
by means of contraction of the muscles, and there are no muscles below the
knee, there are therefore no motor nerves below the knee ; sensation alone
is cut off?" ; and pain being the cause of lameness, the effect ceases with the re-
moval of the cause.

The honour of the discovery of this important operation belongs to Pro-

THE NERVE OPERATION.

359

It consists in cutting out a portion of the metacarpal or
pastern nerves on each side. The portion cut out, he directs,
should be one inch or more. I have generally performed the
operation above the fetlock (see the Plate), in order to destroy

This plate of the Nerve Operation shows the situation of the section both in the
upper and lower operation on the inside of the leg. The skin is held back by
hooks, in order to display the parts, and for the same purpose more of the cel-
lular membrane is removed than is necessary in the operation.

Upper Section,
a, A probe passed under the nerve.
6, The nerve.

c. The artery.

d. The back sinews, or flexor tendons.

Lower Section.

a. The nerve.

b, The artery.

c. The vein.

d, A branch of the nerve between the
vein and artery, not divided in the low
operation.

fessor Sewell. We are told that Mr. Moorcroft and others had previously
performed it, but, be this as it may, they never publicly introduced or recom-
mended it, and could therefore have had no confiilence in its merits It was
Mr. Sewell, and he alone, who first generally practised and recommended it
for incurable foot lameness. Like most other discoveries it has met with
assailants, from all quarters, both in the profession and out of it ; and not a
few of them have been owing to the careless and indiscriminate manner in
which many practitioners have performed it, heedless altogether as to the
nature and history of the case, or of the work the horse was afterwards to
perform. This was the fact more particularly during the early days of the
operation. There were groggy horses all over the country far more than
there are at present, particularly in coaches. Many of these had been lame
for years, and were at once submitted to the operation, and soon afterwards
resumed their work at a quick i)ace on the road ; the consequence was, in a

A A 4

360

SUnciCAI. OPERATIONS.

the sensibility of tlie foot entirely ; but am inclined to think
that the lower operation is preferable ; and this, I believe, is the
opinion of Mr. Coleman and Mr. Sewell.*

To perform the nerve operation so as to render the foot com-
pletely insensible, the following directions must be followed, as
being the best and easiest method I am acquainted with, and

number of cases, the inflammation, that, perhaps, had never subsided, became
vastly mcreased by the renewal of severe labour and the unusual boldness
with which the animal put his foot to the ground and bore his weight upon
It ; swelling and morbid fomentations succeeded, or, in other instances, sup-
puration supervened, the hoof sloughed off, and the animal was obliged to be
shot. "

In other cases, where lameness has existed for years, and ulceration had
been going on to a great extent, and the flexor sinew had become attenuated,
the horse with the removal of pain and lameness, no longer having these'
often useful monitors to tell him of the consequences, treads boldly on these
diseased parts, and the thin sinew which, perhaps, never would have given
way as long as the foot possessed sensation, suddenly snaps hke a thread,
and the horse presents the sad aspect of walking entirely on his heels, the
toe being elevated from the ground. Notwithstanding these deplorable re-
sults, which the practitioner should always bear in mind when he recommends
the operation, in spite of their very frequent occurrence in times past, and
their occasional recurrence at the present day, the operation still continues
to be successfully practised, when performed with discretion, and proper care
is exercised afterwards ; and although it is vilified by a few veterinary sur-
geons, and often condemned by the ignorant as a cruel and barbarous opera-
tion inflicted on a dumb creature, yet I, for my own part, having fairly tested
its merits, must regard it as one of the most merciful and humane operations
that surgical science has ever invented for the relief of suflfering quadrupeds,
— Spooner on the Foot, <Src.

* There are two situations for the operation of neurotomy, the high and
the low, the former being above the fetlock, and the latter just below or upon
it. Each of these situations are attended with peculiar advantages and dis-
advantages, the nature of which it is well to understand. It must be borne
in mind that each metacarpal nerve, just above the fetlock joint, gives off an
important branch, which takes an oblique course towards the front of the
pasterns and descends to the coronet, on which it is dispersed after giving oflT
branches to the neighbouring parts. This being the case, it must be evident
that if the operation be performed below the departure of this branch, the
front of the foot and coronet will still possess a degree of feeling of much im-
portance to the animal, and which will enable him to travel with a greater de-
gree of safety than he would possess if sensation were entirely cut off.

When, therefore, we have reason to be pretty certain that the disease is
limited entirely to the sphere of the navicular joint, and the horseMs of suf-
ficient value to make the possession of a slight degree of sensation an object
of importance, we may justly give a preference to the low operation. In
favour of this situation, it is proper to mention that Mr. Sewel generally ad-
vises and practises the low operation. On the other hand it must be ob-
served, that, although the low operation generally removes the lameness at
first, yet it is by no means unfrequent for it to return some weeks or months
afterwards, either from the extension of the disease beyond the sphere of the
joint and the dominion of the nerves whose source is cut ofl^, or otherwise
from some anastomosis of nerves which cannot easily be anatomicall}' traced.
■ — Spouner on the Foot, 4'c-

THE NERVE OPERATION.

361

uniformly producing the desired effect.* The incision should
begin between three and four inches above the fetlock joint,
that is, the most prominent part of the side of the joint, and
extend downwards for an inch and a half. By making a free in-
cision in the space that is felt between the bone and ligament,
and the tendon, the nerve may be almost immediately exposed ;
and it is only necessary to remove a little cellular nlembrane,
and then it will be distinctly seen : one inch or more of the
nerve is usually cut out. Thus the foot may be rendered ab-
solutely insensible, and the lameness cured, if a proper subject
has been chosen for the operation. There are many circum-
stances to be considered with respect to the nerve operation, and
it is a subject of such importance as to demand a full and im-
partial consideration. Before this operation is performed, all
the cii'cumstances of the case should be carefully inquired into,
and practitioners should be cautious as to the subjects they
select for the operation.f It has been a subject of admiration

* Before the operation is performed it is necessary, nay, all important, that
the leg should be cool, not simply free from inflammation, but in a state of
preternatural coldness. If the practitioner venture on the operation before
this state is produced, he will have, at best, a very troublesome affair from the
vascularity of the smaller blood-vessels ; it will occupy a much longer time,
and from the greater dissection of parts required, the wound will not granulate
so well nor so quickly, but will leave a much greater blemish than other-
wise ; the leg for some days previously should be immersed in a bucket of
cold water several times a day for half an hour at a time. ~ Spooner on the
Foot,

-)■ The nature of the cases which justly call for the operation of neurotomy
demands peculiar attention, as well as those from which we have the best
reason to anticipate success.

Diseases of the navicular joint capsule form the bulk of foot lamenesses,
and, consequently, those which too frequently, from their incurable nature,
call for the aid of neurotomy. If the foot be strong, and there is but little
contraction, the operation is more likely to succeed ; but should there be a
great deal of contraction there is danger of inflammatory action going on ex-
ternal to the joint, and enlargements of a soft spongy nature taking place. If
the foot is flat and weak the operation is not to be recommended, as there is
great danger to be apprehended from bruises and pricks in shoeing. And
here it may be observed that great care should be always used in shoeing
afterwards ; the smith should be cautioned that the foot does not possess its
usual sensibility, and that he must not expect the horse to flinch from the nail
going too close ; every nail must therefore be driven with unusual care. The
operation is sometimes performed for ringbones and ossification of the car-
tilages. In these cases we must always suppose that other treatment has
been previously tried without success ; and we must bear in mind that from
these ossific depositions there has been considerai)lc loss of elasticity, and,
.consequently, great concussion ; and that the operation is likely to increase
this concussion, by preventing that care being taken which pain and lameness
induces. This being the case the operation should not be performed unless
the horse be too lame to be useful ; and, after the operation, means should be
used to ward off concussion by the interposition of leather between the foot
and the shoe, and the employment of the horse in moderate work only. The
operation should not be performed when there arc corns, unless they are very

362

SURGICAL OPEUATIONS.

mid astomshment, that although the nervous communication
wit 1 the foot has been completely cut off, the secreting a Sies

aJ before'* ' ' P''^^'"" ^""'^'^"^ ^^^^

In determining upon the expediency of performing the nerve
operation It IS necessary to consider, not only what probability
there IS of its being successful, or in what degree it may be so
but Lkewise whether the chance of cure is eq^ual to ^Zlense

t^c^r%T' ^^^P^"g ^'^''^ before he^is fi^

to work The expense of keep need not be considerable ; for
after a few weeks or even before, he may be turned to grass,
where he should be kept two months ; and'then may be put to
work. Now, If the expense of the operation and the expense of
eep can be afforded there can be no objection whatever to
the operation. Relief from pain and lameness is, in almost all
cases, immediate and certain; and the duration of this relief, if
hmjted, may extend to a period of some months, or even yeai-s-
and so complete is this relief, that during this period the horse'
may do considerable work without suffering pain.f But there
are cases of lameness where the relief it affords is complete and
permanent. These cases may be known by there beino- no
deformity in the hoof, no ossifications about the coronet or

slight ; because these corns are likely to increase and fester, without the
Z^lotX °^ lameness/- 4!ootr o^

* It was doubted when the operation was first introduced, and there are
some who doubt it still, whether if nervous communication were cut off t^e
proper secretion of parts could be carried on in the foot. The fact however
IS, there are a set of nerves which supply the various arteries of the body with
nervous energy of a peculiar kind, and which are independent of those of
common sensation, both m their nature, distribution, and course. Accord-
ingly we find that the hoof and other parts of the foot are reproduced with
the same energy after the operation as before ; and even extensive wouncls
have been found to heal with equal felicity. We have here much pleasure in
referring lor further information to Mr. Youatt's beautiful lectures in the
Vetarnanan, where th^ separate functions of the nervous system are ad-
mirably enforced and clearly explained. — 5;joower on the Foot |c

t We have here collected no less than sixty-three cases of the successful
performance of neurotomy, nearly all of them being on horses that stood
sound a considerable time afterwards, some of them being hunted, and others
severely worked Of these cases we find twenty-seven, in which it is not
mentioned whether the operation was performed above or below the fetlock
There are eight cases of the low operation on one leg, and two in which it
was thus practised on both legs. We have thirteen cases of the high opera-
tion, nine out of which are on.one fore leg, two on both fore legs, one on one
side of the leg only, and one on both legs, but one side of each. Besides which
■we have six cases in which it was performed on one or both hind legs. There
are many other cases mentioned, though not related ; and there are two in-
stances m which the operation MXeA." — Spooncr on the Foot, cj-c.

THE NERVE OPERATION.

363

pastern, and no particular appearance of injury about the fet-
lock joints.

The horse being thrown down and secured, according to the
directions given under that head, an incision is to be made
through the skin, three inches above the most prominent part
of the fetlock joint, when viewed sideways, and just within the
flexor tendon, or back sinew, as represented in the plate of the
nerve operation. The incision having been carried quite
through the skin, the white cellular membrane will appear;
this must be carefully lifted up with the foi'ceps, and as carefully
and gradually dissected off, and then the nerve will appear
(as represented in the figure). As soon as the nerve is seen,
a tenaculum, or a large crooked needle, armed with a little
small twine, is to be passed under it, from within, outward,
in order to avoid puncturing the artery ; and, with the same
view, the point of the needle may be blunted in the most
trifling degree. A needle should be made for the purpose, not
quite so crooked as they commonly are, and curved only towards
its extremity. The needle then may be taken out, and the
nerve being gently lifted up with the twine, the cellular membrane
underneath may be snipped away with a pair of scissors, or
with a knife, carefully, so as to admit of a slender curved bis-
toury being passed under it without touching the nerve with the
edge : as soon as this is done, and the nerve cleared up to the
highest part of the incision, the probe-pointed curved bistoury
is to be passed under it at the highest part, and the nerve
quickly divided by a drawing kind of a stroke. This is necessary
that the nerve may be divided with as little violence as possible:
for, when it is done with scissors, or by lifting the knife directly
up, or with a knife that does not cut well, a thickening will re-
main at the upper extremity of the divided nerve, with consider-
able tenderness ; and when this happens to be struck in going,
It gives the horse intolerable pain, and makes him go lame for a
short time. The nerve cannot be divided with too keen an in-
strument, or too gently. The division of the nerve causes great
but momentary pain, like that of an electric shock, apparently,
and the horse's struggling at that moment must be guarded
against : but as soon as it is done, the pain of the operation may
be considered as over: the inferior portion of nerve is then to
l)e laid hold of by the forceps, and from an inch to an inch and
a haU cut out. The skin may be closed with one stilch, for no
bandage or dressing is required. For the first four days, the
leg should be sponged several times a day with tepid water ; on
the fifth the stitches will give way and the wound will open,
but this must not be attended to. No kind of dressing is neces-
sary; the wound will be completely healed in four weeks, and

064

SURGICAL OPERATIONS.

then, or even a week before this time, the horse may be turned
to grass, and there he may be kept three weeks or longer.*

* The horse being cast by the method before advised with the leg to be
operated upon uppermost, the cross straps are to be buckled on, the web ap-
plied to ihe foot just above the heels of the shoe, which being then released
from the hobble is drawn forwards by an assistant, so that by the cross straps
pulling in one direction and the web the other, the leg is brought perfectly
straight. A truss of straw covered with a horse-cloth, or a bag stuffed with
straw is then to be interposed under the leg to be operated on, so as to afford
it a firm and secure resting-place ; and a piece of tape may be tied tightly
round the leg, just below the knee, so as to diminish sensation. The operator
having all his instruments in readiness, will find it convenient to kneel on one
knee. In a very well-bred horse the pulsation of the artery on the inside of
the leg may be seen, and, in most horses, felt in the hollow between the flexor
tendons and suspensory ligament. Having felt it, a free vertical incision is
to be made, with a convex-edged scalpel, about two inches and a half above
the fetlock joint, and slightly posterior to the artery. The incision by a
second application of the knife is to be lengthened to about an inch and a
quarter. A little cellular membrane may next be removed by means of the
knife and forceps, so as to distinguish the artery from the nerve. The quan-
tity of cellular membrane necessary to be removed will depend on the breed
of the horse, and the state of the legs ; if they are very clean, it is scarcely
necessary to remove any ; and the less taken away the better, and the sooner
will the wound heal.

Nerving Knife.

This knife should be sharp on the point, and cut both on the concave and convex

edges.

Neio Nerving Knife.

The point of this knife may be readily passed under the nerve, which may then be

divided by its concave edge.

Having clearly made out the nerve and artery, a curved needle threaded is
to be passed under the nerve at the upper part of the incision ; the thread is
then to be cut and twisted several times with the left hand, by which it is
slightly drawn up, whilst it is separated from the artery and cellular mem-
brane sufficiently for a probe pointed bistoury to be passed under it, which
being done, the nerve is quickly divided, the pain of which induces the animal
to struggle violently, but this struggle is generally the last he makes. The
nerve is now to be carefully dissected out to the full extent of the incision.

The edges of the skin may or may not be connected with sutures, but the
bandage should be applied, and the horse turned for the operation on the
other side.

The inside of the leg requires more care than the outside, inasmuch as the
nerve lies close to the artery in the former, and in the latter there is no artery

CASTRATION.

365

Castration.

The best method of performing this operation is that com-
monly employed, and one year old is the best period.*

The horse being thrown on the left side, and the right
hind leg drawn up to the shoulder, as previously described,
the operator is to grasp the testicles with his hand, so that the
skin over the testicle may be tense and easily divided, an incision
is then to be made through the skin, about three inches in
length, rather more than less. He is then to proceed gradually
with his knife until a little fluid or water issues, by which he
may be sure that the vaginal sac is opened. Into this opening
one of the blades of a pair of scissors is to be introduced, and
when this is done the vaginal sac is laid open with the scissors
to the same extent as the incision in the skin. The testicle now
comes readily out, and after a little time, when the cremaster or
retractor muscle has relaxed sufficiently, the cord is to be placed
between the clams, so that the whole of the testicle, with the
epidydimis, may be outside the clams. The vas deferens may
be divided before the clams are put on ; but this is of no im-
portance, as their being included in the clams does not increase
the pain. The clams must be made very tight, or the cord will
slip through the moment the testicle is cut off. When, however,
the testicle is cut off with the nearly red hot firing iron, the

very near it. It is better, therefore, to operate on the inside of the leg first.
The precise situation of the nerve is pretty much the same in every horse,
being in the inside, somewhat behind and within the artery ; and in the out-
side rather nearer the sinew than the ligament. When the low operation is
preferred an incision is to be made just behind the course of the artery, which
may be felt, and extending from about the middle of the fetlock joint to some-
what below it. After the operation is completed on both sides, a linen
bandage, being rolled from each end to the middle, is then to be carefullv
wound round the leg, so as to assist in keeping the edges of the wound
together. The after treatment of the wounds requires much care and atten-
tion ; for, when they are not nicely managed, the granulations being too
luxuriant and unchecked are .skinned over, and form an enlargement, which
from its connection with the divided nerve is endowed witii acute sensibility,
and from its prominence is very likely to be struck with the other leg, the
pain of which often throws the horse down. The bandages may remain un-
moved for two or three days, but should be frequently wetted with cold water,
as it is an object of much importance to keep down the inflammation that
succeeds the operation, as otherwise the leg may be permanently thickened.
— Spooncr on the Foot, Sfc.

* Mr. Brettargh says in the Veterinarian, vol. ii., "Every spring since 181 1
I have operated upon foals of all ages, from ten days old to four months, and'
have, on all occasions, been convinced of its being the most elcgible period
for castrating. Operating thus early produces very little change in the
appearance of colts, as they are generally well in ten days ; and in every case
they grow larger than when castrated later." I believe Mr. Brettargh's plan
is the best, unless the foal should appear too light about the neck, Ed.] '

366

SURGICAL OPERATIONS.

Clam with regulating screw.

consequence. This being done, the other testicle is to be re-
moved in the same manner. There may be a little bleedino-
after the horse gets up, but it will stop of itself within half an
hour. No kind of dressing is necessary. The horse should be
turned into a loose box for a week, and after that he may be
put to work if required. The general fault of operators is
searing too much, whereby, instead of stopping or preventing
bleeding, they produce it, so that the horse bleeds considerably
after the operation. If the cord is cut off with the hot firino-
iron, and not touched with the iron afterwards, it seldom bleed"
at all. There is always some degree of swelling afterwards ; but
it is never of importance : if it continues, however, after a week,
a few punctures should be made with a large lancet, in the
lowest part of the swelling, when drops of water will fall from
the punctures, and the swelling will gradually disappear.

[There are several other methods of performing this operation,
each of which has its advocates; that most generally practised
on the continent is by means of the caustic clam, and there are
two ways of doing this, the covered and the uncovered.

The caustic clam. — To perform this operation it is necessary to
be provided with a pair of clams, and a pair of long pincers to bring
their ends together. The clams, says Hurtrel d'Arboval, are

CASrRATlON.

367

made with a piece of old elder five or six inches long and an inch
in diameter; this must be split in two and a notch made half an
inch from each end sufficiently deep to hold the string. The pith
is then taken from the wood, and the vacancy filled with a
plaster composed of flour and corrosive sublimate. Mr. Good-
win considers the caustic quite useless, and thus recommends the
operation to be performed. — " The horse being secured, and
the necessary instruments at hand, the operator, laying hold of
the near testicle and drawing it out, sufficiently to render the
scrotum tense and secure the cord, makes his incision, through
the scrotum and tunica vaginalis, if the operation be the unco-
vered one; the testicle presenting itself is to be cautiously laid
hold of by the operator, having given up the knife; at this
moment the twitch should be tightened on the nose to prevent,
if possible, the animal struggling during his effort ; caution
must be used merely to support the testicle, and not to make
the same pull on it as when the cremaster muscle is acting.
Having obtained the testicle sufficiently out of tlie scrotum to
place the clam, the assistant should do this by opening and
putting it on the anterior part of the cord. At this part of the
operation the Russians generally cut through the vas deferens.
When the clam has been placed on the cord, the operator, giving
up the testicle to the care of the assistant, should be cautious
that no parts of the scrotum are included in it, and then take
the open ends of the clams in his right hand, having disengaged
every thing with the left ; the assistant then brings the end of
the clam together by his pincers, taking care to keep them close
to the horse at the moment of his struggling. The ends beino-
secured by a double round of strings and tied, the generality of
practitioners take away the testicle by cutting through the cord
at about the distance of half an inch from the clam. Others
allow them to remain on till the clam be taken off, as a matter
of security from second haemorrhage. The clams must have a
sufficient degree of pressure completely to stop the circulation in
the part, yet not so great as to lacerate the vessels. If pressure
be made inefficiently, the animal suffers severely from it ; on the
other hand, the pressure being properly made, he suffers less
than in any other way of operating.

Mr. Goodwin thus describes the uncovered operation, to which
he gives the preference : —

" After opening the scrotum and dissecting through the
dartos, which is very readily done by passing the knife lightly
over its fibres, the testicle and its covering, the tunica vao'inalis
must be taken in the right hand, while the left should be em~
ployed in pushing back the scrotum from its attachments, and,
Imving your assistant ready as before with the clam, it must be
placed well above the epididymis, and greater pressure is, of

368

SURGICAL OPERATIONS.

course, necessary, as the vaginal covering is included in the
clam."

The principal advantage of this method of operating is, that if
there should be scrotal hernia, the operation may still be safely
performed without those dangerous, and sometimes fatal, conse-
quences which often attends the common method of operating
when a portion of the intestines has escaped into the scrotum.

Mr. Goodwin states that he has practised the first operation a
great many times successfully, and with very little subsequent
inflammation. He has also tried the uncovered method with
equal success, and gives it the preference, for the reason before
stated.

The ojoercdion ly ligature is not frequently practised, having
gone into disrepute for many years in consequence of the opera-
tion having been performed by Mr. Cline, the celebrated surgeon,
and followed by inflammation and death. It is, however, to be
doubted whether the method of performing the operation was
really the cause of death, for Ave find that the ligature has been
employed by some veterinary surgeons for many years with the
best effects. Mr. Richard Collier, of Dublin, says that he has
adopted it for thirty years, and it has been very successful. He
thus describes his method of operating in the 13th volume of the
Vet erinarian : —

After securing the horse on his back, I open the scrotum in
the usual way, and let out the testicle. I then place the iron
clams on the cord, and divide it. This being done, I take hold
of a small portion of it with the forceps (embracing the artery,
of course), and apply the ligature. " I generally have an
assistant ready with the ligature made into a noose, who places
it on that portion of the cord which I intend it to embrace
before I apply the forceps. I then draw up the artery, whilst
he secures the ligature. This I consider the most important
part of the operation."

Mr. C. frequently bleeds afterwards, and gives a laxative.
Mr. Dray, of Leeds, states, in the same number of the Vete-
rinarian, that he emplo3's the ligature in castration. After
casting the horse, he says : — "I then proceed to remove the
left testicle, first by a bold incision through the scrotum, and
sometimes through the tunica albuginea testes with a scalpel.
I separate with my fingers the vas deferens from the spermatic
cord ; a yard of waxed three-thread twine is placed round the
cord, and, by the aid of an assistant, the ligature is pulled very
tight and made secure. The testicle is tlien removed by a pair
of scissors or the scalpel. The ligature should be left long, so
as to allow six or seven inches of it to project below the scrotum,
in order to prevent the external incision uniting by adhesive

CASTRATION. 369

inflammation before the slough is ready to come away. The
ligatures generally come away by themselves in ten days or a
fortnight.

Torsion. — Another method of pei'forming the operation has
been introduced by Messrs. Daws, Simonds, and Wardle, and
is thus described by Mr. Daws : — " The operation of castration
by torsion is performed as follows: — An incision through the
scrotum on one side is first made with the scalpel sufficiently
large to admit the free escape of the testicle; the vas deferens
is then divided with the same instrument about an inch above
the epidydimis. By pursuing this plan, the resistance of the
cremaster muscle will be defeated; and the testicle, with its
vessels, will lie in a quiet state until the conclusion of the
operation.

A longitudinal incision is now to be made through the tunica
vaginalis reflexa, and a portion of the spermatic artery laid bare,
and freed from its adjacent attachments. The torsion forceps
is then to be applied to the artery, which should be divided in
that portion immediately below the grasp of the instrument, the
thumb and index finger of the left hand pressing back the blood
in the vessel. The artery is then to be twisted by the forceps,
held in the right|hand, until the elasticity is destroyed, and it
will no longer recoil, but remain curled up in a knot. The
torsion forceps may then be removed with safety, and the
remaining portion of the cord should be divided, and returned
within the scrotum. Should the hfemorrhage from the artery of
the cord prove at all troublesome, it may be arrested in a similar
manner. The number of twists will depend upon the size of
the artery, from four to six revolutions being sufficient for small,
and eight or ten for larger vessels. The effect which torsion
produces on the vessel, independent of destroying its elasticity,
is a laceration of its internal tunic, the edges of which become
speedily agglutinated by means of plastic lymph : a clot of blood
plugs up the end, so that the obliteration is rendered doubly
secure." This description is followed by numerous cases, in
which this method of operating has been practised by the three
practitioners before mentioned with success.

The use of torsion as a mode of stopping the ha?morrha.>-e
from arteries was introduced by Mr. Costello in 1824, and for
many operations, particularly in cutting out tumours, it has been
employed with great advantage. The present writer has em-
ployed It for this purpose with the best effects; but for castration
he does not consider that it has any advantage over the ligature
than which it must certainly be less secure. — Ed.] '

B B

370

SURGICAL OPERATIONS.

On Hernia or Ruptures.

[This disease consists in the escape of the bowels or other
viscera from their proper cavity. There are two principal
varieties of hernia ; one in which the intestine escapes through
the abdominal rings, which, in the horse, continue open ; and the
other, when it takes place at any other part of the abdomen.
The latter is called ventral hernia, and generally arises from
blows, kicks, or falls, by which the parietes of the abdomen are
ruptured, and thus form an opening through which the bowels
pass, and are only prevented escaping by the skin. The former
variety has different names, according to the part in which the
gut is found ; thus, if it reaches the scrotum, it is called scrotal,
or, in the gelding, inguinal hernia. There are numerous other
subdivisions, which it is unnecessary here to notice, but which
may be found treated at length in Girard's " Treatise on
Hernia," translated by Mr. Pei-civall, in the Veterinarian, and
also in a very excellent paper read by Mr. Simonds before the
V. M. Association, and reported in the 12th volume of the Ve-
terinarian.

Hernia sometimes becomes strangulated, in which case the
intestines are tightly pressed by the stricti)iie; and, if not
relieved by operation, mortification and death are sure to
ensue. Scrotal hernia is more likely to become strangulated
than any other, from the smallness of the opening through
which the gut escapes. From the general practice of castra-
tion in this country, it is comparatively rare; but in India,
where it is common to use entire horses, the disease is of frequent
occurrence. Mr. Rogers, who has practised some years in
India, thus describes the symptoms and the operation in the 12th
volume of the Veterinarian : — "A horse is brought in from the
lines said to have gripes. If the case is recent, the pulse may
not be much affected, but the animal is very uneasy, looks round
at his flanks, and, if cai-efully noticed, it will be found that
he is gazing intently at the groin or scrotum. Small quan-
tities of dung are sometimes voided at intervals; he lies down,
rolls on his back, gets up again, paws and stamps, probably
stales ; the testicles ai-e evidently uneasy, and alternately drawn
up and relaxed; the scrotum drips with sweat; the pulse be-
comes quick, small, and wiry; the conjunctival and Schnei-
derian membranes are highly injected; the flanks heave vio-
lently ; he groans, and shakes his head ; the countenance
assumes the look of horror, not difficult to recognise as in-
dicating some terrible affection, and the agony is sometimes
dreadful. He has heard a horse shriek out with agony. It
relief is not afforded, the horse breaks out in cold clammy

OPERATJONS FOR HERNIA.

371

svveats ; the mouth becomes dry, the membranes congested ; he
throws himself down ; stretclies his nose to the groin, at which
he intently gazes ; allows his head to fall Violently on the ground;
the muscles, particularly of the belly, are seized with spasms,
and death closes the miserable scene. When the mind of the
surgeon is made up, not a moment is to be lost; he should at
once proceed to operate. He should bleed to the full extent,
or until it caused the horse to sigh. The animal should then be
carefully thrown, and secured as for castration, the hind leg or
legs being drawn towards the collar, and the horse on its back
well secured in that position by bundles of straw. The instru-
ments which he uses are ojie or two scalpels, and bistouri cache,

Bistouri Cache.

The bistouri lies concealed in the groove of the director, and is elevated when re-
quired by pressing on the spring handle, the screw below limiting the action of
the knife as may be required.

and others generally needed in castration. Everything being
in readiness, the operator places himself on his knees in the rear
of the horse, and commences an examination externally and by
the rectum, by which means he is generally able to ascertain the
nature of the hernia. He then takes the testicle of the affected
side in both hands, and, manipulating it so as carefully to brino-
it in close contact with the scrotum, leaves it in the left hand!
- Jigh.tening the skin, and guided by the raphe, he makes a free
incision through the integuments, and then through the tunic,
which latter he dilates to the extent of three or four inches by
means of the scissors or scalpel, first introducing one of his
fingers as a guide. If the operator has a knowledge of the parts,
he needs not to be afraid of opening the scrotum by free
incisions, made with caution. On opening the scrotum, a
quantity of serum, depending on the length of time the strano-u-
lation has existed, will escape. °

If the operator takes the testicle firm in his hand, there will
be little danger of wounding the gut.

After having opened the scrotum, by putting aside the testicle,
he may generally obtain a view of the intestine.

" He next attempts to introduce the index finger of his, left
hand into the stricture; but this is sometimes difficult, as the
spermatic cord becomes occasionally enormously enlarged, the
stricture preventing the return of blood by the veins, but al'low-

B B 2

372

SURGICAL OPERATIONS.

ing it to proceed to the testicle by the arteries. In such a case
it is an advantage first to castrate, and to get this distention out
of the way.

" Having carefully passed the finger into the strictm-e, he then
introduces the bistoury, and having taken great care to avoid
the intestine, very cai'efully dilates the stricture ; but this is to be
done with the greatest caution, so as just to enable him to return
the gut and no more, for if he much enlarges the opening he
will, in all probability, have a return of the hernia, and lose his
patient. Having reduced the hernia, and removed the testicle,
he dresses the scrotum with turpentine liniment, and allows the
animal to rise."

The Taxis. — In cases where these severe symptoms are not pre-
sent, M. Girard recommends what is called reduction by the taxis,
by which is meant the return of the hernial part, by the hand, into
the cavity of the belly. If, after a thorough examination of the
parts, reduction being considered practicable and profitable, no
time should be lost. Should the animal quietly submit, the oper-
ation should be performed while he is standing, by introducing
one hand into the rectum, and drawing up the protruded gut; in
cases of resistance or difficulty, however, it is best to cast our
patient, and then we may work with both hands at the same
time, — one in the rectum drawing up the gut, and the other in
the sheath gently forcing it into the abdomen. The operator
will only recollect that force in drawing up the gut is to be
avoided as much as possible, the consequences too often being
inflammation, gangrene, and rupture.

Ventral hernia. — When hernia occurs at birth it is called con-
genital. Umbilical hernia is often found in foals, and should be re-
duced by the following method, which Mr. Simonds has found suc-
cessful : — "I first cast the animal, and, placing him on his back,
grasped the hernial sac between my fingers, drawing it up from the
belly, and being careful not to include any portion of the pro-
truding intestine, of which there is little fear, except (which is not
likely in so young an animal) adhesion has taken place between
the peritoneum covering the intestine and that portion of the
membrane lining the sac. Being safe with regard to these things,
I take a strong waxed cord or string and place it round the sac,
as near as possible to the abdomen, and, pulling it tightly, I
pass it round the sac two or three times, and securely fasten it.
The patient may then be permitted to rise ; and, in a majority
of cases, no after-treatment will be necessary. In the course of
a few days the parts included in the ligature begin to slough,
and, the healing process taking place, the sac is entirely got rid
of, and the cure is perfected." n j ,

Mr. Simonds concludes the valuable paper before alluded to

OPKRATIONS FOR HliUNIA.

373

by the relation of two cases in which he operated successfully
for venti-al hernia. One, by the plan before advised for colts;
the other, by a more severe operation. In the latter case, the
patient was an old black mare that had been injured by falling
in the shafts six days before the operation. Mr. S. says : —
" The most extensive rupture I had ever seen presented itself on
the left side. The sac formed by the skin, which was not broken,
nor even the hair rubbed off, extended as far forwards as the
cartilages of the false ribs, and backwards to the mammae. A
perpendicular line drawn from the superior to the infei'ior part
of the tumour measured more than twelve inches. It appeared,
from its immense size and weight, as if by far the larger part of
the colon had protruded. To my surprise, there was compara-
tively little constitutional disturbance. The pulse was 45, and
full, with no other indication of fever, and no expression of
pain on pressing the tumour. She was bled until the pulse was
considerably lowered. A carthartic was given, and the sac or-
dered to be kept constantly wet with cold water, and to be sup-
ported with a wide bandage. She was placed on a restricted
and mash diet. On the next day, being honoured by a visit
by Messrs. Morton, Spooner, and Youatt, I had the pleasure
and advantage of submitting the case to their examination, and
obtaining their opinion. They urged me to attempt to return
the protruding viscera and secure them by a surgical operation;
and Mr. Spooner kindly offered to be present, and to give me
his valuable assistance.

" On the 24th, we therefore gave her two ounces and a half of
the tincture of opium shortly before she was led from the box
to the operating house. Her pulse was 31, owing, pi-obably, to
the administration of the opiate : her respiration and other vital
functions seemed not to be interfered with.

" She was cast on her right side, and the hobbles being secured,
we had her elevated so as to place a large quantity of straw
under her quarters, which being done, she was turned nearly on
her back, and kept in that situation by more trusses of straw.
Her head was made fast to a ring in the front, by means of a
long rope; while the left hind leg, being disengaged from the
hobbles, was fixed to another ring behind, by which means she
was well secured, and so confined that she scarcely moved from
the spot; but this was probably produced more by the opiate
than by our arrangements. After a careful examination, exter-
nally as well as per rectum, in order to ascertain the situation
and probable size of the laceration of the muscles, an incision
was carefully made through the integument into the sac, in a
line with the inferior border of the cartilages of the false ribs;
which incision was about seven inches in length. This, as we
had hoped, proved to be directly upon the aperture in the mus-

B B 3

374

STRUCTURE OF THE TEETH,

cular parietes of the abdomen. The intestines were exposed
and after having sufficiently dilated the opening to permit the
m roduction of the hands, they were quickly returned, port on
after portion, into their proper cavity, together with a part of
the omentum which we found somewhat annoying, it beiL fre-
quently forced back again through the laceration

« At times, it required the exertion of our united strength to
prevent the escape of the intestines, and which was only effected
by placing our hands side by side, covering and pressing upon
the opening By these means we succeeded in keeping in the
viscera, until we were satisfied that we had placed them all
within their proper cavity. At about the central part of the
aperture, we decidedly found the greatest pressure of the intes-
tines to effect an escape. A strong metallic suture of flexible
wire was then passed through the edges of the laceration, taking
in the peritoneum and portions of the transversal is, rectus, and
internal abdominal muscles, and other sutures, embracing the
same parts, were placed at convenient distances, so as nearly to
close the aperture. Two sutures of smaller metallic wire, and
three of stout silk cord, were then passed through the external
abdominal muscles and their aponeuroses, which effectually shut
up the opening into the abdomen. The integument was then
brought together by the interrupted suture, taking care to brina-
out the end of the other sutures, and which had been purposely
left long, so that, in case of supervening inflammation or swell-
ing, they might be readily examined. The whole operation occu-
pied rather less than an hour, our poor patient being occasionally
refreshed with some warm gruel.

" The hobbles were now quietly removed, and after lying a
few minutes she got up, and was placed in a large loose box. A
compress and a suspensory bandage, that could be tightened at
pleasure, were applied to the wound."

This case, which reflects great credit on the skilful operators,
eventually did well ; and it affords us some very useful practical
hints as to the treatment of similar formidable cases, although
they may not frequently occur. — Ed. J

CHAP, LIX.

THE STRUCTURE OF THE TEETH, AND THE METHOD OF
JUDGING THE AGE.

[The horse has, at five years old, forty teeth ; viz., twenty-four
molar or jaw teeth (twelve in each jaw, and six on each side);
twelve incisors, being six in each jaw ; and four tushes, one on

AND METHOD OF JUDGING THE AGE.

375

either side of each jaw, and situated between the molar and in-
cisor teeth. In mares, the tushes are generally absent, and
sometimes there are a few supplementary teeth.

The teeth are placed in very deep sockets in the jaw-bones, by
which, with the assistance of the gums, ^they are firmly kept in
their situation.

The structure of the teeth is very curious ; in the horse we
find it composed of three portions : first, the bone, or rather the
ivory for it is similar to the tusks of the elephant, forms the
bulk of the tooth ; secondly, tiie enamel, which is exceedingly
hard, and forms the surface of the crown and a portion of the
face, and dips into the body of the tooth ; thirdly, the crusta
petrosa, softer than the other portions, and more opake ; this
portion appears to be a sort of cement to unite the other con-
stituents together, but it is only found in herbivorous animals.

In the fcetus of three or four months old we find the germ of
the first pair of teeth in the alveolar cavity. It appeal's a soft
pulpy substance secreted by a membranous capsule, which in an
incisor tooth is single ; but in the molar there are no less than
four to the under and five to the upper, which accounts for the
irregular appearance of the molar teeth. The pulp is gradually
changed into the hard material. The membrane of the incisor
teeth that secreted the pulp is double ; and from its outer sur-
face it afterwards secretes the enamel, and from its inner the
ivory. A tooth is divided into the crown and the fang ; the for-
mer being that portion outside the gum, and the latter that con-
tained within the socket ; whilst the part immediately embraced
by the gum is called the neck. The upper surface of the crown
is called the face, and is that part on which the mark is situated
in the incisor teeth, by which we judge of the age.

The horse has two sets of teeth, the temporary and the per-
manent: the former are considerably smaller and whiter than
the latter. The tushes, however, are permanent, and do not
appear till after four years old.

The permanent incisor teeth are too inches and upwards in
length : their face presents a deep funnel-like cavity, which ex-
tends some distance into the interior of the tooth, and consti-
tutes what is called the mark. The interior of the tooth is also
provided with a cavity that communicates with the bottom of the
socket by an opening at the end of the root. (See page 37 1.,
fig. 12.) The tooth, therefore, when young, is nearly hollow;
but both cavities diminish with age. The lower one is filled
with a gelatinous substance, which contains the nerves and
vessels by which the tooth is nourished. The arrangement of
the ivory and the enamel in the incisor teeth deserves particular
consideration. " The enamel," says M. Girard, " after havino-
covered the entire of the external surface, doubles itself towards

13 n 4

376

STRUCTURE OF THE TEETH,

the surface of wear, and dips down into the interior nf tl .
forming a conical cavity which becomes L mw f
towards the posterior edge of the tood' the 2 ' ^PP'°^^''^«
IS nearer the root. Thi^ pro Waih^n nf .7 a<^<^ofd.ng as it
then, two portions for our cons'Etion fi' ^
it forms to'^the exterior- Xndll X

which envelopes this caviW Th ^1- mfundibulum

perceive in mrklng diS't seT';^. oTthe^'f/

in young teeth by the cav v nf /l? i ^« surrounded

h.r . ii- ^ . -^"^ l^rench distmgu sh the incisor tppth

distinguish them in this place When ^hf n J
the anterior border of thr::;ity'!s'Tomth^ t^T^^^^^^^^
ZTZ" '""'"'^ '"^ — of a /ea:\t"

For many years it has been customary to judge of the ac^e bv

IS said to be aged; and after this time it was considered to hp
impossible to ascertain the age. There are, hovvever o^ber
means which enable us pretty generally to judge of tL' a^e Tf
not with certainty, at any rate approaching to it^ I we take an

shall hnd that each surface is of a different shape. The tooth
becomes gradually less from side to side, and Jre from front to

aJce ofThe maK ^"'^^'^^ '■^'"^'"^ ^^'^^ the disappear:

than 1 lo'nfh^ilo -JSh! '''' '''''' ''''''' '''^'^

AND METHOP OF JUDGING THE AGE.

377

rear. At a certain depth it becomes triangular, and, lower still,
the oval appears almost reversed, the diameter being less from
side to side than from front to rear. (See fig. 13., a, b, c, d, e.)
Each of these several portions of the tooth becomes, in the
course of time, its face, the shape of which therefore enables us
to approximate to the age. This is still more assisted, up to a
certain age, by the fact that the enamel that forms the side of
the infundibulum dips deeper into the tooth than the cavity
within it. It may therefore be seen in the centre of the face for
some years after the disappearance of the mark. *

Tfiis plate exhibits the lower incisors at eleven different periods of life ; also the in-
ternal structure of a young permanent incisor, with several transverse sections of a
similar tooth. •'

Fig. 1, Soon after birtli.

2, One year ofF.

3, Rising three years.

4, Four and a half years old.

5, Five years old.

6, Six years old.

7, Seven years old.

8, Eight years old.

9, Twelve years old.

10, About fourteen years old.

11, About sixteen years old.

12, A young horse's incisor tooth,
with an opening made at the
middle, exposing to view the
lower portion of the fiinnel a.
Exhibits five transverse sections
of a young incisor tooth, the
three first portions a, b, c, iiaving
the funnel ; the variation in the
shape of each surface is worthy
of notice, the oval gradually
becoming triangular.

1..! J!''' -^"".K^"" ^'f '"'^''?'' ^""e ''^^■P'^'-' the wear being

less than in the under teeth, the marks are longer disappearing. It has been

"^'^ STIIUCTURE OF THE TEETH.

thi o 5?^"^''^'/°^' y<-;^'-« past' it has been customary to reckon
the ages of horses fi-om the first of May, ahhough they mav in
many nistances be foaled several months eithe? beS^r^aVter
this date. It has, however, within these few years' been dT
cided by the jockey club that the ages of race^.orses shall T;
leckonedfrom the 1st of January. They are generally foaled
earher than other horses, it being desirable that they shou d be
as early m the year as possible, in consequence of the practice of
running horses so early as two and three years old ^'^''^'^^^
A few months, in a young animal, often makes a material dif-
ference m its size and strength ; and as thorough-bred mare ,
Se welT'w r'P,' ^°-f-table boxes, the^inclemency of
S eXt r ' 1 ' ''^"^^q"^"^^- I" other horses, the plan
of ea. ly foahng would not answer, in consequence of the want of
suthcient pasturage.

The following are the changes by which we judge of the age
ot ahorse: it is unnecessary to notice the molar teeth, as they
cannot be readily examined, nor the upper incisors, as their
changes are very uncertain : —

At birth, the nippers only have made their appearance

At one year old, the incisors are all visible, the corners havino-
appeared last. =>

At two years old, the nippers have lost their marks, and both
edges of the corners are level.

At three years old, and several months before, the permanent
nippers have made their appearance.

At four years old, the permanent dividers appear, and the
cavity has nearly disappeared in the temporary corners.

At five years old, the mouth is said to be perfect ; and, if a male
the tushes are up ; the permanent corner teeth have ap-
peared, but the posterior border of the cavity is much
lower than the anterior; and the mark is much diminished
in the nippers.

At six years old, the mark has disappeared from the nippers,
and considerably diminished in the dividers; but the inner
edge of the corners is not yet level.

At seven years old, the mark has disappeared from the nippers
and dividers, and the corners are level, though still retain-
ing the mark.

At eight years old, the mark has disappeared from the corners
also, and the horse is said to be aged. The face of the

stated that there are two years' space between the disappearance of the marks
m the different teeth ; the middle teeth losing them at ten, the dividers at
twelve, and the corners at fourteen; but this is a matter of much irreguhirity
and uncertainty. Their presence and disappearance will, however, serve tb
assist the other signs in informing us of the age.

HINTS TO THE PUUCUASEHS OF HORSES.

379

teeth is becoming more oval, but the enamel, the remains

of the funnel, is still to be seen in the centre of the face.
At nine years old, the nippers become rounder, and the dividers

oval ; the following year the dividers become round, and

the next the corners assume this shape, the central enamel

gradually diminishes, and,
At twelve years old, has disappeared : sometimes, however, it

remains several years. The marks in the upper teeth by

this time have disappeared ; some say at eleven years old,

but this is very uncertain.
At fifteen years old, the nippers have become triangular, having

been gradually assuming this shape for the last two years.

The following year the dividers assume this shape, and,
At seventeen years old, the lower incisors are all triangular, and

the central enamel has disappeared from the upper incisors.

After this, tlie face of the teeth lengthen from front to rear,

and diminish from side to side.

In judging of the age of a horse, we must not expect the fore-
going rules to be invariably correct, particularly after eight
years, but they will be in many cases, and in all will materially
assist the judgment, and enable us to make the important dis-
tinction between one horse of ten and another of twenty years.
There are some horses that retain their marks several yeai's after
the usual time ; it is desirable, therefore, not to be guided en-
tirely by one rule, but to let one correct or regulate another.

As the horse increases in age, the incisor teeth appear longer,
and assume a more horizontal position, and other signs of age
appear manifested. — Ed.]

CHAP. LX.

PRECAUTIONS TO BE OBSERVED IN PURCHASING HORSES, AND
ON WARRANTY AND SOUNDNESS.

It is a very ancient but valuable maxim, that in all transactions
" Honesty is the best policy ;" and I can see no reason whatever
why horse-dealing should not be regulated by this excellent Jaw,
for such it ought to be, and really is — foro conscientice. I have
known those who have continued in the practice of never giving
a warranty with a horse, and have experienced the advantage of
it ; for nothing can be more evident that no one who has occa-
sion for a horse would sell one he is accustomed to unless he had
some fault ; and if we go to a horse-dealer to purchase a horse
of five or six years old, it is but reasonable to conclude that the

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

feult Still Tt^l some Other person, and sold for some
tault. St 11 It should be recollected that there are few if ITv
horses without some fault or imperfection ; and, perhTps if the
quahficafons o nders, even the best, were striet yTnquTed n^^
they would be found equally deficient: we had bette?, herefo e'
go upon the principle of getting a horse that has no serious
fault or defect, or what may be fairly deemed unsoundness and
having purchased such a horse, we should ride him ? f f
or wppkc! nnri Ur. * u • . . " ^'"^ "'"^ a tew days
or weeKs, ana not be too hastv in ffiv no- an nn;n;r^r, \ ■ ^

too ready in listening to tl/e opfilir^^rcrc L of'^heT
Having premised thus much, I will proceed to give^ome furt^:

eolir; 'T' P-'^-^tions, which mfy L uTefully re

collected by the purchasers of horses. "5»eiuiiy re-

The numerous shades which exist between a state of perfect
oundness in horses, and those obvious diseases or defects whfc
so clearly constitute unsoundness as to admit of no doubt on he
subject, often occasion much trouble and perplexity in the pur!
chase or sale of these animals. ^ P

If a person, inexperienced in the mysteries of horse-dealing
m to purchase a horse, he would do well to consult a profef
s onal man or some one capable of guarding him against any
decep ion that m.ght be attempted, and of pointing out any de-
^cts there may be of too obscure a nature to attract his Zice
When such assistance cannot be procured, the following hint
may, perhaps, be found useful. ^
It would be useless to attempt a minute examination of a
orse while the dealer or his assistants are present: the sloping
ground upon which the horse stands for examination gives a^de-

tTnVr f ^'J"\ ^".^ Y'^^'^ ^'^''^^ ^he constant fear he
feels of the whip and the high-flown panegyrics lavished upon
him, are so perplexing to a person unaccustomed to the busi-
ness, that he is apt to overlook the most palpable defects; nor is
It possible for the most experienced to examine him with all the
accuracy and attention that are necessary ; as an unobserved
liourish of the whip, or some other private hint from the seller
keeps the horse constantly in motion, particularly when the eye
happens to be directed to a part that he does not wish to be in-
spected. I do not mean to say that this is always the case :
there are many dealers, no doubt, of strict integrity, who affbrd
ample opportunity to those who wish to examine their horses-
and, so far from wishing to practise any deception upon the in-
experienced, wdl never warrant a horse to be sound unless they
are convinced that he is really so; but that there are men in the
business who have recourse to a variety of tricks to deceive the
unwary, is too notorious to be doubted. It is advisable, there-
tore, after taking a general view of the animal, so as to be satis-
hed with respect to his figure and action, to ride him off, to

HINTS TO THE PURCHASERS Ol;' HORSES.

38J

some convenient place, where he may be examined without in-
terruption.

The first and most important point to be inquired into is the
state of the feet and limbs, and whether the horse be in any
degree lame or not. And though he appear perfectly firm and
free from lameness in all his paces, it will be necessary to inspect
carefully the feet and limbs, lest there be any defect, which at
some future period may occasion lameness. It is a fact pretty
well known to horse-dealers*, that a slight degree of lameness is
easily concealed, particularly in high-spirited horses, by the
stimulus of the whip and spur, and supporting the head with
the bridle. To ascertain, therefore, whether a horse be lame or
not, he should not be ridden, but a person should be made to
run before him, holding the end of the bridle, that the head
may receive no support from it; the slightest lameness will then
be readily perceived, particularly if the trial be made on rough
ground, and on a moderate declivity.

Should it appear that the horse is perfectly free from lame-
ness, the feet and legs are to be carefully inspected, beginning
with the former, which should be first viewed in front, as the
horse stands, to observe if there be any difference in the form
or size of the hoofs. If the feet are very small, and particularly
if one foot appeal's smaller than the other, it affords reasonable
cause for suspicion that there is some serious defect; the bottom
of the foot is then to be examined ; and, if the heels are much
contracted, the frog imperfect, and matter issuing from its cleft
or division, it is probable that the horse will soon become lame.
I would not advise that a horse be rejected merely because the
feet have become rather narrow at the heels, and smaller than
they were originally. If no difference can be perceived in the
size of the feet, if the frogs appear sound, and free from
thrushes, and particularly if, at the same time, the horse step
boldly and firmly when trotted on rough ground, and down a
hill, I think he may be safely purchased, if free from all other
defects. The next point to be attended to is the form of the
sole, or bottom of the foot, which is, in its natural state, rather
hollow, or concave: we sometimes, however, find it quite flat, or
even convex : in eitlier case, it is proportionally thin, and unfit
for the office it seems to be designed for, that is, to protect the

* In a book published a few years since, on this subject, by Mr. R. Law-
rence, he observes, that there are two kinds of iiorsc-dealers — the common
and the gentleman dealer — and that there is this distinction between them :
" the former is obliged to warrant a horse sound before he can sell him •
whereas the latter simply avers that he believes the horse to be sound, but lluu
it w not his custom to give a warranty. Thus, the first is bound by law ; the
latter by honour ; nevertheless, there are some eccentric and narrow-minded
purchasers, who, in spite of the numerous bright examples of modern honour
prefer the former mode of dealing to the latter." *

382

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

sensible or fleshy sole which it covers. The flat sole, however,
is by no means so serious a defect as the convex, and, if the'
horse is. carefully shoed, seldom occasions lameness; but, when
the sole is in any degree convex, or projecting, it is extremely
thin, and incapable of bearing much pressure. A horse with
this defect will sometimes step firmly when the sole is protected
by a wide, hollow shoe ; but he is constantly liable to become
lame by gravel getting under the shoe. We generally find, in
this kind of foot, that the front of the hoof, or wall, has lost its
natural form, having become flatter; it is also thinner, and more
brittle, than it is naturally ; so that it is difficult to nail on a
shoe securely without wounding or pricking the foot, as it is
termed. This defect, therefore, is of a serious nature, and con-
stitutes unsoundness.*

Sandcrack is an important defect, when it runs longitudi-
nally from the coronet into the hoof, and is so deep as tcTalFect
the sensible parts of the foot : sometimes, however, it is very
superficial, or in a horizontal direction, and perhaps too trifling
to deserve notice. It should be recollected, however, that these
trifling cracks in the hoof indicate an unnatural dryness of the
horn,- and, consequently, a tendency to sandcrack; therefore,
when such a horse is purchased, proper means should be em-
ployed to improve the state of the hoof

Tiiere is no part of the horse which requires a more careful
inspection than the foot ; for it sometimes happens, that lame-
ness is for a time removed by rest, or a run at grass, and may
not again appear, until the horse is put to work. Horses that
are foundered are generally much relieved, and sometimes
apparently cured, by running at grass; but the lameness invari-
ably returns when the horse is worked or kept in a stable.

A horse's foot may have suffered so far by bad shoeing, im-
proper management, or some unknown cause, that although
lameness may not have taken place at the time of purchase, yet,
from its appearance, it may reasonably be suspected that he will
soon become lame. Should such a horse be purchased with the
warranty of soundness, he could not perhaps be legally returned,
if lameness take place two or three weeks afterwards; as the
seller would be able to prove, that the horse had not been lame
up to the time he was purchased. It may be said, perhaps, that
the defect in the foot was observed at that time; but it is well
known that we rarely meet with a horse, at the age of six,
whose feet are not more or less imperfect, and that a consider-

* In examining the fore feet we should observe attentively whether theic
be any corns. We can sometimes discover this without taking oft' the shoes,
but by no means so well as when they are removed. If the corns are sligiit
they do not form a sufficient objection to an otherwise good horse; but if
they are extensive, and particulatly if the heels are likewise weak, the horse
should be rejected. — Ed.

HINTS TO THE PURCHASERS OF HORSES.

383

able alteration in form sometimes takes place without causing
lameness.

Cutting is a defect often met with ; and when it is consider-
able, that is, when the scar on the inside is large, the parts sur-
rounding thickened and enlarged, and if it appears also to have
been recently wounded, it maybe deemed a serious imperfection.
Cutting on the inside, and immediately below the knee-joint,
or the speedy cut, as it is termed, is also a material defect, as
it sometimes causes a horse to fall suddenly in trotting or gal-
loping.

The back sinews are next to be examined, by passing the
hand down the back part of the leg. If the tendon or sinew
can be distinctly felt, with the suspensory ligament, which lies
immediately before it; if the tendon feel clean and free from
swelling; and if the leg, on a side view, appear flat, clean, and
sinewy, as it is termed; it may be considered as a sound, well-
formed leg. But if the leg, on a side view, appear rather round
than flat, or rather bent and inclining inwards ; if the sinew
and ligament cannot be distinctly and separately felt ; and par-
ticuiai'ly if one leg is larger than the other ; it may be con-
cluded, that the part has sustained some injury, and that there
is a probability of the horse becoming lame, when put to hard
work.

If any mark be found on the knees, it is the safest plan to in-
fer that it was occasioned by falling, though the seller should
affirm that it happened in going over the bar, stepping into a
boat, or by striking it against the manger.

Few horses are entirely free from splents ; they need not,
tlierefore, be regarded, unless of a large size, immediately below
the knee-joint, or so near the back sinew, or suspensory liga-
ment, as 1,0 interfere with their action, or unless they are tender
on being pressed.

In examining the hind legs, begin with the hock ; and if there
be any spavin, it may be seen most readily by looking between
the hocks, or still better by looking between the fore legs, ra-
ther inclining to one side. The bones, which form the projec-
tion on the inside of the hock, are in some horses rather laro-er
than in others, which should not be mistaken for bone spavin :
but there is no great difficulty in making the distinction, for
should both hocks be affected with spavin, it rarely happens that
they are exactly alike, or of the same size ; and when one hock
only is affected, the difference is sufficiently manifest to point
out the disease. A side view of the hocks should next be taken,
and if there be a curb, it will readily be perceived. Observe, in
the next place, if there be any ringbone upon the pastern, which,
though a considerable defect, does not always produce lameness
but more frequently in the fore leg than the hind. I have lately

384

DISKASES OF THE HOUSE.

seen a mare that was purchased about two years ao-o with a
ringbone on the hind pastern. She was not lame from it and
never has been snice that time, though hunted refjularlv for two
seasons o j

In exammmg the bottom of the liind foot, we have only to
ascertam that it is not affected with canker, or very bad thrushes

Some horses have a tendency to swelling of the hind le<Ts or
to that discharge from the heels which constitutes the dfsease
termed grease ; and horses with while legs seem to be more dis-
posed to this complaint than others. When a horse's hind leers
therefore, appear to be swollen, if the hair about the heels Ap-
pear rough or furzy, or if there be scars on the heels, or an
appearance of their having been affected with cracks or ulcers it
may be inferred that the horse is subject to grease and swelling
or the legs. "

Having finished our examination of the feet and limbs, we
should proceed to the eye, which is an important part, and re-
quires the most careful inspection. The most favourable situa-
tion for viewing the eye is at the stable door, or under a shed •
for when too much light falls upon the eye, so much is reflected
by its cornea, or surface, that it is difficult to see the internal
parts.

The age at which the eyes most frequently become diseased is
from five to six ; next to that, from four to five ; sometimes, but
not often, it happens after six ; after seven the disease rarely
occurs, except from accidents, to which of course, they are
equally exposed at all ages. In purchasing a horse, therefore,
about five years old, it is necessary to be particularly attentive
to the state of the eyes. If they appear dull, cloudy, or watery,
if the lids appear to be more closed than usual, if the inner
corner of the eyelid appear puckered up, and particularly if there
be a manifest difference in the appearance of the eyes, they may
justly be suspected of unsoundness.

Having taken a general view of the eye, the pupil, or dark
bluish oblong spot in its centre, should be plosely and carefully
examined; and if a difference is perceived in the size of the two
pupils, if, instead of a dark blue colour, they appear cloudy,
or if white specks are seen in them, a diseased state of the oro-an
is indicated. I have often observed, however, that when a small
speck has formed in the pupil it does not gradually increase, as
by many it is supposed to do ; on the contrary, I have, in many
instances, known it remain in the same state for years without
causing any material impediment to vision. I should not,
therefore, reject a horse simply on account of this defect; that
is, if the eyes appeared perfectly healthy in every other respect,
and particularly if the speck was small, nearer the edge than the
centre of the pupil, and only in one eye; it would be advis-

HINTS TO THE PURCHASEES OF HORSES.

385

able, however, to be certain that the pupils are alike in size,
that they become small when the eyes are exposed to a strong
light, and enlarge again when the horse is brought into a darker
situation.

When an imperfection is observed in the eye, it is frequently
said to arise from a bite, or blow, or from hay seeds falling into
it ; but though the seller should positively affirm this to be the
cause of the imperfection, I should always be inclined to doubt
it, because experience has taught me that the diseases of the
horse's eye almost always arise froin internal causes ; that, how-
ever trifling in appearance, they are really of a serious nature,
and most commonly, even after they have been apparently cured,
terminate, sooner or later, in blindness. Too much caution,
therefore, cannot be observed in examining this important
part.

When the eyes become inflamed from a blow or bite, or from
any dust getting into them, the disease, although apparently con-
siderable, is seldom of long continuance ; that is, when the injury'
is not severe, and proper means are employed for its I'emoval.
But when the inflammation has subsided, there often remains on
the surface of the eye an opaque spot, or film, as it is termed,
which in severe injuries extends over the whole of the cornea,
or surface of the eye. After a little time, this opacity gradually
diminishes, and sometimes wholly disappears ; more commonly,
however, a small film remains, which does not in any material
degree impede vision ; this defect, therefore, is of no importance,
and may safely be overlooked, provided the purchaser is certain
that the opacity is really on the surface, and not in the pupil of
the eye, and that the other parts appear bright, and free from
every kind of imperfection. As a further security, a condition
may be annexed to the warranty, by which the horse may be re-
turned in three or four months, should the imperfection prove
to be of a serious nature. When a complete cataract takes
place, which is known by the pupil being of a white or pearl
colour, the strength of the other eye is generally restored, and
it rarely becomes diseased afterwards, except from accidents : he
may, therefore, be safely purchased as a one-eyed horse.

We have now to extend our investigation to another point ;
that is, the state of the wind, or, rather, of the luno-s, and
parts connected with them. When a horse is absolutely
broken-winded, there is no difficulty in detecting the disease':
the laborious breathing, or working of the flanks, particularly
in going up a hill, and the short asthmatic cough, are symptoms
which cannot escape observation. Between this state of the
lungs and perfect health there are many degrees, and it is the
intermediate defects that we find most difficulty in discovering.
The criterion by which dealers judge of the state of the wind is

c c

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

by no means a bad one; they make the horse cough by pinching
oi graspmg the top of the windpipe : if the lungs afe^in S
tate which constitute broken wind, or if they are approac nl to

we 1 be mistaken; it is short and husky, exactly like that of an
asthmatic person. _ When this kind of cough I obse ved the
horse should be rejected, even if the motion of the flanks appear
perfectly easy and regular. I have, in several instances ZIZ
broken wind apparently cured by keeping a horse at grass • tha"
IS, he seemed to breathe with ease, anS did not c?ugh when
moderately exercised, but by pinching the throat there was still
that peculiar cough and by keeping him in the stable a few
days, he became as bad as ever. It is advisable, however, for
those who have often occasion to purchase horses, to make them-
selves familiar with the sound of this asthmatic or broken-
winded cough : there will be no difficulty in this, as the com-
plaint is very common. Horses are more liable to coughs than
other domestic animals. The complaint is sometimes of little
importance, and with care easily removed ; it often proves
however, extremely obstinate, and not unfrequently incurable'.
When a horse is observed to have a cough at the time of
purchasing, it is necessary to inquire whether it be a recent
complaint or one of long standing; and this is a point that
cannot be always easily determined. In the old, or chronic
cough, as It is termed, the horse generally appears lively, feeds
heartuly, and appears in every other respect to be in perfect
health ; sometimes the sound of the cough is huskv, or asthmatic,
which indicates a tendency to broken wind; more commonly it
IS loud and clear ; the fit ,of coughing is generally violent, and
the horse often appears as if some extraneous body had got into
the windpipe, and he was endeavouring to cough it up. ^

The chronic cough is most considerable when the horse is
first put in motion ; by continuing the exercise it gradually
ceases, after which the horse may be rode a long journey without
coughing. I have often observed that horses with chronic
cough are very shy of having their throats touched, often rear-
ing and making considerable resistance when any one attempts
to make them cough by grasping the top of the windpipe ; and
in many instances I have observed that they cannot be made to
cough in this way, however strongly the windpipe be grasped :
this, probably, as well as the shyness they manifest on the occasion,
may arise from the trial having been made often upon them.

In the recent cough, the horse generally appears rather dull,
and looks like a horse labouring under a catarrh, or cold : he
readily coughs when the windpipe is pinched; in doing which
there is no difficulty, as the horse seldom makes any considerable
resistance. In the recent cough, moderate trotting is sufficient

HINTS TO THE PURCHASERS OV HORSES.

387

to excite coughing, which is seldom diminished by continuing
the exercise. In the chronic cough, the horse is sometimes re-
lieved by throwing up mucus through the nostrils; and the
cough is often so moderated, by strict attention to his diet and
exercise, as to appear scarcely worth notice. I have also known
it completely suppressed for the space of a day,, by means of
opium. When a horse, therefore, is observed to have a cough
the purchaser may not always be able to determine whether the
complaint be unimportant, or of long standing, and incurable.
In such doubtful cases, it would perhaps be the most prudent
plan to secure himself by having a suitable condition added to
the warranty.

There is another complaint of the lungs, or parts connected
with them, and an incurable one, which the purchaser should be
guarded against. This disease is named roaring, from the
wheezing noise a horse makes when rode fast, particularly when
galloped up a hill : it is sometimes so considerable as to be heard
at a distance of many yards ; but in walking, or moderate exer-
cise, it can seldom be perceived. The method which dealers
usually employ to detect this complaint, at a repository, where no
other trial is allowed, is to whip the horse under the belly, and
make him turn suddenly, or by making him leap over the bar;
if he is a roarer, this sudden exertion causes him to grunt. But
this criterion should never be depended upon when an opportu-
nity offers of galloping the horse.

The age of a horse is known by certain marks in the teeth,
as described in the preceding chapter. When these are worn
out, artificial marks are sometimes made, to make the horse ap-
pear younger than be really is. It often happens, also, that some
of the sucking, or colt's teeth, are drawn out ; in which case they
are soon replaced by horse's, or permanent teeth ; this is done
with a view to make a horse of three or four years old appear
to be five. As experience alone can enable the purchaser to
detect these deceptions, it is advisable to have the age of the
horse always expressed on the warranty ; he can then avail him-
self of the first opportunity that offers of obtaining correct
information on the subject, and if he has been deceived, will,
no doubt, have a right to return the animal.

I have known persons so cautious when about to purchase a
horse, as to examine the neck, and if they find marks of his
having been bled often, they suspect, sometimes justly perhaps,
that he has had some serious complaint. They have also thought
it necessary to inspect the chest, belly, thighs, or the parts
where rowels are usually placed, and if they observe the marks
which generally remain after roweliing, they suspect it was done
for a complaint of the eyes when the mark is under the throat,
or between the branches of the under jawbone ; and if in other

c c 2

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

parts, for what they term humours, that is, swelling of the leffs
or grease. *

Having finished our examination of the horse, as it relates to
soundness we have to inquire if he has any vicious habits, such
as cnb-bitmg, or if he IS in any degree restive

Crib-biting is a vicious habit, which often causes a horse to
become lean and weak, and sometimes renders him very subiect
to flatulent colic It is, therefore, a defect of imporlance and a
frequent cause of unsoundness. In crib-biting CToL lays
hold of the manger with his teeth, and appears to be sucking n
air with an almost convulsive effort, and a slight grunting nSse.
The manner in which this injures a horse ha? no? been s^atisfacl
tonly explained, but it is allowed by all to be an -important
detect It may easily be detected by watching the horse for a
short time in the stable. " o

Restiveness is sometimes discovered by separating a horse
from h,s companion after riding together a few miles, or after
nding him and bringing him back to his stable, by attempting
to ride him off again. On these occasions, if a horse has an?
restiveness he generally discovers it.

Before I finish this chapter, it may be proper to remind
the reader that we rarely meet with a horse that is in every
respect perfect; and though, from the high price of the animal,
It is necessary to be very cautious, yet it is possible, perhaps,
to carry our caution too far; that is, there may be some
trifling imperfection, such as a small splent, which is not worth
noticing. One caution I always think necessary, however per-
tect the horse may appear, and this is, to have a receipt upon
a stamp m the handwriting of the seller, in which the horse is
described, and warranted sound, and free from vice.

This will be found very useful should any defect afterwards
appear which may render it necessary to return the horse. It
is by many thought necessary, when a horse is returned, to
put him into the stable of the seller, or to get him to receive the
horse ; but it has been established in our courts of law that this
IS not necessary, and that it is sufficient to give notice, by a
witness, that the horse is unsound or vicious, or is not what he
was warranted to be, and that he is ready to be delivered up
when sent for.*

It is advisable, after purchasing, neither to have him shoed
nor to give him any medicine, until satisfied, by a sufficient
trial, that he is in evei-y respect sound.

• By tendering the horse, and afterwards placing him at livery, the keep of
an unsound horse after this tender can be recovered ; it is, therefore, the best
plan to adopt when the seller is a solvent and responsible man. If the horse
IS sold to a third party, after due notice given to the dealer, an action can be
brought for the difference between the price given and received by the plaintiff.
It the horse be retamed, the action may be brought for the difference between
tne price given and his real value.— Ed.

HINTS TO THE PURCHASERS OF HORSES.

389

Perhaps I have dwelt longer upon this subject than some of
my readers may think necessary ; but it should be recollected
that it is intended only for those that are inexperienced in
horses. It may be thought, also, that what I have written may
tend to excite an unjust prejudice in the minds of those to whom
it is addressed, or that it may make them over-cautious, and
induce them to reject horses without sufficient reason : but, if
we take into considei-ation the many defects or diseases to which
horses are liable, the difficulty of detecting them, the numerous
deceptions that are practised, and the shifts and evasions some-
times resorted to, I trust that in what I have written the candid
reader will not accuse me of having gone too far, or that it will
excite an undue prejudice against the horse-dealer. I am aware
that there are men in that trade who would descend to the
deceptive practices I have occasionally hinted at, but have no
doubt that there are also to be found among them men of in-
tegrity and honour.

I cannot conclude this subject without advising those who are
satisfied with a moderate degree of goodness in a horse to put
up with a few trifling faults, as it often happens that the rider
is as much in fault as the horse; and after a little use these
trivial faults often disappear.

[There is no money better expended, when purchasing a
valuable horse, than the payment of the ten-shilling fee to a
respectable veterinary surgeon, one whose professional knoiu-
ledge enables him to form, and whose reputation induces him to
give, a correct and honest opinion as to the soundness of a
horse. Through saving this trifling sum hundreds of pounds
have often been subsequently lost. The certificate of a veterinary
surgeon as to the soundness of a horse does not prevent such
horse from being returned should he afterwards manifest such
symptoms as would prove him to be unsound at the time of
sale. Cases may occur in which disease may exist in a latent
form, and which professional vigilance may be unable to detect.
But to one case of this sort there are hundreds in which the
unsoundness would have been detected by the veterinary sur-
geon, though not by the owner or amateur. There are two
grounds on which a horse can be returned, and the value re-
covered. One a breach of warranty, the other on provino- a
fraud. If a horse be warranted sound, free from vice, steady
in harness, and five years old, and he proves either unsound,
VICIOUS, unsteady in harness, or more or less than five years, thi
warranty is broken, and the horse is returnable. The war-
ranty must either be written or be given before a witness, and
must be at or after the time of sale, not before it. It is of little
use the dealer saying that he will warrant the horse unless ho
actually does, and any professions that he may make amount to

c c 3

390

WARRANTY AND SOUNDNESS.

nothing; thus though he were to say the horse was the soundest
ammal ever foaled, or the gentles't creature that eve Tootd
through a collar, it amounts to nothing unless he warrants the
one or the other. A warranty before t witness is betSi than
a written warranty without a witness, but it is not essentfa"
that the latter shou d be written on a stamp provided the re
ceipt for the money is so, ^

A warranty does not extend to any limited time unless speci-
fied accordingly, as at some of the great auction nwts ^ In
former days it used to be the law to\llow a trial of so many

not the case at present.

fr Jd ^T^"^ "^^'^"^^ ^ be returned, that of

fraud, IS more difficult to prove. If a person sells to another a
glandered horse at such a price as the animal would be worth
It sound. It IS an act of fraud, and the buyer can recover the
amount as well as that of the damage, should the infection have
been communicated to other horses belonging to him. If anv
gross deception be practised to hide a fault the horse is re-
turnable on the ground of fraud, though no warranty be given
It is necessary however, that the fault afterwards discovered
should not be of such glaring description that any man of com-
mon judgment would have readily discovered, such as a lar^e
blemish on the knee or the absence of an eye ; for the law eS-
pects the purchaser to exercise common vigilance. In cases
where thei-e exists some temporary unsoundness it is desirable to
have such defect mentioned in the warranty : the horse to be
returnable, or a fair allowance made, if the unsoundness be-
comes permanent. In cases where there is an unsoundness,
but one to which the purchaser does not object, it is desirable
that a qualified warranty should be given, — that is, sound in
every other respect but this one exception. — Ed.]

Soundness,

[In what does soundness consist? This question has been a
subject of the most contradictory opinions, has given birth to
numerous arguments, and has sadly puzzled the heads of lawyers
themselves. Indeed, the most opposite opinions have been ex-
pressed by the learned judges, at various times ; though, at the
present day, when the opinions of veterinary surgeons are al-
lowed more weight than formerly, the decisions of the bench are
much more uniform. Perfect soundness appears to consist in
the total absence of disease, but as this very seldom occurs in
horses that have been used ; and as, from the rarity of its exist-
ence, the strict definition would be useless, it is now understood
to mean that a horse has no disease or alteration of structure

HINTS TO THE PURCHASERS 01? HORSES.

391

that makes him in any respect less useful, or is likely to make
him less useful than he would be without such defect. Soundness
has, therefore, strict reference to utility ; it does not apply to
blemishes, although they may be alterations of structure, and
produced by disease. Freedom from blemishes must be specified
in the warranty, in order to guard against them. With regard
to the greater number of points, veterinary surgeons are pretty
well agreed as to what is unsoundness and what is not ; but there
are some cases in which there is a diiference of opinion : some
practitioners, perhaps, are too strict in their opinion, and others
not strict enough, but there are man)', it is to be hoped, who
preserve the happy medium.

On the following diseases, no doubt can be entertained that
they constitute unsoundness : —

Lameness of all kinds and degrees ;

Diseases of any of the internal viscera ;

Cough of all kinds, as long as it exists ;

Colds or catarrhs, while they last;

Roaring * ; broken wind ; thick wind ;

Grease ; mange ; farcy and glanders ;

Ruptures or hernia of all kinds ;

Megrims, if manifested both before and after the time of sale;

Founder, and convex feet ; also contracted feet, unless natu-
rally so ;

Spavins and ringbones ;

Enlargements of the sinews or ligaments ;

Cataracts and other alterations of structure in the eyes that
impede or are likely to impede vision.

Crib-biting is now considered unsoundness, as, though at first
but a vicious habit, its ultimate effect is to injure both strength
and condition.

The following diseases either may or may not occasion un-
soundness, according to the state or degree in which they

* Some horses make a considerable noise either on first going off or on
being much excited, but which frequently goes off after awhile, and may be
distinguished from roaring by the latter increasing with speed and the former
diminishing. It evidently arises from some peculiar action of the nostrils,
which may be seen to be greatly inflated, and tnus produce a sort of vibration.
It is said that Eclipse, the celebrated race-horse, was a roarer ; if so he must
have been one of this sort. I have known many superior hunters make this
peculiar noise. It does not impede usefulness, and, therefore, although it
may be disagreeable, does not constitute unsoundness ; for Lord Ellenborough
has decided that " if the horse emits a loud noise which is offensive to the ear
merely, from a bad habit which he has contracted, or from any cause which
docs not interfere with his general health and muscular powers, he is still to
be considered a sound horse : on the other hand, if the roaring proceeds from
any disease or organic infirmity, which renders him incapable of performing

the usual functions of a horse, then it docs constitute unsoundness."

Surlces on Wairanli/.

C C 4

S92

WARRANTY AND SOUNDNESS.

wintg^ls?Sbi?!:"."' "■'"'■^ ""™"g>> pins,

moLTLM "Sroo'iilidef .'h '""^ "^^^ ^P-"-^

they ^re large, and LoT^arUelX iflhef T"' 'V'"'"'"-'

they decidedly constitute Lsor„d2s ' °' " """^ "^t'

are'?iSrf„Z„"dr^s3,r'^^

to be struck by the othej'lef Tf t "^^^ ^'''^ "° '^'e<: as

moderate in size, and have listed IT"""''
sionine Iamene« ther h J„„! ■ *°"i>= "me. without occa-
Thorou"h nS'- K-^ 'Constitute unsoundness.

rame^s^^ herefo^Thlv V"'' "'"t^?"^

with stiifiiess I do no, -7 u ^"'^ '''B"" unattended

ri'sV^^h'""^' t — ''n-. but'tiltg^^^Tr:- r^
rarely so. they are. however, always blemishes^ nnlesJ ;:r^

onipH-i=--P-^^^^^^^^^^^ unsofndness

t"Setith"v'isr"'"" ^^^y "any-

Very slight specks on the crystalline lens, evidentlv on it.

soundness. 1 his, however, is a disputed point.

yuidding ,s generally removeable, but, when confirmed it

Dragging the toes of the hind feet so as to wear awav tl..
crust to such a degree as to cause or threaten \renessTclr

SoL^defe'r"' 'JT' ^^-^^'^^ constirteraUmil

- Sea s ttr pV^r^'r r^^^ Flemishes are :

acars, the effects of broken knees; capped hocks solent.
bog spavins, and thorough-pins, even when these defect's do not'
occasion unsoundness; loss of hair from blisters or scai^^ en-

iTTTf''"" u""^' ^""'^S' ^P-'^^ - ^t--^^^ on the cor-
nea, and a few others unnecessary to mention.

Under the term vices we comprehend - restiveness, shying,
st.h P^n/""^'"^, biting, kicking iA the

o ^ 1 Y^^\^'^o^^"g' raving or moving the head from side
to side, stringhalt, confirmed qiiidding or throwing out the

HINTS TO THE PURCHASERS OF HORSES.

393

food. Slipping the halter, or being frequently cast in the
stable, may also amount to vice.

It is the duty of a veterinary surgeon to point out blemishes
and vices too, when he perceives them, and when there are any
doubtful points, such as curbs or specks in the eye, a specific
warranty should be given that such defects shall not prove in-
jurious, within a given time,— a precaution as desirable for the
seller as the buyer. It must be borne in mind, that ahorse may
have serious defects not comprehended in the above description,
yet requiring much vigilance and materially alFecting the value
of the animal, such. as stumbling, dropping, crooked and stale
fore legs ; or, indeed, any bad conformation of importance. —
Ed.]

394

PART IV.

MATERIA MEDICA AND PHARMACOPCEIA.

INTRODUCTION.

The following portion of the work consists of a Materia
Medica that IS, a description of the various articles or druffs
employed in medicine, especially such as are used in veterinary
practice; and a Pharmacopeia, or directions for compoundinff
or mixing them, with occasional observations on the diseases for
wnich they are usually prescribed.

In some former editions the Pharmacopoeia and Materia
Medica formed two distinct parts ; in the present they are in-
corporated; that is, the medicinal article or drug, the class to
which It belongs, and the formulae or receipts, are arranged in
the same alphabet. This plan appeared to the author more con-
venient than that originally adopted. Some readers will perhaps
object to the number and variety of the formulae, as well as to
the number of ingredients which some of them contain; but,
however desirable simplicity may be in medicinal composition,
there is, perhaps, a limit which it would be dangerous to pass.
Un this subject. Dr. Paris, in his Pharmacologia, makes the fol-
lowing remark : « I have already observed that all extravagant
systems tend, in the course of time, to introduce practices of an
opposite kind: this truth finds a powerful illustration in the
history of medicinal combination; and it becomes a serious
question, whether the disgust so justly excited by the pohjphar-
viacy of our predecessors may not have induced the physician of
the present day to carry his ideas of simplicity too far, so as to
neglect and lose the advantages, which in many cases, beyond all
doubt, may be obtained by scientific combination." " I think,"
says Dr. Powel, " it may be asserted, without fear of contradic-
tion, that no medicine compounded of five or six simple articles
has hitherto had its powers examined in a rational manner."
Dr. Fordyce first demonstrated the existence of the singular and
important law, that a combination of similar remedies will pro-
duce a more certain, speedy, and considerable effect, than an
equivalent dose of any single one; thus cathartics not only
acquire a very great increase of power by combination with each
other ; but they are at the same time rendered less irritating in
their operation. The same observation is applied to other

MATERIA MEDICA AND PHAEMACOPCEIA.

395

classes of medicines, especially to diuretics, alteratives, cordials,
and tonics. The sanction of such authorities is sufficient, it is
hoped, to obviate any objections that may be made to the com-
plexity of some of the formulae : and though the structure of the
human stomach and parts connected with it is so different from
those of the horse, as to render all analogical reasoning as to the
effect of medicine uncertain, yet we have been too precipitate,
perhaps, in dismissing it almost entirely from our consideration.
There are several medicines, such as sugar of lead, white vitriol,
&c., which produce scarcely any effect on the horse, though of
considerable power in the human body ; yet it is not very impro-
bable that such medicines when given daily for some time in
small doses may produce a salutary effect, or even prove delete-
rious when largely and incautiously so employed. Arsenic has
been given to a horse in a dose of two drachms twice a day, for
several days, without any considerable effect being produced ;
but in one case a sixth part of that quantity occasioned a fatal
inflammation of the stomach and bowels. When the stomach of
a horse is in a healthy state, it will bear an astonishing quantity
of medicines which in the human stomach are either poisonous
or powerful medicinal agents ; but in some diseased states of the
horse's stomach, which are not unfrequent, the same medicines,
or others commonly deemed innocent, will produce a powerful
and even fatal effect. Mr. James Clark relates two cases of this
kind: — one of the horses died from taking a pint of vinegar,
and the other from taking a drench in which there was one
ounce of nitre and half an ounce of spirit of hartshorn. The
experiments that have been made with a view to ascertain the
effect of medicine upon the horse should not be too confidently
depended upon, as they have genei'ally been made on glandei'ed
horses, or such as were incurably lame ; in which case it may
fairly be presumed that the stomach was in a healthy state. The
experiments that have been tried also to ascertain the effect of
tobacco on the horse afford a striking proof of the propriety of
attending to this circumstance. At the Veterinary College an
immense dose (it has been stated three pounds, in infusion,) has
been given without any perceptible effect; at Exeter a much
smaller quantity, not exceeding, 1 believe, two or three ounces,
was infused in a quart of beer during the night, and in the
morning given to a horse at one dose ; immediately after taking
it the animal fell down and died.

From considei'ations of this kind, the Author has been led to
believe, that simplicity of prescription in veterinary as well as
human medicine, may be carried too far ; and that many useful
medicines, and combinations of medicines, or receipts, may be
improperly dismissed from the Veterinary Materia Medica and
Pharmacopoeia, were we to confide too much in the experiments

396

MATERIA MEDICA

that have been made on the healthy stomach, or attempt to form
general rules or deductions from one, two, or three experiment^
however carefully they may have been conducted. There is onlv
one source from which any precise or really useful knowledge of
this mteresting subject can be derived; that is, a careful and im-
partial observation, and an accurate recollection of the symptoms of
diseases, and the effects of such medicines, whether sirnple or corn-
pound, as are employed for their removal.

cines

With respect to the names of the simple and compound medi-
.es, the Author has for the most part employed those of the
last London Dispensatory, by Thomson, 1830; but he has
given also the older and more common names, and in such a
manner as may make the general reader, or the young Veteri-
narian, familiar with both : for our medical nomenclature, even
when founded on chemistry or botany, will probably be variable
and uncertain.

[The additions made by the Editor of the present edition are
by no means numerous. They consist principally of some new
medicines, whose effects have been ascertained to be useful or
valuable in the horse. In supplying this, he has had free re-
course to the Veterinary Pharmacopoeia, lately published by
Mr. Morton, Lecturer on Chemistry at the Veterinary College to
whose valuable work he begs to refer for a more scientific acquaint-
ance with the greater portion of medicines used for animals.

In former Editions, the names and properties of a number of
medicines were given which had either never been tried, or had
been found useless for the horse ; these have been freely erased,
as their retention could have answered no useful end. There
are some medicines, however, whose use and value for animals
have been disputed, being praised by some and condemned by
others ; these have been retained in order to afford every facility
to those who would again try their effects : the convenience of
parties in situations where particular medicines cannot be ob-
tained has also been considered in the present Edition. The
Editor, in condensing this portion of the work, has endeavoured
to render it more valuable. — Ed.]

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.

The measures employed in medicine are of two kinds, one for
solids, the other for liquids. But tliere ai-e some fluids much
heavier than water, such as sulphuric acid and Goulard's Ex-
tract; and thex'e are others much lighter, such as ether and
alcohol or spirit of wine; such liquids are, therefore, sold by

AND PHARMACOPffilA.

397

weight. Formerly a drop was the smallest liquid measure ; this-
being found very variable, depending upon the size and form of
the vessel from which the liquid was dropped, upon the density
of the liquid, and other circumstances, a more correct and con-
venient method has been established. For this purpose a small
glass measure is made, in which the drachm, or sixty grains, is
divided into sixty parts, which are named minims ; it is therefore
named a minim glass, and the term minim is substituted in pre-
scriptions or I'eceipts for drops.

lAquid Measure.

Medical
character.

60 minims M. minim 1 drachm

8 drachms 3 drachm 1 ounce

1 6 ounces ^ ounce 1 lb. or pint

2 pints or lbs. . . . ife pound 1 quart

4 quarts qrt. quart 1 gallon.

The Latin word Octarium is sometimes used for pint, and
Congius for gallon; Cyathus, a tea-cup full; Cochleare Mag-
num, a table-spoonfuU, or about half an ounce ; Cochleare Me-
dium, a dessert-spoonful, or about 2 drachms ; Cochleare Mini-
mum, a tea-spoonful, or 1 drachm.

Dry Measure (Troy).

Medical
character.

20 grains gr. grain 1 scruple

3 scruples 9 scruple 1 drachm

8 drachms 5 drachm 1 ounce

12 ounces ^ ounce 1 pound*

ffe pound.
M. or Manipulus, signifies a handful.
P. or Pugillum, the 8th part of a handful.

In reading French medical or veterinary books, some difficulty
is experienced in bringing their measures to correspond with
ours, in consequence of their having adopted a decimal division,
both in their liquid and dry measure, and they also appear to
feel a similar inconvenience from the difference between the old
and the new division of measure. For example : in Thomson's
London Dispensatory, the French gramme is staled to be equal
to 15-444 grains, or about 15 grains and a half. Dr. Nysten, in
his Dictionnaire Medicale, makes the gramme amount to 20
grains; and in Bourgelat's Matiere Medicale, by Huzard, it is
stated to be equal to 18 grains. There appear to be some errors

* Medicines are bought and sold by Avoirdupois weight, in which the
pound consists of sixteen ounces, or one fourth more than Troy weight.

398

MATERIA MEDICA

in Di. Thomson's Tables, and it is equally dear, that neither
JNysten or Huzard are correct. The following table of French
medical weights is from Nysten's French Medical Dictionary • —

Livre, the pound

Once, the ounce ^

Scrupule, the scr, 9

Grain Q

Equal to

New Names.
Hectogrammes
12 oz. 31

Grammes
1 dr. 32
Gramme
20 gr. 1

Centigrammes
5

12 oz. are equal to 3i hectogrammes, new weights

1 ounce to 32

1 drachm to 4

1 scruple to 1

1 grain to 5

grammes
grammes
gramme
centigrammes.

There is an obvious error in this table; for if one gramme is
equal to one scruple, four grammes must exceed one drachm. If,
therefore, four grammes are equal to one drachm, one gramme can
only be equivalent to fifteen grains, instead of a scruple or twenty
grains. Ihe following tables are also taken from Nysten's Dic-
tionary : —

Old Measures. New Measures.

Decilitre. Centilitres.

1 poisson 125 grammes, or 1 2

1 demi setier.... 250 or 2 5

1 chopine 500 or 5 0

1 pinte 1000 or 1 litre 0 .'. 0

New Measures. Qld Measures.

Grammes lb. oz. dr.
1 Centilitre, equal to 10 or 0 0 ^ about a spoonful (cuilleree)

1 Decihtrc 100 or 0 3 1 about f of a poisson

1 Litre 1000 or 2 0 3i a little more than a quart.

In Crabb's Technological Dictionary, the French litre is
stated to be equal to the 35th part of an English bushel, which
contains 8 gallons or 32 quarts.

In Nysten's last table, 1 centilitre is said to be equal to 10
grammes, or half a drachm. This is ^ considerable error ; for if
the gramme be taken only at 15 grains, 10 grammes would amount
to 150 grains, or 2A drachms.

AND PHARMACOPCEIA.

399

VETERINARY MATERIA MEDICA AND
PHARMACOPCEIA.

ABLUENTS (from ahluo, to wash away). Medicinal liquids,
or water slightly impregnated with mucilage, such as bran tea,
or white water, linseed tea, or decoction ot marshmallows, which
Ze supposed o wash away or carry off gradually any noxious
matter^there may be in the stomach or bowels, the biliary or
nrinarv oassafes, or the blood.

ABSORBENTS. Medicines that absorb or neutralise any
acid matter there may be in the stomach or bowels. Of this
kind are potash, soda, magnesia, chalk, common clay and earth;
the two last owe their absorbent properties to the carbonate ot
lime they contain. The formation of acid m the stomach de-
pends on some derangement of that important organ, which is
brouo-ht on by the improper quantity or quality of the animal s
food" It will be to little purpose, therefore, to give medicine to
absorb the acid, unless the state of the stomach be corrected,
which cannot be done without avoiding the cause which dis-
ordered it This morbid state of the stomach, and consequent
formation of an acid in it, is very common among horses, and is
indicated by a disposition to eat earth or drink muddy water,
especially when it is rendered turbid by clay or chalk ; and for
want of these they will gnaw or lick the walls of the stable, or
the dirt from their stalls, or eat their litter. This state of the
stomach appears to be brought on by eating too much hay,
especially when the hay is indifferent or bad ; and this propen-
sity to eat too much hay is acquired gradually, by keeping young
horses idle in the stable with a rack full of hay before them, and
allowing them too much water ; also by irregular feeding, that
is, keep?ng them fasting too long, and then giving them as much
as they choose to eat and drink ; or by giving them bad hay, and
an insufficient quantity of oats, or bad oats as well as bad hay;
exposing the animal to cold and wet, when heated and fatigued
by exercise, will disorder the stomach, and immoderate work
will do the same. In whatever manner this morbid condition of
the stomach is brought on, it must be obvious, after what has
been said, that absorbent medicines can only act as palliatives,
and as such they are certainly useful. It is advisable, however,
to give in the first place a mild dose of physic. If good hay
cannot be procured, some good straw may be substituted for it,
and a mash of fresh, sweet bran, or pollard, by some named

400

MATERIA MEDICA

gurgings. When new or musty oats are the cause of the disease,
and better cannot be had, they should be dried on a malt kiln :
or some barley that has been boiled or steeped for twenty or thirty
hours in water may be given. The farinaceous or saccharine
roots, such as potatoes, parsnips, mangel-wurzel, or carrots, may
be found useful, especially if cooked by steam. Though an im-
provement in diet is the remedy to be mainly relied upon for
restoring the stomach to health, there are other circumstances
to be attended to, which may hasten or assist in the cure. Pure
an-, regular exercise, assiduity and kindness in the groom, and
the society of other horses, will greatly exhilarate the animal's
spirits, and thereby improve the digestive function. When the
season is favourable, a run at grass in short sweet pasture is
perhaps the most effectual remedy of all.

Though animals are led by instinct to eat dirt and drink
muddy water, in order to allay the irritation caused by an acid
in the stomach, much mischief has sometimes arisen from allowing
horses to indulge such an appetite. Mr. Feron states, that many
fatal attacks of colic have been produced by horses eating earth
or sand when at camp, as it accumulates and forms large balls
in the bowels ; that he has opened horses that died from this
cause, and found nearly two buckets of sand in the caecum and
colon (the large bowels). Hard stones of considerable size are
sometimes found in horses' bowels, most commonly in millers'
horses. I have seen one that weighed eight pounds, and I think
there is one in the Museum of the Veterinary College, that
weighs ten pounds. Cattle that are tied up during the winter
often acquire a propensity to lick up earth ; they also, as their
coats become loose on the approach of spring, are frequently
licking themselves, and often swallow a great deal of hair, which
is formed into balls in the stomach, and sometimes occasions
serious disorders. I have known a great number of these balls
discharged by the d roves of cattle that pass through Oak-hill,
towards Benegar Fair, in Whitsun week; some of them as large
as a man's fist. Calves, when fattening, are often fed so injudi-
ciously, as to bring on serious disorders of the stomach. This
organ in the calf, and probably in all animals, has the property
of coagulating milk; but when it is disordered by being over-
loaded with milk, or by drinking stale milk, or milk from a cow
that has a bad udder, an acid appears to be formed in the
stomach, which sometimes coagulates the milk suddenly, and
forms it into hard indigestible curds, similar to cheese; I have
known calves and lambs die from this cause. It is a common
pi'actice with farmers, to give young lambs chalk, mixed with
barley or oatmeal, when fattening them. This certainly does
some good, by correcting the acidity of the stomach ; but still
they are often affected with either diarrhoea, or costivcness, and

AND PHARMACOPCEIA. 401

loss of appetite, and sometimes with colic and convulsions It
would be much better, therefore, in fattenmg calves, to adopt a
practice more conformable to nature.

Absorhents.

No. 1. Subcarbonate of soda 2 to 4 dr.

Ginger I d^.

■ Columbo root, powdered 2 to 4 dr.

Mix for one dose.

No. 2. Prepared Chalk 4 dr.

Gentian root, powdered 2 to 4 dr.

Aromatic powder 1 to 2 dr.

No. 3. Aloes 3 dr.

Rhubarb 3 or 4 dr.

Subcarbonate of soda 2 or 3 dr.

Ginger 1 to 2 dr.

Treacle enough to form the ball.

Remark. — Nos. 1 and 2. are absorbent and stomachic, and
may either be given in a little gruel, water, or beer, as a drench,
or made into a ball with treacle. Should there be no con-
venience for giving either of these, the horse would probably
swallow them with his food or water, especially if the bitter
powders were omitted.

No. 3. is a gentle purgative, as well as absorbent and stomachic,
and is that which should be preferred when a horse can be
spared from his work for a day or two. The receipts Nos. 1 and
2. may be i-epeated daily as long as it is necessary ; and at an in-
terval of a week or ten days the purgative may be repeated.

ACACIA CATECHU, commonly, but improperly, called
Terra Japonica, or Japan Earth, and Catechu, or more properly
Extract of Catechu, is obtained from the inner dark-coloured
wood of an Acacia tree, which grows plentifully in the mountains
of Kankana, in Hindostan, and flowers in June. The wood is
boiled in water, and when strained off and boiled down to one-
third part, is set in a place to cool for one day, and afterwards
the evaporation is completed by the heat of the sun. There are
two varieties of this extract ; one brought from Bengal, the
other from Bombay. The latter kind is of a pale reddish-brown
colour, and is generally in small square cakes ; the other is in
round masses, of a deep chocolate colour internally, with the
hue of rusty iron on the outside ; it is heavier than the pale, its
specific gravity being generally about 1*39, possesses more
astringency, and should therefore be preferred. Catechu is a
powerful astringent, and is given in obstinate diarrhoea, as the
scouring of cattle, and in diabetes, or excessive staling. I have

D D

402

MATERIA MEDICA

given it also with good effect in bloody urine. In tlie two
latter diseases, I have given it with opium, ginger, and some-
times with alum ; and in the first with allspice, caraway seeds,
and ginger, simmered in half a pint of table beer, and afterwards
mixed with half a pint of good ale, or strong beer. The dose
of catechu is from 1 to 4 drachms. I am inclined to think that it
would be found a useful tonic, in habitual or constitutional
weakness of bowels ; that is, in horses that scour from any un-
usual exercise, or upon drinking cold water; also in cases of
general debility. Alkaline salts destroy the astringent powers
of catechu, and metallic salts form with it insoluble compounds.

ACACIZE GUMMI, ACACIA GUM. Gum Arabic. This
gum is procured from the bark of a species of mimosa, which is
very common in Egypt, and Arabia Petraea. Several other
trees also produce it, and it is remarkable that the barks of those
trees from which it is obtained are extremely bitter. Cherry
and plum trees are an instance of this. There are two principal
sorts of gum Arabic, one procured from the Levant, another
from the East Indies. The latter is the darkest, is not so
readily soluble in water, and forms a thicker mucilage than the
former. The mucilage of acacia is formed by gradually adding
half a pint of boiling water to four ounces of the gum in powder,
until they form a mucilage. Although it exerts no specific
action upon the system, still it is extremely useful as a demul-
cent, forming, as it were, a coat which shields those parts
through which it passes from the action of acrid substances. It
is prescribed in inflammation or irritation of the fauces and
alimentai-y canal, and in painful affections of the urinary organs.

ACETATE. A salt formed by combining acetic acid or
pure vinegar with an alkali, an earth, or a metallic oxide.
There are several acetates used in Veterinary Medicine, each of
which will be noticed under its i*espective name.

Acetate of Ammonia, Solution of. — Liquor Ammonice
Acetatis. Formerly named Mindererus's Spirit, and is made by
adding vinegar to carbonate of ammonia in powder, until it
ceases to produce effervescence ; about an ounce of the carbonate
of ammonia will be sufficient for two pints of vinegar. It may
also be made, by adding spirit of hartshorn to vinegar till it
tastes neither salt nor sour. Mr. Blaine strongly recommends
this medicine in febrile disease, and epidemic catarrh when
debility is present combined with camphor and camomile. Its
action is diaphoi*etic, slightly diuretic and tonic, the dose from 4
to 6 ounces. The Editor has given it in influenza with good
effect.

Acetate of Copper. — Cupri Di-acetas. This was formerly
named crystallised verdigris, and distilled verdigris. It is com-
posed of the oxide of copper and acetic acid. It is sometimes

AND PHARMACOPCEIA.

403

employed finely powdered as an escharotic to cleanse foul ulcers,
and has been used with success as a remedy for quittors.

Acetate of Lead. — Plumbi Acetas. Is made by mixing one
pint of strong acetic acid (vinegar) with a pint and a half of
boiling distilled water, and then adding gradually one pound of
subcarbonate of lead. The solution is then to be filtered
through paper and evaporated until a thin pellicle appears on its
surface, when it may be put by in order that crystals may form.
These, after pouring off the water, are to be dried upon blotting
paper. The superacetate of lead is commonly named Sugar of
Lead, and the liquid subacetate, Goulard's Extract of Lead.
Mr. Morton recommends sugar of lead for internal haemorrhage,
and for protracted diarrhoea and diabetes in doses from half a
drachm to a drachm. Sugar of lead has been given internally ;
but I consider all the preparations of lead not only unnecessary,
but dangerous as internal remedies, though one very large dose
may be given without any perceptible effect. Animals have
often been poisoned by grazing in the neighbourhood of lead
mines ; this is well known in the parish of Wookey, near Wells.
The disease thus produced is there named mindering ; or rather
the animals so affected are said to be mindered.

ACETIC ACID and ACETOUS kCm.—Acidum Aceti-
um ; Acidum Acetosum. See Acids and Vinegar.

ACIDIFICATION. A natural or artificial operation, by
which an acidifiable substance, becoming saturated with oxygen,
acquires the property of an acid. The acidified substance is
called the base, and its name designates the particular acid of
which it forms a part. Thus, the base of sulphuric or carbonic
acid is sulphur and carbon.

ACIDS. All substances whether solid or liquid, which have
a sour taste, are termed acids, although it by no means follows
that all acids are sour ; prussic acid, for instance, is not so.
Most acids are composed of oxygen, in combination with a com-
bustible base, and when several acids have the same base, united
with different proportions of oxygen, the name of that which
contains the larger portion terminates in ic, while that of the
one combined with the smaller quantity ends in ous ; thus nitric,
nitrous; phosphoric, phosphorous; sulphuric, sulphurous; &c.
Acids possess the property of changing the blue juices of
vegetables into red, and of readily combining with alkalies,
earths, and metallic oxides, forming with them various kinds of
salts, which are used in medicine. Of this kind are the pre-
parations commonly named Glauber's salt, Epsom salt, blue and
white vitriol, sugar of lead, &c. : each of these will be noticed
under its respective name. Acids are divided into three classes-
viz. mineral, vegetable, and animal acids. The mineral acids
used in veterinary practice are the sulphuric, the nitric, and the

D D 2

404

MATERIA MEDICA

muriatic. Of the vegetable only two : viz., the acetic, or acetous
acid, commonly named vinegar ; and the tartaric acid, or rather
the combination of it, with a small proportion of potash, which
is named cream of tartar : no other acids are employed.

Acid, Acetous or Acetic. — Acidum Aceticum. A strong
acetic acid is now very commonly obtained from wood, by dis-
tillation in iron cylinders. When all the acid and other volatile
parts have been expelled, there remains in the iron cylinder the
best kind of charcoal. The liquid is at first very impure, and
commonly named pyroligneous acid, but by another process it is
purified, and becomes a pure and powerful acetic acid. It has
of late been much used for medical as well as culinary purposes.
Strong acetic or pyroligneous acid is about six times the
strength of common vinegar. It is very useful and convenient
for veterinary purposes, either as a rubefacient, an antiseptic, or
an ingredient in cooling lotions. For veterinary purposes,
common vinegar will do very well. Hot vinegar is sometimes
used as a fomentation for deep-seated sti'ains; it is used also
with water as a cooling lotion ; sometimes it is employed with
the addition of crude sal ammoniac (muriate of ammonia) and
spirit of wine ; it is seldom given internally. Mr. James Clark
relates a case of a horse dying immediately after being drenched
with a pint of vinegar. Combined with water it forms an ex-
cellent lotion for washing out small particles of lime from the
eye.

Acid, Muriatic. (New name, Hydrochloric Acid.) —
Acidum Hydrochloricum. Commonly called spirit of salt. This
is sometimes used externally as a caustic, and is an excellent
agent in neutralising putrid miasmata. When united with
earths, alkalies, or metallic oxides, it forms muriates. Muriatic
acid is now denominated hydrochloric acid, the real acid con-
tained in the liquid preparation being composed of equal volumes
of chlorine and hydrogen. On exposure to the air it emits
fumes which are readily seen. It has been given with advantage
in cases of calculi, in doses of one drachm to three in a pint of
water, continued for some time. Its effect is to soften and even
dissolve the calcareous body.

Acid, Nitric and Nitrous. — Acidum Nitricum et Nitrosum.
Both these are powerful caustics. The first is limpid or colour-
less, and transparent like water; the nitrous acid is of a dark
yellow colour, and gives off suffocating fumes of a deep yellow
colour on opening the bottle in which it is kept. This acid is
obtained by the action of sulphuric acid on nitre. Some useful
external applications are made from nitrous acid, especially
nitrate of silver or lunar caustic, and nitric oxide of mercury or
red precipitate. Sweet spirit of nitre, now named spirit of
nitrous ether, is made by the distillation of nitric or nitrous acid

AND PHAIlMACOPailA.

405

(for there is but little difference in their medicinal properties),
and alcohol or spirit of wine. That very useful salt named
nitre is composed of nitric acid and potash. When nitric or
nitrous acid is diluted with an equal quantity of water, it forms
aquafortis. Nitrous acid or aqua fortis should be kept in a
bottle with a glass stopper, as a cork is soon destroyed by it.
When quicksilver or copper are dissolved in nitrous acid, they
are employed as remedies for the foot rot in sheep, or the canker
in horses, either alone or diluted with water, or they may be
mixed with hog's lard, provided the latter be first melted, and
the mixture stirred until it becomes cold. Nitric acid forms
nitrates, when combined with the alkalis, earths, or metallic
oxides.

Acid, Prussic. " New name, Hydrocyanic Acid, Acidum
Hydrocyanicum. This acid is composed of hydrogen and
chlorine. It is a most powerful poison ; a few drops being
sufficient to destroy many large animals.

" By the Pharmacopoeia, it is directed to be prepared of such
strength, that two parts of real acid shall be contained in 100
parts of the dilute acid. Dilute hydrocyanic acid is a trans-
parent, liquid, free from colour. Its action is that of a power-
ful sedative, and may be given to the horse in doses of from
half a drachm to a drachm and even more ; for it is surprising
what large doses, when gradually increased, this animal will
bear. I have administered four fluid drachms ; and although
the action was very violent for a time, there being a loss of con-
sciousness, with convulsive movements, stertorous breathing, and
accelerated pulse, yet this passed away, and then its sedative in-
fluence was shown by the pulse being lessened in frequency, and
the vital powers depressed. It has been given in cases of gastric
and pulmonary irritation, accompanied with cough ; also in
carditis ; and by some it is advocated as a vermifuge, slowly
thrown up as an enema, in quantities of a drachm two or three
times in the day, and mixed with about a quart of water, it has
been found to lessen the muscular contractions in tetanus. The
impression of the first injection on the nervous sj'stem is very
powerful, but subsequent ones produce comparatively little
action that is apparent. It may be given by the mouth in the
same disease, after the bowels have been acted upon by a pur-
gative, combining it with other sedatives for the purpose of
tranquillising the excitement of the motor nerves, and thus
allaying the general muscular spasm." — See Morton's Manual.

Acid, Sulphuric. — Acidum Sulphuricum. Vitriolic acid, or
oil of vitriol. This is the strongest of the mineral acids, and a
very powerful caustic. It was formerly made by distilling green
vitriol, or copperas (sulphate of iron), and then named vitriolic
acid; it is now made from sulphur, and therefore named sul-

D D 3

MATERIA MEDICA

phimc acid. Sulpluiric acid is sometimes used as a caustic in
canker of the horse's foot; it is sometimes mixed, or rather com-
bined, with oil of turpentine, and forms witli it a blackish lini-
ment, which, when mixed with hog's lard, is sometimes used to
disperse callous tumours; and this, by adding some powdered
cantharides to it, forms a strong blister (see Blisters) ; and, bv
the addition of sulphur, a good mange ointment. Sulphuric
acid (in a small proportion, such as a few drops to an ounce)
will unite by shaking, with olive oil, and form a good stimulating
iiniment*; and when mixed with tar in the proportion of from
one or two ounces to the pound, it forms an excellent application
lor bad thrushes and canker of the foot. For internal use
sulphuric acid is sometimes mixed with spirit of wine, and in this
mixture spices, such as cinnamon and ginger, are steeped. This
preparation was formerly named elixir of vitriol, and new aro-
matic sulphuric acid. A spirit of vitriol is kept in the shops,
which is nothing more than sulphuric acid diluted with seven or
eight times its weight of water. Sulphuric acid mixed with
alcohoJ, and distilled, forms that powerful medicinal preparation
named ether. It forms neutral salts, named sulphates, when
combmedwith the alkalies, earths, and metallic oxides; thus,
with soda, it forms sulphate of soda, or Glauber's salt; with
magnesia, sulphate of magnesia, or Epsom salt; with copper,
sulphate of copper, or blue vitriol ; with zinc, sulphate of zinc,
or white vitriol ; and with iron, sulphate of iron, salt of steel, or
green copperas. When pure, sulphuric acid should be as colour-
less and transparent as water. By exposure to the atmosphere
It quickly becomes of a brown colour. Horses have been de-
stroyed by the administration of too large a quantity of sulphuric
acid, either wilfully or by mistake. It soon inflames and cor-
rodes the stomach, and renders the mouth black. The antidotes
are magnesia, the carbonates of soda or potash, or soap, the
effect of which is to neutralise the acid by combining with it.

Acid, Tartaric. See Tartar.

Acid, Vitriolic. See Acid, Sulphuric.

ACONITUM. Wolfsbane. Common Monkshood. This
is a perennial plant, which flowers in July, and is a native of the
Alpine forests, and of the mountains of Germany. Its properties
are narcotic, diaphoretic, and diuretic, but it loses most of its
medicinal qualities by being dried. It has been fairly tried on
horses in this country and in France, and found to be extremely
deleterious. M. Collaine, a veterinary professor at Milan, has
given it to horses affected with farcy, in the large dose of one
ounce and a half daily. It distressed the animals extremely,

* The common black oil of farriers, a useful digestive application, is made
by mixing two ounces of oil of turpentine with a pint of oJive oil, and then
ailding SIX drachms of sulphuric acid.

AND PHARMACOPCEIA.

407

without producing any good eflFect upon farcy sores. Bemg
satisfied of its inefficacy as a remedy for the disease, as well as of
its deleterious quality, it was discontinued, and the poor animals
were killed. Mr. Coleman gave it a trial, and was so satisfied,
after a few experiments, of its being merely a poison with regard
to the horse, that he has never repeated the experiment.

ACORUS CALAMUS. Sweet Flag. This is found in
most parts of Europe, growing in marshes or streams of water.
It flowers in May and June, and is an excellent stomachic. Its
dose in powder is from one to two ounces, mixed with bran or
honey ; in infusion from four to six ounces may be given with
two quarts of water.

ADEPS. Hog's Lard. Lard is emollient, and is chiefly
used in the composition of ointments. If long exposed to a warm
air it attracts oxygen from the atmosphere, for which it has a
strong affinity, and becomes rancid.

AIR. As the health of horses materially depends upon the
salubrity of the air in which they are kept, it is probable that
many of their diseases arises from the little attention that is paid
to the ventilation of stables. It has been said that even the
glanders, a fatal and contagious disease, has been generated by
confining horses in an impure air. It is a common practice with
grooms, particularly those who fancy themselves profoundly
skilled in the art of farriery, to stop every crevice they can find
in the stable, so that pure air is with difficulty admitted; and the
noxious vapours arising from the litter, from perspiration and
respiration, are in a great measure confined. Horses thus
situated must necessarily suffer in a greater or less degree;, and
though the air may not be so contaminated as to occasion fatal
diseases, it is sufficiently so to debilitate the constitution, and
thereby lay a foundation for numerous complaints, as well as to
create local diseases, such as inflamed eyes, obstinate coughs,
and perhaps moon blindness, as it is termed. Horses that have
weak eyes and lungs are sure to be injured by this treatment.
Another inconvenience arising from it is that of rendering a horse
very susceptible of cold. Ventilation is, therefore, an object of
great importance in the construction of stables ; and is most con-
veniently obtained by making proper apertures in the ceiling, com-
municating with the external air ; or by means of windows, adapted
to the form and size of the stable. It is a bad method of ventila-
tion to leave the upper parts of the racks open, so as to commu-
nicate with the roof of the building, as a current of air is thereby
produced in a stall, over the horse's head. The litter should not
be suffered to remain in the stall during the day, but be removed
to some open place and well shaken, that the ammoniacal
vapours it affords may be thoroughly dissipated. Should it be

D D 4

MATERIA MEDICA

necessary for a horse to lie down in the day-time, he should be
allowed fresh straw.

ALCOHOL. — Spiritus Rectificatus. Alcohol. Rectified
spirit. This is obtained by the distillation of fermented liquors
in a diluted state; it is afterwards rectified or concentrated by a
second or third distillation more gradually conducted, and with
less heat. Alcohol is extensively employed in medicine, chiefly
in making tinctures; with an equal quantity of water it forms
proof spirit {spiritus tenuior), the most usual form in which
It IS employed. The strength of alcohol is sometimes judged
a I u, f 'P'"'^' ^"^ observing the- length of time

the bubbles thus created on its surface remain; but this is a
most uncertain criterion. Another method is to pour a few
drops of it upon gunpowder, in order to ascertain whether it is
capable of making it explode; but, if it be not strong enough
to do so, this experiment affbrds no certain data for judgino-
of its strength. A simple mode of determining the relative de°
grees of strength possessed by spirits, is to take a phial capable of
containing 500 grains of distilled water. Rectified spirit of
equal bulk should weigh 418 grains, and proof spirit 465. Proof
spirit, either in the form of brandy, rum, or gin, or made into a
cordial tincture, by having some spices or bitters steeped in it,
is sometimes given to horses as a cordial or carminative, when
fatigued before they arrive at the end of their journey, or when
seized with the fret or gripes. From 2 to 4 or 6 oz. diluted
with water are the doses generally employed. If a horse is
unaccustomed to this cordial, or to beer, a small dose will
generally be sufficient. When we consider that the excitement
produced by cordials, especially diluted spirit or beer, is only
temporary, that it causes a greater flow of nervous power or
animal spirit towards the stomach in particular, and likewise to
all the muscular system, it must appear evident that it has a
tendency to weaken the sensorium or brain, as is proved by the
excitement it produces being always followed by more or less
depression in the stomach, and all the organs of the body, ac-
cording to the degree of excitement that has been produced,
l^rom this consideration it is obvious that we should be cautious
in the use of spirituous cordials, and not give stronger doses than
are necessary. It is not an unusual thing to give two bottles
(about a pint) of Daffy's Elixir, a tincture made with proof
spirit, at a dose ; sometimes undiluted, and even mixed with
pepper. Haifa pint of gin, and two ounces of pepper, is not an
unusual dose with stable-men for gripes or fret ; and as it often
cures the disease they think nothing of the consequences.
Mr. Bracy Clark recommends four ounces of a tincture of all-
spice, made with proof spirit, as an excellent remedy for the

AND PIIAIIMACOPCEIA.

409

gripes or fi-et; and such I have no doubt it is, especially if made
with old brandy. I have been assured by a veterinary surgeon,
that he once cured a horse of gripes by a dose of hot water ; and
it is by no means unlikely that a warm infusion of some of our
medicinal herbs, such as peppermint, pennyroyal, rosemary, &c.,
would be found effectual, especially if a glass of gin wex-e added
to it. I have experienced the good effect of giving a horse a
little brandy and water when fatigued, and off his feed during a
journey; it generally restores the appetite, and enables him to
finish his joui'ney with comfort.
ALE. See Beer.

ALKALIES. Alkalies form one of the classes of saline
bodies, and are of three kinds: 1st, The vegetable alkali, kali,
or potash. 2d, The mineral alkali, soda or natron : and the
volatile alkali, or ammonia. Each of these will be described
under the following heads, potash, soda, and ammonia ; which
names are employed by the London College of Physicians.
Alkalies are distinguished by their changing blue vegetable
colours to a green, and yellow to orange; by combining rapidly
with acids, and forming with them neutral salts (see Acids) ;
and by rendering oils miscible with water. (See Emulsions and
Soap.) The vegetable and mineral alkalies, from not being
evaporable, except in a high degi'ee of heat, were termed fixed :
and ammonia, being evaporable in a low temperature, obtained
the name of volatile alkali.

ALKANET ROOT. — Anchusa Radix. The best species
of this root is imported from France. It is used for imparting a
beautiful red colour to oils, ointments, and plasters, and to pre-
parations of alcohol and ether.

ALLSPICE. — Pimenta Baccce. Jamaica pepper, a power-
ful cordial and carminative ; the dose from 2 to 3 or 4 drachms.
Mr. Bracy Clark, in a book he has published on flatulent or
spasmodic colic, or gripes, strongly recommends a tincture of
allspice in proof spirit, as an effectual or sovereign remedy for
that disorder. The dose about 4 to 6 oz. in water.

ALOES. — Aloe. This is the inspissated juice of certain
plants of the same name, and the most effectual purgative for
horses we are acquainted with. It is of an intensely bitter taste,
and of a strong unpleasant odour.

The different sorts of aloes are distinguished by the names of
the places whence they are brought.

SocoTRTNE Aloes* is brought from the island of Socotra, in
the Indian Ocean, and is supposed to be more safe in its oper-
ation than the other kinds. It is of a dark reddish or yellowish-

* The Socotrine aloes, Mr. Morton statea, is no longer to be met with in
the market. It was an extract from the same aloes as the Cape, viz. the spiked
aloe. — Ed.

410

MATEKIA MEDICA

red colour, quite opaque, perfectly soluble in alcohol or water,
and has a less disagreeable smell than the others ; when reduced
to powder it is of a bright yellow colour; it sells at a high price
and is therefore not unfrequently adulterated. I have been so
often disappointed in the effect of Socotrine aloes*, or radier
what is commonly sold under that name, that I now always use
the Barbadoesf, which cannot so easily be adulterated without
detection.

Bareadoes or Hepatic Aloes is brought from Barbadoes,
and has been generally considered as a rough medicine, very
liable to produce griping, and other unpleasant effects; but I
have always found it a safe and efficacious purgative. Barbadoes
aloes is of a darker colour than the former kind, not so clear and
bright, less brittle, and of a stronger and more disagreeable
smell.l It is certainly more active than the Socotri7ie ; and, as
far as my experience goes, more certain in its operation : nor
have I ever found it produce those dangerous effects that have
been attributed to it, when given in a proper dose, and when
the horse is not neglected during its operation and is properly
prepared for it (see Cathartics) : indeed, every kind of aloes is
liable to produce even fatal consequence if given too largely, or
if the horse be treated improperly while under their effect.
There is a peculiarity in the horse's intestines which renders
them more liable to be injured by purgatives of every kind,
than those of any other domestic animal : cathartic medicines
should therefore be always prepared by persons of judgment and
experience.

Cape Aloes is rather transparent, and very brittle: it is
easily powdered, in which state it is of a bright yellow colour
with a greenish tint ; the odour arising from it is not so strong
as the Barbadoes, but rather stronger and less agreeable than
the Socotrine. This kind is sold at a much lower price than the
others, but is weaker and more uncertain in its effect. The
dose of Barbadoes is from four drachms to six ; and of the Cape,
from six to nine drachms.

Aloes generally operate more speedily when joined with soap
or either of the fixed alkalies.^ In the old books on farriery,

* In December 1803, Socotrine aloes was at about the same price or cheaper
than Barbadoes.

f In 1823, Barbadoes aloes was very scarce, and sold at from 10 to 12
shi lings per pound ; Barbadoes aloes is now prescribed by many physicians,
and often used by apothecaries.

J There is an inferior kind called caballine or horse aloes, supposed to be
the refuse after the Barbadoes extract has been obtained. — Ed.

§ Mr. Morton considers that the purgative quality of aloes is lessened hy
the addition of the alkalies, though it is thereby rendered more soluble, and
therefore quicker in its effects. — £d.

AND PHAIIMACOPCEIA.

411

cream of tartar is generally prescribed with aloes, under a sup-
position that it prevents griping; but I consider it by no means
proper, and have for some time preferred soap and the alkalies,
such as potash and soda; but soap is by far the most convenient.
(See Cathartics.)

Aloes is sometimes given as an alterative in the dose of one or
two drachms. It is also an ingredient in i^7w's balsam and com-
pound tincture of myrrh.

ALTERATIVES are medicines that act very gradually upon
the constitution, and therefore require to be continued for some
time. The medicines most commonly used as alteratives for the
horse are antimony, nitre, sulphur, resin, and iEthiop's mineral ;
these are generally given together, particularly the three former.
The cases in which alteratives are commonly employed, are
diseases of the skin, such as mange and other itching humours,
hide-bound and dry, staring coat. They are given also in
swellings, or humours of the hind legs, and worms. They ap-
pear to do good, by increasing the discharge of excrementitious
matter from the body, through the various emunctories or outlets,
such as the bowels, the kidneys, and the skin. From viewing
the subject in this light, I have been induced to arrange them
under three heads ; viz. laxative alteratives, diuretic alteratives,
and diaphoretic alteratives. Were we to confine oui'selves strictly
to the common acceptation of the term altei'atives, we should
describe them as medicines, which cure diseases by a gentle,
slow, and insensible operation upon the body ; and under this
impression, it would appear unnecessary to watch the effect
which such preparations produced upon the body. This would
be a departure from the precept which I have before offered ;
viz. " there is only one source from which any precise or really
useful knowledge of the interesting subject of Veterinary Medi-
cine can be derived ; that is, a careful and impartial observation,
and an accurate recollection of the symptoms of diseases, and the
effects of such medicines, whether simple or compound, as are em-
ployed for their removal" By attending to this rule, I have ob-
served that the medicines given as alteratives have generally
some visible effect upon the bowels, the kidneys, or the skin ; the
division of them, therefore, into laxatives, diuretics, and diapho-
retics will be found useful in practice.

Laxative Alteratives are useful in many cases, and may
often be substituted iov purgatives with great advantage.

When a horse is troubled with worms, and is too weak to take
strong medicines, or when he cannot be spared from his work,
they are extremely convenient, and generally beneficial. In
obstinate cases of grease, and in chronic inflammation of the eyes,
they often do good; they are generally serviceable also in coughs

412

MATERIA MEDICA

of long Standing, or even when they are recent, if not caused by
strangles, m which disease the throat is often so much inflamed
and so very sore, as to render the exhibition of medicine by the
mouth improper. Clysters, however, are often beneficial in
those cases.

In short, there are few medicines of more general utility in
the diseases of horses than the laxative alteratives, the most effec-
tual of which is aloes, in the dose of two or three drachms, with
an equal quantity of Castile soap.

Diuretic Alteratives are composed of nitre, resin, soap, and
turpentine. They are employed in swellings of the legs and other
parts, or as a preventive, in horses that are subject to such swell-
ings ; and they are given also to improve the coat and general con-
dition of the animal.

Though not so effectual in some cases as the preceding, they
are certainly very convenient and innocent, and produce so little
disturbance in the body, that a horse may continue his work
while taking them, without the least danger, even in the winter
season. Nor is there any trouble in giving them ; as a horse
readily eats them, when in the form of a powder, with his corn.
The laxative alterative has not this advantage, the aloes, of which
it is composed, being extremely bitter, and therefore requirino-
to be given in the form of a hall. ^

Diaphoretic Alteratives are composed of medicines that
act on the skin, gradually increasing the insensible perspiration,
and giving a smoothness and gloss to the coat. The most effec-
tual medicines of this class are the preparations of antimony (see
Antimony) ; but these may be rendered more efficacious by
being joined with other medicines, such as cordials, camphor,
opium, &c.

Thp complaints in which this kind of alterative is most useful,
are those termed surfeit and hide-bound; they are also employed
to remove an undue determination of blood to any internal organ,
or to diminish general plethora. ^

Diaphoretic alteratives seldom prove effectual, unless assisted
by exercise and good grooming.

The alteratives recommended by writers on farriery were not
composed according to the distinction we have here made ; but
laxatives, diuretics, &c. were mixed with little discrimination ;
thus, as we have before observed, antimony, nitre, sulphur, and
resin, formed their general alteratives; and when it was required
to remove diseases, supposed to arise from obstruction in the
blood-vessels, some ponderous medicines were prescribed : among
these were cinnabar, and ^thiop's mineral.

AND PHARMACOPOSIA.

413

XAXATIVE ALTERATIVES.

No. 1. Barbadoes aloes 8 to 12 dr.

Castile soap H oz.

Cai-aways, or aniseed, powdered.... 1^ oz. or 2 oz.

Ginger ^ oz.

Syrup or treacle enough to form a mass, to be divided into four
balls, one of which is to be given daily until the bowels are
opened.

No. 2. Barbadoes aloes 8 to 10 dr.

Calomel 2 to 4 dr.

Caraway seed, powdered l^^ oz.

Ginger 4 dr.

Oil of cloves 40 drops.

Mix as above for four doses, and give one daily until the bowels
are opened. While taking these balls the horse must have
mashes, and the chill taken off his water ; he should not be
exposed to the cold, but have moderate exercise.

No. 3. Sublimed sulphur 6 oz.

Tartarized antimony 6 dr. to 1 oz.

Calomel 3 dr.

Mix and divide into six doses, one of which is to be given daily,

DIURETIC ALTERATIVES.

No. 1. Yellow resin, and nitrate of potash,

of each 4 oz.

Mix and divide into six or eight parts, one of which is to be
given daily in the horse's corn, until a diuretic effect is
produced.

No. 2. Yellow resin 4 oz.

Spanish soap 3 oz.

Venice turpentine 2 oz.

Powdered caraways enough to form the mass. To be divided
into balls of a moderate size, one to be given daily until a
diuretic effect is produced.

No. 3. Powdered nitre 4 oz.

Resin and flour, of each 2 oz.

Treacle enough to form the mass. To be divided into balls of a
moderate size, and given as above.

414

MATERIA MEDICA

DIAPHOnETIC ALTERATIVES.

No. 1. Levigated sulphuret of antimony... 2 dr. to 1 oz.

Caraway seeds ^ oz.

Mix for one dose.

No. 2. Tartarized antimony 1 to 2 dr.

Camphor 1 to 2 dr.*

Liquorice powder 3 dr.

Syrup enough to form the ball.

The following will be found an useful alterative in diseases of
the skin : —

Sulphur 4 (Jr.

Nitre 3 dr.

Antimony 2 dr.

To be given daily with the food.

Diaphoretic medicines are very uncertain in their effect upon
the horse, and unless great care be taken of the animal with
respect to grooming, exercise, diet, and clothing, little benefit is
to be expected from them. Opium has been prescribed, with
camphor, tartarized antimony, ammonia, and other stimulants,
for the purpose of relaxing the skin and producing perspiration ;
but there is often danger in giving such medicines, especially
when there is any degree of fever present: the medicines pre-
scribed in the above receipts ai'e innocent if tbeyfail in affecting
the skin, as in such cases they are generally determined to the
kidneys, and cause an increased discharge of urine, especially if the
horse be not warmly clothed. (See Diaphoretics, Febrifuges,
SuDORiFics, &c.) Many other medicines have been prescribed as
alteratives, by veterinary writers, among which are ^thiop's mi-
neral, cinnabar, guaiacura, kermes mineral, cream of tartar, the
neutral salts, &c. To these may be added one which has often
been found more efficacious than all the rest, that is, soiling in
the stable on vetches, or tares, lucern, &c., or a run at grass.

ALTHZEA. See Marsh Mallows.

ALUM. — Alumen. A saline body, composed of sulphuric
acid and alumine, or pure clay, and potash. It is used internally
as an astringent in diarrhcea, diabetes, red-ioater, &c. in doses from
two drachms to half an ounce in the horse, and one ounce in
cattle, or more, and is generally joined with bittej's and aromatic
stimidants, such osc/entian, cassia, aniseed, caraway seed, &c. It has
been employed in doses of one and two ounces to dry the milk after
calving in cows. For external purposes alum is very useful : it
is a good remedy for the grease, when dissolved and applied to
the diseased parts; it is also used in the form of an ointment: —

AND PHARMACOPCEIA.

415

Powdei'ed alum 4 oz.

Turpentine 4 oz.

Hog's lard, or palm oil 12 oz.

The lard and turpentine to be melted together, and when
nearly cold the alum to be stirred in.

Alum dissolved in water is used in aphthae and other diseases of
the mouth; and sometimes, much diluted, is applied to the eyes
in ophthalmia. In a state of powder it has been applied with
advantage to open joints, either alone or mixed with sulphate of
iron and myrrh. The burnt alum is best for this purpose, and
should be applied frequently.

Burnt Alum is made by putting any quantity of alum in an
iron ladle, or common firepan, and keeping it over a gentle fire,
until its watery parts are evaporated, and it is converted into a
light and easily pulverisable substance. If exposed to a strong
heat for some time, the alum is decomposed, and of course
useless.

AMALGAM. The combination of mercury with any metal
is termed an amalgam.

AMBER. — Succinum. This is what naturalists term bitu-
men. It affords only one preparation that is used in veterinary
practice, — an essential oil, of a dark colour, and very disagree-
able odour, — which is employed as an embrocation in strains,
bruises, &c., generally mixed with other oils, such as oil of elder,
turpentine, &c. * It is given internally as an antispasmodic, in
doses from two drachms to half an ounce or more. For medicinal
purposes this essential oil is rectified, whereby it becomes of a
lighter colour, and loses in some degree its unpleasant smell ;
but it does not appear to be rendered more efficacious. There
is a salt of amber kept in the shops, procured from amber by sub-
limation, but it is never used in veterinary practice.

AMMONIA. This is the modern term for what is named
volatile alkali, and is procured either from bones or sal ammo-
niac. It is kept in the shops both in a solid and a liquid form.
Strictly speaking, pure ammonia exists only in the form of gas or
air : but water will absorb a considerable quantity of this air ;
and when saturated with it becomes a violent stimulant, capable
of inflaming, and even blistering the skin. This is termed liquor
or water of, or solution of pure ammonia, or strong spirit of sal-
ammoniac, and is useful in dispersing indolent tumours, if mixed
with an equal quantity of sweet oil, and oil of turpentine, in
which camphor has been dissolved. Liquor of pure ammonia is
too strong for internal use; but when ammonia is, by a chemical
process, combined with carbonic acid, or fixed air, it assumes a
solid form, and is rendered sufficiently mild for that purpose. In

* This drug is not used in veterinary medicine at the present day. — ^Ed.

416

MATERIA MEDICA

this stcitc it is named cctvhoncite oj" CLmtnoTiia^ or pvcpctved umTnonici
volatile sal-ammoniac, or smelling salts, being much used for
smelling-bottles, as its quick pungent odour is well calculated to
remove faintness. Ammonia is invariably produced during the
natural or artificial decomposition of organised bodies.

Carbonate of Ammonia. — Ammonioe Carbonas, now called
Sesqui-carbonate of Ammonia. This is stimulant, antacid, and
cordial, and is given in doses from half a drachm to two drachms.

When carbonate of ammonia is dissolved in water to saturation,
it forms imter or solution of mild ammonia, or common spirit of
sal-ammoniac ; when distilled with spirit and some aromatic oils,
sjnrit of sal volatile, or compound spirit of ammonia : and if assa-
foetida be added, the foetid spirit of ammonia is produced, which
is sometimes given as an antispasmodic. See Assafcetida.

The Salt and Spirit of Hartshorn are nearly the same as
the carbonate, and the solution or water of ammonia ; but being
distilled from bones, or stag-horns, which are of the same nature,
they are slightly impregnated with animal oil, which gives them
a peculiar smell, and is supposed to increase their antispasmodic
power. See Antispasmodics.

AMMONIACUM; Ammoniac. This is divided into two
sorts. The first is of a yellowish colour, interspersed with small
pieces of wood, and other extraneous matter ; the other, in small
pieces or drops, of a whiter colour than the former, and much
more pure; this is commonly called drop ammoniacum. The
formei', however, may be employed for veterinary purposes,
making a little allowance in the dose for the extraneous matter
it contains; but this maybe in a great measure separated by
pounding and sifting.

Gum Ammoniac is an expectorant (see Expectorants), in
doses from two or three to foiu' drachms. It is advantageously
joined with powdered squills, and in some cases with camphoi*,
opium, and balsam of sulphur.

Horses that are of a full habit should be bled, and take a
cathartic ball previously to the exhibition of expectorants, which
renders them more efficacious. It may be proper to observe
that ammoniacum is never to be employed in recent coughs,
arising from catarrh, or cold, but only in the chronic kind, that
are not dependent on inflammation.

ANGELICA. — Angelica. This root is largely cultivated for
medicinal purposes. Its properties are tonic and carminative.
Although a very elegant aromatic, it requires to be conjoined
with some other stimulants when administered to the horse. The
dose is from half an ounce to an ounce and a half

ANISE- SEED. — Anisi Semina. This seed is mucli used in
horse medicine, as a stimulant, carminative and cordial ; but its
power is by no means considerable. It is thought to possess also

AND PHARMACOPCEIA.

417

an expectorant quality, and is therefore given in coughs and
other complaints of the lungs, but is generally joined with other
expectorants. It is certainly, though weak, a very grateful sti-
mulant, and does much good where the stomach is weak, and
disposed to flatulency; it is therefore an useful ingredient in
cordial medicines. The dose is about one ounce or rather more.
(See Cordials and Carminatives.) The virtues of anise-seed
are contained in its essential oil, the dose of which is about half a
drachm or more : it may be rubbed in a mortar with sugar, mu-
cilage, and ginger, and given in warm ale or water.

In the human being anise-seeds are supposed to increase the
secretion of milk ; but I am not aware that they possess this
power over animals.

ANODYNES. Medicines that alleviate or remove pain, the
most effectual of which is opium. The other narcotics have also
been occasionally employed for this purpose, among which are
henbane, deadly nightshade, hemlock, white poppy-heads, &c.
When pain depends upon spasm, as in the flatulent or spasmodic
colic, commonly named gripes or fret, it is an excellent remedy.
(See article Colic.) In that dangerous complaint, named locked-
jaw, opium is the medicine that is principally rehed on, though
it is generally given with others, such as camphor, &c. See
Antispasmodics, Opium, Henbane, &c.

ANODYNE BALL,

No. 1. Opium 1 dr. to 1 dr.

Castile soap 2 dr. to 4 dr.

Powdered ginger 1 dr. to 2 dr*.

Powdered anise-seed i. oz. to 1 oz.

Oil of caraways i. dr.

Syrup enough to form the ball.

ANODYNE DRAUGHT, OR DRENCH.

No. 2. Tincture of opium from ^ oz. to 1 oz.

Spirit of nitrous ether 1 oz. to 2 oz.

Essence of peppermint 1 to 2 dr

Water 1 pj^t,

ANODYNE CARMINATIVE TINCTURE.

No. 3. Best Turkey opium 1 oz.

Cloves, bruised 2 oz.

Jamaica ginger, bruised 3 oz.

Old Cognac brandy '. i quart.

Keep them together in a well-corked bottle three or four weeks
frequently shaking it. The dose, two or three ounces in
water.

E E

418

MATERIA MEDICA

The ball may be mixed with warm ale if the form of a drench
be preferred to that of a ball, and either of the receipts will be
found a good remedy for the flatulent or spasmodic colic. In
the anodyne draught warm beer may be substituted for water.
It should be recollected that when the colic is attended with cos-
tiveness, clysters and oily and saline laxatives are necessary, either
in addition to the anodyne, or after the anodyne is exhibited.
Essence of peppermint consists of the essential oil of peppermint
dissolved in spirit of wine : one part of the former to three of
the latter. (See Essence and Mint.) Anodynes are some-
times exhibited m the form of clyster, as in locked-jaw, when no
medicine can be given by the mouth, which often happens in
bad cases ; it is then necessary to employ about a double dose, or
rather more. (See Locked Jaw ; see also Clysters.) Anodyne
fomentations are prescribed occasionally, which consist chiefly
of a decoction of white poppy-heads. See Fomentations.

ANTHELMINTICS ax-e medicines that destroy worms, or
expel them from the intestines. The mercurial purgatives are
generally considered the most effectual anthelmintics.

A variety of vegetables have been thought to possess this
quality, but I believe without foundation: among these are box,
rue, savin, and wormwood. j^Ethiop's mineral, antimony, sul-
phur, and tin, have also been considered as anthelmintics. 1
believe tin has not been fairly tried : and as it is an efficacious
anthelmintic in dogs, it may pi'obably be found useful in horses.
Of all the mercurial preparations, calomel is by far the best for
this purpose, and may be given with aloes, soap, and some
aromatic oil, with a little ginger. Many prefer giving the
calomel at night, and the purgative the following morning.
Aloes is a good anthelmintic. A saline substance was some time
ago introduced from India, as a remedy for that species of worm
termed hotts. It seems to be composed of common salt and
liver of sulphur, but does not appear to deserve the high cha-
racter that was given of it; though, like salt or brine, it may
sometimes have been found an effectual anthelmintic.

It has been supposed, that worms are sometimes generated in
consequence of debility in the digestive organs. Tonics have
therefore been recommended, particularly the vegetable bitters ;
such as bark, wormwood, camomile, &c. When worms are dis-
covered in the horse's dung, after a fair trial has been given to
mercurial purgatives (especially if he appears to be weak, and
incapable of much work), it would be advisable to give tonic and
cordial preparations, with a generous diet; but whenever this is
done, there must be proportionate exercise. One plan of treating
a horse with worms is to keep him fasting for several hours, and
then give him a small quantity of milk and sugar, which is to be
followed by a dose of the anthelmintic in a liquid form : a solu-

AND PHARMACOPCEIA. 419

tion of common salt has been recommended for this purpose, to
which may be added two or three drachms of aloes. The dose of
salt is about four ounces, in three pints of water. Oil of tur-
pentine has of late been recommended as an anthelmintic, and
Jias, I believe, been found more efficacious than any other medi-
cine. The mode of giving it is to keep the horse without food
for several hours, and then to give four ounces mixed with a pint
or more of oatmeal gruel ; the day before the horse is to take
about three drachms of aloes, with an equal quantity of soap, in
order to open the bowels moderately, and so that they may be
in a loose state at the time the turpentine is given. Some
caution is necessary in adopting this method, as in two cases that
have come to my knowledge, the stomach appeared to have been
dangerously affected, and in one it produced a degree of inflam-
mation that proved fatal. In one of the cases the turpentine was
given undiluted when the stomach was empty. In the second,
the horse was kept fasting a long time, I believe twelve hours ;
in the third, which proved fatal, the purgative given the day
before appeared to have been too strong. I would advise, there-
fore, when oil of turpentine is given as an anthelmintic, that the
horse be prepared with bran mashes, as for physic; that only
three drachms of aloes, with an equal quantity of Castile soap,
be given the day before the turpentine, and that when the latter
is given, the stomach should not be in so exhausted a state by
fasting as it appears to have been in one, if not all of the above
cases. Perhaps a small bran mash may be given, about six or
seven in the morning, and the turpentine about eleven or twelve. *
A run at grass, in May or June, has been found a good remedy
for worms ; soiling in the stable with vetches, or tares, lucern,
&c. may also be tried. I have lately discovered a cause of worms
which is not generally, if at all, known. Since I have resided
near the Hill of Mendip, I have frequently met with a kind of
worm in the bowels of horses, dogs, and cats, which I never
before saw, nor can I find a description of it in any book. It is
found generally in the small intestines near their termination,
and sometimes m the large bowels also. They adhere pretty
firmly by one of their extremities to the mucous membrane of
the bowels, and when contracted appear like a flake of whitish
mucus, but when extended they are quite flat, likea very narrow
riband, and are covered with transverse lines like the leech
worm. They are from one to three or four inches in lencrth
I think I have found them of greater length in the bowek of
dogs than in other animals. The extremity by which they
adhere has a bulbous appearance, with a mouth and other minute
apertures. The other extremity is square, as if cut off" trans-

The safest plan to administer oil of turpentine is with an equal or deuble
quantity of linseed oil, which in itself is an excellent anthelmintic -Ed

K E 2

420

MATERIA MEDICA

versely. I have known these worms discharged from the bowels
of a man, who brought one of them to me ; he called them the
blood worm, and said he had often voided them, especially after
drinking rather freely of beer. These worms have been seen in
a small stream which runs through a village near Mendip.

ANTHELMINTICS.

No. 1. Aloes 4 to 6 dr.

Castile soap 3 dr.

Oil of cloves 10 drops.

Calomel 1 to 2 dr.

Ginger 1 to 2 dr.

Syrup enough to form the ball for one dose.

No. 2. Aloes 4 to 6 dr.

Powdered tin 3 to 4 dr.

Castile soap 3 dr.

Oil of Cloves 10 to 20 drops.

Ginger 1 to 2 dr.

Syrup enough to form the ball.

No. 3. Oil of turpentine 4 oz.

Oatmeal gruel 1 pint.

No. 4. Oil of turpentine 4 oz.

Castor or linseed oil 8 oz.

Gruel 8 oz.

Mix for one dose.

A larger pi-oportion of aloes is generally prescribed by farriers
and druggists; but such strong doses are injurious, and some-
times fatal. See Cathartics and Physic.

As worms in horses generally arise from bad management
and improper food, by which the digestive organs are weakened,
no permanent good can be expected from medicine, unless that
error be corrected. Wholesome food, therefore, in proper quan-
tity, or in proportion totheanimal's labour, is essentially necessary,
in order to eradicate worms from his bowels, and restore him to
a state of health and good working condition. See Worms.

ANTIMONY. — Antimonium. This is a heavy, shining,
brittle mineral, somewhat like black lead when powdered, but
of a darker colour. It is common in Germany and France. A
small quantity is found in Cornwall, but not sufficiently pure
for medicinal purposes.

It is given as an altei*ative, in doses of 2 drachms to an ounce,
to improve the coat and condition of horses: some give it to
destroy worms ; but it does not appear to possess much power

AND PHARMACOPCEIA.

421

of that kind. A variety of useful preparations is made from
antimony, many of which are more efficacious than the mineral
itself; among these are antimonial poioder, which is said to be
the same as James^ s powder, emetic tartar (tartarised antimony),
kermes mineral, or precipitated sulphuret of antimony, oxide of an^
timony, Src The most useful preparations are the tartarized
antimony, commonly named emetic tartar (see Emetic Tar-
tar), antimonial powder, and the sulphuret, or common anti-
mony, such as is sold under the name of antimony ; but this
should be finely powdered or levigated, or prepared in the way
chalk is. When antimony is thus brought to an impalpable
powder, a smaller dose will be sufficient, and its effect will be
much more certain. To these may be added the precipitated
sulphuret of antimony, though it is seldom employed, except as
an alterative. As a fever medicine tartarized antimony and
antimonial powder* are certainly preferable to every other pre-
pai'ation, and are those most commonly employed. There is
another fluid preparation which is often employed as a caustic,
formei'ly named butter of ajitimony, but now muriate of anti-
mony. The dose of tartarized antimony is from one to two
drachms ; and, though a powerful emetic in the human stomach,
does not appear to excite nausea in the horse; but given largely
is more apt to affect the kidneys or bowels. It is considered,
by veterinary practitioners, as a safe and effectual fever medi-
cine. The common dose is about 1|- drachm or 2 drachms.
Some practitioners, however, prefer the antimonial powder, as
being milder and more effectual ; but I believe they are both
perfectly innocent in the dose commonly employed ; and joined,
with nitre certainly produce a good effect as an auxiliary to that
important remedy, bleeding. (See Febrifuges, or Fever
'Medicines.) Both tartarized antimony and antimonial powder
are occasionally joined with camphor as a fever medicine, and
sometimes, but not often, with opium. (See Sudorifics.)
The sulphuret of antimony is inert, unless it meet with an acid
in the stomach.

ANTISEPTICS are medicines which prevent putridity, or
remove it if already begun. The most efficacious are bark and
other bitters ; opium, wine, ether, ammonia, and camphor.

Horses do not appear to be subject to those fevers which, in
the human system, are termed putrid ; so that these medicines
are not required. However, as in putrid fever, it is certain that
the presence of very offensive faeces in the alimentary canal will
prove a source of great irritation to the system ; and it may also
here be remarked, that the urine, if retained for any consider-
able time, will have a similar tendency to create irritation and

* Antimonial powder is now rarely used in the horse, being considered ineffec-
tual. It is, however, found useful in the dog, particularly in distemper. — Ed.

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422

MATEUIA MEDICA

consequent distress. Antiseptics are nothing more than cordials
and tonics, and are as improper for the horse as for man during
the febrile stage. They can only be serviceable when debility
remains after the sxjmptoms of fever have vanished. The best ex-
ternal antiseptic is a solution of chloride of lime.

ANTISPASMODICS are medicines which possess the
power of allaying inordinate or painful motions in the system,
particularly those involuntary contractions in parts which are
naturally subject to the command of the will.

Medical writers divide antispasmodics into two kinds; viz.
stimulants and sedatives. To the former belong preparations of
copper, zinc, and iron j also ammonia, ether, essential oils, &c.
The latter comprehend opium, musk, camphor. Valerian, and
all the vegetable narcotics.

Midicines of the foetid kind, such as galbanum, assafcetida,
&c. have also an antispasmodic quality.

When spasm ai'ises from irritation, sedatives axe to be given ;
but when it depends merely on debility, tonics are evidently
proper. The spasmodic complaints to which horses are mostly
liable, are locked-jaw and spasmodic or flatulent colic, commonly
named gripes or fret, in which the most efficacious antispasmodic
is opium; but it is generally joined with others, such as
camphor, assafcetida, ether, oil of peppermint, juniper, caraways,
allspice, or other aromatics.

The spices and aromatic seeds, such as cinnamon, cloves,
ginger, caraways, anise-seed, &c., are often joined with opium,
either in powder or infused with it in proof spirit, to form a
tincture, and will be found a good antispasmodic in that form.

APERIENTS. Opening medicines. See Laxatives and
Cathartics.

AQUAFORTIS. Weak nitrous acid. See Acid, Nitrous.

ARBUTUS, UVA URSI. Whortleberry, Bearberry, or
Trailing Arbutus. This shrub is a native of the northern parts
of Europe, and is found growing in a wild state on the heaths
and mountains of Scotland. It flowers in June, and should be
gathered in Autumn, the green leaves alone being taken and
dried by a gentle heat. The principal property of Uva ursi is
astringent. It is given to man in ulcerations of the urinary
organs, as the kidneys or bladder, and as been strongly recom-
mended in cases of phthisis pulmonalis. It may likewise be ex-
hibited in most fluxes arising from debility, as menoi'rhagia,
fluor albus, diabetes, &c. I am not aware that it has yet re-
ceived a sufficient trial with regard to the horse; but I am in-
clined to think it might be found serviceable in many cases of
I'elaxation of the solids. In chronic diabetes I should feel much
tempted to make use of it. It may be given in substance in
doses of from half an ounce to an ounce three times a day. It

AND PHAEMACOPCEIA. 423

may be detected in the urine three quarters of an hour after its
administration.

ARGENTI NITRAS. Nitrate of Silver. Lunar Caustic.
A very powerful escharotic. This is generally used for destroy-
ing the exuberant fungous growths from ulcers. It is also em-
ployed in a liquid form, for the purpose of injecting sinuous
sores, and stimulating indolent ulcers or wounds. It is occa-
sionally prescribed as a tonic and antispasmodic for man ; but, I
believe, is seldom, if ever, administered internally to the horse.
(See Caustics and Escharotics.) Of course, when used as an
escharotic or stimulant it will require to be diluted with dif-
ferent proportions of water.*

AROMATICS. Stimulants that possess an agreeable odour,
such as cinnamon, cloves, &c.

Aromatic Confection. — Confectio Aromatica. This is
made by triturating together, until reduced to a very fine
powder, two ounces of cinnamon bark, two ounces of nutmegs,
the same quantity of dried saffron, one ounce of cloves, half an
ounce of cardamum seeds, and sixteen ounces of prepared shells,
and then gradually adding one pint of water, mixing the whole
until thoroughly incorporated. The combinations of aromatics
are stimulant, cordial, and carminative ; and, if not thought too
Expensive, may be given to the horse, in the dose of from half
an ounce to an ounce, dissolved in warm ale. It is a common
custom to administer cordials to horses after hunting or under-
going any great degree of fatigue ; but it should be remembered
that there are limits to this practice, and that when undue action
is excited, whether in the stomach or any other organ, it is in-
variably followed by proportionate depression.

Aromatic Powder. — Pulvis Aromaticus. Take of carda-
mum seeds, ginger, and cinnamon bark, equal parts. Rub
them down to a very fine powder, and keep in a well-stopped
phial. This is a good cordial powder, and may be given in a
dose of two or three drachms in warm ale, in such cases as re-
quire the use of cordials. For veterinary purposes, the following
composition is, I think, preferable : —

VETERINARY AROMATIC POWDER.

Powdered caraway seeds 6 oz.

Powdered allspice 4 oz.

Jamaica ginger powdered 2 oz.

Liquorice powder 2 oz. — Mix.

The dose from 6 to 8 drachms.

* Lunar caustic is sold in the form of sticks, one of which being inserted in
a quill forms a very convenient caustic for many purposes, but particularly as
an application to the wounds caused by the bite of a rabid dog. It forms a

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424

MATERIA MEDICA

If the form of a ball is preferred, it may be obtained by beat-
ing up a dose of the powders with a little treacle.
ARROW-ROOT. See Starch.

ARSENIC. — Arsenicum.- New name, Arsenious Acid.
There are two preparations of arsenic that are principally made
use of in veterinary practice : and these are the white arsenic, or
oxide of arsenic, and the yellow arsenic, or sulphuret of arsenic.
The latter is a combmation of white arsenic and sulphur, either
natural or artificial, varying in colour according to the propor-
tion of sulphur, which, when considerable, gives it an orange or
red colour ; it is then called Realgar, and used as a pigment only.

White arsenic is obtained in the process of roasting certain
ores. The arsenic sublimes, and is collected in chimneys
adapted to the purpose. It is beautifully white, and very heavy,
but easily reduced to a powder. The powdered arsenic of the
shops is generally adulterated, and ought never to be depended
upon. The practitioner should always buy it in the lump, and
either powder it himself, or see it done.

White arsenic has been considered a good tonic for horses ;
and, though a violent poison in the human system, may be given
to these animals with safety. From its tonic quality it ha^ sus-
pended, or apparently cured the glanders ; but its effect in this
way, I believe, is never permanent. It is prudent to begin with
a small dose— from two to eight grains. This may be gradually
increased, and continued as long as it does not occasion irritation
of the stomach or bowels, or bring on vertigo. When any
symptoms of these complaints manifest themselves the use of
arsenic should be immediately discontinued. In experiments
on glandered horses, I have seen a dose of two drachms given
twice a day, and continued for a week; at which period it pro-
duced inflammation of the bowels. I have even known two
drachms given for two or three days successively, without any
violent effect; it will sometimes, however, occasion great dis-
turbance in the stomach and bowels, in much smaller doses, and
if continued without carefully watching its effect, may do great
mischief.

Though arsenic has been often given by way of experiment to
glandered horses, even in large doses, without producing any
violent effect, yet cases have occurred where moderate or even
small doses have occasioned considerable disturbance in the
stomach and bowels. In one case I have known it produce a
fatal inflammation of the stomach in a moderate dose; the
groom having persisted in the use of it after the injurious effect

black eschar in which the poison is absorbed, and thus rendered harmless.
A weak sokition of hmar caustic in distilled water has been applied to in-
flamed eyes with advantage. See Ophthalmia.

AND PHARMACOPOEIA.

425

which it sometimes produces had taken place. When arsenic
disagrees with the stomach it causes loss of appetite, shivering,
dejection, uneasiness in the stomach and bowels, which gradually
inci-ease, unless it be discontinued; in such cases castor oil, oat-
mear gruel, and infusion of linseed, should be given. When
castor oil cannot be procured, linseed oil may be substituted for
it, or olive oil. Perhaps the most efficacious antidote to the effects
of arsenic is lime water, which forms with the arsenic arseniate of
lime, an insoluble, and consequently an, innocuous, substance.
Chalk and water is likewise a good antidote to arsenic, and
where this cannot be obtained, one part of common soap may
be dissolved in four of water, by weight, and given in large
quantities.

In reviewing the experiments that have been made with ar-
senic, it does not appear that it has ever done any good in
glanders, and that when it has proved beneficial in farcy, it has
been given in small doses from ten to fifteen grains or even less,
joined with sublimate ; and then the latter, that is, the sublimate,
was, I suspect, the most useful ingredient.

As the white oxide of arsenic is found, after death, to adhere
to the coat of the stomach, it is not improbable that a solution of
arsenic would be a more advantageous mode of employing this
medicine. The preparation generally known by the name of
" Fowler's Solution " may be exhibited in doses of half a drachm,
twice or three times a day, to begin with, and gradually in-
creased so long as no unfavourable symptoms are perceived.
The use of arsenic is contra-indicated whenever there exist any
affections of the lungs, or where febrile action is going on. In
short, this being a dangerous medicine to trifle with, should
never be used without the sanction of the veterinary surgeon.
As a tonic *. it has been strongly recommended in small doses,
or in solution, but it should be given with caution, and not until
the vegetable tonics, such as gentian, columbo, bark, cordials,
wholesome food, and occasionally physic, have proved ineffectual.
Yellow arsenic, finely powdered and mixed with lard, is some-
times used by farriers to remove warts ; also in fistula of the
withers and poll-evil, but its effect is sometimes violent, and ex-
tends beyond the diseased parts, f

ASSAFQETIDA. — Assafoetidce, Gummi-resina. Assafcetida
is sent to this country packed in cases, casks, and mats. That
contained in the cases is to be preferred. It is in irregular

* Arsenic in doses of four to eight grains has been given as a vermifuge and
a tonic with good effect, combined with ginger and sulphate of iron. It may
be thus administered in the food for six or eight days, and if given for worms
may be followed with a dose of physic. — Ed.

f Arsenic in the form of a lotion with carbonate of potash is recommended
for the destruction of vermin in cattle. See Work on Cattle, ^c, Ed.

426

MATERIA MEDICA

lumps, of a reddish-brown colour, intersected by small glistening
tears, of a pale red, whitish, or violet hue. The best quality is
that which contains the most tears, and is of a light red colour.
It is a gummy and resinous substance, possessing a powerful and
most unpleasant smell. It is much used in human medicine as
an antispasmodic, in nervous and hysterical complaints. In ve-
terinary practice it is not so frequently employed, though some
practitioners speak highly of its virtues. It is said to be ser-
viceable in obstinate coughs, or thickness of wind, flatulent colic,
and locked-jaw. It appears to be more efficacious when joined
^yith ammonia, in the form of foetid spirit of ammonia, a prepara-
tion kept in the shops. The dose of assafcetida is from two
drachms to half an ounce or more; it is generally joined with
galbanum, ammoniacum, opium, &c. When employed as an ex-
pectorant, squill, ammoniacum, camphor, or opium may be added.

The dose of the foetid spirit of ammonia is from one ounce to
one ounce and a half.

ASTRAGALUS TRAGAC ANTRA. Gum Tragacanth.
The properties of this gum are similar to those of Gum Arabic.

ASTRINGENTS. Medicines that diminish increased eva-
cuations, as those of dung or urine in the diseases named diar-
rhoea and diabetes : they are employed also for the cure of bloody
ui'ine, and sometimes externally to heal wounds, or put a stop
to that discharge from the heels, termed grease, as well as to
heal those painful sores or cracks with which that part is often
affected in winter. Medical writers generally class the prepara-
tions of iron, copper, zinc, and lead, with astringents: these,
however, have not been found very useful as intei-nal remedies
in the horse; and whenever they prove serviceable, it is in cases
of debility, in which tonics are required.

The mineral tonics have been recommended in diabetes,
especially sulphate of copper (blue vitriol), which I have been in-
formed has, in several cases, been found an effectual remedy for
diabetes. The dose, about one drachm, joined with other tonics,
cordials, or astringents, such as cascarilla or cinchona bark, or
the common cordial ball. The effect of those medicines is con-
siderably promoted by a nutritious diet, moderate exercise, and
good grooming. Astringents must be employed with much
caution in diai'rhcea, especially in horses. In these animals it is
generally occasioned by bad hay or oats, and may be corrected
by altering the diet. In horses of weak constitutions it may be
brought on by drinking too freely of very cold water. In such
cases the remedy is obvious. In general, the diarrhoea of horses
may be stopped by attention to these circumstances, especially if
assisted by gruel made of arrow-root or wheat flour; and it is
only after this has failed that astringents should be resorted to.
The diarrhoea of cattle is of a more formidable nature, and ge-

AND PHARMACOPfEIA.

427

rierally proves incurable, unless the animal is sheltered from the
weather, and fed partly or wholly on wholesome nutritious food.
The astringents most useful in the diarrhoea of cattle are catechu,
kino, oak-bark, pomegranate-bark, with aromatics and opium,
joined with a nutritious diet. Diuretics have been prescribed,
such as turpentine, which probably may be advantageously joined
with tonics or cordials. Astringents are often required as ex-
ternal applications, as in grease, and troublesome sores about the
heels or other parts, or thrushes of the frog. For such purposes
finely-powdered alum, either alone or mixed with' pipe-clay, or
bole-armenic, may be used ; or sulphate of zinc or copper, finely
powdered and mixed with pipe-clay, chalk, or bole, or dissolved
in water or vinegar. These astringents may be occasionally
mixed with lard, or wax ointment, in which case they should be re-
duced to a very fine powder. Acetate of lead (sugar of lead) is an
excellent astringent for external use, whether dissolved in water,
or diluted with vinegar or spirit, and employed as a lotion, or with
lard or other unctuous substances, and used as an ointment. (See
Acetate of Lead.) Though the sulphate of copper (blue
vitriol) is named here as an astringent, it may be rather consi-
dered an escharotic or mild caustic when used alone externally ;
but it may be so weakened by dilution as to become an astringent,
and when sufficiently weakened with water, may be applied even
to the eyes. (See Copper.) Sulphate of zinc (white vitriol or
copperas) is also an useful astringent when rendered mild by
mixture with water or unctuous substances, such as lard; but
alum is still milder, and may be used as an astringent in powder.
Sulphate of iron (green copperas or vitriol) is a powerful astrin-
gent, and is sometimes used internally as a tonic. The dose
from one to two or three drachms. It is seldom employed ex-
ternally, and then in solution only. From the foregoing obser-
vations it will be seen that the distinction between tonics and
astringents is not very clearly marked. The mode of operation
of astringents on the living body has been erroneously supposed
to be similar to that by which dead animal fibres are constringed
and condensed. That property of vegetables which is termed
astringency, as it relates to dead animal matter, results from a
peculiar principle, termed by chemists tannin, and the gallic acid.
The former is remarkable for its strong attraction for animal
gelatine, and the latter for striking a black colour with the salts
of iron. But increased evacuations, or a discharge of matter or
other fluid from the skin or from sores, do not depend merely
npon mechanical laxity of the solids; nor does the process by
which they are restrained resemble that by which dead animal
matter is constringed or condensed, as in tanning hides. As-
tringency therefore, in a medical sense, is a peculiar power
exerted upon living matter, by which inordinate evacuations or

428

MATERIA MEDICA

discharges are restrained or suppressed, in a manner with which
we are unacquainted. There are other vegetables, besides those
above prescribed, that are occasionally used as astringents, such
as tormentil, bistort, galls, madder, dragon's blood, catechu
logwood, &c., each of which will be noticed under its respective
name. The term astringent is often applied to those medicines
or preparations that are supposed to possess the power of puttinff
a stop to haemorrhage or bleeding, either internally or externally
from wounds ; these will be noticed under the head Styptics.

ASTRINGENTS,
For diarrhoea, diabetes, or red water.

No. I. Opium 1 dr. to 1 dr.

Ginger 1^ dr.

Prepared chalk 3 dr.

Flour 2 dr.

Mix into a ball with treacle, syrup, or honey, for one dose.

No. 2. Powdered opium 1 dr.

Powdered catechu 2 dr.

Powdered chalk 1 oz.

To be given in arrow root, starch, or thick gruel.

No. 3. Powdered catechu 2 to 4 dr.

Alum 2 to 4 dr.

Powdered opium i dr. to 1 dr.

Powdered ginger 1 to 2 dr.

Oil of cloves 10 drops.

Treacle to form a ball.

For diabetes, or an excessive discharge of urine.

No. 1. Catechu, or kino 2 to 4 dr.

Powdered ginger 1 to 2 dr.

Powdei-ed gentian 2 to 3 dr.

Opium 1 dr.

Oil of caraways 20 drops.

Syrup enough to form the ball. One dose.

No. 2. Opium ^ dr. to 1 dr.

Ginger 1 to 2 dr.

Cinchona, or Peruvian bark ; or
when that cannot be had, pow-
dered oak bark 1 oz. or more.

To be mixed with a decoction of oak bark, or a strong infusion
of camomile flowers, and given as a drench. Either of tliese
may be given early in the morning, and repeated at night,
should it be found necessary.

AND PHARMACOPCEIA.

429

EXTERNAL ASTRINGENTS.

POWDERS.

No. 1 . Powdered alum 4 oz.

Armenian bole. 1 oz. — Mix.

No. 2. White vitriol 2 oz.

Mowers of zinc 1 oz. — Mix.

LOTIONS.

No. 3. A strong Goulard mixture.

No. 4. A solution of blue vitriol, white
vitriol or alum.

OINTMENTS.

No. 1. Venice turpentine. 4 oz.

Bees' wax...., 1 oz.

Hog's lard 4 oz.

Melt over a slow fire; and when rather cool, but while it is
liquid, add sugar of lead 1 oz., or alum, finely powdered, 2 oz.
Stir the mixture until it is cold.

No. 2. Ointment of yellow resin 4 oz.

Oil of turpentine 1 oz.

Sulphate of copper finely powdered i oz. — Mix.

No. 3. Red nitrated mercury, commonly
named red precipitate, rubbed

down to a very fine powder 1 dr.

Calamine cerate, commonly named

Turner's cerate 2 oz. Mix.

Rrniarh — The astringent powders and ointments are designed
chiefly as remedies for the grease, after the inflammation of the
part has been in great measure removed by proper poultices;
but the ointment is applicable only to those ulcerations or cracks
which are sometimes an effect of that disease; and often oc-
curring from other causes.

BKLLS. — BolL Medicine is most commonly given to
horses in the form of a ball or bolus, the size of which should not
exceed that of a hen's egg. Though named a ball, it is gene-
rally rolled up in a cylindrical form, about one inch in diameter,
and two and a half or three in length ; but the form of an eff<r
perhaps, is preferable. There is sometimes difficulty in giving
balls, without using the instrument termed a balling iron; and therl

430

MATERIA MEDICA

are some horses that will not take a ball by any other means.
In giving a ball, the horse's tongue is drawn out on the offer
right side, and held firmly with the left hand, while with the
right the ball is quickly passed over the tongue into the pharynx,
or top of the gullet. The hand should be kept as near to the
roof of the mouth as possible in giving the ball ; there will then
be much less danger of being wounded by the teeth. The mo-
ment the right hand is withdrawn from the mouth the tongue is
let loose, and the ball generally swallowed. The balling iron is
so contrived as to keep the mouth open, while the ball is forced
into the throat ; it is then immediately withdrawn.

Balls should be made at the time they are wanted ; as by
keeping they often become so hard as to be almost insoluble in
the stomach, sometimes passing through the intestines unchano-ed :
by keeping they also lose much of their strength, particufarly
when the ingredients are evaporable in the common temperature
of the atmosphere, which is the case with camphor, ammonia,
essential oils, &c. But the most serious inconvenience which
arises from giving balls that have been kept until they become
very hard, is, that they are liable to stick in the throat or gullet,
and thereby endanger the horse's life; indeed, I have known
horses destroyed in this way.

Balls cannot be conveniently given unless wrapped up in
paper : but for this purpose the softest and thinnest should be
chosen.

The balling iron may be covered with cloth or listing to pre-
vent the mouth from being bruised by it. In holding the tongue
with the left hand while the ball is introduced, great care is re-
quired, as the rough and violent manner in which this is some-
times done often injures the tongue or lacerates the under part
of it, named the bridle. The muscles by which swallowing is
effected may also be seriously injured in this way. In violent
colds, strangles, &c., there is often so much soreness of the throat
as to render swallowing very painful and difficult; in such cases
neither halls nor drenches should be given, as they are sure to do
mischief by irritating the throat, and may even suffocate the
animal by getting into the windpipe. (See Drenches.) An
instrument has been contrived for introducing balls into the
mouth, and is sold by the veterinary instrument makers.

When a ball is found to exceed the proper size, it should be
divided and given separately, as much injury has been done by
giving balls too large, especially when they have become dry and
hard, or wrapped in thick paper. I have known two horses
killed in this way. In making balls, the dry ingredients should
be finely powdered and well mixed; the liquid for forming them
into balls should be adapted to the nature of the other ingre-
dients. When a ball contains any acrid, or very powerful ingre-

AND PHAUMACOPCEIA.

431

dient, such as sublimate or arsenic, flour and paste may be em-
ployed for mixing it up, and a small bran mash should be given
a little before or after it. After giving a ball, grooms sometimes
press or pinch the throat for the purpose of making the horse
swallow it : but this should never be done, as it is apt to excite
coughing, by which swallowing is prevented. The only thing
necessary after the hand is withdrawn is to keep the mouth shut,
and press the nose downwards, in a moderate degree, towards
the chest. Previous to the composition of a medicine it is neces-
sary to consider whether its operation is required on the stomach,
the alimentary part of the intestinal canal, or the large intes-
tines. If on the stomach, a drench is the best form ; if on the
alimentary canal or small intestines, a soft ball, containing a small
quantity of potash or soda, should be preferred, unless there is
any ingredient in the ball which renders an alkali improper.
There is a quality in potash which may be considered an incon-
venience, but it is really an advantage ; a ball containing potash
continues soft, and, if kept, becomes too soft by the moisture
■which the potash attracts ; therefore it must be given soon after
it is made. In forming a cathartic, soap is the best article that
can be employed, provided it be not incompatible with the other
ingredients of the ball. Balls, made with soap, even if kept some
time, may be given without that danger which attends the ex-
hibition of old or hard cordial or diuretic balls, which do not
contain soap or potash ; therefore, balls which are intended to be
kept some time, such as diuretics, should always be formed with
soap. Balls made with resin or turpentine, nitre, &c., or cordial
balls made with syrup, and kept to become hard, are not only
liable to remain in the large intestines, causing the conglu-
tination of the earthy matter contained in the excrement, or
serving as a nucleus for it, and producing the large stones some-
times found there, but are liable also to stick in the oeso-
phagus or gullet, and so low down, that is, within the cavity of
the chest, as to remain undiscovered, and cause the animal's death.
I have met with such cases, and was not aware of the circumstance
till after the horse's death, when I discovered the ball wrapped in
brown paper and firmly lodged in the lower part of the oesophagus.
In the three cases I have seen, the ball was of the cordial kind, and
two of them wrapped in brown paper : in one of them sulphur was
an ingredient. One of them was lodged about the pharynx, and
produced a fatal inflammation of the windpipe and lungs. This
horse was labouring under a severe catarrhal affection at the time
the ball was given, attended probably with sore throat, in which
case no attempt should ever be made to give either balls or
drenches. In the other two cases the balls were lodged in the
lower part of the oesophagus. The symptoms were those of
choking terminating in suffocation. In one instance the appetite

432

MATERIA MEDICA

and power of swallowing continued until the upper or all that
part of the oesophagus that could be felt in the neck was dis-
tended with masticated food, as if it had been rammed into it, so
that the animal was at length suffocated.

COUGH BALLS.

No. 1. Gum ammoniac 2 to 3 dr.

Powdered squills 1 dr.

Camphor 1 dr.

Castile soap 2 dr.

Oil of anise-seed 20 drops.

Syrup and flour enough to form the ball.

No. 2. Digitalis 2 scruples.

Camphor 1 dr.

Nitre 3 dr.

Tartarized antimony 1 dr.

Soft soap to form a ball.

CORDIAL DIURETIC BALL.

Common turpentine and hard soap,

of each 3 dr.

Powdered ginger 1 dr.

Powdered allspice 1 to 2 dr.

Liquorice or linseed powder enough to form a ball.

CORDIAL BALLS.

No. 1. Powdered ginger 1 dr.

Powdered allspice 2 dr.

Fresh powdered caraway seeds.... 3 dr.

Treacle enough to make a ball.

If this should not succeed, give —

No. 2. Sulphate of iron 2 or 3 dr.

Powdered gentian 3 or 4 dr.

Powdered ginger I dr.

Treacle as much as is requisite to form the ball.

BALSAMS. — Bahama. Balsams are generally fluid, of
various degrees of thickness, odorous and combustible : they re-
semble resins, being soluble in spirit of wine ; and when thus
dissolved, impart to water a sweetish taste, and a milky ap-
pearance.

Balsam of Canada is a very pure kind of turpentine; and
though preferred on this account to Venice and common tur-

AND PHARMACOPfEIA.

433

pentine, is unnecessary in veterinary medicine, being very ex-
pensive; whereas Venice turpentine is much cheaper, and I
believe equally efficacious.

Canada Balsam is a strong diuretic in the dose of one ounce
or more ; in smaller doses it has been recommended in chronic
cough, and diseases of the lungs. [It is i-ecom mended by Mr.
Morton for the preparation of tape or cotton for setons. See
Setons. — Ed.]

Balsam of Copaiba, or Capivy, possesses neai'ly the same
properties as the pi-eceding.

The dose is about one or two ounces, or more.

Balsam, Friar's, or Traumatic, now named Compound
Tincture of Benjamin, or Benzoin, is made in the following

manner : —

Benzoin 3 oz.

Storax balsam, strained 2 oz.

Balsam of tolu 1 oz.

Extract of spiked aloes ^ oz.

Rectified spirit 2 pints.

Macerate for fourteen days (seven days; Dub.), and filter or
strain through blotting paper. The properties of this tincture
are stimulating and expectorant, and it is therefore by some pre-
scribed, in combination with other remedies, in cases of old
chronic cough or broken wind. As it is decomposed by water,
it should first be amalgamated with mucilage or yolk of egg, in
order to suspend it in aqueous liquids, when given internally.
However, its principal use is that of a stimulant external appli-
cation to indolent sores or wounds.

Balsam of Gilead is nearly similar to the capivy, but more
pleasant. Many virtues have been attributed to these balsams
by medical writers : they were supposed to heal ulceration of the
lungs, kidneys, or other internal parts, and to be powerful cor-
roborants. They do not appear, however, to possess these qua-
lities, nor do they seem to differ much from turpentine in their
medical virtues. See Turpentine.

Balsam of Peru. This is of a different kind from the
former balsams, being more stimulating.

The dose is from one to two drachms. (See Expectorants
and Pectorals.) It is sometimes used externally as an appli-
cation to irritable ulcers.

Balsam of Tolu. This is generally in a solid form, of a
light yellowish colour, and fragrant odour: it is used for the
same purposes as the balsam of Peru, in doses from one to two
drachms.

Balsam of Sulphur. This is made by boiling sulphur and
olive oil, until they are united : they form a dark-coloured mass,

F F

434

MATERIA MEDICA

rather like treacle in appearance, but more tenacious, and of a
very disagreeable odour.

Balsam of sulphur is used as an expectorant; but farriers
frequently employ it in recent inflammatory coughs, which is
improper.

The dose is from half an ounce to one ounce, mixed with
anise or liquorice powder.

BARBADOES ALOES. See Aloes.

BARBADOES TKR.— Petroleum. This is a bituminous
substance, brought from the island of Barbadoes. It is nearly
of the colour and consistence of common tar, but smells differ-
ently, and its colour approaches more to brown. It is insoluble
in water, but dissolves in alcohol, ethei', and in the fixed and
volatile oils, and combines with fat, essential oil, resins, and
camphor. By subjection to the influence of sulphuric or nitric
acid it becomes a solid resin. It has a considerable diuretic
power, and is said to be useful in chronic coughs. Farriers fre-
quently use it in this disease; but by giving it indiscriminately
they often do mischief

BARK, PERUVIAN, or Jes2ii7s' Barh.— Cincliona. Though
in the human subject bark is an useful tonic and febrifuge me-
dicine, it has no very remarkable effect on the horse. I have
seen it do good, however, in diabetes, a disease consisting in an
excessive discharge of urine.

The dose is from six drachms to one ounce and a half or two
ounces.

There are three sorts of bark : the pale or Jesuits, the red,
and the yellow. The first is considered the best, and is most
commonly used; but the others do not greatly differ from it in
their effects. Oak hark would probably be found an useful sub-
stitute for Peruvian bark. By boiling bark in water a consider-
able time, its virtues are said to be considerably diminished.

There is a concentrated preparation of bark, called the Sul-
phate of Quinine. I am not aware that it has ever been em-
ployed as a horse medicine, but should feel disposed to give it a
trial. The dose may be from ten grains to thirty, twice or three
times a day. *

BARLEY. — Hordei Semina. This is sometimes used as food
for horses; but is less fit for that purpose than oats or beans. I
have known it tried as a substitute for the former, when it was
found difficult of digestion, and productive of many complaints-f

* Mr. Morton recommends it as a valuable tonic after inflammatory action
has been subdued, in doses of from ^ to 1 drachm. Its chief objection appears
to be its expense. — Ed.

f Barley is a very inflammatory diet for horses, and apt to induce grease
and swelled legs, but when infused in water till it begins to germinate, its in-
flammatory properties appear to be removed, — Ed.

AND PHARMACOPEIA.

435

If horses, however, be accustomed to it gradually, it proves very
mitritious and useful.

Boiled barley is recommended by Gibson as nutritious food,
easy of digestion, and fit for sick or convalescent horses. Barley-
water, sweetened, may be found an useful drink in fevers, or may
be employed as a vehicle for cooling medicine, such as nitre. It
is made by boiling pearl-barley, for two or three hours in water.
A nutritious gruel may be made with barley-meal, though
perhaps inferior to that made with oatmeal or wheat flour. (See
Restoratives and Gruel,) I have been informed, that Mr.
Rogers, a coach proprietor at Southampton, has, for some time,
fed his post-horses with barley that has been soaked in water
from twenty to thirty hours, and chopped straw; sometimes, I
believe, he puts a little hay in the rack for them.

Mr. Coke, of Norfolk, a celebrated agriculturist, tried the ex-
periment of feeding his horses upon steeped barley, which was
kept until it began to sprout, and found that his horses throve
uncommonly well upon it, and also that this species of provender
was much less expensive than oats. Howevei', the money saved
by this mode of feeding was afterwards lost in another way ; for
the Excise, hearing of Mr. Coke's experiments, forced him to
pay the malt duty.

BARYTA. — Terra Ponderosa. Barytes. This mineral has
not yet been discovered in an uncombined state. It is usually
found united either with sulphuric acid or with carbonic acid ;
from which combinations result the sulphate of barytes or heavy
spar, and the carbonate of barytes, or witherite, so denominated
after its discoverer. Dr. Withering. Both these substances are
used for making the muriate of barytes, the only preparation of
this mineral in general use. It is a medicine of very uncertain
power, and should be used with the greatest caution, M. Dupuy
gave 9 drachms 36 grains to a glandered mare, of which dose
she shortly after expired. Mr. William Percival made some ex-
periments with barytes upon glandered horses, the results of
which were various, and showed that, although in some cases
possessed of considerable efficacy, it is not altogether a medicine
to be relied on. Some of the horses treated by Mr. Percival
were destroyed, without their having received any perceptible
benefit from the barytes. Others were completely cured by its
administration ; and not a few died from the effects of an over-
dose. In general, those horses that were in pretty good condi-
tion at the time of their admission into the infirmary were found
to receive most benefit from barytes. Mr. Percival employed
the muriate of barytes in the dose of one drachm, which was
cautiously increased to three drachms ; the horse died. Another
case, where half this quantity was used, did well. One ounce
and a half of the solution of muriate of barytes, gradually

436

MATERIA MEDICA

increased to two ounces, destroyed life in twenty-four days. A
similar effect was produced by half a scruple of pure barytes,
augmented to one scruple and a half, and administered for
seventeen days. The same dose, however, succeeded in two
other instances, in one of which the use of the medicine was per-
severed in for seventy-one, and in the other for thirty-two days.
Where the pure barytes was given to the extent of four scruples
(beginning with one), it caused death ; and when carried to the
extent of two drachms, the patient, a bay gelding, eight years
old and in good condition, died suddenly. The carbonate of
barytes, given from three drachms to half an ounce for sixty-four
days, did not afford relief. However, as this was the only case
treated by this preparation of barytes, it can hai'dly be said to
have received a sufficient trial. It will be prudent to make trial
of this medicine in small doses, giving not more than half a
drachm of the muriate of barytes to begin with, and not in-
creasing the dose to more than three times that quantity. Of
pure barytes, from fifteen grains to one scruple may be ad-
ministered, and cautiously increased to one scruple and a half.

BASILICUM, or BASILICON, a digestive ointment, com-
posed of resin, bees' wax, and olive oil, of each equal parts. It
is now named ointment of yellow resin. By adding to it a little
oil of turpentine and verdigris it may be employed as a digestive
for horses. See Digestives.

BATHING. A remedy seldom employed in the diseases of
horses. The warm bath would probably be found useful in
some cases, and appears to be used in the French veterinary
colleges. I have been informed, that Mr. Maberly, of Spring
Park, Surrey, was formerly in the habit of putting his horses
in a warm bath whenever they returned from hunting. This,
although only within the reach of people of fortune, is a very
excellent practice, as there is frequently congestion of some par-
ticular organ, as the heart, lungs, or liver, after excessive fatigue,
and the warm bath, by drawing the blood into the capillaries of
the skin, tends to relieve the over-loaded organ, and thereby to
equalise the circulation. A topical bath, both warm and cold,
applied to the feet and legs, is often of great service in lameness.

BATH, VAPOUR. Tliough a vapour bath would be very
servicable on many occasions, yet from the difficulty in con-
structing it and the expense attending it, it has not been
o-enerally used. Mr. Mavor has invented some apparatus for
applying steam locally ; and Mr. Read is now devoting his in-
genuity to the construction of a vapour bath for horses : his pro-
posed mode of application is, I believe, by means of an air-
proof case. — Ed.] .

BAY TREE. — LaitrusNobiUs. The leaves and berries ot
the bay tree are employed in veterinary medicine, the former as

AND PIIARMACOPCErA.

437

an ingredient in the decoction for fomentations; the latter as a
stomachic, and as an ingredient in that ancient, but still cele-
brated stomachic powder, named diapente or diapenty. (See
Stomachics.) Oil of bays assists the action of blisters.

BEANS are often used as an article of diet. If given mo-
derately to horses that work hard, they prove extremely useful
and invigorating; but to such as are not much worked they often
do harm, by disposing the system to inflammatory complaints.
Beans should be bruised or ground, being more easy of digestion
in that state.

BEER or ALE. — Cerevisia. An useful vehicle for cordials
and tonics; and when mild and perfectly free from harshness
or acidity, is of itself a good cordial, especially when given warm
with a little grated ginger. It may be given also with oatmeal
or wheat flour gruel as a restorative, when a horse is exhausted
by fatigue and long fasting. (See Gruel and Restoratives.)
In colic, gripes, or fret, when medicines cannot be procured,
warm ale with a little gin or other spirit, and ginger, may be
given.

BEES' WAX. — Cera i57am. See Wax.

BELLADONNA. Deadly Nightshade. « A powerful nar-
cotic. The extract which is generally employed is the inspis-
sated juice of the leaves of a plant indigenous to Britain and the
south of Europe. It is found growing in shady places, where
the soil is calcareous, flowering in June, and ripening its seed-
vessels in September. The roots are said to possess the most
activity, although the leaves are commonly employed medicinally.
In order to prepare the extract, these are bruised in a mortar, a
little water being poured over them; then submitted to pressure,
and the juice evaporated until it has acquired a fit consist-
ence.

" Properties and Uses. The odour of this extract is peculiar,
and its taste bitter. Its action is that of a narcotic and sedative,
relieving pain and lessening both the force of the pulse and the
number of its beats ; hence its use is indicated in all those dis-
eases where an undue action of the nervous and vascular systems
are present, as tetanus, carditis, and pneumonic affections gene-
rally. Mr. Mavor, of Bond Street, who employs it largely, speaks
highly of it, as do many other practitioners. It is given in doses
of from two to four drachms: in larger doses it acts gently on
the bowels. Externally it is sometimes applied to the eye, and
by its influence on the radiated fibres of the iris, it dilates the
pupil. The same effect I have witnessed from a large quantity
having been administered internally. In the form of plaster,
it may be beneficially applied to wounds creating much irri-
tation, particularly in such as have given rise to tetanus, for its
influence in all neuralgic aflPections is even greater than that of

F F 3

438

MATKllIA MEDICA

opium. A watery solution may be injected into the bladder, to
allay irritation in that viscus." — Morton's Manual.

BENZOIN. — Styrax Benzoin. A concrete resinous substance
of a yellowish colour, inclining to pink, and variegated with small
white masses. By exposure to a strong heat, it gives out an ex-
tremely light flowery substance, which is termed Jlowers of Ben-
jamin. This is beautifully white and fragrant, and is used in
human medicine in coughs, and other complaints of the lungs.
In veterinary medicine neither the resin nor flower are em-
ployed, nor do I know any disease in which they are likely to
be of use.

The former is an ingredient in the traumatic or Friai-'s balsam,
now called compound tincture of benzoin ; and the latter is em-
ployed in making paregoric elixir, or camphorated tincture of
opium.

BITTER SWEET, or WOODY NIGHT-SHADE.—
Dulcamara. The stalks of bitter sweet. This is an indigenous
shrub, found growing in shaded places. It flowers in June and
July, and its properties ai*e diuretic and narcotic. It is generally
given in the form of decoction, made by boiling one ounce of the
sliced stalks in a pint and a half of water, until a pint only of the
liquor remains. The dose from four to eight ounces.

BITUMEN. Bituminous Oils, Barbadoes Tar. Petroleum.
Certain inflammable substances are thus named, obtained from
the mineral kingdom, among which are Barbadoes Tar, Naphtha,
Asphaltum, &c.

BLISTERS. This term is applied to medicines that inflame
the skin, and cause watory bladders to rise upon its surface : the
most useful of this kind is the Cantharis, or Spanish fly, which
forms the principal ingredient in all our blisters. There are
many others, however, which are generally mixed with it as
auxiliaries : among these are hellebore, euphorbiura, turpentine,
and sublimate.

Blisters are of great use in veterinary medicine : they are ex-
tremely efficacious in dispersing callous swellings, the consequence
of strains, bruises, &c.

In inflammation of parts remote from the surface, they are of
<rreat service. When the internal parts of the foot are inflamed,
relief is generally obtained by blistering the pastern, provided the
subordinate or auxiliary remedies are not omitted, such as paring
the sole, soaking the horny part of the foot in warm water, or
applying a poultice to it, and giving a dose of physic. When
the lungs are inflamed, blistering the sides freely is an excellent
remedy, especially when we feel doubtful as to the propriety of
further bleeding.

Blistering is employed also for curls, unndgalls, spavins, &c.

Broken 'knees, unless skilfully treated, frequently leave a cal-

ANU rHARMACOPCEIA.

439

lous swelling on the part; for the removal of which blistering is
employed. When blisters are properly made, and free from any
caustic ingredients, such as sublimate, vitriolic acid, &c., there is
no danger of destroying the hair; and if the first blistering does
not prove effectual, it may be repeated until tlie desired effect is
produced.

Before a blister is applied, the hair should be closely cut off, or
even shaved off if the situation of the diseased part will admit of its
being done without wounding the skin ; but good scissors or shears,
if skilfully used, will answer the purpose sufficiently. If the skin
is scurvy it may be washed with flannel, soap, and warm water, and
be made perfectly dry before the blister is applied. Blisters are
generally employed in the form of ointment, but on some occa-
sions they are preferred of a thinner consistence, or in the form
of liniment, or even still thinner or more fluid, and are then
named liquid blisters. Formulae, or receipts for each of these,
are subjoined. Though a variety of ingredients are generally
used in blisters, I believe that the Cantharis, or Spanish fly, is
the best ; and if not inj ured by long keeping, or adulterated, is
the only blistering ingredient required for common purposes.
Spanish flies should be finely powdered, and used while fresh.
See Spanish Flies.

BLISTER OINTMENT.

No. 1. Hog's lard 4 oz.

Oil of turpentine 1 oz.

Powdered cantharides 1 oz. — Mix.

Melt the lard by a gradual heat ; remove it from the fire, and
stir in the turpentine ; then add the cantharides, and continue
stirring until it is cold.

No. 2. Hog's lard, or palm oil 12 oz.

Oil of Bays 4 oz.

Oil of turpentine - 2 oz.

Powdered camphor 2 oz.

Powdered cantharides 4 oz.

The two first ingredients to be melted, then add the turpen-
tine, and afterwards the camphor and cantharides, and continue
stirring till cold.

This will be found the best blister for general purposes. The
camphor, as observed by Mr. Morton, greatly lessens the irrita-
tion. In blistering the legs an ounce to an ounce and a half of
the ointment for each leg is sufficient.

In some cases, as for enlargements, it is desirable to use iodine
ointment with the above, but it is better to keep them separate,
and mix them when required.

F F 4

440

MATERIA MEDICA

ACETATE OF CANTHARIDES.

Cantharides in powder 1 oz.

Diluted acetic acid, or vinegar ^ lb.

Macerate for fourteen days, then strain.

TINCTURE OF CANTHARIDES.

Powdered cantharides 2 oz.

Boiling water , 6 oz.

Mix. When nearly cold, add —

Water of ammonia 6 oz.

Macerate for a week, then strain.

This is a very excellent and convenient form of liquid blister,
as it may be used alone or mixed with olive oil, with which it
forms a liniment.

By using a greater or lesser quantity we may obtain almost
any effect we please, from a slight stimulus to a strong blistei'.

Cantharides may be also used as a liniment with olive oil
alone, or as a tincture with spirits of wine, the latter forming
Leeming's essence.

BOLE ARMENIC. A red clay, containing a small pro-
portion of oxide of iron, sometimes used by farriers as an astrin-
gent in diarrhoea, or in bloody urine; but it certainly does no
good in those complaints. It is, however, serviceable as an
astringent application to ulcers and wounds, combined with
prepared chalk.

BORAX. — Soda: Bi-horas. Bi-borate of Soda. This,
when dissolved in water, is sometimes applied to the mouths of
young horses that are inflamed by cutting teeth ; I have found,
however, that alum, which is much cheaper, is equally effectual.
The Mel Boracis, or Honey of Borax, is made by mixing one
drachm of bi-borate of soda, in powder, with one ounce of
clarified honey.

BOX. The leaves of box have been said to destroy worms ;
but, if really anthelmintic, it is certainly too weak to deserve our
attention. It may be given with the horse's corn. It is said to
have a purgative quality.

BRAN. An useful article of diet for sick horses, and a pre-
parative for purgative medicine or physic, as it is commonly
termed. (See Cathartics.) Bran should be chosen that is
sweet, and free from any musty smell, which it generally acquires
by keeping, especially in damp places. There is a superior kmd
of bran termed pollard, which is sometimes to be preferred ; that
is, when a little more nutriment is wanted in the mash than
common bran will afford ; but, as a medicinal mash, common

AND PIlARMACOrCEIA.

441

bran is perhaps preferable. Bran mashes are made by pouring
boiling water on bran, and letting it stand in a pail until suffi-
ciently cool.

Bran Water, or White Water, is made in the same manner, usuig
only a larger proportion of water. Bran is of an opening qua-
lity *, and therefore a proper diet for horses that have but little
exercise ; it may be occasionally mixed with oats or split beans.
Bran, with linseed powder or oatmeal, makes a good poultice.
See Poultice and Mashes.

BRICKS, OIL OF. An old absurd preparation made from
a mixture of brick-dust and olive oil, used formerly in strains.
Barbadoes tar dissolved in oil of turpentine is generally sold as
such when it is inquired for.

BRIMSTONE. See Sulphur.

BURDOCK. — Bardana. A common plant known by its
burs. The leaves are said to be diuretic, and are employed in
making the green elder ointment, or Pompillion ( Ung. Populeitm),
so much used by farriers.

BURGUNDY VYTCYL. — Abietis Resina. The inspissated
juice of the Norway spruce-fir: it somewhat resembles yellow
resin, but is less brittle and transparent. What we commonly
meet with in the shops appears to be an artificial composition.
Burgundy-pitch is often used in making charges and strengthening
plasters ; also in some of their ointments.

BUTTER OF ANTIMONY, or, according to the London
Dispensatory, Muriate of Antimon}!^ — Antimonii Murias.-f A
dark-coloured liquid, possessing strong caustic powers, and com-
posed of antimony and muriatic acid.

It has been highly spoken of as a remedy for quittors and
canker, and other ulcers of a similar kind : it is certainly a strong
caustic, and may be employed in cases where such applications
are required.

There is something peculiar however in this caustic ; which is,
that by coming into contact with a moist part, it is immediately
decomposed ; so that when applied to ulcers its action is of very
short duration.

CABALLINE or FETID ALOES. This species is dis-
tinguished from the Socotrine and Barbadoes or Hepatic Aloes
by its rank offensive smell, of which, when prepared in the most
careful maimer, it cannot be divested. It is supposed to be the
remains after the Barbadoes extract has been obtained.

* The slight cathartic property of bran is supposed to be owing to the
small silicious particles it receives from the mill-stone, whicii thus acts mecha-
nically in stimulating the intestines. The irregularity of the bran itself may,
however, act in the same vvay. — Ed.

f The new name for this preparation is sesqui-chloricle of antimony. It is
a convenient caustic, as it immediately changes the colour of the part to which
it is applied. — Eu.

442

MATERIA MEDICA

CAJEPUT OIL, or CAJUPUTI OIL. — Cajuputi Oleum.
The tree whence this oil is obtained is a native of the Molucca
islands. It is a medicine of highly stimulating properties, and
possesses a fragrant, agreeable smell, not unlike a mixture of
camphor and oil of turpentine. If dropped on water it imme-
diately diffuses itself over its surface and quickly evaporates, and
this is one test of its purity. It is frequently adulterated with
oil of turpentine, and in this case will not, like other volatile oils,
be found soluble in alcohol. The properties of this oil are consi-
dered to be stimulant, antispasmodic, and diaphoretic internally;
but in veterinary medicine it is more commonly employed as an
embrocation in chronic cases of rheumatic pains, old strains, &c.
It may be used alone or diluted with olive oil. A mixture of
oil of turpentine, camphor, and oil of rosemary is a good substi-
tute for it.

CALAMINE. — Carhonas Zinci Impurus. Impure Carbonate
of Zinc. An ore of zinc, which, when powdered, resembles a
white earth inclining to a red colour. It is employed for the
purpose of drying or healing ulcers whicb dischai-ge a thin acri-
monious matter : it is also mixed with hog's lard, oil, and wax,
so as to form an ointment, which is used for the same purposes.
This ointment, or cerate, is the celebrated Turner's Cerate.

CALCINATION. The operation of submitting any sub-
stance to the action of fire for a considerable time, in order to
deprive it of its aqueous and volatile particles.

CALCINED MAGNESIA. — Ma^nesza. In this prepa-
ration the carbonate of magnesia is deprived of its acid and
water. It is used for the same purposes as the carbonate of mag-
nesia, but is preferable to it in cases accompanied by great
flatulence or acidity of the stomach (as in the affection known by
the name of blasting), because it contains more magnesia in a
given bulk, and, being deprived of its acid, neutralises the acid
it meets in the stomach and bowels, without the extrication of
gas, which, if it occurs, obviously cannot fail to prove hurtful
where there is a tendency to flatulence. The dose may vary
from half an ounce to four ounces, according to the eflfect
required to be produced.

CALOMEL. — Hydrargyri Sub-murias. Sub-muriate of
Mercury. New name. Chloride or Pi-oto-chloi-ide of Mercury.
This is the most useful of the mercurial preparations. When
prepared it is a fine white powder, rather inclining to yellow, and
very ponderous. It is the most efficacious anthelmintic we are
acquainted with (see Anthelmintics), and an excellent altera-
tive. When a brisk purgative is wanted, calomel may be added
to the common physic, which is composed chiefly of aloes.

Though calomel possesses these useful qualities, it must be given
with caution, and its effects carefully watched j as it sometimes

AND PlIARMACOPCEIA.

443

acts very violently and unexpectedly on the stomach and bowels,
and induces a dangerous degree of weakness. Salivation is some-
times the effect of calomel when given daily as an alterative, or
as a remedy for farcy or mange ; the mouth becoming so sore,
and the tongue so swollen, as to pi-event the horse's feeding.
When these accidents occur, the medicine should be discon-
tinued a short time, and the horse allowed to drink plentifully of
water-gruel, linseed infusion, or any other mucilaginous drink.
When the bowels are affected by it, opium is the best remedy,
should arrow-root gruel or wheat flour gruel prove ineffec-
tual. In some cases, where it has produced great irritation
about the anus or bladder, opium should be given in the form
of glyster. (See Glysters.) If the mouth becomes very sore,
let it be washed with a solution of alum by means of a syringe.

Whenever calomel is given, the horse must be kept warm,
drink warm water, and have regular exercise. When calomel is
given as an anthelmintic, or as a purgative, the dose is from one
to two drachms ; as an alterative, from fifteen grains to half a
drachm. Calomel, combined with diuretics, increases their action
upon the kidneys, and, when joined with sudorifics, augments
their diaphoretic effects. *

COLUMB A ROOT. — Columbce Radix. A good tonic and
stomachic, generally joined with an aromatic and sometimes with
rhubarb. The dose about two or three drachms.

CAMOMILE. — Anthemis. A bitter herb, the flowers of
which are employed in fomentations. No other use is made of
camomile in veterinary practice.

CAMPHOR. — Camphora. There are two species of cam-
phor, the one produced by a species of laurel, which is a native
of North America, China, and Japan ; the other found in masses
in the trunk of a tree which grows pi'incipally on the north-
western coast of Sumatra. It was formerly purified by the
Venetians and Dutch, but this process it now undergoes to a very
considerable extent in this country.

Camphor is a medicine of considerable efficacy in the diseases
of horses, though scarcely known to farriers as an internal
remedy. It is a powerful narcotic, sedative, and antispasmodic,
and is often employed in fevers. When joined with nitre, it
gives speedy relief in suppression of urine, or difficulty in staling ;
except when it arises from inflammation of the kidneys, but in
the horse this complaint is generally caused by distended
bowels.

Camphor is a good remedy in flatulent colic, or gripes, parti-
cularly if joined with oil of juniper or other carminatives. (See

* It is given in most diseases of the liver, its irritating properties being
guarded against by the addition of opium, which combination has been also ad-
ministered in inflammation of the bowels. — Ed.

444

MATERIA MEDICA

Carminatives.) It has been recommended also in locked-jaw
mixed with opium. The dose is from one to two drachms;
though it may be given, I believe, to a greater extent without
danger. The dose I employ is one drachm and a half, or two
drachms.

As an external remedy, camphor is much used ; it is generally
dissolved in spirit of wine, oil of turpentine, or common oil, so
as to form embrocations for strains, bruises, hard swellings, &c.
Soap is often added to those solutions, and sometimes oil of
rosemary. See Embrocations and Antispasmodics.

Mr. Morton recommends camphor as an ingredient in blisters
to allay the irritation of cantharides. In pulverising it, it is
necessary to add a small portion of spirits of wine.

CAN ELLA. Canella Bark. This tree is a native of the
West Indies. The odour of the bark when fresh broken is
aromatic, and its medicinal properties are stimulant and tonic.
It foi'ms a good stomachic in combination with columba, gentian,
rhubarb, &c. The Pulvis aloes cum canella, vulgarly called
Hiera Picra, is made by powdering separately one pound of
hepatic aloes, and thi'ee ounces of Avhite canella, and then
mixing them. The dose is from two drachms to half an ounce
or more.

CANTHARIS. Cantharides. Blistering or Spanish Fly.
These insects are found adhering to trees of different kinds in
the south of Europe.

Cantharides are so very acrimonious, that they inflame and ex-
coriate the skin; and hence raise a more perfect blister than any
other substance : this property renders them extremely useful in
veterinary practice, in which a good blister is the most important
of all external remedies. Cantharides should be finely powdered ;
but previously to this operation they should be sifted, that they
may be freed from a great deal of dust and useless matter, which
we generally find with them. When powdered they may be
either formed into an ointment, a liniment, or a spirituous tinc-
ture; but the former is the best form, and most commonly used.
(See Blisters.) " Cantharides are imported fii-om Sicily and
Astracan, in casks and small chests. The best are of a lively
fresh colour, a small size, and not mouldy, nor mixed with the
Melolontha vitis, an insect resembling them in some degree, but
possessing no vesicating property. It may be distinguished by
its form, which is more square than that of the Spanish fly, and
by its black feet. If Spanish flies have been properly dried, and
kept in a well-stopped glass bottle, they retain their acrimony,
and remain unchanged a great length of time ; but sometimes
they are attacked by a small worm, which, however, feeds on the
inactive part only of the fly, reducing it to a powder that still

AND PIIAUMACOPCEIA.

445

possesses the active quality of the entire insect. They soon
putrify when kept in a damp place, and therefore should be
occasionally spread out to the air." — Thompsons London Dis-
liensatory.

Tincture of cantharides is sometimes given internally in
human medicine, and has been prescribed for horses in inconti-
nence of urine. Its principal effect is supposed to be upon the
neck of the bladder. When incontinence of urine is produced
by over-distension of the bladder, however, drawing off the urine
for a few times, and not allowing that viscus to retain any great
accumulation of urine, may, and indeed generally will, restore
the tone of the bladder without having recourse to cantharides.
Seven grains of powdered cantharides have been prescribed by
Mr. Bracy Clark in a tonic drench. * An over dose of this
medicine will produce strangury and bloody urine, to counteract
which demulcents, as decoction of marsh-mallows, infusion of
linseed with gum Arabic, &c. are the most efficacious remedies.

CAPIVY. See Balsam of Copaiba.

CAPSICUM. Cayenne Pepper. This plant is found both
in the East and West Indies. Its medicinal properties are those
of a strong stimulant, without producing any narcotic effects.
The pod, when powdered, forms Cayenne pepper, which is a
powerful stimulant. I have been informed that it is used with
the best effect as a horse medicine in the East Indies ; but could
not learn precisely what the complaints were in which it was
employed, though I believe it was the flatulent colic, or gripes.
It has been successfully given in cases of flatulency, weakness of
the stomach, and indigestion, in doses of a scruple or half a
drachm, joined with a little powdered aniseed, liquorice, and
syrup, so as to form a ball. See Cordials.

It appears, however, to be inferior to good ginger as a cordial
and stimulant, though more pungent or acrimonious.

CARAWAY SEEDS. — Caraz Semina. These seeds are
much used in veterinary practice, as a cordial and carminative.
The essential oil, which contains all the virtues of the seed in a
concentrated state, is the most convenient for veterinary purposes,
the dose of which is from half a drachm to a drachm : it may be
mixed either with ale, milk, or water, into a drench ; or formed
into a ball with liquorice powder, ginger, and honey. When the
seeds are made use of they should be powdered, but never boiled
in any liquid, according to the practice of farriers, as their
virtues are thereby in a great measure evaporated: nor should

* It has been more generally introduced by Mr. Vines as a remedy for
glanders, farcy, and anasarca. It is certainly a valuable tonic and stomachic,
and may be given as a powder with the food, combined with sulphate of iron
and vegetable tonics. In this form I have found it promote condition consi-
derably. — Ed.

446

MATEIIIA MEDICA

they be purchased in powder; for by being kept in that form,
their essential oil is gradually dissipated.

In whatever form it may be used, caraway is certainly an
useful cordial and carminative. The dose of the seed is about an
ounce ; to which may be added a drachm or two of powdered
ginger. It may be useful to observe, that from twenty to thirty
drops of oil of caraway are an useful addition to aloes, in making
a purgative ball; or, as it is commonly termed, a dose of physic.
See Cordials, Carminatives, and Cathartics.

Though the essential oil is the most convenient form for giving
caraways, it is not perhaps so grateful to the stomach, or likely
to produce so gradual or durable a stimulus as the recently pow-
dered seeds. Caraways, though unpowdered, lose much of their
power by long keeping, especially in damp places. When the
essential oil is employed, that which is pure should be chosen, as
it is often adulterated with spirits of wine. The best manner of
mixing the oil is to rub it in a mortar with sugar and treacle,
and to add the ale or water gradually. Or it may be mixed in
the proportion of one part of the oil to three of spirit of wine,
and kept as an essence of caraway : this, when mixed with ale or
water, will be more uniformly diffused through the liquor than
the oil alone, which will immediately float on the surface.

CARBON. Charcoal. Carho Ligni. Recently prepared
charcoal is an antiseptic, and may be made into a poultice with
linseed meal, and applied to foul, offensive ulcers, for the purpose
of correcting their foetor.

CARBONATES. Combinations of alkalies, earths, or me-
tallic oxides, with carbonic acid, such as carbonate of potash,
carbonate of lime, carbonate of lead, &c. ( See Potash, Lime,
Lead, &c.) The cai-bonates always preserve their alkaline pro-
perties in some degree, and are decomposed by all the acids,
forming a brisk and colourless effervescence.

CARBONIC ACID GAS, is transparent, colourless, with-
out any odour, irrespirable and incapable of supporting combus-
tion. In medical practice this air has been employed, on account
of its antiseptic quality, in foul and foetid ulcers, or in gangrenous
wounds.* It is generally applied by means of a fermenting
poultice, composed of oatmeal and yeast. This poultice has
been found serviceable in that disease of the horse's heels termed
grease, generally correcting the offensive smell which attends it.

CARDAMOM SEEDS. — Cardamomi Semina. The plant
from which these seeds are obtained is a native of India. There
are two sorts of cardamoms, the greater and lesser : the latter are
commonly sold in their shells or pods, from which they are easily
freed : these are preferred in medical practice, probably on ac-

* It has been applied by way of fumigation to the ulcers of the nostrils m
glanders with good effect. — Ed.

AND PHAUMACOPGEIA. 447

count of their more grateful smell and taste, but the larger sort,
which are generally termed grains of paradise (see Grains of
Paradise), are better for veterinary purposes, being a stronger
stimulant, and much cheaper. The lesser cardamoms make an
excellent cordial, and are possessed of considerable strength.
The dose is from one to two or three drachms.

CARMINATIVES. Medicines that correct flatulency in
the stomach and bowels. The disorder for which carminatives
are employed is named flatulent or spasmodic colic, also gripes
and^e^. This disease frequently happens to horses, and from
the nature of it not being understood, often proves fatal.
We constantly hear of horses dying of inflammation of the bowels,
and this is really the case, but the inflammation is produced by
the flatulent colic. When air or wind is generated in the horse's
stomach it cannot escape upwards as in man, and is prevented
from passing in the other direction by a valvular structui'e at the
part where the small intestines terminate; that is, in the caecum
or large intestines, which in the horse is vei'y capacious. As the
air accumulates it distends the stomach and small intestines, and
if they have not sufficient energy to overcome by their contrac-
tile power the resistance made by this valvular structure, inflam-
mation takes place, and the animal dies. Carminative medicines
increase for a short time the vital power of the stomach and small
intestines; put a stop to the process by which air is generated;
excite them to more vigoi'ous conti'actions ; and enable tliem to
overcome the obstacle above described, and expel the confined
air. It is in this way that carminatives cure the flatulent colic.
Sometimes, however, carminatives prove ineffectual, not often
from a want of power in the medicine, but from a circumstance
that is not sufficiently attended to, that is, from an accumulation
of excrement in the large intestines. The carminatives usually
employed are by far too strong; they often cure the disorder,
but always increase the tendency to it by impairing the tone of
the stomach. Large doses of turpentine and other essential oils
are injurious in this way, also pepper and other strong stimulants.

carminative mixtures.

No. 1. Best Cognac brandy 4 to 6 oz.

Hot water 10 or 12 oz.

Mix for one dose.

No. 2. Anodyne carminative tincture 2 to 4 oz.

(The receipt for this tincture will be found under the article

Anodyne.)

Hot water 8 or 10 oz.

Mix.

448

MATlilllA MEDICA

No. 3. Tincture of opium ^ to 1 oz.

Essence of peppermint (see Pepper-
mint) 1 dr.

Water 10 or 12 oz.

No. 4. Oil of turpentine 4 oz.

Linseed oil 4 oz.

Gruel 10 or 12 oz.

Mr. Bracy Clark recommends above all other remedies a

tincture of allspice, made by digesting one pound of bruised all-
spice in three quarts of proof spirit. Of this he gives four ounces
in a little w^ater every hour until the horse is relieved. It may
not be superfluous to observe, that the strength of the carmina-
tive prescriptions or receipts is according to tiie number affixed,
and that the strength of the remedy should rather be adapted to
the habits of the horse, than to the violence of the symptoms. A
horse that has had several attacks of the disease, and has taken
the violent doses commonly employed, may require number 4.,
especially if numbers 2 and 3. have been found ineffectual. It is
of great importance, however, to apply clysters effectually, and
other subordinate remedies pointed out. Bleeding according to
circumstances is lil<;ev\^ise a matter of importance.

CARROTS. — Dauci Radices. Carrots are sometimes used
as an article of diet, and may be given, in moderate quantity,
with great advantage, to horses that are thick-winded, have
coughs, or are disposed to inflammatory complaints, such as
grease, inflamed eyes, &c. They appear to be easy of digestion,
and very nutritious. They are excellent food for young stock,
but will not do for horses that are hard worked. Carrots form
an excellent diet for sick horses, being cooling and nutritious,
and are generally eaten with avidity.

CASCARILLA BARK. — Cascarillce Cortex. This tree is
a native of the Bahama Islands, and is likewise found in Jamaica
and St. Domingo. The bark has a fragrant spicy odour, and
emits when burning a smell like that of musk. It is sometimes
joined with cinchona, Colombo, gentian, or other bitters, and
sometimes given with cordials. According to Dr. Paris, cinchona,
cascarilla, and other medicines which contain tannin and the
gallic acid, or, in other words, which strike a black colour with
iron, are decomposed by the sulphates. According to this doc-
trine, cascarilla would be what he terms an incompatible ingre-
dient with the sulphates of iron, of copper, and of zinc. The
dose of cascarilla is one, two, or three drachms in powder.

CASSIA BARK. — iawn Cassics Cortex. The tree from
which this bark is obtained is a native of Malabar, Ceylon,
Sumatra, and Java, and has by some been accounted a variety
of the cinnamon-tree, the odour of which it in some degree re-

AND PHARMACOPOEIA.

449

sembles. It is sent to tins country in sticks or quills ; is of the
colour of cinnamon, and, if broken, appears to consist of two dis-
tinct rinds or barks, the inner of which is darker than the outer,
and possesses the flavour of cinnamon, though a little more pun-
gent, whilst the outer has scarcely any taste whatever. There
are some fine pieces of cassia which so nearly resemble cinnamon,
as not to be easily distinguished from it, and are frequently sold
for it in the shops. For every veterinary purpose cassia is equal
to cinnamon, provided it is well chosen : such parts should be
selected as have a pleasant, sweetish taste, succeeded by one ex-
tremely hot and pungent : this is generally found in the thinner
pieces, which are curled up like cinnamon.

Cassia is a strong aromatic stimulant, and an efEcacions ingre-
dient in cordial preparations. The dose is from one to two
drachms. An essential oil is obtained from cassia, which bears
a high price, but is so excessively powerful, that two drops on a
lump of sugar will impart a strong taste to half a pint of water.

CASSIA BUDS. These neai'ly resemble cassia in their
taste and medical qualities, and may be used for the same
purposes.

CASTOR OIL. — Oleum Ricini. Castor oil is obtained by
boiling, or by expression from the seeds of the ricinus or palma
Christi, a plant found in the East and West Indies, in Greece,
South America, Africa, and on the Rock of Gibraltar. The
former method was generally used till lately, and was performed
by tying up the seeds in a bag, (having previously taken off the
bark and bruised them,) and suspending the bag in boiling water
till all the oil was extracted and rose to the surface, when it was
skimmed off^; but it is now more generally obtained by pressure
like that of almonds or olives. The castor or ricinus seeds are
a strong purgative. The best castor oil is made in England from
cold blanched seeds with the eye taken out. It is said that the
dark-coloured castor oil, brought from the West Indies, is
bleached or rendered colourless by some process in this country,
and sold as cold-drawn castor oil. Castor oil is an excellent
purgative, as it opens the bowels without producing gripino- or
irritation. It is therefore peculiarly suited to those disoi-ders of
the intestinal tube which require laxatives. The dose is from
half a pint to a pint, or a pint and a half.

It has been asserted that castor oil is a good remedy for worms •
but I have seen it given for this complaint without effect. It
has been suggested that either olive or linseed oil may be sub-
stituted for castor oil ; perhaps they are inferior as laxatives, but
so much cheaper that they ought to be fairly tried. ' See
Laxatives.

CATAPLASM. — Cataphsma. See Poultice
CATECHU. See Acacia Catechu.

G G

450

MATERIA MEDICA

CATHARTICS, or PURGATIVES. Medicines that cause
purging. The preparations employed for this purpose are com-
monly termed physic. Previously to physicking a horse, he
should be fed with bran mashes for two or three days, and have
moderate but regular exercise, or be worked with moderation.
He should be allowed only a moderate quantity of hay, especially
if he has a voracious appetite ; and if inclined to eat his litter he
should be prevented by a muzzle, or by being tied up to the rack
in the day-time, or, what is still better, by having his litter re-
moved during the day, and by applying the muzzle at night after
he has eaten his allowance of hay. If in low condition some oats
may be mixed with the bran mashes ; but eight to ten pounds of
good hay are a sufficient allowance for a day and night. On the
morning when the physic is given, neither hay nor mashes should
be allowed, until two or three hours after it has been taken.
Some practitioners, however, dii-ect a small thin mash of bran
only to be given about an hour after, for the purpose of dissolving
or mixing with the physic. It is a good plan to give a moderate
quantity of mash about two hours before the physic is given, as
some horses refuse it altogether afterwards. If this is not done
a little should be given about an hour after the physic, before
nausea is created. This, however, is unnecessary, though sup-
posed to render the effect milder and more expeditious : but this
is not the case ; physic should be given fasting. During the day
the horse may have walking exercise for about half an hour, and
once only, and be fed with bran mashes, and have the chill taken
off his water. Grooms generally consider exercise unnecessary
or improper on the day the physic is given : and on the following
day, when the medicine generally operates, they are apt to give
too much exercise. But as soon as the purging has taken place in
a sufficient degree, which is generally the case about the afternoon
of the day after it is taken, exercise is unnecessary or improper;
and should the purging continue or be found to be going on the
following morning, that is, on the morning of the third day, in-
cluding that on which the medicine was given, it should be re-
strained by gruel made of arrow-root or fine wheat flour, with
which the horse should be drenched if he refuse to drink it.
Should the purging continue after this, about half an ounce of
tincture of opium may be given with a hornful of gruel.

Horses sometimes appear sick, and refuse then- food after
takino- physic, either during the afternoon or evenmg of the same
day, or the following morning. This is generally caused by a
necrlect of the preparation above directed, by the stomach bemg
loaded at the time the physic is given, or by the horse feeding
improperly too soon afterwards; and not unfrequently by the
physic being too strong. When this sickness is observed, the
horse should have walking exercise ; and if it be on the same day

AND PHAIlMACOPnMA.

451

the physic is taken, and the uneasiness be considerable, let a
clyster be administered; nothing more is necessary. Should it
continue, however, the following morning let him be again ex-
ercised, and have some water with the chill off: and if the
purging does not come on, and he appears to make fruitless
efforts to dung, let the clyster be repeated, which, with a repeti-
tion of the exercise, will generally produce the desired effect.
A horse should be clothed and not exposed to rain or cold wind
during the operation of physic; and when its operation has
ceased, he should be gradually brought back to his usual diet
and work.

Gibson, Bracken, and other veterinary authors, have prescribed
jalap and cream of tartar in their purging balls. It has been
proved, however, that jalap has but little effect on the horse,
even in a large dose (see Jalap) ; and that cream of tartar,
which was supposed to prevent griping, by correcting the acri-
mony of the aloes, is absolutely useless. The neutral salts, such
as sulphate of soda, and sulphate of magnesia (Glauber's and
Epsom salts), are sometimes employed by veterinary practitioners,
especially in France ; but the large dose required to produce a
purgative effect (seldom less than 12 oz. or 1 lb.), and the diffi-
culty and trouble in giving them, prevent their being much used
in this country. When a horse can be brought to drink a weak
solution of Epsom salts, suppose 1 lb. to a large pail full of
water, a diuretic effect is generally produced, and the dung a
little softened; but when purging is necessary, nothing of the
sort should be depended upon. Common salt is an excellent
cathartic for cattle, and sometimes requires to be strengthened
by three or four drachms of aloes. The dose of common salt for
cattle is the same as for the horse, that is, from four to six ounces
in one quart, or more, of whey or water. Cathartics are a most
important class of medicines: and of all cathartics Barbadoes
aloes is the best. They improve digestion and chylification, by
cleansing the intestines and unloading the liver, and if the animal
is afterwards properly fed, will improve his strength and condition
in a remarkable degree. Cathartics are always useful when the
appetite and digestion are bad, and this is known by a voracious
or depraved appetite, both for food and for water; rumblino- of
the bowels, and a frequent discharge of wind from the anus.
This is the case in a remarkable degree with broken-winded
horses, and generally in such as have chronic cough, or are crib-
biters. Cathartics should not be given too strong or too fre-
quently, as they may thereby weaken instead of strengthen the
digestive organs, and produce the effect they were intended to
remove. Cathartics may be made with soap, in the followino-
manner, and then, if given upon an empty stomach, they will be
carried off, and will not be dissolved until they get into the large

G G 2 ^

452

MATERIA MEDICA

bowels, where their effect is intended to be produced : that is,
carrying off all the excrementitious matter that may be lodged
in them. When given in this way they never produce sickness
or pain in the stomach, but always operate without pain or
danger.

CATHARTIC BALL.

Barbadoes aloes, powdered 4 dr. to 7 dr.

Hard soap , 2 to 3 dr.

Ginger. 1 dr.

Water 1 dr.

Oil of cloves.... , 10 drops.

Beat the soap, oil of cloves, and water together in a mortar,
so as to form a paste ; if necessary use more water. This being
done, add the powdered aloes and ginger, and beat the whole
into a ball.

I have seen much harm done by strong doses of physic, and
have often found the weakest dose, even half an ounce of aloes
with the other ingredients, produce an excellent effect.

Other formulae for cathartics have been given in former edi-
tions, but they differ only from the above in containing some
other essential oil, such as oil of caraways or anise-seeds, and in
being made by means of syrup ; some of them contained also
soda, but soap is preferable, and the formula I have now given
is the best that can be employed. When wanted as an anthel-
mintic, a drachm of calomel may be given the preceding night,
or added to the ball. Stomachic purgatives are made by adding
rhubarb, Colombo, or cascarilla to a small dose of aloes; but I
am inclined to believe that whenever the state of the stomach
and bowels is such as to require a cordial or warm cathartic,
opium is the best cordial that can be employed for the purpose.

Stomachics may be given, if required, after the operation of
the cathartic. (See Stomachics.) Horses are more easily
purged in the moulting season than at other times, particularly
in September. At these times the bowels are weak, and a small
dose should be given. Mr. Bracy Clark's method of mixing
aloes for physic is most easy : and if ginger and some essential
oil are not necessary, which he says is the case, his method may
be the best; especially if the physic is wanted to act only on the
large bowels. Soap as well as soda and potash promotes the so-
lution of aloes, and causes it to act on the small bowels, and
probably sometimes on the stomach also, as appears from the
sickness it sometimes induces when thus mixed. This quickness
of solution, however, is certainly desirable when there are worms
in the small bowels, and in cases where a speedy operation is
desirable. The method Mr. Clark recommends, is to put with

AND PHARMACOPCEIA.

453

any quantity of aloes, broken into small pieces, one fifth part by
weight of treacle, and keep the vessel containing it in boiling
water, until the aloes are melted and incorporated with treacle.
It is necessary to stir the mixture well after it has been in the
boiling water a short time, and when perfectly melted and in-
corporated, Mr. Clark directs it to be poured into paper moulds.
I have found, however, that by pouring the mixture upon a
marble slab or plate, previously greased with butter, it soon ac-
quii'es a proper consistence to be formed into balls.

[The following formula is recommended by Mr. Morton : —

Aloes in small pieces.... 8 parts.

Olive oil 1 part.

Treacle 3 parts.

The aloes and oil to be melted together in a water bath, and
when removed from the fire the treacle is to be added, and the
whole stii'red together. When Cape aloes are used Mr. Morton
withholds half the oil and substitutes water. I have been in the
habit of making the cathartic mass in a similar manner, but sub-
stituting one part of powdered ginger instead of an equal portion
of oil and treacle, which I found to form a mass of better con-
sistence and less likely to run. I have also added a few drachms
of powdered tartaric acid, the effect of which has been to assist
the union of the mass, and prevent it adhering to the fingers.
The Barbadoes extract is certainly more certain in its effects
than the Cape, but the latter may be rendered equally so by the
addition of croton oil, nine drops of which added to six drachms
of Cape aloes, will render it of the same strength as an equal
quantity of Barbadoes aloes. — Ed.]

Under the head Drenches will be found directions for
making liquid purgatives.

CAUSTICS are substances that burn or destroy parts to
which they are applied. The most powerful is the red-hot iron,
or actual cautery, which is often employed in veterinary practice
to remove spavins, &c. (See Firing.) Many of the other
caustics are possessed of great strength, and speedily destroy
those parts to which they are applied : such are the pure alkalies,
potash, and soda ; the sulphuric and nitrous acids, or a solution of
silver, quicksilver, or copper, in nitrous acid. If a solid caustic is
wanted, nothing is more convenient than the lunar caustic [nitrate
of silver). The milder caustics are more frequently useful than
those we have mentioned; such as blue vitriol [sidphate of copper),
red precipitate (nitric oxide of mercury), burnt alum, verdi-
gris, &c.

The strong caustics are employed to destroy unhealthy or dis-
eased parts, such as warts and other excrescences, cleansing foul
ulcers and sinuses, so as to bring them to a healthy state, and

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454

MATERIA MEDICA

curable by more simple applications. Caustics may be divided
into liquid and solid, strong and mild. The mild caustics are
also called escharotics, and are moi'e useful than the stronger
caustics, which are too violent in their action in many cases, and
often require to be diluted with water, spirit, or unctuous sub-
stances, according to the nature of the case.

SOLID CAUSTICS, STRONG.

No. 1. The red-hot iron. See Firing.

No. 2. Pure potash with lime.

No. 3. Nitrate of silver, or lunar caustic.

No. 4. Nitrate of copper.

MILD CAUSTICS, SOLID.

No. 1. Acetate of coppei', or distilled verdigris.

No. 2. Sulphate of copper, or blue vitriol.

No. 3. Red nitrated quicksilver, red precipitate, or nitric

oxide of mercury.
No. 4. Burnt alum.
No. 5. Common verdigris.

Memark. — The strong caustics are generally sold in a con-
venient form for application ; but the mild require to be finely
powdered and sprinkled on the ulcer : they are sometimes mixed
with digestive ointments to increase their power.

strong caustics, liquid.

No. 1. The sulphuric and nitrous acids, which are very powerful,
and must be used cautiously : they may be diluted with
different proportions of water, so as to be applicable to
many purposes.

No. 2. Nitrous acid 1 oz.

Quicksilver \ oz. *

Place them in a large gallipot, or open phial, and take care to
avoid the noxious fumes which arise. When the quicksilver is
perfectly dissolved, and the mixture cold, it may be put into a
small phial and corked.

Remark. — This is a strong and efficacious caustic; it is a
certain remedy for the foot-rot in sheep, and often effectual in
canker of the horse's foot, provided these complaints are properly
managed in other i*espects. It is sometimes mixed widi melted
hog's lard to form a strong detergent ointment, or diluted with
water.

* Red precipitate or nitric oxide of mercury may be substituted for quick-
silver.

AND rHAUMACOrCElA.

455

No. 3. Nitrous acid 1 o^-

Verdigris i oz. — Mix.

This caustic is very little, if at all, inferior to the former, and
applicable to the same purposes.

No. 4. Muriate of antimony, or butter of antimony.

No. 5. Muriate of quicksilver, or sub-
limate • 1 dr.

Muriatic acid 2 dr.

Remark. — This is a very powerful caustic, and always re-
quires dilution. Yellow arsenic, mixed with lime and grease,
or egyptiacum, or hog's lard, is sometimes used as a caustic to
destroy warts, or cure fistula or poll-evil.

MILD CAUSTICS, LIQUID.

No. 1. Solution of blue vitriol.

No. 2. Any of the stronger caustics, except butter of anti-
mony, diluted with an equal quantity, or more, of
water.

No. 3. Muriatic acid.

No. 4. Muriate of iron.

CAYENNE PEPPER: See Capsicum.

CERATE. — Ceratum, A term given to certain ointments
or salves, in which wax is an ingredient. It is necessary that
the oils or fat with which they are composed be perfectly fresh,
and preserved in this state.

CERUSE. — Plumbi Subcarbonas. This is a carbonate, or
white oxide of lead, and is commonly called white lead. It is
a very strong astringent, and is sometimes used in ulceration
of the heels, when the discharge is thin and acrimonious.

It is generally made into an ointment with hog's lard and oil ;
but perhaps would be found more useful if used in the form of
a fine powder. (See Lead.)

CETACEUM. Spermaceti. This is demulcent and emol-
lient, but is not used internally in veterinary practice. Its chief
use is in the formation of ointments.

CHALK. — Creta. This is an antacid and absorbent. It
should be finely levigated, or prepared, as it is termed, before it
is administered internally. It may be given in diarrhoea, com-
bined with opium and ginger, after the irritating matter has
been i-emoved from the intestines by purgatives. Externally it
may be sprinkled upon sores which emit an excoriating dis-
charge, in order to preserve the adjacent parts from its effects.
The dose, internally, is from two drachms to several ounces.
(See Astringents.)

G o 4

456

MATERIA MEDICA

CHAMOMILE. See Camomile.

CHARCOAL. — Carho Ligni. A charcoal poultice has
been recommended as an application to the heels when affected
with grease, with a view, perhaps, to destroy the oflFensive smell
of the matter discharged from the heels; it is also useful for this
purpose used as a powder or mixed with prepared chalk.

CHARGES. Adhesive plasters which are softened or
liquefied in a ladle by a gentle heat, and then applied to the
legs, from the knee and hock joints to the foot, as a remedy for
windgalls and old lamenesses, arising from strains or hard work,
or to the back in strains of that part. As soon as the plaster is
applied, the part is covered with short tow, and the horse sent

to grass.

A Charge.

No. 1 . Yellow rosin , 2 oz.

Burgundy pitch 4 oz.

Barbadoes tar 2 oz.

Bees'-wax 3 oz.

Red lead 4 oz.

No. 2. Yellow rosin 1 lb.

Bees'-wax 8 oz.

Common turpentine 2 oz.

Armenian bole powder 4 oz.

Mix.

The three first are to be melted together, and then the latter
is to be added. The mixture is to be constantly stirred until
sufficiently cold to be applied; and if it prove too thick when
cold, it may be softened with a little oil or lard.*

Farriers generally mix di-agon's blood (as it is commonly
called), from an idea that it has a strengthening quality ; others
recommend bole armenic. It appears, however, that charges
act as a bandage only, compressing equally, and for a consider-
able time, the joints, tendons, Scc-f

CHEWING BALLS. These are composed of the wood of
the bay and juniper tree, assafcetida, liver of antimony, and pel-
litory of Spain. The only modern writer on veterinary medi-
cine, who has advised the use of chewing balls, is Mr. Wilkin-
son, in his observations on catarrhal complaints.

CINCHONA. See Bark.

* These charges may be rendered more stimulating by the addition of a
little blistering ointment. — Ed.

■j- It is customary in many hunting stables, at the close of the season, to
apply to the legs of any horses that are stale what is called the mercurial
charge. It consists principally of mercurial ointment applied to the legs and
bound on with linen bandages closely embracing the leg : they remain on for
six weeks or two months, and, on being removed, the legs are found much
finer. — Ed.

AND PHARMACOPOEIA.

457

CINNABAR, or RED SULPHURET OF QUICK^
SILVER. (Newname, BISULPHURET OF MERCURY.)
A heavy mineral of a dark red colour, sometimes prepared arti-
ficially. It is composed of. quicksilver and sulphur, called red
sulphuret of mercury, and has been employed as an alterative
in obstinate coughs, and thickness of wind, in doses of half an
ounce daily. Cinnabar is the least active of the mercurials.

CINNAMON. — Cinnamomum. The cinnamon tree is a
native of the East. The bark is rolled into cylinders and ex-
ported in this state. This well-known spice is a powerful sti-
mulant, and an excellent cordial : its high price, however, pre-
vents its being used much in cordial preparations ; so that when
good cassia can be procured, it may be, on all occasions, substi-
tuted for it in veterinary practice (See Cassia). Oil of cinna-
mon is made by macerating cinnamon in sea water for forty-
eight hours, then distilling it with a gentle heat, and separating
the oil from "the water with which it comes over.

CLOVES. — Caryopliilli. A stimulant of considerable
strength, but seldom employed in veterinai-y medicine, on ac-
count of its high price. The essential oil of cloves is sometimes
used, in the dose of ten or twenty drops, in cordial preparations,
or in purgative medicine, to prevent sickness or griping. It is
an excellent cordial.

CLYSTER or CLYSTER. — Enema. This useful remedy
is not employed as often as it ought to be, and seldom properly
or effectually. In flatulent colic it is essentially useful ; and it
is from this circumstance being too little known, or not attended
to, that flatulent colic sometimes terminates in inflammation of
the bowels, and death. (See Carminatives.) In suppression or
retention of urine, or in difficulty of staling, a clyster is the best
remedy that can be employed. In short, there is scarcely a dis-
ease to which horses are liable, in which clysters may not be ad-
vantageously used, either as a principal remedy, or as an
auxiliary to others. The clyster pipe and bladder is the only
effectual apparatus I have seen. The pipe should be one inch
in bore, and fifteen inches in length.* The quantity of liquid
employed should be five or six quarts, and consist only of warm
water or gruel, with half a pound of salt dissolved in it : or thi'ee
or four ounces of senna leaves may be put into boiling water
instead of the salt. Thei'e is sometimes difficulty in introducing
the pipe, generally from hard excrement in the straight gut;
sometimes, however, from the bladder being distended with
urine. In such cases, patience and care are necessary to ex-
hibit the clyster effectually, and it may almost always be accom-
plished without raking or drawing out the hard excrement with

* The apparatus invented by Mr. Read is decidedly the best and most con-
venient method of administering injections. — Ed.

458

MATERIA MEDICA

the hand ; there is no objection, however, to this operation, and
when a clyster pipe is not at hand, it must be employed as a
substitute for a clyster. (See Raking.) The simple emollient
clyster should be thin gruel, or warm water only. The anodyne
or opiate clyster should be composed of three or four ounces of
tincture of opium in two quarts of gruel, or warm water. Gib-
son gave half an ounce of solid opium dissolved in water, as a
clyster to a horse in locked jaw, with success. Nourishing clys-
ters are composed of arrow-root, or wheat flour gruel with sugar,
or broth thickened with flour. Tincture of opium is an useful
addition to such clysters, especially in locked jaw. When
clysters are intended to cause an evacuation of fasces, they should
be administered in large quantity, so as to distend and irritate
the rectum ; but if they are meant to be retained, the quantity
injected should be but small.

COLLYRIUM, or EYE WATER. Any liquid prepara-
tion applied to the eyes is termed a collyrium. Those in most
general use in veterinary practice ai'e the following : —

No. 1. Sulphate of zinc 2 dr.

Super-acetate of lead 2 J dr.

Water 1 pint. — Mix.

Should the eye be much inflamed, painful and irritable, this
lotion may be further diluted with water, and should be applied
in a tepid state ; but if, after violent inflammation, the eye re-
main languid and inert, and vision seem to be impeded from a
relaxed state of the vessels of the eye, it may be rendered
stronger by the addition of one or two ounces of brandy, or an
equal quantity of the vinous tincture of opium.

No. 2. Sulphate of zinc 1 dr.

Water 1 pint.

Dilute sulphuric acid ... 2 drops. — Mix.

No. 3. Super-acetate of lead ... 4 scr.

Water 1 pint.

Distilled vinegar 2 oz. — Mix.

After shaking the ingredients together, so as thoroughly to
incorporate them, filter them through blotting paper. These
lotions are astringent, and are useful in relaxations of the vessels
of the conjunctiva.

Nitrate of silver 1 to 2 gr.

Distilled water 1 oz.

This is a very effectual stimulant, after the active inflam-
mation has ceased.

Tincture of digitalis and extract of belladonna have both
been applied to the eye with advantage,

«

AND PHARMACOrOEIA. 459

By some, collyria are divided into dry and liquid ; the dry are
powdered salt or sugar, blown into the eye by means of a quill ;
crude sal ammoniac (muriate of ammonia), white viti-iol (sulphate
of zinc), powdered alum, &c.

COLOMBO. — ColumbcB Eadix. A good stomachic bitter,
much used in human medicine; and though rarely employed in
veterinary practice, seems to be worth a trial in cases of indiges-
tion and flatulency. See Columba Root.

The dose is three or four drachms or more : it would, perhaps,
be more effectual if joined with ginger or cassia. See Tonics
and Stomachics.

COPAIBA. See Balsam of Copaiba.

COPPER. — Cuprum. This metal is a component part of
blue vitriol {sulphate of copper) and verdigris, two valuable pre-
parations. See Blue Vitriol and Verdigris.

COPPERAS. — Sulphas Ferri. A term formerly employed,
and still used in the arts, for sulphate of iron, or green vitriol,
which has also, when purified, been named salt of steel {sal
martis), and vitriolated iron. It is a very useful tonic in doses
of from two to six drachms, and is thus given with vegetable
tonics to promote condition. Sulphate of zinc has also been
named white copperas, but more commonly white vitriol.

CORDIALS. There are no medicines more frequently
employed than cordials and diuretics, and none, perhaps, speak-
ing generally, that do more harm, though productive of tem-
porary good when judiciously employed. But with respect to
cordials, it is necessary to inquire what are the circumstances
which render them necessary, and then we shall soon learn that
it is immoderate work, and bad management in regard to feed-
ing ; by the latter is meant the bad quality, as well as the im-
moderate quantity, of the hay that is often given. This is the
most prevailing error in feeding. Next to it is that of not
allowing a sufficient quantity of (/ood oats, or not properly pro-
portioning the allowance to the horse's labour ; and thirdly, by
giving too much at a time, and hindering digestion by putting
the horse to work immediately after feeding, or by feeding irre-
gularly, or not observing a proper method of distributing the
daily allowance of food. The use of cordials, on such occasions,
is to give temporary energy to the stomach and bowels, and
enable them to discharge their laborious duties. But how is
this done? by an unnatural excitement of the nervous system.
The other circumstance which renders cordials necessary is
immoderate work, which is of a more serious nature than
improper feeding. It is a moral evil ; and, if duly reflected
upon, will, I trust, be seen in that light. When we consider
the form of the horse, it appears evident that he was intended
for the service of man; and it is equally clear, in a moral li'dit.

460 MATERIA MEDICA

that it is the duty of man to treat him with kindness, and exact
no more labour from him than is consistent with his health.
Feeding him luxuriously is no excuse for working him unfairly,
nor is there any advantage in it ; for although we may thereby
render him capable for a time of wonderful exertions, yet we
shorten his life, and interrupt his abridged period of service by
bringing upon him various diseases. It is often thought that a
liberal allowance of oats and beans, a warm stable, good groom-
ing, and a comfortable bed, will compensate for excessive labour:
such management may enable the animal to do more than he
otherwise could; but the power of the stomach is limited, and
so is that of the muscular and nervous systems ; so that, if we
make an unfair demand upon them, and it is answered, their
power is the sooner exhausted. About half a pint to a pint of
good strong beer, or ale, with a little ginger grated into it, forms
an useful cordial. A wine-glass full of brandy in half a pint of
water is stronger, and may, on some occasions, be more useful,
than beer ; but I wish to impress on the reader, or rather to
propose to him as a subject for consideration, that whenever a
cordial appears necessary, we should give no more, or one of
no greater strength, than is sufficient to produce the desii-ed
effect ; and it will be found, I think, that a much better effect
may be produced by three or four small doses or weak cordials
than by giving only one large dose.

CORDIALS.

No. 1. From half a pint to a pint of the best old mild beer,

with a little grated ginger.

No. 2. Best Cognac brandy 2 to 4 oz.

Warm water 6 to 12 oz.

No. 3. Anodyne carminative tincture. (See

Anodynes) 2 oz.

Water 6 or 8 oz.

No. 4. Allspice powdered 2 to 4 drs.

Caraway seeds (fresh) powdered 4 drs. to 1 oz.

Treacle enough to form the ball.

No. 5. Ginger powdered 1 dr.

Allspice powdered 2 dr.

Caraway seeds powdered 4 dr.

The cordials Nos. 4. and 5. may be given as a drench with a

little water; and. if the cordials 1, 2, and 3. were sweetened
with treacle or sugar, they would be more palatable to the horse,
and probably have a better effect. The above cordials are as
well suited to cattle as to horses ; and though much stronger
drenches are often given, these will be found, 1 think, of suffi-
cient strength. When we consider the immense size of the

AND PHAUMACOPCEIA.

461

rumen, or first stomach, of the cow, we may be led to think that
these animals really require the Herculanean doses often given,
and prescribed by writers on cattle medicine. But the internal
surface of the rumen has a cuticular covering, and consequently
possesses but little, if any, sensibility to medicine; and it is
evident, from the structure and disposition of the passage by
which the four stomachs communicate with each other, as well
as from the structure and economy of the stomachs themselves,
that drenches pass quickly into the fourth stomach, and that it is
through the excitement produced upon this stomach and upon
the brain, that the muscular coat of the rumen, or first stomach,
as well as the whole muscular system, is excited to more vigorous
action.

CORNU CERVI. See Hartshorn.
CORROSIVE SUBLIMATE. See Sublimate Corro-
sive.

CREAM OF TARTAR. — Potassce Bitartras. See Tar-
tar.

CREASOTE. — Creasoton. This substance is obtained by
the destructive distillation of vegetable matters ; hence it is found
in pyroxylic oil, tar, and wood, smoke giving to those substances
their antiseptic properties. Its preparation is exceedingly trou-
blesome and tedious.

Properties and Uses. — Creasote, when pure, is a colourless
fluid, oily, and of a peculiar odour, resembling smoked meat : it
has a hot pungent taste ; it acts powerfully on the animal system,
quickly destroying small animals. Internally given it is a sti-
mulant and tonic ; and externally, when applied in an undiluted
state, it is a caustic ; otherwise it acts as a general excitant, and
an antiseptic. It has also been resorted to as a styptic ; indeed,
its greatest use is as a topical remedy, being employed in the
form of a lotion, a liniment, or an ointment, to foul ulcers, such
as occur in farcy and glanders ; to cancerous sores, such as foot-
rot, canker, and thrushes; and some cutaneous affections, as
herpes, mange, &c., also for the checking of caries, excessive
suppuration, and the repression of fungous granulations. It is
likewise occasionally dropped into the eye in chronic ophthalmia,
when It operates as a counter irritant; and has been found
effectual in removing nebula. The inhalation of its vapour has
lessened the bronchial secretion ; and as glanders in the human
subject has yielded to it in the hands of Dr. Elliotson, and, still
more recently, this formidable disease has been effectually com-
bated by Mr. Ions, V.S., in the case of his son, it seems to be
worthy of a trial for this affection in the horse, bein^r both given
internally, and applied locally. The dose has not yet been as-
certained. I should think from ^ss to a drachm maybe diffused
in a weak mucilage of gum, and administered twice a day.

462

MATKUIA MEDICA

As a caustic, undiluted creasote may be applied by means of
a camel's hair pencil. Injected into fistulous wounds, or those
connected with exfoliation of bone, it quickly induces a favour-
able change acting in a twofold manner; — first, as a powerful
stimulant ; and, secondly, as an antiseptic. It may or may not
be diluted with water, when used as a styptic ; pledgets of tow
being dipped into it, and applied to the bleeding part with a
compress. Its action depends on its power of coagulating albu-
men, and contracting the moulhs of the vessels. As a lotion to
indolent and foul ulcers, or when thi-own up the nostrils for
chronic inflammation of its lining membrane, or when ulcers
exist on it, from ten to fifteen minims may be diffused in one
ounce of water ; and of the same strength, it may be added to a
poultice when we wish to destroy foetor.

LiNiMENTUM Creasoti Compositum. — Compound Liniment
of Creasote.

Take of creasote 2 parts.

Oil of turpentine, and olive oil of each 4 pai'ts.

Mix together so as to form a liniment.

This form has been successfully employed at the College in
wounds that have taken an unhealthy suppurative inflammation,
and particularly fistulous sores. In lesions connected with
opened synovial cavities, I should think it would also prove
beneficial.

Unguentum Creasoti. Ointment of Creasote.

Take of creasote 2 parts.

Lard 8 parts.

Mix together.

Used for the same purposes as the compound liniment of
creasote. The foregoing account is extracted from Morton's
Manual of Pharmacy.

CROTON SEEDS. — Croton Tiglii Semina. Croton is a
native of India, China, and other places. Every part of the
plant appears to possess medicinal properties; but the seeds
alone are employed in Europe. The seeds are about the size of
a small coffee bean, and abound with a fixed acrid oil, which is
obtained by expression, constituting the croton oil of commerce.
The oil has a bright straw colour, a faint odour, and a hot acrid
taste, creating an uneasy sensation in the throat. It is soluble
in alcohol and ether.

The oil is merely a vehicle for the acrid principle which is
called tk/lin and crotonic acid, a portion of Avhich remains in the
farina after the oil is extracted.

I believe that the veterinary profession is indebted to Mr.
Field for the introduction of this agent as an article of its ma-

AND PHARMACOPOSIA.

463

teria medica. He employs the farinaceous residue, and has
found five grains of it equivalent in action to one drachm of
aloes. Should the seed be given, about three grains, or perhaps
a little less, may be considered an equivalent. The expressed
oil has been said to create considerable irritation. Allowing this
to be the case, surely some corrective may be conjoined, and
thus a valuable agent be added to the list of veterinary thera-
peutics. The great value of croton certainly arises from the
capability of administering it when no other cathartic can be
given. It may be put into the animal's mash ; or, if it is made
into a tincture, as suggested by Mr. Field, it may be mixed
with his water.

A form for this is as follows : —

Tincture of croton.

Take of bruised croton seeds 1 oz.

Rectified spirit 16 oz.

Digest for seven days, and filter for use. Dose from half an
ounce to an ounce. This solution is also an active counter-irri-
tant. I am inclined to believe that croton requires nearly the
same time to excite the bowels that aloes do, from which it
differs in not creating so much nausea, and in producing a
greater liquidity of the dejections. It is therefore well suited
for anasarcous swellings. As a general cathartic, croton will
never supplant aloes, but a combination of the two may be found
of advantage.*

For cattle, the union of croton with the sulphate of magnesia
in doses from twenty to thirty grains of the seed is useful in ob-
stinate constipation.

The croton oil, if placed on the tongue of a horse, in quanti-
ties from twenty to forty drops, produces purging ; but in this way
it is apt to inflame the membrane of the mouth. — Morton's
Manual.

DAFFY'S ELIXIR. A popular quack medicine, often
given to horses as a remedy for flatulent colic, gripes, or fret,
which it sometimes cures, being composed of proof spirit, iji
which senna, jalap, caraway seeds, and ginger have been in-
fused. It is by no means an eligible medicine, and should never
be employed in this complaint. When the remedies prescribed
for this disorder cannot be obtained, a pint of warm beer, with
grated ginger, or a glass of gin or other spirit, will be found a
cheaper and a more effectual remedy than Daffy's Elixir ; or,
what is still more effectual, a pint of warm brandy and water ;

* T am in the habit of combining croton oil with aloes with good effect. I
find four drops of the oil added to five drachms of Cape aloes render it equi-
valent to five drachms of Barbadoes aloes. — Ed.

464

MATERIA MEDICA

from four to six ounces of brandy to twelve ounces of water.
Rum or gin may answer the same purpose diluted with water.
See Carminatives.

DEADLY NIGHTSHADE. See Belladonna.

DECOCTIONS. — Decocta. These differ from infusions by
the substance of which the decoction is composed being acted
upon by a boiling heat. Some substances, however, are decom-
posed by being boiled, while others are rendered more easily
soluble, and their active principle more completely obtained by
this process. All volatile matter is dissipated by being boiled.
Decoctions can therefore only with propriety be composed of
those substances which are neither decomposed nor volatilized by
a boiling heat.

When more than one ingredient enters into the composition
of a decoction, it is sometimes desirable not to boil them altoge-
ther, but in succession, according to their different degrees of
hardness ; and, if any aromatic or volatile substance form a part
of the decoction, the boiling liquid sbould merely be poured
upon it, after the other menstrua have been properly decocted.
Decoctions should be made in vessels of sufficient magnitude
to prevent their boiling over, and, as they soon ferment, and
are spoiled by keeping, should be used soon after they are
made. They should also be strained while hot, as some of them
(the decoction of Peruvian Bark, for instance) deposit, on cool-
ing, an active and useful principle, from the circumstance of
water at a boiling temperature being able to hold a greater
quantity of matter in solution than when cold. As the object
of decoction is to extract as much as possible of the virtues of
certain substances, whatever they may be, it is advisable either to
reduce them to powder, to cut them in small pieces, or to bruise
them, before they are submitted to the process of decoction.

Decoction of Marsh-Mallows. — Decoctum AWiecB.

Take of dried marsh-mallows 6 oz.

Water 7 lb.

Boil down to five pounds ; strain the decoction, and, after the
faces have subsided, pour off the clear liquor.

As marsh-mallow roots contain nothing soluble in water but
mucilage, this is merely an emollient, which may be administered
in inflanimation of the bladder or kidneys; in irritation of the
mucous membrane of the stomach and bowels, or of the oesopha-
gus and trachea.

Decoction of Camomile, compound. — Decoctum Anthemidis

Compositum.

Camomile flowers, dried 1 oz.

Caraway seeds, bruised H o'^-

AND PHAEMACOr-CEIA.

465

Ginger, bruised oz.

Water 1 qt.

Boil for ten or fifteen minutes ; a good stomachic drench.

Decoction of Oak Bark. — Decoctum Quercus.

Oak bark, bruised 2 oz.

Water 1 qt.

Boil gently for ten minutes ; a good vehicle for tonic medi-

cine.

Decoction for Fomentation. — Decoctum pro Fomento.

This is made by boiling bay leaves, camomile flowers, worm-
wood, and southernwood, in a sufficient quantity of water.

Decoction of Poppy-Heads. — Z)ecocif2<w Capsularum

Papaveris.

This is made by boiling the dry capsules, or heads, of the
white poppy, without the seeds, and broken up in small parts,
in a sufficient quantity of water; i. e. about two or three ounces
to a quart of water. This decoction is used as an anodyne fo-
mentation.

Decoction of Barley. — Decoctum Hordei.
Barley water is made by boiling pearl barley in water. This
may be used in fevers, either alone, or as a vehicle for nitre, or
other medicine.

Various other decoctions are occasionally employed, and some-
times preferred on account of their cheapness, to more efficacious,
but more expensive, medicines; yet, it must be recollected, that
some vegetables, such as peppermint, penny-royal, &c., have
their useful properties dissipated by much boiling, and should
therefore be only simmered for a few minutes, or only infused,
as it is termed. (See Infusions.) It is a common practice
with cattle doctors to boil their drenches in ale, by which the
spirit of the ale, and sometimes the essential parts of the other
ingredients are, in some degree, evaporated,

DECOMPOSITION is the separation of bodies which are
combined by chemical affinity, and can only be effected by the
agency of some substance or substances which have a stronger
affinity for one or more of the constituents of the compound than
these have for each other,

DELIQUESCENCE. When any solid possesses so oreat
an attraction for water as to absorb from the atmosphe^ a
quantity sufficient to dissolve it, it is said to deliquesce. Those
again, that part with their water of crystallization until they be-
come dry and fall into powder, are said to effloresce.

DEMULCENTS. Medicines which h4ve the power of di-

H H

466

MATERIA MEDICA

minishing the eflfect of acrimonious or stimulating substances
upon the sensible parts of the body. There are two sorts of
demulcents : the one, possessing an oily or mucilaginous quality,
sheathes the sensible part, and thereby defends it from the ac-
tion of the stimulus; the other, being a watery fluid, dilutes the
stimulus, and diminishes, in a certain degree, its power. They
ai-e supposed to act when taken internally, not only by a direct
application to the stomach and bowels, but also by being ab-
sorbed into the circulation, and through that medium on the
lungs, kidneys, and bladder. Among the former may be
reckoned gum arabic, gum tragacanth,'^and marsh-mallow, with
various oils ; the latter consists principally of water.

DETERGENTS. A term employed in surgery for those
applications which have the power of cleansing foul ulcers, and
inducing a disposition to heal. They consist of caustics or es-
charotics, diluted or mixed with water, unctuous substances,
essential oils, or absorbent powders.

DETERGENT POWDERS.

No. 1. Blue vitriol (sulphate of copper)

finely powdered I oz.

Bole armenic 2 dr.— Mix.

No. 2. Red precipitate (nitric oxide of
mercury, or red nitrated quick-
silver) finely powdered 1 oz.

Burnt alum 2 dr.— Mix.

No. 3. Crystallized verdigris (acetate of

copper) finely powdered 1 oz.

DETERGENT OINTMENTS.

No. 1. Ointment of nitrated mercury.

No. 2. Yellow basilicum (ointment of

yellow resin) • 2 oz.

Melt, and add oil of turpentine . . 2 dr.

Blue vitriol, finely powdered i oz. — Mix.

DIACHYLON. Litharge, or lead plaster, is made by boil-
ing together olive oil nine parts, litharge five parts, water two
parts, over a slow fire, and con-stantly stirring, unti the oil aiid
[he litharge unite, and acquire the consistence of plaster. i le
water is intended to prevent burning or discolouration ot the
plaster, and must be replaced as it evaporates. Diachylon is an
ingredient in sticking plaster, and charges, and is useful when
spread on leather for defending a tender part from pressure.

DIACODIAN or DIACODIUM. A syrup made from a
decoction of the heads of white poppies, or more readily by dis-

AND PHARMACOPCEIA.

467

solving the extract of white poppies in water, and form-
ing it into a syrup by the addition of a sufficient quantity of
sugar.

DIALTHEA. Marsh-mallow's Ointment. An ointment
made from marsh-mallow's root, fenugreek seeds, palm oil,
linseed oil, and resin. Sometimes lard and turpentine are
added.

DIAPHORETICS. Medicines that increase the natural
discharge by the skin ; which, when they act in so considerable
a degree as to occasion" sweating, are termed sudorifics.

It is extremely difficult to produce any visible effect upon the
horse's skin by means of medicine alone ; but when it is assisted
by proper exercise and warm clothing, we can generally give a
fine glossy appearance to the coat, though it is very difficult to
produce sensible perspiration, unless it be by violent exercise,
and immoderately warm clothing. The most effectual diapho-
retics in the horse, are medicines of the hot stimulating kind,
combined with antimonial preparations and opium; these,
however, cannot be employed with propriety in fevers, which
are generally an effect of internal inflammation; they are useful
only when horses are hide-bound, have a rough dry coat, and
appear in a state of debility. The effects of this class of medi-
cines are so very uncertain in the horse, and so rai'ely succeed
unless assisted by exercise, that it seems probable that exercise,
a proper diet, and good grooming, form the only effectual dia-
phoretics.

Emetic tartar and other preparations of antimony, Minde-
rerus's spirit, or water of acetate of ammonia, and camphor are
the diaphoretics which are employed in' febrile complaints. See
Febrifuges. *

DIGESTIVES. Medicines which promote suppuration in
ulcers, and cause them to discharge a white healthy matter.
This term is commonly applied to ointments and other prepara-
tions which improve the state or condition of ulcers or sores,
and cause them to discharge good matter. Medicines that pro-
mote the digestion of food are named tonics, stomachics, and
cordials.

DIGESTIVE OINTMENT.

No. I. Hog's lard and strained turpen-
tine, of each 4 oz.

Verdigris 1 oz.— Mix.

* Spirit of nitrons ether in closes of from one to two ounces is one of the
most effectual and useful diaphoretics, and will frequently produce perspira-
tion. _ It is highly useful in inflammatory diseases when the surface and ex-
tremities feel cold ; it then rouses the circulation, and enables a greater portion
of blood to be taken away. — Eo.

H H 2

468

MATEniA JVIEDICA

No. 2. Hog's-lard and Venice turpentine,

of each - 4 oz.

Sulphate of copper (blue vitriol)

finely powdered 1 oz. — Mix.

No. 3. Ointment of yellow resin 4 oz.

Oil of turpentine 1 oz.

Nitric oxide of mercury (red pre-
cipitate,) finely powdered 1 oz. — Mix.

DIGITALIS. See Foxglove.

DILUENTS. Weak liquids employed as a common drink,
such as barley-water, bran-water, &c., supposed to cool and di-
lute the blood in fevers, and inflammatory complaints.

DISTILLATION. An operation by which, through the
agency of heat, the fixed and volatile principles contained in
any body are sepai'ately obtained.

DIURETICS. Medicines that increase the secretion of
urine; an effect more readily produced in the horse than in the
human body. There is a great variety of medicines that act
as diuretics : the principal are, the various kinds of turpentine,
balsam, soap, the fixed alkalies, nitre, &c.

Diuretics are much used in veterinary practice, particularly
in diffused swellings of the legs or other parts, and grease : when
given in moderate doses, they may be continued for several
days ; and a horse may work without danger during their ope-
ration. The diuretic alterative in our Pharmacopoeia is an ex-
cellent medicine for horses that are subject to swellings of the
legs, and in slight cases of grease; but in more violent com-
plaints we must employ more active remedies, these being
adapted only to mild cases which do not prevent a horse from
working. However paradoxical it may appear, there is truth m
the assertion that diuretics are among the most useful, and like-
wise the most misbhievous medicines, that are given to horses.
They are extremely useful in carrying off the impurities and
superfluous serum from the blood, thereby producing the best
effects in many diseases. • • i

Horses that have good appetites will take a dmretic m the
form of powder with their food, and this form should then be
preferred.

DIURETIC POWDER.

Powdered resin and nitre, of each 4 dr.
Mix for one dose, and let it be repeated daily, until a suffi-
cient effect is produced.

DIURETIC BALL.

Hard soap and common turpen-
tine, of each 4 dr.

AND PHARMACOPOEIA.

469

Powdered caraway seeds enough to form the ball. Mix for
one dose.

CORDIAL DIURETIC BALL.

Hard soap and common turpen-
tine, of each 4 dr.

Ginger 1 dr.

Opium ^ dr.

Powdered caraways enough to form the ball.

Diuretics should not be kept till they become hard, as they
often are, but be given in rathei" a soft state, and recently made.
They should also never be so given as to operate while a horse is
in work, as he may thereby be prevented from staling when he
has occasion : from neglecting this precaution, and from their
frequent and immoderate use, arise those mischievous effects
before alluded to. The kidneys are often materially injured by
them, as well as the bladder.

DRAGON'S BLOOD. — Sanguis Draconis. A resinous
substance of a dark red colour, which, when pure, is entirely
soluble in spirits of wine. Dragon's blood was formerly em-
ployed as an astringent and styptic, in fluxes and internal bleed-
ings ; but modern practitioners scarcely ever use it. It is still
employed by farriers, in the complaint of horned cattle, which
they term red-icater; or bloody urine, but without effect; nor is
there any disease of the horse in which it is likely to be useful.

DRASTIC. A term applied to those medicines that, by the
violence of their action, produce liquid purges. Their use is
particularly indicated in dropsy, in which disease, by determin-
ing a large quantity of the fluids of the body, to the intestinal
canal, and subsequently causing it to be voided, the symptoms
of this complaint are greatly mitigated. Diuretics are chiefly
used in dropsy, but when the kidneys, either from disease or
■want of tone, do not act with sufficient vigour, drastic cathartics
are of the greatest utility.

DRAUGHTS. See Drench.

DRENCH. A medicine in a liquid form. This is an in-
convenient method of giving medicine to horses, some part of
the dose being generally wasted. It is preferable, however, on
many occasions, to every other form, on account of the medicine
acting in much less time than in a solid form: in flatulent colic,
or griped, for example, where the symptoms are extremely
urgent and alarming, a proper drench will soon relieve the ani-
mal, while a ball, unless soft and very soluble, would not
produce any effect. Farriers commonly compose their drenches
with ale, whatever the qualities of the other medicine may be,
which is often improper, since the properties of the liquid

H H 3

470

MATERIA MEDICA

should always correspond with the vu'tues of the other ingre-
dients. Cordial drenches, therefore, may witli propriety be made
with ale, but those of a contrary tendency should be mixed with
gruel or water.

The best instrument for giving drenches is the horn of an
ox; the opening being cut obliquely in the form of a spout.
Bottles are sometimes used on an emergency to give drenches ;
but they are attended with danger, and should be liandled cau-
tiously. In giving a drench, the horse's tongue should be held
with the left hand ; and when the head is sufficiently elevated,
the medicine is to be carefully poured into the throat, imme-
diately letting go the tongue, while the head is kept up until
the drench is swallowed. Drenches are very seldom given with
dexterity, and great part of the medicine is sometimes wasted.
Every groom should learn to give them with facility, and always
keep a proper instrument in the stable. In giving a drench,
the head should not be kept so high as it generally is, nor should
the throat be pressed or rubbed, as it often is, with a view to
make the horse swallow, as it is apt to excite coughing. In
severe colds or strangles, there is often some degree of soreness
or inflammation of the throat, by which swallowing is rendered
difficult and painful. In such cases, no attempt should be made
to give either a drench or a ball, as the complaint would be in-
creased by it; and if at any time a horse happens to cough or
appear distressed, while taking a drench, his head should be
immediately let down. Hot stimulating medicines, or such as
are very nauseous, are better given in the form of balls than
drenches. Drenches should always be given with as much gen-
tleness as possible; the horn may generally be introduced with
ease, merely by pressing down the tongue with the fingers of
the left hand, instead of dragging it out, as is commonly done.
A small quantity only of the liquid should be given at once ;
about six or eight ounces, or even less, when tincture of opium,
or any powerful medicine is given ; and it is of importance to
be accurate in the dose, and not give either more or less than a
certain quantity.*

In locked-jaw, it is very difficult to give a drench, unless a
small horn be kept for the purpose, and even then a good deal
of dexterity and perseverance are often required to effect it. In
some cases, the jaws are so completely closed, and the muscles
of deglutition so affected, that a drench cannot be given ; and

* In giving medicine, a flat pint bottle with a long neck is the most con-
venient means ; there is much less danger of any being wasted than by the
use of a horn, and there is no fear of the bottle breaking if common care and
attention is exercised. For administering gruel or anything of a thick con-
sistence, a horn is preferable, or a copper or tin vessel made for the pur-
pose.— Ed.

AND PHARMACOPCEIA.

471

then the only method of conveying liquid medicine into the
body, is in tlie form of clyster. See Clyster. *

Markham's drench for Anasarca, or general dropsy, consists
of a decoction of wormwood in ale, boiled down to two quarts,
and skimmed. In this, 1 oz. of Castile soap is to be dissolved;
and into this mixture, 6 drachms of powdered Grains of Paradise
(greater cardamom seeds), and a similar quantity of long pepper,
are to be stirred. The whole of this drench is to be given fast-
ing, and the horse to be clothed, and exercised until he sweats
and stales profusely. This is a most powerful medicine.

CORDIAL DRENCH.

Good beer or ale i pint to a pint.

Ginger, powdered 1 dr.

Allspice, ditto 2 dr.

Caraways, ditto 3 dr.

Let the ginger, allspice, and caraways simmer for ten minutes
in a small quantity of the ale, and then add the rest. When it
is requisite to render this drench astringent, two drachms of
catechu may be added.

PURGATIVE DRENCH FOR CATTLE.

No. 1. Epsom salts, or common salt ... 6 oz. to 1 lb.

Warm gruel 1 quart.

Ginger 1 dr.

Magnesia, or carbonate of soda... 1 oz. — Mix.

No. 2. Castor oil 1 pint.

DRESSING. An operation of some importance in the
management of horses ; and consists in curi-ying, brushing, and.
wisping them, when kept in the stable. This is done, not
merely with a view of removing the dust that may be collected
on the coat, but to keep up a healthy degree of action in the
perspiratory vessels, or pores of the skin. When this is neg-
lected or improperly done, the perspirable matter hardens or
thickens, and remains about the roots of the hair, and has the
appearance of a whitish dust or small scales, which often cause
an itching, and make the skin feel dry, and the coat appear
coarse or wiry, instead of being soft and shining, as it is in a
hoi'se that is properly dressed or groomed. Horses that are not
properly exercised have the more occasion for good dressing ;
and the operation is more easily and more effectually performed
when a horse has been previously exercised until he perspire
moderately. Notwithstanding the improvement which regular
and careful dressing makes in a horse's appearance, it is not

* Read's injecting apparatus will be found convenient in administering
medicine and gruel in this disease. — Ed.

H H 4

472

MATERIA MEDICA

improbable tliat the skin may be thereby brought to a degree of
delicacy or sensibility which is not consistent with the employ-
ment for which the animal is wanted, and may render him very
liable to diseases. Yet, on the other hand, it is to be considered
that the artificial manner in which horses are generally kept and
fed, may render the skin or perspiratory organ a much more
essential emunctory than it would be were they kept and fed in
a manner more conformable to nature.

In India, our cavalry soldiers, instead of using a brush, dress
their horses with a coarse glove, made of the same material as a
horse's nose-bag. This, T should think, although not so good as
a brush, may be advantageously employed for rubbing the legs.
The terra dressing is likewise used to denote any application
made to a wound or sore.

EGYPTIACUM. — Linimentum Mrvginis. Liniment of
Verdigris. A preparation made by boiling together five ounces
of powdered verdigris, one pound of honey, and seven ounces of
vinegar, until they are incorporated. This is a good remedy
for thrushes or diseased frogs.

ELDER. ' — Sambucus. This tree is commonly found in
England growing in hedge-rows. Some preparations of elder
have cathartic qualities, but are not deserving of attention by
the Veterinarian. The chief use of elder is to form an oil, of a
greenish hue, and of little or no use ; and an ointment, which
serves the same purpose as hog's lard in the composition of
unguents. The oil is prepared from the leaves, the ointment
from the blossom of the tree. There is also a distilled water
made from it, which is often employed in the composition of eye-
waters, but does not appear to possess any medical qualities that
do not exist in simple or distilled water.

ELECTRICITY.-— The operation of electricity is performed
on the human being in those disorders which require stimulant
applications, as in paralysis. It likewise rouses the action of
the absorbent system in a very remarkable degree, and on
that account is sometimes employed in cases of indolent tu-
mours. I am not aware that this remedy has been adopted by
veterinary practitioners, but can see no objection to its employ-
ment.

EMBROCATIONS. — External applications in a liquid
form that are rubbed on a diseased part, as in strains and
indolent swellings, and as an auxiliary in the treatment of
internal inflammation. They are of a stimulating nature, and
are greatly assisted by friction. Of this kind are opodeldoc,
soap liniment, &c.

AND PHARMACOPOEIA.

473

MUSTARD EMBROCATION.

For injiammation of the lungs.

Flour of mustard 4 oz.

Liquid ammonia 1^ oz.

Oil of turpentine 1 oz.

Water, a suflBcient quantity to bring it to the consistence
of cream. Flour of mustard mixed into a thin paste
with water only is a powerful stimulant, and may be
employed with good effect in cases of internal inflam-
mation either of the bowels or luncfs.

Embrocations for hard indolent tumours.

No. 1. Olive oil 4 oz.

Camphor 4 dr. — Mix.

No. 2. Mercurial ointment 2 oz.

Olive oil and camphor, of each.... 2 dr.

Embrocations of a more stimulating kind are sometimes em-
ployed in swellings of the joints, old strains, or other local
affections, such as soap liniment with liquid ammonia, olive oil,
oil of turpentine, and liquid ammonia ; but blisters in such cases
are generally moi'e effectual.

Embrocations are often improperly employed, as in recent
strains, or inflamed tumours, and other cases where emollient or
cooling applications are required. Both strains and bruises are
at first attended with a degree of inflammation proportionate to
the violence of the injury, and the susceptibility of the injured
part ; therefore they require, at first, such treatment as is cal-
culated to subdue inflammation, that is, bleeding and puro-ino-
with a suitable diet, and, in strains, rest. The local or topical
remedies in the inflammatory stage are poultices ; but in these
cases bleeding and purging, immediately after their occurrence,
are an essential part of the treatment.

EMETICS. Medicines that excite vomiting. It is very
generally believed that horses are incapable of vomiting : I have
met with one instance, however, where it occurred spontaneously,
and was soon after succeeded by purging.

Medicines that are considered as the most violent emetics in
the human system are generally inert in the horse. A remark-
able example of this may be noticed in white vitriol {suljjhate of
zinc), of which a horse has taken twelve ounces at a dose, without
much effect being apparently produced. This experiment has not,
I beheve, been repeated, and it is desirable that it never should
be ; nor should any experiments of a similar kind be made, as
no advantage can possibly result from them, while much pain
may be endured by the unfortunate animal who is subjected to
them, unperceived by the practitioner or his assistants. It

was

474

MATERIA MEDICA

asserted at one time, that vomiting may be produced by inserting
hellebore under the skin. This experiment was said to have
been made at the Veterinary College of Copenhagen, but it
does not appear to have succeeded with other practitioners. See
Hellebore.

In a work on hydrophobia, by Dr. R. Pearson, of Coldfield,
near Birmingham, in which he suggests the propriety of inject-
ing medicinal substances into a vein, when exhibition by the
mouth or fundament is impracticable, it is asserted that " this is
frequently practised upon diseased horses at the Veterinary
College of Copenhagen." This, perhaps, is the new method of
treating locked-jaw, hinted at by Mr. Sewell, and is worth a
trial, when medicine cannot be given by the mouth, and opiate
clysters have proved ineffectual; and if, as they state, hellebore,
when applied under the skin, is absorbed, and causes sickness,
why may not a solution of opium be also absorbed when applied
in a similar manner ? It is surely worth a trial in locked-jaw.
It must be remembered that, when a solution of any medicine,
or any liquid whatever (except when blood is transfused from
the veins of one animal into those of another), is thrown into the
veins, it is first necessary to take away a quantity of blood equal
to the medicine to be injected, otherwise too great a pressure of
the brain will be the consequence ; because the brain, receiving
a large supply of blood, is of course distended ; and as it is con-
tained in an unyielding bony case, pressure must be the result ;
and this, carried to any great extent, will produce every symptom
of apoplexy. Ipecacuanha and emetic tartar have no emetic
power in the horse ; and though hellebore appears to excite a
painful sensation in the stomach, it has not, even in the dose of
one ounce, caused vomiting.

EMETIC TARTAR. — Antimonium Tartarizatum. New
name, Potassio-Tartrate of Antimony. A preparation of anti-
mony (see Antimony) and cream of tartar (see Acid, Tarta-
BEOUs). This is a violent emetic in the human subject, even in
the quantity of one or two grains : but in more minute doses is
used as a febrifuge.

In the horse it is a very safe medicine, and useful in fevers : it is
generally given in doses of one or two drachms, which may be re-
peated every day, or even twice a day, should die case require
it. Emetic tartar seems to be the best of the anlimonial prepa-
rations, though others are occasionally preferred : but there is
some difficulty in deciding this point; for all the preparations of
antimony have so little activity in the system of the horse, that
their effects are not often perceptible : w^e know them to be use-
ful, however, from their frequently subduing or mitigatmg the
disease for which they are employed. When antimoniais are
given to remove surfeit, or relax the skin, they may be mate-

AND PIIArwMACOPCEIA.

475

rially assisted by exercise and moderately warm clothing. I
have lately successfully employed, as an alterative, the common
sulphuret of antimony, finely levigated, or brought to an iiyipal-
pable powder by washing, as chalk is. M. Volpi, an eminent
Italian veterinary author, and one of the Professors of the Ve-
terinary School at Milan, frequently prescribes emetic tartar in
doses of four or five drachms for horses, and much larger doses
for cattle. To a sheep he gives thirty-six grains, to a pig a
scruple, to a large dog six grains, and observes, that " when the
nature of the disorder is well known, and the attack is severe
and dangerous, we may begin with much larger doses, even
four times the quantity above prescribed."

[These large doses of emetic tartar are to be reprobated, for
instances have been known of inflammation of the stomach and
intestines having been produced by the too large exhibition of
the medicine medicinally. We are less surprised at this when
we consider the irritating effects of this medicine, when applied
externally. In the form of an ointment, or in a liniment, with
oil and spirit of turpentine, it has been found to produce great
counter-irritation, and to succeed in doing so when cantharides
has failed. In these cases it is very useful, particularly as it
causes less pain. It does not raise watery bladders, but pustu-
lar swellings ; and it is objectionable on account of its tendency
to produce extensive sloughing and blemishes. — Ed.]

EMOLLIENTS. Medicines or applications that soothe
and allay irritation, by relaxing or softening the parts to which
they are applied. They consist chiefly of oily and mucilaginous
fluids, which are used either internally in inflammations of the
gullet, windpipe, intestinal canal, or urinary bladder, or exter-
nally as fomentations or poultices (see Fomentation and
Poultice), at a tempei'ature that is most agreeable to the feel-
ings of the patient, and best adapted to the purpose for which
they are employed, that is, to assuage pain, subdue inflammation,
and, in tumours tending to suppuration, to hasten or promote
that process. Emollient fomentations are generally made with
marsh-mallows, and other mucilaginous plants or herbs ; and
poultices are composed of bran with oatmeal, linseed powder,
lard, or oil, and some of the bulbous roots, such as the white
lily, or turnip, with linseed meal, or bread and milk. Internal
emollients consist also of oily and mucilaginous fluids, or decoc-
tions of marsh-mallow root, liquorice root, linseed, solution of
gum, emulsions, &c. Their action is the same as demulcents.
(See Demulcents.)

EMULSIONS. A term given to preparations, in which oil
is blended with water, by means either of mucilage, the yolk of
an egg, or a small quantity of some alkali (see Alkali).
Emulsions have a milky appearance, and are a convenient vehi-

476

MATERIA MEDICA

cle for pectoral medicines. Medicine in this form, and for this
purpose, ai*e now rarely employed.

These mixtures of oil and water, by the intervention of an
alkali or mucilage, are sometimes given alone in coughs.

SIMPLE EMULSION.

Olive oil 2 oz.

Clarified honey 3 oz.

Soft water 1 pint.

Sub-carbonate of potash 2 drs.— Mix.

PECTORAL EMULSION.

Camphor 1 to 2 drs.

To be rubbed into a powder by means of a few drops of
spirit of wine.

Oil of anise-seed 12 or 15 drops.

To this add, gradually, from twelve ounces to a pint of the
simple emulsion. To this may be added occasionally nitrate of
potash, and tincture of opium.

An elegant and pleasant emulsion is made by rubbmg blanched
almonds (that is, almonds that have had the skin taken off by
steeping them in hot water) in a mortar with sugar, and muci-
lage of gum arable. When these have been well rubbed, water
is to be gradually added.

ENEMA. A clyster. See Clysters.

EPSOM SALTS. See Sulphate of Magnesia.

ERRHINES. Powders that cause sneezing by being blown
up the nostrils. They are composed generally of hellebore,
snuflP, asarabacca, turpeth mineral, &c. „ . , . c

ESCHAROTICS. Mild caustics, generally m the torm ot
powder. Such are nitric oxide of mercury {red precipitate), ex-
siccated sulphate of alumine {burrd alum), acetate of copper
(crystallized verdigris), sulphate of copper {blue vitriol). These
are applied, either separately, or two or more of them are mixed
together, and finely powdered; sometimes they are mixed with
bole armenic or chalk, or with lard or digestive ointment, by
which they are rendered milder.

escharotic powders.

No. 1. Exsiccated or burnt alum 2 dr.

Nitric oxide of mercury 2 oz- J>iix.

No. 2. Sulphate of copper J oz"— Mix.

Bole armenic "

(See Caustics, Astringents, Digestives, and Deter-

GENTS.)

AND PHARMACOPCEIA.

477

ESCHAROTIC LINIMEKT.

Honey 8 oz.

Muriatic acid 1 oz.

Verdigris 1 oz.

Mix, over a slow fire.

This liniment may be made stronger by substituting nitrous
acid for muriatic, or by retaining the muriatic, and substituting
for the verdigris one drachm of sublimate. A weaker liniment
IS made, and a very useful one, by nsmg two ounces of vinegar
instead of the muriatic acid (see Egyptiacum). Escharotics
are applied to foul ulcers, and are employed to destroy fungous
or proud flesh.

ESSENCE. This term is applied to essential oils, and very
properly, since they generally contain all the medical virtues of
the substance from which they are extracted.

Essence of Peppermint. The preparation sold in the shop
by this name is made by dissolving a small proportion of oil of
peppermint ; one ounce, for instance, in three ounces of rectified
spirit of alcohol, that has been previously tinged with some green
colour.

Essence of Mustard appears to be composed of mustard,
camphor, oil of rosemary, and oil of turpentine, which form a
good stimulating embrocation. See Embrocation.

ESSENTIAL OILS. The smell, taste, and other qualities
of vegetables, frequently reside in a volatile oil, particularly in
those vegetables, or certain parts of vegetables, that have a
strong odour and taste ; as mint, penny-royal, peppermint, la-
vender, caraway-seeds, anise-seeds, juniper-berries, lemon-peel,
sandal-wood, &c. This oil, being volatile, may be extracted,
and procured in a separate state, by distillation ; and as it often
contains the useful qualities of the substance it was obtained
from, is termed an essential oil. See Essence.

ETHER, SULPHURIC— ^^Ae?- Sulphuricus. This is the
most volatile liquid we are acquainted with, and evaporates
readily in the common temperature of the atmosphere; it must
be given, therefore, with great expedition, or a considerable
part of the dose will be lost by evaporation. Sulphuric ether is
a powerful stimulant, and must be given with caution. I have
known a dose of two ounces destroy a horse, but it was given in
a case that was supposed to be the flatulent or spasmodic colic,
but which was probably inflammation of the bowels. [It is a
valuable medicine for flatulent colic, in doses from four drachms
to an ounce combined with tincture of opium. — Ed.]

ETHIOP'S MINERAL. — Hydraryyri Sulpliuretum Ni-
grum. Black sulphuret of mercury. A preparation made by

478 MATERIA MEDICA

rubbing equal parts of quicksilver and flour of sulphur together,
until the mixture becomes black, and the quicksilver invisible.

Ethiop's Mineral, though generally considered as a medicine
of little power, or nearly inert, is, I am inclined to believe, pos-
sessed of considerable virtue, and will be found, probably, as
good a mercurial as can be employed, in all cases where it is ne-
cessary to introduce mercury into the circulation, as in farcy,
glanders, obstinate cases of mange, &c. It should be given in a
dose of two or three drachms in the horse's corn, once or twice a
day, until an offensive smell is perceived in the animal's breath, or
he is found to stale more than usual ; for these symptoms indicate
that the mercury has got into the circulation. The disorder for
which it is given may, at this period, be expected to yield to the
mercurial influence, and may not require a further continuance
of the medicine. I would advise a trial being made of Ethiop's
mineral in the early stage of glanders. M. Volpi, one of the
Professors of the Veterinary School at Milan, has published
an account of sixteen horses that he cured of the glanders, by
means of Ethiop's mineral, given internally, and by syringing
the nasal cavities with lime water. One of them, a cast horse
from the 1st Regiment of Chasseurs, had been glandered eight
months, and when M. Volpi had cured him, he sold him to an
officer of the same regiment, to whom the horse had formerly
belonged, and who knew that he had been glandered. He gave
half an ounce every day until the appetite was affected, and there
was a slight salivation. Lime water was then given for a short
time until the salivation ceased, and the appetite returned. The
Ethiop's mineral was then given as before, and contained m this
manner until the disease was cured. The time in which the
cures were accomplished was from two to five months.

Ethiop's Mineral, mixed with an equal quantity of sulphuret
of antimony, forms the antimonial Ethiop's, and is a good re-
medy for cutaneous complaints. The dose, two drachms in the
horse's corn. This is the preparation which M. Malouin em-
ployed for glanders. He gave from half an ounce to an ounce
every mornfng, and a handful of periwinkle, chopped up in the
horse's mash, every night. He also administered a purgative
once in ein-ht days. M. Malouin's method of making the anti-
monial Ethiop's was different from the simple process above men-
tioned. He mixed common antimony with quicksi ver, either
by trituration or by fusion. Bourgelat, however, in his Matierc
Medicale, says, " the character given of tins preparation in the
public pape/s, as a remedy for glanders, induced us to give i a
U-ial ; i^t was administered to several glandered l^^'J ' J^'^^ P^l^
winkle as directed by M. Malouin, but it "^ver effected a cu e,
and 1 may add, that in mangy complaints it appeared to be in-
ferior to antimony given alone."

AND niARMACOPCEIA.

479

EUPHORBIiE GUMMI-RESINA. Euphorbium. A gum
resin, that exudes spontaneously from a large oriental tree. It
is brought to us in small drops of a pale yellow colour, which
are genei-ally mixed with woody and other extraneous matter.

Euphorbium is used in veterinary practice as an external ap-
plication. It is generally employed in the form of tincture ;
sometimes it is mixed into an ointment with hog's lard, mer-
curial ointment, oil of origanum, oil of bay, &c., being pre-
viously reduced to a fine powder. It is also frequently an
ingredient in strong blisters, to which it proves a powerful
auxiliary. In whatever form euphorbium is employed, it proves
extremely acrimonious and stimulating, and is therefore em-
ployed to i-educe callous swellings of the back sinews, or other
parts ; cui'bs, windgalls, &c.

The tincture is made by digesting, or steeping, one ounce of
the powder in four or six ounces of rectified or proof spirit; fre-
quently shaking the bottle which contains the mixture, and
keeping it in a warm place : after eight or ten days it is to be
strained off, and kept well corked. Some add to" this a little
sublimate and oil of origanum, or camphor. There is another
kind of tincture, made by digesting the powder in a strong
solution of potash, which also acts vei-y violently. In powdering
euphorbium, the mortar should be placed where there is a cur-
rent of air, so that the dust which arises may be blown off,
otherwise it would get into the nostrils or throat, and prove ex-
cessively troublesome, sometimes causing bleeding at the nose
and swelling of the integuments of the head. I do not consider
euphorbium an eligible ingredient in blisters, as there is some
danger of its causing ulceration of the skin.*

EXERCISE. We have observed, under the article diet, that
the horse's exercise should be always proportionate to the quan-
tity and quality of his food; or rather, that the latter should be
adapted to the former, in order to preserve him in health. We
have further to remark, that in other points of view exercise is
of great importance. In training a horse for the turf or the
chase, it is by exercise properly conducted, and a well regulated
diet, that we enable him to perform those wonderful exertions
that are required from him, and bring his wind to the highest
degree of perfection which it is capable of attaining. In training
a horse, whether he be designed for the turf, the chase, or the
army, this precaution must always be observed, — that his
exercise never exceeds his strength. Many horses have been
destroyed by neglecting this precaution, particularly in the
army, where we too often see horses recruited of three years old.
-When first brought to the regiment (perhaps from a considerable

* As this medicine produces so much irritation, it is better to avoid its use
altogetlicr, as we have other stimulants that will supply its place.— Ed.

480

MATERIA MEDICA

distance), they are weak and out of condition, often suffering
from strangles, which, from their weak state, do not come
forward properly, but affect chiefly the internal parts, causing
pain and difficulty in swallowing. At this time they are unfit
for any kind of work, and require two months to be brought
into proper condition for the riding school. However, they are
not, in general, allowed half that time, but are brought too
hastily into the school, where, being unaccustomed to that, or,
indeed, to any kind of work, they become excessively fatigued;
and to young horses in a state of debility, particularly if they
are not immediately attended to, and taken great care of when
brought sweating from the school, this exercise, I am convinced,
is often attended with destructive consequences. Exercise,
therefore, should always be moderate at first, and adapted to the
animal's strength ; by increasing it gradually, and in proportion
to his condition, he may soon be brought to bear, without in-
convenience, that degree of exertion, and velocity of motion,
for which he is wanted. Exercise not only prevents disease, but
materially assists in the cure of many : thus, in swellings of the
heels and legs, grease, inflamed eyes, &c., medicine, without
proper exercise, seldom effects a cure.

P:XPECT0RANTS. Medicines that increase the discharge
of mucus from the lungs, and thereby relieve cough and diffi-
culty of breathing. There are many medicines which produce
this effect in the human body ; but in the horse the action of
expectorants is not so perceptible. Some of the medicines, how-
ever, termed expectorants, prove serviceable in the horse, by
relieving or curing cough and difficulty in breathing, or what is
termed "thickness of wind; among these are squill, and gum
ammoniacum ; both which I have often found beneficial in those
complaints. But the medicines I have found most useful in
chronic cough and asthma, or broken wind, are mild diuretics
joined with cordials. I have known the occasional use of cor-
dial diuretics, when the horse's diet is carefully attended to, not
only relieve but apparently cure broken wind ; but the horse's
work should be moderate, and so conducted as not to interfere

with digestion.

Gum ammoniacum 2 oz.

Powdered squills oz.

Powdered opium 2 o^-

Powdered ginger 1 o^-

Powdered allspice ^

Oil of anise-seeds >••• ^

Balsam of sulphur 4 oz.

Castile soap, softened by being
beaten up with a little syrup .... 2oz.

AND PHAUMACOPCEIA. 481

To be beaten into a mass fit for making balls. The dose from
one ounce to one ounce and a half daily, or twice a day.

EXTRACTS. — Extracta. These are made by boiling the
substance whose virtues are to be extracted, in distilled water,
pressing out the decoction, straining it, and setting it aside in
order that the faeces may subside ; after which it is again boiled
in a water bath, saturated with sea salt, until it acquire a proper
consistence. In this manner are made the extracts of aloes,
gentian root, white poppy heads, liquorice, &c.

EYE- WATER. See Collyrium.

FEBRIFUGE. A term given to medicines that moderate or
lessen the violence of fever.

Camphor 1 to 2 dr.

Nitre 3 to 6 dr.

Tartarized antimony. ... 1 dr.

Flour and treacle or syrup enough to form the ball.

FENUGREEK. — Fcmum Grcecum. The seeds only of this
plant are employed for medicinal purposes : on account of their
mucilaginous quality they are used in making poultices, and
sometimes emollient glysters. Farriers often give them inter-
nally, with what view I cannot pretend to say ; since they do
not appear to be adapted to the cure of any complaint. They
are eaten in the Levant, and considered stomachic. The pow-
dered fenugreek sold in the shops contains a large proportion
(generally one half) of pea meal. It is supposed, especially by
waggoners, and the servants of large horse proprietors, to pro-
mote condition.

FIRING. A severe operation, often performed on the horse,
and on some occasions highly useful. It consists in the applica-
tion of a red-hot iron to the skin, so as to burn without pene-
trating through it. The violent inflammation this occasions
rouses the absorbent vessels into action, by which callous or even
bony swellings are sometimes dispersed. The diseases in which
It IS most efficacious are spavins, ring-bones, and old callous
svirellmgs about the back sinews, in consequence of strains and
windgalls. Firing draws blood to the affected part, thickens
and strengthens it, and makes the skin act as a permanent band-
age. A blister is often applied to the part, immediately after
firing, or on the following day, to render it more effectual. It
is necessary to observe that the milder remedies should be tried
before this severe operation is resorted to.

It has been asserted, that when firing is employed for old
callous swellings of the back sinews, the swelling should be
previously reduced by blistering, and that firing will then pre-
vent any return of the complaint; whereas, if the firing be per-
formed in the first place, it will tend to fix the swelling, and

I I

482

MATERIA MEDICA

render it incurable. I do not believe there is any ground for
this opinion. It is certain, however, that when a part is in a
state of inflammation, whicli is indicated by its being hotter and
more tender than other parts, firing will do harm. The inflam-
mation should be first removed by the frequent application of
some cooling lotion, such as diluted vinegar, in which a little
sugar of lead has been dissolved.

The hot iron is the most effectual remedy for those ulcers of
the skin which depend upon farcy or glanders. It is improperly
employed to remove that swelhng of the roof of the mouth next
the upper front teeth, which is named lampas. See Lampas.

FLAX-SEED. See Linseed.

FLIES, SPANISH. See Cantharides.

FLOUR. See Wheat Flour.

FLOWERS, OR OXIDE, OF ZINC. — Oxidum Zind.
These, also, are obtained by sublimation from the metal named
zinc. The medicine is said to possess a considerable tonic
power.

Should any one be inclined to try the flowers of zinc, he may
safely begin, I think, with the dose of two drachms or half an
ounce, and gradually increase it until some effect is observed.
The diseases to which it is adapted are those arising from
debility.

FOMENTATIONS. — Fomenta. This term is applied to
various kinds of decoctions, or medicated liquids, which are
employed externally to bathe or foment any inflamed or painful
part, or to improve the condition of wounds when they are very
irritable, and discharge unhealthy offensive matter, or when
approaching to a state of gangrene or mortification. Foment-
ations are therefore divided into the following kinds, viz. emollient
and anodyne.

emollient fomentation.

Boll marsh-mallows in water for some time, then strain off" the
liquor, and bathe the affected parts with it while warm.

anodyne fomentation.

No. 1. White poppy heads broken, two dozen.
Hemlock, two handfulls.
Boil for two hours gently in six quarts of water.

No. 2. Wormwood dried, and camomile flowers,

of each ■ 4 oz.

Rue 3 oz.

Bay leaves ^

Boil them for one hour in a gallon of water.

AND PHAaaiACOPCEIA.

483

Remark. — The efficacy of a fomentation depends on its being
properly applied ; I have therefore to observe, that the liquid
should be only as hot as the part can bear without pain. Large
flannel cloths are to be dipped into the fomentation, then lightly
wrung out, and spread over the affected part ; by the time one
cloth gets a little cool, another should be got ready, and applied
in the same manner. This operation ought to be continued for
half an hour at least, and repeated three or four times a day.
The emollient fomentation is adapted to inflamed swellings,
from whatever cause they may arise; and when it cannot be
procured, warm water alone will be found an useful substitute.
The anodyne fomentation. No. 1., is of great service in wounds
or swellings which are accompanied with great pain and irrita-
bility : it tends to correct putridity and gangrene, in larger
wounds of the lacerated kind, where the matter is thin, ill-co-
loured, and offensive ; but in such cases, the assistance of inter-
nal I'emedies cannot be dispensed with.

It is probable that warm water is as good an emollient fomenta-
tion as can be employed, if used assiduously, and ataproper tem-
perature, which should be i-egulated by the state or irritability
of the part to which it is applied. In inflammation of the eye, for
example, it should not be above 98°, or blood heat; in inflamed
and painful swellings, it should seldom exceed 100°. In strains
of the back sinews, vinegar, either alone or diluted, is considered
a good fomentation; and as the injury is rather deeply seated,
and not in the skin, the fomentation may be applied rather
hotter than where the cuticle is affected.

When a fomentation is employed for inflammation of the
bowels, it should be still hotter ; indeed so hot as that the hand
cannot be dipped into it without pain. The best mode of ap-
plying it is by means of a long piece of woollen-cloth, with the
two ends joined, that it may be wrung out of the hot fomen-
tation, by placing a stick through each end; for the liquor
makes the cloth too hot to be handled and wrung out without
this contrivance. When thus applied, it may be considered as
a steam fomentation, and will be found very beneficial. Two
men, one on each side the horse, are required to apply this fo-
mentation effectually. In some cases, where the swelling or in-
jury is not extensive, the fomentation may be applied with a
large sponge in others; by a thick woollen "cloth, such as an old
rug or blanket.

[Mr. Mavor has introduced some apparatus for the topical
application of steam, which is noticed in a previous part of the
present work. — Ed.]

FOXGLOVE. — Digitalis. This is an indigenous biennial
plant, which grows plentifully in this country, and flowers durino-
part of the months of July and August. The leaves were

I I 2

484

MATERIA MEDICA

formerly employed as an application to ulcers and scrofulous
tumours; but from their deleterious quality were seldom used
as an internal remedy. Foxglove was found to possess remark-
able power in diminishing the frequency of the human pulse,
therefore it was expected to be found a valuable medicine in
those internal inflammations which so frequently occur in horses,
their most dangerous fevers depending on this cause ; and when
the inflammation attacks an important part, such as the lungs
or bowels, it generally terminates fatally, unless that most pow-
erful remedy, bleeding, be employed at an early period. Fox-
glove, on these occasions, it was thought, would greatly assist
this remedy, particularly in inflammation of the lungs. It was,
therefore, introduced into veterinary practice. The other com-
plaints in which it has been chiefly employed, are chronic cough,
or imperfect wind, and swelling of the legs.

Foxglove is an active medicine in the horse, and caimot be
given with perfect safety in larger doses than adrachm; the horse
must be carefully watched, that the effect may be seen ; for, if
too much be given, the stomach is sometimes materially injured.
The most frequent effect of foxglove is to take off" the appetite :
and that effect, when it has been given in a full dose, generally
continues two or three days; it should, therefore, be given with

caution.*

FUMIGATIONS. These consist of substances which emit
fumes or vapours by the application of heat or other means.
They are generally employed to destroy contagion ; and though
the fumigations recommended in books of farriery, as well as
those in common use, are inadequate to that purpose, yet there
are certainly some which may be productive of great advantage.f
Fumigations are employed to prevent the spreading of epidemic
distempers, or to destroy the contagion of glanders.

The following is one of the most effectual fumigations, and
may be used in influenza, or other infectious diseases : —

* The usual dose of foxglove is a scruple to a drachm once, twice, or thrice
a day with tartarized antimony and nitre. It has certainly a singular efFect
on the pulse, rendering it at first intermittent, and then less frequent. With
this view it is given in inflammation of the lungs after blood-lettipg. It must
not, however, be too much relied on, or employed to the exclusion of other me-
dicinal agents, , • , ,

It has been employed in broken wind, when it has been found to tran-
quillise the respiration for a time. — Ed.

t Fumigating the nostrils has been tried in glanders wUh occasional advan-
tage Carbonic acid gas has been thus applied, and chlorine gas is much re-
cmnmended. Mr. Morton advises it to be thus administered : " Chlorine gas
is to be liberated from muriatic acid l)y the action of peroxide of manganese
upon it. For this purpose a Florence flask, a stand, and lamp are all that is re-
quired. As much gas is to be disengaged into the loose box in which t he
animal is placed as the assistant can bear to ihhale, he then retires with the
apparatus. Thus the atmosphere will be sufficiently impregnated with the
gas, which may be repeated the next day." — Ed.

AND PHA^lMACOPOilA.

485

Take of

Common salt 8 oz.

Manganese powdered 6 oz.

Let these be well mixed, and placed in an earthen dish ; then
pour on the mixture, gradually, of sulphuric acid, four ounces.
As soon as the latter is added, the operator should leave the
stable, shutting both the door and windows. The fumes which
arise from this mixture, are highly injurious to the lungs, and
must be carefully avoided; therefore this fumigation can be
performed only in an empty stable. During the whole day the
stable-door and windows are to be kept shut; but at night they
may be thrown open, that there may be no danger on entering
the stable next morning. I believe this to be the only efficacious
fumigation, having found that when glanderous matter is ex-
posed to it a short time, it is rendered perfectly harmless. The
fumes which are generated by pouring oil of vitriol, or vitriolic
acid, on powdered nitre, are said to be very effectual in destroy-
ing human contagion ; how far it may be serviceable in vete-
rinary practice remains to be ascertained; but, as the fevers of
horses do not appear to be infectious, there is no great proba-
bility of its proving useful. The term fumigation is applied, by
French veterinary writers, to the vapour arising from boiled
herbs, or bran and hot water,

[Mr. Read has invented some ingenious apparatus, by which
a simple or medicated fumigation may be conveniently applied
to the nostrils. (See p. 127.) — En.]

GALBANUM. — Galbanum. This plant is a native of
Syria and some parts of Africa, and aflbrds a gum-resin, similar
in its medicinal qualities to ammoniacum ; that is to say, anti-
spasmodic, deobstruent, and expectorant. It is, however, in-
ferior to the latter medicine in efficacy, and may be said to hold
a middle place between it and assafoetida. The dose is about
three drachms.

GALLS. — GalloB. An excrescence from the oak tree, pro-
duced by the puncture of an insect. Galls are powerfully
astringent, but not often employed internally; they may, how-
ever, prove useful, in conjunction with other remedies, in sup-
pressing obstinate diarrhoea.

The dose from two drachms to' four.

GALVANISM. It has been discovered within these few
years, that an effect somewhat like electricity may be produced
on the body by means of diflfisrent metals and an acid liquor ;
and that a short time after death, the muscles may be excited
to action by the same means, producing the most curious phe-
nomena. From the name of its discoverer, Galvani, it is termed
Galvanism. It has lately been employed for the cure of certahi

I I 8

486

MATERIA MEDICA

diseases, and, it is said, with considerable success ; therefore it
may be worth a trial in those disorders of the horse for which at
present we liave no remedy; such as gutta-serena. and other
diseases of the eye.

GAMBOGE. — Gamhogia. The tree from which this gum
is obtained is a native of Siam and Ceylon. Gamboge is per-
fectly inodorous, and has an insipid taste. In man it acts as a
violent cathartic, often producing nausea and vomiting ; but it is
very rarely used for veterinary purposes, as its effects are un-
certain, and it is liable to produce griping.

The dose* is from two drachms to half an ounce ; or two
drachms of gamboge may be combined with three of aloes.

GARLIC. — Allium. This is often employed by farriers as
a I'emedy for coughs and thickness of wind ; and I believe that
in coughs of the chronic kind it has sometimes been found
efficacious.

The dose is from one to two ounces.

The cloves ai-e separated and pounded in a mortar until they
form a sort of paste, which is formed into balls with liquorice
powder ; sometimes they are boiled in milk, and given in the
form of a drench. Gibson speaks highly of garlic.

GENTIAN; the Root. — Gentiana lutea. A perennial
'plant, found in Switzerland, Austria, the Pyrenees, and North
America. It possesses no particular odour, and its taste is ex-
tremely bitter, on which account it is very generally employed
in the same manner as bark and other bitters, to give vigour to
the stomach and improve digestion. It generally requires to be
joined with stimulants; such as ginger, cassia, myrrh, cascarilla,
8cc. ; and when any acidity is suspected to exist in the stomach,
a small quantity of soda is an useful addition. Gentian is the
basis of that famous horse powder termed diapente. Gentian
root sometimes becomes rotten and useless : the purchaser should
therefore examine before he buys, and choose such parts as are
sound, rather tough, and extremely bitter. It is to be feared
that the powdered gentian of the shops is not so good as it
should be; and it is to be lamented that druggists in general
think any thing good enough for horses.

The dose of pure gentian is from two to four drachms. See
Tonics and Stomachics.

GEUM URBANUM ; Radix. The root of Avens. This
is an indigenous perennial plant, flowering from May to August.
Its odour is fragrant and spicy, and its taste bitterish and
astringent. Its properties are astringent, tonic, and anti-
septicfand it may be advantageously employed in those diseases
which depend on a relaxed state of the system, or of any par-
ticular part; as in diarrhoea, red-water (where no fever exists),
&c. This medicine has been much more extensively used on

AND PHARMACOPCEIA.

487

the Continent than in this country ; and I am not aware that it
has yet been introduced here into veterinary practice ; but it
certainly deserves a trial, especially as it is an indigenous plant,
and should therefore be sold at a low price.

GINGER; the Root. — Zhujiher officinalis. This plant is
originally a native of the East" Indies, but is now very exten-
sively grown in the West Indies also. The root only is used in
medicine, and this is prepared in two ways, producing two sorts
of ginger, the white and the black. The former is generally
employed for culinary purposes, and the latter, being the
cheapest, is most frequently used as a horse medicine.

I consider ginger as the most useful stimulant in the veteri-
nary materia medica ; when joined with aromatics, such as allspice,
caraway-seed, anise-seed, cummin-seed, &c., or their essential
oils, it forms an efficacious cordial ; and with emetic tartar and
opium an excellent diaphoretic, for giving gloss to the coat, and
relaxing the skin.

Ginger is extremely beneficial in weakness and flatulency of
• the stomach ; and assisted by other remedies, such as warm
beer, it seldom fails of curing the flatulent colic or gripes. (See
Cakminatives.) It is generally added to aperients, in order to
correct their liability to produce griping.

The dose is fi-om one drachm to three drachms.

It should be recently powdered when used ; but in a well-
stopped bottle the powder may be kept a considerable time
w^ithout losing its strength.

Ginger is frequently thrust whole, after being chewed, up the
fundament of a horse, in order to make him carry his tail high,
and give him a sightly appearance. It is certainly a very
improper practice, and, though it may very rai'ely happen, I
can easily conceive that a very considerable degree of irritation
of the rectum, and tenesmus, may be produced by a frequent
repetition of this operation. Many horses belonging to dealers
are frequently shown to customers a dozen times a day, or
oftener, and are in\a.vi?i}o\y Jigged, as it is termed, prior to being
led out of the stable. After a short time, the irritation produced
by the ginger causes them to make violent efforts to dung, and
the ginger is generally expelled ; but these very efforts prove to
what a stimulus the poor animals have been subjected ; and
stimulants, especially strong ones, frequently repeated, may
eventually produce inflammation.

GLAUBER'S SALT. See Sulphate of Soda.

GLYSTER. See Ci-yster.

GOLDEN SULPHUR OF ANTIMONY, now named
Precipitated SuLPHURET of Antimony. — Sulphuretum An"
timonii Precipitatum. This is an orange-coloured powder, in-
soluble in water, and inodorous. It is said to increase the

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488

MATERIA MKDICA

febrifuge power of antimonial powder, (See Febrifuge.) This
preparation of antimony is scarcely known to farriers, and, I
believe, seldom used by veterinarians. It may be found useful,
however, in obstinate diseases of the skin, either alone or joined
with mercurials, such as ^thiop's mineral.

The dose is from one drachm to two : perhaps even more
may be given with safety ; but it is advisable to begin with a
small dose.

When pure, this preparation of antimony readily catches fire :
it is frequently adulterated with chalk, which fraud may be de-
tected by mixing it with an acid, and if any chalk be present
eflPervescence will take place.

GOULARD'S EXTRACT. — Liquo7' Plmnbi Suhacetatis.
New name. Liquor Plumbi Diacetas. This is made from litharge
and vinegar, by simmering them together over a gentle fire,
until the vinegar has dissolved as much as it is capable of doing.
Goulard, therefore, is nothing more than a solution of litharge
in vinegar. It is a very useful application in cases of external
inflammation, and may be used either as a lotion or in the form
of poultice. Goulard lotion is made by mixing half an ounce of
the extract to a pint of rain or river water : some add to this a
little camphorated spirit, or some distilled vinegar ; but when
the lotion is intended for the eyes, there must be a much larger
proportion of water, not less than a quart, and the lotion should
be filtered.

Goulard poultice is made by mixing as much of the lotion,
with bran, linseed meal, or any proper materials for a poultice,
as will give them a proper consistence. (See Poultices and
Lotions.)

Goulard is never used undiluted, nor is it given internally.

GRAINS OF PARADISE. — Cardamovmm. A warm
stimulating seed, often used in the diseases of horned cattle as
a cordial ; and where medicines of that kind are required, it
is certainly very proper.

The dose is from three to six drachms, or one ounce.

GRUEL is an useful drink for horses on many occasions ;
and when made carefully, or sweetened with sugar or treacle,
and sometimes seasoned with salt, they will often drink it, and
save the trouble of drenching. It is a good vehicle for such
medicines as are of a stimulating or acrimonious nature, such as
oil of turpentine. Gruel is made either with oatmeal or groats,
barley-meal or pearl-barley, fine wheat flour or arrow-root ; it
may be made also with sago, salep, or tapioca ; either of these is
to be boiled in water, and, for some purposes, in milk or
broth.

Gruel is often made merely by stirring some oatmeal into
warm water, but it is better when boiled and when groats or

AND PHARMACOPCEIA.

489

pearl-barley are employed, it should be boiled a short time, and
the first water thrown away ; the gruel will then be free from
an unpleasant taste which these substances contract by keeping:
when they are first crushed or bruised the gruel is richer, and
more expeditiously made. Gruel is an useful restorative for
weak or convalescent horses, being very nutritious and easy of
digestion; perhaps nothing is more nutritious than wheat-flour
gruel, made with milk, and sweetened with sugar. In India it is
a common practice to give horses strong broths, thickened with
grain or flour, and seasoned with pepper or other spices, when
they work hard, or as a restorative cordial. Infusion of malt
makes a good nutritive drink for horses; but good sweet groats
make an excellent gruel. Oatmeal is sometimes musty, and
gruel made with it has often some degi'ee of bitterness. When
ffruel is fjiven -as a cordial restorative after hard work, a little
beer and ginger may, on some occasions, be added. Horses that
are exhausted by long fasting and fatigue are soon recruited by
taking such gruel. Horses are very nice in their drinking;
therefore the gruel should be made in a clean saucepan, free
from the smell of meat, smoke, or fat. For some purposes, or
where it is inconvenient to boil the gruel, a little oat, barley, or
wheat meal may be stirred into warm or cold water.

It is a good practice to accustom horses to drink gruel, as,
after a hard day, many hunters show^ a disinclination to eat, but
will drink with avidity; and if they will drink gruel instead of
watei", it is not of much consequence if they fast for some time.
No horse, it should, however, be remembered, is fit for hard
work if he be not a good feeder ; but the best horse may refuse
his food if forced to over-exertion.

GUAIAC. — Guaiacum officinale. This tree is a native of Ja-
maica, Hispaniola, and some parts of America. Every part of it
possesses medicinal properties, but the wood and gum alone are
used. The former is sometimes employed in human medicine,
as an ingredient in alterative decoctions, but never in veterinary
practice. The resin, commonly called gum guaiacum, is some-
times used as an alterative. Farriers employ it also in what
they suppose to be rheumatic lameness, but, I believe, without
any advantage.

The dose of gum guaiacum is from half an ounce to six
drachms.

When guaiacum is adulterated with common resin, if a por-
tion of it be thrown into fire, an odour of turpentine will im-
mediately be emitted.

GUINEA PEPPER. See Cayenne Pepper.

GUM. — Gummi. There ai-e various kinds of gum, which
may be distinguished by their solubility in water, and by form-
ing therewith a mucilage. The principal are, gum arabic, gum

490

MATERIA MEDICA

tragacanth, and Indian gum. The first two are the best. Gum
dissolved in water makes a useful drink in inflammatory com-
plaints of the bowels, kidneys, bladder, and lungs.

GUM RESINS. — Gummi Resince. These seem to be com-
pounds of resin with extractive and essential oil, and probably
some other hitherto undiscovered principles. Those which are
officinal are gum ammoniac, scammony, galbanum, assafcetida,
myrrh, gamboge, sagapenum, olibanum.

HARTSHORN. — Cornua CervL The horns of stags do not
materially differ from bone, except in containing a larger quan-
tity of cartilage. On boiling they yield a great deal of jelly,
which is more readily extracted when they are crushed or cut
into shavings: by distillation they yield ammonia and animal
oil.

Hartshorn, Spirit and Salt of. See Ammonia.

HELLEBORE, BLACK AND WHIl^E. — Helleborus
Niger. Veratrum. Black hellebore is a native of Austria, the
Apennines, and Italy; white hellebore of Greece, Italy, Switzer-
land, and Russia. They both act as drastic cathartics and
emetics on the human frame, producing, in large doses, vertigo,
inflammation of the stomach, and convulsions. The root of
this plant, particularly of white hellebore, is extremely acrimo-
nious ; for if wounded while fresh it emits a juice capable of
blistering the skin.

Powdered white hellebore is often employed as an ingredient
in blisters. It is used also in ointments for the mange, and
other cutaneous diseases. A decoction of white hellebore is
frequently used for the same purpose ; but other medicines are
generally added to it; as sulphur vivum, turpentine, white vitriol,
or alum. Hellebore has been tried, as an internal remedy, in
the small dose of half a drachm, and has been declared to be a
dangerous medicine.

Howevei', I have lately had an opportunity of trying the effect
of white hellebore, and did not find it so violent or so danger-
ous as it was said to be, after an experiment made at the Ve-
terinary College. To a glandered horse I gave half an ounce
of the powder of white hellebore, expecting it would destroy
him, but it produced no effect ; an ounce was then given, which
caused an appearance of sickness, and a copious discharge of
saliva from the mouth. It was given afterwards to several
horses; and was uniformly found in the dose of half an ounce,
given daily, to produce the effect above described. In some, the
first dose caused an appearance of sickness and salivation ; others
took several doses before any effect was observed. It was given
daily in a case of farcy, in the dose of half an ounce, and the
horse got well : no other remedy was employed except blisters.
In none of the experiments did it cause any dangerous symp-

AND PHARMACOPOilA.

491

tonis, but it certainly Ccaused a very painful sensation in the
stomach. (See Cathartics, remarks on.) The general effect
of hellebore is nauseating, by which it lowers the action of the
heart very considerably, and may, therefore, be advantageously
employed in inflammatory diseases.* This, however, has been
denied by some veterinarians.

Black hellebore is seldom used in horse medicine. Sticks of
black hellebore are sometimes inserted under the skin, particu-
larly in cattle, in order to produce an issue. [Black hellebore
has also been used by Mr. Stanley of Banbury, for poll evil,
and fistulous withers. The mode of applying it may be found
imder these diseases.]

HEMLOCK. — Conium Maculatum. This is an indigenous
plant, growing generally in moist shady places, and flowering
in June and July. It is a strong narcotic; but supposed
to be, on some occasions, an useful medicine, possessing, like
opium, an anodyne quality, but not so certain in its effect.
It is said, however, not to produce costiveness, like opium. The
complaint in which it has been chiefly employed in veterinary
practice is obstinate cough, depending upon irritability.

The leaves are to be carefully dried and powdered. The
powder must be kept in a well-stopped bottle, from which the
light should be excluded. The dose is about a drachm ; but it
may be gradually increased to a much larger quantity.

There is an extract made from hemlock, which, when pre-
pared, is a very convenient form, and not less efficacious than
the powder. The dose is about a drachm ; but this also, may be
gradually augmented to a considerable quantity.

A decoction of green hemlock is said to be an useful fo-
mentation in painful wounds and tumours. Since writing the
above, I gave about half a pound of green hemlock to a young
ass ; he ate it readily, but it did not produce any sensible
effect. It has been said that goats eat hemlock, and are nou-
rished by it.

It should be remarked that, as the powers of the powder are
often impaired by keeping, whenever a fresh parcel or quantity
of the herb is used, it should first be administered in small
doses, in order to ascertain its strength. Vinegar is said to be
the best antidote for an over-dose of hemlock, after bleeding and
purging have been employed.

Hemlock, Water. — Cicuta Virosa. This was discovered by
Linneeus to be a violent poison to cattle.

HENBANE. — Hyoscyamus niger. This is a biennial plant,
found in great abundance in most parts of Britain. Like hemlock,

* White hellebore, in,scruple doses, is strongly recommended by Mr. Percivall
for inflammation of the lungs, and by the late Mr. John Field for pleurisy. It
may be repeated two or three times a day, but requires careful watching. Ed.

492

MATERIA MEDICA

it is a powerful narcotic, and free from the constipating effect of
opium. It has not hitherto been used in veterinary medicine.

The seeds are said to be the most powerful part of the plant :
but the powdered leaves and the extract are more commonly em-
ployed in human medicine. *

HEPAR SULPHURIS. Liver of Sulphur. An old name
for sulphuret of potass. This medicine has been found efficaci-
ous in some cutaneous diseases, as mange, for instance, and has
also been recommended as an antidote to some poisons, as
arsenic, lead, and mercury ; but it has been too seldom tried to
ascertain its powers of counteracting the effects of these metals.
Sulphuret of potass is deliquescent, and is decomposed by ex-
posure to atmospheric air. It likewise suffers decomposition by
being added to water, part of the sulphur taking up the oxygen
of the water, and becoming acidified, thereby forming sulphate
of potass; while the hydrogen of the water, combining with an-
other portion of the sulphur, is given off in the form of sulphu-
retted hydrogen gas. Hydroguretted sulphuret of potass is also
formed by the remaining sulphur uniting with the alkali. Sul-
phuret of potass is decomposed by acids, the acid forming a
neutral salt with the potass, and the sulphur being liberated. It
is very necessary to remember this fact when prescribing sul-
phuret of potass, otherwise its action may be entirely changed.

The dose is from a scruple to a drachm or more.

HOG'S LARD. — Adeps Suillus. An article of some im-
portance in veterinary surgery, being the basis of almost every
ointment.

Hog's lard possesses a laxative quality, and may be given to
the extent of half a pound, melted and niixed with warm water
or peppermint water, as a substitute for castor oil, olive oil, or
linseed oil, when neither of these can be procured. Fresh
hog's lard melted, and mixed with a little salad oil, forms a
good softening ointment for horses' heels that are subject to
cracks.

HONEY. — Mel. A small quantity of honey, dissolved in
linseed infusion, is often used in those troublesome coughs which
arise from irritation, and serves in this way as a good auxiliary
to more important remedies. Honey is sometimes added to a
solution of alum, as a lotion for the mouth, when it is inflamed
and sore.

Honey is nutritious and rather laxative, and may be occa-
sionally given as a restorative mixed with milk, or with gruel
made of wheat-flour and milk. (See Gruel.) With vinegar it
forms an oxymel ; and when squills, garlic, &c. have been pre-

* This medicine has been given by Mr. St. Clair with success in tetanus,
in doses of three drachms once a day with prussic acid. — Set Vet. vol. 12.

AND PHARMACOPOEIA.

493

vlously infused in the vinegar, it forms with it oxymel of squills,
garlic, &c., which are considered good medicines in chronic
cough. Honey is a convenient substance for forming balls. It
is sometimes used also as a basis for liniments or ointments (see
Egyptiacum) ; and when made into a syrup with an infusion
of roses, it forms honey of roses, which, with alum, forms an
useful wash for soreness of the mouth, lampas, &c.

HOOF OINTMENT, is prepared from

Tar and tallow, of each equal parts.

When melted, let the mixture be removed from the fire, and
stirred until it is cold.

This ointment is applied to the coronet and heels, when dry
and cracking; and is also an useful application to thin weak
feet.

HOP. — Humulus. A decoction of hops is a good stomachic
bitter and anodyne, possessing a weak narcotic quality. It
forms also a good anodyne and discutient fomentation.

HORSE-RADISH. — Avmoracia. The root of horse-radish,
when fresh, is a powerful stimulant. All its virtues may be ex-
tracted by distilling the root with water or spirit; in which
state it may be kept a long time without losing its strength. It
is said to possess also a diuretic and diaphoretic quality. Its
acrimony is destroyed by boiling ; it is therefore given either as
an infusion, or beaten into a mass with flour, as a ball. If beaten
into a mass, and formed into a paste, with flour of mustard and
water, it is capable of blistering the skin.

HYDRAGOGUES. This appellation is given to those
medicines that act on the kidneys, increasing the secretion of
urine. The real derivation of the word, howevei', would imply
anything which produced an evacuation of liquids, and therefore
the epithet may be and is very justly applied to drastic pur-
gatives, which induce liquid motions.

HYDRARGYRUM. Mercuuy ; which see.

HYDRARGYRI SUBMURIAS. Submuriate of quick-
silver. Calomel. New name, Protochloride of Mercury. See
Calomel.

HYOSCYAMUS. See Henbane.

INFUSIONS. — Infusa. Medicated liquids, made by pour-
ing boiling or cold water on any vegetable or medicine, whose
virtues it is capable of extracting. When the medicinal prin-
ciples of a vegetable are of a volatile nature, and liable to eva-
porate by boiling, they are extracted by being steeped in hot or
cold water. The liquid thus obtained is termed hot or cold in-
fusion. Chamomile flowers, peppermint, and other aromatic
herbs, are to be infused in hot water; logwood, guaiacum, and
bark, require to be boiled, the latter a short time only, the two
.former much longer. (See Decoction.) The menstruum of

494

MATERIA MEDICA

infusions is water ; if alcohol be used instead, the preparation is
then called a tincture, and, when wine or vinegar are employed,
it is termed a medicated wine or vinegar.

INJECTIONS. — Injectiones. Liquids (generally medicated)
which are injected into any cavity of the body, by means of a
syringe, gum-bottle, or other insti-ument.

lODINIUM. Iodine. [This substance is found in a state
of nature in many marine plants. Its properties are stimulant,
and its chief action seems directed to the absorbents, which it
excites in a very high degree.

Iodine is now extensively employed by scientific veterinarians.
It is thus described by Mr. Morton : —

" Although iodine and its compounds have not yet come into
general use amongst veterinarians, I have little doubt but that
they soon will. Iodine is obtained from the mother-water, after
the procuration of carbonate of soda from kelp. Its action is that
of a stimulant to glandular structures, and the forms in which
it is employed externally are those of a liniment and ointment.
Internally it may be given in doses from five to ten grains twice
in the day, although there are objections to its being admi-
nistered uncombined, as iodine only enters the circulation in the
form of hydriodic acid, or an hydriodate, and it is apt to accu-
mulate in the system.

" LiNiMENTUM loDiNii CoMPOsiTUM. Compouud liniment
of iodine.

" Take of iodine , 1 part.

" Soap liniment 8 parts. — Dissolve.

" Unguentum Iodinii. Ointment of iodine.

" Take of iodine 1 part.

" Lard 8 parts. — Mix.

" Some substitute for lard the milder ointment of mercury, by
which a far more active compound is formed. Others add half
a part of cantharides in powder, or tartar emetic, b}'^ which ab-
sorption is promoted. Administered internally, the form of
tincture is advocated by many. If, however, it is long kept, it
is apt to undergo decomposition.

" TiNCTURA loDiNii. Tincture of iodine.

" Take of iodine I part.

" Rectified spirit 8 parts. — Dissolve.

" The dose of this is from 1 to 2 drs. given twice a day."

Iodide of Potassium is a preferable form of administering iodine

AND PHARMACOPCEIA.

495

internally, as it is not liable to accumulate in the system like
iodine. It is a salt containing 40 parts of potassium to 126 of
iodine. The dose for internal use is twenty to thirty grains in
the horse. It may be used in the form of an ointment with
eight parts of lai'd, or being rubbed down with an equal portion
of quicksilver, with the addition of a little spirits of wine, the
lard may then be added, thus forming a compound ointment
very serviceable in promoting the absorption of glandular and
other swellings.

Diniodide of Copper. — Mr. Morton has formed a new com-
pound by the chemical union of iodide of potassium and sul-
phate of copper, two ounces of the former and four of the
latter, with a pint and a half of boiling distilled water ; the
copper to be dissolved in two thirds, and the iodide in one third
of the water. When cold the solutions are mixed, and the
precipitate falling is to be separated and pulverised.

The action of this medicine is that of a tonic and a stimulant
to the absorbent system. The dose from 1 to 2 drs. daily, com-
bined with vegetable tonics, and sometimes small doses of can-
tharides. It has been given successfully by Mr. C. Spooner and
Mr. Daws for farcy, and is to be recommended for nasal gleets
and glanders, its double action being so desirable in these cases.
I have employed the sulphate of copper, rubbed down in a
mortar with iodide of potassium, with success in cases re-
sembling glanders, giving vegetable tonics at the same time.
Mr. Morton also recommends, for the same purpose, the iodide
of iron, a chemical combination of iodine with iron, in doses of
one or two drachms. — Ed.]

IPECACUAN. — Ipecacuanha. Ipecacuanha is sometimes
employed as an expectorant in chronic cough, and asthmatic
affections, and I believe with good effect when joined with
squills, ammoniacum, &c. (See Expectorants.) According
to Vitat, from half an ounce to an ounce given to a horse, makes
him snuffle and sneeze for some minutes ; at the end of an hour
he appears agitated, the belly tense, but the arteries and flanks
beat with violence for four or five hours : these appearances
gradually go off. Given to the extent of three ounces, it dis-
tresses the horse greatly ; he lies down and soon gets up again,
his flanks beat, he sighs and groans, and unless water be given
him he dies convulsed. On these symptoms going off, his dung
is a little softened, but it does not purge. I once gave an ounce
to a young ass, but it did not produce any perceptible effect.
Bourgelat says, it is employed in chronic bowel complaints, in
hiolton grease, and dysentery, with success, either as an infusion
or decoction. He also observes, that though it does not cause
any sensible evacuation in large animals, it purges the sheep ;
and in the pig, the dog, and the cat, it causes vomiting or

496 MATEIUA MEDIC A

purging, according to the quantity given, and the state of the
stomach and bowels. He has given it to broken-winded horses,
but witiioiit success. He states the dose for a horse to be from
72 grains to 1 ounce ; for a dog, from 4 grains to 20.

IRON. — Ferrum. This is one of the most abundant me-
tallic productions of nature; its ores are found in almost every
part of the globe in ihe soil and often in the water, and as a
constituent of vegetable and" animal bodies. The only pre-
paration of iron commonly used in veterinary medicine is
sulphate of iron, or salt of steel, a useful tonic in doses of two
or four drachms.

JALAP, the Root. — Ipomaa Jalapa. In the human body,
the root of jalap is a certain and efficacious purgative ; and there
is scarcely an old book on farriery in which it is not recom-
mended for horses as an ingredient in purgative balls or physic ;
which practice is still followed by farriers, who generally put
two or three drachms of jalap into every dose of physic. It was
tried, however, first at the Veterinary College, and was found to
have no purgative effect on the horse, though given in con-
siderably larger doses than even farriers employ; but I have
observed that in a very large quantity it occasions sickness, and
some degree of purging, though its effects in this way are by no
means sufficient to induce any one to employ it as a purgative
alone.

I once gave eight ounces of jalap at one dose to a glandered
horse, that was in other respects healthy, and had not been
taking any other medicine : in about six hours the horse ap-
peared sick, and in pain ; he refused both food and water ;
during the night he appeared to have had some small watery
stools, several of which were perceived also the next day ; but
they were in very small quantity, and accompanied with pain.
The sickness continued all the second day, and on the following
he recovered.

JAMAICA PEPPER, or ALLSPICE. — Myrtus Pimenta.
This is a good carminative and cordial, and may be given in
doses from half an ounce to an ounce, in flatulency of the
stomach and bowels. It may also be used as an ingredient m

cordial medicines. , j i tvt

The following tincture is strongly recommended by Mr.

Bracy Clark, as an excellent remedy for . the flatulent colic,
gripes, or fret.

Jamaica pepper 1 lb.

Proof spirit 6 pints. — Mix.

Let the allspice be powdered, and mixed with the spirit ; the
bottle to be well corked, and frequently shaken. In two or
three weeks the tincture will be fit for use. The dose about

AND PHARMACOPCEIA. 497

four ounces diluted with water, and repeated every hour until
the horse is relieved. See Cordials and Carminatives.

JAMES'S POWDER. — Pulvis Jacobi. Though the pre-
paration of this medicine has been hitherto kept secret, there is
no reason to doubt its being composed chiefly of antimony, and
nearly the same thing as that which is sold in the shops by the
name Antimonial Powder. (See Antimony.) I can venture
to assert that, as a horse medicine, this is as useful and efficacious
as James s Poiudei'. It is said to be an excellent medicine in
fevers of every kind ; and, though usually given in the small
dose of a scruple, or half a drachm, may be exhibited with per-
fect safety and better effect in a much larger quantity. I never
give less than two drachms, and sometimes three ; and I have
seen even one ounce given at a dose without the least incon-
venience. It seems to act on the skin like emetic tartar, and
promotes insensible perspiration ; but I do not think it is so cer-
tain in its effects as emetic tartar ; it is sometimes joined with
opmm, camphor, nitre, or ginger, according to the nature of
the disease : with ginger, it forms a good medicine for horses
that are hide-bound ; but this compound is not proper in fevers,
or any complaint arising from inflammation, and the fevers of
horses are almost always inflammatory. It is most commonly
given with nitre or with nitre and camphor ; and some prac-
titioners prefer it, as a fever medicine, to tartarised antimony
{tartar emetic). It has been asserted that it is much improved
as a diaphoretic in the human subject, by the addition of one
fourth of Its weight of precipitated sulphuret of antimony. (See
l^EBRiFUGES.) James's powder is insoluble in water, and should
therefore not be administered in a drench. Accordino- to the
analysis of this medicine, it has been found to contain anti-
mony, phosphate of lime, and potass.*

JAPAN EARTH. See Acacia Catechu.
JOHN'S-WORT. - Hypericum. There is an oil of John's-
wort kept by druggists, which appears to be nothing more than
common 0.1 coloured with verdigris. The herb was formerly
employed in fomentations, but is now thought unworthy of

JUNIPER BERRIES. - Juniperi Baccce. The juniper
shrub IS an indigenous evergreen ; and is found generally grow-
ing on downs and heaths. It flowers in May, and bears berries,
whose medicinal properties are diuretic, carminative, and sto-
machic. They should be allowed to remain on the tree for two
years before they are gathered, as they do not come to maturity

* This medicine is scarcely ever used in the horse, being now re^irdpd
powerless in this animal. In the doc. however it is rr,mm!.ni , ^ •
cularly for distemper, where, from theVea S lity j^^^^ P'"^"'-

emetic tartar is inadmissible. — Ed. ■•■ritaDiiity ot the dog s stomach,

K K

498

MATERIA MEDICA

before that time. Juniper berries generally form a part of
diuretic balls and drenches ; they are recommended also in
flatulency of the stomach and bowels.
The dose is from one to two ounces.

Juniper berries are often injured by keeping ; becoming dry,
shrivelled, or nearly rotten. The purchaser should choose such
as are plump, rather heavy, and moist internally.

An oil is obtained from juniper by distillation, which seems
to be the part on which the virtues of the berry depend. Oil of
juniper is carminative and diuretic : the dose is from one drachm
to two or three. It is generally highly adulterated with oil of
turpentine; but this admixture does not injure it materially, oil
of turpentine being very similar to it in its medical qualities,
though more powerful.

KERMES MINERAL.— S'MZ/?/mr StiUatum Fusaim. A
red powder prepared from antimony, nearly the same as the
golden sulphur of antimony, and recommended as an alterative,
in doses from one to two or three drachms. See Antimony,
and Golden Sulphur or Antimony.

KINO. — Kino. The greater part of the kino used in this
country at present comes from the East Indies. It is a most
powerful astringent, and is often successfully employed to com-
bat obstinate diarrhoea, red water, and other diseases dependent
on a relaxed state of any organ or viscus. The dose, in sub-
stance, is from two to four drachms. A tincture of kino is
likewise made, Avhich may be administered in doses of from
three or four to six drachms, or more. In prescribing the
tincture, it is necessary to recollect that nitrate of silver, muriate
of mercury, sulphate of iron, acetate of lead, the alkalies, and
strong acids are incompatible with it.

KRAMERI^ RADIX. Krameria, or Ratanhy Root.
This plant is a native of Peru, and flowers throughout the year.
It is but little known in this country as a medicine, but has been
very successfully used on the continent in all cases requiring
astrincyents. It is also accounted stomachic, and its astringent
qualities are such, that it has frequently been employed as a
styptic. It may be exhibited in the same doses as kino.
LARD. See Hog's Lard.

LAUDANUM. — Tinctura Opii. A popular term for tinc-
ture of opium. See Opium.

LAURUS CAMPHOR A. See Camphor.

Laurus Cassia. See Cassia.

Laurus Cinnamomum. See Cinnamon.

Laurus Nobilis. The Bay Tree. Laurel. This tree, al-
thouoh a native of the south of Europe, bears the winter ot this
country with impunity. Both the leaves and berries contain an
essential oil. The latter are generally brought to us Irom the

AND PHAUMACOPCEIA.

499

Mediterranean, and are more pungent than the former, which
are principally used in fomentations. A considerable quantity
of oil is obtained from the berries by expression, and is some-
times used as a stomachic in veterinary medicine. The dose is
from half a drachm to a drachm.

[Oil of bays forms a useful stimulating and digestive oint-
ment. — Ed.]

LAXATIVES. Medicines that open the bowels moderately,
so as to increase their secretions, without greatly stimulating or
irritating them. They consist of castor oil, olive, or linseed oil,
the neutral salts, such as Epsom or Glauber's salts, or even
common salt, and small doses of aloes, as in the foUowino-
formulae : —

LAXATIVE DRENCH.

No. 1. Castor oil 1 pint.

No. 2. Sweet oil, or linseed, or rape oil 1 pint.

No. 3. Epsom salt 6 to 12 oz.

Whey or gruel 1 quart.

Castor oil 6 to 12 oz.

Mix.

BALL.

Aloes 3 to 4 dr.

Soap 3 to 4 dr.

Syrup enough to form a ball.

LEAD. — ■ Plumbum. Many useful preparations are made
from this metal ; among which ai-e the following :

Lead, Acetate of, or super-acetate of lead, commonly called
sugar of lead, is much used in making cooling lotions and eye-
washes. Liquid sub-acetate of lead is commonly named Gou-
lard's Extract, and is used for similar purposes. See Goulard,
Lotions, Collyria or Eye- Washes, and Ointments.

Lead, Red, or Minium. This is a red powder, made by
keeping lead in a high degree of heat : it is used in the com-
position of plasters, and charges.

Lead, White, is commonly made by exposing thin sheets of
lead to the vapour of vinegar, by which it is converted into a
white powder. White lead is often employed in the composition
of healing and softening ointment, for horses that are subject to
cracked heels. See Acetate of Lead,

LIME. — Calx. This earth is rarely found in a pure state,
but IS easily prepared from any of its carbonates by the action of
fire. When mixed with 700 times its weight of water, it is
completely dissolved, and forms lime-water, the properties of
which are tonic and antacid. Lime-water is recommended in

K K 2

500

MATERIA MEDICA

tlie disease termed diabetes, which consists in a profuse dis-
charge of limpid urine, causing weakness, emaciation, and hectic
fever.

I have seen it used, however, in two cases without success.
Lime-water may be made by mixing lime with a large propor-
tion of boiling water, stirring the mixture for some time, and
afterwards pouring off the transparent liquor, which is to be
carefully excluded from the air.

Chlorinated Lime. — Calx Chlorinata. " This term is applied
by the College of Physicians to the compound of chlorine and
lime, long known in the arts by the name of chloride of lime,
or bleaching powder.

" It is a valuable disinfectant. In order to understand its
action, it is necessary to bear in mind that the foetid gases given
off during the decomposition of vegetable and animal substances
are mostly compounds of hydrogen with certain bases. When
chlorine is brought into contact with these, it decomposes them,
in consequence of the great affinity it has for hydrogen, with
which it unites, and sets the bases free.

" Mr. Youatt, in 1828, and afterwards Mr. Simpson, Mr. Hol-
. ford, and Mr. Kerr, in the pages of the Veterinarian, have drawn
the attention of veterinary surgeons to this valuable compound
iu fistulous affections, open joints, canker, and in cases of grease.
But it will be found serviceable in many other diseases. To
Mr. Youatt we are indebted for its introduction as a remedy in
hoven in cattle, and tympanitis in the horse, being given in
doses of from two to four drachms suspended in water. A solu-
tion of it, in the proportion of a pound to a gallon of water,
is recommended as an application for mange by Mr. Lucas
of Liverpool ; and in slight attacks it will be found of service.

" This solution may be employed as an ordinary excitant of
wounds, and particularly in such as have taken on unhealthy
action. In fact, I feel assured that the more this compound is
known, the more highly it will be prized.

« It will be found extremely useful for purifying stables ren-
dered foul by the virus of glanders, mange, or any other con-
tagious disease, the walls being washed with a diluted solution

°^«^The common practice of merely whitewashing the walls
serves only to cover the infectious matter, and, perhaps, to pre-
serve it for an indefinite length of time, so that, when the lime
scales off, disease may be again engendered by the exposed

VU'US.

"In phagadenic and farcy ulcers, the ch onnated hme
sprinkled over them has quickly induced a healthy condition,
and the healing process has soon been perfected.
" The pharmaceutical compounds are, —

AND PHARMACOPOEIA. 501
SOLUTION OP CHLORINATED LIME.

Take of Chlorinated lime 1 pound.

Distilled water 1 gallon.

Set aside, and filter for use as required.

" Of this strength it is used for mange, and as a stimulant
and mild erodent to ill-conditioned wounds and fistulous sores.
Diluted with from ten to fifteen times its bulk of water, it may
be employed to form an antiseptic lotion for virulent grease,
exfoliating bone, &c.; also for the formation of poultices, and as
a disinfectant for foul stables.

OINTMENT OF CHLORINATED LIME.

Take of Chlorinated lime 1 to 2 parts.

Hog's lard 8 parts.

Mix together, so as to form an ointment.

" This compound has been had recourse to with very bene-
ficial results in cases of grease, particularly when the foetor has
been considerable." — Morton's Manual of Pharmacy.

LINIMENT. — Linimentum. A term generally given to
external applications of the oily kind, but of a consistence rather
thicker than oil : sometimes it is applied to more liquid and
transparent preparations, such as soap liniment. The following
formulae are given as examples : —

SOAP LINIMENT.

Hard soap 1 oz.

Camphor 1 oz.

Oil of rosemary 1 oz.

Rectified spirit ] pint.

Cut up the soap, and let it stand with the spirit until dissolved,
then add the rest.

LINIMENT OF AMMONIA, OR VOLATILE LINIMENT.

Strong solution of ammonia 1 oz.

Olive oil 2 oz.

Mix.

To this, camphor or oil of turpentine is sometimes added ;
and the solution of ammonia is joined, for some purposes, to the
soap liniment. The soap liniment is the same as the celebi'ated
opodeldoc, and may be either solid or fluid, according to the
proportion of soap used; but it may be made also with soft
soap, and is then fluid, with a larger proportion of soap. Lini-
ment of Verdigris is noticed under the head Egyptiacum.

K K 3

502

MATERIA MEDICA

LINIMENT OF CAMPHOR, COMPOUND.

Camphor 2 oz.

Spirit of lavender 1 pint.

Solution of ammonia 6 oz.

Mix.

Solution of ammonia is named also liquid ammonia, and
strong spirit of sal ammoniac. (See Embrocations.)

LINIMENT for BAD THRUSHES AND CANKER.

No. 1. Tar 4 oz. — Melt, and add

Muriatic acid 6 dr.

Verdigris 4 dr.

Mix : continue stirring until it is cold. (See article Thrush.)

No. 2. Tar, melted 1 lb.

Strong sulphuric acid, by weight 2 oz.

Stir them well together for some time, and immediately befoi-e
the mixture is used.

LINSEED, or FLAX SEED. — Lini Semina. These
seeds abound with oil and mucilage, and are well adapted to the
composition of those emollient drinks that are so useful in in-
flammations of the bladder and bowels, or complaints of the
urinary passages. A strong mucilaginous drink may be made
without bruising the seeds, either by decoction or infusion.
See Emollients and Pectorals.

Linseed Cake. That part of the linseed which remains
after the oil has been pressed out. It is sometimes employed to
fatten cattle, and may be given occasionally to horses. When
ground it is sold as linseed meal and linseed powder, and often
used in the composition of poultices.* It is an ingredient also
in most of the horse and cattle powders, and serves to adul-
terate, on account of its cheapness, many of the medicines
sold in powder, as drenches for horses and cattle. It is chiefly
used for making poultices.

Linseed Oil. — Oleum Lini. This oil is sometimes em-
ployed as a laxative, f It is used also in making pectoral emul-
sions, and in the composition of liniments.

LIQUOR POTASS^. Solution of Potass. See Ley,
Caustic.

LIQUORICE; the Root and Extract. — Glycyrrhiza Glabra;
Radix et Extractum. The extract made from liquorice-root is
supposed to be of use in relieving cough. In the horse it is not

* The best linseed meal for poultices is that ground before the oil is ex-
tracted. — Ed.

■f- Linseed oil is a very useful aperient in inflammatory diseases where aloes
is inadmissible. It occasions no irritation, although it is apt to produce
nausea. — Ed.

AND PHAKMACOPCEIA.

503

applicable to this purpose, as its good effect depends upon its
gradual solution in the mouth, so as to be constantly lubricating
the throat. Many writers, however, recommend liquorice in
their pectoral and cordial drenches, probably with a view to
render them more palatable.

LITHARGE, or SEMI-VITRIFIED OXIDE OF
LEAD. — Lithargyriis, vel Oxydum Plumhi Semi-vitreum, This
oxide is obtained by the simple action of heat and air upon lead.
It is employed in making Goulard's extract and diachylon
plaster.

LITMUS. This is a species of lichen. Litmus-paper is
used in medicine as a very delicate test of the presence of acid,
by which its blue or violet colour is changed to red. It is
generally by means of litmus-paper that the urine is tested,
when, if a great quantity of acid is found to prevail, alkalies
must be administered, and vice versa.

LIVER OF SULPHUR, or SULPHURET OF PO-
TASS. — He-par Sulphuris, vel Sulphurefum Potasses. See Hepar

SULPHURIS.

LOGWOOD. — Hasmatoxyli Lignum. An extract made from
logwood possesses a considerable astringent power. It is often
employed by medical practitioners in diarrhoea depending upon
relaxation of thq bowels ; and though it has not yet been intro-
duced into veterinary practice, it would probably be found an
useful medicine in similar complaints of the horse, and deserves
a trial in cases which have resisted the common remedies.

It may be given in doses from two to three drachms. Alum,
opium, and some aromatic, such as cassia, and sometimes chalk,
are often joined with the extract. See H^matoxyli Lignum.

LUNAR CAUSTIC. See.ARGENxi Nitras.

LYTT-^. See CANXHARioESi

MACERATION diflFersfrom infusion only in being continued
for a longer time, and can only be employed for those substances
that do not quickly spoil.

MADDER. — Rubia. This is a perennial plant, and a na-
tive of the Levant, the South of Europe, and Africa. The
root was formerly used in medicine as a remedy for jaundice.
Farriers still employ it for the same complaint (which they term
the yellows) both in horses and horned cattle.

The dose is about one ounce.

Madder has the singular property of turning the bones red,
provided its use be persisted in for some time.

MAGNESIA. — Magnesia. A white powder, so extremely
light, that a sufficient dose could not be given to a horse without
inconvenience. It is a very useful absorbent in the human body,
and well calculated to remove heartburn, by destroying any
acidity that may exist in the stomach ; it has also the advantage

K K 4 ^ '

504

MATERIA MEUICA

in this complaint, of acting as a gentle laxative. In the horse,
chalk, or either of the fixed alkalies, answers the purpose equally
well : and if a laxative effect be required, a small dose of aloes
may be added.

Magnesia, Sulphate of. — Magnesice Sulphas. Epsom
Salts. See Sulphate of Magnesia.

MALLOWS, COMMON. Sylvestris. This is an
annual, indigenous plant, and, from the mucilage it contains, is
useful in the composition of emollient drinks : fomentations,
clysters, and poultices may also be made with it. See Emol-
lients, Fomentations, and Clysteks.

MALT is very serviceable to horses that are recovering from
fever. It is useful, also, when the system is weakened by large
abscesses which discharge copiously, and in almost every case
depending on debility.

It appears to be easy of digestion, and very nutritious, though
not so stimulating as oats. Green malt has been recommended
for improving the condition of horses, and giving them a smooth,
glossy coat. Infusion of malt is sometimes given with advan-
tage to sick horses ; but they generally require to be drenched
with it, which is a great inconvenience.

MANGANESE. A metallic oxide used principally in
bleaching. It has been employed for fumigating glandered
stables. See Fumigation.

MARJORAM. — Origanum, Sweet marjoram is an annual
plant, which is principally cultivated for culinary purposes.
Wild marjoram yields an essential oil {oleum origani), which is
much used by farriers as a remedy in strains, bruises, &c., but
always mixed with other oils or spirits, such as oil of elder,
camphorated spirit, &c. A strong infusion of marjoram
may be employed as a vehicle for carminative or cordial medi-
cine.

MARSH MALLOW. — Althcea. This plant contains
rather more mucilage than common mallows, and is, therefore,
better calculated for making mucilaginous or emollient drinks,
clysters, or fomentations.

The root is the best part, and, if carefully dried, may be kept
a long time. These mucilaginous drinks are very useful when
the bowels or bladder are inflamed or irritated by too strong
physic, or when there is any pain in the urinary passages. They
should be given frequently in the course of the day, and may occa-
sionally be made the vehicle of more active medicines. Any
thing which contains mucilage in sufficient quantity may be
employed for the purpose of making emollient drinks. See
Emollients.

MASHES. A kind of medicated diet, and generally com-
posed either of bran or malt. Bran mashes are made by pour-

AND PHAUMACOPCEIA.

505

ing boiling water on fresh sweet bran, in a pail, so that the
mixture, when stirred, may be about the consistence of a soft
poultice: it is then to be covered over, and not given to the
horse until sufficiently cold. When it is thought necessary to
steam the head, as it is termed, that is, fof the horse to inhale
the vapour as it arises, the mash is put into the manger while
hot; and some even put it into a nose-bag, and secure it to the
head, which is a bad practice, as it impedes respiration. Steam-
ing the' head is recommended in strangles, colds, and sore-
throats.

Bran Mashes form a very proper diet in fever, and all in-
flammatory complaints ; they are useful, also, as a preparative to
physic, serving to remove any indurated faeces there may be in
the bowels, whereby the operation of the medicine is rendered
more safe and effectual.* Mashes are a necessary diet, also,
while the physic is operating. In making malt mashes, the water
should be below the boiling point, otherwise the malt will clot
and be spoiled. These are given for the purpose of recruiting
strength, when a horse is debilitated from fever, or any other
cause. (See Malt and Restoratives.) When a horse has been
fed high for some time with oats and beans, a change to a diet
of bran mashes for two or three days will often do a great deal
of good. The bran should be fresh, and perfectly free from any
unpleasant or musty smell. There is a finer kind of bran,
named gurglings or pollard, which, though much more nutri-
tious, is not so fit for medicinal purposes.

MEADOW SAFFRON. — Colchicum Autumnale. This is
an indigenous perennial plant, generally found growing in rich
meadows, and flowering in September. The root is a powerful
diuretic in the human system, but its effect on the horse is not
known. An account was published in the New Monthly Maga-
zine some time since, of seven yearling cattle having been poi-
soned by eating meadow saffron.

MERCURIALS. Preparations of quicksilver or mercury.

Mercurial Ointment. — Unguentum Hydrargyri. This is
made by rubbing together, in a mortar, quicksilver and hog's
lard, in various proportions, according to the strength required,
until the former disappear, and the mixture assume a dark blue
or lead colour.

In the strongest mercurial ointment of the shops, there are
equal parts of quicksilver and lard : these are the best propor-
tions in which it can be made, as it is easily rendered weaker
afterwards, by the addition of lard. In medical practice, this
ointment is employed chiefly for the purpose of introducing the
quicksilver into the system, which is done by rubbing it for some

* Bran is in itself a mild laxative from the silicious particles which it con-
tains acting mechanically on the intestines.

506

MATEniA MEDICA

time on the skin ; but in the horse considerable difficulty and
inconvenience attend this operation, though it may be made
to affect tlie system. Thus, if we wish to introduce mercury
into the circulation, it is better to give some preparation
internally.

Mercurial ointment, however, is often employed in veterinary
practice, as an application to callous swellings or enlarged joints :
it is often mixed with camphor in those cases, and is certainly
much more efficacious when converted into a blister by the
addition of cantharides or Spanish flies, or euphorbium. In
this state it is a good remedy for bog spavin, or other swellings
of the hock joint.

Mercurial ointment is said to be an effectual remedy for the
scab in sheep, and is often an ingredient in ointments for the
mange. In making mercurial ointment, the operation is con-
siderably expedited by using a small quantity of old suet, tallow
that is rancid, or Venice turpentine.

Persons unacquainted with pharmacy commonly prefer mer-
curial ointment that has been recently prepared. It is said,
however, that old and rather rancid ointment is more powerful,
particularly if rubbed for some time in a mortar before it is
used.

Mercurial Pill.— PiVwZa Hydrargyri. This is the mildest
of the mercurial preparations, except Ethiop's mineral, and the
preparation named " Mercury with chalk." It is made by rub-
bing two ounces of quicksilver in a mortar, with three ounces of
conserve of roses, until the quicksilver is quite extinguished; to
accomplish which perfectly requires their being rubbed together
many hours. When sufficiently rubbed, add one ounce of
liquorice powder, and beat the whole into a mass. The dose
from one to three or four drachms daily, until some effect is
produced; but when sickness or loss of appetite require it, it
should be discontinued a short time. This, or Ethiop's mineral,
is the mercurial preparation I would recommend for glanders
and farcy.

MERCURY. — Hydrargyrum. Quicksilver is commonl}'
distinguished by this name, the various preparations of which
will be described in their proper places. See Calomel, Sub-
limate, Cinnabar, Ethiop's Mineral, Precipitate, White
and Red Oxide of Mercury, Mercurial Ointment, &c.

Mercury or quicksilver is found in Spain, Germany, Hungary,
Siberia, the Philippines, China, and Peru. The most produc-
tive mines are those of Istria, Carinthia, and the Palatinate. It
is found either in a metallic state, or combined with silver or
sulphur ; with the latter it forms native cinnabar. It is found
also combined with chlorine and a portion of sulphuric acid, and
is then named corneous mercury. It is separated from these

AND PHARMACOPCEIA.

507

combinations by distilling it with quick lime. In its metallic
state, mercury exerts no action on the animal system ; it has,
nevertheless, been exhibited in doses of a pound in the human
subject, with a view of operating mechanically in the removal of
obstructions in the intestines ; but as it cannot, by its gravity,
act on the ascending part of the bowels, it is not easy to conceive
how it should ever have been recommended ; and the events of
the cases in which it has been given have sufficiently proved the
futility of the practice. I once gave half a pound to a healthy
dog, and though made to stand upright on his hind legs for ten
minutes after, and then shut up in a large tub for several hours,
no part of the quicksilver was discharged ; he then ran away,
and we heard nothing more of him. When mercury is prepared
for medicinal use, it is a remedy of the most extensive appli-
cation; it is a powerful and general stimulant; it enters into
the circulation, quickens the motion of the blood, and excites
powerfully the whole glandular system, increasing all the
secretions and excretions. Though much mischief may have
arisen from the imprudent use of the different preparations of
this useful metal, yet, in the hands of judicious and cautious
practitioners, they may be considered as among the most useful
articles of the Materia Medica.

The following are the preparations commonly employed : —
Mercurial ointment. Mercurial pill. Ointment of nitrate
of mercury, or citrine ointment. Mercury with chalk. Red
oxide of mercury, or calcined mercury, yellow sub-sulphate of
mercury, or turbeth mineral. Nitric oxide of mercury, or red
precipitate. Sub-muriate of mercury or calomel. Oxymuriate
of mercury or corrosive sublimate. Red sulphuret of mercury
or cinnabax-. White precipitate of mercury or white precipitate.
Mercury with sulphur or Ethiop's mineral. Each of these pre-
parations will be noticed under its respective name.

MINDERERUS'S SFIRIT, — Spiritus Mindereri. (See
Acetate of Ammonia.) The dose is from six to eight ounces,
diluted.

MINERAL WATERS are too weak for veterinary purposes.
It has been remarked by experienced persons, that waters
impregnated with saline bodies, which are commonly said to be
brackish, are generally injurious to horses ; and I have observed
that horses seldom do well on the coast, where the greater part
of the water is in this state. This may arise from their not
drmkmg a sufficient quantity for the purposes of digestion, on
account of its disagreeable taste; for they often receive much
benefit when at grass in such situations. It has been generally
remarked, that cavalry regiments stationed on the coast are
more liable to disease than others, especially to rough unhealthy-
looking coats, hide-bound and cutaneous diseases. This, how-

508

MATERIA MEUICA

ever, is as likely, and perhaps more likely, to arise from a damp
cold atmosphere, and bad stables, than from drinking brackish
water. M. Collaine, Veterinary Professor at Milan, has ob-
served, that cavalry corps, after being some months near the
sea, have been afterwards much affected with farcy.

MINT. — Mentha. This is a valuable herb, and grows here
very abundantly. There are two kinds used in medicine, viz.,
Spearmint [Mentha Viridis), and Peppermint [Mentha Piperita) .
The former is an excellent carminative, and generally affords
relief in flatulence of the stomach and bowels, and that com-
plaint which arises from it, termed gripes, fret, or flatulent
colic.

Peppermint, however, is considerably stronger, and, I think,
more certain in its effect. All the virtues of mint reside in an
oil, which it affords plentifully by distillation ; and this is the
most convenient form in which it can be employed for veterinary
purposes ; but it requires to be highly diluted with water, with
which it mixes very readily, if previously dissolved in a small
proportion of rectified spirit, or rubbed in a mortar with muci-
lage and sugar. See Essence.

The dose of oil of peppermint is from twenty drops to half a
drachm ; of spearmint from forty drops to one drachm.

This is generally found a sufficient quantity, but it may be
increased if it prove ineffectual.

A solution of oil of peppermint, in rectified spirit, is sold
under the name of Essence of Peppermint; one part of the oil
to three of spirit is the strength of which I prescribe it. A
strong infusion of the dried herb is a good vehicle for more
active medicine ; and, with a glass or two of gin may be given
for flatulent colic or gripes, when other medicine cannot be
procured.

MOXA. A light fibrous substance, somewhat like very fine
tow. In eastern countries it is employed to remove deep-seated
pains, being set on fire on the affected part, so as to burn and
produce an eschar; it is, therefore, nothing more than the
actual cautery, which is much more conveniently applied in
veterinary practice by means of the hot iron. See Firing.

MUCILAGE. — Mucilago. The mucilage commonly em-
ployed is made by dissolving gum arabic in water. There are
other cheaper gums, however, that will answer the same pur-
pose ; mucilage may be made also from quince seeds and
starch. For internal use, it is most cheaply and abundantly
obtained from flax seed (mixed, however, with oil), or as it is
more commonly named, linseed. Eight ounces infused in two
or three quarts of boiling water form a good mucilage. See
Acacia Vera.

AND PHARMACOPCEIA. 509

MURIATES. Combinations of muriatic acid, with alkalies,
earths or metals.

Muriate of Ammonia. Ammonim Murias. This is com-
monly named crude sal ammoniac, and when dissolved in
vinegar has been found a useful application. I have employed
the following formula for splents when in a state of inflamma-

tion : —

Muriate of ammonia, powdered 2 dr.

Vinegar 1 oz.

Alcohol 1 oz.

Water 2 oz.

Mix.

Muriate of Copper. — Cupri Murias. A solution of ver-
digris in muriatic acid or spirit of salt. This is a good mild
caustic, and may be diluted occasionally with water.

Muriate of Lime. See Calcis Murias.

Muriate of Mercury, Oxy and Sub. — Hydrargyri Oxy-
miirias et Submurias. Oxymuriate of mercury is more com-
monly known by the name of cori'osive sublimate (see Subli-
mate), and submuriate of mercury by the name of calomel.
See Calomel.

Muriate of Soda. — Sodce Murias. Common salt, or the
salt employed with food. This is an excellent laxative for
cattle, and in small doses promotes digestion. Mow-burnt hav,
or bad hay of any kind, is made more palatable to horses and
cattle by being moistened with water in which a small quantity
of salt has been dissolved, and it is, perhaps, rendered more
easy of digestion also.

MUSTARD. — Sinapis. Though chiefly employed for
culinary purposes, mustard deserves a place in our Materia
Medica both as an internal and external medicine. When flour
of mustard is made into a thin paste with water, and carefully
rubbed on the skin for some time, it excites considerable in-
flammation and swelling. This property renders it useful in
cases of internal inflammation, particularly when the bowels or
lungs are affected. This paste is rendered stronger by the ad-
dition of oil of turpentine. See Embrocations.

Mustard may be given internally, with good effect, in cases
which require strong stimulants.

MUTTON SUET. — Adeps Ovillus. The principal use of
this fat is in the formation of ointments.

MYRRH. — Myrrha. This is a gum resin, produced by a
tree or plant that is found principally in Arabia Felix and
Abyssinia. It has a pleasant odour, and a bitter pungent taste :
is much used in medical practice, as a tonic and stimulant, and
may probably be employed with good effect for horses in weak-

510

MATERIA MliDICA

ness of stomacb, diminished appetite, and imperfect digestion ;
in such cases it may be given in doses from one to three drachms,
with about two drachms of aloes and a little soap ; some o-inf/er
also may be occasionally added ; it is often joined with pre-
parations of steel or iron.

There is a simple and a compound tincture of myn-h sold by
druggists. The former is thus made : —

Myrrh 3 oz.

Rectified spirit 2 ll)s.

Macerate fourteen days, and strain.
The compound tincture is thus prepared : —

Aloes 4 oz.

Myrrh 2 do.

Rectified spirit 2 lbs.

Water 1 do.

Macerate fourteen days, frequently shaking it.

The first tincture is useful in ulcers in the mouth, but the
latter is more commonly employed with horses, being an ex-
cellent application to all wounds.

NARCOTICS. Medicines that stupify and produce sleep ;
such as opium, &c.

NIGHTSHADE. See Belladonna.

NITRATE OF POTASS. Nitras. Nitre, or
saltpetre. A neutral salt, formed by the combination of nitrous
acid and potash. This is a medicine of great utility in veteri-
nary practice, and highly esteemed by veterinarians. It pos-
sesses a cooling and diuretic property, which renders it extremely
useful in fevers, and all inflammatory complaints.

In fevers, it is often joined with emetic tartar and digitalis
with good effect. In catarrh, or cold, nitre is a useful remedy ;
and in troublesome coughs it often gives relief.

The usual dose of nitre is about one ounce, though farriers
often give double that quantity, or more : but in such large
doses it is apt to irritate the stomach, and do mischief ; there-
fore, in urgent cases, half an ounce may be given every fourth
hour, in which way there will be less danger of its producing
that effect, particularly if it be given in a mucilaginous drink,
or in water gruel.* If nitre be given in the form of a ball, it is
adviseable to offer some water immediately before or after, or to
wash it down with a horn full of water gruel.

NITRATE OF SILVER. See Argentx Nitras.

NITRIC AND NITROUS ACIDS. See Acid, Nitrous.

NUX VOMICA. A poisonous vegetable ; the fruit or the

* Even in this dose it should not be continued beyond a single day ; in sucli
short periods it will greatly irritate the urinary organs. — Ed.

AND PHAUMACOPCEIA.

511

seed of the Strlchnos Nux Vomica. A small quantity will
destroy dogs, rats, or mice. It has been given to the human
subject in epilepsy and dysentery, but is now rarely used, being
considered a dangerous medicine.* M. Collaine, Professor of
the Veterinary School at Milan, in a treatise on glanders, says,
" I determined on making a final experiment on two farcied
liorses with the nux vomica, which I gave to the extent of two
ounces a day to each of them, beginning with a dose of half a
drachm, morning and evening.

" The ulcers on the skin became stationary, and assumed a
red healthy appearance, but about the ninth day one of the
horses was attacked with spasms nearly of the whole body,
which induced me to put an end to my experiments and the suf-
ferings of the animal by causing him to be shot. It is necessary
to observe that these two horses, before they took the nux vomica,
had taken the extract of Aconite or Wolf's Bane (see Aconitum),
\yhich, in the dose of one ounce and a half daily, caused con-
siderable depression and weakness without lessening the dis-
order (farcy), although the same medicine had, in less than ten
days, removed the disease in a horse belonging to another
regiment, that had the hind leg much swollen, and covered with

* Strychnia is the form in which nux vomica is usually exhibited medici-
nally. It is prepared, by an elaborate process, from the nux vomica, the
active pnnciple of which it contains. It is thus spoken of by Mr. Morton : —
" Strychnia is in the form of minute crystals, which are colourless and in-
odorous ; possessing an intensely bitter taste, requiring between GOOO and
7000 parts of cold water for its solution, and insoluble in absolute alcohol •
but by diluted alcohol, specific gravity -835, it is dissolved readily. It acts'
like the alkalies on vegetable colours, and unites with the acids, forming

SBltS'

" Strychnia has been found of service in cases of paralysis in the horse and
diorea m the dog. Its action is very powerful, and its use calls for caution.
The dose for the horse may be from 1 to 3 grains twice in the day, combining it
with the vegetable tonics; that for the dog from i to J of a grain. Its in-
fluence is conjectured to be on the motor tract of the spinal chord, which it
powerfully stimulates, and thus restores the lost power of the muscular
system.

" When long exhibited, or if given in too large a quantity, the limbs will be
seen to tremble, and convulsive paroxysms will be induced by the sli<^htest
noises. Sometimes, in the dog, all power of retaining the "erect position
during the period of Its influence is lost; the kidneys are also excited into
increased action by it, and the urine is voided involuntarily. On the horse
when injudiciously given, it is also very powerful in its operation : fifteen
grains have proved sufficient to destroy life in that animal.

" The potency of this agent, and the long protracted, and often incurable
diseases in which it has been found to afford relief, warrant its introduction as
a veterinary therapeutic."

I have exhibited this medicine with much advantage in cases of paralysis of
the hind extremity in a dog. Assisted by setons on the loins, it was followed
by the restoration of muscular action. I have found, however that the six
teenth part of a grain produced much too violent an effect on a small doe and
would recommend the thirtieth part of a grain to begin with, repeatL it
alternate days, and gradually increasing the dose. Ed.

512

MATERIA MEDICA

farcy sores. This horse, however, was in consequence affected
with great difficulty of breathing, which continued ten or twelve
days, or until the swelling and farcy appeared again."

OAK BARK. — Cortex Quei 'cus. A decoction of oak bark
is a good vehicle for tonic and astringent medicines. When
finely powdered and given as a drench with ginger, it may be
of service in those complaints, the continuance of which depend
upon debility. It is said, however, to be much less efficacious
than Peruvian bark, yet when that cannot be procured, it may
be found a useful substitute. The dose is about two ounces.

OATS. — AvencB Sativce Semina. In the choice of oats for
horses, such as are perfectly free from unpleasant or musty
smell should be preferred; also such as are heavy and clean.
New oats are injurious, rather difficult of digestion, and apt to
scour, but this quality may be, in a great measure, corrected by
drying them gradually on a kiln, or by giving with them a
small proportion of split beans, and some clover cut into chaff :
when this cannot be had, a small quantity of wheat flour may
be given in the horse's water, especially if the horse already
scours, and then the chill of his water should be taken off ; a
small cordial ball may be necessary on such occasions if the
animal has any extraordinary work to do, but, under such cir-
cumstances, even moderate work might be hazardous. Nothing
is more liable to produce diseases in horses than being fed on
musty oats, that is, oats that have been heated by being kept
on board a ship, or in large heaps, without being frequently
turned. I have known coach and post horse proprietors suffer
the most serious losses from this cause ; it cannot, therefore, be
too carefully guarded against. Food should be so given that
digestion may go on without inteiTuption, as many horses have
been destroyed by taking them out and putting them to quick
work upon a full stomach. Bruising oats, as well as beans, for
horses is a great advantage ; and, upon emergencies, oatmeal
or wheat flour mixed up with a little water will be found to
afford nutriment and vigour without encumbering the stomach.
I am satisfied that those cases of gripes or flatulent colic which
so often occur among post and coach horses are brought on by
indigestion ; and what is so likely to cause indigestion as violent
exercise upon a full stomach, especially when the food is of a
bad quality, and the stomach in a morbid or weakened state,
which is often the case with post and stage-coach horses?
When there is a necessity for using new oats, and especially
when any stock of such oats is to be kept, they should be dried
on a kiln very gradually. They may then be much improved,
and, probably, that process may be completed which had been
put a stop to by removing them from the mow.

OILS.— Oils are either /xerf or vo/o/j7c'. The former

AND PHARMACOPCEIA.

513

are pi-ocured from various animal and vegetable substances,
generally by means of pressure and heat, from which circum-
stance, they have also been named expressed oils ; and are termed
fixed, because they do not evaporate, except at a very high tem-
perature, when they are decomposed. Volatile oils, on the
contrary, evaporate very readily, and are generally obtained
from vegetables by distillation ; and as they commonly contain
all the essential qualities of the substance they are procured
from, have also been named essential oils. The various oils are
noticed imder the name of the substance from which they are
obtained.

The numerous officinal oils, directed in the old dispensatories,
are still highly esteemed by farriers ; among which are. Oil of
Swallows, Earthworms, John's-wort, Spite, Petre, &c.; and we
frequently meet with receipts for " strain or bruise oils," in
which more than a dozen different oils are ordered ! Perhaps
it may be an acceptable piece of information to those who place
any confidence in these oils, that only three kinds are kept in
the shops, from which this great variety is furnished ; which are,
oil of elder, oil of turpentine, and Barbadoes tar. Oil of spike
is made by colouring oil of turpentine with alkanet root; oil of
petre, by dissolving Barbadoes tar in the same oil : for all the
other kinds, oil of elder is sold; and this is often made by co-
louring common oil with verdigris.

Oil OF Almonds. — Oleum Amygdalce. A very sweet and
pure oil, obtained either from sweet or bitter almonds, by ex-
pression.

Oil of Bay. — Oleum Lauri Nobilis. This is more like an
ointment than an oil, is of a light green colour, and smells like
bay berries, from which it is procured. It is used chiefly as an
external application in cutaneous complaints, such as the mano-e.
Oil of bay is sometimes substituted for hog's lard in makino-
mercurial ointment, and is supposed to render it more active.
When to this mixture are added cantharides and oil of origanum
a strong blister is formed, which is recommended for the re-
moval of splents and spavins.

[This oil derives its stimulating effects from the prussic acid
which it contains. It assists the effect of blisters, and may be
used to dress rowels or setons. — En.]

Oil of Cajeput. — Oleum Cajeputce. See Cajeput Oil.

Oil of Caraways. — Oleum Carui. ■ See Caraway.

Oil of Castor. — Oleum llicini. An useful laxative

The dose is about a pint. (See Castor Oil.)

Oil of Elder. — Oleum Sambuci. See Elder.

Oil of Juniper, — Ole?xm Juniperi. See Juniper.

Oil of Linseed. — Oleum Lini. This also has a laxative

514

MATERIA MEDICA

quality; the cold-draivn oil is preferred; i.e. that which is ex-
pressed from the seed without the assistance of heat.

Oil of Olives. — Oleum Olivce. This also is a very pure
and sweet oil; and in the dose of a pint generally operates as a
laxative. When castor oil cannot be easily procured, this may
with great propriety be substituted for it. It is used also in
making emulsions, liniments, and ointments.

Oil of Palm, or Palm Oil. — Oleum Palmce ; Oleum Coci
Butyracece. This, though termed an oil, is of the consistence of
hog's lard, and very similar to it in its medical qualities. It is
of a yellow colour, and has rather an agreeable smell. It is
prepared from the fruit of the Cocos Butyracea, or Mackaw
tree, a native of South America. The fruit is of a triangular
shape, yellow, and as large as a plum, and its kernel yields
the substance known by the name of Palm Oil. It is frequently
imitated by axunge coloured with turmeric, and scented with
Florentine Iris root.

Palm oil forms a useful substitute for lard in the composition
of ointments.

OiLOF Turpentine. — Oleum Terebinlhincs. See Turpentine.
Oil of Vitriol. — Acidum Sulphuricum. See Acid, Sul-
phuric.

OINTMENTS. — Unguenta. External applications com-
posed generally of lard, suet, tallow, bees' wax, oils, resins, and
turpentines. The following are those most fi-equently wanted,
and commonly kept ready prepared; —

simple ointment.

Olive oil 1 lb.

Bees' wax 8 oz.

Palm oil 2 oz.

Melt over a slow fire, and continue stirring until cold.

For common purposes, hog's lard makes a good simple oint-
ment, but is apt to become rancid by keeping The simple
ointment may be readily converted into a detergent, a digestive,
or an astringent, by the addition of red precipitate, verdigris, or
blue vitriol finely powdered, finely powdered alum, superacetate
of lead {sugar of lead), or a solution of subacetate of lead {Gou-
lard^ s extract of lead). The following is a very useful ointment
for chopped heels, harness galls, &c.

GOULARD ointment.

Simple ointment 1 lb.

Solution of sub-acetate of lead, com-
monly called Goulard's extract (by
measure) 3 oz.

Olive oil 1 oz-

AND PHARMACOPCEIA.

515

Melt the ointment by a very gentle heat, and when melted
add the oil, then let it be removed from the fire, and stir in the
Goulard's extract : continue stirring, until cold.

SULPHURIC OINTMENT.

Oil of turpentine 6 oz.

Sulphuric acid (by measure) 2 oz.

Mix cautiously in the open air, or in a chimney, in a vessel
large enough to hold one pound and a half; stir the mixture,
and, when perfectly combined, add one pound and a half of
hog's lard: continue stirring until cold.

DIGESTIVE OINTMENT.

Hog's lard 1 lb.

Common turpentine 1 lb. — Melt, and add

Verdigris 2 oz.

Continue stirring until cold.

HOOF OINTMENT.

Tallow 1 lb.

Tar 1 lb.

Melt, continue stirring until cold.

In concluding this article, it is right to observe, that oint-
ments are not so commonly applied to wounds or inflamed parts,
as they were formerly ; and that powders, lotions, or washes,
and fomentations are often found more efficacious. See Astrin-
gents, Digestives, Detergents, Escharotics, Caustics,
Emollients, Blisters, &c.

OPIUM. The inspissated juice of the White Poppy.

This is one of the most important articles of the Materia
Medica.

It is classed among the narcotic sedatives, of which it is un-
doubtedly the most useful.

Opiuni is brought to this country in chests from Turkey and
India. The Turkey opium is in flat pieces, covered with leaves
and the reddish capsules of some species of dock, which is con-
sidered an indication of its goodness, as the inferior kinds of
opium have none of these capsules adhering to them. Turkey
opium generally contains about one fourth part of impurities.
Indian opium is less pure ; is in round masses, covered with
leaves to the thickness nearly of one fourth of an inch. Mr
Kerr relates that, at Bahar, it is frequently adulterated with
cow-dung, the extract of the poppy procured by boilin^, and
various other substances. It is made also from lettuces in
Jndia.

In Malava it is mixed with oil of sesamum, which is often

L L 2

516

MATERIA MEDICA

one half of the mass; ashes, and the dried leaves of the plant,
are also vised. Opium is regarded as bad, when it is either very
soft or friable, of an intensely black colour, or mixed with many
impurities.

In flatulency or spasm of the bowels it is an excellent remedy,
particularly if joined with aromatic powder, ginger, or some
other stimulant. In diarrhoea it is an effectual remedy, but
must be given cautiously. In diabetes I have found it very be-
neficial, when joined with bark and ginger. Sometimes it is
given with emetic tartar, and some cordial composition, with
good effect, and in this way it proves a good diaphoretic.

I have given opium and squill, in obstinate coughs, with suc-
cess ; but the effect is not permanent.

Opium is very apt to produce costiveness in horses ; but this
tendency may be in a great measure counteracted by exercise;
when it does take place, it may be removed by clysters, bran
mashes, or a laxative ball.

The medium dose of opium is half a drachm, to a drachm ; but if
given in the form of clysters, which it sometimes is with the best
effect, two drachms will not be too much.

The diseases of the hoi'se, in which opium is most beneficial,
are locked-jaw and flatulent colic ; in the former it has been
given in large doses, with the best effect, generally joined with
camphor, and sometimes with assafoetida and other antispas-
modics. In flatulent colic smaller doses have been found suffi-
cient, which have generally been joined with sweet spirit of
nitre, and other carminatives. The medium dose of the tinc-
ture, prepared according to the London Dispensatory, is one
ounce, and of solid opium, purified, a drachm. Half an ounce of
purified opium, according to Boardman, was given to a horse at
one dose ; he slept through the day-time for eight or nine hours,
and could not be easily roused. In locked-jaw, the same author
presci;ibes three drachms of purified opium every three or four
hours, with camphor and salt of hartshorn, of each half an
ounce. But Mr. Wilkinson, who has succeeded in twenty-four
cases of locked-jaw, gave only one drachm of common opium, with
the same quantity of camphor and assafoetida : but he gradually
increased the dose, and went, in some cases, so far as to two or
three drachms.* In the human body opium is sometimes em-
ployed externally, and is said to be almost as efficacious as when
taken into the stomach, producing its narcotic effects without
affecting the head, or causing nausea ; but in the horse it is not
likely to be useful in this way. Of late years I have generally

* In inflammation of the bowels opium has been employed with great ad-
vantage in doses of one drachm. _ i • i •

Combined with calomel it has been given in diseases of the liver, and m this
combination is useful in dysentery. — Ed.

AND PHARMACOPCEIA.

517

used opium in the foi'in of a spirituous tincture, as kept in the
shops, in preference to the wateiy solution or mixture*; there
may be cases, however, in which the spirit may be improper,
and then the watery mixture should be preferred. Opium is
decomposed by ammonia, potash, and soda, and their sub-car-
bonates, morphia being precipitated, also by most metallic salts
and infusion of galls; such combinations should therefore be
avoided : but, in combination with vinegar, tiie vegetable acids,
and oil, its strength or narcotic power is said to be rather in-
creased, being thoroughly extracted.

The mode of purifying opium, prescribed in the London Dis-
pensatory, is to dissolve it in proof spirit, then filter the solu-
tion, and evaporate in a water bath to the required consistence;
but a more ready way, though not so effectual, is to dry it care-
fully by a moderate heat, powder and sift it. The sieve will
keep back many of the impurities, when this is carefully done.
Opium is an article of so much importance, that it appeared
necessary to notice it particularly, and at some length. There
is a vinous tincture of opium sometimes used in diseases of the
human eye. I have found it very useful in chronic inflamma-
tion of the horse's eye, applied undiluted. If, however, ten
parts of distilled water be added to six parts of tincture of
opium, the strength of wine of opium will be obtained, and the
mixture will be applicable for the same purposes in the horse.

[Opium contains two peculiar vegetable compounds, in which
its power resides : one of these is an alkaline substance, called
morphia; the other does not possess similar chemical properties,
and has received the name of narcotine. Morphia exists in
opium, in combination with a peculiar acid, called the meconic
acid ; and the salt is termed meconate of morphia. The acid
has no narcotic power.

Morphia may also be obtained by adding a solution of am-
monia to one of opium in acetic acid ; the acetate of morphia
formed is decomposed, and the morphia is immediately precipi-
tated of a brownish colour, which may be removed by boiling in
water with animal charcoal.

Although it seems sufficiently proved that morphia possesses
the characteristic properties of opium, yet its strength is not
commensurate with its apparent concentration ; and, when un-
combined, it exerts but little action, in consequence of its
insolubility.

* The tincture of opium or laudanum may be thus prepared :

Solid opium 2^ oz.

Proof spirit 2 pints.

Macerate 14 days, frequently shaking it, after which it may be strained or
not. Dose, one ounce.

L L 3

518

MATERIA MEDICA

It is supposed that the excitement which opium produces is
owing to narcotine, and the subsequent sedative effect more par-
ticularly to morphia. — Ed.]

OPODELDOC. — Linimentum Saponis Compositum. This
is made by digesting three ounces of soap in a pint of spirit of
rosemary until it be dissolved, and then adding one ounce of
camphor. It is either liquid or solid. The former, when
made with soft soap ; the latter, when with hard soap. In the
solid state it seems to be the same as the celebrated Steer's
Opodeldoc. See art. Embrocations and Liniments.

It is employed for strains and bruises, after the inflammation,
which always accompanies those complaints at first, has sub-
sided.

LIQUID OPODELDOC, OR SOAP LINIMENT.

Soft soap 4 oz.

Water 8 oz.

Mix, and add to the mixture one pint of rectified spirit of
wine, in which there has been previously dissolved

Camphor 2 oz.

Oil of rosemary 1 oz.

steer's OPODELDOC.

Hard soap ••• | oz.

Rectified spirit of wine 8 oz.

Camphor ^ oz.

Oil of rosemary 2 dr.

Oil of lavender, or oil of origanum 2 dr.

Compound spirit of ammonia 4 oz.

Digest in a moderate heat, so as to dissolve the soap, which
should be cut up in thin shavings. These preparations are
expensive; therefore the following may be substituted for

them : —

VETERINARY OPODELDOC.

Soft soap 4 oz.

Water 8 oz.

Mix over the fire ; when cold add

Rectified spirit 1 pint.

Oil of rosemary 2 oz.

Strong liquid ammonia 4 oz.

(See E3IBROCATIONS and Liniments.)

ORIGANUM. Marjoram. The essential oil of wild mar-
joram is much used by farriers, as an ingredient in their strain

AND PHARMACOPOEIA.

519

oils, or mixtures for bruises. It is a very powerful stimulant,
and capable of doing much harm in those complaints : it is
sometimes mixed with mercurial ointment, oil of bay, and can-
tharides, to form strong blisters. See Blisters.

ORPIMENT. This is a combination of arsenic with sul-
phur and iron. (See Arsenic.) In " Markham's Master Pieces"
and some other old books on farriery, the nostrils of glandered
horses are directed to be fumigated with yellow arsenic made
into pastils or cakes, with frankincense and elecampane : some
apparent cures are said, to have been effected in this way, but
probably the running was only suspended a short time ; and we
know enough of the disease to be satisfied that the cases, sup-
posed to have been thus cured, either were not really the glan-
ders, or that it was only a temporary removal or stoppage of the
discharge from the nostrils. The fumigation of the nostrils
with yellow arsenic is not only ineffectual in glanders, but
likely to prove injurious both to the patient and the operator.
Yellow arsenic, made into an ointment with lard, has been re-
commended for warts, but it is a very dangerous application ;
and besides, warts can always be effectually and safely removed
by the knife from any part of the body.

There is a secret method of curing fistula, poll-evil, and
quitter, employed by certain farriers, which often cures, and
often does much injury. Their remedy is orpiment mixed wiih
lard. The cures they make are always made known, but the
mischief they do escapes notice, or is concealed. Lunar caustic,
or blue vitriol, and the knife, will accomplish, with safety and
certainty, all that can be accomplished in those diseases.

OXIDES. Any simple substance, in combination with a
smaller quantity of oxygen than is requisite to form an acid, is
termed an oxide.

Oxide of Zinc. — Oxydum Zinci. See Flowers of Zinc.

OXYGEN. A constituent part of atmospheric air, without
which it would be unfit for respiration. In breathing, the air
is rendered impui'e by the exhalations from the lungs, and, at
the same time, we deprive it of this pure and vital principle : it
is, therefore, unfit for the purpose a second time: and if an
animal be confined in air deprived of its oxygen, life is almost
instantly extinguished. Hence may be inferred the necessity of
ventilating stables ; for although in close stables the air is not
wholly deprived of oxygen gas, yet its proportion is diminished;
and it is well known, that when there is a deficiency of this
animating principle, the system is debilitated, and all its func-
tions imperfectly employed.

OXYMELS. Syrups, when made with honey and vinegar
only, are termed simple oxymels ; when squill, garlic, or meadow
saffron, has been previously infused or digested in the vinegar,

L L 4

520

MATEKIA MEDICA

it is named oxymel of squill, of garlic, or of meadow saffron.
They are sometimes employed in chronic cough. The dose
about four ounces mixed with water, or infusion of linseed, or
marsh-mallows.

OXYMURIATE OF QUICKSILVER. — Hydrargyri
Oxymurias. See Corrosive Sublimate,
PALM OIL. See Oil of Palm.

PEAS are sometimes used as food for horses, but beans are
generally preferred. Pea meal is employed to adulterate horse
powders, particularly liquorice-powder, anise-seed, fenugreek,
&c.

PECTORALS. Medicines that relieve cough, and dis-
orders of the lungs. See Expectorants, Emollients, Emul-
sions, and Demulcents.

PEPPER, 'Ql.ACK. — Piper Nigrum. This is often used
by farriers in the colic, but is by no means an eligible remedy,
and is often given very improperly. I once knew a farrier give
two ounces, in half a pint of Daffy's Elixir, to a mail-horse
that was said to be attacked with gripes : he gave me the follow-
ing explanation of the manner in which it was to act : — " The
pepper is to break the wind, and the Daffy's Elixir is to drive if
out." In the evening the horse died. I mention this circum-
stance as a caution to those who are too fond of giving these
very hot remedies in pains of the bowels, without inquiring into
the nature of the complaint.

PEPPER, CAYENNE; the berries. Capsicum annuum.
See Capsicum.

PEPPER, CUBEBS. — Piper Cuheha. See Cubebs.

PEPPER, LONG. — Piper Longum. This is much stronger
than black pepper, and may be used for the same purposes.

PEPPER, JAMAICA. Pimentce Baccce : Myrtiis Pimenta.
See Jamaica Pepper, or Allspice.

PEPPERMINT. — Mentha Piperita. See Mint.

PHOSPHATE OF SODA. — S,odcB Phosphas. This is
similar in its effects to sulphate of soda or Glauber's salts.

PHOSPHORUS. A very combustible substance, made
either from bones or urine. Experiments, have been made at
the Veterinary College to ascertain its medical qualities: it
proved to be a dreadful poison, inflaming the stomach in small
doses.

PHYSIC. See Cathartics.

PIMENTO. See Allspice and Jamaica Pepper.

PITCH. — Pix. A black and impure resinous substance,
obtained by boiling or distilling tar to the desired consistence,
and used by flirriers in making charges. See Burgundy
Pitch.

PLAISTER, or ?hA^TY.R. — Emplastrum. A composi-

AND PHARJMACOPOillA.

521

tion of wax, resin, &c., or of oil boiled with the oxide of lead
or litharge. See Diachylon and Charge.

Plaister, Adhesive. — Emplastrum Adhcesivum. This is
made with diachylon and a small portion of resin, and still less
of common turpentine, or with diachylon and galbanum.
Sticking-plaster is sometimes employed to keep the edges of a
fresh wound together; but in horses this is generally done. more
effectually by suture, that is, by sewing up the wound.

•POISONS. These are noticed in a Materia Medica for the
purpose of showing the, means we are acquainted with of coun-
teracting their baneful effects. Poisons are of three kinds, viz.
mineral, vegetable, and animal. Of the first kind are arsenic,
corrosive sublimate, and certain preparations of lead. The best
antidotes to arsenic are oily and mucilaginous liquids, sulphate
of potash, soap, and castor oil in a solution of sulphate of mag-
nesia.* The same means may be employed to counteract the
effects of sublimate.f When there is much purging, give linseed
tea, tripe liquor, or thin gruel, or gruel made of arrow-root.
Such immense doses of sugar of lead have been given by way of
experiment to glandered horses without producing any effect,
that the preparations of lead are not considered poisonous ; cer-
tain it is, however, that a great number of horses and cattle
have been poisoned by grazing near those places on the Hill of
Mendip, where lead ore is smelted. Great mischief has thus
been done in a village named Wookey, through which a small
river or rather brook, runs. After very heavy rains, the water
that flows down the hill seems to be impregnated with lead;
for at such times it overflows certain meadows, and on the water
retiring these meadows have poisoned horses, cattle, and other
animals. This fact is well known in the village and its neigh-
bourhood ; and animals thus poisoned are said to be mindered^
or moindered. Animals very seldom recover from it, though they

* Mr. Morton recommends lime water and liquids in large quantities, also
large doses of the hydrated peroxide of iron precipitated by ammonia from a
solution of the sulphate of iron. Avoid bleeding, but use "other measures to
subdue inflammation, and afterwards give vegetable tonics.

When death ensues the stomach and bowels are highly inflamed and ulcer-
ated.

The presence of arsenic may be discovered by various tests. The contents
of the stomach should be boiled in distilled water and filtered. The ammo-
niacal sulphate of copper being added causes a precipitate of an apple green
colour.

There are other tests employed, the most delicate of which is by means of
Marsh's apparatus. — Ed.

t The best treatment for poisoning by corrosive sublimate, consists in ad-
ministering the albumen, or white of eggs suspended in water, which renders
the subhmatc insoluble. In addition to this, wheat flour, gruel, or milk may
also be given. •'

The presence of sublimate may be discovered by lime-water, which causes
an orange-yellow precipitate. — Ed.

J

522

MATERIA MEDICA

sometimes linger a considerable time. I have been informed
that one farmer in Mendip lost fifteen head of cattle in conse-
quence of their breaking down the fence which surrounded
the smelting place, to get at the grass which grew within. They
suppose that it is the fine particles of the lead ore which does
the mischief; but I think it more probable that it depends upon
the fumes or volatile parts that are carried up in smelting, which
being condensed, fall gradually down in the form of a light
powdery oxide or carbonate of lead.*

Sulphate of copperf is poisonous if given in too large a dose.

The most powerful of the vegetable poisons is Woorali or Ti-
cunus, which destroys small animals in a few minutes if applied
to a wound in the skin. I have seen a rabbit die in about five
minutes after it was inoculated. In the horse, its effect has been
on the nervous system, producing a sort of trance.

Cicuta Virosa, Long-leaved Water-hemlock, or Cowbane, is
a strong poison, and has been the means of destroying a great
number of cattle. Its deleterious property, with respect to cat-
tle, was first discovered by Linnaeus, in a country where a great
number of cattle had been destroyed by it. It is seldom found,
I believe, in England.

The leaves of the yew tree are a strong poison, and have
often destroyed horses and cattle. I once gave five ounces
to a young donkey, and it killed him within an hour.| Pro-
fessor Viborg, according to Mr. Bracy Clark, gave twelve
ounces of the green plant to a horse, of which lie ate eight

* The best antidotes are Epsom and Glauber's salts with croton or linseed
oil, and followed by opium. The salts of lead may be discovered by iodide of
potassium, which causes a yellow precipitate.

The effects of copper smoke have been also found exceedingly detrimental
to the health of horses, and producing considerable swellings of the joints in
animals exposed to its influence near the mines ; an immediate change of
locality should be resorted to in such cases. — Ed.

j" The best antidote is soap and oily purgatives with gruel, &c. — Ed.

Under mineral poisons should be included sulphuric, nitric, and muriatic
acids, which produce the most rapid and intense inflammation and excoria-
tion of the coats of the mouth and stomach, &c., attended with great agony,
and soon followed by death. The antidotes are large quantities of liquids with
chalk, magnesia, or soap, so as to dilute and neutralise the poison, and
afterwards exhibiting opiates. Blood-letting may also be employed.

Oxalic acid has been sometimes given in mistake for Epsom salts ; it is a
very powerful poison, producing efifects similar to the mineral acids. Chalk,
magnesia, &c. may be given in large quantities, with solution of gum, linseed
tea, &c., but water should not be given freely.

Most powerful medicines become poisons m large doses. — Ed.

J There are a number of instances of death being produced by the yew
tree. I imagine it is much more poisonous in its dry state, when it will be
eat with avidity by sheep and cattle. I have known forty or fifty sheep de-
stroyed in one day from eating the withered leaves of the yew tree. We
know of no antidote for this poison, but recommend large doses of oily pur-
gatives with a view of expelling it. — Ed.

AND PHARMACOPOEIA.

523

ounces, and fell dead, without any indication of suffering, at the
end of one hour from his swallowing it. The same effect was
produced by six ounces in an experiment of MM. Bredon and
Henon, of Lyons. A mule died in five hours after taking six
ounces with some hay. They all died suddenly and without
convulsions. The only effect observed, on examination after
death, was, that the intestines of the mule had a small spot of
extravasated blood. But it is remarkable, that eight ounces of
the yew plant with twice as much oats did not kill or produce
any sensible inconvenience ; and the same result took place in
three or four experiments of Professor Viborg. A farmer near
Exeter lost several cows, by eating the leaves of some yew trees
which grew in the hedge of the field where they were kept. The
following circumstance, also, was related in Woolmer's Exeter
Paper : " A yew tree having been felled in a field at Warley,
Somerset, belonging to Farmer Hiscox, in the course of the
ensuing night, six out of seven cows, that were with calf, died in
consequence of eating its branches." We know of no antidote to
this poison, but we can certainly prevent our cattle from eating it.

Common Hemlock is said to be poisonous, but I have given
eight ounces to a young ass, which he ate readily, and suffered no
inconvenience from it. I once gave two drachms of Stavesacre to
a glandered horse ; he died in great pain the following night. *
It is probable that more horses have been killed by aloes than by
any other vegetable preparation ; that is to say, by strong physic,
or by neglecting the horse during its operation. The animal
poisons are the stings of venomous reptiles, for which stimulating
embrocations seem to be better remedies than fomentations.
The saliva of a mad dog is a deadly poison to man, and to all
animals, and one for which, as yet, we know of no remedy, but
its effects may be prevented by the knife or cautery, f — Ed.]

POMEGRANATE. — Punica Granatum. The dried fruit
IS a moderately strong astringent ; and is sometimes employed
in diarrhoea, particularly in horned cattle, but generally im-
properly. The bark and flowers possess the same properties.

The dose is from half an ounce to an ounce.

* Amongst vegetable poisons we must include hydrocyanic or prussic acid,
which in a sufficient dose produces sudden death, acting as a powerful sedative
on the nervous system; its effects in lesser doses are violently spasmodic
As antidotes Mr. Morton recommends cold affusions over the body blood-
letting, diffusible stimulants, and tonics.

The vomic nut and strychnia are powerful narcotic poisons. Purgatives
and chlorine and iodine are the best antidotes. °

Croton seed, foxglove, water parsley, dropwort, most of the differentspecies
ot ranunculaceae, hellebore, tobacco, and opium are also powerful veeetable
poisons in sufficient doses, — Ed. °

t For a full and particular account of the various poisons, with their tests
ShVd"by*S£!'Morn"^'E£!"""'" "'"""^ to a Toxicological Chart pub-

524

MATERIA MEDICA

POPPY, RED or CORN, and WHITE. — Papaver,
Jthceas et Sornniferum. The heads of" the white poppy dried make
a good fomentation for wounds and tumours that are in a painful
or irritable state; for which purpose they are to be broken in
pieces, and boiled in water, so as to make a strong decoction.
Tliis decoction proves very serviceable in irritability of the
bladder, if used as a glyster, the bowels having been previously
emptied : for this purpose the decoction should be made stronger,
by boiling it for some time. Although the capsules of the red
poppy contain opium, yet it is in such small quantity, that they
are rarely, if ever, used as an anodyne.

It seems very probable that the good effect of this decoction
depends in a great measure upon the opium which is extracted
from the poppy heads : it may be better, therefore, to dissolve in
gruel a proper dose of opium, when an anodyne glyster is re-
quired, as we cannot be accurate in respect to quantity when
the decoction of poppies is employed. It has been ascertained
that the anodyne or narcotic qualities of opium ai'e diminished
by long boiling, and that the extract of poppies, however care-
fully prepared, is very inferior in every respect to opium. No
hesitation, therefore, should be felt in preferring opium to the
extract or decoction of white poppy heads, whether it be wanted
for a clyster, a drench, or a fomentation.

POTASH. — Potassa. (New name, Protoxide of Potas-
sium.) There is a great variety of preparations of potassa used
in medicine, as the liquor potasscB, or solution of potassa, which
is diuretic and antacid ; the potassa fusa, or fused potassa, a
caustic deliquescent salt; the potassa cum calce, or potassa with
lime, a milder caustic ; the potasses bitartras, or bitartrate of
potassa. With sulphuric acid it forms vitriolated tartar, or sal
polychrest [Sulphate of Potash) ; with nitrous acid, that very
useful medicine termed nitre [Nitrate of Potash), which, contrary
to what we have just observed, is a diuretic in a moderate dose
(see Nitre) ; and with vinegar, or acetous acid, it makes so-
luble tartar [Tartarised Potash). The pearlash of commerce is
the carbonate of potash, and is in a very impure state, and not
applicable to chemical or medical purposes. When sufficiently
purified, it is joined with diuretics, purgatives, and tonics, with
advantage. In those cases which require the use of tonics there
is sometimes an acidity in the stomach, which potash corrects;
and it renders purgative medicines more easy of solution.
Given alone it acts as a diuretic. When neutralised with acids,
it has a laxative property, but requires to be given in large
doses. The purified potash is named in the shops Sub-carbonate
of Potash; formerly called Salt of Tartar, or Prepared Kali, or
Salt of Wormwood. When potash is deprived of the carbonic
acid with which it is naturally combined, it becomes a strong

A.^D PHAUMACOPCEIA.

525

caustic ; and when diluted is sometimes employed as a wash for
the mange. In this state it is termed Pure Potash, or Kali, and
is seldom used internally. (See Alkalies.) With carbonic
acid it is named Carbonate of Potash.

POULTICE, or CATAPLASM; of LINSEED; of
BEER-GROUNDS; of CARROT. — Cataplasma ; Lini ;
CerevisicB ; Dauci. Cataplasms are useful applications for pro-
moting suppuration in inflamed tumours, and in those diseases
of the horse's heels, named grease, scratches, cracks, &c., con-
sisting in inflamed swellings of the heels, fetid discharge, painful
and troublesome ulcers, or cracks generally under the fetlock or
bend of the heel. The poultices commonly employed on those
occasions are of the emollient kind.

EMOLLIENT POULTICE.

No. L Linseed meal 2 lb.

Bran 2 quarts.

Hog's lard 4 ounces.

Boiling water enough to make a soft poultice.*

No. 2. Turnips, thoroughly boiled and mashed ; any quan-
tity. Linseed meal enough to form the poultice.

A poultice made of carrot, grated very fine, is detergent and
stimulating.

Either of these simple poultices may be converted into an
anodyne poultice by the addition of opium ; into a fermenting
poultice, by the addition of yeast, and by substituting oatmeal
for linseed meal ; into an astringent poultice, by the addition of
Goulard's Extract, sugar of lead, or powdered alum ; and into
a detergent poultice, by the addition of white or blue vitriol.

In obstinate cases of virulent grease, where there is much
pain, and a stinking dark-coloured discharge, and especially
when emollients are found inefifectual, the detergent poultice has
quickly cured the dise^ise: and, in such cases, even a solution of
corrosive sublimate has been used with the best effect. But
emollients should always be first fairly tried, and some diuretic
medicine given.

For poulticing the foot, a leathern boot affords the most suit-
able method, as a bag or a stocking will be soon worn throuo-h
by the edge of fhe crust. A stocking, however, with the foot
part cut off, affords a convenient mode of applying a poultice
to the knee or les.

O

POWDERS. — Pulveres. These are sometimes convenient
forms for giving medicines, as many horses will take them in
their corn without reluctance. It is by no means proper, how-

* The best poultice is made with linseed meal ground with the oil It
keeps soft, and can be medicated as we may wish. En.

526

MATERIA MEDICA

ever, for such as have a delicate appetite and are remarkably
nice in feeding; for although they may, after some time, eat
their food, yet the reluctance with which it is taken would pre-
vent its being readily digested, or proving so nutritious as it
would do, were it not so medicated.

Some horses, however, eat their corn very readily when mixed
with powder; and to such it may be given without incon-
venience. There is another objection to this mode of giving
medicine, which is the difficulty of ascertaining whether the
whole or a part, and how much of the powder that is mixed with
the corn, is taken. But this may in a great measure be done
away, by sprinkling the corn with water, and mixing the powder
with it very carefully. As we have before observed, whenever
a horse appears unwilling to eat his corn thus medicated, the
medicine should be given in some other form. The medicines
best suited to this purpose are antimony, sulphur, resin, emetic
tartar, nitre, caraway seeds, anise-seeds, &c. Medicines that are
given in the form of powder should be finely sifted, or levigated :
and when kept in that form, should be preserved in a well-
corked bottle.

PRECIPITATE, RED (by nitric acid). — Hydrargyri
Nitrico-Oxydum. This is the nitric oxide of mercury, or red
nitrated quicksilver, and is useful as a mild caustic or de-
tergent, and has a good effect in foul ulcers. It may be used
either alone, finely powdered and sprinkled on the affected part,
or mixed with various ointments. (See Detergents.) It is
made from quicksilver and nitrous acid, but is considerably
weaker than a solution of that metal in nitrous acid. It becomes,
however, a strong and very efficacious caustic, when dissolved in
nitrous acid. This solution may also be mixed with unctuous
substances, forming with them good detergent ointments ; or it
may be diluted with water, so as to form a detergent lotion of
considerable efficacy.

PROOF SPIRIT. — Spiritus Tenuior. Equal parts of
rectified spirit of wine and water. See Alcohol.

PURGATIVES. See Cathartics.

QUASSIA. — Quassia. There are two species of quassia;
the quassia simaruha and excelsa. The first is a native of South
America and the West Indian Islands; the last of Surinam, Ja-
maica, and the Caribbean Isles. The bark of the former and
the wood of the latter are generally employed in medicine.
Both of them are powerful bitters and extremely efficacious in
cases of weakness of the stomach and bowels. They may be
given in powder, in doses from one to two drachms, joined with
ginger, or some other stimulant, and a small quantity of car-
bonate of soda or potash.

AND PHARMACOPCEIA.

527

QUICKSILVER. — Hydrargyrum. This metal and its pre-
parations have been noticed under the head Mercuri/.

QUININE, SULPHATE OF. — Quinince Sulphas. See
Bark.

RAGWORT. A flowering plant that grows principally on
moors and other moist situations. I have been informed that it
causes lethargy or sleepy staggers in horses, and that sheep eat
it freely without injury; but there is no probability in this
opinion.

RAKING. A term employed for an operation which con-
sists in introducing the hand into the horse's rectum, and draw-
ing out any hard excrement that may have lodged there. This
may generally be efl^ected more to the purpose, and with greater
ease to the animal, by means of clysters.

In some cases, however, the straight-gut is so loaded with
hard dung that raking is a necessary operation ; and it is some-
times difficult or impossible to throw up a clyster before it is
done. The operation is useful also for the purpose of ascertain-
ing the state of excrement when none can be found about the
litter: whether it be soft, hard, or slimy. The only method of
knowing whether the urinary bladder is full and distended, or
empty, is by introducing the hand into the straight-gut, where
the bladder can be easily felt, as it lies immediately beneath the
gut next to the belly or abdomen. The nails should be pared
smooth, and the hand oiled or smeared with hog's lard or soft
soap, before the operation is performed. See Clysters.

RATTLESNAKE-ROOT. Seneka-Root. — PoZ^/^aZa Se-
nega. Seneka is a perennial plant found in North America. The
root is inodorous, and is, on being first chewed, of a sweetish
and mawkish flavour, but, after being chewed for a short time,
has a hot and pungent taste. It is thought to possess consider-
able power as a tonic and stimulant, and may be employed in
the dose of three or four drachms.

RECTIFIED SPIRIT. Alcohol or Spirit of Wine. — Spi-
ritus, Rectificatus. See Alcohol.
^ REPELLENTS. A term given to applications or medi-
cines that are supposed to have the power of causing tumours
or eruptions to recede from the surface of the body.

RESINS are distinguished by their inflammability, and by
combining readily with rectified spirit and oils. They are o-ene-
rally solid, and incapable of being mixed with water. ^ See
Rosin.

RESOLVENTS. Medicines that disperse tumours, either
external or internal.

RESTORATIVES. Medicines that restore the stren^rth of
the body after violent fatigue or illness. For this purpose ^ lio-ht
and nutritious diet, assisted by good grooming, and voluntary

528

MATERIA MEDICA

exercise, is generally the only thing necessary : sometimes, how-
ever, it may be proper to give also some cordial or tonic medicine.
(See Tonics, Cordials, and Stomachics.) The food on such
occasions should consist of bruised oats, gruel, mashes of fine sweet
bran and malt, gruel of wheat-flour, or boiled barley. In India
strong broths, or soup, thickened with barley or some other grain,
and rendered stimulating by spices, are frequently given as
restoratives to horses when worked hard ; perhaps good mild
beer or ale, mixed with good gruel made of groats or oatmeal,
or, what is still better, fiine wheat-floui-, would be found on some
occasions equally effectual. But it will be found, that when a
horse has for some time been worked hard and fed high, there
is nothing that will so completely restore him as rest in a large
box, or well-ventilated stall, with a diet of bran mashes, and
only a moderate quantity of hay for two or three days. This
will empty the large bowels, and afford that rest to the stomach
and bowels, which, in such cases, they always require. Three
or four drachms of aloes, with a little ginger and soap, may some-
times be useful in such cases.

RHUBARB ; the Root. — Rheum Palmatum. This is a native
of China and Tartary. Turkey or Russian rhubarb is obtained
from the last mentioned place, besides which a great quantity is
sent to this country from the East Indies, but it is not prepared
with the same care as that imported from Turkey, which has a
peculiar aromatic odour, and a bitter, slightly astringent, and
subacid taste; is easily pulverised, and produces a powder of a
light yellow colour. Rhubarb is stomachic, astringent, and pur-
gative, according to the dose in which it is exhibited. It is not,
however, employed for the latter purpose as a horse medicine,
but is not unfrequently administered as a stomachic, in doses
from half an ounce to an ounce, combined with aloes and
ginger.

ROSEMARY. — Rosmarinus officinalis. This plant is cul-
tivated in Britain, but is a native of the south of Europe,
Greece, and Barbary. It flowers in April and May in this coun-
try, and the leaves and flowers yield an essential oil, which appears
to contain camphor, and which is frequently used as an embroca-
tion for strains and bruises, mixed with rectified spirit and soap.
This mixture is nearly the same as the celebrated Opodeldoc; and
by the addition of camphor it becomes the same thing.

ROWELLING. An operation often performed in veterinary
practice. It consists in making an incision in the skin, about
an inch in length, with a pair of short and strong-bladed scissors.
The finger is then introduced, in order to separate the skin
from the subjacent parts all round the incision, that the cavity
may contain a circular piece of leather about an inch and a half
or two inches in breadth. Before this leather is introduced, a

AND PHARMACOPCEIA.

52a

hole is made in the centre about half an inch in diameter ; it is
then covered with tow (the hole being left open), and smeared
with digestive ointment: when the rowel is put in, the hole in
the middle of the leather is plugged up with a little tow.

In this situation it is left until matter forms, which generally
happens in three or four days ; the plug of tow is then with-
drawn, the rowel moved, and the matter suffered to flow out, in
which state it remains as long as is thought necessary. Thus
we see that a rowel is an artificial issue or abscess, the leather
first causing inflammation, which ends in suppuration or the
formation of matter ; and the matter continuing to be formed so
long as the extraneous body or leather remains under the skin.
The rowel must be moved every day.

The intention of rowelling is to divert inflammation from any
important organ or part of the body. Thus, when the lungs
are inflamed, the animal certainly dies, unless it is put a stop
to ; but the skin may be inflamed to a considerable extent with-
out danger : we therefore put a rowel in the chest, which, though
not sufficient of itself to stop the inflammation of the lungs, con-
tributes materially to this purpose, and, with the other necessary
remedies, often effects a cure. In large swellings of the hind
legs, and obstinate cases of grease, rowels in the thighs are good
remedies.

In shoulder-strains, a rowel may sometimes be put in the chest
with good effect. In short, when inflammation attacks an essen-
tial and important part of the system, much benefit will often be
derived from inserting a rowel in some contiguous part that is of
little importance. When a rowel is removed, the part generally
heals of itself; if not a little Friar's balsam may be applied.

Many practitioners consider blistering the sides extensively as
a more effectual means of diverting inflammation from the lungs
than rowels; and I am inclined to think they are right. The
rowel is sometimes smeared with blistering instead of digestive
ointment : but there is danger of the cantharides being absorbed
and causing inflammation of the kidneys. I have known a
horse destroyed in this way. In cases of very severe internal in-
flammation, very little can be accomplished either by roweis
or blisters.

Whenever it is thought necessary to make the ointment which
]S used in rowelling more stimulating, it may be easily done by
adding oil of turpentine to it.

RUBEFACIENTS. A term in human medicine, applied
to compositions or simples that redden or inflame the skin. Of
this kind are mustard, turpentine, and liquid ammonia.' See
Embrocations.

RUE. — Euta Graveolens. This is a perennial evergreen, a

MM ' .

J

630

MATERIA MEDICA

native of the southern parts of Europe, but cultivated in this
country. Its properties are stimulant and antispasmodic. It has
been recommended in locked-jaw as a vehicle for opium, camphor,
and assafoetida, in the form of decoction. It may possess some
power as an antispasmodic, but certainly is very inferior to many
others. Gibson often prescribes it, but generally as a vehicle
for other more active medicines. Many farriers still employ rue
in farcy with soap and other diuretics, which they give in large
doses ; it is used also as a fomentation, and is by some thought
to possess considerable power as a preventive of hydrophobia,
but it has no such effect.

RYE, SPURRED. — Ergot of Rye. — Secak Cornutum.
[This substance is found on other grain as well as rye, and it is
a matter of dispute whether it is a disease of the grain, produced
by insects, or a fungous plant growing upon it. When partaken
of in the form of bread it has been known to produce the most
poisonous and fatal results ; and its effects on deer and swine
have been to cover the body with ulcers, and produce dreadful
and fatal convulsions. Its medicinal effect is that of a powerful
stimulant to the uterus, and is therefore very useful when par-
turition is greatly delayed by a want of activity in the womb.
It has been given to cows with good eflPect, in doses of from two
to four drachms, in powder, combined with some carminative, and
given in beer every hour until a proper effect is produced. The
same dose is proper for a mare ; and in the dog from five to ten
grains. This medicine should be administered carefully, and only
when absolutely required. — Ed.]

SACCHARUM, ejmque SYRUPUS EMPYREUMA-
TICUS. Sugar and Molasses. The dust of sugar is some-
times blown into the eye in some diseases of that organ. A
small quantity of molasses, mixed with a horse's water every
day, will speedily fatten him.

SAGO. A farinaceous substance, which, when boiled in
water, is a proper drink for sick horses that are incapable of
feeding. See Gruel.

SAL AMMONIAC, or MURIATE of AMMONIA. —
Ammonioe Murias. A neutral salt, composed of muriatic acid
and ammonia, which, when dissolved in vinegar and water,
forms a good embrocation for strains and bruises. Mixed with
nitre it lowers the temperature of water.

Osmer, an old veterinary author, prescribed it for a distemper
or epidemic catarrh in horses, that prevailed in the year 1750,
in a dose of one ounce, joined with one ounce of nitre, half an
ounce of Castile soap, and two drachms of camphor, to be given
three times a day. This, I should think, would operate not
only as a powerful diuretic, but would be liable to irritate the
stomach in a dangerous degree. It is a medicine I have never

AND PHARMACOPCEIA.

531

given internally, not considering it either so safe or so efficacious
as nitre.

SAL POLYCHREST. — Sulphas Potasses cum Sulphure.
This is made by mixing together equal weights of powdered
nitre and sublimed sulphur, and throwing the mixture, in small
portions at a time, into a I'ed-hot crucible. As soon as the de-
flagration is finished, the salt is to be allowed to cool, and then
put into a close-stopped glass vessel. Its properties are similar
to those of sulphate of potass, and it is sometimes combined with
aloes as a laxative or cathartic. It passes through the kidneys
undecomposed.

SAL VOLATILE. This term is indiscriminately applied
to compound spirit of ammonia, and prepared ammonia, or
smelling salts ; but the former is often distinguished by the name
of spirit of sal vola tile.

SALIX CAPREA. The Willow. There are three varieties
of willow, the barks of which are tonic and astringent, and have
been successfully substituted for Peruvian bark. A preparation
called salacine is now made from willow-bark, which possesses its
toriic principle in a concentrated state, in the same manner as
quinine does that of cinchona. The dose may be from ten to thirty
grains, or perhaps more in some cases, twice or thrice a day.

SALT, COMMON. — SodcB Mi&ias. See Muriate of
Soda.

SALTPETRE. — Potassce Nitras. See Nitre.

SALT OF STEEL, SULPHATE OF IRON, or VI-
TRIOL ATED IRO^.— Sulphas Ferri. A combination of
sulphuric acid and iron. This is by no means so remarkable
for its tonic power in the horse, as in the human subject; but it
is said to possess this quality, and is often given in doses from
one or two, to four drachms. See Iron.

SALT OF TARTAR, or WORMWOOD. Pure carbo-
nate of Potash. Potasses Carhonas Purissimus. See Potash
and Alkalies.

SALTS. When an acid combines with an alkali, earth,
or metallic oxide, it is termed a salt. The alkali, earth, or me-
tallic oxide is denominated the base, and when neither the acid
nor the base predominates, it is called a neutral salt. When,
on exposure to atmospheric air, it is either reduced to powder or
becomes covered with a white crust, it has received the appella-
tion of an efflorescent salt ; but if it absorb moisture from the
atmosphere, it is termed a deliquescent salt.

Tiie name of each salt is compounded of two words ; the one
indicating its acid, the other its base. Thus Glauber's salt,
which IS composed of sulphuric acid and soda, is called sulphate
of soda. Nitre, which is compounded of nitric acid and potass
is termed nitrate of potass. " '

r M 2

632

MATERIA MEDICA

When a salt is formed with an acid not completely oxygeri-
ised, it terminates in ite instead of ate, as phosphite of soda;
but if the salt contain acid in excess, the word super is prefixed
to its name, as super-acetate of lead. Should, however, its base
not be fully saturated with oxygen, the word sub is substi-
tuted for super, as sub-carbonate of potass.* See Acids and
Alkalies.

SATURNINE LOTION. —Lotio Saturnina. This is made
by dissolving two ounces of superacetate (sugar) of lead in one
pint of vinegar, and three or four pints of water, and is con-
sidered an useful application to recent strains, bruises, and other
injuries attended with inflammation.

SATURNINE OIN'l'MENT. — Vnguentum Satuminum.
This is made by incorporating Goulard's extract of lead, or
sugar of lead (super-acetate of lead) with hog's lard or wax oint-
ment. See GouLARU, Astringents, and Ointments.

SATURNINE POULTICE. — Cataplasma Satuminum.
See Poultice, Astringent Ointments, Acetate of Lead,
and Embrocations.

SAVIN E. — Juniperus Sabiiia. This shrub is a native of the
South of Europe and the Levant. Farriers often employ the
leaves in a green state as an anthelmintic ; but I have never seen
them do any good. Savine is recommended by Mr, Blaine as
a principal ingredient in an ointment for the removal of warts;
its effect, however, is doubtful.

SCAMMONY. — Convolvulus Scammonia. This plant is a
native of Syria and Cochin China. The scammony of com-
merce is a gum-resin obtained from the root of the plant. It
should be light, friable, and resembling a honey-comb. Its
colour is blackish, or dark grey. It is a strong purgative, but
is scarcely ever employed in veterinary practice when aloes can
be procured.f

SEA- WATER. Some horses will drink a sufficient quan-
tity of sea-water to excite purging, which may be useful, should
such horses be affected with swollen heels, inflamed eyes, or
other inflammatory complaints. Sea-water is useful as a cool-
ing application to an inflamed part.

SIALOGOGUES. Medicines that cause an increased se-
cretion of saliva ; the principal of which are the preparations of
mercury.

Local means were formerly employed to effect this in the

* The terms bi and prota are emploiyed instead of sujier and sub in modem
nomenclature. — Ed.

f I have lately tried scammony in various doses ; it produced scarcely any
effect until six drachms were given at one dose, which was followed by moderate
purging, This experiment was made only on one horse : should another
trial be made of it, a smaller dose of two or three drachms should be first given.

AND PHARMACOPCEIA.

533

horse; that is, by bridling him, wrapping round the bit some
linen that had been soaked in vinegar, in which garlic, assafoe-
tida, pellitory of Spain, &c. had been steeped ; also by putting
balls between the grinders, composed of similar ingredients, or
others capable of stimulating the salivary glands, and bringing
on a discharge of saliva: these were called masticatories or
chewing balls. A late writer (Mr. Wilkinson) has recommended
chewing balls, composed of antimonial powder, gum, &c. in epi-
demic catarrh or distemper, when attended with sore throat and
difficulty of swallowing.

SILVER. — Argentum. The only preparation this metal
affords is the lunar caustic, or nitrate of silver; an application
of great importance in surgery, whether human or veterinary.
See Caustics, Lunar Caustic, and Argenti Nitras.

SINAPISMS. — C'ataplasma Sinapis. Stimulating poul-
tices, or liniments, in which mustard is a principal ingredient.
See Embrocations and Mustard.

SNAKE-ROOT. — Polygala Senega. This, which is a peren-
nial plant, is a native of North America. It is inodorous, of a
sweetish taste on being first chewed, and afterwards hot and
pungent. It is a stimulant and diuretic, increasing the action of
the absorbents, and occasionally producing ptyalism. The idea
that this root counteracts the bites of serpents is now disregarded;
but it is considered a useful medicine in cases of weakness,
and may probably be employed with advantage in veterinary
practice.

The dose is from two to four drachms or more, and is gene-
rally given with carbonate of ammonia, or salt of hartshorn,
camphor, and bark; in some cases opium is added. See Tonics
and Antiseptics.

SOAP. — Sapo. The various kinds of soap have all a strono-
and diuretic quality ; and these are Castile, Spanish, and pure
white soap. Soap is an useful ingredient in purgative as well as
diuretic preparations.

The dose is from two or three drachms to an ounce, but it is
sometimes given in larger doses.

Soft soap is very useful in cleansing foul heels; and when
mixed with oil of turpentine and spirit of wine, forms a good
embrocation for indurated tumours, or callous swellings. ^See
Embrocations and Liniments.

SODA; Natron, or the Mineral Alkali. This is procured
chiefly from the ashes of marine plants. Its medicinal proper-
ties are nearly the same as potash, but the prepared natron or
soda is sometimes preferred as an ingredient in puro-ative and
tonic medicines. °

The dose is from two to four drachms.

There are various preparations of soda, as the carbonate of

M M 3

534

MATEUIA MEDIOA

soda {soda carhonas), which is antacid and deobstrucnt ; the dried
subcarbonate (soc?« subcarhonas exsiccata), which is perliaps more
conveniently administered than the carbonate, and answers the
same purpose: it is extremely useful in painful affections of the
urinary organs arising from acid in the urine: the sulphate of
soda [soda sulphas), or Glauber's salts (see Sulphatk of Soda) ;
and the tartarized soda {soda tartarizata), which is cathartic,
but not often prescribed by veterinarians.

SOILING. By this term is meant feeding horses with grass,
clover, lucern, vetches, or other green food, in the stable, in-
stead of turning them to grass in spring or summer. Some
horses are so restless at grass, and so apt to stray, that turning
them out is attended with danger and inconvenience. Horses
also that are lame, or just recovered fi'om a lameness, sometimes
injure themselves at grass by taking too much exercise. In such
cases, soiling for about a month in a large airy box is exceedingly
useful. I consider vetches the best vegetable for soiling. Some
people are advocates for keeping a horse all the year round upon
hay and corn, and only allowing them green food in the spring
now and then in sufficient quantity to open the bowels, and no
more, and assert that by this mode of management they are able
during the winter to go through a greater degree of labour than
they otherwise would, and to keep in much better condition.
This method of feeding hunters is now very extensively adopted.

SOLUBLE TARTAR, or TARTRATE OF POTASH.
— Tartras Pofassce. This is a laxative saline preparation, com-
posed of cream of tartar and potash. It is sometimes given with
infusion of senna, and is supposed to correct the griping so fre-
quently induced by resinous cathartics. The dose may be from
four to eight ounces, according to the proportion of aperient
medicine with which it is combined.

SORREL. — Rumex Acetosa. An acidulous plant, some-
times prescribed by the veterinary practitioners of France in
dysentery and molten grease; but not used by. English veteri-
narians. .

SPANISH FLIES. See Cantharides.

SPEARMINT. -— Mentha Viridis. See Mint.

SPERMACETI. — Cetaceum. An unctuous substance,
procured from the head of a certain species of whale. In
medical practice it is often employed as a demulcent to allay
irritation, as in cough, but is rarely employed in veterinary
practice, and appears to differ very little in its medical proper-
ties from hog's lard or suet. It has been lately discovered that
the muscular parts of all animals may be converted into a sub-
stance resembling spermaceti by maceration in water.

SPIKES, FLOWERING; Ls.veT\de\\—Lavandida Spica.
A volatile oil, termed oil of spike, is made from lavender, and is

AND PHAUMACOPCEIA.

335

much used by farriers ; it appears, however, to be often nothing
more than oil of turpentine coloured with alkanet root.

SPIRIT OF AMMONIA. — Spiritus Ammonice. See Am-
monia.

SPIRIT OF MINDERERUS. — %ViYwsMzWeren. See
Acetate of Ammonia.

SPIRIT OF NITROUS Y^TmB.. — Spiritus Mtheris Ni-
trici. See Acid, Nitric, and Nitrous.

SPIRITS. Brandy, rum, gin, or cordial liquors; but in
medicine the word spirit is applied to alcohol, either pure or di-
luted. See Alcohol.

There are various kinds of spirits used in medicine; such as
spirit of nutmeg, spirit of juniper, &c. which is made by distilling
the medical substance with dilute spirit.

SQUILL, or SEA ONION. — Scilla Maritima. This
is a native of Sicily, Syria, Barbary, and Spain. The bulb
is extremely large, and is in one variety white, in another
reddish. It is inodorous, bitter, and acrid. The best prepara-
tion of squill for veterinary purposes is the powder of the dried
root, which, in the dose of one drachm or more, is considered a
good expectorant, and useful in chronic cough : in larger doses
it generally acts as a diuretic, but is not a desirable medicine
for that purpose, there being many diuretics more certain in
their effect. Gum ammoniacum is an eligible addition to squill ;
and I have sometimes seen camphor and opium joined to it with
good eflFect. One drachm of the dried squill is equal to about
five drachms in its fresh state. There are three other prepara-
tions of squill made, viz. the spirituous and acetous tincture, and
the oxymel ; but these are not so well calculated for veterinary
purposes. See Expectorants.

STARCH. — Triticum hybemum. Starch glysters with
opium are sometimes employed in obstinate diarrhoea or irritation
of the rectum. In no other way is starch useful in veterinary
practice, while the cheaper mucilages, such as linseed, marsh-
mallow, &c. can be procured; but when these are wanting, it
is capable of making a good mucilaginous drink. See Emol-
lients and Demulcents.

The preparation named Arrow-root is a pure starch, and when
made into gruel is the best and safest preparation that can be
employed in diarrhoea, or to restrain the effect of purging medi-
cine when it has been given too largely. Mixed with a watery
solution of opium it forms a good anodyne glyster.

STAVESACRE; the seeds. — Delphinium StapMsagria. This
is a species of larkspur, and is a native of the south of Europe,
flowering from June to August. The seeds of stavesacre are re-
commended as a topical application in cutaneous complaints, and
for destroying those animalcules which are sometimes generated

M M 4

536

MATERIA MEDICA

upon the horse's skin. They are used either in the form of a
decoction, or finely powdered and mixed with train-oil, turpen-
tine, &c.

Two drachms of stavesacre were given to a glandered horse ;
he died during the night following in great pain.

STEEL. The medical properties of steel are not supposed
to differ from those of iron. See Iron.

STIMULANTS. A term of very extensive signification,
and which may with propriety be applied to the greater part of
the articles of the Materia Medica. According to the celebrated
Dr. John Brown, every medicine was considered as a stimulant;
but it is probable that some, particularly the narcotics, have an
opposite effect ; especially the distilled laurel water. The term
stimulant is generally applied to those substances which percep-
tibly increase the motion of the heart and arteries. Under this
head a great variety of remedies are included, both internal
and external; among the former are cordials, cathartics, diu-
retics, &c. ; the latter consists of 'embrocations, ointments, lini-
ments, &c.

STOMACHICS. Medicines that strengthen the stomach
and excite appetite.

The term is nearly synonymous with cordials in veterinary
medicine ; though from stomachics we generally expect a more
permanent effect than from those preparations denominated cor-
dial, as they approach more to the nature of tonics. A few re-
ceipts will be given under this head, which are intended for
horses that feed badly without any apparent cause, and such as
are subject to flatulent colic and indigestion. Horses of this
description are generally lean and in bad condition.

STOMACHIC BALL.

No. 1. Powdered gentian 2 dr. to ^ oz.

Powdered ginger 1 dr. to 1^ dr.

Carbonate of soda 1 di'.

Treacle enough to form the ball for one dose.

No. 2. Cascarilla, powdered 2 dr.

Myrrh H dr.

Castile soap 1 dr.

Syrup enough to form the ball for one dose.

No. 3. Powdered Colombo root ^ oz.

Powdered cassia 1 dr.

Powdered rhubarb from 2 dr. to ^ oz.

Syrup enough to form the ball for one dose.

AND PHAUMACOPCEIA.

537

Before stomachics are given, a mild cathartic ball is generally
required. Improper management with regard to food and water
is most commonly the cause of this disordered state of the diges-
tive organs ; too often assisted by immoderate work and general
ill-treatment.

STOPPING, for the feet. A mixture of clay and cow-dung,
or either of these separately, is commonly used for this purpose ;
iand, by keeping the bottoms or soles of the feet moist and cool,
often do good. In soles that are too thin and soft, or for the
frogs when in that state, the following composition is more
proper —

Tallow and tar, of each 1 lb.

To be mixed by melting together.

Mr. Goodwin has contrived a kind of boot for keeping the feet
cool and moist, as well as for applying the above composition ;
and Mr. Cherry, of Clapham, has recommended a piece of firmly
compressed felt or sponge, to be cut to the size of the sole of the
foot, and inserted within the shoe, after which it is to be wetted
witb cold water; this, by causing it to expand, will prevent it
from falling out. Linseed meal forms a good stoppino-.

STRYCHNIA. See Nux Vomica.

STYPTICS ai-e medicines which constringe the blood-vessels
when wounded, so as to stop an effusion of blood. Many pre-
parations have been recommended for this purpose : but'when
the size of the wounded vessel is at all considerable, an adequate
degree of pressure by means of bolsters and bandages should
rather be depended upon ; and when that cannot be done, the
vessel must be tied up above the wound and below, by which the
bleeding will be effectually suppressed. No danger is to be ap-
prehended from slight bleedings in the horse, as they always
cease spontaneously.

The styptics commonly employed are oil of turpentine, di-
luted vitriolic acid, muriate of iron, absorbent earths, and flour.

SUBLIMATE, CORROSIVE. Oxymuriate of Quick-
silver. Hydrargyri Oxymurias. (New name, Bi- or Per-chlo-
RIDE OF Mercury.) This is by far the strongest of the
mercurial preparations, and requires to be used with great
caution. It has been employed with success in farcy : and in
one instance I have seen it cure the glanders; but the horse was
shot soon after, therefore it is uncertain whether the cure was
permanent or not. In many cases of farcy that were supposed
to be cured by sublimate, aided by external applications, I have
seen the glanders break out after an interval of a few weeks or
even months. The dose of sublimate is from eight to ten
twelve, or fifteen grains, given daily, until the desired effect is
produced, or until the mouth becomes sore, or the horse stales

538

MATERIA MEDICA

profusely, and then it should be discontinued a short time.
Whenever sublimate makes a horse sick, or causes any uneasi-
ness in the bowels, it should be immediately discontinued. In
the various experiments that have been made upon glandered
horses, it has been given in very large doses, even to the extent
of two drachms twice a day. No good, however, has ever re-
sulted from such large doses, and the poor animals have often
been dreadfully tormented by them. I am now decidedly of
opinion, that in glanders and farcy the milder preparations
should be preferred, especially Ethiop's mineral, and the mercu-
rial or blue pill. M. Dupuy injected a solution of sublimate
into the jugular vein of a glandered horse. It caused almost
immediately severe colic pains, and a continual shaking of the
tail. It produced also a remarkable effect upon the kidneys,
causing the horse to stale frequently, even twelve times in the
space of a quarter of an hour. The following day he injected a
stronger solution, which caused still more distressing symptoms ;
the next day a still stronger solution, which, after tormenting
the poor animal for some time, put an end to his sufferings.
The symptoms of glanders were not at all diminished by it.
Another glandered horse took sublimate for a month, without
receiving any benefit from it. M. Houba, a French veterinarian,
gave an ounce of sublimate in a mucilaginous decoction, to a colt
of one year old affected with farcy. He increased the dose of
sublimate until it amounted to 2 ounces, 3 drachms, 21 grains,
or 64 grammes (a gramme is 18 grains). This immense dose,
he says, after some days, made the ulcers look red, the discharge
lost its offensive smell, and became whiter and thicker, and some
of the ulcers cicatrised; the colt also fed well and appeared
cheerful, but after a short time he began to discharge at the
nostrils, and had a swelling under the jaws ; in short, he became
so badly glandered that it was thought necessary to desti'oy
him. (See Dujmy de V Affection Tuberculeuse, vulgairement ap-
pelee Moi've, p. 188.)

Sublimate is often used externally, either in powder or solu-
tion. It is a useful caustic and external stimulant, and is
sometimes an ingredient in blisters ; but its employment in this
form is not to be recommended.

In virulent cases of chronic grease I have seen a solution of
sublimate effect a cure in a very short time.

In obstinate cases of mange a solution of sublimate is some-
times employed ; but in three instances I have known inflamma-
tion of the bowels take place very soon after.

Sublimate is difficult of solution in water only; it is usual,
therefore, to rub it first in a mortar with a little proof spirit, or
with a little muriate of ammonia; but the most ready method of
dissolving it is to rub it with an equal weight of muriatic acid^

AND PIIARMACOPCEIA.

539

and then to add as much water as is required. This last solu-
tion is much stronger than any other.

SUBMURIATE OF MERCURY. — Hi/drar(/t/ri Suhmu-
rias. New name, Protochloride of Mercury. See Calomel.

SUCCINUM. See Amber.

SUDORIFICS. Medicines that cause sensible perspiration
or sweating. In the horse there is no medicine that will, with
certainty, produce this effect, and it is only by exercise or warm
clothing that it can be produced. In locked-jaw a horse has
been kept in a state of perspiration for a considerable time by
being covered with sheep-skins. Vinegar and acetate of am-
monia will sometimes cause perspiration; and opium, with eme-
tic tartar, camphor, and cordials, are said to have a sudorific
effect; also ipecacuanha, with opium, camphor, and salt of
hartshorn. [Spirit of nitrous ether will more frequently produce
a sudorific effect than any other medicine, particularly if joined
with camphor, — Ed,]

SUET, MUTTON; BEEF. — Ovillum; Bovinum.
Prepared suet is used in the composition of ointments and
plasters. Suet boiled in milk has been recommended in the
scouring rot of horned cattle.

SUGAR OF LEAD. Acetate and Superacetate of Lead.
— Sacchai'um Saturni. Plumbi Acetas et Superacetas, See Lead.

SULPHATE OF ALUMINA. — Alumince Sulphas. See
Alum.

SULPHATE OF COPPER. — Cupri Sulphas. Blue vi-
triol, or blue stone. This preparation of copper is much used
in veterinary practice as an external application; it is a mild
caustic or escharotic, and, when dissolved in water, forms a good
detergent or astringent lotion. The addition of a little sulphu-
ric, nitrous, or muriatic acid to this lotion increases its strength
as a detergent, and, when the proportion is considerable, makes it
a strong caustic. A solution of sulphate of copper in vinegar, or
vinegar and water, makes a good wash for the foot rot in sheep.
Sulphate of copper should be finely powdered when sprinkled
on ulcers, or when mixed with lard or other unctuous matter
into an ointment. When a solution of sulphate of copper is suffi-
ciently diluted, it may be used as a mild astringent, and, when
very weak, may be applied even to the eye. Sulphate of copper
has been given internally as a tonic in diabetes, and in farcy; the
dose from half a drachm to a drachm. *

SULPHATE OF IRON. Salt of steel. Ferri Sulphas.

• Mr. Sewell recommends sulphate of copper in closes of three to six
drachms with linseed meal, in the forni of a draught for glanders. Thus com-
bined, it can be administered in much larger doses than in a ball, without
irritating the coats of the stomach and intestines, being immediately diffused
over a much larger surface. See Glanders. — Ed,

540

•MATERIA MEDICA

A preparation composed of sulphuric acid and oxide of iron. It
is sometimes used as a tonic. The dose from one to three or
four drachms.

SULPHATE OF MAGNESIA, or EPSOM SALT. —
MagnesicB Sulphas. A mild laxative that may be given with ad-
vantage in catarrhal disorders. The dose from four to twelve
ounces, dissolved in a sufficient quantity of water. When a
sma.ll dose is given, it should be repeated every four or six hours,
until some effect is produced.

From four to eight ounces of castor or olive oil is sometimes
added to a dose of the solution of sulphate of magnesia.

SULPHATE OF POTASH. — Potassce Sulphas. Vitrio-
lated tartar, or Sal-polychrest.

This neutral salt is a more powerful laxative than the sul-
phates of magnesia and soda, and more sparingly soluble in
water. On this account it is most commonly employed in
human medicine, in powder; and, when joined with rhubarb,
makes a good purgative. It is seldom used, I believe, for
horses or cattle, though it may, perhaps, make a good laxative if
well rubbed in a mortar with aloes, and then formed into a
ball.

SULPHATE OF QUININE. — QuinincB Sulphas. See
Bark.

SULPHATE OF SODA. — Sulphas. Vitriolated
soda, or Glauber's salt. This is a good laxative, and rather
stronger than sulphate of magnesia. I have been informed by a
correspondent in Ireland, that he employed it with great success
in an epidemic catarrh, and without losing a single patient,
while a great number died under a different treatment. He
gave about four to six ounces three times a day, in a quart of
water or gruel, until the bowels were opened. It is a good laxa-
tive for cattle : the dose from six to twelve ounces.

SULPHATE OF ZINC — Zmci Sulphas. Vitriolated
zinc, white vitriol, or white copperas. This is a strong astrin-
gent application, but may be dissolved in water, and so diluted
as to make a useful wash for the eye. It is sometimes given in-
ternally as a tonic ; and, though very large doses have been given
to glandered horses as an experiment, without causing much in-
convenience, and half an ounce or more as a tonic, I am inclined
to think, by giving daily one or two drachms, it is more likely to
do good. A strong solution of sulphate of zinc is an excellent
application to quittors and other ulcers.

SULPHATES. Neutral salts composed of sulphuric acid
and alkalies, earths, or metals.

SULPHUR. IBrimstone. Roll sulphur is chiefly obtained
from the sulphuret of copper. It is purified by fusion, and is
cast into moulds. It is insoluble in water.

AND PHAnMACOPCEIA.

641

Sublimed, or, as it is commonly called, flower of sulphur, is
procured from the former by heating to a great heat and col-
lecting the vapour, which is the flower, whilst the dregs is the
sulphur vivum.

Flower of Sulphur is generally given in the dose of one ounce :
it is commonly joined with nitre and antiniony, or nitre and
resin ; and is then thought to impi-ove the coat and general con-
dition of the horse, or remove swellings of the heels, and surfeit.
I have given sulphur in a variety of doses ; but the only eff^ect I
could perceive was that of a mild laxative, and that did not take
place until four ounces were given at a dose. From the observ-
ations I made on this occasion, I do not conceive that sulphur
is of much use as an internal remedy in the horse, nor that it
possesses any diaphoretic power. As a topical application in
mange, it is certainly very efficacious, particularly if mixed with
other remedies. See article Mange.

Sulphur is very serviceable to young dogs, when they have any
appearance of plethora or cutaneous disease, generally acting as
a mild laxative : it may be given to them in milk, from one tea-
spoonful to two or three.

A few years ago, M. Collaine, Professor of the Royal Veteri-
nary School of Milan, published an account of some successful
experiments he made on glanders. The medicine he employed
was sulphur, beginning with a dose of four ounces, and increasing
it gradually until he gave two pounds daily, mixed into an elec-
tuary with honey ; he also took away about two quarts of blood
once in two or three days. A dose of six ounces caused purging ;
ten or twelve ounces griping pains and purging. Six ounces of
sulphur vivum were then given, which produced a similar effect,
and some of the horses became so exceedingly weak that they
lay down, and were unable to rise for three or four days. When
they recovered a little from these alarming symptoms, he found
the discharge from the nostrils much lessened, as well as the
swelling under the jaws. In some, the disease entirely disap-
peared, but after a few days returned, and was not permanently
cured till it had fluctuated in this way several times. After they
had got over the effect of the sulphur, on giving it again he
found that a dose even of twelve ounces produced no effect; he
therefore increased it to eighteen ounces, and from that to
twenty-four ounces ; but it no longer caused either purging or
griping. Having continued the use of the medicine in this large
dose for some time, and finding the disease remain stationary in
some of the horses, he discontinued it for eight or ten days, in
order to restore the susceptibility of the animal to the action of
sulphur. On recommencing the treatment, he joined to six
ounces of sulphur an equal quantity of antimony, which pro-

542

MATERIA MEDrCA

duced a considerable effect for about fifteen days, when it
became inactive ; he then gave from twelve to fifteen ounces of
sulphur, with six ounces of liver of antimony, and in less than
fifteen days all the horses that had not a very severe local affec-
tion were perfectly free from the disease. Similar trials have
been made in France since M. Collaine's Report appeared, but
the result was very different. According to M. Dupuy, in his
work on glanders ( Traite de V Affection Tuherculeuse, vulgairement
apjjelUe Morve, &c.), lately published, sulphur has been fairly
tried at the Veterinary School of Alfort, near Paris, and has not
succeeded in any one instance : in large doses it causes very dis-
tressing symptoms, viz. colic, purging, and great debility ; and
some of the horses died under the treatment. It is probable
that sulphur may sometimes have caused a temporary cessation
of the discharge from the nostrils, and as M. Collaine has not
published anything further on the subject, he is probably become
less sanguine in his expectations from this mode of treatment.
He observes in his Report, that sulphur vivum [soufre brut) pro-
duced a gi-eater effect than flowers of sulphur; and 1 am in-
clined to believe that sulphur vivum, when finely powdered and
sifted through a fine sieve, will do just as well, if not better, for
mange ointment or liniment, than the flower of sulphur, which
is more expensive. When flower of sulphur is given internally,
for mange or other cutaneous diseases, it may be joined with
levigated antimony, or tartarized antimony, as in the formula
under the head Alteratives.

SULPHURETS. Combinations of sulphur with alkalies,
earths, or metals. The preparations of this kind used in veteri-
nary medicine are sulphuret of antimony (see Antimony), sul-
phuret of arsenic (see Orpiment), sulphuret of mercury, black
and red (see Ethiop's mineral and cinnabar), sulphuret of
potash, or liver of sulphur. This last is a good remedy for dis-
eases of the skin, such as mange, and may be given inwardly as
an antidote to certain poisons, as arsenic, lead, and preparations
of mercury.

SULPHURIC ACID. — Acidum Sulphuricam. Vitriolic acid,
or oil of vitriol. See Acids.

SWEET SPIRIT OF NITRE. See Acid, Nitric and
Nitrous.

SYRUP. — Syntpus. For all veterinary purposes treacle is
a good and a cheap substitute for syrup.

TALLOW. A mixture of equal parts of tar and tallow is a
good application to brittle hoofs.

TAR. — Pix Liquida. This is a good remedy for thrushes,
and other diseases of the frog. It appears to promote the
growth of horn, by gently stimulating the secretory vessels of
that part.

AND PHARMACOPCEIA.

543

The rotten parts of the frog having been carefully removed
with a knife, and the rest well cleansed, the tar is to be melted
and poured into the cleft or cavity : a pledget of tow is then to
be laid on the part and confined by some proper contrivance.
In bad cases, a small proportion of sulphuric acid should be
carefully mixed with the tar; and when a thrush has degenerated
into the disease termed canker, a large proportion of the acid
should be employed. See Liniments.

Tar mixed with oil of turpentine and cantharides forms
a strong blister. It is sometimes employed as a remedy for
couarh.

Tar, when mixed with verdigris or finely powdered blue or
white vitriol, forms a good liniment or ointment for canker or
thrushes. It may be occasionally employed with alum, and,
when mixed with tallow, is an excellent stopping for flat thin
soles. In the latter form it makes a good hoof ointment; and,
when rubbed about the coronet and hoof, is said to render the
hoof tough.

TARTAR. — Tartarum. An acid substance, found about
the sides and bottoms of casks in which wine is fermented; when
purified, it is termed aystals, or cream, of tartar. Farriers gene-
rally employ it in their purging medicines, upon the authority of
some old writers, who supposed it to have the property of cor^
recting aloes. See Cathartics.

TARTAR, VITRIOLATED. See Sulphate of Potash.

TARTARIZED ANTIMONY. See Emetic Tartar and
Antimony.

TARTRATE OF POTASS. See Soluble Tartar.

TEREBINTHINA. See Turpentine.

TIGLII OLEUM. Croton oil, which see.

TIN. — Stannum. This metal is a good anthelmintic for
dogs ; and though not employed in veterinary practice, appears
to be worth a trial. I have known great numbers of worms dis-
charged from dogs, by giving filings or scrapings of pewter,
which is composed principally of tin and lead. The dose about
a drachm. See Anthelmintics.

TINCTURES. — TincturcB. Medical preparations made by
infusing or digesting vegetables, &c. either in rectified or proof
spirit. Examples : — Compound tincture of benzoin, commonly
named Friar's or Traumatic balsam, is made by digesting gum
benzoin, aloes, &c. in rectified spirit. Tincture of opium
is made by digesting opium in proof spirit. There are also
tinctures made with vinegar, such as squill and meadow saffron.
Compound spirit of ammonia, likewise, is sometimes employed as
a menstruum, as in the volatile tincture of guaiacum, and fcetid
spirit of ammonia.

544

MATERIA MEDICA

TOBACCO. — Nicotiana. This is sometimes given to horses
by grooms, for the purpose of keeping their legs fine.*

TOLU, BALSAM OF. See Balsam of Tolu.

TONICS. Tonics, according to Murray, are those sub-
stances whose primary operation is to give strength to the sys-
tem. Their operation is not mechanical, as was once conceived ;
they act not on the simple solids, increasing their tension or tone,
but on the living fibre, and are merely powerful stimulants per-
manent in their operation. By producing a gradual excitement,
they give vigour to the actions of the system; and as that ex-
citement is gradually produced, it is in like manner gradually
diminished, and the habitual stimuli continuing to operate, di-
minished action does not succeed. Where tonics, however, are
given in excess, are used unnecessarily, or for too long a time,
they weaken the powers of life. Tonics act primarily on the
stomach, the action they excite in that organ being communicated
generally by the medium of the nerves to the rest of the system ;
some of them, however, are received into the mass of the blood.
The immediate eflFects of a tonic, given in a proper dose, are to
increase the force of the circulation, to augment the animal heat,
promote the various secretions, or moderate them when morbidly
increased, quicken digestion, and render muscular action more
easy and vigorous. By some of them these effects are very
slowly induced. The affections of the system in which tonics
are employed must be obviously those of debility. But pre-
viously to their being employed, it is necessary to inquire on
what that debility depends; if it be simply on want of tone, as
it is termed, in the stomach, and consequently in the system in
general, the use of tonics is clearly indicated; but if it arise

* A short time since an infusion of about two ounces of tobacco, in a quart
of beer, was given to a horse merely for the purpose of keeping his heels fine.
He died immediately after taking it.

I was not present when this circumstanceoccurred, but am satisfied of the truth
of it. I am inclined to believe, however, that there must have been something
in this case that was not discovered; — the stomach may have been previously
diseased. I have, within a short period, given an infusion of tobacco, as well
as the tobacco that the infusion had been made from, in the dose of two,
three, and four ounces. The only perceptible effect was a shivering, and an
appearance which indicated a considerable affection of the stomach, not
altogether hke nausea, yet approaching towards it ; but the effect was transient.
According to Boardman, an infusion of three pounds of tobacco has been
given without effect. In Bourgelat's " Matiere Medicale Raisonnee," it is said
to make an efficacious clyster in obstinate costiveness ; and is prescribed also in
chewing-balls or masticatories. Muriate of ammonia, dissolved in a decoction
of tobacco, is said to be a good remedy for the mange ; rubbing the affected
parts with the fresh leaves of tobacco is said to have the same effect. It is
also employed for the mange in sheep and dogs, and in the latter serves to kill
fleas and ticks.

[The smoke of tobacco has been employed as an injection in obstinate con-
stipation with good eflfect. — Ed.]

AND PHAHMACOI'CEIA.

546

From unwholesome, or an insufficient quantity of food, hard
labour and exposure to the inclemencies of the weather, or the
exhalations of a damp, close, filthy stable, tonics will avail
nothing until the situation, treatment, and food, are materially
improved; that such cruel and abominable treatment is frequently,
if not always, the cause of debility in horses is well known;
therefore no further comment upon the folly and cruelty of such
treatment is necessary in this place. Before tonics are given, it
is generally necessai'y to give some warm purgative medicine.
While the horse is taking tonics, great attention should be paid
to his diet; and it would not be going too far, I believe, were I
to assert, that by judicious management with regard to food,
grooming, and exercise, and the occasional use of mild physic,
horses would seldom require tonic medicine.

Tonics may be divided into minerals and vegetables; tlic
former are generally considered the most powerful, and, I
believe, are at this time generally preferred, not only on account
of their supposed superior efficacy, but likewise, probably, from
their being less expensive, and the dose less bulky and incon-
venient.

In the former editions of this work, I have generally given
them a preference, but subsequent experience and reflection
have led me to employ them with more caution, and with less
confidence in their reputed innoxious qualities; for, notwith-
standing the immense doses of arsenic, and blue vitriol (sulphate
of copper), that have been given without producing any imme-
diate ill effect, it is highly probable that the stomach suffers ma-
terially, especially when the use of such medicines is persisted in.
I have examined a horse's stomach that had been taking these
mineral tonics, and thought they had not diminished the animal's
appetite or altered his appearance ; on the contrary, he was in
high condition, and did his work well, yet, being glandered, was
destroyed. The stomach, however, had been greatly injured,
and would, no doubt, had the animal lived much longer, have
produced some serious disorder.

This question naturally arises : — In what respects are those
mineral tonics, so well known as powerful poisons in the human
body, preferable to those obtained from the vegetable kingdom?
In the first place they are considered as the only medicines
capable of curing the glanders and farcy, and are therefore pre-
scribed for those diseases. I have never seen a sino-le case of
glanders permanently cured, either by arsenic or blue vitriol,
notwithstanding the numerous trials I have witnessed durintj- a
period of more than twenty years. Farcy has certainly disap-
peared m many instances while taking those medicines, but at
the same time some local remedies were employed, that is the
farcy sores were dressed with some caustic, escharotic, or deter-

N N

546

MATERIA MEUICA

gent composition ; and it is well known that farcy, i. e. the sores,
buds, and all the external symptoms or appearances, may gene-
rally be removed by external applications alone; therefore it is
uncertain what share the tonic, whether it be arsenic or blue
vitriol, has had in the cure of the disease. Another circumstance
to be considered is, that farcy, though apparently cured by means
of those strong medicines, is often not really or permanently
eradicated, but frequently is succeeded by glanders; and, though
the interval between the disappearance of farcy and the appear-
ance of glanders is sometimes considerable, there are circum-
stances which i-ender it extremely probable that they are con-
nected, and depend on the operation of the same cause. But
whatever share arsenic, blue vitriol, or sublimate may have had
in the cures that have been effected, whether permanent or only
temporary, small doses have generally been found sufficient ;
that is, of arsenic, from ten to fifteen or twenty grains; subli-
mate, from ten to fifteen grains; blue vitriol, from half a drachm
to one drachm, or, at most, two drachms ; white vitriol, from one
to three drachms. The experiments, therefore, in which large
doses have been given, such as two drachms of arsenic or subli-
mate once or twice a day, and continued for some time, should
never be repeated, as they are really more likely to defeat the
purpose for which they are given than to promote it; and there
can be no doubt that, notwithstanding the little immediate effect
they appear to have on the stomach, this important organ is often
most seriously and permanently injured by them.
The following are formulae for tonics : —

No. 1. Arsenic from 5 to 10 gr.

Sulphate of copper | dr.

Opium ^ dr.

Powdered caraways \ oz.

Treacle enough to form the ball.

No. 2. Arsenic 5 to 10 gr.

Opium ^ dr.

Sulphate of zinc 2 dr.

Caraway seeds ^ oz.

Treacle enough to form the ball.

No. 3. Powdered cantharides 6 to 12 gr.

Sulphate of iron 2 dr.

Gentian 2 dr.

Ginger 1 dr.

Treacle to form a ball.

The opium in these balls is intended to enable the stomach to

AND PHARMACOPCEIA.

547

bear the mineral preparations better than it otherwise could; but
by many practitioners it is thought unnecessary.

In farcy, sublimate (oxymuriate of mercury) may be added to
either of the balls ; but this medicine cannot, with propriety, be
classed witli tonics in veterinary medicine, for its effect, when
given for several days, is that of producing debility, and an in-
creased flow of urine. The dose is the same as arsenic. The
vegetable tonics I consider as an important class of medicines.
A description of each, as well as of each mineral tonic, will be
found under its respective name.

VEGETABLE TONICS.

No. 1. Peruvian bark 1 oz.

Opium i dr.

Ginger 1^ dr.

Oil of caraways 20 drops.

Treacle enough to form the ball. — One dose.

No. 2. Cascarilla 2 dr.

Gentian root... 2 dr.

Opium I dr.

Oil of caraways 20 drops.

Treacle enough to form the ball.

No. 3. Gentian root 3 dr.

Opiam 1 dr.

Cascarilla 1 dr.

Myrrh 1 dr.'

Carbonate of soda 1 dr.

Treacle enough to form the ball.

No. 4. Colombo 3 to 4 dr.

Opium 1 dr.

Cassia i dr.

Powdered allspice 2 dr.

Treacle enough to form the ball.

These formulae may be considerably varied, or given as
drenches in warm ale, or in an infusion of some aromatic or
bitter herb, and if preceded by a mild purgative, and assisted by
a light nutritious diet, will often do much good, more perhaps
than the mineral tonics.

TORME^TIL ROOT.-TormentiUa officinalis. This is an
indigenous perennial plant, growing chiefly in dry heathy spots
It IS a powerful astringent, and is sometimes employed in diar-
rhoea in horses and horned cattle.

i348

MATERIA MEDICA

One ounce, or one ounce and a Imlf, being boiled in three
pints of water to one pint and a half, with a little cassia and
caraway seeds, makes one dose, which may be repeated if ne-
cessary,

TRAGACANTH GUM; or GUM DRAGON. -^s^ro-
galus verus. The shrub from which this gum is obtained is a
native of Persia. When good, tragacanth should be whitish, semi-
transparent, inodorous, and leaving a slightly bitter taste in the
mouth when chewed. Its properties are demulcent, and, as it
yields a strong mucilage, it may be employed instead of gum
arable in the formation of emollient drinks.

TRAUMATIC, or FRIAR'S BALSAM. — TmcifKra Ben-
zo'ini Composita. Traumatic balsam is the compound tincture of
benzoin, and is made in the following manner : —

Benzoin 3 oz.

Strained storax balsam 2 oz.

Balsam of tolu 1 oz.

Extract of spiked aloes i oz.

Rectified spirit 1 qt.

Digest for fourteen days, and filter or strain.

As the name of this balsam implies, it is generally employed
as an application to wounds which require a slight stimulus. It
is rarely prescribed as an internal remedy, although it has been
deemed useful in chronic cough, and some other pulmonary af-
fections. As it is decomposed by water it must, when adminis-
tered internally, be first triturated with mucilage or yolk of egg,
in order to suspend it in aqueous fluids. See Bknzoin.

TRITICUM; FARINA; AMYLUM. Wheat; wheat-
flour; starch. Wheat is never given to horses as food in this
country, both on account of its price, and because it is apt to
produce colic. Wheat-flour gruel is occasionally given in diar-
rhcea, and starch is sometimes used in the composition of clysters
in the same disease.

TURNIPS. Boiled turnips make an excellent poultice for
the heels when affected with grease.

TURPENTINE. — Terehinthina. This term is applied to
the resinous juices of certain trees. There are four kinds, viz.
Chio, Strasburgh, Venice, and common turpentine; the two last
only are employed in veterinary medicine. They are effectual
diuretics, and possess a considerable carminative power. Com-
mon turpentine is a principal ingredient in digestive and deter-
gent ointments.

In speaking of the turpentines, Dr. Paris says, they all possess
the same chemical as well as medicinal properties ; viz. Canada
turpentine, or Canada balsam, as it is sometuncs improperly

AND PHARMACOPCEIA.

549

called, is obtained from the Pinus Balsamea. 2dly, Chian or
Cyprus turpentine, from the Pistachea Terebinthinus. 3dly,
Common, or horse turpentine, from the Pinus Sylvestris, or
Scotch fir. •^thly, Venice turpentine, from the Pinus Larix:
from the twigs of which species of fir the essence of spruce is
made. True Riga balsam is made from the shoots of the Pinus
Cembra, previously bruised and macerated for a month in watei'.
The same fir affords also Brian^on turpentine.

By distillation we obtain the oil, or, as it is sometimes termed,
the spirit of turpentine, a medicine of great utility. In doses
of two, tlu'ee, or four ounces, it frequently cures the flatulent
colic, or gripes; and, when combined with camphor and other
stinmlantSj makes a good embrocation for indurated swellings,
strains, and bruises.* When properly mixed with mustard, it
forms an embrocation that has been found serviceable in coun-
teracting internal inflammation. I have seen it applied to ob-
stinate ulcers with good effect. It is an useful ingredient in
blistering-ointment, and liniments.

It is also if properly managed, the most efficacious medicine
that can be employed for expelling worms from the bowels. In
large doses it generally acts as a purgative, especially when the
bowels are previously relaxed by bran mashes, or a small dose of
aloes. In small doses it is a powerful diuretic. Mr. Coleman
considered it almost a specific in flatulent colic in a dose of four
ounces, mixed with gruel. It has been given to the extent of eight
ounces at a dose, without injury; but in one case a dose of four
ounces produced a fatal inflammation of the stomach and bowels :
in this case, however, a dose of physic had been given the day
before, and the horse had a considerable purging at the time the
turpentine was exhibited. In the human body two drachms of
oil of turpentine may so excite the kidneys as to produce bloody
urine, whereas six or eight drachms will stimulate the bowels,
and purge without affecting the urinai'y organs, or only in a
moderate degree. It is said to be almost a specific remedy for
tape worm, in the human body, always discharging it dead; and
in obstinate constipation, depending on affections of the brain,
Dr. Paris says he has several times witnessed its beneficial
effects.

Dr. Latham considers it a valuable medicine in epilepsy. As
a veterinary medicine it is certainly of great value ; and thougli
in a few cases, when given internally, it has produced violent
effects, merely, I believe, from bad management, yet when judi-
ciously administered, it may be employed in a dose of four ounces,
with advantage and safety. '

* Oil of turpentine, when applied to the skin of the horse undiluted pro-
duces an excessive degreeof irritation : it should therefore always be mixed
with oil when so applied. — Ed.

N N 3

550

MATKRIA MEDICA

I have long discontinued the use of oil of turpentine in n>y
practice as a remedy for flatulent colic, gripes, or fret, finding
the preparations of opium far more effectual. (See Opium.)
With respect to worms, I consider it is of more importance to
prevent worms than to expel them from the bowels. When the
stomach has been weakened or disordered, worms will be gene-
rated in the bowels, and even in the arteries, on whatever food
the animal is kept. To expel them, therefore, from the bowels
is doing but little for the cure of the disorder; and those medi-
cines which do expel them, such as oil of turpentine, and large
doses of calomel, may increase that morbid state of the stomach
on which their existence depends. See article Worms.

Venice turpentine is generally made by mixing the oil with
the common turpentine, which is easily done when the latter is
melted.

Venice turpentine is sometimes employed as an ingredient in
cough medicines. The dose is about half an ounce. But if
given as a remedy for flatulent colic, or as a diuretic, a larger
quantity is necessary. It makes a good detergent ointment, if
mixed with about a fourth or a third part of red precipitate,
finely powdered.

TURPETH MINERAL, or YELLOW SUB-SUL-
PHATE OF QUICKSILVER. — Swi-SM/p/m* Hydrargyri
Flavus. This mercurial preparation is seldom used in veteri-
nary practice, being apt to irritate the stomach and bowels, and
bring on violent purging; but it has been recommended as a
remedy for farcy.

The dose is from half a drachm to a drachm.

It is given as an emetic to dogs, when they have swallowed
any poisonous substance, or at the commencement of the dis-
temper; but it should give place to better treatment.

UNGUENTS or OINTMENTS. — Unguenta. See Oint-
ments.

VALERIAN ROOT, mi.T>.— Valeriana officinalis. This
is an indigenous perennial plant, the root of which has a strong
unpleasant odour, and a bitter and rather acrid taste. The
dried root is employed by medical practitioners in spasmodic and
nervous complaints. Tincture of valerian is employed for spas-
modic colic. The dose is an ounce.

VERATRUM ALBUM. White hellebore. See Helle-
bore.

VERDIGRIS. — ^rugo, Suhacetas Cupri impura. Impure
subacetate of copper. This is made in wine countries, by bury-
ing thin copper plates in the refuse parts of the grape, after the
juice has been pressed out. It is employed externally as a mild
caustic or detergent, and is frequently mixed with common tur-
pentine, or ointments, for the same purpose. See Detergents

AND PHARMACOPCKIA.

531

and Digestives. Common verdigris has been recommended as
a remedy for the farcy ; but I have never seen it do any good
in that complaint, though I have several times given it a trial.
It has been fairly tried in the glanders; half an ounce was
given daily for a considerable time, but it had no effect on the
disease, nor did it occasion any inconvenience to the animal.
This is rather remarkable, as verdigris is considered as a poison
in the human body, and is the substance which causes the dele-
terious effects which copper vessels, when employed for culinary
purposes, have sometimes occasioned.

VESICATORIES. A term synonymous with blisters.

VINEGAR. — Acetum. Though medical practitioners prefer
distilled vinegar, yet for veterinary purposes the best undistilled
vinegar is just as proper. It makes an useful embrocation, with
about a tenth part of sal ammoniac or muriate of ammonia, for
inflamed swellings ; and when neutralized with prepared am-
monia, or salt of hartshorn, forms a preparation, sometimes em-
ployed in fevers, and termed Mindererus's spirit.

Vinegar is sometimes used alone as an embrocation for strains,
bruises, or inflamed swellings of any kind, and often with suc-
cess; it may be made more effectual, however, by the addition
of sal ammoniac and proof spirit, or by being mixed with a small
quantity of sugar of lead and water, according to the circum-
stances of the case. A solution of honey in vinegar is termed
an oxymel, and is sometimes used as a remedy for coughs : this
is said to be nearly the same preparation as Godbold's vegetable
syrup, which has been sometimes recommended by farriers to
cure broken wind, an incurable disease ! See Acetates and
Embrocations.

VINUM. See Wine.

VITRIOL, BLUE and WHITE. See Sulphate of Cop-
per, and Sulphate of Zinc.

VITRIOLIC ACID. — Acidum Sulphuricum. This, which
is more commonly named oil of vitriol, is now in all modern dis-
pensatories named sulphuric acid, and its combinations are
therefore named sulphates.

WATER. — Aqua. Much has been written respecting the
different qualities of water, some having been considered as very
injurious to horses, while others have been said to promote
health and condition. Dr. Bracken thought hard or pump
water liable to produce the gravel or stpne; and other authoa's
have had still more whimsical notions on this subject. It
appears probable that transparent and sweet water, that is, such
as is most gra,teful to man, is most Avholesome for horses, whether
it be taken from a well or from any other situation. The ill
effects that have sometimes resulted from drinking certain kinds

N N 4

552

MATERIA MEDUA

of water may depend upon its being drank too largely, or at too
cold a temperature, at a time when the stomach was not in a
condition for receiving so much, or upon its being so ill-tasted
that the horse does not take a sufficient quantity for the purposes
of digestion ; or, if he does, it may create that degree of nausea,
which proves injurious to the stomach. In deep wells the water
is generally about the same temperature, both in winter and
summer, that is, about 40° of Fahrenheit's thermometer. If a
horse, therefore, in a hot summer day, after being heated by
exercise, should drink freely of such comparatively cold water, it
would probably do him a serious injury; for the water of ponds
or running streams may at that time be fifteen degrees warmer.
In winter, however, the water of deep wells is generally to be
preferred, being considerably warmer than that of ponds or
streams. As to the small quantity of sulphate of lime that hard
water may contain, it is not probable that it contributes in any
degree to the formation of stones either in the bowels or bladder.
It is certain, however, that the temperature of water, the quan-
tity taken at a time, the state of the body when taken, and
especially the state of the stomach, are circumstances that ought
to be carefully attended to. The practice of medicating water,
that is, of mixing nitre, salts, &c. with it, may be proper when
horses require only a moderate quantity of water; but when
dilution is considered necessary, their water should be as free
from taste or smell as possible.

Horses under the operation of cathartic medicine, or physic,
sometimes refuse warm water, often because it is too warm, or
of an unpleasant or smoky smell or taste; in such cases it should
be offered a little colder, and free from any offensive smell.
Horses are often watered only twice a day, and then suffered to
drink as much as they have an inclination for; this is particu-
larly injurious to such as have voracious appetites, or worms,
chronic cough, imperfect or broken wind. Such horses should
have a small or moderate quantity three or four times a day,
and their hay and corn should be moistened ; this would
diminish their appetite for water, which is generally inordinate;
and if they are allowed to drink much, they are the more in-
clined to eat immoderately of hay, if they are restrained in which
they will often devour even their litter, however foul it may be,
and therefore greatly aggravate their complaint.

WAX, BEES'. — Cera Flava. Bees-wax is used only in the
composition of ointments and plasters.

WHEAT. See Triticum.

WHITE- WATER. This is a mixture of oatmeal and water,
and is a good nourishing drink for horses that have done a hard
day's work. It is a good thing to accustom horses to drink

AND PHAKMACOPCEIA.

553

white-water, as, when greatly fatigued, a horse will generally
drink, but cannot sometimes be induced to eat.

WINE. — Vinum. In French books on farriery, wine is
generally recommended, not only alone, but as a vehicle for
other cordials. This probably has led some farriers of this
country to prescribe port wine in liberal doses, both to horses
and cattle. There is a great difference, however, both in the
quality or strength, as well as in the price of port, and the
French wines ; and it is not probable that the best French wines
are ever given to horses or cattle. The port wine of this country
contains a large proportion of alcohol (see Alcohol), no less
indeed, according to Mr. Brande, in some specimens he ex-
amined, than 25 per cent. That is to say, taking the alcohol
naturally contained in the wine, or rather the quantity produced
by the fermentation of the juice of the grape, with the brandy
added to it previous to exportation, it amounts to one-fourth
part of alcohol, or one-half of proof spirit; but, when the wine
is of sufficient age, the spirit is so intimately blended with the
other constituent parts, that the strength of the liquor is not
manifest to the taste. The French wine commonly employed
for horses and cattle is not stronger, perhaps, than our cider.
In M. Volpi's veterinary work, which I have before spoken of
(see Ethiop's Mineral), he directs no less than two or three
bottles of generous wine to be given at one dose, in a disease he
terms Jievre pernicieuse. With regard to wine in this country, I
know of no disease in which it is really necessary; as a little
warm beer and ginger, or diluted brandy, will effect every thing
that can be accomplished by wine. A bottle of port has been
occasionally given with good effect after severe exhaustion from
hunting.

WINTER'S BARK. — Winter CB Aromaticce Cortex. The
tree from which this bark is obtained is a large evergreen, a
native of the Straits of Magellan. The bark has an aromatic
odour, and a hot spicy taste. It is a pleasant stimulant ; and
though not commonly used in veterinary practice, may be given
with good effect in cases of indigestion and weakness of stomach.

The dose from three drachms to one ounce every morning.

WOLFS BANE, or ACOmT^. — Aconitum. A danger-
ous medicine in the horse, and never employed, its effect having
been ascertained upon glandered horses. See Remarks on
Flour of Sulphur and Aconitum.

YEAST. — CerevisicB Fermentum. Yeast may be used to
form a poultice with linseed-meal for the purpose of correcting
the oflfensive discharge from foul ulcers.

YEW TREE. The leaves of this tree are poisonous to
horses and cattle. See Poisons, Vegetable.

334

MATERIA MEDICA AND PlI ARMACOPfEI Av

ZINC. — Zincum. A metallic substance, or rather a semi-
metal, the oxide of which is named Flowers of Zinc (which see).
It affords other medicinal preparations, the most useful of whicli
IS sulphate of zinc, or white vitriol. This is employed in making
astringent lotions and eye waters, and is sometimes given inter-
nally as a tonic. See Eye-water, Astringents, Tonics, and
Flowers of Zinc.

INDEX.

Abdomen, viscera of, 64; -wounds of,
290.

Abscess, 288 ; serous, 288.

Absorbents, 399.

Acute founder, 333.

Age of a horse, mode of judging, 377.

Air, atmospheric, composition of, 57 ;
properties of, changes effected in, by
respiration, and its effects on the blood,
59.

Air passages, diseases of, 115; chronic

diseases of, 131.
Alteratives, 41 1.
Amaurosis, 264.
Anasarca, 234.

Animal heat, production of, 60.

Anodynes, 417.

Anthelmintics, 41 8.

Antispasmodics, 422.

Appetite, loss of, 145 ; inordinate, and

depraved, 147.
Argand lamp, recommended for stables,

5.

Ass, inoculation of, as a test for glan-
ders, 225.
Astringents, 426.

Authors, Veterinary, English, vi. ix. ;
French, v. xiii.

Back sinews, strain of, 271.

Bags, or washes, 196.
Balling iron, 430.

Balls, see Materia Medica, 429 ; the
tongue sometimes injured by, 198 ;
caution to be used in giving, 200.

Bar shoe, 315.

Bathing, 436.

Beans, 7.

Bitting, 197 ; injuries produced by, 197.
Bladder, structure and functions of, 78 ;

inflammation of, 188.
Bleeding, 340; local, 341.
Blisters, 347. 438.

Blood, circulation of, 50 ; its nature and

composition, 54.
Body founder, 201.
Bog-spavin, 283.
Bone-spavin, 282.

Bones of the head, 23 ; of the spine
and chest, 27 ; of the extremities, 29 ;
injuries of, 289.

Botts, 174.

Bowels, structure of, 66; inflammation
of, 160.

Brain, 43; inflammation of, 104;

dropsy, 105.
Breaking down, 272.
Breeding, principles and practice of,

88.

Broken knees, 291.

Broken wind, 133.

Bronchial passages, diseases of, 122.

Bronchitis, 1 22.

Bronchotomy, 140.

Bruises, 285 ; of the foot, 322.

Bursautee, 239.

Cfficum, structure of, 68.

Calculi in the intestines, 169; in the

kidneys, 191 ; in the bladder, 191.
Canker, 331.
Capped hock, 288.
Capulet, 288.
Carditis, 143.
Cartilages, ossified, 279.
Casting, or throwing a horse down, 350.
Castration, 365 ; by caustic clam, 366 ;

by ligature, 368 ; by torsion, 369.
Cataract, 262 ; partial, 263.
Catarrh, 125.
Cerebellum, 43.
Cerebrum, 43.
Chaff, remark on, 8.
Chapped heels, 237.
Chest, 45 ; diseases of, 115.
Chill, 201.
Chronic cough, 131.
Chyle, 75.

Chymification, 72. -

Circulation of the blood, 50 ; in the

foetus, 87.
Clipping, 14.
Clysters, 347. 457.
Coffin bone, 301.
Coffin joint, strain of, 273.
Colds, 125.
Colic, flatulent, 164.
Colon, structure of, 68.
Contracted feet, 336.
Cordials, 4.59.
Corns, 327.
Couching, 263.
Cough, 126; chronic, 131.
Crib-biting, 173.

556

INDEX.

Crown-scab, 245.
Curb, 285.

Cutaneous diseases, 241.
Cutting, .S24.
Cystitis, 188.

Dentition, .'}74.

Diabetes, 195.

Diaphoretics, 467.

Diaphragm, 46 ; diseases of, 141.

Diarrhoea, 162.

Digestion, 70.

Distemper, 126.

Diuretics, 468.

Docking, 358.

Drenches, 469.

Dresden, royal stables at, xviii.
Dressing, 471.

Dropsy of the brain, 105; general, 2S'\.
Duodenum, structure of, 67.
Dysentery, 163.

Embrocations, 472.

Enteritis, 160.

Epidemic diseases, 205.

Epilepsy, 105.

Epizootic diseases, 205.

Eustachian cavities, 64.

Examination of horses, 381.

Exercise, 12. 479; necessity and import-
ance of, 12; time, and manner of
taking, 12.

Exostosis, 276.

Eye, structure, 248 ; functions of, 256 ;
inflammation of, 258 ; worm in the,
264.

False quarter, 328.
Farcy, 232.

Feeding : oats, 7 ; beans, 8 ; chafF, hay,
9 ; bad method of feeding generally
adopted, 8; proper times for, 10;
danger of improper feeding, 10.

Fetlock -joint, strains of, 271.

Fever, 103.

Firing, 355. 481.

Fistula of the withers, 294.

Fhitulent colic, 164.

Fleam, 340.

Flexor tendons, 268 ; strain of, 27 1 .

Foetal circulation, 87.

Foetus, growth of the, 85.

Fomentations, 482.

Food, 7 ; green food, 12.

Foot, structure of, 298; hoof, 300,
functions of, 305 ; management of,
306 ; bruises of, 322 ; diseases of, 327.

Foot founder, acute, 333 ; chronic, 335.

Fracture, 297.

French shoeing, 306.

Fret, 164.

Fumigating the nostrils, 231 ; Mr.

Head's apparatus for, 127.
Fumigation of stables, 229.

Gall-bladder, none in the liorse, cr ass,
69.

Gastric juice, 71.
Gastritis, 143.

Generation, male organs of, 80 ; female,
84, 85 ; functions of, 85.

Glanders, symptoms of, 214; loss of
horses by, 215; law respecting, in
France, 217; chronic, 218; commu-
nicated by inoculation, 225; nature
of, 226 ; treatment of, 229.

Glottis, 48.

Gravelling, 322.

Grease, 238.

Grinders to be filed, wlien unequally

worn, 196.
Gripes, 164.
Gruel, 488.
Grunter, 136.

Gums, inflammation of, occasioned by

the bit, 1 96.
Gutta-serena, 264.

Hceraaturia, 187.
Halter, proper length of, 5.
Halter-cast, 326.
Haw, 250.

Hay, 9 ; quantity to be given, 10.
Heart, 49; diseases of, 141.
Heels, cracks or ulcers in, 237.
Hepatirrhoea, 184.
Hepatitis, 179.

Hernia or ruptures, 370 ; scrotal, 370 ;

operations for, 371 ; ventral, 372.
Hide-bound, 242.
Highblower, 136.
Hints to purcliasers of horses, 379.
Hip-joint, strain of, 274.
Hobbles, old and new, 350.
Hock joint, structure of, 280 ; injuries

of, 281.
Hoof, the, 300.
Hunting, injuries from, 290.
Hydrocephalus, 105.
Hydrothorax, 121.
Hypertrophy, 142.

Ileum, structure of, 67 ; strangulation •
of, 171.

Inflammation, on, 96 ; treatment of,

101.
Influenza, 206.

Intestines, structure of, 66 ; functions

of, 76.
Intus-susception, 172.

Jayndice, 181.
Jejunum, structure of, 67.
Joints, 35 ; joints opened, 292.
Journeys, directions for, 15.

Kidneys, structure and functions of, 78 ;

inflammation of, 186; decay of, 188.
Knees, broken, 291.

INDKX.

557

Knee-joint, strain of, '.'68.
Kumree, 109.

Lameness, 265.
Laminitis, 333.
Lampas, 196.
L.incets, 340.
Laryngitis, 122.
Larynx, 48.
Leg, fore, 268.
Lethargy, 149.
Lithotomy, 192.
Litter, 2.

Liver, structure of, 69 ; disorders of,
178; inflammation of, 179; chronic
inflammation of, 180; decayed struc-
ture of, 181.

Locked-jaw, 1 1 0.

Loins, strain of, 274.

Lungs 47; inflammation of, 115; chro-
nic diseases of, 119.

Mad-staggers, 104.
Mallenders, 244.
Mange, 242.
Manger, 3.
Mashes, 504.

Mastication, 70 ; defective, causes of,
196.

Materia Medica, 399.
Medulla oblongata, 43.
Medulla spinalis, 44.
Megrims, 105.
Melanosis, 246.
Molten grease, 163.

Mouth, diseases of, 1 95 ; structure of,
62.

Muscular system, 37.

Narrow heels, 336.
Navel galls, 293.

Navicular joint, lameness of, 338.

Nephritis, 186.

Nerves, 43.

Nerve operation, 358.

Nicking, 357.

Nimrod's system of summering hunters,
11.

Nostrils, 48.
Oats, 7.

(Esophagus, structure of, 63 ; obstruc-
tion in, 200.
CEsophagotomy, 201.
Operations, 340, 350.
Ophthalmia, simple, 258 ; specific, 259.
Ossified cartilages, 279.
Over-reaching, 325.

Palsy, 108; of the stomach, 149.

Pancreas, structure of, 69.

Paraplegia, 108.

Pastern, 33, 301.

Patella, dislocation of, 275,

Penis, structure of, 82.

Periosteotomy, 276.

Peritoneum, structure of, 66.

Peritonitis, 160.

Pharmacopoeia, 399.

Pharynx, or food-b.ig, structure of, 63.

Phrenitis, 104.

Physicking, 345.

Pleura, the, 47.

Pleurisy, Pleuritis, 120.

Pneumonia, or pcripneumony, 115.

Poisons, 143. 521.

Poll-evil, 295.

Poultice, 525.

Powders, 525.

Pulse, varieties of, 100.

Pumiced foot, 335.

Purchasers of horses, advice to, 379.

Purgatives, 450.

Quidders, 199.
Quittor, 329.

Rabies, or hydrophobia, 107.
Rack, improved, 3 ; new invented ditto,
4.

Raking, 527.
Rat tails, 245.
Rectum, structure of, 69.
Red colic, 160.

Report, Professor Sewell's, xvi.
Respiration, and its effects, 57.
Restoratives, 527.

Rheumatism, 201 ; ditto, chronic, 203.
Ring-bone, 278.
Roaring, 136.
Rowels, 348.
Rowelling, 528.

Ruptures, 370 ; of the stomach and
bowels, 168.

Saddle-galls, 293.
Sallenders, 244.
Sand-crack, 328.
Scarlatina, 128.
Scrotum, 81.
Setons, 349.

Shoe, French, 307 ; seated, 31 2 ; uni-
lateral, 316 ; bar, 315 ; Mr. B. Clark's,
312.

Shoeing, .306; injuries from, 318.
Shoulder blade and bone, 30 ; strain of,

266.
Singeing, 14.
Sitfasts, 293.
Skeleton, 20.

Skin, structure of, 240; diseases of,
241.

Sole, bruise of, 322.
.Sore mouth, 195.
Sore throat, 1 25.
Soundness, 390.

Spavin bone, 282 ; bog-spavin, 283.
Spermatic cord, 81.

558

INDEX.

Spinal marrow, 44 ; diseases of, 108.
Spinal nerves, 44.
Spleen, structure of, 69.
Splints, 276.

St. Bel, M., his experiments relative to

glanders, 224.
Stable, construction and economy of, 1.
Staggers, 104.
Sternum, 46.
Stifle joint, strain of, 275.
Stimulants, 5S6.

Stomach, structure of, 64 ; functions of,

71 ; palsy of, 149.
Stomach staggers, 149.
Stomach and skin, sympathy between,

73 ; inflammation of, 143.
Stomachics, 536.

Stone in the bladder, 191 ; in the

bowels, 169.
Stopping, 537.

Strains, general observations on, 265;

shoulder, 266 ; back sinews, 271 ;

fetlock joint, 271 ; coffin joint, 273;

hip joint, &c., 274 ; stifle joint, 275 ;

hock joint, 268 ; knee joint, 281.
Strangles, 129.

Strangulation of the small intestines,
171 ; the rectum, 171 ; the ileum and
colon, 171.

String-halt, 114.

Structure of the horse, general view of,
17.

Summer, treatment of horses in, 1 1 .

Suppuration, 98.

Surfeit, 241.

Swansea distemper, 151.

Swelled legs, 235

Teeth, structure of, 374 ; mode of judg-
ing age by, 377.

Tendons of the leg, description of, 268 ;
strain of, 271 .

Testes, or testicles, 80.

Tetanus, or locked-jaw, 1 10.

Thickwind, 135.

Thorough-pin, 284.

Throat, structure of, 63 ; sore, 125.

Thrush, 330.

Tongue, the, 62 ; lacerated, 198.
Tonics, 544.
Trachea, 48.

Trachitis, 122.
Training, ] 2.
Treads, 329.
Trismus, 111.
Trumpeter, 136.
Tumours, encysted, 245.

Udder, 85.

Ulceration, 98.

Ulcers in the mouth, 1 97.

Unsoundness, causes of, 391.

Urinary organs, structure of, 78 ; dis-

eases of, 108.
Urine, the, 79; retention of, 189;

bloody, 187.

Vapour inhaler, 127.

Vas deferens, 81. 365.

Vein, inflamed, 344.

Ventilation of stables, 407.

Vertigo, 105.

Vesiculae seminalis, 81.

Veterinary schools : London, viii ; Han-
over, xix ; Lyons, xvi ; Alfort, xvi ;
Vienna, xvii ; Berlin, xviii.

Viscera of the abdomen, 64.

Vision, 256.

Vives, 130.

Vomiting, horse incapable of, 66.

Wall eye, 253.
Warbles, 293.
Warranty, 389.
Warts, 245.
Water, 11.
Weed, 237.

Weights and measures, 397.
Wens, 245.
Whistler, 136.
Wind galls, 273.

Windpipe, 47 ; inflammation of, 122.
Withers, fistulous, 294.
Wolf's tooth, what, 198.
Worms, 174.

Wounds, 285 ; punctured, 321 ; lace-
rated, 287 ; of the salivary ducts, 287 ;
of the foot, 318.

The Materia Medica being arranged
alphabetically, no Index for it will be
required.

THE END.

London

PiinteJ by A. Spottiswoodk,
New-Streot- Square.

I